GB2404414A

GB2404414A - Window protector

Info

Publication number: GB2404414A
Application number: GB0317794A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Michael Canning
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-07-30
Filing date: 2003-07-30
Publication date: 2005-02-02
Also published as: GB0317794D0

Abstract

A window protector comprises an impact resistant panel 1, which may be of metal, and at least one suction cup 3, having a suction cup actuation mechanism 11, for attaching the protector to a window wherein the actuation mechanism 11 is removable from the protector after production of a vacuum within the cup 3. The panel 1 may comprise a peripheral lip 6 which may be U-shaped for engagement with a rail proximate the window edge. The suction cup 3 may comprise a one way valve and the actuation means may comprise a vacuum pump. Alternatively the suction cup 3 may comprise a suction cup deformation mechanism 7 actuable to deform the base of the suction cup 3, the deformation mechanism 7 may be actuable to convert rotation of an axle to movement along its length via cooperating threaded components 8, 10. In an alternative aspect a window protector comprised an impact resistant panel, at least one magnet rotatably connected to the panel and a rotation mechanism detachably connected to the panel for rotating the magnet with respect to the panel.

Description

24044 1 4

A WINDOW PROTECTOR

The present invention relates to a window protector. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a window protector for attachment to a window by means of a magnet or suction cup.

There are a number of situations where windows need to be covered for protection. Hydraulic excavators, earth movers and portable buildings are often vandalised when left on building sites over night. Boats in long term storage and other temporary offices and buildings can also be vandalised. Window protectors are required for such structures to prevent vandals from gaining entry and to minimise damage.

A known window protector comprises a metal panel having a plurality of apertures around its outer edge. In use the panel apertures are hooked onto a number of corresponding fingers extending from a frame around the window to be protected. Padlocks are then locked through apertures in the fingers to lock the panel in place. Such a window protector has the disadvantage that a large number of padlocks and associated keys are required to secure the panel to the window frame. This is inconvenient and time consuming.

Accordingly, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a window protector comprising an impact resistant panel; at least one suction cup connected to the panel for attaching the window protector to the window; and, a suction cup actuation mechanism for producing a vacuum within the suction cup; wherein the actuation mechanism can be detached from the window I protector after production of a vacuum within the cup.

The window protector according to the invention has the advantage that no locks are required to fix the window protector to a window. There are therefore no locks or keys to be carried by the user or lost. The window protector can be quickly and easily connected directly to the window. In addition, since the protector connects directly to the window no modification of the window frame is required.

Preferably, the impact resistant panel comprises a lip extending along an edge of the panel, the lip being adapted for engagement with a rail proximate to the window edge. Such a lip supports the weight of the panel.

It can also prevent implements being inserted into the gap between panel and window and being used to prise the panel from the window.

Preferably, the lip is U shaped.

The panel can be a metal.

The suction cup can comprise a one way valve and the actuation mechanism comprises a vacuum pump detachably connected to the valve.

Alternatively, the suction cup comprises a deformation mechanism for deforming the base of the cup between undeformed and deformed states, the actuation mechanism being detachably connected to the deformation mechanism and being adapted to actuate the deformation mechanism on I displacement of the actuation mechanism.

Deforming the base of the cup alters the volume of the cup. Because of this, when the cup mouth abuts a window deforming the base reduces the air pressure within the cup fixing the cup to the window.

The deformation mechanism can comprise an axle attached to the base of the suction cup and a camming mechanism attached to the panel, the axle and camming mechanism being interengaged, the camming mechanism being adapted to convert rotation of the axle along its length to linear displacement along its length.

The actuation mechanism can comprise a lever connected to the axle for rotation of said axle about its length.

Preferably the axle is threaded and the camming mechanism comprises a corresponding threaded surface for engagement with the axle.

Alternatively, the actuation mechanism is linearly connected to the displacement mechanism.

The window protector can comprise a plurality of suction cups.

In an alternative embodiment the present invention provides a window protector comprising an impact resistant panel; at least one magnet rotatably connected to the panel; a rotation mechanism detachably connected to the panel for rotating the magnet with respect to the panel.

Such a window protector connects directly to the window and so no modifications to the surrounding window frame are required. In addition, no locks or keys are required which can be lost.

Preferably, the axis of magnetization of the magnet is parallel to the plane of the panel.

The magnet can rotate about an axis substantially normal to the plane of the panel.

The magnet can be a bar magnet. Alternatively, the magnet can be circular.

Preferably, the window protector can further comprise an additional magnet for attachment to the opposite side of the window to the panel.

