GB2505003A - Fenestration alarm contact sensor for determining a locked and unlocked configuration - Google Patents

Abstract

This invention relates to a door or window alarm contact sensor of the type comprising a two part assembly including a permanent magnet 5 and a reed switch 63 responsive to the magnet. One of the magnet and the switch is suitable for mounting on a door or window frame 11 and the other of the magnet and the switch is suitable for mounting on a door or window handle 15. The magnet and the switch are arranged so that the state of the switch is dependent on whether the handle 15 and locking arm 17 is in a locked configuration (figure 7) or an unlocked configuration (figure 6). In this way, it is possible for the sensor to determine whether or not the door or window is locked or unlocked. The sensor may further comprise a wireless transmitter 67 and a battery 69 in the handle 15, allowing transmission of a switch status to a remote alarm assembly. The sensor may comprise a further two part assembly for detecting whether the door or window is in an open or closed configuration.

Description

"A fenestration alarm contact sensor"

Introduction

This invention relates to a fenestration alarm contact sensor comprising a two part assembly including an actuator part and a switch part responsive to the actuator part, one of the actuator part and the switch pad is suitable for mounting on a fenestration frame and the other of the actuator part and the switch part is suitable for mounting on a fenestration closure member.

Fenestration alarm contact sensors have been in use for many years. These sensors are typically placed on windows and doors to detect whether the window or door is open or closed. The sensors comprise a two part assembly including a first actuator part, typically a permanent magnet, mounted on the window or door and a second switch part, typically a reed switch with associated communication equipment, mounted on the window frame or door frame. When the actuator part is in the vicinity of the switch part, such as when the window or door is closed, the actuator part causes the switch part to assume a given state and a signal that the switch part is in that state is sent from the sensor to an alarm system. This state is indicative that the window or door is closed.

When the window or door is opened, the actuator will move away from the switch part and the actuator part no longer exerts the same influence on the switch part, thereby causing a change in the state of the switch part to a second state, and a signal that the switch pad is in the second state is sent from the sensor to the alarm system. This second state is indicative that the window or door is open.

The known fenestration alarm contact sensors perform two useful functions. First, when the alarm is armed, if an intruder opens a window or door provided with one of the sensors, the alarm will be triggered. Secondly, when arming the alarm, the sensors will detect whether the window or door provided with one of the sensors is open or closed. If one of the windows or doors provided with a sensor is open, this may prevent the alarm being armed or will allow the alarm system to convey a message to the person attempting to arm the alarm that one or more of the windows or doors provided with a sensor is open. In either event, the person arming the alarm will know that one or more of the windows or doors is open and that person can then check the windows and doors ensuring that they are closed before arming the alarm.

Although the known fenestration alarm contact sensors have proven to be a great commercial success, there are problems with the existing sensors. Most importantly, the known alarms only detect whether or not the window or door is open or closed. It is conceivable that the window or door could be closed but not locked. If unlocked, the window or door may be opened by an intruder with ease or may inadvertently open after the alarm has been armed thereby causing the alarm to be triggered. Therefore, for peace of mind and in order to ensure that the alarm is not triggered inadvertently, it is preferable in any event for the person arming the alarm to check each of the windows and doors individually to ensure that they are not simply closed over but that they are locked. This is time consuming and inconvenient to do and to a degree negates one of the useful functions of the known fenestration contact sensors.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a fenestration alarm contact sensors that overcomes at least some of the above-identified problems and provides a useful choice to the consumer.

Statements of Invention

According to the invention there is provided a fenestration alarm contact sensor comprising a two part assembly including an actuator part and a switch part responsive to the actuator part, one of the actuator part and the switch part being suitable for mounting on a fenestration frame and the other of the actuator part and the switch part being suitable for mounting on a fenestration closure member; characterised in that: one of the actuator part and the switch part is incorporated in a locking mechanism of the fenestration frame and the fenestration closure member and in which the actuator part and the switch part are arranged so that the state of the switch part is dependent on whether the locking mechanism is in a locked configuration or an unlocked configuration.

