[0001] This invention relates to a security door which will allow one person to pass between
spaces which are otherwise not accessible from each other. The door is designed normally
to allow strictly controlled movement of persons from one of the spaces to the other.
Typically the door is used to control access from a low security space to a higher
security space.
[0002] In premises such as banks there is need to provide strict control over persons entering
a high security zone, control being usually exercised with the aid of a security guard
or guards but it is now becoming more common for a criminal attempting to gain access
to a high security zone to take a hostage and then to force the guard in charge of
the access door to allow him to pass through with the hostage, a threat being made
in relation to the hostage.
[0003] Several expedients have been proposed to render access by this means impossible,
or at least as difficult as possible. Existing arrangements however, for the most
part at least, are vulnerable to threats in relation to hostages in that it is in
the power of the attending guard to override the security arrangements which are usually
in place to limit access.
[0004] In a prior construction, shown in European Published Patent Application No. 0158577
there is shown a security door having a housing attached at one side of a wall, and
containing a rotatable cylinder shaped door member. Access through the wall from a
lower security zone to a higher security zone is obtained by operation of certain
security devices, including one inside the door. With this arrangement, it may be
possible for an unauthorised person to penetrate the security, since such a person
will be inside the door space before such security recognition is required. Also since
the door is at a position at one side of the wall, the junction between the housing
and the wall may be vulnerable to attack. This system does however contain a further
security means which involves the weight of a passenger, the door member being mounted
to enable a measure of weight to be taken. The arrangement shown is however complicated,
and this feature may also render the system less secure than is desirable.
[0005] French Patent Specification No. 2584129 shows a security door assembly in which there
are two door parts which are separately rotatable about a common vertical axis, to
enable various conditions to be adopted. However, in certain circumstances it is possible
to position the parts to allow a through way, for example to enable a shot to pass
from one side to the other. It is thus theoretically possible for threats in relation
to a hostage to be carried out.
[0006] It is the object of this invention to provide a security door by means of which access
by unauthorised persons can be prevented, even under threat in relation to hostages,
or otherwise.
[0007] In accordance with the present invention there is provided a security door comprising
a frame within which is rotatably mounted a cylindrical door member defining within
it a cylindrical space, an access opening at one side of the door member which can
register with spaced inlet and outlet openings defined by the frame, the cylindrical
door member being rotatable about a vertical axis coinciding with the axis of the
cylinder, power operated means whereby the door member is rotatable, and means defining
a floor of the said cylindrical space, characterised in that the floor defining means
comprises a non-rotatable floor assembly.
[0008] Desirably the door member and frame are so dimensioned as to preclude any through
way from one side of the door to the other. Such absence of a through way is referred
to as a security or ballistic overlap.
[0009] The frame may include two openings at opposite sides, which when the frame is installed
are at lower and higher security sides respectively, and with which the opening in
the cylinder can register.
[0010] In alternative arrangements there may be further openings in the frame giving access
to further spaces when the cylindrical door member opening is in register therewith.
[0011] The cylindrical door member may be rotated between respective positions in register
with the said openings in the frame and locked in any of the positions. Also the cylindrical
door member may be locked in a position out of register with all the openings, thus
trapping any person within the door.
[0012] The means defining the floor may include at least one fixed portion, and at least
one further portion mounted on a weight sensitive means.
[0013] The weight sensitive means may include specific zones on which weight, as by a person's
feet, should be applied before the door can be actuated. These zones may be similar
in appearance to other adjacent insensitive zones.
[0014] If a power supply failure occurs, means may be provided to bring the door to a position
allowing access only, in use, at a lower security side of the door.
[0015] The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying
drawings in which:
Figure 1 shows a security door constructed in accordance with the invention in two
opposite positions respectively.
Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view on the line 2-2 in Figure 3.
Figure 3 is a front view of the door.
Figure 4 is a vertical section through the door on the line 4-4 in Figure 2.
