ACCESS SYSTEM FOR AN OPENING

Abstract

 The present invention provides an access system for an opening. The system includes a locking portion associated with the opening, provided to move between locked and unlocked configurations, and authentication means provided to actuate the locking portion. The system further includes recording means adapted to register and record access or attempted access by a person to the system.

Description

[0001] The invention to which this application relates is an access system for an opening. Although the following description refers mainly to emergency access into a building, the person skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention could also be used for access through other openings, such as those into containers of various forms, or other openings where access needs to be restricted.

[0002] Owners or occupants of buildings, in particular, the elderly or vulnerable can be at significant risk if they are in a property on their own and an accident or emergency occurs wherein that person is incapacitated in some manner. It may take some time before someone realises that there has been an incident and that there is something potentially wrong with the owner/occupant. If such an emergency is suspected, when a person attempts to gain entry into the property, it is invariably locked, and so forced entry is required, creating damage to the property and which takes time and money to repair. This can be frustrating in particular if it becomes apparent that there is no emergency. If, on the other hand, there has been an incident, creating damage by forcing entry can create a mess and potentially contaminate a scene that may subsequently require forensic examination. There is therefore a need to provide a means by which personnel may gain safe and secure access to a property in the event of an emergency.

[0003] In other instances where safe and secure access to an opening may be required, is when there is an attempt made to deliver one or more items to a property and the occupant of the property is not present. Safe and secure access to a means by which a courier may deposit the items for delivery is required, and there is therefore a need to provide a means by which this may be achieved.

[0004] It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide an access system for an opening which overcomes the problems associated with the prior art.

[0005] It is a further aim of the present invention to provide a method of using an access system for an opening which overcomes the problems associated with the prior art.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an access system for an opening, said system including:

a locking portion associated with said opening, provided to move between locked and unlocked configurations;

authentication means provided to actuate said locking portion; and

recording means adapted to register and record access or attempted access by a person to the system.

[0007] In one embodiment, said opening provided as a door or the like to a building. Typically, said building is a residential building.

[0008] In one embodiment, said system is provided to permit emergency access to an authorised person to the said building.

[0009] In one embodiment, said locking portion is a default locking portion associated with the opening, and said system provides a means to overcome / open / bypass said locking portion without the need for a default key or unlocking member associated with the locking portion.

[0010] In one embodiment, said recording means includes at least visual or image recording means. Typically, said visual or image recording means are provided as one or more cameras, located at and/or near said opening. Further typically, said visual or image recording means are arranged to activate as an attempt to activate said system is initiated. Thus, not only does the system record any genuine access to said opening, but it also registers and records any attempted entry which may be malicious, or tampering with the system.

[0011] In one embodiment, said recording means may further include audio recording means. Typically, said audio recording means may be provided in the form of one or more microphones.

[0012] In one embodiment, said authentication means may include any or any combination of: a keypad requiring entry of a passcode, PIN, alphanumeric code or the like; one or more key-cards or fobs or the like, iris scanning means, palm or finger print scanning means, face recognition means and/or voice recognition means.

[0013] Typically, override means may be provided for the system, and in some embodiments, said override means may be provided to or located with emergency services.

[0014] In one embodiment, access or attempted access to the system is logged on a database, stored on memory means associated with the system. Typically, said memory means is located internally of a building with which the system is provided. In another embodiment, said memory means may be provided remotely from the opening, for example, on a remote server or cloud storage system. Preferably, recording of the duration of the access to said opening is stored on said memory means.

[0015] In one embodiment, notification means are provided associated with the system. Typically, said notification means are activated as soon as access or attempted access to the system is registered by the recording means. Further typically, said notification means may include any or any combination of the following: an automated phone call to a designated number; an SMS message; email; a "push" notification on a mobile application; and/or visual/audio/tactile notification on a remote device associated with the system, such a fob, pager or the like.

[0016] Thus, the present invention provides an effective means by which authorised personnel, be they emergency services and/or nominated individuals, can access a building in the event of an emergency in order to check if everything is OK or whether there is someone who requires assistance.

[0017] In one embodiment, access or attempted access to the system sends an automatic notification to emergency services.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, said opening may be to a lockable container or containing means.

