closure

Abstract

A barrier which includes a closure which is movable between an opened position to expose at least a part of an opening and a closed position to overlie at least a part of the opening, and at least one sensor which causes an energiser to apply an electrical signal to an electrically conductive arrangement to the closure in the closed position.

Description

CLOSUREBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to a closure for an opening in a structure.

[0002] As used herein “opening” includes, without limitation, a doorway, an opening for a window, a gateway or any other area through which access to or from a structure may occur.

[0003] “Structure” is to be interpreted widely and may for example comprise a house, a room, a garage, a storeroom, a wall or the like.

[0004] In certain areas depending on geographical and environmental conditions an open doorway is nothing other than an invitation for mosquitoes, flies and other insects to enter. It might however be desirable to have the doorway or window open for adequate ventilation but an open doorway can result in an influx of insects.

[0005] In addition to insects, creatures such as rodents and monkeys may be inclined to pass through an open doorway to gain access to food or water. Often these creatures can cause considerable physical damage to items inside a house or garage.

[0006] Apart from pest and nuisance factors, as referred to, security considerations may call for a household doorway, a garage door, a window opening, a gateway in a wall, or the like, to be closed. The closure of this type of opening can reduce security in that there is no longer a “see through” characteristic, and natural ventilation may be hindered. Bars or mesh, for example, which are used to close an opening constitute a physical deterrentbut do not necessarily provide a mechanism which can alert a person on a protected side of the opening of the presence of an intruder.

[0007] An object of the invention is to provide a closure which, at least in some embodiments, addresses some of the aforementioned aspects.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The invention provides a barrier for an opening in a structure wherein the barrier includes a closure which is movable between an opened position to expose at least a part of the opening and a closed position to overlie at least a part of the opening, an electrical conductive arrangement mounted to the closure, an energiser which is operable to generate an electrical output signal, and at least one sensor which, in response to the closure being in the closed position, causes the energiser to apply the electrical output signal to the electrically conductive arrangement when the closure is in the closed position.

[0009] The energiser may include a power source and a signal generator which is powered by the power source. The energiser, in one embodiment, may be of a kind which is used in an electrified fence installation, or it may be similar to that type of device.

[0010] The power source may include a connection to a mains supply, a battery or the like. In one embodiment the power source includes a battery which is charged from a mains supply and the battery is used to power the signal generator when needed, or to power the energizer if the mains supply fails.

[0011] The signal generator may be of any appropriate kind. The signal generator may produce a high voltage signal, a low voltage signal, a high energy contact signal or a low energy contact signal. Although the terms “high” and “low” are relative terms reference may be had in this regard to the meanings of these terms as defined and used for energisers in the electric fencing industry. The electrical output signal may be an alternating signal or it may be a direct current signal. The electrical output signal may be generated continuously or it may be generated in a pulse form. It is feasible for example to apply a low voltage signal for example of between 40 to 100 volts continuously to the closure, which is insulated from its surroundings as appropriate, and to limit the energy delivered to the closure through the use of appropriate devices such as resistors.

[0012] In one embodiment of the invention the signal generator produces a continuous supply of pulses each with a predetermined energy content. It is possible in accordance with one aspect of the invention for the output of the energiser to be adjusted in respect of its power output, its frequency of operation or in respect of any other variable. If use is made of an electric fence energizer then, as per safety regulation the energy per pulse is restricted usually to less than 8 joules.

[0013] If the barrier is intended primarily for controlling the passage of insects through the opening then the energy content of the electrical output signal may be lowered. Electrical values of the kind used in so-called “zappers” can be employed. If the barrier is intended to impede the movement of rodents, monkeys and the like then the energy content of the electrical output signal may be increased. If passage of a human is to be impeded then the energy content of the electrical output signal is increased correspondingly.

[0014] The sensor may comprise any suitable kind which is responsive to the position of the closure. The sensor may include light beams, capacitive or inductive devices or the like. Conveniently, to curtail costs and to produce a robust and strong arrangement, the sensor may comprise a limit switch or a number of limit switches. A limit switch may be used to detect when the closure is in the closed position and, in that event, the energiser may automatically, in response to detection of the closed position by the sensor, be activated. Conversely if the closure is moved from the closed position then, automatically, the energiser is deactivated. Each limit switch may be an electrical, mechanical, or electro-mechanical device.

[0015] Two switches may be used in series to ensure controlled operation of the energiser. In this embodiment a first switch detects when the closure is in the closed position and a second switch which is remote from the first switch is used to detect that the closure has moved away from its opened position. These switches may operate in series.

[0016] Other arrangements may be used to ensure that inadvertent operation of the energiser does not occur.

[0017] The nature of the electrical arrangement may vary according to the type of security or control required. The closure may for example comprise a gate with bars and the electrical arrangement may include exposed electrical conductors between or on the bars. Alternatively if the bars are metallic the bars may comprise at least a portion of the electrical conductors. If the closure is a gate then the gate may be movable between opened and closed positions with a pivot or hinge action, with a sliding movement, with arollup movement or the like. Typically if only a low level of protection is required then the closure may be flexible and, without being restrictive, may be in the nature of a rollup curtain or drape with the electrically conductive arrangement comprising one or more exposed electrical conductors. As may be necessary use is made of electrical insulation to prevent unwanted shocks and energy wastage.

[0018] If an object touches an electrified conductor then electrical current flows through the object if the object is also connected to a component or structure which is at a lower electrical potential. For example a person touching a live conductor will experience an electrical shock when current flows through the person to earth. On the other hand if an insect comes into contact with a live conductor no electrical current will pass through the insect unless, simultaneously, the insect touches an object which is at a lower electrical potential. With these distinctions in mind the barrier of the invention can take on different forms depending on requirements. Thus the barrier may be flexible e.g. in the nature of a drape, a curtain, a mesh or the like. The electrical conductors which are exposed (not insulated) may be on or embedded in or form at least a part of the closure. For example if the barrier is to act primarily as an insect screen a mesh arrangement of positive and negative conductors which are closely spaced apart from one another, depending on the type of insect to be controlled, can be effective. In this arrangement an insect which simultaneously touches two conductors of opposite polarity will be shocked. This can be achieved by connecting positive and negative terminals of a DC power supply to an array of electrical conductors included in the barrier.

[0019] In a different approach an electrical conductor into which, say, a pulse of electrical energy is discharged or which is continuously electrified, is positioned adjacent an earthconductor. Current will flow through a person or animal, say, who touches both conductors simultaneously.

[0020] In another variation a person who touches an electrical conductor and who is standing on the ground will experience a shock as current flows through the person from the conductor to the ground.

[0021] The aforementioned techniques which are used to apply shock to a creature or person touching the electrical arrangement have been given by way of example only. These techniques are known and for this reason are not further described herein.

[0022] With insects an objective may be to kill the insects by electrocution. With small animals and persons a primary intention is to produce a shock which acts as a deterrent.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The invention is further described by way of examples with reference to the accompanying drawings in which :Figure 1 schematically depicts an electrical arrangement of a barrier according to the invention, andFigures 2 to 5 depict various types of closures with which the barrier of the invention can be employed.DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings illustrates an electrical arrangement 10 for use in a barrier according to the invention.

[0025] The electrical arrangement 10 includes a connection to a mains supply 12, a battery 16, a battery charger 18 which draws energy from the mains supply 12 and which charges the battery 16, switches 20, 22 and 24 respectively, an energiser28 and electrical conductors 32 at an opening 34. As indicated hereinbefore the energiser 28 may be of any suitable kind. The function of the energiser is to produce an electrical signal 36 which is applied under controlled conditions to one or more of the conductors 32. The conductors 32 are attached to a closure 38 e.g. a door, window or a gate, which is movable as required to expose or reveal the opening 34.

[0026] The switch 24 is used to turn the arrangement 10 on, or off, and is usable in all embodiments.

[0027] As explained hereinafter the signal 36 may be a low voltage signal or a high voltage signal. The signal may be an alternating (AC) signal or a direct current (DC) signal. In an embodiment the signal is a pulsed signal in that the energiser 28 comprises a system wherein a capacitor is continuously charged, drawing energy from the battery, and then discharged to the relevant conductors 32. This type of pulsed operation can be controlled in respect of a number of variables. For example the pulse rate can be regulated, the intervals between successive pulses can be changed, the duration of each pulse can be changed and the energy content in each pulse can be controlled. These variables can be regulated, according to requirement by means of a controller 40 connected to the energiser.

[0028] It is assumed in this example of the invention that the energiser produces pulses at a positive terminal 42 which is connected to an elongate conductor 32A which extends continuously in a zigzag fashion over the opening 34 and then returns to a terminal 46 atthe energiser. Conductors 32B, shown in dotted outline, which are closely positioned between the lengths of the conductor 32A, taking into account considerations referred to hereinbefore, are connected to one another and to earth 50.

[0029] In a variation of the invention the conductor 32A is connected to the positive terminal 42 and the conductor 32B is connected to a negative terminal 46. The conductors 32A and 32B are closely physically spaced apart and are parallel to each other.

[0030] In the former arrangement if an object simultaneously touches the conductor 32A and the earth conductor 32B and a pulse is applied to the conductor 32A then current will flow through that object. In the latter arrangement a pulse on the conductor 32A will cause current to flow through an object if the object simultaneously touches the conductor 32A and the conductor 32B.