The window protector can comprise an axle rotationally connecting the magnet to the panel. The actuation mechanism can comprise a lever connected to the axle.

The present invention will now be described by way of example only and not in any limitative sense with respect to the accompanying drawings in which Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the invention from above; Figure 2 shows the embodiment of figure 1 from the side; Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of the invention from above; Figure 4 shows the embodiment of figure 3 from the side; Figure 5 shows a further embodiment of the invention from the side; Figure 6 shows various magnet configurations of further embodiments of the invention.

Shown in figure 1 is a window protector according to the invention. The window protector comprises an impact resistant panel (1) adapted to fit over the window.

On one side of the panel (1) proximate to the bottom edge are two recesses (2). Received within each recess (2) is a suction cup (3). Each suction cup (3) comprises a rigid base (4) and a flexible skirt (5) extending away from the base (4)out of the recess (2). The skirt (5) is rubber.

Shown in figure 2 is the panel of figure 1 in side view.

Connected close to the top edge of the panel is a U shaped lip (6). The mouth of the lip (6) opens towards the panel (1).

The suction cup (3) is connected to the panel (1) by a deformation mechanism (7). The deformation mechanism (7) comprises a threaded axle (8) connected to the base (4) of the suction cup (3). The threaded axle (8) extends through an aperture (9) in the panel (1) and is engaged by the corresponding threaded surface of a camming mechanism (10) on the opposite side of the panel (1). s

A portion of the axle (8) extends beyond the camming mechanism (7). A lever (11) is threaded into a recess (not shown) in the axle (8) so detachably connecting the axle (8) and lever (11). The lever (11) extends generally normally to the axle (8) as shown.

In use the lip (6) of the window protector is hooked over a corresponding upwardly facing lip on the top edge of the frame surrounding the window. The panel (1) is then pivoted about the lip (6) until it lies in the vertical plane covering the window and with the skirts (5) of the suction cups (3) abutting against the window.

Optionally the portion of the flexible skirts (5) which contact the window are coated with a silica gel prior to use to improve adhesion between suction cup (3) and the window.

Once the suction cups (3) are in contact with the window the lever (11) is rotated rotating the axle (8) about its length. Rotation of the axle (8) is converted into linear motion by the camming mechanism (10) so slowly drawing the axle (8) through the aperture (9) away from the suction cup (3).

The motion of the axle (8) alters the shape of the base (4) from an undeformed state as shown to a deformed state (not shown) with the base (4) curved away from the skirt (5). Deformation of the base (4) increases the volume of the suction cup (3). The consequent reduction in air pressure within the cup (3) urges the cup (3) firmly in to contact with the window.

Once the suction cup base (4) is in the deformed state the lever (11) is detached from the axle (8) so preventing further rotation of the axle (8) by third parties.

In order to remove the window protector the steps are reversed. The actuation lever (11) is threaded into the recess in the axle (8). The lever (11) is then used to rotate the axle (8) in the opposite direction so returning the base (4) of the suction cup (3) to its undeformed state. The suction cup (3) can then be removed from the window and the lip (6) unhooked from the lip around the frame.

Shown in figure 3 is an alternative embodiment of a window protector according to the invention. The window protector comprises two rows of suction cups (3) which are attached to the window. The window protector of this embodiment does not include a lip.

Figure 4 shows the embodiment of figure 3 in side view.

In the embodiments shown in figures 1 to 4 the lever (11) is connected to the axle (8) by threading an end of the lever (11) into a correspondingly threaded recess in the axle (8). In an alternative embodiment the lever (11) can be snap fit into engagement with the axle (8).

In an alternative embodiment (not shown) the actuation mechanism comprises a ball grip connected to the end of the axle (8).

In a further embodiment of the window protector according to the invention (not shown) the suction cup comprises a one way valve connected to its base. In use an actuator mechanism in the form of a vacuum pump is attached to the one way valve to lower the pressure with the valve. The vacuum pump can then be released from the valve.

In order to increase the air pressure with the suction cup the vacuum pump is reattached to the cup and the cup vented to air. The window protector can then be removed from the window and the vacuum pump removed.

Shown in figure 5 is a further embodiment of a window protector according to the invention. The window protector comprises an impact resistant panel (1) having a plurality of apertures (9) extending therethrough.

Extending through each aperture is an axle (12). Each - axle is held in place by a collar (13) allowing free rotation of the axle (12) about its length but preventing linear displacement of the axle (8) along its length.

Connected to one end of each axle (8) is a bar magnet (14). Detachably connected to the opposite end of the axle (12) on the other side of the panel is a rotation mechanism (15). Rotation of rotation mechanism (15) results in corresponding rotation on the bar magnet (14).

