CA3061258A1 - Window security device for safely securing window - Google Patents

Abstract

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A security device is utilized to safely secure a window when in an open or closed configuration.

Description

WINDOW SECURITY DEVICE FOR SAFELY SECURING WINDOW
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
(1) Field of the Invention The invention generally pertains to window security systems. More specifically, the invention relates to a device that can be easily installed in a window channel to safely secure the window when in an open or closed configuration.

(2) Description of the Related Art Placing security devices on or within a window, or within a window frame, to prevent unauthorized access from the exterior of a window to the interior of the window, is well known in the art. These devices include vertical and horizontal bars that are permanently installed and extend across the window, covering either the interior or exterior of a window to prevent passage through the window. These devices further include security systems built into the window sash to increase the aesthetics of the system while still offering the requisite protection from intruders.
While these existing devices provide the security needed to prevent unwanted entrances through a window, they have drawbacks. Initially, to install the devices that are permanently installed one must screw the device into the window sash, the window frame or even the wall.
This leaves holes behind if the owner ever wishes to remove the device. Additionally, these devices are not aesthetically appeasing nor are they portable. Further, other designs only allow the window to be closed while the device is in place, which is not desirable in climates where users would like fresh air to come through the window.
Furthermore, the increase in break-ins, and child-falls has created a need for easily securing an open window for both events. There are ample window security bars commercialized, but not any portable window security solutions. It's worth noting that 'broom-stick' window blocks are easily defeated if the window is left open for ventilation. The challenge for a simple-to-install design is that it doesn't compromise security and yet is easily removed from the inside by an adult only.
Tamper-proofing can be achieved without tools by taking advantage of the open sliding window and sash for support. This same design could secure windows in any orientation and size, including sliding patio doors.
In addition, home break-ins are known to increase significantly during seasons when windows are KMBOOOICADOO
left open for ventilation. Also; sadly, accidents can occur when children lean against open windows.
Thus, there is a need for a new design of a window security device that is portable, does not damage the window or its frame, the sash, or the surrounding wall, and that provides the desired protection while allowing the window to be at least partially opened.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention there is disclosed a device for protecting widows. A rod secures to the window-frame corner and extends to the sliding window with a restrictor that limits a window to only open 10cm (4 in.) wide. When the window is closed the device is child-resistant to tampering and accessible for emergency release.
As the window slides open, it covers a release tab and is tamper-resistant from the inside and inaccessible to an outside intruder.
These and other advantages and embodiments of the present invention will no doubt become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art after reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments illustrated in the various figures and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings which represent preferred embodiments thereof:
FIG. 1 shows a window bars mounted as a window security system as disclosed by prior art.
FIGs. 2-20 illustrate a window security device according to a plurality of embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
According to an exemplary embodiment, advantages include:
= Prevents unintended opening and child accidents.
= Secures open window from outside tampering.
= Provides secure partial opening for air flow.
= Universal mounts for all window types.
= Adjusts to most window sizes.

= Mounts/Removes easily in case of an emergency.
= H/D gauge material and component design.
= Performs reliably for safe and secure use.
= Lasts with durable coatings and hardware.
= Suits home, condo and apartment windows.
= A larger model would secure patio sliding-doors.
= Even if you have AC or a security system, this is a good backup security device to have in the event of a power outage.
= When you need ventilation, you shouldn't have to worry about leaving a window open. Get the instant security protection your family needs.
= Prowlock is the only solution for protecting an open window that is both tamper-resistant and damage-free.
= Installs - in frame and channel, no tools needed = Protects - a limited-open window or patio sash (door) = Provides - for child safety from window accidents/ falls = Deters - any child-tampering inside and removal from outside = Releases - in an emergency egress or need to exit = Universal - for slider/hung windows and patio slider doors = Perfect - for most aluminum, wood or vinyl frames = Removes - for easy cleaning of frame and window Knob-Latch Model According to the preferred embodiment illustrated in FIGs. 12 and 13.
1. Telescoping Bar FIGs. 12 and 13 illustrate a telescoping bar completely occupying the window channel W1 between