[0019] In one embodiment, said containing means is provided associated with a building or property. Typically, said building or property is a residential building. Further typically, said containing means is provided for the receipt of one or more items to be delivered to an owner or occupant of a property while the owner or occupant is away from said property.

[0020] In one embodiment, said containing means is provided attached to or anchored to said building.

[0021] In one embodiment, said recording means are provided to register and record delivery of one or more items to the containing means. Typically, said recording means are activated as soon as an attempt to access the opening is registered.

[0022] In one embodiment, said authentication means may include a keypad requiring entry of a passcode, PIN, alphanumeric code or the like. In another embodiment, said authentication means may include one or more tags associated with the item(s) for delivery, and a proximity sensor located with the opening, permitting said opening to open automatically upon sensing proximity of the associated tag.

[0023] In one embodiment, said containing means includes securing means, provided to prevent items delivered to the containing means to be taken back / stolen by unauthorised personnel. Typically, said containing means includes a non-return opening, through which said items for delivery may be placed.

[0024] Typically, override means are provided, permitting an owner or authorised person to access and remove the contents of the containing means.

[0025] In another embodiment, said opening may be located within a part or portion of a door to a building. Typically, said opening may be provided for the receipt of letters, parcels or other such items for delivery.

[0026] In one embodiment, said access system may be applied to a delivery system incorporated into an opening to a building, as described in granted British Patent GB2483951. Typically, said opening is a parcel receiving device located in a door of a building.

[0027] Preferably, said locking portion is provided associated with the parcel receiving device, and prevents opening of the same until actuated.

[0028] In some embodiments, said opening may be sized to receive a trolley or delivery means, which holds or contains the items to be delivered. Typically, said opening includes an enclosure for entry of said trolley or delivery means, but prevents access beyond said enclosure to the interior of said building.

[0029] In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of using an access system for an opening, said method including the steps of:

providing a system as described above;

registering an attempt to access said opening with said system;

initiating recording means to record access or attempted access to said opening;

registering the entry / scanning / presentation of authentication means and determining whether or not said means are valid for access;

if said authentication means are determined to be valid, disengaging said locking portion and permitting entry through said opening;

recording the access or attempted access to said opening and subsequent activity after access of said opening.

[0030] In one embodiment, recording of said access or attempted access by recording means is stored on memory means associated with the system.

[0031] Typically, said recording includes visual or image recording of the access or attempted access. Further typically, said recording also includes audio recording of the access or attempted access.

[0032] In one embodiment, said opening is provided as a door or the like to a building. Typically, said building is a residential building.

[0033] In one embodiment, said system is provided to permit emergency access to an authorised person to the said building.

[0034] In one embodiment, access or attempted access to the system sends an automatic notification to emergency services.

[0035] In one embodiment of the present invention, said opening may be to a lockable container or containing means, and is provided for the receipt of one or more items to be delivered to an owner or occupant of a property while the owner or occupant is away from said property.

[0036] Typically, delivery or otherwise authorised personnel are provided with authentication means and use the same to gain entry to said container or containing means to deliver said one or more items.

[0037] The present invention therefore provides a safe and secure system by which to provide access to an opening. The opening may be to a building or property and such access may be required by certain authorised personnel in the event of an emergency and to check upon the safety of the occupant of the property. The system may also be used to provide access to a container or containing means for the delivery of one or more items to an address whereby the occupant is not present at that particular time.

[0038] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein:

Figures 1a - b illustrate a front and front perspective views of an access system for an opening, according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of an access system for an opening, according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figures 3a - c illustrate an access system used in conjunction with a delivery system incorporated into an opening, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 4 illustrates a trolley or delivery means for delivering items through an opening accessible via an access system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0039] The present invention provides an access system 1 for an opening which may be provided in various forms. Most commonly, the opening may be a doorway or entrance into a building (not shown), most commonly, a residential building, and the system provides safe and secure emergency access to the building without the need for breaking through a locked door, creating damage and incurring costs for the repair. The system 1 is linked to a locking portion or member 3 associated with the door, which would normally be actuated - locked and unlocked - via a user's key or fob device, in normal circumstances. However, in circumstances where emergency access is required to the property, for example, if it is suspected that the owner or occupant of the property - who may be an elderly and/or otherwise vulnerable person - has suffered an accident or medical emergency, an authorised person or group of people may be able to use the system 1 to override the standard locking mechanism and gain access to the property to check upon the health / safety of the person inside. This would be of particular use if that person is incapacitated and does not have the ability to contact third parties. The system 1 includes authentication means 5 which are provided to verify that the person entering the property is an authorised person or has the required authentication to gain access, and recording means 7 which may be provided in the form of one or more cameras and one or more microphones, which can record visual and audio activity when the system is accessed. The recording means 7 are generally activated when they or the system register an attempt to access the system 1 and gain entry through the opening. this therefore serves to record not only the activity of any authorised personnel when they enter the property, but also any potential attempt to tamper with and/or vandalise the system.

