AU635026B2 - Security grille - Google Patents

Description

bga& 3 5 0 2 6 COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1952 ~N~~H-~CIANRAA KUD USk ATO-/ 0 9 9 9 699 S (APPLICATION NO. PJ 4290) COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR THE INVENTION ENTITLED:- 9 0 0

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ifSecurity grille" 9 S

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9 This invention is described in the following statement:- 2 This invention relates to security apparatus.

This invention has particular but not exclusive application to security grilles for windows, and for illustrative purposes reference will be made to such application. However, it is to be understood that this invention could be used in other applications, such as security grates and grilles for doors or any other opening which requires selective security.

It is well known to provide window security in the form of window shutters, bars or grilles. In a typical prior art so10 installation a welded or fabricated security grille is :0.

eo permanently secured to the window frame, either inside the window or outside the window. Such installations ensure that even in the event of glass breakage or other attempt at forced entry via a window that a level of security is .*15 maintained. However, the prior art of fixed window security 0oo grilles is beset with inherent deficiencies and

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disadvantages. Firstly, the grilles present a fire safety hazard in that emergency regress through the window is impossible in the event of a fire preventing exit from a building via the doors. Where the grilles have been hinged to the frame in the manner of a conventional window shutter these have tended to compromise the security of the installation whilst improving the safety of a building in -the event of a fire. The considerable weight of such grille? in conventionally hinged installations also does not assist exit through the window in an emergency.

-3- The present invention aims to alleviate the above disadvantages and to provide a security grille which will be reliable and efficient in use. Other objects and advantages of this invention will hereinafter become apparent.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, this invention in one aspect resides broadly in a security assembly for mounting in an aperture of a building and including:a security member locatable within and biassed out from the aperture; 1 10 security member mounting means, and g latch means for retaining said security member in said o. aperture against said bias, said security member being movable by said bias from a first latched position securing said aperture to a second position permitting exit from said building through said aperture upon disengagement of said latch means.

By 'aperture' it is generally meant windows and doors to structures. However other apertures are considered for application of assemblies in accordance with the present invention, including air conditioning apertures and the like.

The security members of the present invention may take any form consistent with the function of providing a secure impediment S to at least unwanted entry to a building. Examples of suitable security grilles include wrought or fabricated metal grilles including that known as EXPANDET mesh and grates, shutters, bars and the like. In ans preferred embodiment of the present invention the security member comprises a frame member adapted to fit within the recess provided by a door or window frame to be secured.

-3 a- Preferably the space defined by the frame member is occupied by sufficient bar work or the like to provide visibility and/or ventilation while providing security.

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0 C C9*r 4 Preferably, the mounting means is such that the security member moves from the first position to the second position automatically upon the disengagement of the latching means.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the security member is mounted within the aperture along a substantially horizontal hinge line in the region of the lower edge of the security member such that when the security member is unlatched it may automatically swing outward of the aperture under its own weight. Alternatively, the security member may 10 be biassed out from the aperture frame and retained against the bias by the latch means.

see S oo The mounting means may take any form consistent with the function of mounting the security member such that it is movable from a first latched position securing the aperture to a second position permitting entry and exit through the aperture. In one embodiment of the present invention there are provided mounting means in the form of brackets adapted to be fixed to the edges of an aperture such as a window o~ opening and having integral hinge pins adapted to cooperate with corresponding recesses provided in the member. Such an Sarrangement has the advantage that the member cannot be removed from the aperture frame without the brackets being first removed. This can be resisted by any suitable means including the use of fixings that present a blind surface such as round head bolts secured by nuts accessible only from the interior of the building. Alternatively, the brackets may be affixed to the aperture frame by fixings which are concealed or inaccessible when the security member is in its secured position.

Alternatively, the mounting means may take the form of lugs or the like on the aperture frame or the security member adapted to engage corresponding recesses in the other member, the lugs and recesses being such that the security member is retained in its secure position whilst latched and moves to free itself entirely from the aperture frame when unlatched.

However, it is preferred to use a hinged embodiment of the 10 invention when the security member is required to provide S" assistance to a person climbing out of the aperture.

Sego It is also envisaged that a sliding security member may o be used. The sliding security member may be mounted on any suitable sliding means, and adapted to operate either vertically or horizontally.

The second unsecured position, in the case of the hinged embodiments, may dispose the security member within the S. building to assist an occupant to mount the aperture frame, Doe or alternatively may provide means to dismount the building by being disposed outside the building. Of course, the O direction of movement of the security member from the first position to the second position may be dictated by the disposition of other elements associated with the aperture such as the window or the door as the case may be.

The latch arrangement may take any suitable form consistent with the function of retaining the member in a secure arrangement when the latch is engaged, and permitting 6 emergency egress from the building when the latch is disengaged. The latch may be associated with the aperture and have member engaging members or conversely the latch may be associated with the member and have aperture frame engaging means.

In one embodiment of the invention the latch means comprises a rotatable handle located centrally and in proximity to the upper edge of the member. The handle serves as a remote control operating means for a pair of locking 0 10 bars adapted to enter corresponding locking recesses provided in the aperture frame. The handle is preferably provided see with a key lock arrangement where the key can be provided within the confines of the building. Alternatively, the handle may be such that it is impossible to manipulate from the outside of the building.

.0000 Another arrangement for latching the member may comprise fee* a handle on the interior of the building secured in, for example, a glass fronted recess. The handle may operate a locking bar or the like in engaging the member.

In order that this invention may be more easily O understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention, wherein:- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a window frame and security member in accordance with the present invention.

In the figures, a security member 10 comprising a frame 7 portion 11 and bars 12 is locatable within the frame 13 of a window opening 14. The lower rail 15 of the frame portion is of hollow section, and the ends 16 are open and adapted to receive pins 17 integrally formed with brackets 20 for attachment to the window frame opening 13.

The upper portion of the security member 10 is provided with an inward facing combined latch handle and grab handle 21 secured to a mounting plate 22. The handle 21 iEi linked to and operates locking bars 23 adapted to engage locking S "*10 recesses 24 provided in the sides of the window frame 13.

S" The handle 21 is also provided with a key locking barrel adapted to lock the handle 21 in its operatively secure configuration.

In use, the member is normally locked up to the window frame by the interaction of the locking bars with the locking recesses of the window frame. In response to an emergency dictating an exit through the window, the key lock may be released by accessing the key from for example a breakable glass fronted enclosure. The handle may then be rotated to disengage the locking bars from the window frame.

SFrom the unlocked position, and given that the hinge line of the apparatus is below the centre of mass of the member, the security member has the tendency to fall open under its own weight. The member therefore offers no resistance to rapid exodus from the building should the need arise.

The internal Location of the key when fitted, or 8 alternatively, the inaccessibility of the handle from the outside, provides a level of security similar to fixed members with the advantage of enhancing building safety.

Additionally, the member when fully open provides a means whereby a person can climb down from the window.

It will of course be realised that while the above has been given by way of illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to 10 fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as defined in the appendant Claims.

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Claims (12)

1. A security assembly for mounting in an aperture of a building and including:- a security member locatable within and biassed out from the aperture; security member mounting means, and latch means for retaining said security member in said aperture against said bias, said security member being movable by said bias from a first latched position securing said aperture to a second position permitting exit from said building through said 0 aperture upon disengagement of said latch means.

2. A security assembly according to Claim 1, wherein said aperture is a window or door aperture.

3. A security assembly according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein said security member is selected from the group consisting of wrought or fabricated metal grilles, grates, shutters, bars and the like. o

4. A security assembly according to Claim 3, wherein said security member further comprises a frame member adapted to fit within the recess provided by the aperture to be secured.

A security assembly in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the security member mounting means 'A comprises a substantially horizontal hinge assem in the region of the lower edge of the security member permitting che security member to automatically swing outward of the aperture under the influence of gravity upon release of said latch means.

6. A security assembly according to Claim 5, wherein said hinge assembly includes brackets adapted to be fixed to the edges of said aperture and having integral hinge pins adapted to cooperate Swith corresponding recesses provided in the security member. b S9

7. A security assembly according to Claim 6, wherein said brackets are such that the security member cannot be removed from the aperture without the brackets being first removed.

8. A security assembly according to Claim 7, wherein the brackets are affixed to the aperture edges by fixings which are concealed or inaccessible when the security member is in its secured position. S

9. A security assembly according to any one of the preceding SClaims, wherein said latch means comprises a locking bar adapted to engage locking recesses provided in the aperture edges and the security member.

A security assembly according to Claim 9, wherein said latch means further includes a rotatable handle serving as a remote control operating means for said locking bar. -11-

11. A security assembly according to Claim 10, wherein the handle is such that it is not manipulable from the exterior of the building.

12. A security assembly substantially as hereinbefore defined with reference to the accompanying drawing. DATED THIS twenty-seventh DAY OF November, 1991. *4* 6 THE ESTATE OF ANDRIUS RICHARDAS KUDZIUS O by eJ PIZZEY AND COMPANY PATB1T ATTORNEYS (S 0 see .6.o: 0* a S S 0S