GB2507757A - A security device comprising telescopic lockable bars attached to arms with mountable feet - Google Patents

Abstract

A security device adapted to be removably fixed into, and to prevent access through, an opening such as a window or a door comprises at least one telescopic bar which is attached at either end to an arm, each arm having a foot on each end for securing to the window or door frame. The device may comprise an alarm and a sensor such that the alarm sounds in response to contact by an intruder. The alarm may be deactivated using a remote control. The device may be manufactured from a conductive material and further comprise electric shock deterrence means. The arms may flex in use and may be curved with the bars mounted on the convex side of the arms.

Description

A security device for windows or doors

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a removable security device adapted to bar access through an aperture, in particular to a removable security device that acts to prevent entry through a window or door and comprises alarm means.

Background

Many types of removable window and door guards are known to deter or prevent entry through an open door or window. These include window bars that are typically locked to a mounting frame that is permanently mounted on or behind the window frame, and such bars may be removed individually or as a group. Such devices need a permanent fixing means, which is not appropriate in many situations such as for temporary or intermittent use, for example in rented property or short-term accommodation such as holiday apartments or hotel rooms.

Window alarms are known in which window bars are provided with sensing means, for example by means of a break or a short circuit in an electrical circuit when the bars are breached and touch sensitive means that detect when the bars are touched.

Electric shock deterrent devices are known in which an intruder entering through a window comes into contact with a high voltage conductor, for example a window bar or grille. None of the above devices is adapted for temporary use, without permanent fixtures, in a range of window sizes. An improved window device that overcomes these shortcomings would have market and commercial value.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a window security device comprising at least one bar, each bar comprising a first and a second bar element, at least the first bar element having a hollow tubular end region and the second bar element fitting within and adapted to slide within the tubular region of the first bar element in a telescopic manner; a first arm joining the ends of the first bar elements; a second arm joining the ends of the second bar elements; a foot attached to each of the two ends of the arms; and a locking means associated with at least one bar to lock the position of the second bar element with respect to the first.

In this manner the second bar elements may be moved with respect to the first to set the overall distance between the arms. The device is therefore adapted to be extendable so that in use, for example with the bars horizontal, the feet provided on the arms preferably contact the left and the right sides of the window frame. The device may then be locked in that position by means of the locking device.

Preferably the arms each comprise a first arm element having at least one hollow tubular end region and joined to a bar element of at least one bar, and a second arm element fitting within and adapted to slide within the tubular region of the first arm element in a telescopic manner. Preferably the arms each comprise a first arm element having a hollow tubular region at each end and joined to a bar element of at least one bar, and a second and a third arm elements fitting within and adapted to slide within the tubular regions of the first arm element in a telescopic manner.

Preferably the second arm element is joined to a bar element of at least the uppermost bar and the third arm element is joined to a bar element of at least the lowermost bar.

Preferably an arm locking means is provided associated with one or both arms to lock the position of the second arm element with respect to the first. Preferably an arm locking means is provided associated with one or both arms to lock the position of the second and the third arm elements with respect to the first.

In this way the second, and where present the third, arm elements may be moved with respect to the first to set the overall length of the arms. The device is therefore adapted to be extendable so that in use, for example with the bars horizontal, the feet provided on the arms preferably contact the top and the bottom sides of the window frame. The bars joined to the second and where present the third arm elements move with those arm elements.

Preferably in use the device is extended so that the feet contact the corners of the window frame. The device may then be locked in that position by means of the arm locking device or devices.

In preferred embodiments the arms are curved and the bars are mounted on the convex sides of the arms. In this way the arms are adapted to present the feet to the window frame without interference from the rest of the arm.

Preferably the arms are formed from a material that may be flexed such that when the bars are extended, pressure may be exerted on the arms, causing them to flex and to transfer force resulting from the flexure to the feet, so causing them to grip the window frame.

In preferred embodiments the feet are flexibly attached to the ends of the arms.

Preferably they are attached such that they are free to pivot through a limited angle in the plane of the bars and arms of the device. In alternative embodiments the feet may be mounted on a swivel mount such that they are free to pivot in planes at an angle to that of the bars and arms of the device.

