WO2008017163A1

WO2008017163A1 - Movable security bar assemblies

Info

Publication number: WO2008017163A1
Application number: PCT/CA2007/001399
Authority: WO
Inventors: Moshe Cohen-Ravid; Neil Davis; Peter Boetzkes
Original assignee: Ravco Innovations Inc.
Priority date: 2006-08-11
Filing date: 2007-08-10
Publication date: 2008-02-14

Abstract

A security bar assembly has a plurality of bars that extend across an opening and have ends positioned on opposite faces of the opening. The ends of the bars may be retained in channels and the ends may have connections to a drive mechanism for moving the bars. The channels may enclose drive mechanisms for moving the bar ends. There may be a bar storage area in which the bars are positioned more closely together than when the bars are in position spanning the opening. A variable pitch threaded shaft drive is provided in which the bar ends ride on the shaft threads. The pitch of the thread may be reduced along a portion of the shaft so that, in operation, the bars are spaced apart by variable distances as they driven by the shaft. The bars may for example be more closely spaced apart on the shaft in a storage area. The bar assembly may also be provided with means for detecting a change in the external force applied to one or more of the bars, for example to sense an obstacle to bar movement. The external force detection mechanism may include an arrangement whereby the bars and at least a part of the drive mechanism float in resilient engagement with the remainder of the bar assembly. In this way, the external force detection mechanism can sense the relative movement of the floating portion of the bar assembly with respect to the remainder of the bar assembly to provide an indication of the external force applied to one or more of the bars.

Description

MOVABLE SECURITY BAR ASSEMBLIES

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001]The present invention relates to retractable security bar assemblies, for example to cover openings in a building such as window or door openings.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Security bars may be used over openings, such as windows or doors. There are various types of retractable security bars and shutters available. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,957,181 ; 6,035,917; 6,394,167; 6,640,871 ; 6,868,891 ; and 6,886,620 (all of which are incorporated herein by reference) disclose security bar assemblies that have a plurality of bars extending across an opening. The bars have ends that may be joined to drive mechanisms such as shafts or chains.

[0003] One challenge in designing such assemblies is that there may be a desire to store the bars, when the bars are not in place over the opening. It may accordingly be desirable to have a relatively compact storage area for the bars. This may necessitate designing a system in which the bars may be moved efficiently and securely in and out of a compact storage area, while adjusting variable spacing between the bars, so that the bars are close together in the storage area and spaced further apart over the opening.

[0004]An alternative challenge in such systems is that the assemblies may need to be relatively rigid, to act as effective barriers to entry, while some flexibility may be advantageous. For example, the dimensions of the openings in which the assemblies are installed may be subject to variation over time. For example, as a new building settles on its foundations, the window and door frames may change shape slightly. In addition, the installation of an exceptionally rigid assembly may be problematic, because the openings may not be precisely dimensioned. For example, in a typical building, the window and door frames are not precisely square. There is a need for security assemblies that are constructed so as to accommodate these normal variations in building dimensions. [0005] In movable bar assemblies, in which bars open and close over an opening, there is a need for the transport mechanism to accommodate variations in the openings, so that the bars move smoothly even in circumstances where the opening is not precisely dimensioned. This need for flexibility is again in conflict with a desire to provide an exceptionally rigid and secure bar framework.

[0006] In a movable security bar assembly, there are also safety concerns associated with the automation of the assembly. Particularly in a residential setting, there is a need for assemblies that provide a mechanism to avoid inadvertently crushing an obstacle that would otherwise interfere with the movement of the bars. At the same time, the mechanism for moving the bars must be sufficiently robust that it can not be circumvented or broken by a determined intruder. Similarly, there may be a need to provide a mechanism to release a security bar assembly in an emergency, for example so that the assembly does not trap the occupants of a building during a fire.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In selected embodiments, the invention provides security bar assemblies in which a plurality of bars extend across an opening, the bars having ends positioned on opposite faces of the opening. Transport mechanisms may be provided on opposing sides of the opening, for moving the bars. The transport mechanism may for example include a variable pitch threaded shaft. Channels, housings guides or brackets on the opposing faces of the opening may secure or enclose one or more of the transport mechanisms. The transport mechanisms may be engaged by the bar ends, so that the transport mechanisms move the plurality of bars. The channels may serve to house, protect and conceal the drive mechanisms, to enhance the security of the system. Some or all of the security bars and transport mechanisms may be securely but floatably mounted in the opening, and the floating movement of the assembly relative to the opening may be detected as part of a safety mechanism that governs movement of the bars. [0008] In various embodiments, a bar storage area is provided in which the bars are positioned more closely together than when the bars are in position spanning the opening. To facilitate compact storage, a variable pitch threaded shaft drive may be provided in which the bar ends ride on the shaft threads. The pitch of the thread is reduced along a portion of the shaft so that, in operation, the bars are spaced apart by variable distances on different portions of the shaft. In this way, the bars may be more closely spaced apart on the shaft in a storage area than they are when deployed over the opening.

[0009] The ends of the bars may be adapted to permit various degrees of movement with respect to the shaft drive. For example, the bar ends may be slidably received in the bars, so that there is some degree of longitudinal movement permitted along the axis of the bars. This may for example facilitate installation of the assembly in openings that are not square, so that the span of the opening varies slightly. In addition, the bar ends may be adapted to engage shafts so that the bar ends may pivot with respect to the shafts, facilitating movement of the bars in the plane of the opening. In some embodiments, the bar ends may pivot in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the shaft, for example to facilitate movement of the bars in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the opening.

[0010] The bar assembly may also be provided with means for detecting a change in the external force applied to one or more of the bars, for example to sense an obstacle to bar movement. The external force detection mechanism may include an arrangement whereby the bars and at least a part of the drive mechanism float in resilient engagement with the remainder of the bar assembly. In this way, the external force detection mechanism can sense the relative movement of the floating portion of the bar assembly with respect to the remainder of the bar assembly and the window frame, to provide an indication of the external force applied to one or more of the bars.

[0011] In this way, the invention may be adapted to provide a suspended security bar assembly for an opening, comprising a plurality of interconnected security bars extending between first and second transport mechanisms, the first and second transport mechanisms being positioned one on each of a first and a second opposing side of the opening, at least one of the bars engaging at least one of the transport mechanisms, to form an engaged transport mechanism, the engaged transport mechanism being driven to deploy the security bars so that the bars span the opening in a spaced apart deployed position, or to cause the bars to retract from the deployed position, wherein the security bars and the engaged transport mechanism form a floating linked bar and transport mechanism assembly that is floatingly supported in the opening by a resilient support mechanism, so that the floating linked bar and shaft assembly is movable on the resilient support mechanism relative to the opening.

[0012] In alternative aspects, the invention provides a security bar assembly for an opening, comprising a plurality of interconnected security bars extending between first and second housings. The first and second housings may be positioned one on each of a first and second opposing side of the opening. One or more of the bars may have an engaged bar end connected to at least one transport mechanism housed in one of the housings. The transport mechanism may include a driven variable pitch threaded shaft that threadably engages the bar end, to drive the security bar assembly. In this arrangement, rotation of the shaft in a first direction moves the engaged bar end to cause the plurality of security bars to deploy spanning the opening, in a spaced apart deployed position. Rotation of the shaft in a second opposite direction causes the plurality of bars to retract from the deployed position. In effect, the alternative rotation of the shaft opens and closes the security assembly.

[0013] The bars may be movable on the variable pitch threaded shaft so that the differential positioning of the bars on the shaft defines a bar storage area and a bar deployment area, the bars being movable, by the transport mechanism, between the bar storage area and the bar deployment area. The bars may be more closely spaced apart along the variable pitch threaded shaft in the bar storage area than in the bar deployment area. The variable pitch threaded shaft may have a storage pitch in the bar storage area and a deployment pitch in the bar deployment area, the storage pitch being less than the deployment pitch.

[0014]The variable pitch threaded shaft, or other transport mechanism, and one or more of the security bars, such as the bars having ends that engage the transport mechanism, may form a floating linked bar and shaft assembly. This assembly may be floatingly supported in the opening by a support mechanism, such as a resilient support mechanism that substantially balances the weight of the floating assembly so that the linked bar and shaft assembly is movable on the support mechanism relative to the opening, for example in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, when an external force is applied to the floating assembly. The resilient support mechanism may for example be a spring. The floating linked bar and shaft assembly may further include a motor that drives the shaft and/or a gearing mechanism, and/or a hard stop mechanism that stops the movement of the bar assembly, and/or a locking mechanism, and/or electronic controls for controlling the motor.

[0015]A bar transport safety mechanism may be provided, which is operable to stop movement of the bars in response to movement of the floating linked bar and shaft assembly relative to the opening due to an external force, such as the force exerted when the moving bars encounter an obstacle, such as a child's hand. For example, a sensor may be provided to detect movement of the linked bar and shaft assembly on the resilient support mechanism relative to the opening. The sensor may be operably connected to the engaged transport mechanism to stop or otherwise modulate the deployment or retraction of the security bars in response to movement of the linked bar and shaft assembly on the resilient support mechanism relative to the opening. The sensor may for example be a force transducer, such as a load cell. The resilient support mechanism may be a spring, such as a leaf spring, and movement of the spring may be detected by the sensor to ensure the safety of a person. In addition, sensors may be used to detect movement of the fully deployed bars relative to the frame of the opening by detecting the movement of the spring or another floating component, for example to warn of an attempted break in by for example connecting the output signal of at least one sensor to external electronics such as an alarm system.

[0016] The bar ends that engage the shaft may be provided with a shaft opening that is sized to receive the shaft, the shaft having a shaft diameter, so that the shaft opening in the bar end is larger than the shaft diameter in at least one dimension. This structure may for example be adapted to allow for pivotal movement of the bar end in the plane of the shaft. For example, a shaft opening in the bar end may be adapted to form a passage adapted to accommodate the shaft. The passage may have a central bar engaging portion that is circular in transverse cross section, fitted to the bar, for example providing from 1 to 10 thousandths of an inch clearance, so as to bring the bar end into threaded engagement with the shaft, with pins, such as a floating or fixed steel ball, providing the points of threaded engagement. The passage may for example be tapered outwardly from the central bar engaging portion, so that the openings at opposing ends of the passage are larger than the shaft diameter in at least one dimension, to allow for pivotal movement of the bar end in the plane of the shaft. In this way, the central part of the bar end clears the shaft only slightly, and the shaft is engaged by that central round portion. This engagement may help to secure the shaft against bowing in conjunction with a bar end bearing that runs in a track to prevent longitudinal movement of the bar end, which might for example be caused by an outward sliding force exerted by a sliding bar end that might otherwise cause bowing. An additional bar end bearing may be arranged with an axis perpendicular to the axis of the first bearing, to run in the track to secure the bar end against movement out of the plane of the assembly, with the shaft secured in the passage in the bar end.

[0017] In alternative embodiments, the shaft opening may form an open ended yoke, the yoke having arms extending from a neck to opposing sides of the shaft, wherein there is a space between the shaft and the neck of the yoke, to permit pivotal movement of the bar end with respect to the shaft about one or two points of engagement positioned on the arms of the yolk. The shaft opening may for example form an enclosed yoke encircling the shaft, so that the yoke defines an oblong shaft passage having at least one transverse dimension that is greater than the diameter of the shaft. The oblong shaft passage may for example have a longitudinal dimension that is greater than the shaft diameter, and a perpendicular dimension sized for threaded engagement with the shaft, for example by pins or steel balls. Alternatively, the shaft opening in the bar end may be provided with a pivoting internal sleeve, and the sleeve may be sized to slidably mate with the shaft, so that the engagement of the yoke and sleeve with the shaft prevents longitudinal movement of the bar end with respect to the shaft, to retain the bar end in threaded engagement with the shaft while permitting pivotal movement of the bar end in the plane of the opening.

[0018] The bar ends that threadably engage the shaft may be slidably housed in the bars, so that movement of the bar ends is permitted along the longitudinal axis of the bars.

[0019] In some embodiments, both first and second housings may house a transport mechanism, so that there are first and second driven variable pitch threaded shafts housed in each of the first and second housings on the first and second opposing sides of the opening. Both first and second opposing ends of each security bar may threadably engage, respectively, first and second driven variable pitch threaded shafts. In selected embodiments, the channels or housings may each enclose a drive mechanism capable of independently moving the bar ends in each channel. In such embodiments, the drive mechanisms in the channels may be independently driven respectively by first and second motors. The first and second motors may for example be synchronised by a non- mechanical communication link.

[002O] In alternative embodiments, the security bars of the invention may be shaped so that they form panels or members in a shutter arrangement, for example with stacking or interlocking panes, that form a more or less complete occlusion of the opening when the security bars or members are deployed by the transport mechanism. Accordingly, in some embodiments the invention provides blinds or shutters, such as hurricane shutters, in which the panels may be an integral part of, or be attached to, the bars, to provide better security or protection against flying objects or to add privacy and block out light.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0021] Figure 1 is an isometric view of a security bar assembly of the invention, in place on a window opening, illustrating the bar ends engaging the variable pitch threaded shaft of the left hand channel. The bottom bar is shown in transverse cross section, illustrating the slidable housing of the bar end in the bar.

[0022] Figure 2 is an exploded isometric view, showing the component parts of the left hand channel and shaft assembly of Figure 1.

[0023] Figure 3A is an isometric view of three alternative embodiments of bar ends of the invention, each of which is adapted to be slidably received in a bar and to threadably engage the variable pitch threaded shaft.

[0024] Figure 3B is an isometric view of a bar end in transverse cross section through the passage that accommodates the shaft, showing steel balls that engage the threads on the shaft and the outward taper of the passage.

[0025] Figure 4 is an isometric view illustrating two alternative bar ends engaged on a variable pitch threaded shaft mounted in a housing, showing bar ends guided in a track formed in the housing, with the shaft mounted for rotational movement on a lower thrust bearing and secured by an upper bracket.

[0026] Figure 5 is an isometric view, in detail, of the lower portion of the shaft and bar end arrangement of Figure 4, showing the thrust bearing supporting the shaft and motor assembly in a floating arrangement.

[0027] Figure 6 is an isometric view, in detail, of the upper portion of the shaft and bar end arrangement of Figures 4 and 5, showing the upper bracket aligning the shaft. [0028] Figure 7 is an isometric view of the shaft and bar end arrangement of Figures 4, 5 and 6, showing a cover in place over the bar and shaft assembly in the housing.

