COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR THE INVENTION ENTITLED [0001] A security apparatus.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention is in the field of physical security systems for stairways.

PRIOR ART

[0003] It is to be noted that a reference to prior art is not an admission that the prior art is common general knowledge to a person skilled in the art or any other person in any sense whatsoever.

[0004] Fixed and moving stairways such as escalators provide convenient welcomed pedestrian access between floors in multi floor buildings such as residential homes and buildings, commercial shopping centres and buildings, residential and commercial skyscrapers, and industrial buildings. While elevators also provide convenient pedestrian access between floors it is a common safety related building regulation requirement that each multi floor building provide a stairway that is accessible to building occupants to provide a method of exiting the building in emergency related situations even if elevator access is provided.

[0005] Unfortunately stairways also provide an avenue for un-welcomed intruder access to the upper floors in buildings once they gain access to the stairway.

[0006] Common security measures for controlling unauthorised upper floor access by way of stairways in multi floor buildings include general electronic building alarming, and or specific alarming of stairways access doors and zones, monitored alarm and or video surveillance by security personnel, physical patrolling by security personnel, and controlling access by operable doors using a key/lock system whether mechanical based or access card based.

[0007] Most of these common security measures have one or more vulnerabilities. Alarms can be defeated or accidentally left switched off, and are vulnerable to false alarms causing a general nuisance. Furthermore when an alarm goes off there is usually a time delay before an attending party is alerted that the alarm has been triggered, and a further time delay before the attending party can physically attend the alarmed premises or zone to asses the situation. Furthermore alarms are often ignored by third parties and must be automatically reset after a fixed period of time to mitigate any nuisance caused by false alarms.

[0008] Monitored alarm and or video surveillance is expensive and alarm response time is contingent on the availability and proximity of attending personnel to attend to the alarmed monitored premises or zone to asses the situation. Physical patrolling by security personnel is expensive and the effectiveness of physical patrolling by security personnel is contingent on the frequency and thoroughness of the physical patrols. Door locks can be defeated or broken.

[0009] However if these common security measures are defeated or avoided then the upper floors of the building are vulnerable to un-welcomed intruder access. While in non residential buildings the consequences of un-welcomed intruder access generally is in the nature of loss of property and or vandalism the consequences in a residential property can include un-welcomed encounter with residents which is clearly an undesirable situation particularly when the residents are asleep and in a vulnerable state. Multi storey residential homes are particularly most vulnerable to un-welcomed intrusion because they generally only have the most basic security measures installed if any at all.

[0010] An object of the invention is to overcome some of the problems of the prior art or at least provide a useful alternative or supplement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] A preferred embodiment of the invention provides a security apparatus for a staircase including a retractable shutter that spans at least the substantial width of a plurality of steps in a flight of stairs and is operable between an operated state and a retracted state; wherein in the operated state the shutter forms an access screen over the plurality of steps preventing access to the plurality of steps from the bottom landing of the flight of stairs and preventing access to the plurality of steps from the top landing of the flight of stairs; and in the retracted state the shutter does not impede access to the plurality of steps.

[0012] Preferably the portion of the shutter that prevents access to the plurality of steps when the shutter is in the operated state is a substantially planar surface that effectively bridges the nosing of each tread of the plurality of steps.

[0013] Preferably the shutter is housed underneath or inside the flight of stairs structure or underneath the top or bottom landing of the flight of stairs when the shutter is in the retracted state and when the shutter is operated between the operated and retracted state the shutter is operable through an aperture in a riser or a riser opening.

[0014] Alternatively the shutter is housed underneath or inside the flight of stairs structure or underneath the top or bottom landing of the flight of stairs when the shutter is in the retracted state and when the shutter is operated between the operated and retracted state the shutter is operable through an aperture in the top or bottom landing or through an aperture in the tread of a stair.

[0015] Preferably the shutter is made of panel sections coupled together, wherein each panel section spans at least the substantial width of the plurality of steps and when the shutter is in the operated state the shutter forms a cooperatively rigid access screen over the plurality of steps preventing access to the plurality of steps.

