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Title:
DOOR SECURITY APPARATUS
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2004/025059
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
A combined bell-push, radio connected door security chain and remote chime module is designed to give door security, caller notification, insecurity warnings and to warn occupants to check any callers credentials before door release. A caller pushes the bell-push, that is connected to the internal security chain housing, that transmits a radio signal to the remote chime modules. If the door chain has not been secured, the chime module will warn the occupant to secure it before opening the door. When the occupant starts to withdraw the security chain, a magnetic contact is broken and a red LED flashes on the door security chain housing, and it issues an audible warning to check the callers credentials. The door chain assembly may also comprises a chain mounting (C) mounted on the door jamb, a chain (D) mounted to the chain mounting and a chain retention slot (A) on the door. A sensor is provided to sense if the chain (D) is retained by the chain retention slot (A). An alert device is arranged in the door. Also in this embodiment a bell push can be used to activate the sensor and the sensor can be arranged to sense retention of the chain in the chain retention slot and attempted removal of the chain therefrom.

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JPS5934382DOOR CHAIN LOCK
JP2007063904LOCK MECHANISM
Inventors:
WARREN ROYSTON (GB)
Application Number:
PCT/GB2002/004196
Publication Date:
March 25, 2004
Filing Date:
September 16, 2002
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
WARREN ROYSTON (GB)
International Classes:
E05C17/36; G08B13/08; E05B45/06; (IPC1-7): E05C17/36; G08B13/06; G08B21/02
Foreign References:
GB1271285A1972-04-19
US3714644A1973-01-30
DE3246061A11984-06-14
US5296841A1994-03-22
US3585625A1971-06-15
GB2378299A2003-02-05
GB2376783A2002-12-24
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Croston, David (Goldings House 2 Hays Lane, London SE1 2HW, GB)
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Claims:
CLAIMS
1. A door security apparatus comprising a door security chain assembly having a door chain, a door chain sensor, which is arranged to sense attempted removal of the chain, and alert means, in communication with the sensor, which can be activated when the sensor senses attempted removal to alert a user.
2. A door security apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the door chain sensor senses if part of the chain assembly is being moved out of a secure condition.
3. A door security apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the door chain sensor senses if part of the chain assembly is being moved into a secure condition.
4. A door security apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the door chain sensor is arranged to sense movement of the part of the chain assembly out of a secure condition and to activate alert means whilst it is still in a secure condition.
5. A door security apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the door chain sensor senses if an end of a door chain of the door chain assembly is moving in a housing for the door chain.
6. A door security apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the sensor comprises a micro switch, which can be triggered by movement of the part of the door chain assembly.
7. A door security apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the door security chain assembly has a secure state and an insecure state, and a bell push, door knocker or the like, which communicates a signal (that a visitor is present) to a door chain location sensor, which sensor determines whether or not the door chain assembly is in a secure or insecure state, and alert means operatively connected to the door chain location sensor arranged to alert a user if the door security chain assembly is in an insecure state.
8. A door security apparatus comprising a door security chain assembly having a door chain, a door chain removal sensor, which is arranged to sense attempted removal of the chain, and alert means, in communication with the sensor, which can be activated when the door chain removal sensor senses attempted removal to alert a user, the door security chain assembly having a secure state and an insecure state, and a bell push, door knocker or the like, which communicates a signal (that a visitor is present) to a door chain location sensor, which sensor determines whether or not the door chain assembly is in a secure or insecure state, and alert means operatively connected to the door chain location sensor arranged to alert a user if the door security chain assembly is in an insecure state.
9. A door security apparatus comprising a door security chain assembly having a secure state and an insecure state, and a bell push, door knocker or the like, which communicates a signal (that a visitor is present) to a door chain location sensor, which sensor determines whether or not the door chain assembly is in a secure or insecure state, and alert means operatively connected to the door chain location sensor arranged to alert a user if the door security chain assembly is in an insecure state.