[0031] Figures 2 and 3 conceptually illustrate a barrier 60 according to another form of the invention. In this case the barrier 60 includes a flexible closure 62 which can be moved upwardly into a coiled arrangement 64 to expose an opening 66 (shown in dotted outline), much in the manner of a rollup curtain or drape. The closure 62 can be unrolled from the coiled position to overlie the opening, as is shown in Figure 3.

[0032] The closure 62 may include flexible mesh material. This type of construction is known in the art. Additionally the closure may be guided for movement along vertical edges 70 and 72 of the opening 66 - these edges may be insulated according to the type of construction.

[0033] The closure carries electrical conductors 32A, 32B of the kind described in connection with Figure 1 .

[0034] The switch 20 is positioned at a lower end of the opening 66. This switch which may be a limit switch, is automatically closed when the closure 62 is brought fully down i.e. to its closed position. A second limit switch 78 is positioned at an upper location and is used to detect when the closure 62 has been fully unrolled from the coiled configuration. The switches 20 and 78 are connected in series with the battery 16 and with the energiser 28, and the switch 24 which is normally closed.

[0035] When the closure is in the coiled position i.e. the opening 66 is exposed, the switches 78 and 20 are open and no energy is applied to the energiser. If the closure is moved to the fully closed position then the switches 20 and 78 are closed and the battery 16 is connected to the energiser 28 which then functions in the manner described to apply an electrical output signal to the conductors 32.

[0036] In this embodiment of the invention two limit switches 20, 78 are used in series. The limit switch 20 may be exposed in the opening 66 and may inadvertently be closed by a person or animal. In this event, to prevent unwanted operation of the energiser, the switch 78 is connected in series in a manner which requires both switches to be closed before the energiser will be operated.

[0037] The switch 24 is a control or an on / off switch which is positioned at a suitable location. It is provided as an emergency switch in the sense that if at any time it is necessary to prevent the electrical output signal from being impressed on the conductors 32 a person can open the switch 24 and interrupt the supply of power to the energiser.

[0038] Figure 2 illustrates the switch 22 used to control the supply of power to the energiser. This switch is normally open and it is not affected by movement of the closure. However if for whatever reason it is necessary to apply electrical current to the conductors, independently of the states of the switches 78 and 20 then a person can close the switch 22, which is in parallel to the switches 78 and 20, and the conductors 32 will be energised provided, of course, that the switch 24 included in the installation, is closed.

[0039] Figure 4 depicts a gate 80 of metallic construction which is mounted by means of hinges 82 to a gateway opening 84 in a wall of a structure or at a boundary. The gate 80 has a plurality of bars 86 and is of normal construction in that it can be moved on the hinges between open and closed positions. In the latter state it can be locked closed by means of a mechanically operated lock 88. The gate 80 is electrically insulated from its surroundings as may be required.

[0040] The gate carries a conductor arrangement 32 generally of the kind described. Depending on the installation conditions these conductors are insulated from the metallic components of the gate which thus acts as a carrier for the conductors. The operation of this arrangement is similar to what has been described hereinbefore. In a variation of the invention the bars 86, themselves, are used as conductors in place of, or in addition to, the conductors 32. They are mounted in an insulated mode to structural elements e.g. a frame of the gate. This type of construction is typically adopted when a high degree of mechanical and electrical security is required. With this form of the invention it may be convenient to connect the electrical circuit to a component 90 which sounds an alarmaudible, visual or wireless, if the electrical arrangement on the gate is touched or breached.

[0041] Figure 5 shows a sliding gate 94 which bears a number of similarities to the arrangement in Figure 4. However the electrical arrangement carried by the gate is connected to the energiser 28 by means of contacts 98 on the gate and on structure adjacent the gate which mate with each other when the gate is fully closed.

[0042] In another form of the invention, applicable for example to a rollup garage door or the like, slats on the rollup door carry electrical conductors which are exposed but which are insulated from the slats. This type of arrangement, similar to what has been described in connection with Figure 2, provides a substantial degree of mechanical and electrical security for example at a garage door.

[0043] When the energiser 28 is connected to the electrical conductors 32 and is operable this working state can be signalled by means of a visual display 100 (Figure 1) comprising one or more light emitting diodes at a location which is adjacent the opening 34 or at any other suitable position.

[0044] The switches are shown as mechanically operated switches. As appropriate these could however be electrically operated in response to control signals sent wirelessly from a suitable control device (not shown).

[0045] It is contemplated that any of the features described herein in connection with one embodiment of the invention can be used as necessary with any embodiment.

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 06 November 2024 (06.11.2024)Claims

1. A barrier (60) for an opening (34, 66) in a structure wherein the barrier (60) includes a closure (38, 62) which comprises a gate (80, 94) with bars (86), and which is movable between an opened position to expose the opening (34, 66) and a closed position to overlie at least a part of the opening (34, 66), an electrical conductive arrangement (10) mounted to the closure (38, 62) and which includes electrical conductors (32, 32A, 32B) between or on the bars (86), an energiser (28) which is operable to generate an electrical output signal (36) and at least one sensor (20, 78) which, in response to the closure (38, 62) being in the closed position, causes the energizer (28) to apply the electrical output signal (36) to the electrically conductive arrangement (10).

2. The barrier (60) of claim 1 wherein the energizer (28) comprises a signal generator and a power supply to power the signal generator which is configured to produce said electrical output signal (36) which is selected from, at least, the following: a continuous or pulsed DC or AC signal.

3. The barrier (60) of claim 2 wherein the energizer (28), in response to the sensor (20, 78) detecting the closure (38, 62) in the closed position, is activated, and in response to the sensor (20, 78) detecting that the closure (38, 62) is moved from the closed position the energizer (28) is deactivated.

4. The barrier (60) of claim 1 wherein the sensor (29, 78) comprises a first switch (20) which is used to detect when the closure (38, 62) is in the closed position and a second switch (78) which is used to detect that the closure (38, 62) has moved from the opened position.

5. The barrier (60) of claim 1 wherein the electrical conductive arrangement (10) comprises a plurality of conductors (32, 32A, 32B) which are spaced apart from one another, and wherein the energizer (28) comprises a DC power supply which is connected to the conductors (32, 32A, 32B) thereby to define an array of positive and negative conductors (32, 32A, 32B).

6. The barrier (60) of claim 1 wherein the electrical conductive arrangement (10) includes at least one electrical conductorAMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19)(32A) to which the electrical output signal (36) is applied and at least one earth conductor (32B) which is positioned adjacent but spaced from the electrical conductor (32A).

7. The barrier (60) of claim 1 in which the closure (38, 62) is movable between the opened position and the closed position in a manner selected from the following: a hinged action; a sliding action.

8. A barrier (60) for an opening (34, 66) in a structure wherein the barrier (60) includes a closure (38, 62) which is movable between an opened position to expose the opening (34, 66) and a closed position to overlie at least a part of the opening (34, 66), an electrical conductive arrangement (10) mounted to the closure (38, 62), an energiser (28) which is operable to generate an electrical output signal (36), at least one sensor (20, 78) which, in response to the closure (38, 62) being in the closed position, causes the energizer (28) to apply the electrical output signal (36) to the electrically conductive arrangement (10) and a controller (40) which is connected to the energiser (28) and which is operable to vary the energy content of the electrical output signal (36).

9. The barrier (60) of claim 8 wherein the energizer (28) comprises a signal generator and a power supply to power the signal generator which is configured to produce said electrical output signal (36) which is selected from, at least, the following: a continuous or pulsed DC or AC signal.

10. The barrier (60) of claim 9 wherein the energizer (28), in response to the sensor (20, 78) detecting the closure (38, 62) in the closed position, is activated, and in response to the sensor (20, 78) detecting that the closure (38, 62) is moved from the closed position the energizer (28) is deactivated.

11. The barrier (60) of claim 8 wherein the sensor (20, 78) comprises a first switch (20) which is used to detect when the closure (38, 62) is in the closed position and a second switch (78) which is used to detect that the closure (38, 62) has moved from the opened position.

12. The barrier (60) of claim 8 wherein the closure (38, 62) comprises a gate (80, 94) with bars (86) and the electricalAMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19)arrangement (10) includes exposed electrical conductors (32, 32A, 32B) between or on the bars (86).

13. The barrier (60) of claim 8 wherein the closure (38, 62) is flexible and the electrically conductive arrangement (10) comprises one or more exposed electrical conductors (32, 32A, 32B) on or embedded in the closure (38, 62).

14. The barrier (60) of claim 8 wherein the electrical conductive arrangement (10) comprises a plurality of conductors (32, 32A, 32B) which are spaced apart from one another, and wherein the energizer (28) comprises a DC power supply which is connected to the conductors (32, 32A, 32B) thereby to define an array of positive and negative conductors (32, 32A, 32B).

15. The barrier (60) of claim 8 wherein the electrical conductive arrangement (10) includes at least one electrical conductor (32A) to which the electrical output signal (36) is applied and at least one earth conductor (32B) which is positioned adjacent but spaced from the electrical conductor (32A).

16. The barrier (60) of claim 8 wherein the closure (38, 62), in the opened position, is coiled, preferably elevated, and in the closed position is uncoiled thereby to overlie the opening (34, 66).

17. The barrier (60) of claim 8 in which the closure (38, 62) is movable between the opened position and the closed position in a manner selected from the following: a hinged action; a sliding action; a rolling action in which the closure (38, 62) is coiled or uncoiled.AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19)

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