GB2277548A - Security closure - Google Patents

Abstract

The closure 2 comprises a panel 4 having a square planar base frame 6 and sidewalls 8 which extend circumferentially around and project perpendicularly from the base frame 6. A panel is fixed to the base frame 6, between the sidewalls 8. Each end of an X-shaped support member 12 is fixed to the base frame 6. The support member 12 is of channel cross-section along each arm thereof and is arranged to slidably retain a plurality of rectangular connector members 14. The connector members 14 are arranged to co-operate with threaded bars which extend perpendicularly to the panel and may be used, in conjunction with a bracing member (44), to secure the screen in position over, for example, a window. <IMAGE>

Description

SECURITY CLOSURE This invention relates to a security closure and particularly, although not exclusively, relates to a security closure for use in relation to openings, for example, windows in buildings or the like.

U.K. Patent Number GB 2 160 248 B (Jolpine Limited) describes a security closure for use in protecting window and like openings in temporarily unoccupied premises. The closure described comprises a rectangular panel having shallow circumferentially extending side walls. The rims of one pair of opposing side walls of the panel are inturned, for example, by crimping, so as to captively retain respective end portions of two support members whilst allowing each support member to slide in a direction parallel to the direction of extent of the pair of opposing side walls. Two spaced apart connectors are connected to each support member and a beam is arranged to co-operate with the connectors in order to clamp an opening surround, for example, a window between the panel and the beam.

One problem associated with the closure described is that the inturning of the side walls is not an easy process and, in any event, the inturned side walls tend to be weakened and do not positively or securely captively retain the support members in position. Also, the closure described provides one adjustment mechanism in the form of the slidable support members for adjustment in one direction and a second, separate adjustment mechanism for adjustment in a second direction. The provision of two such adjustment mechanisms may increase the cost of producing a closure. Furthermore, the closure described in the patent is not particularly strong or robust and may, therefore, fail under attack by a potential intruder.

An object of the present invention is to provide a security closure which is improved in comparison to known closures.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a security closure for an opening, the closure comprising a panel which includes a first guide means extending in a first direction and being arranged to guide movement of a first connecting means, and a second guide means extending in a second direction and being arranged to guide movement of a second connecting means, wherein the second direction extends transversely to said first direction and said connecting means are arranged to co-operate with a securement means for securing the closure adjacent to an opening.

Said first guide means is preferably substantially straight along the extent thereof.

Said second guide means is preferably substantially straight along the extent thereof.

Said first guide means and said second guide means are preferably arranged to guide movement of said first and second connecting means in a single plane. Preferably, said single plane is parallel to the main plane of the panel. Suitably, therefore, said first and second directions are within said single plane.

Preferably, a connecting means is captively retained by said second guide means. More preferably, a plurality of connecting means is captively retained by said second guide means.

Preferably, a connecting means is captively retained by said second guide means. More preferably, a plurality of connecting means is captively retained by said second guide means.

Said first direction preferably extends at an angle xO to said second direction, wherein 0 < x > 900. x is preferably greater than 300 and, more preferably, greater than 45". Preferably, x is about 90".

Said first guide means and said second guide means preferably intersect one another.

Said panel is ipreferably quadrilateral in shape.

Suitably, the panel is square or rectangular in shape.

Said first and/or said second guide means preferably extend between opposing parts of the panel. Said first and/or said second guide means may, in one embodiment, extend diagonally across a quadrilateral-shaped panel. In another embodiment, said first and/or said second guide means may extend between the mid-points of opposing sides of the panel. Preferably, the first and second guide means are symmetrically arranged relative to the panel.

The first guide means and/or said second guide means is preferably releasably secured to the panel. When secured to the panel, said first guide means and/or said second guide means is preferably immovably secured in position. Means for releasably securing the first and/or second guide means in position may include a plurality of co-operating male and female parts, for example, co operating nuts and bolts. Preferably, the panel includes a plurality of fixed male part, for example, bolts with which the first guide means and/or the second guide means may co-operate. For example, openings may be provided in the first and/or the second guide means to allow cooperation. Female parts, for example, nuts, may be releasably securable to the male parts for securing the first and/or second guide means in position.

The panel preferably includes an intruder resistant screen, for example, made from Meshlite (Trade Mark). The screen may be releasably secured to the panel. The screen may utilise said means for releasably securing the first and/or second guide means in position as its means of releasable securement to the panel.

The closure may further include securement means for securing the closure adjacent to the opening. Said securement means preferably includes a bracing means, for example, in the form of an elongate member. Coupling means is preferably provided between the first and/or second connecting means and said bracing means for applying a clamping force between the panel and the bracing means.

Said coupling means may include a male or female element adapted to be secured to the other one of a male or female element provided by a said connecting means.

The invention extends to a method of closing an opening, the method comprising securing the closure of the first aspect adjacent to the opening.

The invention further extends to an assembly comprising the closure of the first aspect secured adjacent to an opening.

Specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a rear plan view of a closure; Figure 2 is an elevation of one side of the closure; Figure 3 is an elevation of another side of the closure; Figure 4 is a cross-section along line IV-IV of Figure 1; Figure 5 is a cross-section along the V-V of Figure 1; Figure 6 is an enlarged end elevation of a connection member; Figure 7 is a cross-section along line VII-VII of Figure 1; Figures 8 and 9 are side elevations of securement devices; Figure 10 is a rear plan view of another closure; and Figure 11 is a cross-section along line XI-XI of Figure 10, with a connecting member omitted in the interests of clarity.