3 the Sash W2 and the Frame W3, whether the window is closed or open. The Slide-bar 3 will travel only 10 cm W4 to allow the window to open a safe distance and block further opening. It is worth noting that 10 cm is the recommended maximum child-safe opening.
2. Length adjustment To accommodate the average range of window sizes the Inner-bar 2 will slide within the Main-bar 3 bar to adjust size. A Bar-button 4 / B1 (see FIG. 18) / Collar-clamp Cl, C2 see (FIG. 17) would be used to secure the length W5. To add tamper-proofing, the buttons or clamps would be designed to face the window channel so as to be protected by it. Fine adjustment would be provided by the bolts in the latches below.
3. Inserting the Sash Knob-latch In order to secure the Telescoping bar to the window sash, the Slide-bar attaches to a screw-in Foot 5. The Sash-latch 6 is stuck vertically to the bottom of the window sash W6 with durable 3M
doubled-sided tape. The Foot inserts into the Latch by pushing it against the Button-collar so that the Knob-head rests in the cut-out on the Latch. The Button-collar then snaps back into place above the Knob-head, locking it in the latch.

4. Inserting the Frame Knob-latch The Frame W3 side of the window would be secured with a similar latch stuck to the bottom of the Frame. The Main-bar has another screw-in Foot which inserts to the Frame-latch.

5. Quick Fire-exit Three quick intuitive steps allow the removal of the ProwLock in a few seconds: Close the window, push the Button-collar on the Sash-latch/ pull the Slide-bar up, push the Button-collar on the Frame-latch/ pull up on the Main-bar. Otherwise, the ProwLock can remain securely in the window as it is opened and closed.

6. Tamper-proofing for an open window Once the ProwLock is properly in place it blocks the window sash. As the window is opened, the bar stays in contact with the sash and is held securely to the frame. This tamper-proofing allows for ventilation without compromising security or safety. The bar, plastic Latch/Knob, Bar-button or Collar-clamp and 3M tape would all be made from materials strong enough to withstand slamming the Sash against them or prying the bar out. The Buttons on the latches would be stiff enough that a child or burglar won't easily release them.

7. Securing a patio door The same design and principles can also be applied to a sliding door. A larger model would be designed to stretch to the length needed between the frame and door.
Hook-Latch Model According to the embodiment disclosed in FIGs. 15 and 16 1. Main bar, telescoping Main bar (F1, Ti) will completely occupy the window channel (W1) between the sash (W2) and the frame (W3), whether the window is closed or open. The inner-most telescoping piece (F2, T2) will travel only 10 Cms (W4) to allow the window to open a safe distance and block further opening. 10 Cms is the recommended maximum child-safe opening.
2. Length adjustment To accommodate the average range of window sizes the middle (F3, T3) and outer-most (F4, T4) bar will slide to adjust. A Button-lock (F5) or Collar-clamp (T5) would be used to secure the length (W5). To add tamper-proofing, the buttons or clamps would be designed to face the window channel so as to be protected by it.
3.Toe-Hook and Latch In order to secure the main-bar to the window sash, the inner-most bar attaches to a Toe-Hook (T6).
The Latch (T7) is stuck vertically to the bottom of the window sash (W6) with durable 3M doubled-sided tape. The ProwLock inserts into the window channel Toe first at an angle so that the Hook can receive the Latch. It then lays flat in the channel.
4. Foot, Shoe and Safety Guard The outer-most bar attaches to a 'Foot' (F6). The Foot sits in a Shoe (F7) which is stuck to the window frame with the same 3M tape. A spring-loaded Safety-Guard (F8) covers the Shoe to protect the Foot. This two-handed design would make the main-bar very difficult to remove, by a child or an outside burglar. So, the second act to inserting the ProwLock is to lift the Guard, slide the Foot in the Shoe and close the Guard over the Shoe.
5. Securing an open window Once the ProwLock is properly in place it blocks the window sash. As the window is opened, the bar stays in contact with the sash and is held securely to the frame. This tamper-proofing allows for ventilation without compromising security or safety. The bar, plastic Foot/Toe, lever-clamp and 3M tape would all be made from materials strong enough to withstand slamming the Sash against them or prying the bar out.
6. Securing a patio door The same design and principles can also be applied to a sliding door. A larger model would be designed to stretch to the length needed between the frame and door.
7. Quick Fire-exit Four quick intuitive steps allow the removal of the ProwLock in a few seconds:
Close the window, lift the Safety-Guard, slide the Foot out from the Shoe and tip the bar attached to the Toe-Hook out from the Latch. Otherwise, the ProwLock can remain securely in the window as it is opened and closed.
I: Transcript of using window security device according to an exemplary embodiment.
00:00 when it's hot 00:10 but is it safe most people use a 00:13 broomstick or the like to block a 00:15 sliding window and prevent a burglar 00:17 from taking advantage the hockey stick 00:20 solution was never intended for an open 00:23 window as is too easy for a thief to 00:26 remove and gain access other protection 00:30 options usually involve mounting 00:32 security bars by drilling holes in the 00:34 window frame this is an undesirable 00:37 option for most even the occupant 00:40 feeling caged security bars damaged 00:43 windows and can be an escape hazard in a 00:45 fire which is why most landlords are 00:48 reluctant to use them even in a basement 00:51 what if there was a secure device to 00:54 protect an open window that could be 00:56 easily inserted without mounting screws 00:58 all slotting windows have a window 01:01 channel prologue takes advantage of this 01:03 channel and the open window stash to 01:06 secure the window by mobilizing the sash 01:09 the secret is in the spring and the 01:11 patented toe which braces under the open 01:14 sash to prevent removal even as the 01:17 sashes moved this is only a prototype 01:20 the manufactured model would be much 01:23 more sturdy for quick emergency exit 01:27 close the sash press the release and 01:29 remove the prowl lock tamper proof 01:31 ringing features include a shoe to 01:33 prevent lifting the tail end a toe to 01:35 protect the nose end the shoe guard is 01:38 spring-loaded and adds child safety 01:40 protection 01:42 besides burglaries prowl lock prevents 01:45 young children from opening a window 01:47 wide enough to be dangerous the maximum 01:50 recommended window opening for child 01:51 safety is four inches once adjusted for 01:55 window width the stopper prevents the 01:57 sash when opening any further 02:05 polic works with vinyl and even wood 02:07 windows in a range of sizes and 02:09 orientations the tote takes advantage of 02:12 the drainage gap under the sash most 02:15 vinyl windows have a single a double 02:16 trough choose the single or fork toe 02:19 accordingly it will be made out of 02:21 high-strength stainless steel the 02:24 telescoping bar adjusts to fit most one 02:26 the widths with a button is protected by 02:28

8 the window channel prow lock could 02:30 reboot be removed during the day or 02:32 leave it in place as you open and close 02:34 the window either way your window is now 02:36 protected II: Transcript of using window security device Hook latch according to yet another exemplary embodiment.
00:00 we found two problems with the forked o 00:02 not all sashes have a predictable trough 00:05 under them a spring inside the bar was 00:07 required to keep the dough in place in 00:09 this model we've improved the toe guard 00:13 to include a latch rod and replace the 00:15 toe with a hook the latch rod now has 00:18 plenty of surface area for 3m tape and 00:21 mount security to the sash protecting 00:24 the hook tip the bar to allow the hook 00:27 under the latch then place the foot in 00:29 the shoe and let the spring pull the 00:31 guard down the window can now slide 00:34 freely to a point and the forked-toe prevents 00:37

9 removal removal is still quick and easy 00:40 we're working on padlock eyelets for the 00:44 foot and shoe this option will add child 00:46 safety and tamper proofing the padlock 00:49 and key can be replaced with a pin if 00:52 desired Our innovative product ¨ ProwLock ¨ protects open windows with design elements that secure to the window, frame and channel without screws. This superior design provides child-safety by restricting the window opening and has tamper-proof features to prevent dislodging or prying from the outside.
ProwLock is just right for vinyl, or wood-frame basement, ground-floor, and upper-floor windows in any orientation: slider or hung.
ProwLock is ideal for walk-out basement, main floor and especially for upper ¨floor patio doors to balconies in apartments and multi-family and hi-rise buildings.
ProwLock is available in two models ¨ your Window Models to secure slider and hung windows, and your Patio Model suitable for standard patio doors.
ProwLock Models are adjustable for most any window and patio door size, and is simply installed, without tools.
ProwLock is easily removed for window/frame cleaning and has a quick release mechanism for removal in an emergency.
Although the invention has been described in connection with preferred embodiments, it should be understood that various modifications, additions and alterations may be made to the invention by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. All combinations and permutations of the above described features and embodiments may be utilized in conjunction with the invention.

Claims (3)

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An apparatus as shown and described herein.

2. A system as shown and described herein.

3. A method as shown and described herein.