AU2004100123A4 - Alarm system and method of alerting to unauthorised presence - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION INNOVATION PATENT Applicants: PROTECT ME SECURITY PTY LTD Invention Title: PORTABLE ALARM SYSTEM The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to Us: 2 Alarm system and method of alerting to unauthorised presence FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an alarm system and method of alerting to unauthorised presence, and especially to a method for use in partially completed buildings and a portable alarm systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION During the construction of buildings, builders are regularly confronted with the problem of theft of tools and building materials from the building site.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of alerting of unauthorised presence in the vicinity of a partially constructed building, the method comprising the steps of: providing an alarm system, the alarm system comprising at least one detector for monitoring at least a portion of the partially constructed building and a processing unit for processing signals from the at least one detector; installing the alarm system in the vicinity of the building, comprising mounting the at least one detector on the partially constructed building, in the portion to be monitored, and remote from the processing unit; operating the alarm system; and removing the alarm system from the building, prior to or shortly after completion of construction of the building.

Throughout the specification, the term "partially constructed building" and related terms such as "building under construction" is intended to refer to a building which is at any stage between frame stage and completion of construction of the building.

H- \AndrewD\keep\speci\52128 duc 19/02/04 3 Throughout the specification, the term "completion of construction" and related terms such as "construction completed" in respect of a building is intended to refer to when the building is finished and decorated.

Preferably, the alarm system comprises at least one detector.

Preferably the method includes use of at least one detector for monitoring at least a portion of the partially constructed building.

Preferably, the step of installing the alarm system comprises mounting at least one said detector on the partially constructed building.

Preferably, at least one said detector is a passive infra-red detector or a motion detector.

Preferably, at least one said detector is mounted using a detector mounting assembly.

Preferably the detector mounting assembly comprises a tacky malleable material, and in use a detector is mounted to a building by attaching the tacky malleable material to the detector and to a part of the building.

Preferably, the detector is mounted to a building by placing and compressing one or more portions of tacky malleable material between the back of the detector and the partially constructed building to stabilise the at least one detector in position.

Preferably, the detector mounting assembly comprises a fibrous material and a fixing device, and at least one said detector is mounted by attaching the fibrous material to the detector and to a part of the building using the fixing device.

Preferably, at least one said detector is mounted by using the fibrous material to support the detector and the tacky malleable material to stabilise the detector relative to a part of the building.

Preferably the fibrous material comprises a H:\AndrewD\keep\speci\52128 .doc 19/02/01 -4 thread.

Preferably, the thread is made of string, wire, nylon, fishing line or another fibrous material with sufficient tensile strength to hold up the at least one detector.

Preferably, the thread is tied to the at least one detector.

Preferably, mounting of the at least one detector comprises passing the thread through at least one aperture in the back of at least one said detector and tying the thread to the at least one detector.

Preferably, the tacky malleable material is adapted to be cleanly removable from a wall surface to which it is adhered.

Preferably, the tacky malleable material is poster putty, such as that sold under the trade mark BLU- TACK, or a similar material.

Preferably, the fixing device is a metal fixing member adapted to be driven into a wall.

Preferably, the fixing device is a pin, staple or any other device of similar cross-section.

Preferably, the alarm system further comprises a processing unit for processing signals from the at least one detector.

Preferably, the processing unit can operate without the connection of mains power to the partially constructed building.

Preferably, the alarm system also comprises a battery to provide power to the processing unit.

Preferably, the battery is a rechargeable leadacid battery.

Preferably, the processing unit is adapted to be connected to mains power, if mains power is available.

Preferably, the at least one detector is remote from the processing unit.

Preferably, the processing unit comprises a radio frequency communication system for communication with one H:\AndreID\keep\speci\52l29 d-c 19/02/01 5 or more detectors by radio waves.

Preferably, the radio frequency transmission system comprises a radio frequency generating unit and at least one antenna.

Preferably, the processinig unit comprises a notification system for notifying a person, substantially remote from the partially constructed building, of the unauthorised presence.

Preferably, the person is the builder, a monitoring station, the police, a security company or some other person relevant to the protection of the partially constructed building.

Preferably, the step of installing the alarm system comprises establishing a connection for the notification system to the person.