[0040] The recording means 7, in the form of one or more cameras and one or more microphones can be positioned at various locations such as the entrance where the opening is located, within the body of the access system as currently depicted in Figures 1a - b, and in certain positions within the property itself so that the activity of those that enter the property using the system 1 can be tracked. The recordings can be logged and the audio/visual data may be stored on memory means for subsequent access and viewing, and the memory may be provided as a closed-circuit system within the property, an external or remotely located server, or may be provided as cloud storage. This would also allow an owner or occupant of the property to view recordings of the entry through a mobile device should the need arise. This may be particularly useful in circumstance where the owner / occupant may be away from the property and would like to view activity at the property. A notification (discussed in more detail below) may be sent to the owner indicating that there is activity being recorded by the system and they may then view said activity via a live stream, which is also recording.

[0041] The authentication means 5 may be provided as a keypad requiring entry of a specific alphanumeric code or PIN, which has been provided to an authorised individual. It may also be provided as a key-card to be inserted, swiped or placed in or near a receiver. More advanced authentication means may also be provided, in the form of a biometric scanner which is used to detect one or more features of the authorised person or group of people. For example, this may be provided as an iris scanner, finger or palm print reader, voice or facial recognition and/or the like. The relevant biometric information of the authorised individual or individuals may be entered into and stored on a database / memory means associated with the system during setup, such that they may then be recognised when presenting themselves when using the system. In addition to certain authorised individuals, a further system override may be included with the system 1 which permits immediate access to emergency services should they arrive at and require entry to the property before another authorised person has arrived. Such an override may be a master code to be entered or a master key-card to be swiped / inserted etc. The system thus also becomes useful to the owner of the property should they find themselves in the situation where they have lost their own keys to the property and thus cannot enter in the usual fashion.

[0042] In addition to registering, logging and recording entry into the property through the opening using the system 1, the system 1 may also be programmed to send a notification alerting user of the entry or attempted access. The notification can be sent in the form of an automated telephone call, and SMS message, email, other mobile message such as via WhatsApp®, or via a "push" notification through a mobile application on a mobile device. Furthermore, a separate notification may also be sent to alert emergency services of the access or attempted access. This may be particularly useful in situation where the owner or occupant of the property may be going away for a period of time and is not expecting anyone to enter the property. Thus, the emergency services would be immediately notified of any attempted access to the property, recognise that this may not be authorised (even if entry is by an otherwise authorised person), and subsequently travel to the property to inspect it for any unexpected or suspicious activity.

[0043] In another example of the present invention, the opening with which the access system may be associated is to a lockable container or containing means (not shown). Such a container may be provided with a building, attached or anchored thereto. In particular, the building may be a residential property and the container is provided for the receipt of one or more items that are to be delivered to the property at a time when the owner or occupant of the property is away. Recording means associated with the system are thus provided to register and record delivery of the one ore more items to the container, and are activated as soon as an attempt to access the opening is registered, much in the same way as described above, where the opening is a doorway. The authentication means may be provided as a keypad on the container which, upon entry of a correct alphanumeric code or PIN, serves to unlock the opening and permit access to the interior of the container. For delivery of items, a specific code may be associated with the delivery order and permits only a single access to the container, preventing repeat use or the code being passed on for a potentially unauthorised person to use and gain access. In other examples, the authentication means may include a proximity sensor which actuates the lock when it detects a tag associated with the one or more items to be delivered. Communication between the tag and the sensor may be via RFID, NFC or the like, and will actuate the locking portion if a recognised or predetermined signal is detected.