Preferably the locking device comprises a hole in the first and second bar elements and a pin mechanism adapted to pass through both holes. Preferably a number of holes are provided in one or both bar elements to allow adjustment of the locking position. Flexure of the arms allows a series of fixed locking points to result in securing the device to a continuous range of window widths.

In other preferred embodiments the locking means comprises a friction means anchored to one bar element and acting on the other, controllable between a free position and a friction position by means of a hand control such as a lever.

Preferably the friction lock means is anchored to the first, external bar element and acts on the second, internal bar element within the first.

In other preferred embodiments the locking means comprises a ratchet mechanism that allows movement of the second bar element out of the first but prevents the reverse movement, and has a hand operated control to release the ratchet. In this way the device may be extended to fit the window and the ratchet will then act to hold it in place, and the ratchet may be released to remove the device from the window.

In a further preferred embodiment the device comprises a tensioning means to extend the bars. Preferably the tensioning means comprises a screw means extendable using a hand control to move the second bars out from the first driven by a screw thread. In such a way the screw thread may be used to apply force to the arms, so holding the device in place.

In preferred embodiments the locking means comprises a key, combination, or electrically actuated lock.

In preferred embodiments the arm locking means may take the same form as the locking means as described above, with the effect in use that the device is held in place against both the left and right and the top and the bottom edges of the window frame.

Preferably the device has an inward side and an outward side, and the locking means is provided on the inward side. Preferably the bars are spaced such that the locking means is not accessible from the outward side.

In a preferred embodiment the locking means is provided on a central bar joining the left and right first arm elements.

In preferred embodiments the device further comprises an alarm means, comprising a sensor, an alarm, a control switch means and a power source. Preferably the sensor is a touch, shock or vibration sensor. Preferably the alarm is adapted to detect attempts to touch, break, or remove the device. In some embodiments the control switch means is a manual switch is mounted on the inward side of the device and is not accessible from the outwards side. In preferred embodiments the device further comprises remote control means adapted to function as the control switch means. In some embodiments the device further comprises control means adapted to respond to outputs from one or more sensors and from a remote control device. In some embodiments the remote control means may comprise means to activate the alarm. In this way the device may function also as a panic alarm.

Preferably the power source comprises one or more batteries, and preferably a solar panel which may provide an additional power source.

In some embodiments the power supply may comprise a mains power source.

Preferably the batteries are chargeable from the mains power supply. It is envisaged that the mains power supply may be detachable or displaceable so as to enable the cable to be removed or repositioned when the batteries are charged and so as to reduce the likelihood of the cable being inadvertently pulled, for example by a child when playing.

Alternatively the mains cable may be optionally secured to the device when not in use so as not be inadvertently pulled. For example when not required the cable may be removed from a plug socket and clipped to the device.

In some embodiments the power supply may comprise a solar panel and may charge the batteries from the solar panel.

Preferably the device comprises a housing comprising the alarm means and where present, the control means. In a preferred embodiment the housing is mounted on or forms part of one of the arms.

In preferred embodiments the feet comprise a mounting surface that is presented to the edge of the window frame. Preferably the mounting surface is curved in the plane of pivoting of the feet, more preferably formed as an arc of a circle or of an oval. In this way the feet may fit both a flat surface and into a corner. Preferably the mounting surface comprises a profile adapted to inter-fit with a profile forming part of a window frame. In a preferred embodiment the feet comprise a groove adapted to fit around a projecting portion of.a window frame, for example to fit around a lip on a PVC window frame. In this way it is not possible to push the device out of the window once it is locked in place.

In preferred embodiments the feet are interchangeable. Preferably the device comprises exchangeable feet having different mounting surface profiles. In this way the feet may be chosen to provide a good fit to the situation of use.

In some embodiments the feet may comprise suction pads adapted to secure the device to a glass window pane, In this way the device may be mounted on the window pane itself, and would act to give warning if an intruder attempts to break the glass.