Preferably, the processing unit activates the notification system upon receiving a signal from the at least one detector reporting an unauthorised presence.

Preferably, the notification system can operate without connection of a telephone line to the partially constructed building.

Preferably, the notification system comprises a mobile phone system for notifying the person by a mobile phone network.

Preferably, the mobile phone system comprises a mobile phone PCB, a Sim Card Unit and at least one antenna.

Preferably, the mobile phone system is a GSM system.

Preferably, the notification system comprises a PSTN system for notifying the person by telephone.

Preferably, the PSTN system comprises a PSTN sockef.

Preferably, the notification system comprises both of a mobile phone system and a PSTN system.

Preferably, the step of installing the alarm system comprises placing the processing unit in the H:\AndrewD\keep\speci\52128.doc 19/02/04 6 vicinity of the partially constructed building.

Preferably, the step of installing the alarm system comprises placing the processing unit in the roof cavity of the partially constructed building.

Preferably, the processing unit also comprises a keypad for arming/disarming the alarm system.

Preferably, the alarm system is armed/disarmed via the keypad using a PIN-code.

Preferably, the alarm system also comprises a remote transmitter for arming/disarming the alarm system remote from the processing unit.

Preferably, the step of operation of the alarm system comprises arming the alarm system using either the keypad or the remote transmitter.

Preferably, a substantial portion of the processing unit is housed in a box.

Preferably, Preferably, system and the mobile box.

the box is constructed of metal.

the antennae for the radio frequency phone system are external to the Preferably, the entire processing unit is housed in a case.

Preferably, Preferably, inside of the case.

Preferably, plastic material.

Preferably, properly closed to be Preferably, the box is housed inside the case.

the box is fixedly attached to the the case is constructed of a robust the case is sufficiently sealed when substantially rainproof.

the step of installing the alarm system comprises placing the case in the vicinity of the partially constructed building.

Preferably, the step of installing the alarm system comprises placing the case in the roof cavity of the partially constructed building.

Preferably, the step of installing the alarm system comprises lockably securing the case to the H.\AndrewD\keep\speci\S212B8.doc 19/02/04 7 partially constructed building.

Preferably, the step of installing the alarm system comprises locking the case closed.

Preferably, the alarm system comprises at least one alarm generator.

Preferably, the step of installing the alarm system comprises installing at least one alarm generator in the vicinity of the partially constructed building.

Preferably, the step of installing the alarm system comprises connecting at least one alarm generator to the processing unit.

Preferably, at least one alarm generator is connected to the processing unit via a 'plug-and-play' arrangement.

Preferably, at least one alarm generator is connected to the processing unit by at least one cable.

Preferably, the processing unit activates at least one alarm generator upon receiving a signal from the at least one detector reporting an unauthorised presence.

Preferably, at least one alarm generator is provided with an anti-tamper device.

Preferably, when tampering is detected by the anti-tamper device, the processing unit activates at least one alarm generator and the notification system.

Preferably, the alarm system includes at least a first alarm generator and a second alarm generator.

Preferably, the step of installing the alarm system comprises installing an internal alarm generator inside the partially constructed building.

Preferably, the step of installing the alarm system, comprises the step of mounting the internal alarm generator in the vicinity of the entry point to the roof space'of the building.

Preferably, the step of installing the alarm system, comprises the step of mounting the internal alarm generator to a manhole batten.

Preferably, the internal alarm generator is H 'N\Andr-ewD\keep\speci\52[29 doc 19/02/04 8mounted using a mounting plate.

Preferably the mounting plate is substantially Ushaped or substantially zigzag-shaped.

Preferably, the mounting plate for the internal alarm generator is constructed of sheet metal.

Preferably, the mounting plate for the internal alarm generator extends from the manhole batten through the manhole.

Preferably, the internal alarm generator is located below the ceiling plaster.

Preferably, the step of installing the alarm system comprises passing the cable, which connects the internal alarm generator to the processing unit, through the manhole and connecting the cable to the internal alarm generator.

Alternatively, the step of installing the alarm system may comprise placing the internal alarm generator on top of the case.

Preferably, the internal alarm generator provides an audio alarm.

Preferably, the internal alarm generator is a screamer alarm.

Preferably, the step of installing the alarm system comprises installing an external alarm generator on the exterior of the partially constructed building.

Preferably, the step of installing the alarm system comprises the step of mounting the external alarm generator to a board which forms part of the exterior of the building.

Preferably the board is a barge board.

Preferably, the step of installing the alarm system comprises drilling an aperture in the eaves, passing a cable for connecting the external alarm generator to the processing unit through the aperture and connecting the cable to the external alarm generator.

Preferably, the external alarm generator is mounted to the board using a substantially flat mounting H:\AndrewD\keep\speci\5226 donc 19/V02/04 9plate.

Preferably, the mounting plate for the external alarm generator is constructed of sheet metal.

Preferably, the external alarm generator comprises a strobe and a horn for providing an audio and visual alarm.

Preferably, the step of removing the alarm system involves the reverse of at least some of the actions that comprise the step of installing the alarm system.

Preferably, the step of removing the alarm system comprises placing in or attaching to the case, at least one detector, at least one alarm generator and one or more ancillary components.

Preferably, the case comprises a cradle, attached to the outside of the case, for attaching at least one alarm generator to the case.

Preferably, the method also comprises the step of transporting the alarm system from a first building to second building.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a alarm system for a partially completed building, said alarm system, in use, comprising: at least one detector, located in a part of the partially constructed building; at least one alarm generator for generating an alarm, located in or attached to a part of the partially constructed building; a processing unit for receiving an alarm signal from the detector and activating at least one alarm generator in response to the alarm signal; wherein the processing unit is located in the roof,hpace of the partially constructed building, and at least one alarm generator is located in or adjacent the roof space.

Preferably, said at least one alarm generator is adapted to cause discomfort to an unauthorised person H:\AndfrewD\keep\speci\52128 doc 19/02/04 10 entering the roofspace.

Preferably the alarm system includes a notification system for alerting a remote authorised person in response to an alarm signal.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit for an alarm system in accordance with the second aspect of the invention, said kit comprising: at least one detector, adapted to detect presence of persons in the vicinity; at least one alarm generator for generating an alarm; a notification system for notifying monitoring person via a mobile telephone communication system and/or a land line-based telephone system; a processing unit for receiving an alarm signal from the detector and activating at least one alarm generator and the notification system in response to the alarm signal; wherein the processing unit is housed in a robust portable casing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a plan view of the inside of a case for containing elements of a portable alarm system according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a plan view of the top of the lid of a box from the case of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a plan view of the internal components of the box of Figure 2; Figure 4 isa plan view of the top of the lid of the case of Figure 1; Figure 5 is a cross section on A-A of Figure 4; Figure 6 is a side view of a strobe/horn of an embodiment of an alarm system according to the present H 4deDkepseiA22coc 1g/C2/'D4 11 invention; Figure 7 is a front end view of a mounting plate for the strobe/horn of Figure 6; Figure 8 is a side view of a screamer alarm generator installed on a mounting plate attached to a manhole batten; Figure 9 is an elevated view of a mounting plate bent in an alternative configuration to the mounting plate shown in Figure 8; Figure 10 is a plan view of the mounting plate of Figure 9 in an unbent configuration; Figure 11 is a schematic side view of a detector of a portable alarm system mounted to a wall of a building; Figure 12 is a rear view of the detector of Figure 11; Figure 13 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the mounting plate for the screamer alarm of Figure 8; and Figure 14 is a schematic side view of a further alternative mounting arrangement for a screamer alarm and tamper switch arrangement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figures 1, 6, 8 and 11 show, respectively, a processing unit 11, a screamer alarm 12, a strobe/horn 13 and at least one detector 14, which are the main components of an embodiment of a portable alarm system according to the present invention.

The portable alarm system is adapted, in use, to alert of an unauthorised presence in at least some parts of a partially constructed building. This is achieved by attaching one or more detectors 14 to appropriate parts of the partially constructed building. Each detector 14 monitors a part of the building or its vicinity, and reports any unauthorised presence by providing a signal to the processing unit 11. The at least one said detector 14 H:\AncidrewD\keep\speci\52128.doc 19/02/04 12 is remote from the processing unit 11 and preferably at least one said detector is able to provide the signal by wireless communication. In a preferred embodiment the detectors communicate with the processing unit via radio frequency (RF) communication. The at least one detector 14 is a passive infra-red (PIR) detector or a motion detector.

