WO1994020723A1

WO1994020723A1 - Guard

Info

Publication number: WO1994020723A1
Application number: PCT/GB1994/000428
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mihal Jozef Karol; David Anthony Nurse
Original assignee: Arkham Products Limited
Priority date: 1993-03-04
Filing date: 1994-03-04
Publication date: 1994-09-15
Also published as: GB9304394D0; AU6147694A

Abstract

A guard (2) for a window (4) or other opening, characterised in that the guard (2) comprises a screen (15), means (6) to attach the screen to a window reveal (8), frame or around or to another opening to restrict egress therethrough, in which the screen (15) can be released by a quick-release mechanism (36) to allow egress through the window (4) or other opening.

Description

GUARD

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to guards for windows and other openings.

Background to the Invention

In the recent past, there have been a number of tragic incidents in which young children have fallen through partially or wholly open windows to their deaths. It is also even possible for young children to fall through the pane of a closed window if they are, for instance, climbing on a windowsill or ledge. At this time, there is no product known to the present applicants that can be used to prevent unfortunate accidents such as these from occurring that does not suffer from disadvantages.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention, there is also provided a guard for a window or other opening, characterised in that the guard comprises a screen, means to attach the screen to a window reveal, frame or around or to another opening to restrict egress therethrough, in which the screen can be released by a quick-release mechanism to allow egress through a window or other other opening.

Such a construction enables a window or other opening to be used as an emergency exit in the event of, for instance, a fire while still providing the advantages of the guard for the opening.

Preferably the quick-release mechanism is child-proof. Suitably the quick-release mechanism can be released by less than three distinct motions, and preferably by less than two distinct motions to enable the screen to be released.

Suitably, the quick-release mechanism can be released from the exterior of the opening by a single sharp blow.

Suitably, the quick-release mechanism comprises a snap-fit closure.

According to the present invention there is provided a guard for a window or other opening, characterised in that the guard comprises at least one bracket for attaching the guard to a window reveal or frame, a bar joined to the at least one bracket and a plurality of modular panels supported by the bar, whereby the panels are capable of forming in cooperation with the bar a screen restricting egress past the screen through the window or other opening.

In this specification the term "modular" means an independent unit that can be assembled with another or other independent unit or units to form a larger assembly. The modular panels will typically be substantially similar and/or be capable of interfitting.

Normally the opening will be in a wall.

The advantage of such a construction is that it can be used to fit a wide variety of eg windows using a suitable number of modules.

Preferably the guard includes means for enabling the screen to be released from the window or other opening in the event of an emergency by a quick-release mechanism. Thus, the guard allows egress from a building in the event of, for instance, a fire.

It is preferred that the quick-release mechanism is child¬ proof to minimise the risk of the guard being released by young children, with the dangers associated with that occurrence (referred to above) .

A child-proof mechanism is one that requires adult strength, dexterity or skill in order for it to be operated.

In order to avoid blocking out all of the light from eg the window the modules may include, or may cooperate to include, holes too small for a child to pass through. Typically, these holes will be less than 6cm across in their widest dimension.

In a preferred construction, the bar extends horizontally, in use, between two brackets attached, in use, to the surround or reveal of the window or other opening. This construction maximises the physical strength and durability of the guard and makes it simple to manufacture and assemble. The horizontal bar can be cut to any width to fit the majority of windows or other openings.

Preferably, the bar is attached to the at least one bracket by at least one clip which can rotate about a vertical axis, in use, to enable the guard to be mounted in windows or openings having non-parallel opposing walls or surfaces. Such a construction makes the guard versatile for use in a wide variety of applications. At least some of the modules may be provided with detents on one end to be located, in use, in a lower channel to provide additional security for the guard.

In an advantageous embodiment, the modules slot and/or snap-fit together to provide a substantially rigid structure which is not affected by, for instance, a breeze through an open window.

There may also be provided means on the guard for attaching children's toys thereto. The guard can, therefore, be made attractive to children without encouraging them to attempt to climb up it.

Also included within the scope of the present invention is a structural assembly characterised by comprising a wall having an opening therethrough across which opening there is secured a guard as set out above.

According to the present invention, there is also provided a window guard characterised by comprising the features described above.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings that follow; in -which:-

Figure 1 is a three-quarters elevation of an embodiment of the present invention in use in a window reveal.

Figure 2 is an enlarged front elevation of one of the panel modules of the embodiment shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is sectional view on the line III-III in Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a side elevation of the panel module shown in Figure 2.

Figure 5 is an enlarged sectional view of the bar shown in Figure 1 perpendicular to its longitudinal axis.

