CA3066543A1 - Retractable security system - Google Patents

Abstract

ABSTRACT
[0037] RETRACTABLE SECURITY SYSTEM is disclosed. The disclosed subject matter provides the protection of security bars in a window, only when desired. A steel gate can be raised and locked into positon when desired, and lowered out of sight when not desired. Mechanical assistance comprising counterweights, a line, and a pulley are used to displace gate with little effort. The mechanical assistance is installed in a wall cavity of the building structure, and is thus hidden from view upon completion of installation.

Description

APPLICATION FOR A CANADIAN PATENT
Title: RETRACTABLE SECURITY SYSTEM
Inventor: STEPHANE GILLES RENAUD
Address: 302-4420 Edward-Higgins, Pierrefonds, QC., H8Y3N3 BACKGROUND
[001] The present invention pertains to the improvements in the design of security bars in a window in which security bars are desired. There are 2 basic types of security bars currently available: FIXED (PERMANENT), and TEMPORARY (REMOVABLE);

[002] FIXED SECURITY BARS: The most common type of security bars are fixed in place. They may be welded in place and/or anchored to the building structure.
Problematic with existing security bars is they cannot be moved or removed easily, if desired. Fixed security bars provide protection against intrusion, but may be seen as unsightly. Fixed security bars in the windows may not be desirable at all times.

[003] TEMPORARY (REMOVABLE) SECURITY BARS: Alternatively, there are security bars for windows that are made to be removable. Problematic to existing temporary security bars is that they can be time-consuming to assemble and dis-assemble, require storage space when not in use, and may require tools for assembly; there is a risk of losing/misplacing parts when not in use.

[004] The present invention departs from this approach in accomplishing a goal of eliminating the need for additional storage space, and reducing the time and effort required for removal of security bars, if and when such security bars are not desired.

[005] The present invention optimally offers other improvements to device performance as well.

DEFINITIONS

[006] The term "invention" is used herein merely to relate to the inventive idea that is the subject of this Provisional Patent Application to refer to the "concept"
being presented.
The term "invention" shall not be construed to mean the "literal and legal"
translation of the term "invention"; instead it shall pertain to the "concept" being presented.
When this Provisional Patent Application is claimed as preference for the future non-provisional patent application then the term "invention" shall be taken at full face value of the "literal and legal"
translation of the term. The term "invention" is used herein merely to relate to the inventive idea that is the subject of this Provisional Patent Application to refer to the "concept" being presented. The term "invention" shall not be construed to mean the "literal and legal"
translation of the term "invention"; instead it shall pertain to the "concept"
being presented.
SUMMARY
1007] The present invention includes various features that may be practiced alone or in combination. In combination, they offer a wider product range than individually.
[008] The installation of retractable security bars is permanent, incorporated in the wall structure, allowing the security bars to be raised and lowered with mechanical assistance.
With this inventive idea, parts cannot be lost or misplaced. The retractable security system may be displaced out of sight, into the wall cavity directly beneath the window, when desired.
1009] One aspect of the disclosed subject matter is that the gate frame is U-shaped in design, open ended at the base of unit, with pickets fixed at regular intervals on the closed end. This structure is called the gate. The open-ended structure at the foot of the gate allows for full retraction in a limited space, without compromising the structural integrity of building. (e.g.: a gate with a height of 130cm can retract fully, with a floor-to-window height of 100cm, utilizing the vertical space in floor cavity beneath wall, as illustrated below).

100101 Another aspect of the invention is the mechanical assistance built in, enabling that the user may raise and lower a heavy gate with little effort. A line is attached to a gate via an overhead pulley and fixed to a counter-weight (calibrated to the gate weight) providing mechanical assistance to raise or lower said gate, providing the user the option of security bars on demand. The counter-weight and pulley are installed permanently in building structure within a wall cavity and thus are out of sight upon completion of installation.
[0011] The disclosed subject matter is designed to be installed with new/replacement windows, and may be retro-fitted to existing window frames and systems.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0012] The figures provided herein are not necessarily drawn to scale, with some components and features are exaggerated for clarity. Of these:
[0013] FIG. 1 is perspective view of gate assembly of the invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of components of the invention;
[0015] FIGS. 3 and 4 are a front view and perspective view of framing of an exterior wall with window rough-in for typical residential construction, respectively;
shown to illustrate invention only;
[0016] FIG. 5 shows first step of installation of invention [0017] FIG. 6 is a partial view of gate installed in position on window sill;
[0018] FIG. 7 is an overview of gate installed in position in existing framing;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a close-up view of FIG. 7 [0020] Variations of the invention from the embodiments pictured are contemplated.
Accordingly, depiction of aspects and elements of the invention in the figures is not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] Exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are described below.
Reference is made to the examples in a non-limiting sense. They are provided to illustrate more broadly applicable aspects of the present invention. Various changes may be made to the invention described and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation, material, composition of matter, process, process act(s) or step(s) to the objective(s), spirit or scope of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION is illustrated with reference to the drawings FIGS. 1-8 [0023] FIG. 1 illustrates a gate indicated generally at 11, preferably fabricated of steel.
Carbon steel, alloy steel, stainless steel, and tool steel are contemplated for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. The gate 11 is defined by a "U"
shaped frame 12, with the open end at the foot (bottom) of unit; pickets 13 are fixed at regular intervals at the head (top) of the frame 12. A total of four ball bearings 14 (two on each side) are installed on the same plane, fixed in place on the vertical of the exterior of the gate frame 12 to determine trajectory of gate 11. The alignment and position of the bearings 14 allow the gate 11 to be moved vertically upon completion of installation. A line 15 is attached through frame 12 near the top of gate 11;
[0024] FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the components of invention identified as:
gate 11; gate frame 12; picket 13; gate bearing 14; line 15; pulley 16;
bearing guide rail 17;
picket shield 18; counter-weight 19; counter-weight cover 20; arrows indicate vertical movement of counter-weight 19, gate 11, and rotation of pulley 16.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a front view of framing of an exterior wall with window rough-in for typical residential construction; shown to illustrate invention only.
Components identified as:
king stud 24; header 25; jack stud 26; window sill 27; cripple stud 28; bottom plate 29; sub floor 30; double plate 31; joist 32.
[0026] FIG. 4 is perspective view of FIG. 3 with framing prepared for installation of disclosed subject matter. Holes are bored at specific intervals through window sill 27, bottom plate 29, sub-floor 30 and double plate 31 in preparation of installation of bearing guide rail 17 and shields 18 in position (see FIG. 5) without compromising the structural integrity of the building. Holes are bored in king stud 24 for installation of pulley 16.
[0027] FIG. 5 illustrates the correct position of picket shields 18, bearing guide rail 17 and pulley 16 in existing framing. The shields 18 are aligned offset from any joist 32 position and cripple stud 28 position. Bearing guide rail 17 is fastened plumb, on the jack stud 26 face, spanning from header 25 passing through an opening in sill 27 to the bottom plate 29 in correct position to accommodate gate 11.
[0028] FIG. 6 is a partial view of gate 11 installed in position on interior side of an existing exterior window frame 21. Bearing 14 aligns with bearing rail 17;
pickets 13 align with shields 18, allowing free vertical movement of gate 11. Arrow indicates vertical movement of gate 11.
[0029] FIG. 7 illustrates pulley 16 installed in position above header 25 on king stud 24;
line 15 traverses pulley 16 and is fixed to counter-weight 19 thus connecting gate 11 to counter-weight 19 via line 15 providing mechanical assistance for vertical movement of gate 11; counter-weight cover 20 is fixed to the king stud 24 face, spanning from header to bottom plate, in line to intercept counter-weight 19.
[0030] FIG. 8 is a close up of FIG. 7, illustrating bearing 14 in position in guide rail 17, position of pulley 16 and counter-weight cover 20 in line with counter-weight 19; arrows indicate vertical movement of counter-weight 19, gate 11, and rotation of pulley 16.

ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS.
[0031] It is contemplated that any optional feature of the inventive variations described may be set forth and claimed independently, or in combination with any one or more of the features described herein. Reference to a singular item, includes the possibility that there is a plurality of the same items present. Other ways or means or components are also contemplated including but not limited to:
[0032] an alternative installation and arrangement of bearings 14 and gate 11, in which bearings 14 are mounted stationary on the wall framing, in contact with the gate frame 12 on the interior and/or exterior side of frame 12, effectively eliminating the need for guide rail 17 while allowing vertical movement of gate 11. (see Fig. 9);
[0033] Fig. 10 illustrates an optional assembly of gate 11, whereby the frame is closed at the head as well as the foot, is envisioned under certain circumstances. It is contemplated that components of invention may be fabricated of other and alloys than described herein. A
solid frame 12 is contemplated instead of tubular frame, wherein line 15 is fixed to frame 12 on one or both sides.
VARIATIONS
[0034] It is contemplated that any optional feature of the inventive variations described may be set forth and claimed independently, or in combination with any one or more of the features described herein. Reference to a singular item, includes the possibility that there is a plurality of the same items present. More specifically, as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," "said," and "the" include plural referents unless specifically stated otherwise. In other words, use of the articles allow for "at least one" of the subject item in the description above as well as the to be appended claims. It is further noted that the to be appended claims may be drafted to exclude any optional element.
As such, this statement is intended to serve as antecedent basis for use of such exclusive terminology as "solely," "only" and the like in connection with the recitation of claim elements, or use of a "negative" limitation.

[0035] Without the use of such exclusive terminology, the term "comprising" in the to be appended claims shall allow for the inclusion of any additional element irrespective of whether a given number of elements are enumerated in the to be appended claim, or the addition of a feature could be regarded as transforming the nature of an element set forth in the to be appended claims. Except as specifically defined herein, all technical and scientific terms used herein are to be given as broad a commonly understood meaning as possible while maintaining to be appended claim validity.
[0036] The breadth of the present invention is not to be limited to the examples provided and/or the subject specification, but rather only by the scope of the to be appended claim language. Use of the term "invention" herein is not intended to limit the scope of the to be appended claims in any manner. Rather it should be recognized that the "invention" includes the many variations explicitly or implicitly described herein, including those variations that would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the present specification.
Further, it is not intended that any section of this specification (e.g., the Summary, Detailed Description, Abstract, Field of the Invention, etc.) be accorded special significance in describing the invention relative to another or the to be appended claims. All references cited are incorporated by reference in their entirety. Although the foregoing invention has been described in detail for purposes of clarity of understanding, it is contemplated that certain modifications may be practiced within the scope of the to be appended claims.
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