GB2286219A

GB2286219A - Glazing security element

Info

Publication number: GB2286219A
Application number: GB9501393A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Derek John Kay
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1994-02-02
Filing date: 1995-01-25
Publication date: 1995-08-09
Anticipated expiration: 2015-01-25
Also published as: GB2286219B; GB9501393D0; GB9401962D0

Abstract

A security element is provided for enhancing the security of glazing systems (such as doors, windows etc) by obstructing removal of a glazing unit (5) for the system. An example element (30) comprises a metal plate (33) having a lip (36) deflected at an obtuse angle to a face of the plate (33). A screw-threaded rod (40) and associated nut (45) are provided as a means for mounting the element at or near the frame (2) of a glazing system. When mounted, the plate (33) closely abuts the exterior face (23) of the window or similar and the lip (36) is directed towards glazing unit (5) so that spacing from a pane of glass (11) in the unit (6). In this way the lip (36) inhibits withdrawal of unit (5) from its frame (2). <IMAGE>

Description

GLAZING SYSTEMS The present invention relates to glazing systems.

The invention finds particular, but not exclusive use, in relation to enhancing security of glazing systems, especially double glazing systems.

Many properties have double glazing systems which include windows and/or doors. Typical systems include a frame, often made of UPVC, which defines an opening to receive a glazing unit. UPVC is preferred in terms of cost and resistance to corrosion. A typical glazing unit comprises two parallel layers of glass, secured together at their respective edges. The frame suitably has a channel or flange which runs along each edge of the frame opening which is to receive the glazing unit.

Such a channel in the frame is typically somewhat wider than the glazing unit. Thus, to secure the unit in position in the channel, resilient elements are typically inserted either side of the glazing unit, between a wall of the channel and a layer of glass in the glazing unit.

In many double glazing systems currently available, one resilient element comprises a strip of rubber and the other resilient element is in the form of a strip of beading (often also made of UPVC) having a strip of rubber (or other resilient material) secured to one of its edges.

Thus, the resilient elements are each capable of being located between a flange or channel wall of the window frame and the glazing unit, generally after the unit has been mounted in the frame.

Suitably the beading and frame have corresponding surface formations, so that the beading can be slid or pushed into position after the glazing unit. The beading is selected to be of an appropriate shape such that it tightly abuts the UPVC frame, and the strip of rubber abuts the glazing unit. The rubber seal is thus deformable to allow insertion of the beading between the frame and glazing unit. It also provides a water-tight seal to inhibit ingress of water between the glazing unit and frame.

In many double glazing systems currently available, this beading is provided between the frame and the glazing unit at the exterior of a property. Another resilient element, such as a rubber strip, is generally provided between the frame and the glazing unit at the interior of the property, to firmly lock the glazing unit in position in the frame. Problems arise because the exterior beading is a point of weakness in the glazing system. It has been found that burglars can often break or prize away the beading from the window frame. This leaves the burglar free to remove the glazing unit from the frame to gain entry to a property.

Many householders may have expected double glazing to improve the security of their homes, as compared to single glazing, because the double glazing unit is difficult to break. However, this is not necessarily the case because a burglar need not break the glazing unit to gain access to the property. It is only necessary to attack the beading and subsequently lift out the glazing unit from within the frame.

The present invention seeks to alleviate such problems by inhibiting removal of glazing units from glazing systems such as previously described. A particular aim of the present invention is to provide a means for enhancing security of existing glazing systems which are already installed in buildings.

In this regard, it will be appreciated that the present invention is applicable to glazing systems having the problems outlined above, irrespective of the number of layers of glass in a glazing unit. Thus, the invention could also apply to single or triple glazing systems of the type outlined above.

With this object in mind, in a broad aspect the present invention provides a security element for a glazing system, to inhibit withdrawal of a glazing unit from a frame of the system at the exterior surface of the frame, the element comprising a deflected lip and means for mounting the element at or near an exterior surface of the frame so that the lip is directed towards the glazing unit so as to obstruct withdrawal of the unit from the frame.

