GB2271595A - Securement device - Google Patents

Abstract

A window assembly comprises a window frame 4 filled within a recess which is defined, by opposing vertically extending walls 8, 10. The walls 8, 10 extend perpendicularly away from the window frame 4. Two elongate securement devices 12 are fixed within the recess with their opposing ends 14, 16 abutting the vertically extending walls 8, 10. Each securement device 12 carries two threaded shafts 18. A single rectangular plastics sheet (20, Fig 2) and a single rectangular wire mesh panel (22, Fig 2) are mounted on each shaft 18 and arranged to completely overlie the recess. A respective plate (26, Fig 2) is screw-threadedly mounted on each shaft 18. The plate serves to sandwich the sheet 20 and panel 22 against the wall 24. Each plate includes a plurality of holes 30. A locking member (32, Fig 2) of a locking device (for example, a padlock) is arranged within a hole 30 of the plate thereby to secure the sheet and panel in position. <IMAGE>

Description

SECUREMENT DEVICE This invention relates to a securement device. An assembly including said securement device, a kit including said securement device and a method using said securement device are described. Particularly, although not exclusively, the invention relates to a securement device for securing a member within a window recess.

When a building is to be unoccupied for a long period of time, or in the case of a derelict building, measures are often taken to prevent unauthorised entry into the building. To this end, generally, each window of the building is "boarded up" by securing a suitably dimensioned panel of plywood (or other wood) over the windows. Each panel is secured in position by driving nails through the panel into the underlying window frame.

A problem associated with boarding up in this way is that the window frames themselves are damaged due to the nails being driven thereinto and, in any event, the nails (and, therefore, the panels) can readily be removed in order to gain access to the buildings. Furthermore, since nails cannot be driven into UPVC window frames, the boarding up of buildings having such frames is difficult.

In another method of preventing unauthorised entry through a window of a building, a sheet of metallic mesh is positioned around a window frame and rivets are driven into the wall surrounding the frame to secure the mesh in position. A problem associated with this method is that damage is often inflicted on the wall by the act of driving rivets thereinto and, in any event, it is not difficult to lever the rivets from the wall thereby to remove the mesh and gain access to the building.

It is an object of the present invention to address the aforementioned problems.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a securement device for securing a member relative to a recess, the device including securement means for securing the device within a recess and attachment means for attaching a member to the device thereby to secure the member relative to the recess.

The device is preferably for securing a member which is substantially planar relative to a recess. Preferably, the device is arranged to secure the member adjacent the recess. The device may be arranged to secure the member such that the member overlies the recess or, alternatively, the member may be arranged within the recess. The member is preferably a protective member. It may alternatively be a display member. The recess is preferably a window recess.

The device is preferably elongate and is arranged to extend across the recess. The device is preferably arranged to exert a pressure force on the walls of the recess. The device is preferably arranged to be positioned wholly outside a window disposed within the recess.

The device preferably includes a first element for engaging a first part of a wall which defines the recess.

The device preferably includes a second element for engaging a second part of a wall which defines the recess.

Said first and second elements preferably provide, at least in part, said aforementioned securement means. In a preferred embodiment, adjustment means for adjusting the relative disposition of said first and second elements is provided. Preferably, the distance between said first and second elements may be adjusted using said adjustment means. The device is preferably arranged such that the first and second elements may be abutted against opposing walls of the recess thereby to secure the device within the recess.

Said adjustment means preferably comprises first adjustment means and second adjustment means which are independently operable. Said first adjustment means is preferably arranged to adjust the relative disposition of said first and second elements in predetermined steps.

Said first adjustment means preferably includes first and second adjustment members which are arranged to be secured in preselected positions relative to one another. In a preferred embodiment, said first and second adjustment members are arranged to slide relative to one another between a plurality of preselected positions in which they may be secured. Said first adjustment means is suitably for coarse adjustment of the relative disposition of the first and second elements. Said second adjustment means is preferably continuously variable and is suitably for fine adjustment of the relative disposition of said first and second elements. Said second adjustment means preferably includes two co-operable screw-threaded adjustment members.A respective said second adjustment means may be operatively connected to each of said first and second elements so that the position of each element relative to the device may be adjusted independently.