Figure 6 is an enlarged front elevation of one of the clips shown in Figure 1 in a closed configuration.

Figure 7 is an end elevation of the clip shown in Figure 6 in an open configuration.

Figure 8 is an enlarged plan view of one of the brackets shown in Figure 1.

Figure 9 is an end elevation of the bracket shown in Figure 7.

Figure 10 is an enlarged sectional end elevation of the clip shown in Figures 6 and 7.

Description of the Preferred Embodiment

Referring to Figure 1 there is shown a guard 2 for window 4 or other opening, the guard 2 comprising at least one bracket 6 for attaching the guard 2 to a reveal 8 or frame 10, a bar 12 joined to the at least one bracket 6 and a plurality of modular panels 14 supported by the bar 12, whereby the panels 14 are capable of restricting egress past the guard 2 through the window 4 or other opening. The panels 14 and bar 12 cooperate to form a screen 15. Referring now to Figures 2-4 in which there is shown a single modular panel 14. The panels 14 are made from polypropylene. The polypropylene used for the panels 14 and for other components of the guard 2 (see below) includes additives, known to those skilled in the art, that impart a degree of resistance to degradation from ultra-violet radiation and a degree of fire retardance. At the bottom, in use, of the panel 14 is a detent 16 which fits into a generally U-shaped channel 18 (see Figure 1) . The channel 18 is screwed into the bottom of a reveal 8 or frame 10 of a window 4.

As shown in Figure 2, the panel 14 includes three truncated generally U-shaped cut-outs 20. Alternating, between the cut-outs 20, are studs 22 and cooperating holes 24. On either side of each panel 14, a stud 22 is aligned with a hole 24 so that the panels 14 can be slotted together in use.

The upper part of the panel 14, distant from the end with the detent 16, includes a channel 26 to which further reference is made below.

Referring now to Figure 5, there is shown a cross-section of the bar 12. The bar 12 is made from aluminium (AA5 grade) . As shown, the bar 12 is of generally constant cross-section, is hollow and is of a generally elongate n- shape. The bar 12 has a rear face 28 intended to be placed away from the in use side of the guard (ie that side of the guard most visible in use) and a front face 30 intended to be seen in use. The rear face 28 includes a generally U-shaped rebate 32 intended to be aligned with countersunk holes 34 on the panels 14 (see Figure 2) when inserted into them. The surface of the front face 30 is corrugated to enhance its aesthetic appearance. The bar 12 is so dimensioned as to fit in the channels 2'6 of the panels 14. The bar 12 is slightly undersized relative to the channels 26 so that it can easily be inserted and allowed to flex slightly in the channels 26 in use.

The bar 12 is held at either end, in use, by a clip 36 which is shown in more detail in Figures 6 and 7. The clip 36 is made from a plastics material, polypropylene. The clip 36 comprises a generally U-shaped body 38 (see especially Figure 7) dimensioned so that the bar 12 can fit tightly therein. The clip 36 includes a notch 40 which engages in the rebate 32 of the bar 12 to secure the bar 12 in place. One leg of the body 38 of the clip 36 includes a hook 42. The other leg includes a plastic hinge 44 from which extends an arm 46 terminating in a latch member 48. The latch member 48 comprises a latching finger 50 intended to cooperate with the hook 42 to close the clip 36. An extension 52 of the latching finger 50 projects outwardly from the body 38 to enable the latch mechanism to be operated (as described below) . The extension 52 acts as a handle for the clip 36.

Extending from the bottom of the body 38 is a generally cylindrical pin 54 which terminates in an annular bevelled flange 56. Through the pin 54, for about half its depth, is a slot 58.

Referring now to Figures 8 and 9, the bracket 6, which is made from polypropylene, is shown in more detail. The bracket 6 comprises a base 60 and a support member 62 extending perpendicular to the base 60. The base 60 and support member 62 comprise a single piece moulding. In the base 60 are two countersunk holes 64 for receiving screws or other fixing means (not shown) to attach the brackets 6 securely to respective side walls of the reveal 8. Extending from the base 60 to the support member 62 are two generally triangular support buttresses 66 to provide additional strength to the bracket 6.

The support member 62 provides an upper surface 68 on which a lower surface 70 of the clip 36 can bear in use. Through the support member 62 is a cylindrical hole 72 into which the pin 54 can be inserted. The diameter of the hole 72 is such that the 54 pin can rotate in the hole 72 without undue lateral movement. With the pin 54 in the position shown in Figure 7 with the slot 58 open, the diameter of the hole 72 is smaller than that of the bevelled flange 56 so that once the pin 54 has been inserted in the hole 72 it cannot be withdrawn without manipulating the bevelled flange 56.

The guard 2 is assembled in, in this example a window reveal 8, in the following way:

A) A pair of brackets 6 are secured through holes 64 to the window reveal 8 using screws or other suitable fixing means (not shown) with each bracket 6 at the same height on the opposing walls so that the brackets 6 face each other. The height of the brackets 6 in the window reveal 8 will be governed by the size of the panels 14 relative to the window and the spacing above and below the panels 14 desired for the particular application. Clearly, this will be governed by both practical and aesthetic considerations.

B) The correct number of panels 14 are selected to extend across the width of the window reveal 8. This will be determined by the size of the panels 14 relative to the reveal 8 and the desired spacing around the guard 2. Again, the actual number of panels 14 chosen will depend upon both practical and aesthetic considerations. It may in some rare cases be necessary to cut a panel 14 longitudinally for correct fitting in the reveal 8.

C) Two similar clips 36 are mounted on the brackets 6 by inserting the pins 54 of the clips 36 into the holes 72 of the brackets 6. The lower part of the pin 54 on each clip 36 flexes inwardly as the bevelled flange 56 abuts the sides of the hole 72 so that the pin 54 can pass through the hole. Once inserted, the clips 36 can rotate about the (vertical) axis of the pin 54 but can not be removed (without manipulating the flange 56) and do not move substantially from side to side.

D) A rebated channel 18 is selected to be attached to the bottom of the reveal 8. The channel 18 will generally need to be at least as long as the combined width of the panels 14 chosen for the particular reveal 8 so that the detents 16 of each of the panels 14 can project into the channel 18. However, if necessary, only a short length (relative to the width of the panels 14) of channel 18 can be used to secure, say, one of the panels 14, relying on the fact that the panels 14 are at least partially coupled together. The channel 18 includes a number of countersunk holes (not shown) to enable it to be secured to the reveal 8. If necessary, the channel 18 can be cut to a suitable length.

E) A bar 12, at least as long as the distance between the clips 36, is selected and, if necessary, cut to a suitable length so that it can extend into both of the clips 36 mounted on the brackets 6 on opposite sides of the reveal 8 without extending past those brackets 6.

F) Each of the selected modular panels 14 is then mounted on the bar 12 by inserting the bar 12 through each of the channels 26 in the panels 14 (or vice versa) . The countersunk holes 34 on the panels 14 are then aligned with the rebate 32 in the bar 12. Self-tapping screws (not shown) can then be inserted in the holes 34 to secure the panels 14 relative to the bar 12. Generally, it will only be necessary for such screws to be inserted at either end of the screen (ie the outside panels 14) . As the panels 14 are mounted on the bar 12, they are coupled together by inserting the studs 22 in cooperating holes 24. These couplings serve to secure the structure and to ensure alignment between the panels 14 to maintain the aesthetically pleasing appearance of the guard 2. Once the desired number of panels 14 have been mounted on the bar 12, there should be short lengths of the bar 12 extending from either side of the screen formed by the panels 14.

G) The combined bar 12 and modules 14 structure (the screen) is then inserted in the reveal 8. The two ends of the bar 12 are placed in the clips 36 while, simultaneously, the aligned detents 16 of the modules 14 are lowered into the channel 18. Because the clips 36 can rotate relative to the brackets 6, it does not matter if the opposing walls of the reveal 8 on which the brackets 6 are mounted are not parallel. The clips 36 can be aligned so that the bar 12 can be placed into them and held securely. As the bar 12 is inserted into the clips 36, the notches 40 on the clips 36 engage in the rebate 32.

The maximum width of the guard 2 is effectively dictated by the materials of the bar 12 and clips 36 and can best be determined by trial and error.

H) The clips 36 are then closed by pulling down the arm 46 using the extension 52 so that the latch finger 50 engages with the hook 42 on each c^ip 36 as shown in Figure 10. Because the clips 36 are made of polypropylene they snap-fit in place. The guard 2 is then ready for use.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that several of the steps A)-H) can be carried out at different stages of the assembly from those set out above.

Disassembly of the guard 2 is carried out substantially in the reverse order to that of the assembly described above. However, it is to be noted that in the event of an emergency, the clips 36 can be released very quickly by an adult pulling up on the extension 52 of the arm 46 in a single movement. The bar 12 and modules 14 forming the screen 15 can then be removed from the clips 36 to allow egress through the window 4.

In order for the bar 12 to be removed from the clips 36 it is normally necessary for it to be manoeuvred away from the notches 40 on the clips 36, which requires considerable dexterity. However, because of the inherent resilience of the polypropylene material from which the clips 36 are formed, it is also possible for the bar 12 to be forced out of the clips 36, which can be useful in an emergency. In order to so release the bar 12, a considerable amount of force is required, for instance -a strong kick from an adult. Thus, emergency services can remove the bar 12 to gain access to a room through the window 4.