As can be seen from this figure, the axis of magnetlsation of the bar magnet (14) is parallel to, but displaced from, the plane of the panel (1) . The bar magnet (14) rotates about an axis substantially normal to the plane of the panel (1).

In use a plurality of bar magnets (16) are adhered by an adhesive (17) to a first side of the window to be protected. The panel (1) is positioned over the window with the associated bar magnets (14) overlying but on the opposite side of the window to the adhered magnets (16).

These magnets (14) are then rotated by means of the rotation mechanism (15)(in this embodiment in the form of a lever) until each magnet (14) lies parallel to but in the opposite direction to its adhered pair (16). Once the magnets (14) are correctly aligned the rotation mechanisms (15) are detached from their corresponding - axles (12) preventing further rotation of the magnets (14) by third parties. The attraction between the magnets (14,16) keeps the panel protector in place preventing its removal by such third parties.

In order to remove the window protector the steps are reversed. Firstly, each lever (15) is engaged with its corresponding axle (12). The levers (15) are then rotated rotating the corresponding magnets (14). Once these magnets (14) are no longer aligned with the corresponding adhered magnets (16) the window protector can simply be removed.

More complex arrangements of magnets than a single bar magnet (14) is possible. Shown in figure 6(a) is an alternative arrangement of bar magnets (14) for attachment to at least one axle. The magnets are arranged in the form of a square with adjacent magnet ends having opposite polarity.

Figure 6(b) shows a further possible arrangement of bar magnets. In this embodiment the bar magnets are arranged in a star pattern.

In an alternative embodiment the magnet (14) connected to at least one axle (12) is a circular magnet, as shown in figure 6(c). In an alternative embodiment the circular magnet is split into a number of smaller arcuate magnets as shown in figure 6(d).

In the embodiment shown in figure 5, the lever (15) is threaded into engagement with the axle. In an alternative embodiment the lever (15) can be snap fit into engagement with the axle.

In an further embodiment the axle can include a lock.

Only a lever having a correctly shaped end can be inserted into the lock for engagement with the axle.

Claims

Claims 1. A window protector comprising an impact resistant panel) at

least one suction cup connected to the panel: for attaching the window protector to the window; and, a suction cup actuation mechanism for producing a vacuum within the suction cups wherein the actuation mechanism can be detached from the window protector after production of a vacuum within the cup.
2. A window protector as claimed in claim 1, wherein the impact resistant panel comprises a lip extending along an edge of the panel, the lip being adapted for engagement with a rail proximate to the window edge.
3. A window protector as claimed in claim 2, wherein the lip is U shaped.
4. A window protector as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the panel is metal.
5. A window protector as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the suction cup comprises a one way valve and the actuation mechanism comprises a vacuum pump detachably connected to the valve.
6. A window protector as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the suction cup comprises a deformation mechanism for deforming the base of the cup between undeformed and deformed states, the actuation mechanism being detachably connected to the deformation mechanism and being adapted to actuate the deformation mechanism on displacement of the actuation mechanism.
7. A window protector as claimed in claim 6, wherein the deformation mechanism comprises an axle attached to the base of the suction cup and a camming mechanism attached to the panel, the axle and camming mechanism being interengaged, the camming mechanism being adapted to convert rotation of the axle along its length to linear displacement along its length.
8. A window protector as claimed in claim 7, wherein the actuation mechanism comprises a lever connected to the axle for rotation of said axle about its length.
9. A window protector as claimed in either of claims 7 or 8, wherein the axle is threaded and the camming mechanism comprises a corresponding threaded surface for engagement with the axle.
10. A window protector as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising a plurality of suction cups.
11. A window protector comprising an impact resistant panel; at least one magnet rotatably connected to the panel; a rotation mechanism detachably connected to the panel for rotating the magnet with respect to the panel.
12. A window protector as claimed in claim 11, wherein the axis of magnetization of the magnet is parallel to the plane of the panel.
13. A window protector as claimed in claim 12, wherein the magnet rotates about an axis substantially normal to the plane of the panel.
14. A window protector as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the magnet is a bar magnet.
15. A window protector as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the magnet is circular.
16. A window protector as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 15, further comprising an additional magnet for attachment to the opposite side of the window to the panel.
17. A window protector as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 16, further comprising an axle rotationally connecting the magnet to the panel.
18. A window connector as claimed in claim 17, wherein the actuation mechanism comprises a lever connected to the axle.
19. A window connector substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings.