Security, Monitoring and Control System for Preventing Unauthorized Entry into a Bank or Other Building

• US 20100147201A1
• Filed: 12/15/2009
• Published: 06/17/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 12/17/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: 1st United Services Credit Union
• Original Assignee: 1st United Services Credit Union
• Inventors: Mucio, Matt
• Granted Patent: US 8,171,864 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 109/3
• CPC Class Codes: E05G 5/003 Entrance control E05G5/02 takes precedence

Abstract

A series of doors, locks, walls and signage present a vestibule room or safety enclosure for use in controlling access into a secured space. Exterior signage regarding weapon detection equipment and the appearance of a mantrap enclosure is used to dissuade visitors from bringing weapons into the secured area. A person within the safety enclosure may always exit through the exterior door and thus avoid harm in the event of a natural disaster.

Claims

1. A system for creating an illusion of a mantrap, screening visitors and for controlling the movement of visitors, the system comprising:

a) an exterior door attached to an exterior wall of a building;

b) an interior door secured within an first interior wall;

c) the first interior wall being attached perpendicularly the exterior wall;

d) a second interior wall attached perpendicularly to the exterior wall;

e) a third interior wall in a parallel position to the exterior wall and attached perpendicularly to the first and second interior walls;

f) a safety chamber defined by an interior floor, interior ceiling, the interior door secured within the first interior wall, the second and third interior walls, the exterior wall and exterior door;

g) a protected interior space defined by the first interior wall, interior door and a structure housing the remaining protected interior space;

h) when the exterior door is in a locked state, the exterior door is operable by a person within the safety chamber and the exterior door is not operable by a person exterior to the exterior door;

i) when the interior door is in a locked state, the interior door is operable by a person within the protected interior space and the interior door is not operable by a person within the safety chamber;

j) the exterior door is attached to a door closing mechanism;

when the exterior door closes, a person within the safety chamber will hear a locking sound created by a door strike and door catch assembly.

k) the exterior door having an exterior side;

l) a sign attached to the exterior side of the exterior door, with the sign warning of the presence of weapon detection equipment;

m) a communication system and microphone located within the safety chamber and attached to an interior wall, with the communication system providing means for an operator of the system to communicate with a person within the safety chamber; and

n) a protocol of operation comprising;

i. placing the exterior door in an unlocked state;

ii. upon entry into the safety chamber by a first person the exterior door closes and is placed into a locked state for a predetermined amount of time;

iii. an operator of the system unlocks the interior door to allow the first person into the protected interior space, or the operator leaves the interior door in a locked state; and

iv. if the predetermined amount of time expires and a second person joins the first person within the safety chamber, an operator of the system leaves the interior door in a locked state.

2. The system of claim 1 further comprising means of detecting magnetic distortions within the safety chamber and a display screen reporting measured magnetic distortions in numerical units only so as to not alarm or distract members of the public who may be viewing the display screen.

3. A relay switch system for use in preventing unauthorized entry into a bank or other building, the relay switch system comprising:

a) means of controlling an interior door and exterior door to a safety enclosure;

b) means of preventing a potential visitor from opening the exterior door while a person is within the safety enclosure;

c) means of allowing a person within the safety enclosure to exit through the exterior door; and

d) means of allowing both the exterior and interior doors to operate so as to allow people to exit the safety chamber and/or the protected interior space when the either the exterior or interior doors are in a locked or unlocked state.