In use the processing unit 11 is preferably located in the roof cavity, where it may be hidden from view and difficult to access by unauthorised persons. This helps prevent any tampering with the processing unit 11.

The processing unit 11 can be run off mains power, but is also provided with a rechargeable battery.

When a detector 14 detects and reports an unauthorised presence to the processing unit 11, the processing unit 11 in turn activates both the screamer alarm 12 and the strobe/horn 13. The screamer alarm 12 is located within the partially constructed building and is adapted to provide an audio alarm. The strobe/horn 13 is attached to the exterior of the building and is adapted to provide a visual and audio alarm. This audio alarm is of a volume that causes discomfort and thus discourages proximity. Neither the screamer alarm 12, nor the strobe/horn 13 is hard-wired to the processing unit 11.

One end of a first cable plugs into the screamer alarm 12 and the cable's other end plugs into the processing unit 11. Similarly, another cable at one end plugs into the strobe/horn 13 and at the cable's other end into the processing unit 11. Thus, the processing unit 11 is connected to the screamer alarm 12 and the strobe/horn 13 in a 'plug-and-play' arrangement.

The processing unit 11 also comprises a notification system, adapted to notify a monitoring person (eg the builder, the police, a security company or a staffed or automatic monitoring station, but henceforth referred to, for convenience, as the builder) of the unauthorised presence when it is detected by the detector, H %AndrewD\keepxspeci\5212 Coc 19/02/04 13 even when the builder is remote from the partially constructed building. The notification system comprises a PSTN ('Public Switched Telephone Network') connection and a mobile phone connection preferably a GSM ('Global System for Mobile Communication') network connection. The builder can be notified of the unauthorised presence by one or both of these mechanisms of the notification system.

Both the screamer alarm 12 and the strobe/horn 13 are provided with anti-tampering devices, which cause the alarms to be triggered and the builder to be notified via the notification system if an attempt is made to deactivate the alarms (eg by unplugging the cables).

The alarm system is provided so that once construction of the building is complete, the portable alarm system can be removed and transported to another partially constructed building. The 'plug-and-play' nature of the portable alarm system facilitates the removal of the alarm system once construction of the building is completed. It also allows the builder to install the alarm system himself as he does not require substantial electrical wiring skills or a cabling licence.

Referring now to Figure 1, all or much of the alarm system is adapted for transportation from one building to another building in or attached to a case The case 15 has a snug fitting lid (see Figure 4) and acts to protect the integrity of the processing unit 11 when the alarm system is in use, not only from tampering but also from weather conditions. Thus, the portable alarm system can be used even when it is exposed to pouring rain. The processing unit 11 is partially contained within a box 16 which is located in and fixed to the case Extending from the box 16, parallel to the base of the case 15, is a GSM antenna 25 for sending signals via the GSM network to notify the builder of an unauthorised presence. The GSM antenna 25 is outside the box 16 because the box 16 is constructed of metal, which would interfere with the signal from the antenna 25 if the H \And-eD\keep\speei\S2129.do 19/02/'0 14 antenna was placed inside the box 16.

The case 15 is constructed of a very robust polymer (plastic) material. This allows the case 15 to be used to protect the integrity of the processing unit 11 without interfering with any signals from the notification system.

The case 15 comprises a mains power inlet adapted in use to allow for the connection of the processing unit 11 to mains power. The case 15 also comprises a first transformer 21, which in use, enables the processing unit 11 to run off mains power.

The case 15 also comprises detector pouches 22 for containing the at least one detector 14 during transit of the portable alarm system, at least one accessory pouch 23 for containing one or more accessories of the portable alarm system and key fob holders 24 for storing remote transmitters that can be used to arm or disarm the alarm system.

On the outside surface of the case 15 are provided first and second plug sockets 33, 34 for connection of the respective cables from the screamer alarm 12 and strobe/horn 13 to the processing unit 11.

Also on the outside surface of the casel5 there is provided a PSTN socket 34 which is a part of the notification system of the processing unit 11, and in use, is adapted to notify the builder of the unauthorised presence in the partially constructed building via a PSTN connection. This mechanism can only be utilised if a telephone line has been wired to the building. However, because the notification system also comprises a GSM connection, it is effective even if a telephone line has not been wired to the building. The internal connections and systems required for operation of the various described elements will be evident to the skilled addressee.

The remainder of the inside of the case 15 is packed with foam in-fill 26, as desired.

H:\AndrewD\kee 1 p\specr\ r 24 Joc 19/02/04 15 Referring now to Figure 2, the box 16 comprises a lid 29 which is removable to allow access to the internal components of the box 16. On the top face of the lid 29 is an RF (radio frequency) unit 30 and a keypad 32.

The RF unit 30 is part of the processing unit 11 and, in use, is adapted to communicate with the one or more detectors located in the partially constructed building via radio frequency signals. These signals are transmitted via antennae 31, which extend out of the box 16 to avoid undesirable shielding effects (and interference) from the metal box.

The keypad 32, in use, allows the builder to arm and disarm the alarm system via a PIN-number.

Referring now to Figure 3, inside the box 16 is a battery 37, an alarm printed circuit board (PCB) 38, a GSM PCB 39 and a GSM Sim Card Unit 40. The battery 37, is a rechargeable lead-acid battery, and allows the portable alarm system to operate without mains power.

The alarm PCB 38 runs the algorithms which operate the alarm system. Similarly, the GSM PCB 39 runs the algorithms which connect the portable alarm system to the GSM network, via the GSM Sim Card Unit 40. The GSM PCB 39 and the GSM Sim Card Unit 40 are a part of the notification system of the processing unit 11, and in use, are adapted to notify the builder of the unauthorised presence in the partially constructed building via the GSM antenna Referring now to Figure 4, the case 15 has a lid 41, on top of which is connected a cradle 42 for the strobe/horn 13. The cradle 42 is adapted, in use, to carry the strobe/horn 13 during transport of the portable alarm system. The cradle 42 comprises a back rest 43 and two side tests 44. Referring to Figure 5, which is a schematic cross sectional view on A-A of Figure 4, the side rests 44 are pop-riveted to the case lid 41 by rivets 44a and have a J-shaped profile. Three sides of an edge flange or mounting plate of the strobe/horn 13 can respectively be H-\AndcewD\keep\speci\S212i8 doc 19/02/04

I

16 located in the concave parts of the three J-shaped profiles.

Referring now to Figures 6 and 7, the strobe/horn 13, comprising a strobe light 51 and a horn 52, is attached to a mounting plate 50 which effectively forms a back plate of a casing of the strobe/horn 13. The strobe light 51, in use, provides a visual alarm and the horn 52, in use, provides an audio alarm. The mounting plate 50 is a substantially flat piece of metal or hard plastic, which is adapted in use to facilitate mounting of the strobe/horn 13 to the exterior of the partially constructed building.

In use the mounting plate 50 is attached to a suitable outside portion of the building, such as for example a barge board 53, using two self-tapping screws 54 which pass through mounting apertures 57 of the mounting plate 50. Other suitable means of mounting the mounting plate 50 could be used, for example nails or rivets. The cable (designated 59 in Figure 6) connecting the strobe/horn 13 to the processing unit 11 passes through an aperture 56 in the eaves 55 of the building and is provided with a male plug 59a which plugs into the strobe/horn 13 via a female socket 58 provided in the mounting plate 50. The aperture 55 in the eaves 56 is drilled by the builder as a part of the installation of the portable alarm system.