[0016] Preferably the panel sections are made of metal.

[0017] Alternatively the shutter is made of rollers coupled together, wherein each roller spans at least the substantial width of the plurality of steps and when the shutter is in the operated state the shutter forms a cooperatively rigid and slippery access screen over the plurality of steps preventing access to the plurality of steps.

[0018] Alternatively the shutter is made of chain and link sections coupled together, and when the shutter is in the operated state the shutter forms a cooperatively rigid access screen over the plurality of steps preventing access to the plurality of steps..

[0019] Preferably the chain and link sections are made of metal or some other durable strong material.

[0020] Alternatively the shutter is made of a durable flexible material and when the shutter is in the operated state the shutter forms a slippery access screen over the plurality of steps preventing access to the plurality of steps.

[0021] Preferably the durable flexible material is polyurethane canvas or elastic sheet metal or some other durable strong material.

[0022] Preferably the retractable shutter is a roller shutter.

[0023] In another preferred embodiment the shutter is a flat panel hinged on or above the pitch line of the plurality of steps and when the shutter is in the operated state the shutter effectively bridges the nosing of each tread of the plurality of steps and spans at least the substantial width of the plurality of stairs and when the shutter is in the retracted state the shutter is orientated in a substantially vertical disposition on or above the pitch line.

[0024] In another preferred embodiment the shutter is two flat panels each cooperatively hinged on or above the pitch line of the plurality of steps and when the shutter is in the operated state the two flat panels effectively cooperatively bridge the nosing of each tread of the plurality of steps and cooperatively span at least the substantial width of the plurality of steps and when the shutter is in the retracted state each flat panel is orientated in a substantially vertical disposition on or above the pitch line.

DRAWINGS

[0025] The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the following drawings in which:

Figure 1 : illustrates in perspective view a preferred embodiment of a security apparatus for a staircase with the security apparatus illustrated in a fully retracted state;

Figure 2: illustrates in perspective view the apparatus in figure 1 in a partially operated or retracted state;

Figure 3: illustrates in perspective view the apparatus in figure 1 in a fully operated or extended state;

Figure 4: illustrates in perspective view a second preferred embodiment of a security apparatus for a staircase with the security apparatus illustrated in a fully retracted state;

Figure 5: illustrates in perspective view the apparatus in figure 4 in a partially operated or retracted state;

Figure 6: illustrates in perspective view the apparatus in figure 4 in a fully operated or extended state;

Figure 7: illustrates a side view of the preferred embodiment illustrated in figure 3 with the staircase shown in cross section;

Figure 8a: illustrates a third preferred embodiment of a security apparatus for a staircase with the security apparatus illustrated in a fully operated or extended state and the staircase is shown in cross section;

Figure 8b: illustrates a fourth preferred embodiment of a security apparatus for a staircase with the security apparatus illustrated in a fully operated or extended state and the staircase is shown in cross section;

Figure 8c: illustrates the embodiment shown in figure 8b with the security apparatus in a fully retracted state and the staircase is shown in cross section;

Figure 9: illustrates in perspective a preferred embodiment of elements than can be used in the embodiments of the security apparatus illustrated in figures 1 to 3, 7 and 8;

Figure 10: illustrates in side view four of the elements illustrated in figure 10 coupled together;

Figure 11 : illustrates in perspective another preferred embodiment of an element than can be used in the embodiments of the security apparatus illustrated in figures 1 to 3, 7 and 8;

Figure 12: illustrates in side view five of the elements illustrated in figure 11 coupled together;

Figure 13: illustrates an enlarged cross sectional view of the screen illustrated in figures 2 & 3 interlocked with the guide rails illustrated in figures 2 & 3;

Figure 14: illustrates a portion of an alternative embodiment of the screen illustrated in figures 13 with guide studs;

Figure 15: illustrates the same view as figure 13 with the alternative embodiment of the screen illustrated in figure 14;

Figure 16: illustrates the same view as figure 13 with an alternative embodiment of the screen that is made up of the elements illustrated in figure 9;

Figure 17: illustrates the same view as figure 13 with an alternative embodiment of the screen that is made up of the elements illustrated in figure 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0026] It is to be noted where possible features common to the various embodiments illustrated in the drawings are referred to in each drawing by a respective common feature number.

[0027] A preferred embodiment of the security apparatus 2 for staircase 1 is generally illustrated in figures 1 to 3, 7 and 13. Apparatus 2 includes a retractable shutter 3 that spans at least the substantial width of a plurality of steps 4 in a flight of stairs 5 and is operable between an operated state and a retracted state. Apparatus 4 includes a locking means (not shown) for securely selectively locking shutter 3 in the operated state and retracted state.

[0028] In the operated state as illustrated in figure 3, shutter 3 forms a substantially planar access screen 6 over the plurality of steps 4 that effectively bridges the nosing 9 of each tread 17 of the plurality of steps preventing access to the plurality of steps 4 from the bottom landing 7 of the flight of stairs 5 and preventing access to the plurality of steps 4 from the top landing 8 of the flight of stairs 5.

[0029] Shutter 3 is guided and or supported by a pair of parallel C cross section guide rails 10, 11 illustrated in figure 13 that are arranged to be parallel to the pitch of the staircase 1 on or just above the pitch line 16 of staircase 1 so that screen 6 sits on or just above the nose of stairs 4 when shutter 3 is in the operated state a scan be seen in figure 7.

[0030] Shutter 3 is interlocked with guide rails 10, 11 to prevent removal of shutter 3 from guide rails 10, 11 other than in the direction of operation of shutter 3 between the operated state and the retracted state. An example of preferred interlocking details is shown in figure 13 where shutter 3 is provided with interlocking beads 130, 131 that sliding engage guide rails 10, 11.

[0031] In the operated state shutter 3 is extended through bottom aperture 13 in tread 17 of step 4 providing an additional means (not shown) of locking shutter 3 in the operated state for example by locking (not shown) end 18 of shutter 3 to the underside of staircase 1.

[0032] In the retracted state as illustrated in figure 1 shutter 3 does not impede access to the plurality of steps 4 as shutter 3 is withdrawn through aperture 12 in stair riser 15 when it moves from the operated state to the retracted state for storage below the structure of staircase 1 so that the access screen 6 over the plurality of steps 4 is removed.

[0033] The operation of shutter 3 between the operated and retracted state may be hand actuated (not shown) or actuated by some other actuation means (not shown) such as electric motor (also not shown) or pneumatic. Preferably the actuation means provides a means of securely selectively locking (not shown) shutter 3 in the operated and retracted state. Preferably operation of the actuation means is only accessed through an authorised user device (not shown) such as an alpha numeric keypad or the like. Advantageously operation of the actuation means may be integrated with an overall security / monitoring apparatus (not shown) where for example operation of shutter 3 between the operated and retracted state may be automatically triggered according to the occurrence of different events. In the event of an un authorised intruder detection by an alarm system (not shown) integrated with the actuation means shutter 3 maybe actuated to the operated state if it is not previously in that state, or in the event of fire detection by an fire monitoring system (not shown) integrated with the actuation means shutter 3 maybe actuated to the retracted state if it is not previously in that state.

[0034] When in the retracted state shutter 3 maybe stored on a rotatable cylindrical frame 14 as illustrated in figures 1 to 3, and 7, by rolling up shutter 3 on frame 14 .

[0035] In another embodiment illustrated in figure 8a shutter 3 may be stored by moving shutter 3 for example by actuator 82 to a pair of parallel C cross section guide rails 80, 81 fixed or mounted on the underside of staircase 1 where guide rails 80, 81 are arranged to receive shutter 3 when it moves from the operated state to the retracted state.

[0036] In yet another embodiment shutter 3 may be configured in a closed loop arrangement as illustrated in figures 8b and 8c so that portion 83 inter connects the ends 3a, 3b of shutter 3 in the closed loop arrangement.