[0029] Figure 8 is an isometric top, front surface view of the security bar assembly of the invention, showing design features.

[0030] Figure 9 is an isometric top, front surface view of an alternative embodiment of the security bar assembly, showing a snap on blind assembly.

[0031] Figure 10 is an isometric view of the embodiment of Figure 9, shown in partial cross section to illustrate the attachment of the blinds to the bars.

[0032] Figure 11 is an isometric view in partial section showing a further alternative embodiment with folding fabric blinds attached to the bars.

[0033] Figure 12 is an isometric view in partial section showing an embodiment of concatenated bars over two openings, with a single middle shaft engaging bars that cover adjacent windows.

[0034] Figure 13 shows panes between the bars that are pivotally attached to the bars from top and bottom, having a hinge along each pane, so each pane folds gradually when entering the storage area.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0035] In various embodiments, the invention provides a security bar assembly for an opening, comprising a plurality of security bars 12 extending between first and second channels 16, the first and second channels being positioned one on each of a first and second opposing side of the opening. In alternative embodiments, channels 16 may not be present, and the transport mechanisms may simply be positioned on opposing sides of the opening, held or slidably held by brackets or guides. [0036]At least one of the bars 12 may have a bar end 18 connected to at least one transport mechanism housed in at least one of the channels 16. The transport mechanism may comprise a driven variable pitch threaded shaft 20 that threadably engages the bar end 18, so that rotation of the shaft in a first direction causes the bars 12 to cover the opening, and rotation of the shaft in a second direction causes the bars 12 to uncover the opening, for example by lowering and raising the bars over a window opening.

[0037] In some embodiments, both first and second channels 16 house a transport mechanism, so that there may be first and second driven variable pitch threaded shafts 20 housed in each of the first and second channels 16 on the first and second opposing sides of the opening. In such embodiments, both first and second opposing ends of each security bar 12 may threadably engage, respectively, first and second driven variable pitch threaded shafts 20.

[0038] In various embodiments, the present invention utilizes a variable pitch shaft 20. On such a shaft, pitch is the axial distance between threads. By variable pitch, it is accordingly meant that the distance between threads varies along portions of the longitudinal length of the shaft. Similarly, "lead" is the axial distance a security bar advances in one revolution of the shaft. In operation of the present invention, on a variable pitch shaft, security bars may have variable leads. The lead is equal to the pitch times the number of starts. The number of starts is the number of independent threads on the shaft; such as one, two or four starts. In the present invention, the variable pitch of the threaded shaft dictates that there are variable leads in the travel of the security bars, i.e. variable distances traversed by the bars for each axial rotation of a shaft. As a result, in the present invention, security bars may be placed more closely together or further apart as they travel on a shaft (or shafts). The invention thereby provides alternative embodiments having shafts of various pitch, and providing for variable bar leads.

[0039] In some embodiments, the pitch of the thread on the shaft may be selected to assist in preventing an intruder from forcing the bar assembly to move, i.e. forcing the shaft to turn, buy applying a force on one or more bars. For example, if the pitch angle is sufficiently small, in relation to the coefficient of friction between the bar and the shaft, any force applied to one or more bars may not be capable of turning the shaft. In some two-start embodiments, for example, the lead may vary from 2.5 inches along the bar deployment area to 0.5 inches along the bar storage area. In alternative embodiments, a variable pitch portion of the threaded shaft may discharge the bars into a stacked storage conformation, for example above the shaft, rather than retaining the bars on the shaft at all time.

[0040] Driving torque is the torque required to move a load on the shaft. In some embodiments, the driving torque on the shaft may be monitored so that deviations from threshold values may be sensed. For example, a voltage supplied to a motor operable to move the shaft may be monitored. Alternatively, a back electromotive force of the motor may be sensed. For example, a drive controller may be provided in communication with various other system components, such as a control switch (not shown) and a power supply unit (not shown). The drive controller may for example be programmable, and may for example be programmed for adaptive learning routines that adjust threshold values that warrant detection. The power supply unit may include a transformer, a charger and a battery system. The transformer may include a class 2 transformer configured to receive a standard 120 V AC input and to produce a 24 V AC output. The charger may be configured to receive a 24 V AC input supplied by the transformer, and to produce a 36 V DC output. The battery system may be a 36 V DC battery system, such as 12 Volt batteries connected in series. The charger may supply its nominal 36 V DC output in parallel to the battery system and to a two-wire power bus, which is in electrical communication with the drive controller and other system components. In some embodiments, when the 120 V AC power source is available to the transformer, the charger supplies 36 V DC to power all system loads via the two-wire power bus, and also charges the battery system. In the event of a power failure, i.e. a failure of the 120 V AC input to the transformer, the battery system may supply 36 V DC power to system components via a two- wire power bus. Advantageously, therefore, the drive controller continues to be able to raise and lower the security bars, even if the building's 120 V AC power source fails. The control switch may include a wall-mounted switch (not shown), which allows a user or operator to lower the security bars into the deployed position obstructing the opening, or retract them, for example into a storage area.