If the cable 59 between the strobe/horn 13 and the processing unit 11 is disconnected without authorisation, then this triggers the tampering routine in the processing unit 11. This results in the screamer alarm 12, and any other available alarms, being activated and the notification system notifying the builder of an unauthorised presence. The housing for the strobe/horn 13 includes a peripheral flange45 to facilitate attachment (by any suitable means) to the mounting plate Referring now to Figures 8 to 10, the screamer alarm 12 can be mounted to an internal portion of the H: \AndreD\keep\speci\5212B doc 19/02/04 17 partially constructed building via attachment to a mounting plate An example of where the screamer alarm 12 can be mounted inside the building is shown in Figure 8. A first end of the mounting plate 60 is mounted to the top of a manhole batten 61 using a self-tapping screw 62 which passes through mounting aperture 65 of the mounting plate and into the manhole batten 61. Other suitable means of mounting the mounting plate 60 could be used, for example nails or rivets. The mounting plate 60 is bent along first bend line 68 so that the mounting plate 60 extends out of the roof cavity, through the manhole in the ceiling and past the manhole trim 63.

The screamer alarm 12 is attached to a second end of the mounting plate 60 by screwing the screamer alarm 12 to the mounting plate 60 via attachment apertures 66. The mounting plate 60 is bent along second bend line 69 so that the bottom end of the mounting plate and the screamer alarm 12 are substantially horizontal. This can be done as shown in Figure 8 so that the mounting plate 60 is substantially U-shaped and the screamer alarm 12 is located under the ceiling plaster 64. A preferred alternative is for the mounting plate to be bent along second bend line 69 as in Figure 9 so that the mounting plate is substantially zigzag-shaped, and so that the screamer alarm is mounted in or directly beneath the manhole so that it obstructs access to the roof cavity.

The preferred position of a tamper switch 380, discussed in more detail below with reference to Figure 14 is indicated by the rectangle shown in broken lines in Figure 9.

The cable (not shown) for connecting the screamer alarm 12 to the processing unit 11 plugs into the screamer alarm 12 through cabling aperture 67 in the mounting plate Another alternative mounting arrangement for a screamer alarm 212 is shown in Figure 13, in which the II:ArndrewD\keep~speci\5?L129.d]c 9q/02/04 18 mounting plate 260 is mounted to the side of the manhole batten 261. The mounting plate 260 also comprises a spring-loaded anti-tamper switch 80 which rests against the side of a manhole batten 261. The switch 80 has an axis approximately perpendicular to the portion of the mounting plate 260 to which it is attached. Unauthorised attempts to move the mounting plate 260 will result in relative movement of the switch 80 and the batten 261 and activate the switch. This will result in the strobe/horn 13 and the screamer alarm 12 being activated and the notification system notifying the builder of an unauthorised presence.

Referring to Figure 14, an alternative, and preferred, mounting for the screamer alarm provide a tamper switch 380 on a small aluminum mounting bracket 382 which is mounted directly above the screamer alarm 12.

The axis of the tamper switch 380 is substantially vertical and the tamper switch 380 is maintained in a compressed configuration by placement of a manhole cover 384, so that the manhole cover 384 is supported at least partially by the tamper switch 380. As illustrated, the manhole cover 384 is also partially supported by a manhole batten 386. Unauthorised removal of the manhole cover 384 in order to gain access to the roof cavity releases the tamper switch 380 and thus activates the screamer alarm 12 (deterring continued presence), the strobe/horn and the notification system. An advantage of this arrangement is that a suitably weighted "push to break" switch can be used as the tamper switch 380.

It will be appreciated that having the screamer alarm in or adjacent the manhole which leads to the roof cavity, whilst having the processing unit 11 in the roof cavity, helps deter unauthorised access to the processing unit.

Referring now to Figures 11 and 12, at least one detector 14 is mounted, using a mounting arrangement to the wall plaster 71 in those parts of the partially H\Antew~kep~spci\212d- 19/02/04 19 constructed building to be monitored.

The mounting arrangement 70 comprises a pin 72, and a thread 74 of string, fishing line, nylon or other material with sufficient tensile strength to hold up a detector. The thread 74 at one end passes through two holes 75 provided in the back of the detector 14 and is secured to the detector 14 by tying a knot. The other end of the thread is attached to the pin 72, for example by tying. The pin 72 passes into the wall plaster 71 to mount the at least one detector 14 in position. Stabilising quantities of a tacky malleable material 76 such as BLU- TACK (Registered Trade Mark) are placed between the back of the detector 14 and the wall plaster 71 adhering to both. The stabilising quantities of tacky malleable material 76 stop the detector 14 from moving about when the building vibrates during, for example, construction or earth tremors.