Preferably, the security element is made of metal or another material which is stronger than that used for the beading employed to retain the glazing unit. In this way, it is capable of withstanding attempts at tampering by breaking/buckling the element.

In particularly preferred embodiments the security element includes a metal plate with an integral deflected lip. The plate and lip are suitably configured to overlie and preferably closely abut at least a part of the exterior frame of the glazing system.

The lip of the element is preferably deflected at an obtuse angle with respect to such a plate. The lip is of a length sufficient to almost abut the outer layer of glass in a glazing unit, when the element is in use. The deflected lip is also configured to closely abut any exterior beading in the glazing system.

Means are provided for mounting the element at or near an exterior surface of a frame of a glazing system.

This may include means for mounting the element to a wall alongside a frame. However, in preferred embodiments, means are provided for mounting the element to a frame.

In particularly preferred embodiments, the mounting means are arranged to extend through the frame, so as to be securable at an interior surface of the frame.

Preferred mounting means include one or more rods adapted to extend through matching apertures in a window frame, and means for securing the rod(s) at the interior surface of the frame. Preferably, the rods have a screwthread for locking interengagement with a correspondingly threaded nut at an interior surface of the frame. In some preferred embodiments, at least two mounting means are provided for each security element.

In particularly preferred embodiments a rod of the mounting means is made of hardened steel to reduce likelihood of a burglar being able to sever the rod to release the security element.

For embodiments in which mounting means extend into the frame, preferably sealing means are provided for inhibiting ingress of water into the frame. For example, gaskets may be mounted on rods such as previously described, on the exterior surface of the frame.

In particularly preferred embodiments, means are provided for inhibiting rotation of the element when mounted on a frame. Such means may take the form of surface formations provided on the element and arranged for interengagement with corresponding formations provided in a frame. For example, one or more lugs may be provided on the element for engagement in matching apertures on the frame. For added security one or more lugs are preferably made of hardened steel. In such embodiments it may not be necessary to also construct the mounting means from such a material.

A security element according to a preferred embodiment comprises a metal plate having a lip deflected at an obtuse angle to a face of the plate, and means for mounting the element at or near the frame of a glazing system, associated with the plate. Preferably, the mounting means include at least one rod secured to the plate and extending to the same side of the plate as the deflected lip. Most preferably, one or each rod extends substantially perpendicularly to a face of the plate. In particularly preferred embodiments, the rod is screwthreaded and a matching nut is provided to form the mounting means.

In another aspect the present invention provides a method of enhancing the security of a glazing system, which comprises mounting a security element as described above at or near a frame of the system, so as to inhibit removal of a glazing unit from a frame of the system.

In preferred embodiments, the method includes mounting security elements at least on opposite edges of an exterior surface of a frame, for example at top and bottom edges and/or left and right hand edges. The presence of security elements on two opposite edges of a frame reduces likelihood of a burglar being able to overcome the obstruction of a security element by displacing a glazing unit out of engagement with an element.

In some preferred embodiments the method includes providing appropriate aperturing through a frame near a glazing panel to receive the mounting means of a security element as described above.

It is appreciated that some glazing systems currently on sale include beading on an interior surface of the doors/windows. Nevertheless, glazing systems with exterior beading are present in a considerable number of properties and it is in such properties that the present invention may be utilised.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described further by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an example security element mounted on part of a frame, and Fig. 2 is a sectional view of a security element mounted on a frame.

Referring to the drawings, Fig. 1 shows a glazing system which includes a frame 2, a glazing unit 5 and two resilient elements in the form of firstly beading 7 carrying rubber strip 9 and secondly a rubber strip 19.

The glazing unit 5, beading 7 and strip 19 are accommodated in an inwardly facing channel 12 which runs along the edges of the frame 2 at opening 20.

In more detail, the glazing unit 5 comprises two parallel layers of glass 11, secured together at their edges. The beading 7 has an angled or curved outer surface 17, and a rubber strip 9 is provided at its free end 27 which, in use, will tightly abut a glass panel 11.

This provides a good seal against ingress of water between the glazing unit 5 and frame 2. In a typical system, surface formations (not illustrated) are provided in channel 12 to lock the beading 7 in the desired position. For example, interengageable tracks may be formed on the beading 7 and channel 12 of the frame 2.

The beading 7 and rubber strip 9 are located between the frame 2 and glazing unit 5 at the exterior side of the glazing system. The second resilient element, comprising rubber strip 19, is pressed into the channel 12 at the interior surface of the glazing system, to tightly lock the glazing unit 5 in position in the frame 2.

Matching apertures 13, 13' are provided on the exterior face 23 and interior face 22 of the frame 2. (A frame 2 is typically a generally hollow extrusion, provided with a series of strengthening ribs.) In this context the exterior face 23 is on the outside of a property and the interior face 22 is the face of the frame which is on the inside of a property. Two spaced recesses (not illustrated) are also provided on the exterior face 23 of the frame 2, to engage lugs 48, 49 on the security element, as discussed in more detail below.

The features of the example security element are as follows. The element 30 comprises a metal plate 33 and an integral deflected lip or flange 36. The lip 36 is deflected at an obtuse angle to a surface 34 of the plate 33. The precise angle of deflection will depend on the shape of the beading 7. In a typical security element 30, the angle may be between about 130 to about 150 .

In the example element 30, the plate 33 measures about 2cm by about 5cm and is a couple of millimetres in thickness. The lip 36 tapers towards its free end 37 and has a maximum length of about 2.5cm.

A rod 40 extends generally perpendicularly to surface 34 of the plate 33, and to the same side of the plate 33 as the deflected lip 36. The rod 40 is of a suitable length such that it will extend through apertures 13, 13' in frame 2. The rod 40 is made of hardened steel and has a screwthread, at least at or near its free end 42. A nut 45 is also provided for engaging the rod 40 at the interior surface 22 of the frame 2.

The nut 45 and rod 40 together form a mounting means for the element 30.

Hardened steel lugs 48, 49 also extend generally perpendicularly to surface 34 of the plate 33. The lugs 48, 49 are spaced either side of the rod 40. The lugs 48, 49 are arranged to engage in matching recesses provided in frame 2.

The security element 30 may be employed as follows.

Apertures 13, 13' are provided in exterior and interior surfaces 23, 22 respectively of the frame 2. Also, spaced recesses are provided in the exterior surface 23, either side of aperture 13. The rod 40 is inserted through both apertures 13, 13' and the nut 45 is tightened on the rod 40 so that surface 34 of plate 33 closely abuts the exterior surface 23 of the frame 2.

The lugs 48, 49 are located in their matching recesses in surface 23. The deflected lip 36 overlies the beading 7.

The free end 37 of the lip 36 lies a few millimetres from glass panel 11 in the glazing unit 5.

Typically, a security element 30 will also be mounted on at least the opposite edge of the frame 2 (i.e. that edge which would be on the right hand side of the enclosed figure).

Clearly, the deflected lip 36 of the element 30 obstructs removal of glazing unit 5 from frame 2. Even if beading 7 is withdrawn, the lip 36 allows only a couple of millimetres clearance between the glass panel 11 and element 30. This is insufficient to allow the glazing unit 5 to be manoeuvred out of the frame 2.

Also, since the element 30 is made of metal, it is difficult to break or remove it from the frame 2.

Various modifications may be made to the illustrated embodiment. For example, elements of various shapes and/or sizes may be employed. Also, to inhibit ingress of water into the frame 2, preferably a sealing gasket is provided on rod 40 to overlie the frame 2 near aperture 13.

In some cases, it may be desirable to include two mounting rods, so as to reduce the likelihood of a burglar twisting the security element so that the deflected lip is no longer directed towards the glazing unit. Alternatively or in addition, as described above locating lugs could be provided on surface 34 of plate 33, to engage in matching recesses or apertures in the exterior surface 23 of the frame 2 to inhibit rotation of plate 33.

In some embodiments it may not be necessary to make a mounting rod of hardened steel. Any such locating lugs may be made of hardened steel, to inhibit rotation of the security element and also to shield the mounting rod, to make the rod less susceptible to attack.

In addition, the element 30 could be adapted for mounting to a wall at or near a frame 2, rather than for mounting directly on a frame. However, it is expected that frame mounting will be preferred. This is because a wall near a frame may take a whole host of forms.

It will be appreciated that the present invention is applicable to windows, doors and other closure members, including those which are not intended to be openable in normal use. Also, the invention can be used with double glazing, or with single or triple glazing systems, as discussed above. Furthermore, the present security elements may be mountable onto glazing systems made of a host of materials, including other than UPVC. Also, the security elements may be effective to inhibit withdrawal of glazing units made of materials other than glass.

It is appreciated that various other modifications may be made to the illustrated embodiment.

Claims

1. A security element for a glazing system, to inhibit withdrawal of a glazing unit from a frame of the system at the exterior surface of the frame, the element including a deflected lip and means for mounting the element at or near an exterior surface of the frame so as to overlie the exterior surface of the frame and so that the lip is directed towards the glazing unit to obstruct withdrawal of the unit from the frame.

2. A security element according to Claim 1 which includes a plate configured for overlying at least a part of the exterior frame of the glazing system and a deflected lip integrally formed with the plate.

3. A security element according to Claim 2 wherein the lip of the element is deflected at an obtuse angle with respect to the plate.

4. A security element according to any preceding claim which is made of metal.

5. A security element according to any preceding claim wherein the means for mounting the element at or near an exterior surface of a frame of the glazing system are adapted for securing the element to the frame.

6. A security element according to any preceding claim wherein the mounting means are adapted for extending through the frame, so as to be securable at an interior surface of the frame.

7. A security element according to Claim 6 wherein the mounting means include one or more rods adapted to extend through matching apertures in a frame, and means are provided for securing said one or more rods to the frame at an interior surface thereof.

8. A security element according to Claim 7 wherein a rod has a screwthread for locking interengagement with a correspondingly threaded nut at an interior surface of the frame.

9. A security element according to Claim 6 or 7 wherein the or each rod extends generally perpendicularly to the plate of the element.

10. A security element according to any one of Claims 7 to 9 wherein a rod of the mounting means is made of hardened steel.

11. A security element according to Claim 1 which includes a metal plate having a lip deflected at an obtuse angle to a face of the plate and means for mounting the element at or near the frame of a glazing system, the mounting means comprising at least one rod secured to the plate and extending to the same side of the plate as the deflected lip.

12. A security element according to any one of Claims 6 to 11 wherein sealing means are provided for inhibiting ingress of water into the frame.

13. A security element according to any preceding claim wherein means are provided for inhibiting rotation of the element with respect to the frame when the element is mounted on a frame.

14. A security element according to Claim 13 provided with surface formations arranged for interengagement with corresponding formations provided in a frame.

15. A security element according to Claim 14 provided with one or more lugs for engagement in matching apertures on the frame.

16. A security element substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as illustrated in, the accompanying Figures 1 and 2.

17. A method of enhancing the security of a glazing system, which method comprises mounting a security element as defined in any one of Claims 1 to 16 at or near a frame of the system, with the lip of the element directed towards the glazing unit so as to inhibit removal of a glazing unit from a frame of the system.

18. A method according to Claim 17, which includes mounting security elements at least on opposing edges of an exterior surface of a frame.

19. A method according to Claim 17 which includes providing appropriate aperturing through a frame near a glazing panel to receive the mounting means of a security element as defined in any one of Claims 6 to 16.

20. A method according to Claim 17 which includes providing one or more recesses in the frame to receive lugs of a security element as defined in Claim 15.