The first and/or second elements preferably include a resilient abutment member for abutment against a wall of the recess. The use of such a resilient member may minimise damage to the wall. Alternatively, preferably additionally, the first and/or second elements may include penetration means, for example, in the form of a stud, which is arranged to penetrate the wall of the recess thereby to aid securement of the device within the recess.

The penetration means is preferably releasably securable to the device.

Said attachment means preferably comprises a projection. A plurality of projections may be provided.

Each projection is preferably arranged to be received within an opening in the member to be secured relative to the recess. Lock means is preferably provided for locking the member in position. Said lock means is preferably provided for locking the projection(s) within the opening(s). A plate having an opening may be provided and arranged to co-operate with a said projection. Said lock means, when provided, may include a locking member which is arranged to fit within aligned openings in said plate and/or the member.

Preferably, positioning means is provided for adjusting the relative positions of the securement means and attachment means. For example, when the securement means is in a first position relative to that of the attachment means, said adjustment means may be spaced further away from said securement means than when the securement means is in a second position. When the securement means is in said first position, the device may be for use within a shallow recess or within a recess which includes a protruding casement window.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an assembly which comprises a recess and a securement device as described in any statement herein secured within the recess. Preferably, a member, for example, a protective member or display member is attached to an attachment means of the securement device.

The securement device is preferably secured between opposing walls of the recess. The device preferably extends substantially horizontally across the recess. Said attachment means preferably projects away from the recess.

Said securement device is preferably positioned wholly outside a window disposed within the recess. A plurality of said securement devices may be provided with said recess. Said member may be secured to each of said plurality of devices.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit comprising a securement device as described in any statement herein in combination with a member, for example, a protective member or display member to be secured relative to a recess.

The kit may include a plurality of securement devices. The securment device(s) may be as described in any statement herein.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of securing a member relative to a recess, the method comprising securing a securement device within a recess and attaching said member to said device thereby to secure the member relative to the recess.

The method may be a method of protecting a window disposed within said recess. Alternatively, the method may be a method of displaying information which comprises securing a member which includes information thereon within the recess.

The method preferably involves securing the securement device from a position which is outside a window disposed within the recess.

The method and securement device thereof may be as described in any statement herein.

Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a front elevation of a window assembly; Figure 2 is an enlarged cross-section along line II II of the assembly; Figure 3 is a front elevation, partly in crosssection of a securement device of the assembly; Figures 4 and 5 show, in detail, parts of the securement device; Figure 6 is a front elevation of part of another window assembly; and Figure 7 is a cross-section along line VII-VII of the assembly of Figure 6.

The window assembly 2, shown in Figures 1 and 2, comprises a window frame 4 fitted within a recess 6 which is defined, in part, by opposing vertically extending walls 8, 10. The walls 8, 10 extend perpendicularly away from the window frame 4. Two elongate securement devices 12 are fixed within the recess 6 with their opposing ends 14, 16 abutting the vertically extending walls 8, 10. Each securement device 12 carries two threaded shafts 18. A single rectangular plastics sheet 20 and a single rectangular wire mesh panel 22 are mounted on each shaft 18 and arranged to completely overlie the recess 6. (The sheet 20 and mesh panel 22 have been omitted from Figure 1, in the interests of clarity). The plastics sheet 20 makes face-to-face contact with wall 24, in which recess 6 is defined.A respective plate 26 is screw-threadedly mounted on each shaft 18 by means of co-operation between a threaded bore 28 of the plate 26 and the threaded shaft 18. The plate 26 serves to sandwich the sheet 20 and panel 22 against the wall 24. Each plate 26 includes a plurality of holes 30. A locking member 32 of a locking device 34 (for example, a padlock) is arranged within a hole 30 and of the plate 26 and aligned openings in the sheet 20 and panel 22 thereby to secure the sheet and panel in position.

It will now be apparent that the rectangular plastics sheet 20 and mesh panel 22 are securely positioned in front of the window frame 4 so that it is not possible for a person to enter a building via the window.