In further embodiments the device may comprise electric shock deterrence means adapted to deter touching of the deviqe. Preferably in such embodiments the device comprises at least two conductive surfaces insulated from each other and one connected to a high and one to a low potential from a power supply adapted to provide a high voltage between the surfaces. Preferably the power supply comprises a control switch means not accessible from the outward side of the device or in some embodiments being part of the remote control means. In preferred embodiments the bars are conductive and the arms are insulating, allowing alternate bars to have a high and a low potential such that if the intruder touches two neighbouring bars they will be shocked. In a further embodiment each bar comprises at least two conductive regions separated by insulating regions and connected to high and low potentials such that if an intruder holds a single bar they are likely to receive a shock. The invention is not limited to any particular configuration of conductors.

It will be appreciated that the device may be used in the opposite orientation to that in the examples of use given above, with the arms at the top and the bottom of the window and the bars running vertically. The device may be adapted for use with doors, and may have arms and bars sized to suit any size of aperture. While the example of mounting against a window frame has been given, it will be appreciated that the device may mount against other surfaces or apertures, for example against the walls of a window opening, the walls of a doorway or a corridor, or a skylight.

The device may be adapted for use in access control in a domestic setting, a public building, transportation facility or any other place where the device may be mounted against at least a first and a second opposing surfaces.

The invention will now be described, by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows a view of the inward side of an embodiment of the invention Figure 2 shows a view of the left hand end of the embodiment as shown in figure 1 with the inward side facing to the right Figure 3 shows a view of the outward side of the embodiment of figure 1 Figure 4 shows a view of the right hand end ci the embodiment as shown in figure 1 with the inward side facing to the left Figure 5 shows a bottom view of the embodiment as shown in figure 1 with the inward side facing upwards Figure 6 shows a top view of the embodiment as shown in figure 1 with the inward side facing downwards Figure 7 shows an isometric view of the embádiment as shown in figure 1 with the inward side facing forwards

Detailed Description of Figures

Figures 1 to 7 show a first embodiment of the invention. Figure 1 shows a view of the inward side of an embodiment of the invention. The embodiment comprises five bars arranged horizontally and adapted to have a telescopically adjustable length, each comprising a first bar element at the left and a second bar element at the right, the first bar element having a hollow tubular end region and the second bar element adapted to slide within the tubular region of the first bar element. The central bar element is larger than the others in order to accommodate the locking means, shown as a series of holes in the second bar element and a single hole in the first bar element, having a pin in place. The device has a first arm joining the left hand ends of the first bar elements and a second arm joining the right hand ends of the second bar elements, such that the spacing between the arms can be varied by telescoping the bars. The bars are curved, and a foot is provided attached to each of the two ends of the arms.

The arms each comprise a first arm element having a hollow tubular region at each end and a second and third arm elements adapted to slide within the tubular regions of the first arm element in a telescopic manner. The central bar comprising the locking means and two other bars are joined to the first arm element. The uppermost bar is joined to the left hand second arm element and to the right hand second arm element. The lowermost bar is joined to the left third arm element and to the right third arm element. An arm locking means is provided in the form of a pin and hole arrangement substantially as in the central bar, in this embodiment in four locations near the ends of the hollow sections of the first arm elements.

In this way the second and third arm elements may be moved with respect to the first to set the overall length of the arms, so that the feet may contact the top and the bottom sides of the window frame. Preferably in use the device is extended in two directions so that the feet contact the corners of the window frame. The device may then be locked in that position by means of the locking device. The feet are pivoted at the end of the arms by a pivot shown in figure 1 and so have a limited movement in the plane of the device, allowing them to conform to a flat wall or a corner of the window according to use.

It will be understood that the number of bars may differ from that in figures ito 7, for example two bars may be joined to the second and third arm elements, and the number of bars joined to the first arm elements may be different from three.

A housing is shown on the left hand arm that comprises an alarm means as described above, having a shock or vibration sensor, an alarm, a control switch means and a power source comprising batteries. Preferably the device also has a visual indicator that it is energised, for example an LED. The control switch means is preferably part of a remote control means actuated by a handheld device (not shown). On the right hand arm a second housing may be provided, and may comprise a solar panel to recharge the batteries in the power source.

Figure 2 shows a view of the left hand end of the embodiment as shown in figure 1 with the inward side facing to the right. The locking mechanism is shown as having a removable element projecting to the right which may be pin or may be a key for a key operated lock. The feet have a recessed profile on the mounting surface that comes into contact with the window sides or corners, which is preferably sized to fit over a profile forming part of the window edge, for example a region of an extruded profile as found in PVC window units. The feet ma be interchangeable, for example by providing removable pivot pins.

Figure 3 shows a view of the outward side of the embodiment of figure i. The locking means are not accessible from this side, and the bars are preferably spaced to prevent access by reaching through them.

Figure 7 shows an isometric view of the embodiment as shown in figure 1 with the inward side facing forwards.

In use, by pulling the arms apart, the bars extend telescopically, and by pulling the upper bar apart from the lower bar, the arms extend telescopically to fit the aperture to be protected. The locking means on the central bar locks the horizontal extension of the device and the arm locking means on the arms locks the vertical extension.

The arms are preferably adapted to be flexible so that they may be flexed before the locking means are engaged, so providing pressure to hold the feet against the edges of the opening. Flexibility may be provided in the first (central) arm element, in the second and the third, or in all three.

The bars and arms of the device may be formed from a variety of materials including metals such as aluminium extrusions, steel sections, and moulded engineering plastics. In a preferred embodiment the first and second bar elements are formed from aluminium tubing and may comprise a moulded plastic ferrule to provide sealing of the telescopic joint between them. The arms may comprise a first arm element formed from a machined or cast metal component or a moulded engineering plastic component. In preferred embodiments the housing for the alarm means may be formed as part of the moulding. The second and third arm elements may be formed from aluminium extrusions and the feet from moulded elastomer or rubber. One of the first arm element or the second and third arm elements are formed from an appropriate material and appropriately configured to give a limited degree of flexibility. For example, the first arm element may be formed from a moulded engineering plastic and is designed to give a limited degree of flexibility between the hollow portions receiving the second and the third arm element. The second and third arm elements are then preferably formed from aluminium extrusions.

Locking pins are preferably tough metal, for example stainless steel. Joins between the second and third arm elements and the bar elements may be welded, or formed by moulded plastic lugs. The device may be provided in a range of sizes to suit different applications, such as large and small windows, doorways, corridors etc. In this way in one embodiment the invention provides a domestic hom! security product that allows home occupants to keep their home windows secure with minimised risk of unauthorised entry or accidents to toddlers due to an open window.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims (10)

1. Claims 1. A window security device comprising at least one bar, each bar comprising a first and a second bar element, at least the first bar element having a hollow tubular end region and the second bar element fitting within and adapted to slide within the tubular region of the first bar element in a telescopic manner; a first arm joining the ends of the first bar elements; a second arm joining the ends of the second bar elements; a foot attached to each of the two ends of the arms; and a locking means associated with at least one bar to lock the position of the second bar element with respect to the first.
2. 2. A security device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the arms each comprise a first arm element having a hollow tubular region at each end joined to a bar element of at least one bar and a second and third arm elements filling within and adapted to slide within the tubular regions of the first arm element in a telescopic manner.
3. 3. A security device as claimed in claim 2 wherein the second arm element is joined to a bar element of at least the uppermost bar and the third arm element is joined to a bar element of at least the lowermost bar.
4. 4. A security device as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3 comprising an arm locking means associated with one or both arms to lock the position of the second and the third arm elements with respect to the first.
5. 5. A security device as claimed in any claim above wherein the arms are curved and the bars are mounted on the convex sides of the arms.
6. 6. A security device as claimed in claim 5 wherein the arms are adapted to be flexed in use.
7. 7. A security device as claimed in any claim above further comprising an alarm means, comprising a sensor, an alarm, a control switch and a power source.
8. 8. A security device as claimed in claim 7 wherein the control switch is in the form of a remote control device,
9. 9. A security device as claimed in claim 8 wherein the remote control means may comprise means to activate the alarm.
10. 10. A security device as claimed in any claim above further comprises means to provide a higher potential to a first conductive region forming part of the device and a lower potential to a second conductive region forming part of the device.