[0041] To enable communication between the various system components, a four- conductor cable may be employed. The four-conductor cable may include the two-wire power bus for supplying 36 V DC power throughout the system, and a two-wire communication bus for allowing the various system components to communicate with each other. The four-conductor cable may run from the power supply unit, to the control switch, to the drive controller for a first transport mechanism, to the other drive controller for the other transport mechanism. If desired, other system components may be added, in a daisy-chained fashion.

[0042] In some embodiments, the shaft and bar assembly may float with respect to the bar support framework. As shown in Figure 2, motor 22 may be supported on leaf spring 24 in motor housing 26. Motor mount bracket 28 may be provided to orient motor 22 within motor housing 26, with bracket 28 sized for slidable movement in housing 26 to allow the motor, shaft and bar assembly to float on leaf spring 24. Shaft 20 may rest on thrust bearing 30. A load cell 31 may be provided to sense movement of the floating assembly on leaf spring 24. The top of shaft 20 may be oriented in housing or channel 16 by an upper bracket 32, and the connection between shaft 20 and bracket 32 may be made by upper shaft bearing 34. In alternative embodiments, a transport mechanism may lack housing 16, and instead make use of upper bracket 32 to retain shaft 20 in position. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the upper travel of the floating bar, shaft and motor assembly may be limited by motor housing brackets 36.

[0043] In some embodiments, the security bar assembly of the invention comprises a storage area. The pitch of the shaft in the region of the shaft in the storage area may be less than the pitch of the shaft in the region of the shaft adjacent to the opening, to that the security bars are more closely spaced apart in the storage area. [0044] In some embodiments, the present invention utilizes selected profiles for the threads on the shafts, to facilitate mating of the threads with the bar ends. The profile may for example be selected so that the variable pitch of the shaft does not necessitate a reorientation of the bar end engaged with the threaded shaft due to the variation in pitch. A profile which has rotational symmetry about the transverse axis of the shaft may for example be desirable. A thread having a semicircular profile may for example be used, so that as the pitch changes, the orientation of the bar end to the shaft may remain constant. Accordingly, in alternative embodiments, the point or points of threaded engagement between the shaft and the bar end may have a selected configuration. For example, a steel ball may be provided as a point of threaded engagement, so that the ball rides in a semicircular thread in the shaft and in a hemispherical housing on the bar end (formed for example from a yoke and sleeve arrangement as discussed below), with the ball rotatably disposed or fixed in the housing. Alternative pin confirmations may be provided, such as any shape that mates as described above or rotates to match the thread on the shaft as the pitch changes.

[0045] The shaft thread may for example have a single start, and the bar ends may correspondingly have a single point of engagement with the shaft to mate with the single thread. Alternatively, the shaft may have a plurality of starts, such as two starts or four starts. A two start embodiment, as shown in the Figures, provides a shaft having threads forming a double helix, so that the bar ends may have two opposing points of engagement with the shaft, one point on each opposing side of the shaft. The two points of engagement may for example be positioned laterally on the bar ends, on an axis at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the bar.

[0046] Bar ends my be constructed in various ways so as to provide varying degrees of freedom of movement for the bars with respect to the transport mechanism. For example, the bar ends may be longitudinally movable with respect to the bars. Bar ends may for example be slidingly received in the bars, as shown in Figure 1 , so that the bar ends 18 are longitudinally slidable with respect to bars 12. [0047] As shown in Figure 3, bars ends 17, 18, 19 may be constructed in various ways so as to permit pivotal movement of the bars in the plane of the opening. The bar ends may for example have an opening sized to receive a transport mechanism shaft, wherein the shaft opening in the bar end is larger than the shaft diameter in at least one dimension. For example, a bar end may have an open ended yoke, not illustrated, having arms extending to opposing sides of the shaft, wherein there is a space between the shaft and the neck of the yoke, to permit pivotal movement of the bar end with respect to the shaft about one or two points of engagement positioned on the arms of the yolk. Alternatively, bar end 18 shows is in the form of an enclosed yoke 40 adapted to encircle shaft 20, with yoke 40 defining an oblong aperture having at least one transverse dimension that is greater than the transverse diameter of shaft 20. For example, the longitudinal dimension of the yoke opening, shown by arrows "A" in Figure 3, may be greater than the transverse dimension of the threaded shaft 20. The perpendicular dimension, shown by arrows "B" in Figure 3, of the oblong yoke opening may be sized, formed, shaped or adapted for threaded engagement with shaft 20. A yoke opening in the bar end 18 may be provided with a pivoting internal sleeve 42, and the sleeve may be sized to slidably mate with shaft 20, so that the engagement of the yoke 40 and sleeve 42 with shaft 20 prevents longitudinal movement of bar end 18 with respect to shaft 20, to retain thread pins 44 on bar end 18 in threaded engagement with shaft 20 while permitting pivotal movement of bar end 18 in the plane of the opening, shown by arrows "C" in Figure 3A, .

[0048]As shown in Figure 3A, in alternative embodiments, a shaft opening 46 in bar ends 17, 19 may be adapted to form a passage sized to accommodate shaft 20. Figure 3B shows a bar end, 17 or 19, in transverse cross section along axis "B" to show the tapered conformation of the shaft passage. The passage may have a central bar engaging portion, housing thread pins 44, that is circular in transverse cross section, on a plane perpendicular to the axis of the passage, with the central bar engaging portion fitted to the dimensions of shaft 20 so as to bring the thread pins 44 on bar ends 17, 19 into threaded engagement with shaft 20. The passage may for example be tapered outwardly from the central bar engaging portion, so that the openings at opposing ends of the passage are larger than the shaft diameter in at least one dimension, shown by arrows "A" in Figure 3, to allow for pivotal movement of the bar end in the plane of the shaft, and help limit the longitudinal movement of the bar end relative to the threaded shaft in conjunction with ball bearing 50, shown by arrows "C" in Figure 3.

[0049] Figures 3, 4 and 5 illustrate roller bearings 50, 52 on bar ends 17, 19. Bar end bearings 50, 52 may be sized to align bar ends 17, 19 in a bar end track 54 formed in housing 15, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. In this embodiment, shaft 20 is vertically aligned within housing 15 by alternating bar ends 17, 19, by bar end bearing 50, 52 running in track 54. Longitudinal roller bearing 50 serves to prevent outward longitudinal movement of bar ends 18, while transverse roller bearing 52 prevents movement of bar ends 18, shaft 20 and bars 12 out of the plane of the shaft and bar assembly. This may for example help to prevent bowing of shaft 20, and provide further security to the assembly of the invention.

[005O]As shown in Figure 4, housing 15 may be provided with fastener holes 56, adapted to accept a fastener for connecting housings 15 to opposing sides of an opening, as shown in Figure 1. These holes 56 may for example be spaced apart so that bars 12 come to rest over top of holes 56 when the assembly is in the fully deployed position, so that bars 12 obscure access to fasteners emplaced in holes 56. To further secure the assembly, a cover 58, shown in Figure 7, may be fitted to housing 15 to guard against access to shaft 20, and to protect the transport mechanism from dust or to prevent inadvertent or unsafe access to the transport mechanism. In this way, housing 15 and cover 58 of Figure 7 form a channel analogous to channel 16 of Figures 1 and 2, so that the external appearance of alternative embodiments is as shown in Figure 8.

[0051] In alternative embodiments, that bars and transport mechanisms of the invention may be connected together, or linked in a concatenated arrangement, to form a daisy chain of bars traversing an opening driven by a plurality of transport mechanisms. For example, a security bar assembly in place in a bay window may have multiple transport mechanisms at the apices or corners of the structure. In some embodiments, therefore, adjacent bars may share a bar end riding on a single shaft. Bar ends supporting two or more security bars are therefore provided. For example, a single sleeve and yoke may be provided engaging a central transport mechanism shaft, with bar end arms extending laterally from the yoke to engage the bars. A concatenated embodiment of the bar assembly is shown in Figure 12, illustrating a central drive shaft 20 that engages bars that span adjacent windows.

[0052] In some embodiments, the channels 16 or housings 15 may each comprise a drive mechanism for independently driving each transport mechanism for moving the bar ends in each channel, and the drive mechanism in each of the first and second channels is independently driven respectively by first and second motors 22, and wherein the first and second motors are synchronised by a non- mechanical communication link.

[0053] Bar ends 17, 18, 19 may slidably engage bars 12, such as the tubular bars. In such embodiments, a bar end shaft 21 , shown in Figure 3, on bar ends 17, 18, 19 may be elongated, to facilitate a telescoping extensible engagement between the bar end and bar 12, so that the engagement between the bar end and the channel in which it runs may be preserved even when the distance between channels varies, such as in an opening of uneven width. Bar ends may also be provided with adaptations such as ribs, teeth, protrusions, burrs or detents to strengthen or lock the engagement between slidable bar ends and bars 12 when the bar is bent. The mechanism to provide engagement between the bar ends and the bars may be adapted so that the bar ends are relatively free to move in the bars unless the bar is bent, in which case the bar end engagement mechanism may act to resist slidable movement of the bar ends in the bars. For example, ribs or teeth may be sized so that they slide and do not strongly engage the bar unless the bar is bent so that it meets the bar end at an angle, in which case the ribs will more forcefully engage the bars.

[0054]Although various embodiments of the invention are disclosed herein, many adaptations and modifications may be made within the scope of the invention in accordance with the common general knowledge of those skilled in this art. Such modifications include the substitution of known equivalents for any aspect of the invention in order to achieve the same result in substantially the same way. Numeric ranges are inclusive of the numbers defining the range. The word "comprising" is used herein as an open-ended term, substantially equivalent to the phrase "including, but not limited to", and the word "comprises" has a corresponding meaning. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a thing" includes more than one such thing. Citation of references herein is not an admission that such references are prior art to the present invention. Any priority document(s) and all publications, including but not limited to patents and patent applications, cited in this specification are incorporated herein by reference as if each individual publication were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference herein and as though fully set forth herein. The invention includes all embodiments and variations substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to the examples and drawings.

[0055] The present application is related to United States patent application serial no. 10/164,061 filed June 5, 2002, which is a continuation-in-part of PCT application no. PCT/CA2001/000330 filed March 13, 2001 designating the U.S., which in turn is a continuation-in-part of application serial no. 09/524,089 filed March 13, 2000, now U.S. Patent No. 6,394,167, which in turn is a continuation-in- part of application serial no. 08/820,847 filed March 20, 1997, now U.S. Patent No. 6,035,917; U.S. patent application no. 08/959,396 filed October 28, 1997, now U.S. patent no. 5,957,181 , which is also a continuation-in-part of the above- noted application serial no. 08/820,847; U.S. patent application no. 09/964,854 filed September 28, 2001 , now U.S. patent no. 6,640,871 ; and U.S. patent application no. 10/221 ,512 filed March 26, 2003. Each of the above patent applications and patents is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A security bar assembly for an opening, comprising a plurality of interconnected security bars extending between first and second transport mechanisms, the first and second transport mechanisms being positioned one on each of a first and second opposing side of the opening, at least one of the bars having an engaged bar end connected to at least one of the transport mechanisms, the transport mechanism comprising a driven variable pitch threaded shaft that threadably engages the engaged bar end to drive the security bar assembly, so that rotation of the shaft in a first direction moves the engaged bar end to cause the plurality of security bars to deploy spanning the opening in a spaced apart deployed position, and rotation of the shaft in a second opposite direction causes the plurality of the bars to retract from the deployed position.

2. The security bar assembly of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the transport mechanisms is housed in a housing positioned on a side of the opening.

3. The security bar assembly of claim 1 , wherein both the first and second transport mechanisms are housed, respectively, in first and second housings positioned on each of a first and a second opposing side of the opening.

4. The security bar assembly of claim 1 , 2 or 3, wherein the positioning of the bars on the variable pitch threaded shaft defines a bar storage area and a bar deployment area, wherein the bars are movable between the bar storage area and the bar deployment area by the transport mechanism, and wherein the bars are more closely spaced apart on the variable pitch threaded shaft in the bar storage area than in the bar deployment area.

5. The security bar assembly of claim 4, wherein the variable pitch threaded shaft has a storage pitch in the bar storage area and a deployment pitch in the bar deployment area, and the storage pitch is less than the deployment pitch.

6. The security bar assembly of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the variable pitch threaded shaft, and the security bars having ends that engage the variable pitch threaded shaft, form a floating linked bar and shaft assembly that is floatingly supported in the opening by a resilient support mechanism, so that the linked bar and shaft assembly is movable on the resilient support mechanism relative to the opening, in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft.

7. The security bar assembly of claim 6, wherein the floating linked bar and shaft assembly further comprises a motor that drives the shaft.

8. The security bar assembly of claim 7, wherein the floating linked bar and shaft assembly further comprises electronic controls for controlling the motor.

9. The security bar assembly of any one of claims 6 to 8, further comprising a bar transport safety mechanism operable to stop movement of the bars in response to movement of the floating linked bar and shaft assembly relative to the opening.

10. The security bar assembly of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein each bar end that engages the shaft has a shaft opening sized to receive the shaft, the shaft having a shaft diameter, wherein the shaft opening in the bar end is larger than the shaft diameter in at least one dimension, to allow for pivotal movement of the bar end in the plane of the shaft.

11. The security bar assembly of claim 10, wherein shaft opening in the bar end forms a passage adapted to accommodate the shaft, the passage having a central bar engaging portion that is circular in transverse cross section and dimensioned so as to bring the bar end into threaded engagement with the shaft, the passage being tapered outwardly from the central bar engaging portion so that the openings at opposing ends of the passage are larger than the shaft diameter in at least one dimension, to allow for pivotal movement of the bar end in the plane of the shaft.

12. The security bar assembly of claim 10, wherein the shaft opening forms an open ended yoke, the yoke having arms extending from a neck to opposing sides of the shaft, wherein there is a space between the shaft and the neck of the yoke, to permit pivotal movement of the bar end with respect to the shaft about one or two points of engagement positioned on the arms of the yolk.