[0037] Portion 83 itself does not span the width of steps 4 to prevent access to the plurality of steps 4 and in use shutter 3 may be stored by moving shutter 3 for example by actuator 82 either in a clockwise or counter clock wise direction to a pair of parallel C cross section guide rails 80, 81 fixed or mounted on the underside of staircase 1 where guide rails 80, 81 are arranged to receive shutter 3 when it moves from the operated state as shown in figure 8b to the retracted state as shown in figure 8c,

[0038] When shutter 3 is in the operated or extended state as shown in figure 8b it forms a substantially planar access screen 6 over the plurality of steps 4, that effectively bridges the nosing 9 of each tread 17 of the plurality of steps preventing access to the plurality of steps 4 from the bottom landing 7 of the flight of stairs 5 and preventing access to the plurality of steps 4 from the top landing 8 of the flight of stairs 5.

[0039] When shutter 3 it is in the retracted state as shown in figure 8c portion 83 is now over the plurality of steps 4 and as portion 83 does not span the width of steps 4 it does not prevent access to the plurality of steps 4 from the bottom landing 7 or from the top landing 8.

[0040] Shutter 3 is made of a durable flexible material that spans at least the substantial width of the plurality of steps 4. The durable flexible material can be polyurethane canvas with enough flexibility to negotiate any change in direction that maybe required of shutter 3 without permanent deformation when it is operated between the operated state and retracted states. In this case beads 130 and 131 are a wire rope 134 sewn or otherwise fixed into the hems 132, 133 of shutter 3.

[0041] Alternatively shutter 3 is made of a durable flexible resilient material that spans at least the substantial width of the plurality of steps 4. The durable flexible resilient material can be elastic sheet metal with enough flexibility to negotiate any change in direction that maybe required of shutter 3 without permanent deformation when it is operated between the operated state and retracted states. In this case beads 130 and 131 are a row of protruding studs 140 fixed onto the edges of shutter 3 and on both sides as illustrated in figure 14 to provide interlocking with guide rails 10, 11 to prevent removal of shutter 3 from guide rails 10, 11 as illustrated in figure 15.

[0042] In another embodiment shutter 3 is made of a plurality of panel sections 91 illustrated in figure 9 preferably made of metal wherein each panel section 91 spans at least the substantial width of the plurality of steps 4. Panels sections 91 are coupled to each other in a hinged engagement end 92 to end 93 as illustrated in figure 10 so that each panel section 91 can rotate about its hinged coupling relative to the panel section 91 to which it is hinged. As shutter 3 is made of articulated panel sections 91 , shutter 3 can negotiate any directional change that maybe required when shutter 3 is operated between the operated state and retracted states. In this case rotatable flange wheel rollers 96 protruding from edges 94, 95 as shown in figure 9 and 16 may be used to interlock shutter 3 with guide rails 10, 11 to prevent removal of shutter 3 from guide rails 10, 11.

[0043] In another embodiment shutter 3 is made of a plurality of rollers 110 illustrated in figure 11 preferably made of metal, wherein each roller 110 spans at least the substantial width of the plurality of steps 4. Rollers 110 are coupled together by links 111 and each roller is free to rotate about its respective axis (not shown) when coupled by link 111. Additionally links 111 can rotate relative to each other as required to negotiate any directional change that maybe required when shutter 3 is operated between the operated state and retracted states. In this case rotatable flange wheel rollers 112 protruding from edges 113, 114 as shown in figure 11 and 17 may be used to interlock shutter 3 with guide rails 10, 11 to prevent removal of shutter 3 from guide rails 10, 11.

[0044] In another embodiment (not shown) shutter 3 is made of chain and link panel sections coupled together preferably made of metal.

[0045] In use when shutter 3 is in the operated state shutter 3 advantageously forms an inclined access screen 6 over the plurality of steps 4 relative to the bottom landing 7 of staircase 1 preventing access to the plurality of steps 4 from bottom landing 7. This makes un welcomed pedestrian access to the building level (not shown) above staircase 1 via staircase 1 very difficult if not impossible to persons approaching staircase 1 from bottom landing 7 as they do not have normal foothold access to steps 4 to reach top landing 8. Additionally shutter 3 may be lubricated (not shown) to provide an additional level of access difficulty in cases where access is attempted even though shutter 3 is in the operated state. A shutter 3 lubrication pad (not shown) may be incorporated in aperture 12 or under staircase 1 adjacent the path of travel of shutter 3.

[0046] Additionally when shutter 3 is in the operated state and an emergency situation arises shutter 3 advantageously does not prevent pedestrian evacuation from the top landing 8 to the bottom landing 8 as access screen 6 may provide for an emergency evacuation slide between top landing 8 and bottom landing 7.

[0047] Furthermore when shutter 3 is in the retracted state normal foothold access to steps 4 is reinstated providing free pedestrian access between top landing 8 and bottom landing 7.

[0048] Another preferred embodiment of the security apparatus 42 for staircase 41 is generally illustrated in figures 4 to 6. Apparatus 42 includes a retractable shutter 43 that spans at least the substantial width of a plurality of steps 44 in a flight of stairs 45 and is operable between an operated state and a retracted state. Preferably apparatus 42 includes a locking means (not shown) for securely selectively locking shutter 43 in the operated state and retracted state.

[0049] Shutter 43 is two flat panels 43a, 43b each cooperatively hinged on hinged mountings 50, 51 on or above the pitch line 40 of the plurality of steps 44. Hinged mountings 50, 51 may be fixed to staircase wall stringers 52, 53 or a wall (not shown) adjacent to the staircase wall stringers or some other structural member (not shown) of staircase 41.

[0050] In the operated state as illustrated in figure 6 shutter 43 or flat panels 43a, 43b form a substantially planar access screen 46 over the plurality of steps 44 that cooperatively span at least the substantial width of the plurality of steps 44 and effectively bridges the nosing 49 of each tread 54 of the plurality of steps 44 preventing access to the plurality of steps 44 from the bottom landing 47 of the flight of stairs 45 and preventing access to the plurality of steps 44 from the top landing 48 of the flight of stairs 45.

[0051] In the retracted state as illustrated in figure 4 each flat panel 43a, 43b is orientated in a substantially vertical disposition on or above the pitch line 40 for storage and do not impede access to the plurality of steps 44, and preferably are locked (not shown) by some suitable means in that disposition.

[0052] When shutter 43 is moved from the operated state to the retracted state and as can be seen progressively in figure 6, 5 and 4 panels 43a, 43b are rotated about hinged mountings 52, 53 progressively removing access screen 46 and progressively making available access to the plurality of steps 44.

[0053] The operation of shutter 43 between the operated and retracted state may be hand actuated (not shown) or actuated by some other suitable actuation means such as electric motor (also not shown) or pneumatic. Preferably the actuation means provides a means of securely selectively locking (not shown) shutter 43 in the operated and retracted state.

[0054] In an alternative embodiment (not shown) shutter 43 is a single flat panel (not shown) hinged on or above the pitch line 40 of the plurality of steps 44 wherein the single flat panel spans at least the substantial width of the plurality of steps 44 when the shutter 43 is in the operated state and effectively bridges the nosing 49 of each tread 54 of the plurality of steps 44 preventing access to the plurality of steps 44 from the bottom landing 47 of the flight of stairs 45 and preventing access to the plurality of steps 44 from the top landing 48 of the flight of stairs 45.

[0055] The invention has been described by way of example only with reference to preferred embodiments which is not intended to introduce limitations on the scope of the invention. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that alternative embodiments exist even though they may not have been described herein which remain within the scope and spirit of the invention as broadly described herein.

[0056] For example in the embodiments illustrated in figure 1 to 17 staircase 1 has been illustrated as a fixed staircase however the invention can equally be applied to a moving staircase such as an escalator or movable staircases such as moveable staircases for boarding airplanes.

[0057] In another example in the case of an escalator (not shown) or even as an alternative embodiment (not shown) in a fixed staircase or moveable staircase top aperture 12 is provided in top landing 8 rather than stair riser 15 illustrated in figure 1-3 through which shutter 3 is withdrawn through when it moves from the operated state to the retracted state for storage below the structure of staircase 1. Of course in the case of an escalator bottom aperture 13 would be provided on bottom landing 7 rather than tread 17 on step 4.