Figure 5 is a plan view of the door, and
Figure 6 is an enlarged cross-section of the base section of the door.
[0016] The drawings illustrate one form of a security door intended to be used between lower
and higher security spaces, and is useful in such premises as banks or other premises
where valuable property is handled or stored and in which it is important to exclude,
from high security spaces or rooms, any unauthorised person. The arrangement is that
there is only one access door which may be guarded by an attendant who is on the higher
security side. In the apparatus to be described, the door is actuated by the attendant,
but only when certain criteria have been satisfied. These include a visual check of
the person entering, but the door includes a number of safety features, which will
be described, by means of which the door is prevented from operation, even if the
attending guard wishes to override security measures.
[0017] Figure 1 shows diagrammatically, a door in two alternative positions. In the upper
view in Figure 1 the door is shown in a position to give access to a higher security
space, and in the lower view it gives access to the lower security space.
[0018] The door includes a frame structure indicated at 10 and a cylindrical door member
11 mounted for rotation about a vertical central axis. The frame 10 defines portions
at either side of the cylindrical door member 11, as well as a roof and floor structure
which will be described later. The cylindrical door member 11 has an access opening
12 which can register with inlet and outlet openings in the frame 10 so as to allow
a person to enter or leave the space defined within the cylindrical door member 11.
The arrangement is such that, in this example, a person entering from the low security
space can only gain access to the higher security space after the door member 11 has
been rotated through 180° to bring the access opening 12 of the door member into register
with the opposite frame side.
[0019] It is possible to modify the frame to provide inlet or outlet openings at any desired
angle with respect to the central axis about which the door member rotates. Two, three,
or four ways can be controlled with the single door member 11. It is also possible
to place the door in a position in which it is not possible to enter or leave the
zone within the cylinder. As can be seen from Figure 1, the frame 10 and door member
11 are so dimensioned that it is not possible at any time to achieve any through passage
from one side of the door to the other. This is referred to as a security or ballistic
overlap and prevents items being passed through without full door operation, and it
provides no through opening through which a shot can be fired, for example at a guard.
[0020] Figures 2 to 5 show the preferred form of the door on an enlarged scale. The frame
10 includes pressed metal parts 13, 14, and a roof structure 15. There is also a base
assembly 16 to which further reference will be made. The structures are formed from
steel or other material which is resistant to flame cutting or other process, and
provision is made for preventing access between the door frame and adjacent wall structures.
It is also apparent that the adjacent wall structures must themselves be made from
materials resisting unauthorised access by any attempt to break through, using force.
[0021] The door member 11 is shown in cross-section in Figure 2. This comprises a cylindrical
shell 17 which is rotatably mounted within the frame on bearing assemblies, which
will be described. The shell includes the opening 12, on the edges of which are sensors
indicated at 18. These may be pressure sensitive, so as to be actuated if rotation
of the door is met by obstruction, or they may be sensitive to the presence of some
object between the sensors without however, there being any necessary contact between
the sensors and the object. This prevents the door closing on a person not fully into
the door, and also prevents door operation if an attempt is made to block it. Guides
19 in the frame serve to support the cylindrical surface of the door as it rotates.
A window 21 is provided in the side of the cylinder opposite to the opening 12. This
allows a guard or other person to observe the interior of the door and is useful in
enabling the guard to check whether the person entering is authorised or not. Glass
of high security nature is fitted in the window.
[0022] Figure 5 shows the top of the door including a centre bearing 22 on which the cylinder
is mounted. Surrounding the bearing and concentric with it is a gear ring 23 meshing
with a drive gear 24 connected through a suitable gearbox 25 with an electric drive
motor 26. Electrical control (not illustrated) is provided to energise the motor and
drive the gear 24 and thus the gear ring 23 for rotating the cylindrical door member.
