GB2205887A

GB2205887A - Security devices

Info

Publication number: GB2205887A
Application number: GB08814306A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Raymond Arthur Simpson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1987-06-17
Filing date: 1988-06-16
Publication date: 1988-12-21
Also published as: GB8814306D0; GB8714218D0

Abstract

A security device for a window comprises a series of parallel bars 14 which are interconnected by chains 18 so that they form an array of parallel bars which are arranged for sliding movement on guide bars 10 and 11 between operative positions in which they extend across the window and inoperative withdrawn positions. A locking arrangement is provided for holding the array of parallel bars 14 in its operative position. <IMAGE>

Description

SECURITY DEVICES Field of the Invention This invention relates to security devices and has for its object the provision of an improved device, and use of which restricts or reduces the possibility of forced entry and burglary through the windows of commercial and domestic property.

Description of the Prior Art It is known to provide fixed steel bars which extend across a window to prevent access by burglars. In general, however, such arrangements have the appearance of prison bars so that, although they provide the required degree of security, they have aesthetic disadvantages.

Summary of the Invention According to the present invention, there is provided a security device for a window comprising a plurality of bars, means interlinking the bars so that they form an array of parallel bars which, in use, can be moved between an operative position in which they extend across the window and an inoperative withdrawn position, and locking means for holding the array of parallel bars in its operative position.

The bars may be arranged for sliding movement between their operative and inoperative positions and guide means may be provided either above and below or on each side of the window for guiding the slideable bars between their operative and inoperative positions. The intention is that, when the room containing the window fitted with the security device is occupied, the bars can be moved into their inoperative positions whereas, when the room is no longer occupied, the bars can then be moved into their operative positions.

The slideable bars may carry fixings for curtains so that movement of the slideable bars into their operative positions serves to effect closing of the curtains whereas movement of the slideable bars into their inoperative positions effects opening of the curtains.

The guide means for guiding sliding movement of the slideable bars may comprise bars fixed in position adjacent the window and the arrangement may be such that, when the bars are moved into their inoperative positions, they are all moved together, either to one side or to the top or bottom of the window. Alternatively, the arrangement may be such that, when the bars are slid into their inoperative positions, half of the bars are slid in one direction and the other half of the bars are slid in the opposite direction. With this latter arrangement, the locking means will be such as to lock the two sets of bars together generally centrally of the window whereas, with the former arrangement, the locking means will act between an end bar of the array and a fixture secured to the window surround.

The means interlinking the bars may comprise steel wires or chains which are connected either directly to the bars or to collars which fit onto the ends of the bars. The locking means may comprise a wire attached to a fixed collar on one of the bars, the wire carrying a further collar which, when the bars are moved into their operative positions, can be fitted onto the end of an adjacent bar. Alternatively, the locking means may comprise a headed stud carried by a chain attached to one of the bars and a slotted plate attached to another of the bars.

Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a perspective view of part of a security device showing the bars forming the device in their operative positions, in which they extend across a window opening, and, Figure 2 is a perspective view of the other half of the security device but showing the bars in their withdrawn position to one side of a window opening.

Description of the Preferred Embodiment The security device shown in the drawings includes two circular cross section steel bars 10 and 11, the top bar 10 being fixed, in use, in position above the top of a window 12 on the inside of the building in which the security device is installed, and the lower bar 11 being fixed in position just beneath the window 12. Each bar 10, 11 is mounted in position by means of pedestals 13, there being a pedestal 13 at each end of each bar 10, 11 and each pedestal being formed with a socket to receive the end portion of the associated bar 10,11.

There are a number of vertical bars 14 which extend at right angles to and are carried by the fixed bars 10 and 11. The vertical bars 14 are of the same cross sectional dimensions as the fixed bars 10 and 11 and each vertical bar is provided at its upper end with a block 15 and at its lower end with a block 16. The blocks 15 at the upper ends of the bars 14 are each formed with a through bore to receive the fixed bar 10 such that the vertical bars 14 can slide freely along the fixed bar 10. The blocks 16 at the lower ends of the bars 14 are provided with rebates so that the blocks 16 are, in effect,bifurcatd at their lower ends to fit over the fixed bar 11, the dimensions of the rebates or cut-outs in the blocks 16 being such that the blocks 16 and thus, the bars 14, can slide freely relative to the fixed bar 11.

The number of vertical slideable bars 14 will depend on the overall width of the window to be protected but, in a typical installation, there may be a total of sixteen bars 14, the sixteen bars being arranged in two sets of eight with one set disposed on each side of the window. The upper and lower bars 10 and 11 are supported generally centrally by support brackets 17 and the arrangement is such that, when the bars 14 are in their operative positions as shown in Figure 1, the array of bars spans the space between the adjacent edge of the window frame and the two central brackets 17.

The eight bars 14 on each side of the window are linked to each other and to the adjacent pedestal 13 by means of steel chains 18, the chains 18 being connected to the bars 14 in such way that, when the bars 14 are moved into positions in which the chains 18 are fully extended, there is a substantially constant spacing between adjacent bars 14, not only between the adjacent bars 14 in a set, but also between the two central bars.

The bars 14 are arranged so that, when the, room in which the window is located is occupied, the vertical bars 14 can be moved slideably outwardly along the horizontal fixed bars 10 and 11 into positions adjacent the fixing pedestals 13 in a similar manner to the drawing of curtains so that, as shown in Figure 2, the view through the window is not hindered and the room does not have the appearance of a prison cell.

The blocks 15 may be provided with hook formations (not shown) on which curtains can be hung so that outward movement of the bars 14 serves to effect drawing of the curtains. Thus, when the room is in use and the curtains are drawn outwardly, the bars 14 will not be visible, being hidden behind the curtains whereas, when the curtains are closed, the bars 14 will automatically be moved into their operative positions.

A number of different methods p may be provided for locking together the two sets of bars on each side of the window and such locking means may be provided acting only between the upper ends of the bars 14 or acting in addition between the lower ends of the bars 14.

In the particular arrangement shown in the drawings, the locking means comprises a headed stud 19 carried by a chain 20 and arranged, when both sets of bars 14 are moved into their operative positions to engage with a keeper 21 carried by the adjacent upper block 15.

The keeper 21 is in the form of a flat plate formed with a slot to receive the head of the stud 19. The slot in the keeper 21 has an enlarged upper portion into which the head of the stud 19 is fitted. The head of the stud 19 is then slid down into the main portion of the slot and is retained in that position. The locking means for securing the two sets of bars together is thus of a format similar to that used on door security systems.

Alternative locking arrangements can include key operated devices and the locking means can be provided either only between the upper blocks 15 or may act also between the lower blocks 16.

The security device when in its operative position thus has the appearance of a row of fixed bars and thus has a considerable deterrent effect so far as possible burglaries or breakins are concerned. When, however, the room in which the security device is located is being occupied, it is a simple matter to release the locking means and to slide the two sets of bars outwardly away from the window opening. The aesthetic advantages of the security device are increased if, as explained above, the bars are linked with the curtains for the window being protected. In such case, the bars are not visible at all from within the room.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A security device for a window comprising a plurality of bars, means interlinking the bars so that they form an array of parallel bars which, in use, can be moved between an operative position in which they extend across the window and an inoperative withdrawn position, and locking means for holding the array of parallel bars in its operative position.

2. A security device according to claim 1, in which the bars are arranged for sliding movement between their operative and inoperative positions.

3. A security device according to claim 2 in which guide means are provided above and below the window for guiding the slideable bars between their operative and inoperative positions.

4. A security device according to claim 2, in which guide means are provided on each side of the window for guiding the slideable bars between their operative and inoperative positions .

5. A security device according to claim 3, in which the slideable bars carry fixings for curtains so that movement of the slideable bars into their operative positions serves to effect closing of the curtains whereas movement of the slideable bars into their inoperative positions effects opening of the curtains.

6. A security device according to claim 3, in which the guide means for guiding sliding movement of the slideable bars comprise bars fixed in position adjacent the window.

7. A security device according to claim 6, in which the arrangement is such that, when the bars are moved into their inoperative positions, they are all moved together to one side of the window.

8. A security device according to claim 6, in which the arrangement is such that, when the bars are slid into their inoperative positions, half of the bars are slid In one direction and the other half of t'he bars are slid in the opposite direction.

9. A security device according to claim 1, in which the means interlinking the bars comprise chains connected to blocks fitted to the ends of the bars.

10. A security device according to claim 9, in which the locking means comprise a headed stud carried by a chain attached to one of the bars and a slotted plate attached to another of the bars.

11. A security device for a window substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.