[0044] The container may further include extra security measures such as non-return spikes, which are provided to allow insertion of the item or items to be delivered into the container, but prevent subsequent removal by any unauthorised person. Given that the container would only be able to be opened when the correct code associate with the correct package is entered, or the correct signal is detected, it is highly unlike that an incorrect item should be deposited in the container requiring subsequent removal. An override mechanism may be provided in order to permit an owner of the container to access the contents and subsequently remove the delivered items. Throughout this process, as the access system is activated and the authorised or delivery personnel access the opening, the activity is logged and recorded by the recording means, and subsequently stored on a memory or database for review and/or deletion by an owner. The recording means will also be activated if tampering and/or vandalism is detected by the system, and so any unauthorised attempted access to the container will also be registered and recorded.

[0045] In other embodiments of the present invention, the opening to which the system 1 is associated may be located within a part or portion of a door to a building, the opening being provided for the receipt of letters, parcels or other such items for delivery, as depicted in Figures 3a - c. The access system 1 may be applied to a delivery system incorporated into an opening to a building, as described in the Applicant's granted British Patent GB2483951. The opening delivery personnel will require access to, however, is the parcel receiving device 9 located in the door 11 of the building, and the locking portion 13 is provided associated with the parcel receiving device 9, preventing opening of the same until actuated. In this particular example, the system 1 is depicted as a keypad 15 requiring input of an appropriate authentication code. However, it will be appreciated that the system, or at least the authentication portion thereof, may be provide in an alternative form as discussed above. In other examples, the opening in the doorway may be sized to receive a trolley 17 or other delivery means, which holds or contains the items to be delivered, an example of which is shown in Figure 4. The opening may include an enclosure, cage or other such appreciate device for entry of the trolley 17 but prevent access beyond the enclosure to the interior of the building.

Claims

1. An access system for an opening, said system including:

a locking portion associated with said opening, provided to move between locked and unlocked configurations;

authentication means provided to actuate said locking portion; and

recording means adapted to register and record access or attempted access by a person to the system.

2. A system according to claim 1, wherein said opening provided as a door or the like to a building or a lockable container or containing means.

3. A system according to claim 2, wherein said system is provided to permit emergency access to an authorised person to the said building.

4. A system according to claim 1, wherein said locking portion is a default locking portion associated with the opening, and said system provides a means to overcome / open / bypass said locking portion without the need for a default key or unlocking member associated with the locking portion.

5. A system according to claim 1, wherein said recording means includes at least visual or image recording means, and/or audio recording means.

6. A system according to claim 1, wherein access or attempted access to the system is logged on a database, stored on memory means associated with the system.

7. A system according to claim 1, wherein notification means are provided associated with the system, said notification means, in use, being activated as soon as access or attempted access to the system is registered by the recording means.

8. A system according to claim 2, wherein said containing means is provided associated with a building or property for the receipt of one or more items to be delivered to an owner or occupant of a property while the owner or occupant is away from said property.

9. A system according to claim 8, wherein said recording means are provided to register and record delivery of one or more items to the containing means and are activated as soon as an attempt to access the opening is registered, in use.

10. A system according to claim 2, wherein said containing means includes securing means, provided to prevent items delivered to the containing means to be taken back / stolen by unauthorised personnel, such as a non-return opening, through which items for delivery are placed, in use.

11. A system according to claim 1, wherein said access system is applied to a delivery system incorporated into an opening to a building.

12. A system according to claim 11, wherein said locking portion is provided associated with a parcel receiving device of the delivery system, and prevents opening of the same until actuated.

13. A method of using an access system for an opening, said method including the steps of:

providing a system as described above;

registering an attempt to access said opening with said system;

initiating recording means to record access or attempted access to said opening;

registering the entry / scanning / presentation of authentication means and determining whether or not said means are valid for access;

if said authentication means are determined to be valid, disengaging said locking portion and permitting entry through said opening;

recording the access or attempted access to said opening and subsequent activity after access of said opening.

14. A method according to claim 13, wherein recording of said access or attempted access by visual or image and/or audio recording means is stored on memory means associated with the system.

15. A method according to claim 13, wherein said opening is to a lockable container or containing means, and is provided for the receipt of one or more items to be delivered to an owner or occupant of a property while the owner or occupant is away from said property.

Drawing