By having such a fenestration alarm contact sensor, the sensor will detect not simply that the window or door is closed, but instead will detect whether or not the window or door is locked. This will save considerable time and effort as the person charged with arming the alarm will not have to individually inspect each of the windows and doors that are provided with a sensor to ensure that they are locked and not simply closed over. If the sensor detects that the window or door upon which it is mounted is not locked, the person charged with arming the alarm will be alerted to this fact and they can remedy the problem. In addition to the above, the present invention will reduce the number of incidences of false intruder alarms caused by a closed but unlocked window or door inadvertently opening after the alarm has been armed. Furthermore, such a device will be compact, can be retrofitted with ease onto a window or door and can be incorporated into an existing alarm system with little difficulty.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a fenestration alarm contact sensor in which the locking mechanism comprises a latch and a handle for transitioning the latch to and from a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration, and in which one of the switch part and the actuator part are incorporated into the handle. By incorporating one of the switch part and the actuator part in the handle, the sensor will be compact and relatively simple to manufacture. Furthermore, the sensor will be discrete in appearance.

In one embodiment of the invention, there is provided a fenestration alarm contact sensor in which the locking mechanism comprises a latch and a handle for transitioning the latch to and from a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration, and in which one of the switch part and the actuator part are incorporated into the latch. By incorporating one of the switch part and the actuator part into the latch, the sensor will be relatively compact in construction and discrete in appearance.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a fenestration alarm contact sensor as claimed in any preceding claim in which the switch part is incorporated into the locking mechanism. This is seen as a preferred embodiment as the locking mechanism with switch part can be installed relatively unobtrusively on a window or door.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a fenestration alarm contact sensor in which the switch part is a wireless switch part and further comprises a power supply and a communications module for transmission of a switch part status report to a remote alarm assembly.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a fenestration alarm contact sensor in which at least one of the power supply and the communications module are housed in a handle of the locking mechanism. Such a sensor will be very compact and unobtrusive.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a fenestration alarm contact sensor in which there is provided a second two part assembly including a second actuator part and a second switch part responsive to the second actuator part, one of the second actuator part and the second switch part suitable for mounting on a fenestration frame and the other of the second actuator part and the second switch part suitable for mounting on a fenestration closure member, the second two part assembly being arranged to detect whether or not the fenestration closure member is in a closed configuration in the fenestration frame. In this way, a two part assembly will be provided to detect whether or not the window or door is open and another two part assembly will be provided to detect whether or not the door is locked.

In one embodiment of the invention, there is provided a fenestration alarm contact sensor in which both the actuator part and the switch part responsive to the actuator part of the first two part assembly are incorporated in a locking mechanism of the fenestration closure member.

In one embodiment of the invention, there is provided a fenestration alarm contact sensor in which the switch part of the first two part assembly and the switch part of the second two part assembly are connected together in series. In this way, the sensor will only show that the window is either both closed and locked or open andlor unlocked.

Only a single signal will have to be sent to the alarm system thereby reducing communications from the sensor to the alarm system.

Detailed Description of the Invention

The invention will now be more clearly understood from the following description of some embodiments thereof given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-Figure 1 is a diagrammatic representation of a fenestration alarm contact sensor known in the art; Figure 2 is a diagrammatic representation of a fenestration alarm contact sensor according to the invention; Figure 3 is a diagrammatic representation of a second embodiment of fenestration alarm contact sensor according to the invention; Figures 4 and 5 are diagrammatic representations of a third embodiment of fenestration alarm contact sensor according to the invention; Figures 6 and 7 are diagrammatic representations of a fourth embodiment of fenestration alarm contact sensor according to the invention; Figure 8 is a diagrammatic representation of a fifth embodiment of fenestration alarm contact sensor according to the invention; and Figure 9 is a diagrammatic representation of a sixth embodiment of fenestration alarm contact sensor according to the invention.

Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a diagrammatic representation of a fenestration alarm contact sensor known in the art, indicated generally by the reference numeral 1.

The fenestration alarm contact sensor 1 comprises a two part assembly 3 comprising an actuator part 5 and a switch part 7. The actuator part 5 comprises a permanent magnet (not shown) mounted on a window 9 and the switch part 7 comprises a reed switch (not shown) mounted on a window frame 11. The switch part 7 is wired to an alarm system (not shown). A locking mechanism, indicated generally by the reference numeral 13 and in this case provided by way of a handle 15 with a locking arm 17 for engagement in a receiver 19 is provided to secure the window 9 in a locked configuration relative to the window frame 11. As will be understood, when the reed switch comes into proximity with the permanent magnet, the reed switch is closed and a signal is sent to the alarm system that the window is closed. As can be seen from the drawing, the locking mechanism does not have to be engaged in order for the actuator part 5 to act upon the switch part 7 and therefore the window 9 may be closed but unlocked.

Referring to Figure 2, there is shown a fenestration alarm contact sensor according to the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 21, where like parts have been given the same reference numerals as before. The fenestration alarm contact sensor 21 differs from the known fenestration alarm contact sensors in that the actuator part 5 (shown in dashed outline) is incorporated in the handle 15 of the locking mechanism 13. The actuator part 5 and the switch part 7 are arranged so that the state of the switch part 7 is dependent on whether the locking mechanism 13 is in a locked configuration (as shown) or an unlocked configuration. In the embodiment shown, when the locking mechanism 13 is in a locked configuration with the locking arm 17 engaged in the receiver 19, the permanent magnet is in close proximity to the reed switch of the switch part 7. This will cause a signal to be transmitted to the alarm system that the window is both closed and locked. If the handle 15 is not in the position required to cause the locking arm 17 engage the receiver 19, the actuator (permanent magnet) will be located remote from the reed switch, thereby causing a signal to be sent to the alarm system from the switch part 7 that the window is unlocked.

Referring to Figure 3, there is shown an alternative embodiment of fenestration alarm contact sensor according to the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 31, where like parts have been given the same reference numerals as before. The fenestration alarm contact sensor 31 differs from the fenestration alarm contact sensor 21 previously described in that the fenestration alarm contact sensor 31 is incorporated into a bolt-type locking mechanism 33. The bolt-type locking mechanism 33 comprises a slider bolt 35 mounted on the window 9 and a suitable receiver 37 mounted on the window frame. The slider bolt 35 is slidably mounted for reciprocal movement back and forth on the window to and from a position in which an end 39 of the slider bolt 35 (shown in dotted outline) is engaged in the receiver 37 and a position in which the end 39 of the slider bolt is free of the receiver 37. A switch part 7 is mounted adjacent to the receiver 37 and a portion of the end 39 of the slider bolt incorporates the actuator part 5, shown in dashed outline and provided by way of a permanent magnet. When the slider bolt 35 is slid across the window into the locking configuration with the end 39 of the slider bolt engaged in the receiver 37, the permanent magnet acting as the actuator part is in proximity to the switch part and causes the reed switch (not shown) of the switch part to enter the state indicative that the window is locked. If the slider bolt 35 is slid in the opposite direction so that the end 39 of the slider bolt 35 is free of the receiver 37, the permanent magnet of the actuator circuit will be remote from the switch part and the switch part will indicate to the alarm system that the window is unlocked.

Referring to Figures 4 and 5, there is shown another alternative embodiment of fenestration alarm contact sensor according to the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 41, where like parts have been given the same reference numeral as before. For clarity, parts of the window 9 and the window frame 11 have been removed and the parts of the fenestration alarm contact sensor are shown in larger scale.

According to this embodiment of the present invention, the switch circuit 7, incorporating a reed switch 43, is located in the locking arm 17 of the locking mechanism 45. The actuator circuit 5, in this instance a permanent magnet, is located in the receiver 19. The locking mechanism pivots about pivot point 47 to and from a locking configuration as illustrated in Figure 5 and a release configuration as illustrated in Figure 4. When in the release configuration as shown in Figure 4, the reed switch 43 is located remotely from the permanent magnet actuator part 5 and a signal is sent to the alarm system that the window is unlocked. When in the locking configuration as shown in Figure 5, the reed switch 43 is located adjacent to the permanent magnet and the permanent magnet will cause a change in state of the reed switch 43. When in the changed state, a signal will be sent to the alarm system (not shown) that the window is locked. In the embodiment shown, a power supply and a communications module have been omitted from the drawings for simplicity however these would be provided, preferably in the locking mechanism 45. Preferably, the switch circuit will be a wireless circuit and will communicate wirelessly with the alarm system. It will be understood that the locking mechanism 45 could be provided on the window frame 11 instead of the window 9 in which case the switch circuit could be a wireless circuit or a wired circuit if preferred.

Referring to Figures 6 and 7, there is shown another alternative embodiment of fenestration alarm contact sensor according to the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 61, where like parts have been given the same reference numeral as before. For clarity, parts of the window 9 and the window frame 11 have been removed and the parts of the fenestration alarm contact sensor are shown in larger scale similar to Figures 4 and 5. According to this embodiment of the present invention, the switch circuit 7, which incorporates a reed switch 63, is located in the handle 15 of the locking mechanism 65. In addition to the reed switch 63, there is also provided a communications module, in this case a transmitter 67 and a power supply provided by way of a battery 69.

The operation of the fenestration alarm contact sensor shown in Figures 6 and 7 will be readily understood from the foregoing description of the other enibodiments. In brief, the locking mechanism pivots about pivot point 47 to and from a release configuration (as shown in Figure 6) in which the locking aim 17 is free of the ieceiver 19, and a locking configuration (as shown in Figure 7) in which the locking arm 17 is engaged in the ieceiver 19. When in the release configuration, the reed switch 63 is located remotely fioni the peirnanent magnet actuator part 5 and a signal is sent to the alarni system (not shown) that the window is unlocked. When in the locking configuration as shown in Figure 7, the reed switch 63 is located adjacent to the permanent magnet 5 and the permanent magnet will cause a change in state of the reed switch 63. When in the changed state, a signal will be sent to the alarm system (not shown) that the window is locked. The signal is transmitted wirelessly by the transmitter 67 to the alarm system (not shown). It will be undeistood that the locking mechanism 65 could be provided on the window fiame 11 instead of the window 9 in which case the switch ciicuit could be a wireless ciicuit or a wired circuit if piefeiied.

Referring to Figure 8, there is shown another alternative embodiment of fenestration alarm contact sensor according to the invention, indicated geneially by the reference numeral 81, where like parts have been given the same reference numeral as before.

For clarity, parts of the window 9 and the window frame 11 have been removed and the parts of the fenestration alarm contact sensor 81 are shown in larger scale similar to Figures 4 to 7 inclusive. The fenestration alarm contact sensor comprises a pair of two part assemblies. A first two part assembly comprises the first actuator part 5 and the first switch part 7. The first actuator part coniprises a magnet and is mounted on a handle 15 of a locking mechanism 83 and rotates about pivot point 47 on the handle. The first switch circuit is also mounted on the window 9 adjacent to the handle 15. As the handle is iotated about pivot point 47, the magnet 5 comes into pioximity with or, alternatively, moves away from the switch circuit 7. The locking arm of the locking mechanism has been removed for clarity however it will be understood that when the handle 15 is in the position shown in Figure 8 with the actuator part 5 magnet in the proximity of the switch part 7, if the window is closed the locking arm will be engaged in a complimentary receiver (not shown) on the window frame 11. The first actuator pad 5 and first switch part 7 are operable to determine whether or not the locking mechanism is in a locking position, in which, if the window were closed, would lock the window 9 in position relative to the window frame 11.

There is further shown a second two part assembly 84 comprising a second actuator part 85 consisting of a magnet mounted on the window frame 11 and a second switch part 87 mounted on the window 9. The second actuator part 85 and the second switch part 87 are operable to determine whether or not the window is in a closed configuration.

Therefore, the second two part assembly determines whether or not the window is closed and the first two part assembly determines whether or not the locking mechanism is in a locking configuration. If the second two pad assembly determines that the window is closed and the first two pad assembly determines that the locking mechanism is in a locking configuration, it is known that the window is locked. If on the other hand, either of the first two part assembly determines that the locking mechanism is not in a locking configuration or the second two part assembly determines that the window is not closed, it is known that the window is not locked. In the embodiment shown, the window is shown in a closed and locked configuration. The first and second switch parts 7, 87 are connected in series so that the circuit' is not complete unless both reed switches of the first switch part and the second switch part 7, 87 are closed by their respective permanent magnets 5, 85. This reduces the communications overhead to the alarm system (not shown). A power supply 89 and a communications module, in this instance a transceiver 91 are provided to transmit the status of the switches to an alarm system.

Referring to Figure 9, there is shown another alternative embodiment of fenestration alarm contact sensor according to the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 93, where like pads have been given the same reference numeral as before.

For clarity, parts of the window 9 and the window frame 11 have been removed and the parts of the fenestration alarm contact sensor 81 are shown in larger scale similar to Figures 4 to 8 inclusive. A power supply 89 and a communications module, provided by way of a transceiver 91, are provided to transmit the status of the switches to an alarm system. The alarm contact sensor 93 shown is a wireless sensor and can transmit status data to a remote control unit. Alternatively, a wired sensor could be provided if preferred.

The alarm contact sensor comprises a first actuator part 5, in this case a magnet, and the first switch part 7. The first actuator part is mounted on the window frame 11 whereas the first switch circuit 7 is mounted on the window 9 and forms part of a locking bolt assembly 95. As the locking bolt assembly is moved from a release position (shown in solid line) to a locking position (shown in dashed outline) where it secures the window 9 to the window frame, the switch circuit 7 comes into proximity with or, alternatively, moves away from the magnet 5. The direction of movement of the locking assembly is illustrated by the Arrow A. In the embodiments shown, the switch parts and the locking mechanisms are generally provided on the window however these could be provided on a window frame instead.

The switch parts could be wireless or wired if desired however it is envisaged that wireless will be preferable in most cases. The switch part and the actuator part are preferably formed as part of the locking mechanism and could be part of the handle or for example could be part of the receiver body. The locking mechanisms described in the present invention are not the only locking mechanisms that could be used with the present invention and are only illustrative of the operation of the invention. What is important is that the state of the locking mechanism is monitored and whether or not the locking mechanism is locking the window, door or fenestration generally. This is the signal that it is important to relay to an alarm system.

The invention has been described in terms of windows however it will be understood that the present invention is not limited solely to windows and could be used on other types of fenestration, such as, for example doors. The term fenestration is intended to cover windows, doors, skylights and other fenestrations that it is desirable to place a contact sensor on.

The terms "switch circuit" and "switch part" and variations thereof have been used interchangeably throughout this specification. The terms actuator circuit" and actuator part" and variations thereof have also been used interchangeably throughout this specification. In the embodiments shown, the switch circuit comprises a reed switch and the actuator circuit comprises a permanent magnet however other implementations are deemed within the scope of the appended claims. For example, a manually operated switch could be used for the switch circuit instead of a reed switch. The manually operated switch would be operated by a mechanical arm such as, but not limited solely to, the locking arm 17 which would, for example, push a contact of the manually operated switch inwards when the arm and the switch were in close proximity indicating that the locking mechanism is in a locking configuration.

In this specification the terms "comprise, comprises, comprised and comprising" and the terms include, includes, included and including" are all deemed totally interchangeable and should be afforded the widest possible interpretation.

The invention is in no way limited to the embodiment hereinbefore described but may be varied in both construction and detail within the scope of the specification.