A child would not be able to, or at least would have great difficulty in, undoing the clips 36 because: (1) they will generally be out of reach; (2) they will require more force than a small child can exert at that angle; and (3) the removal of the bar 12 from the clips 36 requires more dexterity than a child can be expected to possess. A typical child will not be able to force the bar 12 out of the clips 36.

In the assembled structure, the cut-outs 20 cooperate to form gaps 74 in the screen. The gaps 74 prevent all light from the window being blocked out by the guard 2 and can, if desired, be used to suspend children's toys.

The screen 15 can be removed from the brackets 6 to enable the window 4 to be washed or opened. The provision of the brackets 6 enables quick-release and reattachment of the screen 15. Further, it is to be noted that in an emergency the screen 15, comprising the vast majority of the guard 2 which causes a barrier to passage through the window, is removable.

It -will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that, if necessary, the channel 18 can be dispensed with, relying instead on the resistance to torsional movement of the panels 14 provided by their being mounted on the bar 12. Further possible modifications of this embodiment, within the scope of the present invention include (without limitation) :

The U-shaped cut-outs 20 need not be evenly sized or spaced. For instance the upper cut-out 20 can be smaller than a single combined further truncated lower cut-out 20. Similarly other gaps may be provided in the panels 14 to allow more light to enter the room.

The rear of the panels 14 may include ribs (not shown) in a cross-hatched pattern to provide additional structural rigidity and strength.

The studs 22 may include mushroom-shaped heads which can snap-fit into cooperating holes 24 to provide a more positive engagement between the panels 14.

A finishing piece (not shown) may be provided at either end of the guard 2, depending from the brackets 6 to reduce the gap at either end of the panels 14 to less than 2%" (6.95cm) .

For when the guard 2 is to be mounted on (ie the brackets 6 are to be secured to) a window frame 10 instead of the reveal 8, a spacing block (not shown) may be provided to provide a large enough gap between the window frame 10 and the extension 52 of the clip 36 to enable it to be operated comfortably.

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

A guard for a window or other opening, characterised in that the guard comprises a screen, means to attach the screen to a window reveal, frame or around or to another opening to restrict egress therethrough, in which the screen can be released by a quick-release mechanism to allow egress through the window or other other opening.

A guard according to Claim 1, further characterised in that the quick-release mechanism is child-proof.

A guard according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, further characterised in that the quick-release mechanism can be released by less than three distinct motions.

A guard according to any preceding Claim, further characterised in that the quick-release mechanism can be released from the exterior of the opening by a single sharp blow.

A guard according to any preceding Claim, further characterised in that the quick-release mechanism comprises a snap-fit closure.

A guard for a window or other opening, characterised in that the guard comprises at least one bracket for attaching the guard to a window reveal or frame, a bar joined to the at least one bracket and a plurality of modular panels supported by the bar, whereby the panels are capable of forming in cooperation with the bar a screen restricting egress past the screen through the window or other opening. 7 A guard according to Claim 6, further characterised in that the modular panels are substantially similar and/or be capable of interfitting.

8 A guard according to Claim 6 or Claim 7, further characterised in that the guard includes means for enabling the screen to be released from the window or other opening in the event of an emergency by a quick- release mechanism.

9 A guard according to Claim 8, further characterised in that the quick-release mechanism is child-proof.

10 A guard according to any one of Claims 6 to 9, further characterised in that the modules include, or cooperate to include, holes too small for a child to pass through.

11 A guard according to any one of Claims 6 to 10, further characterised in that the bar extends horizontally, in use, between two brackets attached, in use, to the surround or reveal of the window or other opening.

12 A guard according to any one of Claims 6 to 11, further characterised in that the bar is attached to the at least one bracket by at least one clip which can, in use, rotate about a vertical axis.

13 A guard according to any one of Claims 6-12, further characterised in that at least some of the modules are provided with detents on one end to be located, in use, in a lower channel. A guard according to any one of Claims 6 to 13', further characterised in that the modules slot and/or snap-fit together to provide a substantially rigid structure.

A guard according to any one of Claims 6 to 14, further characterised in that there are provided means on the guard for attaching children's toys thereto.

A guard according to any one of Claims 6 to 15 in accordance with any one of Claims 1 to 5.

A structural assembly characterised by comprising a wall having an opening therethrough, across which opening there is secured a guard according to any preceding Claim.

A window guard characterised by comprising a guard according to any one of Claims 1 to 16.