Window security device

Abstract

 A window security device (18, 30) is arranged between a window outer frame (10) and an inner frame, panel or pane (12) thereof to lock the two together, the device being releasable however from its locking position, when operated in an authorised manner, to allow the inner frame, panel or pane (12) to be removed from the outer frame (10).

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a window security device adapted to interlock between the outer frame of a window and an inner frame, panel or pane thereof so as to lock the two together. The invention is especially applicable to windows having outer frames made of hollow-profile synthetic plastics material such as uPVC, timber, aluminium or steel.

[0002] Once the outer frames of windows have been securely fitted in the corresponding receiving apertures of a building which is being built or being renovated, the inner frames, panels or panes of glass are located in the outer frames. This can be done either from inside the building or from outside the building, according to the design of the windows. It is, however, advantageous, from the point of view of production of the windows, for the inner frames, panels or glass panes to be inserted from the outside of the building, and the present invention is primarily concerned with that type of window known in the trade as "externally-glazed". On the other hand, the invention can equally well be used on internally-glazed windows - or even doors - where there is a need to prevent unauthorised removal of the glass or frame from the inside of the building.

[0003] It will of course be readily appreciated that a window pane or inner frame fitted from the outside of the building - and therefore removable from that side - runs the risk of being removed by a burglar or other unauthorised person seeking access into the building through the window. In theory it would be possible to prevent such removal by providing a permanent locking means for the inner frame or pane, but this would then prevent easy removal of the inner frame or pane if it became damaged and needed to be repaired or replaced.

[0004] The present invention is accordingly directed to a window security device which is characterised by being releasable from its locking position, when operated in an authorised manner, to allow the inner frame, panel or pane to be removed from the outer frame.

[0005] Some examples of window security devices in accordance with the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings, in which -

Figure 1 is an exploded section through the inner and outer frames of a window manufactured from uPVC, timber, aluminium or steel showing a locking device in accordance with the invention arranged between them;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of part of the locking device shown in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a spring clip forming part of the locking device shown in Figure 1;

Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of another form of locking device for arrangement between the inner and outer frames of a window;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a modification of the device shown in Figure 4; and

Figure 6 is a perspective view of an alternative spring clip to that shown in Figure 3.

[0006] In order to secure the inner frame or glass pane 12 shown in Figure 1 against unauthorised removal from the outer frame 10 of a window, a window security device comprising a sliding locking member 18 is arranged between them. This sliding member has a portion 20 adapted to be slidingly received into a correspondingly-shaped groove 22 in the outer frame 10. It also has a depending L-section portion 24 the lower limb 26 of which is adapted to engage the corresponding part of the inner frame or pane 12 so as to lock the inner and outer frames 10 and 12 together. The locking member 18 is held in its locking position by an elongate C-shaped spring clip 30 shown in Figure 3 which is able to enter the groove 22 in the outer frame 10 and which can be removed therefrom only by the use of a special tool. It may also be fixed by a screw.

[0007] Figure 4 shows an alternative form of locking device 32 which comprises a locking member 34 adapted to be mounted on, or received in, one or other of the frames 10, 12. The locking member 34 is of L-section and has an inclined groove 36 in the under surface of the lower limb 38 which is arranged to receive a springy blade 40 carried on a member 42 which is adapted to be mounted on the frame 10. Attachment of the member 42 to the respective frame can be effected by screws 44.

[0008] Figure 5 shows a modification of the window security device shown in Figure 4. In this case the device 46 has an L-section locking member 48 similar to the locking member 34 shown in Figure 4 but with the groove 36 formed by providing a ridge 50 in the lower limb of the L-section member 48. Member 42a in Figure 5 is similar to the member 42 in Figure 4.

[0009] Another form of spring clip - as an alternative to that shown in Figure 3 - is shown in Figure 6. Here the spring clip 42b has three inverted L-section springy blades 40a, 40b and 40c to provide three locking positions for the locking member 18 shown in Figures 1 and 2. The clip 42b is placed in the groove 22 in the outer frame 10 and the locking member 18 is retained by one or more of the three inverted L-section blades 40a, 40b or 40c.

Claims

1. A window security device (18, 30) adapted to interlock between the outer frame (10) of a window and an inner frame, panel or pane (12) thereof so as to lock the two together, characterised in that the device (18, 30) is releasable from its locking position, when operated in an authorised manner, to allow the inner frame, panel or pane (12) to be removed from the outer frame (10).

2. A window security device according to claim 1, characterised in that the device comprises a sliding locking member (18) having a portion (20) adapted to be slidingly received in a correspondingly-shaped groove 22 in the outer frame (10).

3. A window security device according to claim 2, characterised in that the sliding locking member (18) also has an L-section portion (24) the lower limb (26) of which is adapted to engage a correspondingly-­shaped part of the inner frame, panel or pane (12).

4. A window security device according to claim 2 or claim 3, characterised in that the sliding locking member (18) is held in its locking positions by a spring clip (30) or other springy member which is able to enter the groove (22) in the outer frame (10) and which can be removed therefrom only by the use of a special tool.

5. A window security device according to claim 2 or claim 3, characterised in that the sliding locking member (34 in Figure 4) is of L-section and has an inclined groove (36) in the under surface of the lower limb (38) which is arranged to receive a springy blade (40) carried on a member (42) adapted to be mounted on the outer frame (10).

6. A window security device according to claim 2 or claim 3, characterised in that the sliding locking member (46 in Figure 5) is of L-section and has a groove (36) formed by providing a ridge (50) in the lower limb (52) of the L-section member (46), the groove (36) being arranged to receive a springy blade (40) carried on a member (42a) adapted to be mounted on the outer frame (10).

7. A window security device according to claim 2 or claim 3, characterised in that the sliding locking member (18) is held in its locking position by a member (42b) having a plurality of locking blades, preferably inverted L-shaped springy blades (40a, 40b, 40c) to provide a plurality of locking positions for the locking member.

Drawing