The closure 2 shown in Figures 1 to 5 comprises a panel 4 having a square planar base frame 6 and side walls 8 which extend circumferentially around and project perpendicularly from the base frame 6. A Meshlite (Trade Mark) panel is fixed to the base frame 6, between the side walls 8. Meshlite (Trade Mark) is a metal-reinforced plastics sheet material.

Each end of an X-shaped support member 12 is fixed to the base frame 6, at respective corners thereof. The support member 12 is of channel cross-section along each arm thereof and is arranged to captively retain a plurality of rectangular connector members 14 which are slidable within the channels of the support member 12.

Each connector member 14 is of rectangular cross-section and includes a nut 16 welded to an outwardly facing surface.

The X-shaped support member 12 may be manufactured using four lengths Qf channel 20. Ends of the channel 20 are welded to a rectangular support plate 22 so that opposing channels define a continuous passageway along which the connector members 14 may slide. It should be noted that the length of the connecting members 14 is such that they cannot be removed from the channels at the centre of the support member 12. An elongate slot is drilled or otherwise formed adjacent outer ends 24 of the channels.

The panel 4 may be manufactured by welding parts of the frame 6 and side walls 8 together. Each corner of the frame 6 is drilled and a round-headed bolt 30 welded in the opening formed, so that a threaded shaft of the bolt projects from the rear of the panel. The Meshlite (Trade Mark) panel is then fitted in position so that the shafts of the bolts 30 enter a suitably positioned hole adjacent each corner of the Meshlite panel and rivets 10 are then optionally used to secure the Meshlite in position.

The connector members 14 are then slid into the channels 20 via the outer ends 24.

The X-shaped support member 12 is then fitted in position by engaging the shafts of the bolts 30 within the elongate slots provided adjacent the outer ends 24 of the X-shaped member. The arrangement is then secured in position by screwing nuts onto each of the bolts 30.

The closure 2 may be secured in position outside, for example, a window using the arrangement shown in Figure 8.

Referring to Figure 8, a respective threaded bar 40 is engaged in the nut 16 of each connector member 14. The closure 2 is then offered up outside the window so that each bar 40 extends substantially perpendicular to the window. The connector members 14 (and bars 40 secured thereto) are slid into the desired positions. One pair of bars 40 is then fitted through respective openings 42 in one bracing bar 44 and the other pair of bars 40 is fitted through openings in a second bracing bar. A nut 46 is then threaded on each bar 40 and tightened in order to securely clamp the window between the closure 2 and the bracing bars 40.

A second method of securing the closure 2 in position is shown in Figure 9. Referring to Figure 9, each connector member 14 co-operates with a fixing hook arrangement 50. The arrangement 50 includes a short externally screw-threaded bar 52 to which is secured, at one end, a double-hook arrangement 54 which is substantially M-shaped. The double-hook arrangement 54 allows the bar 52 to be easily inserted by a user within the nut 16. A length of wire 60 is looped over one hook of the double-hook arrangement 54 and then pushed through an opening 42 in bracing bar 44. A tightening device 56 is used to reduce the effective length of the wire 60 and thereby securely clamp a window between the closure 2 and the bracing bar 44.

The closure 80 shown in Figure 10 is similar to the closure 2 shown in Figures 1 to 7 and the same or similar parts in the figures have the same reference numerals.

Whereas the X-shaped support member 12 of Figure 1 is positioned along the diagonals of the panel 4, the support member 12 of the Figure 8 embodiment is positioned midway along the extent of each side of the panel 4. One advantage of the closure 80 is that three bracing bars 44 may be used, one being operatively connected to connector member 14a, one being operatively connected to connector members 14b and a third being operatively connected to connector member 14c.

One advantage of both of the closures 2 and 80 is that the X-shaped support members 12 tend to reduce deflection of the Meshlite (Trade Mark) panel when the closure is under attack from the outside. Furthermore, a closure constructed as described may be robust and sturdy whilst being simple to manufacture and requiring few components.

The closures 2 and/or 80 may be made in any shape. In some applications two or more closures may be fixed together by clips or by bolts in order to increase the effective size of the closure.

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 (14)

1. A security closure for an opening, the closure comprising a panel which includes a first guide means extending in a first direction and being arranged to guide movement of a first connecting means, and a second guide means extending in a second direction and being arranged to guide movement of a second connecting means, wherein the second direction extends transversely to said first direction and said connecting means are arranged to cooperate with a securement means for securing the closure adjacent to an opening.

2. A closure according to Claim 1, wherein said first direction preferably extends at an angle x" to said second direction, wherein 0 < x > 90c.

3. A closure according to Claim 2, wherein x is greater than 450.

4. A closure according to any preceding claim, wherein said first guide means and said second guide means intersect one another.

5. A closure according to any preceding claim, wherein said first and/or said second guide means extend diagonally across the panel which is quadrilateral in shape.

6. A closure according to any preceding claim, wherein said first guide means and/or said second guide means are releasably secured to the panel.

7. A closure according to any preceding claim, wherein the panel includes an intruder resistant screen.

8. A closure according to any preceding claim, wherein said securement means incudes a bracing means.

9. A closure according to Claim 8, wherein coupling means is provided between the first and/or the second connecting means and said bracing means for applying a clamping force between the panel and the bracing means.

10. A method of closing an opening, the method comprising securing a closure according to any of Claims 1 to 9 adjacent to the opening.

11. An assembly comprising the closure according to any of Claims 1 to 9 secured adjacent an opening.

12. A closure substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings.

13. A method substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings.

14. An assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings.