GB2309044A - A security closure for a window - Google Patents

Abstract

A security closure especially for securing a window opening of an empty property, comprises a framework which is formed from sheet material integral with a perforated panel member 100 and defines four channel sections 102-105 secured at the corners. The channel section to at least two appropriate sides, as viewed in cross-section, comprises an outer edge 106 extending rearwards at 90{ from the plane of the closure panel 100, a return flange 107 turned inwardly at 90{ to the outer edge, and said inner mounting flange 108 turned back towards the closure panel at generally 90{. The inner mounting flange 108 has a inturned flange 109, also at 90{. At least two opposed mounting flanges 108 are provided with apertures 110 to receive selectively positionable elongate members 8 for use in securing the closure in place. Conveniently, all four framework sections include apertures to receive the elongate members. The security closure may further comprise one or more intermediate support bars (200, figure 12) selectively positionable for spanning oppositely disposed frame elements and located against inturned flanges 109 (figure 14).

Description

Title: A Security Closure for a Window DESCRIPTION The present invention relates to a security closure for securing an opening of a building, especially a window, but without limitation to such.

The need to secure void properties has lead to the development of so-called void window barriers which can be positioned over window openings to prevent unauthorised access. Since window openings vary in size the most useful barriers are those which can be adapted to suit different sized window openings, thus proposals have been made for a framework which fits over the outside of the window opening and against the fabric of the building, and in which securing means connects with the framework and passes through the opening to cooperate with retaining members abutting the inside fabric of the building. Various proposals having different degrees of sophistication have been made for the design of the securing means to give the required flexibility to suit different sizes of openings. One design is described in British Patent Specification No.

2160248 in which the framework is provided with rim portions which are arranged for captively retaining end portions of at least two support members in a fashion which permits lateral sliding movement of the support members in the plane of the panel whilst restraining them against movement perpendicular to that plane.

Connector means are cooperable with the support members and the connector means may be selectably positioned along the length of the support means. The slidable adjustment of the support means and the selective positioning of the connector means facilitates positioning of the connector means to pass through the opening over which the security barrier has to be secured. Whilst such a construction offers the desired flexibility it is complex and hence expensive to produce. A less complex alternative is described in British Patent Specification No. 2208171 in which a framework defining a panel has side ledges which are returned to extend in a direction away from the window opening. The ledges are disposed to opposite sides of the panel and said ledges have holes for positively securing by way of a nut and bolt a transverse bar in a desired position.The bar is provided with a mounting flange at each end positively secured thereto and the flange is apertured to receive a bolt passing through the holes in the outwardly turned flanging of the panel member. This arrangement permits lateral positioning of the elongate bars in the desired position and two such bars may be employed in securing a panel in place. The connector means engages with the bars and passes through the window opening to be secured on the inside fabric of the building in a conventional manner. The provision of the aforesaid mounting flange and additional nut and bolt for securing purposes increases the cost as well as hindering flexibility and speed of assembly of the security barrier and the present invention aims to provide a solution.

Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention provides a security closure comprising a framework having closure means (for example, a panel member) for positioning on one side of a window opening, and mounting means with which one or more selectively positionable elongate members are cooperable being received in and supported by apertures of the mounting means, retaining means for positioning on the other side of the window opening and one or more securing members which are cooperable with the retaining means for securing the barrier in position securing the window opening, and wherein the apertures of the mounting means comprises a plurality of laterally spaced apart reception locations and wherein each elongate member is received slidably in engagement with two reception locations.

More particularly the securing members are also cooperable with the elongate members.

It is particularly convenient if the elongate members cooperate with the aperturing at a position adjacent opposite ends of the elongate member. It is convenient for the mounting means to be disposed adjacent opposite sides of the framework. Conveniently the reception locations are disposed in two laterally spaced rows and disposed slightly inwardly of side frame members of the framework. Alternatively or additionally the reception locations may be in the side frame members.

Conveniently the elongate members are received in the reception locations by first sliding in one direction to insert one end thereof into a selected aperture of the mounting means and then by sliding in the other direction to have the other end enter selected aperturing of the mounting means.

Conveniently the reception locations comprise a plurality of holes drilled through the mounting means.

Conveniently the elongate members comprise bars of circular cross-section. The preferred bars are made from a high tensile steel or other high tensile material.

By means of the aperturing and the direct slidable engagement of the elongate members, the latter can be quickly positioned in the desired location. It will be apparent that the elongate means are longer than the distance between the laterally spaced apart reception locations. In the presently preferred embodiment the elongate members are shorter than the distance between the side framing and the remote reception location so as to allow for insertion of the elongate member first in one direction and then to be brought into alignment with the other reception location and moved into engagement therewith whilst maintaining engagement with the first. A further advantageous construction arises where the ends of the elongate members are configured to resist accidental axial displacement once in position.In one embodiment this may be achieved by providing two enlargements on the elongate member such as by the provision of a circumferential protrusion or flange larger than the cross-section (ie. the diameter) of the bars (say at opposite ends thereof). In such an embodiment the aperturing is large enough for the enlargement to pass through unhindered for assembly purposes. After insertion the bars are displaced so that the centres of the apertures and the bars are no longer concentric thereby inhibiting removal by sliding.

A further alternative uses releasable abutment means and may comprises nuts threaded onto the ends of the bars either at one end or both ends. Where at one end these can be to either side of the mounting means to secure axially or least limit axial movement to prevent accidental withdrawal from the mounting means.

Alternatively, the bars may be drilled to receive simple spring clips, for example R clips. The latter provides a very quick method of securing the bars without the expense of enlargement of the bars or the need for threading.

According to another embodiment, the framework and closure means is made from sheet material. More particularly, the framework and closure means is folded from one sheet of material, usually steel. The framework may be folded to form a closed box section or more advantageously an open channel section. More particularly the closure means is provided with a plurality of small apertures to admit light.

At the corners of the framework, the adjacent ends of the folded sections of the framework are welded together. More particularly, the framework is formed to provide to each of the four edges of the apertured closure means, an outer edge extending rearwardly (say at 900) from the plane of the closure means; a return flange turned inwardly (at say 900) to the outer edge, and an inner mounting flange turned back towards the closure and generally perpendicular thereto.

Advantageously the inner mounting member has a return flange disposed at say 900 thereto and in one embodiment is positioned to overlie the rear face of the closure means, whilst in a preferred embodiment it is parallel to but spaced from the plane of the closure means. In the preferred embodiment there is a chamfered section between the planar part of the closure means and the outer edge.

At least opposed inner mounting flanges of the box section frame are provided with the aforesaid plurality of spaced apart reception locations to receive the aforesaid elongate members. More particularly all four inner mounting flanges are provided with said spaced apart reception locations.

Another aspect of the invention provides a security closure for positioning on one side of say a window opening comprising a closure member having a channel section framework and a closure panel formed from sheet material and wherein the framework provides a peripheral frame to the closure panel, the channel section to at least two opposite sides of the framework as viewed in cross-section comprising an outer edge extending rearwardly (say at 900) from the plane of the closure panel, a return flange turned inwardly (at say 900) to the outer edge, and an inner mounting flange turned back towards the closure panel and generally perpendicular thereto, in which the inner mounting member has an inturned flange disposed at say 900 thereto.

Advantageously according to another feature applicable to the described embodiments and aspects there is further provided one or more intermediate support bars dimensioned to span across the width and/or length of the security closure and cooperable therewith and with the aforesaid elongate members to support the latter. The intermediate support bar is engageable with oppositely disposed flange parts of the closure panel.

Conveniently the flange parts form part of a channel section frame to opposite sides of the closure member.

More particularly the intermediate support bar has a plurality of apertures aligned with those in the mounting means to receive a said elongate member. The intermediate support member is a separate component and usually inserted in conjunction with the insertion of the elongate member. The securing members may be cooperable with the intermediate support bar.

Another aspect of the invention comprises a security closure comprising a box or channel section framework formed from sheet material and a closure member for th framework.

More particularly the closure member is sheet material and the box or channel section framework provides a peripheral frame thereto. More particularly still the box or channel section framework is folded from material of the closure member. The respective members of the framework are welded together where they abut at the corners.

According to said another aspect and/or another embodiment of security closure, a square or rectangular framework is made up of channel section members secured together at the corners and wherein preferably each channel section, as viewed in cross section, comprises an outer edge flange turned rearwardly from one edge of a face portion, a generally L-shaped section one limb of which extends rearwardly from the other edge of said face portion and the other limb extends away from the outer edge flange, and a further L-shaped section, one limb of which extends rearwardly from the aforesaid other limb and its other limb extends towards said outer edge flange.

The first mentioned L-section conveniently defines a rebate to receive closure means, which may be a door, which is lockably received in the framework.

The present invention will now be described further, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a rear view of one embodiment of window barrier in accordance with the invention, Figure 2 is a side view cross-section A-A of the window barrier of Figure 1, Figure 3 is a cross-section on B-B of Figure 1, Figure 4 is a fragmentary perspective view of the window barrier according of the invention, Figure 5 is a rear view of a second embodiment, Figure 6 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of elongate member and securing means there for, Figure 7 is a fragmentary perspective view of a further embodiment, Figures 8 is a fragmentary perspective view of another embodiment, Figure 9 is a fragmentary perspective view of an alternative connecting link, Figure 10 is a partially exploded perspective view from the rear, one side and above of another embodiment of security closure construction, Figure 10a is a cross-section on line A-A of Figure 10 according to one embodiment, whilst Figure 10b is a cross-section on A-A according to a preferred embodiment, Figure 11 is a partially broken away perspective view of another embodiment of security closure, Figure lla is a cross-section on line B-B of Figure 11, Figure 12 is a rear perspective view of another embodiment of security closure, Figure 13 is a perspective view of an intermediate support bar for use for example with the security closure of Figure 12, Figure 14 is a fragmentary view showing one end of the intermediate support bar of Figure 13 in its position of engagement with the security closure of Figure 12, Figure 15 is a front view showing four security enclosures of Figure 12 secured together, and Figure 16 is a horizontal section through the embodiment of Figure 15.

Referring firstly to Figures 1 to 4, a security barrier according to the present invention comprises a framework made up of angle iron comprising opposite pairs of side members 1, 3 adapted to receive a suitable security panel 4 be it Meshlight (Registered trade mark), wood, steel or wire mesh. Mounting means 5 comprises a pair of bars conveniently made from angle iron and bolted to the framework at 6 from the inside and serving to entrap therebetween the panel member 4.

Accordingly, a limb 5a of the mounting means extends generally perpendicularly away from the panel and is spaced from and generally parallel to a limb la of the side members 1. The limb 5a has a plurality of spaced apertures 7. Conveniently the apertures in one mounting member are aligned with those in the other thus providing a plurality of selectable laterally spaced reception locations. One or more elongate members 8, usually two as shown in solid outline, are provided for engagement with the mounting members and in the illustrated embodiment opposite ends of the elongate members are received in respective apertures of the mounting means.The elongate members are longer than the spacing between the respective limbs 5a but shorter than the dimension between one limb 5a and the opposite frame member la so that the elongate member can be inserted by one end firstly into one aperture of say the left-hand mounting means by an axial movement and then have its other end moved into alignment with a corresponding aperture in the right-hand mounting means and the elongate member moved to the right to enter the aperture. It will be appreciated that this is achieved relatively simply and quickly.

To avoid accidental disengagement of the elongate members, abutment means is provided and this may take the form of two nuts 9 threaded onto the elongate member. The bar may be threaded at one or both ends.

The illustration shows threading to both ends. Where, for example, it is just at one end then the two nuts are placed on the one end with one positioned inwardly of the mounting means and the other positioned between the limb 5a and the limb la of the framework for example as shown for the right end of the elongate member in Figure 1. Where the elongate member is threaded to both ends then the nuts may be positioned between the mounting limb 5a and the associated frame in both cases. The elongate members may be positioned as desired in any of the available reception locations.

An alternative method of conveniently securing the elongate members in the desired axial position is to have the elongate member 8a drilled (usually in two axially spaced positions eg. 9a, 9b or 9a', 9c') to receive a spring retaining pin such as an R-shaped clip 11. Such an embodiment is illustrated with alternative hole positioning in Figure 6. Two such clips may be provided one to either end as at lla and llb or two at one end as at ila and llc. With the afore-described arrangements the holes in the mounting means can be just larger than the diameter of the elongate member.

An alternative construction as illustrated in Figure 8 uses an enlarged end 19' formed integrally on the elongate members 8' and has the holes 7' in the mounting means dimensioned to allow passage of the enlarged end therethrough. Once in position the elongate members are displaced radially and held displaced by the securing means as described further hereinafter.

Conveniently in each case the retaining means comprises one or more longitudinal members (not illustrated), eg. baulks of timber or steel beams/channels for positioning on the inside of the fabric of the building across the opening to be secured.

The securing means, in each case comprises two rigid hook-like connecting links 14 with the hook-like ends 14a engaging with the elongate members in any desired position and having their other ends 14b threaded to receive a nut to make cooperating engagement with the afore-described longitudinal members thus enabling the securing barrier panel to be security in place over the window opening.

Figure 5 shows an alternative embodiment in which the framework is similar in construction to the embodiment of Figures 1 to 4, but in which the respective spaced mounting means 5 are moved inwardly from the edges of the barrier as at 5'. This will usually dictate using shorter elongate bars 8. The elongate bars may be secured by any of the methods described herein. The illustrated embodiment shows nuts 9" on threaded ends of the bar 8".

Referring now to Figure 7, a further alternative is illustrated in which the side frames 1 are apertured at 7''' to receive the elongate members 8"'. The latter are conveniently secured by threading nuts 9''' onto the elongate members to be disposed on the innermost side of the side frame 1. Alternatively the bars as per the embodiment of FIgure 6 may be employed with the pins inward of the side frames.

It will be understood that with the embodiment of Figure 7, the elongate members may be inserted by movement in only one direction. It is further envisaged that the embodiment of Figures 1 to 4 could be modified to have apertures in the side frames aligned with those in the mounting means thereby permitting sliding insertion in the same manner. Spring pin retention is preferred for ease of location of the elongate members, with the pins being inwardly of the mounting means for access only from inside the window opening.

Figure 9 shows an alternative connecting link 114 which can replace any of the previously described links.

The hooked end 14a is replaced by a circular eye 114a which is threaded onto the elongate bar 8 prior to fitting the latter in place thereby keeping the link captive on the bar.

Referring now to Figures 10 and 10a, there is shown an alternative embodiment of security closure.

The framework thereto is formed from box sections which are conveniently folded from sheet material. More particularly those box sections are integral with a closure panel 100. The closure panel is formed of sheet material and is provided with a plurality of apertures 101 where light is required to be admitted. The edges of the sheet are folded to form the four box sections making up the four sides 102, 102, 104, 105 of the framework. The cross section of side 102 is illustrated in Figure 10a, and the other sides correspond.

Accordingly on outer edge 106 extends rearwardly (at 900) from the plane of the closure panel 100, a return flange 107 which forms an abutment surface in use, is turned inwardly at 900 form the outer edge, and that leads to an inner mounting flange 108 turned back towards the closure member to lie generally perpendicularly thereto. Finally an inwardly directed flange 109 is formed to the end the mounting flange and said inwardly directed flange backs up the closure panel 100. This flange is useful in shielding access to the securing clip for the elongate bars. The inner mounting flange 108 is provided with a plurality of spaced apertures 110. As in the afore-described embodiment an elongate bar 8"' is arranged to be received in the apertures of opposite inner mating flanges and retained in place by spring clips 111"' entering through a respective hole in the elongate bar.For this embodiment it is only necessary to have clips on the inner sides, ie. one to each end of the bar.

Fixing of the security closure over an opening is by way of the aforesaid connecting links/security members 114"' and retaining means comprising a suitable elongate bar 120. The securing members 14 are threaded for cooperating engagement with the retaining means by way of a nut whilst the other ends are adapted for sliding engagement in the elongate bars 8"' by hook or circular opening in an end formation 122 as previously discussed.

Referring now to Figures 11 and lla, there is shown a yet further alternative embodiment of security closure. In this embodiment the method of securing follows the same principles as that described previously utilising say two elongate bars 8, securing members 14 and retaining beam 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the closure 124 is specifically illustrated as a doorpivotally moulded to a framework and lockable with respect thereto.

The framework is rectangular, and each of the four members 126, 127, 128, 129 making up the framework is of channel section and conveniently folded from sheet material. More particularly each cross section comprises an outer edge flange 130 turned rearwardly from one edge of a face portion 131, a generally Lshaped section one limb 132 of which extends rearwardly from the outer edge of the face portion, and the other limb 133 extends away from the outer edge flange. In the illustrated embodiment the L-shaped section defines a rebate for the closure member 124. The section comprises a further L-shaped section one limb 134 of which extends rearwardly from the aforesaid other limb 133 and its other lim 135 extends towards said outer end flange. The respective sections are welded together at the adjacent corners to form a rigid framework.The limb 134 accommodates the aforesaid plurality of spaced apertures 110 to receive the elongate bar for anchorage purposes. The elongate bars are retained by spring clips 11"' which are conveniently positioned to opposite sides of the limb 134 (see the bar and clips shown in Figure 10). It is not considered necessary to describe fixing in further detail as it will be readily apparent from the earlier description.