Using the pin 72 as a part of the mounting arrangement 70 for the at least one detector 14 enables adequate support, while allowing the mounting of the at least one detector 14 to leave only very minor marks on the wall plaster 71. Thus, when the building is completed and the builder removes the portable alarm system, there are no major defects left in the wall plaster 71. Similar low-marking devices, such as staples, could be used instead of the pin 72 in the mounting arrangement In a preferred embodiment, installation of the portable alarm system involves at least the following steps, not necessarily in the following order: Place the case 15 containing the processing unit 11 in the roof cavity of the partially constructed building. The case 15 may be chained to the roof structure.

Drill the aperture 56 in the eaves Mount the mounting plate 50, to which the strobe/horn 13 is attached, to the barge board 53 using the two self-tapping screws \AndcewD\keep\spec\S52128 .doc 19/02/04 20 54.

Plug in cable to the strobe/horn 13 and pass the cable through the aperture 56 in the eaves into the roof cavity.

Mount the mounting plate, to which the screamer alarm 12 is attached, to the manhole batten 61.

Plug in cable to the screamer alarm 12 and pass cable through the manhole into the roof cavity.

Plug cables from the strobe/horn 13 and the screamer alarm 12 into the processing unit 11.

Fix the one or more detectors 14 to the parts of the building to be monitored using the mounting arrangement Once these steps have been completed, the portable alarm system is ready to be armed. This can be done using a remote transmitter similar to those used to operate remote locking of cars or garage doors. Similarly the remote transmitter can be used to disarm the portable alarm system. Alternatively, arming and disarming of the system can be achieved by entering a PIN-code into the keypad 32 of the processing unit 11, although it will be appreciated thatin at least preferred configurations the alarm system is arranged to make access to the processing unit very difficult when the system is armed.

The portable alarm system can be removed from the building once it is completed, by doing the opposite of the installation steps.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requiies otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further H7\AndreADke. p~specL\S52128.ioc 19/02/0l 21 features in various embodiments of the invention.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or in any other country.

Modifications and improvements may be incorporated without departing from the scope of the present invention.

i \Andre4)'\keep1\$feCI\ 2k23AQC 19/02/04

Claims (4)

1. A method of alerting of unauthorised presence in the vicinity of a partially constructed building, the method comprising the steps of: providing an alarm system, the alarm system comprising at least one detector for monitoring at least a portion of the partially constructed building, and a processing unit for processing signals from the at least one detector; installing the alarm system in the vicinity of the building, comprising mounting the at least one detector on the partially constructed building, in the portion to be monitored, and remote from the processing unit; operating the alarm system; and removing the alarm system from the building, prior to or shortly after completion of construction of the building.

2. A method in accordance with claim 1, wherein the step of providing the alarm system includes providing a processing unit, which is adapted to receive signals from detectors and trigger alarm generators in response to certain such signal, and the step of installing the system includes locating the processing unit in a roof cavity of a partially constructed building.

3. An alarm system for a partially completed building, said alarm system, in use, comprising: at least one detector, located in a part of the partially constructed building; at least one alarm generator for generating an alarm, located-in or attached to a part of the partially constructed building; a processing unit for receiving an alarm signal from the detector and activating at least one alarm generator in response to the alarm signal; wherein the processing unit is located in the roof space of the partially constructed building, and at H :\AndrewD\keep\speci\52L28.doc 19/02/04 23 least one alarm generator is located in or adjacent the roof space.

4. A kit for an alarm system in accordance with claim 3, said kit comprising: at least one detector, adapted to detect presence of persons in the vicinity; at least one alarm generator for generating an alarm; a notification system for notifying monitoring person via a mobile telephone communication system and/or a land line-based telephone system; a processing unit for receiving an alarm signal from the detector and activating at least one alarm generator and the notification system in response to the alarm signal; wherein the processing unit is housed in a robust portable casing. A portable alarm system for use in alerting of unauthorised presence in a partially completed building, substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dated this 19th day of February 2004 PROTECT ME SECURITY PTY LTD By their Patent Attorneys GRIFFITH HACK Fellows Institute of Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys of Australia H :\AndreDkeep\speci\S2128R doc [9/02/04