10. A door security apparatus according to Claim 9, wherein the door chain assembly location sensor comprises a reed switch cooperable with part of the chain assembly.
11. A door security apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the alert means is arranged to provide a visual signal and an audio signal.
12. A door security apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the alert means is at least partially incorporated into a door chime module.
13. A door security apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 11, in which the alert means is at least partially incorporated into the door chain assembly.
14. A door and door jamb assembly comprising a door, a door jamb and an integral door chain assembly having a chain mounting mounted on one of the door and door jamb, a chain secured at one end thereof to the chain mounting and a chain retention formation on the other of the door and door jamb, the formation being arranged removably to retain part of the chain spaced from said one end, sensor means for sensing whether the chain is retained by the chain retention means and alert means responsive to a signal from the sensor means to alert a user that the chain is not retained.
15. A door and door jamb assembly according to claim 14, in which the chain retention formation comprises a slot in said other of the door and door jamb.
16. A door and door jamb assembly according to claim 14 or 15, in which the chain retention formation retains the end of the chain spaced from said one end.
17. A door and door jamb assembly according to claim 16, in which the end of the chain based from said one end has a handle member thereon to facilitate retention of the end in the chain retention formation.
18. A door and door jamb assembly according to any of claims 14 to 17, comprising a bell push, the bell push being arranged to activate the sensor means whereby the sensor means operates to sense retention of the chain in the chain retention formation on operation of the bell push.
19. A door and door jamb assembly according to claim 18, in which the bell push activities the sensor by means of a signal transmitter to the sensor in a wirefree manner.
20. A door and door jamb assembly according to claim 19, in which the bell push activates the sensor by means of a radio frequency signal.
21. A door and door jamb assembly according to any of claims 14 to 20, in which there is further provided means for sensing attempted removal of the chain from the chain retention means and means for signalling an alert in relation to the attempted removal.
22. A door and door jamb assembly according to claim 21, in which a common sensor means is provided to sense both whether the chain is retained by the chain retention means and attempted removal of the chain from the chain retention formation.
23. A door and door jamb assembly according to any of claims 14 to 22, in which the alert means provides an audio and/or visual alert.
24. A door and door jamb assembly according to any of claims 14 to 23, in which the alert means provides a spoken alert.
25. A door and door jamb assembly comprising a door, a door jamb and an integral door chain assembly having a chain mounting mounted on one of the door and door jamb, a chain secured at one end thereof to the chain mounting and a chain retention formation on the other of the door and door jamb, the formation being arranged removably to retain part of the chain spaced from said one end, sensor means for sensing whether the chain is being removed from the chain retention means and alert means responsive to a signal from the sensor means to alert a user that the chain is being removed.
26. A door security assembly substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1 to 3.
27. A door security apparatus constructed and arranged substantially as described herein and with reference to Figures 1 to 7 of the accompanying drawings.
28. A door security apparatus constructed and arranged substantially as described herein and with reference to Figures 1 to 10 of the accompanying drawings.
29. A door and door jamb assembly constructed and arranged substantially as described herein and with reference to Figures 1 to 13 of the accompanying drawings.
Description:
DOOR SECURITY APPARATUS This invention relates to a door security apparatus.

Door security chains have been available for many years and normally take the form of a metal robust casing fixed to a door with a chain passing and attached to the adjacent door frame (jamb). Although fitted in a lot of cases for people such as the elderly, infirm or just plain forgetful, these useful security devices are often left unattached and unsecured leaving the occupants vulnerable when answering the door. The problem arises, in particular with the elderly, that credentials of visitors are not checked before the removal of the security chain.

Wire-free door chimes have also become available in recent years. They typically take the form of wire-free (radio) door bell-push which sends a signal to a remote receiver module (radio receiver) that chimes upon activation, warning the occupant of a caller.

However, they do not warn an occupant that their door is not secured and that they are vulnerable to any caller.

An aim of the invention is to provide an improved door security apparatus.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a door security apparatus comprising a door security chain assembly having a door chain, a door chain sensor, which is arranged to sense attempted removal of the chain, and alert means, in

communication with the sensor, which can be activated when the sensor senses attempted removal to alert a user.

In that way, the user is reminded on removing the chain, first to check the credentials of a visitor.

Preferably, the door chain sensor senses if part of the chain assembly is being moved into or out of a secure condition. The door chain sensor may be arranged to sense movement of the part of the chain assembly out of a secure condition and to activate alert means whilst it is still in a secure condition. In this way, movement can be prevented before an insecure condition is reached.

In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the door chain sensor senses if an end of a door chain of the door chain assembly is moving in a housing for the door chain. The sensor may comprise a micro switch, which can be triggered by movement of the part of the door chain assembly.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a door security apparatus comprising a door security chain assembly having a secure state and an insecure state, and a bell push, door knocker or the like, which communicates a signal (that a visitor is present) to a door chain location sensor, which sensor determines whether or not the door chain assembly is in a secure or insecure state, and alert means operatively connected to the door chain location sensor arranged to alert a user if the door security chain assembly is in an insecure state.

The door chain assembly location sensor may comprise a reed switch cooperable with part of the chain assembly.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a door security apparatus comprising a door security chain assembly having a door chain, a door chain removal sensor, which is arranged to sense attempted removal of the chain, and alert means, in communication with the sensor, which can be activated when the door chain removal sensor senses attempted removal to alert a user, the door security chain assembly having a secure state and an insecure state, and a bell push, door knocker or the like, which communicates a signal (that a visitor is present) to a door chain location sensor, which sensor determines whether or not the door chain assembly is in a secure or insecure state, and alert means operatively connected to the door chain location sensor arranged to alert a user if the door security chain assembly is in an insecure state. <BR> <BR> <P>Door locks (cylinder type, lever type and dead bolt type etc. ) have been used for a long time to secure all kinds of access to property and articles and normally, when attached to external access doors take the form of these said types manufactured by such <BR> companies as Yale (RTM), Chubb (RTM), etc. , that have multiple combinations and lock-in facilities. They do not however warn the occupants of the door being insecure or of the presence of a caller or prevent the door from opening fully or being forced open whilst being answered by the occupant.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a door and door jamb assembly comprising a door, a door jamb and an integral door chain assembly having a

chain mounting mounted one of the door and door jamb, a chain secured at one end thereof to the chain mounting and a chain retention formation on the other of the door and door jamb, the formation being arranged removably to retain part of the chain spaced from said one end, sensor means for sensing whether the chain is retained by the chain retention means and alert means responsive to a signal from the sensor means to alert a user that the chain is not retained.

The system may be so structured as to give caller announcement by audible sound emission, such as a bell tone or other sound, an audible warning of a vocal nature, signal of announcement via visual means such as a flashing LED etc. or any combination thereof. The system may also have the facility to provide a panic attack function via means of a siren or other audible means by activation from a remote radio signal emitter that can either be worn on the person of the occupant such as a pendant or wrist strap or be mounted in or near the area of the outer access door.

A door security apparatus will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which, Figure 1 is a schematic front view of a door chain housing front plate of a door security apparatus in accordance with the invention, Figure 2 is a plan view of the door chain housing of Figure 1,

Figure 3 is a front view in cross section, showing, schematically, internal components of the door chain housing, Figure 4 is a front view of an external bell-push, Figure 5 is a side view of the bell-push of Figure 4, Figure 6 is a front view of an internal plug-in radio chime module, Figure 7 is a side view of the internal plug-in radio chime module, Figures 8,9 and 10 are front, rear and side views of a remote radio receiver of the door security apparatus, Figure 11 shows an alternative radio receiver of the door security apparatus in situ in a door, Figure 12 is a cutaway view of the radio receiver of figure 11, and Figure 13 is a partially sectional view of the radio receiver of Figure 11.

Referring to Figures 1 to 6, a door security apparatus comprises a door security assembly 20 (see Figures 1 to 3), a bell-push 22 (see Figures 4 and 5), and a chime module 24 (see Figures 6 and 7).

Referring only to Figures 1 to 3, the door security assembly 20 comprises a housing 30, which fits on an inside surface of a door, and a fitting 32, which fits on an inside surface of a door frame.

The housing 30 has a slot 34 and a widened slot 36, both for receiving part of a security chain.

The fitting 32 has a chain 38 attached thereto. The chain 38 carries a block 40 at the end remote from the fitting. The block 40 is arranged to move through the widened slot 36 into the slot 34 to secure the door security assembly 20, and back into the widened slot 36 to unsecure the door security assembly 20.

The housing 30 has a sensor in the form of magnetic reed switch 42 adjacent the closed end of the slot 34, as can be seen in Figure 3. The reed switch 42 is connected to a controller 44, which is connected to LED's 45. The controller 44 has a radio transmitter 46. The controller is powered by batteries housed in a compartment 48.

The housing 30 is connected to the bell-push 22 by a cable 50.

The chime module 24 has a receiver (not shown for conciseness) for receiving a signal from the radio transmitter 46. The module 24 also has an outlet 52 for emitting a sound to an occupier and a red LED 54 set at a predetermined flash interval time.

When a visitor pushes the bell-push 22, a signal is sent via the cable 50 to the door chain unit 20. Alternatively, the signal can be sent via a wireless medium such as radio.

Then, a radio signal A is sent from the door security assembly 20 to the chime module (s) 24, which emits a two tone, or other, chime through outlet 52 and flashes the LED 54. If the block 40 of the chain 38 is not in the slot 34 (ie the chain has been left insecure), the reed switch 44 senses the absence of the block 40, and the controller 44 causes an audio message warning B to issued through outlet 52 to secure the door before answering.

Referring to Figure 3, on the occupier drawing back the chain block 40 in the slot 34 of the door housing 30 towards the widened slot 36, a contact is broken on a further switch 56, that sends a further signal to the chime module 24. That further signal activates an audible warning, and flashes the LED 45 on the door housing warning the occupier to check the callers credentials before complete removal of the security chain 38. Audible warnings are available in different, and selectable languages.

A panic attack feature can also added in case of emergencies. For example, a dedicated mobile telephone can be fixed on or adjacent the door security apparatus. A keypad of the telephone can be permanently presented to a user so (rather than locate and hold the phone) they need only press the buttons to make the call. Alternatively, the user can voice-dial.

Referring to Figures 8 to 10, the door security apparatus has a remote radio receiver unit 60 configured, for example, as a mains-powered plug-in UK Spin type. The unit 60 has

a speaker grill 62, a volume control dial 64, LED's 66, and a radio frequency selector dial 68 (to prevent accidental activation by other similar devices).

Referring to Figures 11 to 13, a door security apparatus in accordance with the aforementioned invention is shown in location within a door body 70 and door frame 72 with. A removable speaker grill 72 is provided for access to the battery compartment.

48 (see Figure 3). In this embodiment, the door security apparatus comprises a door frame mounted security chain anchor post 74. The door security apparatus also has a door frame mounted security chain storage slot 76.

Referring to Figure 7, the main door unit body and door post (door jamb) unit body are fitted integrally within a typical door and door frame.

Referring to Figure 13, the door unit 70 and door frame 72 reveal stowage of the battery compartment 48, a controller/radio transmitter/circuit board compartment 44,46, and a magnetic circuit component 80.

Although the sensors 42,56 have been described as reed switches, alternative sensors can also be used, such as light sensors or micro switch arrangements.

The invention is not confined to details of the foregoing example, and many variations, modifications and substitutions of functional equivalents are possible within the scope of the invention.

The invention can further include a wire free radio frequency emitting door security and locking mechanism of said kind incorporating or comprising of any novel part, combination of parts, functional arrangement or feature, or any novel combination of parts, arrangements or features disclosed herein and in the accompanying drawings, or any functional equivalents thereof.