According to a preferred embodiment, the closure of Figure 10 has a cross-section as illustrated with reference to Figure lOb. The planar panel of the closure has a first chamfered edge region 100' linking it to an outer edge 106 which extends rearwardly and is disposed at 900 to the plane of the panel 100, a return flange 107 which forms an abutment surface in use is turned inwardly at 900 form the outer edge, and that leads to an inner mounting flange 108 turned back towards the closure member to be generally perpendicularly thereto. Finally an inwardly directed flange 109 is formed to the end of the mounting flange and disposed parallel to said closure panel 100, but spaced therefrom. This allows access to a recess R formed by the afore-described shape.

Referring now to Figures 12, 13 and 14, here we illustrate a yet further embodiment of security closure comprising a panel member formed from sheet material, eg. galvanised steel, in the same manner as that described with respect to Figure 10 in the case of the embodiment having the cross-sectional configuration of Figure lOb, in which the flange 109 is spaced from the closure panel 100. Identical reference numerals have been used for corresponding parts. The cross-section of each of frame elements 102, 103, 104 and 105 is identical. Apertures 110 receive elongate bars 8 which may be disposed across either pairs of opposed frame elements as previously described for appropriate orientation of the panel. The illustration shows the bars vertically, but more usually they will be horizontal.This embodiment further comprises one or more intermediate support bars 200, conveniently formed from sheet material, eg. galvanised steel, and having a web 201 with oppositely directed edge flanges 203, 204, and cut away end regions at 205 with supporting flanges 206. The web has apertures 210 at spacings corresponding to apertures 110. The intermediate support bars have their length tailored to span between opposite pairs of frame elements.

In use the intermediate support bars 200 are positioned so that their flanges 206 engage with the flanges 109 with one or more of the elongate bars 8 passing through a respective bore 210 so that the intermediate support bar acts as a support for the elongate bar. Fixing of the security closure in place over the window opening follows that previously described using anchor elements cooperating with the elongate bars. Alternatively anchor elements may be used which are specifically adapted for cooperating engagement with the one or more intermediate support bars. A flexible locking system may be employed using say a wire or tape and a ratchet type tensioning system well known from freight transport uses.

Referring now to Figures 15 and 16, here we illustrate how several security closures corresponding to that described with reference to Figure 12 can be secured together in side by side relation. Such a modular system allows larger openings to be secured using several security closures the same size. Four closures are shown secured together in Figure 15. The panels are readily secured together by providing holes in the side flanges 106 which will along with one another when panels are placed side by side so facilitating securing together with a nut and bolt. Two adjacent flanges 106 may have two or more nuts permanently secured thereto to receive a respective bolt through a hole in the adjacent flange of an adjoining panel.

Claims (14)

1. A security closure for positioning on one side of say a window opening, comprising a closure member having a channel section framework and a closure panel formed from sheet material and wherein the framework provides a peripheral frame to the closure panel, the channel section to at least two opposite sides of the framework as viewed in cross-section comprising an outer edge extending rearwardly from the plane of the closure panel, a return flange turned inwardly to the outer edge, and an inner mounting flange turned back towards the closure panel and in which the inner mounting member has an inturned flange.

2. A security closure as claimed in claim 1 in which the inturned flange is spaced from the plane of the closure panel.

3. A security closure as claimed in claim 1 or 2 in which the frame is rectangular and each channel section is substantially identical in section.

4. A security closure as claimed in anyone of claims 1, 2 or 3 in which each inner mounting flange has a plurality of spaced reception bores.

5. A security closure as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 4 and further comprising one or more selectively positionable elongate members to be received in the reception location of oppositely disposed inner mounting flanges, retaining means for positioning on the other side of said window opening and one or more securing members which are cooperable with the retaining means for securing the assembly in position.

6. A security closure as claimed in claim 5 and further comprising at least on intermediate support bar engageable with oppositely disposed inturned flanges so as to span between same.

7. A security closure as claimed in claim 6 in which the intermediate support bar is engageable with the aforesaid elongate members to support same.

8. A security closure as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims in which the outer edge is disposed at 900 to the plane of the closure panel.

9. A security closure as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims in which the return flange is disposed at 90 to the outer edge.

10. A security closure as claimed in anyone of claim 1 to 9 in which the inner mounting flange is disposed at 900 to the plane of the window opening.

11. A security closure as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims in which the framework and closure member is folded from a sheet of material.

12. A security closure as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 10 in which sheet material is folded to form the claimed section framework.

13. A security closure as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims in which the closure member is provided with a plurality of small apertures.

14. A security closure as claimed in claim 1 for securing an opening and constructed and arranged substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to anyone of the embodiments as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.