13. The security bar assembly of claim 10, wherein the shaft opening forms an enclosed yoke encircling the shaft, so that the yoke defines an oblong shaft passage having at least one transverse dimension that is greater than the diameter of the shaft.

14. The security bar assembly of claim 13, wherein the oblong shaft passage has a longitudinal dimension that is greater than the shaft diameter, and the oblong shaft passage has a perpendicular dimension sized for threaded engagement with the shaft.

15. The security bar assembly of any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the shaft opening in the bar end is provided with a pivoting internal sleeve, and the sleeve is sized to slidably mate with the shaft, so that the engagement of the yoke and sleeve with the shaft prevents longitudinal movement of the bar end with respect to the shaft, so that the bar end is retained in threaded engagement with the shaft while permitting pivotal movement of the bar end in the plane of the opening.

16. The security bar assembly of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the bar ends that threadably engage the shaft are slidably housed in the bars, so that movement of the bar ends is permitted along the longitudinal axis of the bars.

17. The security bar assembly of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein both first and second housings house a transport mechanism, so that there are first and second driven variable pitch threaded shafts housed in each of the first and second housings on the first and second opposing sides of the opening.

18. The security bar assembly of claim 17, wherein both first and second opposing ends of each security bar threadably engage, respectively, first and second driven variable pitch threaded shafts.

19. A security member assembly for an opening, comprising a plurality of interconnected security members extending between first and second transport mechanisms, the first and second transport mechanisms being positioned one on each of a first and second opposing side of the opening, at least one of the members having an engaged member end connected to at least one of the transport mechanisms, the transport mechanism comprising a driven variable pitch threaded shaft that threadably engages the engaged member end to drive the security member assembly, so that rotation of the shaft in a first direction moves the engaged member end to cause the plurality of security members to deploy spanning the opening in a spaced apart deployed position, and rotation of the shaft in a second opposite direction causes the plurality of the members to retract from the deployed position.

20. A security member assembly for an opening, comprising a plurality of interconnected security members extending between first and second transport mechanisms, the first and second transport mechanisms being positioned one on each of a first and second opposing side of the opening, at least one of the members having means for engaging at least one means for bar transport, the means for bar transport comprising a driven variable pitch threaded shaft that threadably engages the engaged member end to drive the security member assembly, so that rotation of the shaft in a first direction moves the engaged member end to cause the plurality of security members to deploy spanning the opening in a spaced apart deployed position, and rotation of the shaft in a second opposite direction causes the plurality of the members to retract from the deployed position.

21. A suspended security bar assembly for an opening, comprising a plurality of interconnected security bars extending between first and second transport mechanisms, the first and second transport mechanisms being positioned one on each of a first and a second opposing side of the opening, at least one of the bars engaging at least one of the transport mechanisms, to form an engaged transport mechanism, the engaged transport mechanism being driven to deploy the security bars so that the bars span the opening in a spaced apart deployed position, or being driven to cause the bars to retract from the deployed position, wherein the security bars and the engaged transport mechanism form a floating linked bar and transport mechanism assembly that is floatingly supported in the opening by a resilient support mechanism, so that the floating linked bar and shaft assembly is movable on the resilient support mechanism relative to the opening.

22. The suspended security bar assembly of claim 21 , further comprising a sensor to detect movement of the linked bar and shaft assembly on the resilient support mechanism relative to the opening.

23. The suspended security bar assembly of claim 22, wherein the sensor is operably connected to the engaged transport mechanism to stop the deployment or retraction of the security bars in response to movement of the linked bar and shaft assembly on the resilient support mechanism relative to the opening.

24. The suspended security bar assembly of claim 22, wherein the sensor is a force transducer.

25. The suspended security bar assembly of claim 22, wherein the sensor is a load cell.

26. The suspended security bar assembly of any one of claims 21 to 25, wherein the resilient support mechanism comprises a spring.

27. The suspended security bar assembly of any one of claims 21 to 26, wherein the sensor is operably connected to a motor driving the engaged transport mechanism.

28. The security assembly of claim 1 , 19 or 20, wherein a pin on the engaged bar end threadably engages the threaded shaft, and the pin is shaped so that it is adaptable to the variable pitch on the shaft without reorientation of the bar end.

29. The pin of claim 28, wherein the pin is rotatable in the bar end.

30. The security bar assembly of claim 1 , wherein the bar ends include roller bearings sized to align bar ends in a bar end track.

31. The security bar assembly of claim 30, wherein successive engaged bar ends have alternating roller bearings, longitudinal roller bearings that prevent longitudinal movement of the bar ends alternating with transverse roller bearings that prevent movement of the bar ends out of the plane of the assembly.

32. The security bar assembly of claim 1 , wherein fasteners attach the assembly to the sides of the opening, and the fasteners are positioned so that the bars come to rest over top of the fasteners when the assembly is in the deployed position,

33. The suspended security bar assembly of claim 26, wherein movement of the spring is detected by the sensor.