The assembly may be disassembled following the aforementioned steps in reverse sequence. This will, however, not be easy for unauthorised personnel who will not have the key required to unlock the respective locking devices 34.

Features of the assembly 2 are described in greater detail below.

A securement device 12 is shown in detail in Figure 3. The device 12 includes a first body part 40 and a second body part 42. The body parts 40, 42 abut one another at position 44.

The body part 40 is of generally square crosssection. Extending inwardly from one end 46 thereof, a square cross-section socket 48 is defined. A square crosssection pin 50 is arranged in the socket 48 and secured therein by means of three transversely extending riveted pins 52. Three axially spaced apart transversely extending bores 51 are defined in the pin 50. Projecting end region 54 of the pin 50 is telescoped within a square crosssection socket 56 which extends inwardly from one end 58 of the second body part 42.

The pin 50 is secured within socket 56 of the first body part by means of two transversely extending bolts 60 which are arranged within respective aligned holes in the second body part 42 and two of the three bores 51 in the pin 50.

The pin 50 may be retracted slightly from the socket 56 so that bore 51a therein is aligned with one of the transversely extending holes in the second body part 42.

The bolts 60 may be secured in selected sockets 51 so that the distance between ends 14, 16 of the device may be coarsely adjusted.

Two identical end sections 70 are releasably secured to outer ends 72, 74 of the body parts 40, 42, as shown in Figure 4. Referring to Figure 4, end 72 of the part 40 is of square cross-section and is hollow. A first open-ended longitudinally extending slot 76 is provided in one wall 78 and a second open-ended longitudinally extending slot 80 is provided in wall 82. Wall 78 and wall 82 are perpendicular to one another. Aligned holes 84, 86 are provided in wall 78 and the wall opposite thereto. Aligned holes 88, 90 are provided in wall 82 and the wall opposite thereto.

End section 70 is of square cross-section and is arranged to fit snugly within the hollow interior of the body part 40. The end section 70 includes a longitudinally extending slot 92 in which an inverted T-shaped member 94 is secured by means of rivets 96. Stem 98 of the member 94 supports an internally screw-threaded sleeve 100. Two sets 102, 104 of holes 106 are provided in the end section 70.

Each set comprises two pairs of aligned holes 106, with the axes of alignment of the pairs being perpendicular to one another.

Each section 70 may be inserted into the body part 40 as indicated by arrow 108 so that stem 98 of the member 94 abuts the closed end of slot 76. When so disposed, holes 84, 86 in the end 72 are aligned with holes 106 in set 104 and holes 88, 90 are aligned with holes 106 in set 102.

Butterfly nuts 108 and bolts 110 may be inserted through the aligned holes to secure the end section 70 to the body part 40.

The orientation of the section 70 relative to the body part 40 may be changed by inserting stem 98 of member 94 within slot 82 in the body 40. With such an arrangement, the stem 98 extends in the same direction as that of the shaft 18 thereby allowing shaft 18 to extend further away from a window recess (see the embodiment of Figure 6).

The internally screw-threaded sleeve 100 supports a screw-threaded shaft 112 (see Figures 3 and 5). An abutment member 114 is fixed to an end of the shaft 112.

The abutment member 114 comprises a steel annulus 116 which is rotatably mounted within a groove 116 in the end of the shaft 112. A cylindrical resilient member 118 is fixed by means of rivets 120, to the annulus 116. The end of shaft 112 is also internally axially screw-threaded and a screw-threaded masonry pin stud 122 releasably secured therein. The stud 122 projects away slightly from the rubber member 118.

As shown in Figure 3, the shaft 112 carries a fixed nut 124 by means of which the position of the shaft 112 within the sleeve 100 may be adjusted. Lock nuts 126, 128 are provided on the shaft 122 on opposite sides of the sleeve 100 for locking the shaft 112 in a selected position.

The window assembly 2 may be assembled as follows. A first securement device 12 is secured within the recess 6, as follows. To this end, the optimum position of pin 50 within socket 56 (and, therefore, the distance between ends 14, 16 of the device) is selected so that the device may be fitted within the recess, with the ends 14, 16 relatively close to the walls 8, 10 thereof. Bolts 60 are arranged in the appropriate bores 51 to secure the pin 50 at the optimum position within the socket. Then, a spanner may be used to contact, in turn, nuts 124 of the end sections 70 thereby to screw shafts 112 within sleeve 100 and thereby urge ends 14, 16 towards the respective walls 8, 10 until the device 12 is secured between the walls.