[0023] In the event of failure of the electrical supply, an electrical solenoid 27 to which
is attached a bolt (not shown) is de-energised. Such de-energisation allows the bolt
to fall by gravity, or under the influence of a spring, into contact with the surface
of the top of the rotatable door member. A clutch, which normally provides continuity
of drive from the motor to the gear drive, is disengaged so that there is no direct
drive connection. A pulley and weight system 28 is also connected to the door so as
to rotate this to the position in which the door opening 12 is in register with the
frame side at the lower security side of the door. At this point, the bolt of the
solenoid 27 will register with, and drop into, an appropriate hole in the door member,
thus locking the door against any movement. By this means, the door will never remain
in a position in which a person cannot escape from it, nor will it be possible for
it to allow access to the high security side until power is restored. Restoration
of power to the solenoid 27 will lift the bolt out of the hole, thus allowing the
door to move under electrical control from the motor 26 when this is energised.
[0024] Figure 6 shows the base structure of the door. A fixed base plate 29 serves to support
the whole structure. The fixed frame 10 is secured to this, as indicated generally
in Figure 4. A short upright stepped tube 31 is secured to the base plate 29 and this
supports a thrust-bearing 32 carrying the cylindrical door member 11. This includes
a horizontal end flange indicated at 33. Above the flange 33 is a floor platform 34
which is non-rotatable. Extending upwardly from this are wall portions which are therefore
also non-rotatable and form a partial inner lining within the door. These wall portions
are at the sides of the space within the cylinder, and do not obstruct entry and exit
through the door opening 12 when this is in register with equivalent openings in the
frame 10.
[0025] On the floor platform 34 are mats 36. Between the mats 36, in this example, as shown,
is another mat 37 which is mounted on the top of the short stepped tube 31 through
spring loaded plungers 38. The centre of the mat 37 is carried on an S-shaped strain
gauge 39 mounted on a centre block 41 on the base plate 29. The shapes of the mats
36, 37 may be varied, and for example the mat 37 may be divided into two portions
having substantially the shape and size of two feet. The upper surface appearance
of all the mats 36, 37 may however be the same, so that it is not apparent where the
mat or mats 37 lie.
[0026] The S-shaped strain gauge 39 is electrically connected to control means which will
only allow door operation if a person is standing on the mat 37. If for example two
people attempt to enter the door it will not be possible for both of them to place
their feet on the mat 37. In case an attempt is made to overcome this by standing
upon one leg or by one person holding their feet off the floor, the strain gauge 39
will register a greater weight than that normally expected of one person and the control
will not allow the door to open. The internal wall portions 35 prevent persons attempting
to support themselves clear from the floor during door operation by wedging between
opposite sides.
[0027] A number of other security measures may be included. A card recognition system may
be used in conjunction with the door, and only if a correct card is inserted in a
reader or other receiver beside the door does the door operation become possible.
For the purposes of maintenance or inspection, access doors may be provided in the
top or base structures 15, 16, and if these are opened interlocking switches may be
actuated to prevent door operation. Such access doors would furthermore only be accessible
from the higher security side of the door.
[0028] Emergency stop buttons may be located within the door and at any remote position,
preferably on the security side. Audible and visual alarms may be fitted to warn of
imminent door operation, and also to alert security personnel to any attempt to interfere
with correct operation of the door. A light may be fitted within the door.
[0029] A remotely positioned console on the higher security side of the door may be manned
by a guard who will have the ability to control door operation, but only when the
appropriate measures have been taken by the person entering the door, including correct
operation of the floor mat weight sensitive means and other devices which may be provided.
There may also be, on the remote console, an attack button which is used to rotate
the cylinder through 90° to a locked position which therefore traps any person who
is in the door. A key arrangement may be necessary to unlock the door from this mode.
[0030] Within the door, an alarm may be provided behind a breakable glass panel. Breaking
of the glass and operation of the device may serve simply to cut off power supply
and, as described, this will result in rotation of the door to the open position at
the lower security side and locking it in this position.
[0031] The door will normally be parked at the 90° position in which no access can be obtained.
The normal operation of the door will be carried out by insertion in an appropriate
slot of a card into a reader device by the door, or by other means of recognition.
This will bring the door to the open position, whereupon the passenger enters. If
the passenger does not enter within a specified time, such as 10 seconds, the door
will automatically return to its parked position. If the passenger enters the door,
the guard is able to satisfy himself by visual check that the person is authorised
to enter, and if not, the attack button may be operated to rotate the door through
90° into the locked and sealed position.
[0032] It is possible also to include a timing device which limits the number of door operations
which can be accomplished in a given space of time, thus making it impossible for
unauthorised persons to enter, one after another, in a short time.
[0033] In order to enable the door to be actuated from the low security side, for example
by the guard wishing to take up station on the higher security side at the beginning
of a period of duty, a key switch arrangement may be provided. It is proposed to use
three key operated devices, one on the lower security side of the door at the entrance,
one within the cylinder interior, and the third in the higher security area. The same
key would be used on the control console to enable normal operation of the door to
be carried out.
[0034] An electrical interlock system ensures that, once the key has been inserted into
the console, the other key operable locking devices are rendered inoperative, thus
ensuring that the system cannot be overridden by the use of a duplicate key.
1. A security door comprising a frame 10 within which is rotatably mounted a cylindrical
door member 11, defining within it a cylindrical space, an access opening 12 at one
side of the door member 11 which can register with spaced inlet and outlet openings
defined by the frame 10, the cylindrical door member 11 being rotatable about a vertical
axis coinciding with the axis of the cylinder, power operated means 22 - 26 whereby
the door member 11 is rotatable, and means defining a floor of the said cylindrical
space, characterised in that the floor defining means comprises a non-rotatable floor
assembly.
2. A security door as claimed in Claim 1 characterised in that the means defining
the floor includes at least one portion 36 mounted on a fixed support and at least
one further portion 37 which is mounted on said fixed support through a weight sensitive
means 39 whereby the weight of one person is sufficient to actuate switch means.
3. A security door as claimed in Claim 2 characterised in that the respective positions
of the portion 36 and the further portion 37 are unobvious from the position of an
occupant within the space.
4. A security door as claimed in any one of the preceding claims characterised in
that the means defining the floor includes upright portions 35 disposed within the
cylindrical space.
5. A security door as claimed in Claim 2 characterised in that the further portion
37 is mounted on a strain gauge 39 which is capable of producing an electrical signal
to said switch means.
6. A security door as claimed in any one of the preceding claims characterised in
that the dimensions of the frame 10 and of the door member 11, and their respective
openings, are such that, at no position of the door member 11 within the frame 10
is there a through way from one side of the security door to the other.
7. A security door as claimed in any one of the preceding claims characterised in
that the cylindrical door member 11 can occupy respective positions in which its opening
is in register with inlet or outlet openings defined by the frame, and can also occupy
a position in which such opening in the door member is out of register with all such
inlet or outlet openings.
8. A security door as claimed in any one of the preceding claims characterised by
a locking device 27 whereby, in the absence of power supply to the power means 26
for rotating the door member 11, the door member 11 is locked against rotation.
9. A security door as claimed in Claim 8 characterised by a device 28 operable when
power supply to the power means 26 is absent, tending to rotate the door member 11
towards a position in which the locking device 27 is operable.
10. A security door as claimed in Claim 8 characterised in that the locking device
is a bolt normally held by an electrical solenoid 27 out of its locking condition.
11. A security door as claimed in Claim 9 characterised in that the device 28 tending
to rotate the door member 11 towards its locking position, comprises a gravity driven
device, the locked position of the door coinciding with a lower security open position
of the security door.
12. A security door as claimed in any one of the preceding claims characterised in
that there are additional security devices associated with the door, allowing operation
only when they have been appropriately actuated.
13. A security door as claimed in Claim 12 characterised in that a remotely positioned
control device is incorporated, to enable door operation to take place.
14. A security door as claimed in any one of the preceding claims characterised by
time delay circuits in the apparatus for controlling actuation of the door.