GB2307937A - Security device for windows having components mounted on the wing and the frame which cooperate during opening in an abnormal path to impede a prising attack - Google Patents

Abstract

If a jemmy or crowbar is introduced between the flange 11 of the window unit 1 and surface 13 of the frame unit 3 and a prising attack is applied, the nature of the movement does not mirror that of normal opening. Instead the window unit 1 moves outward relative to the frame 3 much more abruptly. The absence of the lateral movement causes the upturned portion 40 of the device 22 on the window to engage with the corresponding upturned portion 30 provided on the device 20 attached to the frame unit 3. As a consequence these two elements contact one another and interlock impeding further opening.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO SECURITY This invention is concerned with improvements in and relating to security, particularly, but not exclusively for windows or doors.

A wide variety of window designs are commonly mounted relative to their frames by hinges of the friction stay type.

Whilst the precise configuration of the friction stays varies from design to design the nature of the movement of the window upon opening in each case shares consistent features.

Friction stays form popular hinge mountings, but they face a number of problems, particularly with regard to security. Current designs are susceptible to forced entry by means of levering the window relative to its frame. This type of levering or jemmying attack commonly consists of a bar style element which is inserted between the window frame and the window at their junction, followed by a repeated levering and advancing of the jemmy into the widening crack. Such attacks can force the window to move relative to the frame allowing access to the interior.

Whilst the catch or lock mechanisms positioned around windows provide some resistance to such attack, economically and cosmetically it is undesirable to have to provide a number of such catches at different locations around the frame.

Furthermore, where the jemmy attack is mounted against the hinge side junction of the window and frame rather than against the catch side present designs which rely on the strength of the hinge on this side are not adequate.

The present invention aims to provide increased security by resisting such undesired attacks but whilst allowing free movement of the window relative to the frame during normal use.

The invention also aims to provide a cost effective and easily installed security device. Fitting on new and retro fitting of the device is envisaged. The invention also aims to provide a security system which does not need further user operation to release it from the secured to operable state.

According to a first aspect of the invention we provide a combination of an aperture frame and aperture closure means, the aperture closure means having a first position allowing access through the aperture and aperture frame and a second position closing the aperture, the aperture closing means being pivotally mounted relative to the aperture frame, the pivotal mounting defining the normal path of movement of the aperture closure means relative to the aperture frame during transition from the first position to the second position, the aperture frame and aperture closure means each being provided with a component, the component on the aperture closure means being clear of the component on the aperture frame means throughout the movement of the aperture closure means along the normal path from the first to second position, the aperture closure means component and aperture frame component cooperating with one another during movement of the aperture closure means relative to the aperture frame means along a non-normal path.

In this way the conventional opening of the window is possible without hindrance, but attacks on the window causes the two components to cooperate restraining further movement.

Preferably the non-normal movement arises as a result of a leverage force applied to the junction of the aperture closure means and aperture frame means. Most preferably the junction in question is that closest to the hinge.

Preferably the components provide a base member for attachment to the frame or aperture closure means and a member extending therefrom towards the other of the frame or closure means.

The components may comprise "L" shaped brackets. The components may be integral with the aperture frame and / or aperture closure means or may be separate components mountable thereon. Releasable fastenings provide one option for connecting the components to the frame or closure means. The fastening may pass through an aperture in the component into the frame or closure means. The aperture may be recessed to accommodate the fastener.

Preferably one arm of the "L" shaped component is mounted on the frame or closure means and the other projects away from it substantially perpendicularly. Preferably the component on the other of the aperture frame or closure means is positioned at a rotation of 1800 relative to the first. The first and second components may be equivalent in shape.

A particularly preferred embodiment provides the "L" shaped component on the aperture frame with the extending member positioned towards the direction of opening relative to the base. Most preferably the aperture closure component is mounted the other way around.

Preferably it is the perpendicularly extending arms or elements mounted thereon of the "L" shaped components which cooperate during non-normal movement.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention the "L" shaped components are provided with a limb at their end. Such a limb promotes an interlocking relationship between the two components during non-normal movement. This additional element preferably extends substantially parallel to the base plate of the "L" shaped component.

The arm of the component on the aperture frame may project further away from the frame than the arm of the component on the aperture closure means projects away relative to the aperture closure means or vice versa. This may aid in obtaining the necessary clearance / interference operation in normal and non-normal use.

The aperture frame and I or aperture closure means may be provided with recesses and / or projections adapted to cooperate with the components. In this way an accurate mounting location is provided.

Preferably a projection extending away from the frame and / or aperture closure extends at least partially along the extending member of the component. Support for the component against the prising action is thus increased.

The components may be provided at discrete locations along the junction.

According to a second aspect of the invention we provide a combination of an aperture frame and aperture closure means, the aperture frame defining an aperture plane, the aperture closure means having a first, closed position and a second, open position, the aperture closure means being pivotally mounted relative to the frame by a hinge system, a direction X being defined in the aperture plane perpendicular to the hinge axis and a direction Y being defined perpendicular to X and perpendicular to the hinge axis, movement of the aperture closure means from the first to second position involving components of movement in both direction X and direction Y, wherein the aperture closure means has an element extending in direction X and on the frame means has an element extending in direction X in the opposite sense to the element of the frame means, the elements overlapping in direction X, in the first position, by distance T, the element on the aperture closure means being recessed behind the element on the frame means relativeto direction Y, in the first position by a distance Q, wherein when movement in direction X exceeds distance T before movement in direction Y equals or exceeds distance Q continued movement from the first to second position is possible and wherein when movement in direction X is less than distance T before movement in direction Y is equal to or greater than distance Q continued opening is not possible.

Preferably the pivotal hinge comprises a friction stay.

The elements may extend purely in direction X or at an angle thereto. The other features discussed in relation to the first aspect may also be provided.

According to a third aspect of the invention we provide a component or pair of components for use in a combination according to the first or second aspects of the invention.

Various embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which; Figure 1 illustrates a cross section through a frame and window illustrating the device in the interlocked position during or following a jemmy attack; and Figure 2 illustrates the same window and frame during the normal opening sequence.

Window units commonly consist of a window element (1) which mounts and retains the glass and a window frame element (3) which is mounted in the aperture of the building. The frames are mounted in the aperture in a conventional manner well known to a man skilled in the art and the glazing is provided in the window unit in the window unit in an equally well known manner.

The frame unit (3) commonly consists of a uPVC box sections with a rear flange piece (7) which extends into the aperture (9).

The window element (1) consists of a generally complimentary shaped unit provided with a flange (11) which extends across the front face (13) of the frame element (3).

Gaskets received in use in grooves (15) cooperate with the opposing-element to provide an effective seal.

The window unit (1) is movably mounted relative to the frame by means of a stay of well known design. Examples of suitable stays include Anderberg friction stays and many others. The motion on opening varies to a degree but is pivotal is each case.

As illustrated in Figure 2 during movement from the closed to the open position the geometry of the friction stay causes the hinge edge (16) of the window unit (1) to move across the aperture (9), direction X, as it begins to move outward, direction Y.

Thus as can be seen in the cross hatched window unit (lb) of Figure 2 the window moves across as well as away from the frame. The continued trajectory is illustrated by the shaded representation of the window unit (inc) at a further more advanced opening stage.

The security component in this embodiment comprises a first "L" shaped element (20) mounted on the frame unit (3) and a second "L" shaped element (22) mounted on the window unit (1). The elements may be of mild steel / plastics or other suitably resilient materials.

The "L" shaped element (20) comprises a base portion (24) which is received between the flange portion (7) and an upstanding lug (26) provided on the frame unit (3). The "L" shaped member has a perpendicularly extending foot (28) with an upturned end (30) extending substantially parallel to the base (24).

In a similar manner the element (22) provided on the window unit (1) has a base portion (32) received within a channel on the window unit defined by a flange element (34) and a recess (36). Extending substantially perpendicularly from the base plate (32) is an element (38) with an upturned end portion (40) extending substantially parallel to the base (32).

The elements are fixed relative to the frame (3) and window (i) respectively by fastenings which pass through the base plate (24; 32) into the box section of the units. These fastenings are releasable in nature as in use they are not accessible to the attacking party.

If a jemmy is introduced between the flange (11) and the surface (13), the window to frame junction, of the frame unit (3) and a prising attack is applied the nature of the movement does not mirror that of normal opening. Instead the window unit (1) moves outward relative to the frame (3) much more abruptly. The absence of the lateral movement causes the upturned portion (40) of the device (22) on the window to engage with the corresponding upturned portion (30) provided on the device (20) attached to the frame unit (3). As a consequence these two elements contact one another and interlock. Further jemmying does not cause the window to move further apart. As a consequence, the opening cannot be enlarged and access cannot be gained through the window.

In contrast during normal opening as illustrated in Figure 2 the significant initial lateral movement is such that the upturned element (40) clears the upturned element (30) on the device attached to the window frame before the element (40) progresses out sufficiently far to engage the element (30). In this way the two devices are kept clear of each other during opening and the movement of the hinge is not interfered with in any way.

During closure the movement of the hinge is a mirror of that during opening and as a consequence the clearing is maintained during this stage also. Once in a closed position again any jemmying attack merely results in the interlocking displayed in Figure 1.

The lack of interference during normal opening and closing occurs without any need for the user to activate or deactivate the component. Time consuming and easily forgot release and engaging procedures or tools are thus avoided.

Whilst devices (20) and (22) can be provided along the full length of the hinge junction it is sufficient to provide them at a number of discrete locations in order to achieve the locking effect against any jemmy attack. By a pair of devices positioned near the top of the frame, near the bottom of the frame and in the middle security sufficient to provide the resistance desired is obtained.

The introduction of such fittings to windows during their manufacture is envisaged and to this end complimentary channels may be provided in the window fittings.

Alternatively given the ease with which these fittings can be introduced to the window section they may be provided as a retrofit to existing structures.

Claims (17)

CLAIMS:

1. A combination of an aperture frame and aperture closure means, the aperture closure means having a first position allowing access through the aperture and aperture frame and a second position closing the aperture, the aperture closing means being pivotally mounted relative to the aperture frame, the pivotal mounting defining the normal path of movement of the aperture closure means relative to the aperture frame during transition from the first position to the second position, the aperture frame and aperture closure means each being provided with a component, the component on the aperture closure means being clear of the component on the aperture frame means throughout the movement of the aperture closure means along the normal path from the first to second position, the aperture closure means component and aperture frame component cooperating with one another during movement of the aperture closure means relative to the aperture frame means along a non-normal path.

2. A combination of an aperture frame and aperture closure means, the aperture frame defining an aperture plane, the aperture closure means having a first, closed position and a second, open position, the aperture closure means being pivotally mounted relative to the frame by a hinge system, a direction X being defined in the aperture plane perpendicular to the hinge axis and a direction Y being defined perpendicular to X and perpendicular to the hinge axis, movement of the aperture closure means from the first to second position involving components of movement in both direction X and direction Y, wherein the aperture closure means has an element extending in direction X and on the frame means has an element extending in direction X in the opposite sense to the element of the frame means, the elements overlapping in direction X, in the first position, by distance T, the element on the aperture closure means being recessed behind the element on the frame means relative to direction Y, in the first position by a distance Q, wherein when movement in direction X exceeds distance T before movement in direction Y equals or exceeds distance Q continued movement from the first to second position is possible and wherein when movement in direction X is less than distance T before movement in direction Y is equal to or greater than distance Q continued opening is not possible.

3. A combination according to claim 1 or claim 2 in which the pivotal hinge comprises a friction stay.

4. A combination according to any preceding claim in which the non-normal movement arises as a result of a leverage force applied to the junction of the aperture closure means and aperture frame means.

5. A combination according to any preceding claim in which the components provide a base member for attachment to the frame or aperture closure means and a member extending therefrom towards the other of the frame or closure means.

6. A combination according to any of the preceding claims in which the components comprise "L" shaped brackets.

7. A combination according to any of the preceding claims in which the components are integral with the aperture frame and / or aperture closure means.

8. A combination according to any of the preceding claims in which one arm of the "L" shaped component is mounted on the frame or closure means and the other projects away from it substantially perpendicularly.

9. A combination according to any of the preceding claims in which the "L" shaped component is provided on the aperture frame with the extending member positioned towards the direction of opening relative to the base.

10. A combination according to any of the preceding claims in which perpendicularly extending arms or elements mounted on the "L" shaped components cooperate during nonnormal movement.

11. A combination according to any of the preceding claims in which the "L" shaped components are provided with a limb at their end.

12. A combination according to any of the preceding claims in which the arm of the component on the aperture closure means projects further away from the closure means than the arm of the component on the aperture frame projects away relative to the frame.

13. A combination according to any of the preceding claims in which the aperture frame and / or aperture closure means are provided with recesses and / or projections adapted to cooperate with the components.

14. A combination according to any of the preceding claims in which a projection extending away from the frame and / or aperture closure extends at least partially along the extending member of the component.

15. A combination according to any of the preceding claims in which components are provided at discrete locations along the junction.

16. A component or pair of components for use in a combination according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. A method of providing security for, or increasing the security of a combination of an aperture frame and aperture closure means, comprising the provision of a combination according to any of claims 1 to 15 and I or a component or pair of components according to claim 16.