When so arranged, the rubber members 118 of the abutment members 114 may be compressed slightly against the walls.

For added strength, studs 122 may optionally be fixed within the respective ends of shafts 112. The studs penetrate the walls 8, 10 when the device 12 is positioned therebetween. When the device 12 is suitably positioned, the respective locking nuts 126, 128 are tightened against opposing sides of the sleeves 100.

A second device 12 is then secured within the recess so as to be spaced apart from and parallel to the first device 12.

When devices 12 are suitably positioned, the threaded shafts 18 project out of the recess 6. The plastics sheet (if required) and the wire mesh panel 22 are then placed in position, with threaded shafts 18 being positioned within openings in the sheet and panel. A respective plate 26 is then threaded onto each shaft 18 and tightened so as to securely fix the sheet and panel in position. Each respective plate 26 is then secured in position by threading a locking member 32 of a locking device 34 through aligned holes in the plate 26, sheet 20 and panel 22 and securing the locking member in a locked position.

As described above, the orientation of sections 70 relative to the body parts 40, 42 may be changed. In the Figure 1 embodiment, the sections 70 and the body parts 40, 42 are disposed in a plane which is perpendicular to the elongate axis of shafts 18. In the embodiment of Figures 6 and 7, however, the sections 70 and body parts 40, 42 are in the same plane as the plane which includes the elongate axes of shafts 18. This latter arrangement is suitable for use when a casement window 130 protrudes from recess 132 in order to ensure that parts 40, 42 clear the window 130.

The sheet 20 is suitably made of polyethylene and may be in the form of a bubbled sheet. The wire mesh panel 22 is suitably a steel mesh of suitable grade, for example, 12 grade.

It will now be appreciated that the present invention provides a relatively straightforward means of protecting a window of a building and guarding against unauthorised entry into the building via the window. The window frame itself and to a large degree the surrounding area is left substantially undamaged; furthermore, devices 12 may be re-used.

Devices 12 may have other uses. For example, instead of securing plastics sheet 20 and mesh panel 22 relative to a window recess, a display board, for example, an estate agents notice board, may be secured by devices 12.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims (16)

1. A securement device for securing a member relative to a recess, the device including securement means for securing the device within a recess and attachment means for attaching a member to the device thereby to secure the member relative to the recess.

2. A device according to Claim 1, the device being arranged to exert a pressure force on the walls of the recess.

3. A device according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, including a first element for engaging a first part of a wall which defines the recess and a second element for engaging a second part of a wall which defines the recess.

4. A device according to Claim 3, including adjustment means for adjusting the relative disposition of said first and second elements.

5. A device according to Claim 4, wherein said adjustment means comprises first adjustment means and second adjustment means which are independently operable.

6. A device according to Claim 5, wherein said first adjustment means is arranged to adjust the relative disposition of said first and second elements in predetermined steps.

7. A device according to Claim 5 or Claim 6, wherein said second adjustment means is continuously variable.

8. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein said attachment means includes a projection.

9. A device according to Claim 8, wherein said projection is arranged to be received within an opening in the member to be secured relative to the recess.

10. A device according to Claim 8 or Claim 9, wherein lock means is provided for locking the member in position.

11. A device according to any of Claims 8 to 10, wherein a plate having an opening is provided and arranged to cooperate with said projection.

12. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein positioning means is provided for adjusting the relative position of the securement means and attachment means.

13. An assembly comprising a recess and a securement device according to any of Claims 1 to 12 secured within the recess.

14. A kit comprising a securement device as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 12 in combination with a member, for example, a protective member of display member to be secured relative to a recess.

15. A method of securing a member relative to a recess, the method comprising securing a securement device according to any of Claims 1 to 12 within a recess and attaching said member to said device thereby to secure the member relative to the recess.

16. A securement device, an assembly, a kit and a method, each being susbtantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings.