US 6,182,397 B2 · Removable security apparatus for building openings with quick-release latch mechanism

Abstract

A removable security bar apparatus for preventing ingress through a building opening such as a window or door. The apparatus includes a grille and latch mechanism permitting quick removal of the grille from the building opening in the event of an emergency. The grille is held in place across the opening by a stop member which secures one side of the grille structure to the opening and a latch mechanism. The latch mechanism includes at least one removable rod positioned through a wall mounted bracket and into a fixed rod secured to the grille thereby securing the grille over the building opening. The grille is rapidly removed by sliding the at least one removable rod away from the fixed rod and bracket allowing the grille to be gripped and moved away from the opening.

Drawings

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Drawings

Claims15

Dependent claims

A removable apparatus for preventing ingress through a building opening in a building, the apparatus comprising:

a grille structure configured to be removably secured across the opening and in a spaced-apart relationship from a closure positioned across the opening, the grille structure having an upper horizontal bar member including opposed first and second ends each having a bore therein, at least one lower horizonal bar member, and plurality of laterally-spaced vertical members coupled to the horizontal members;
at least one stop member configured to be secured along a building surface within the building adjacent to the building opening, the stop member having a first stop portion and an opposed second stop portion and a space therebetween, the first and second stop portions limiting movement of at least one of the grille structure vertical members to the space between the opposed stop portions;
and
a latch mechanism comprising at least one support bracket configured to be positionable along the building surface within the building, the bracket having a hollow security rod-receiving portion positionable in alignment with said bore of said first end of said upper horizontal bar member, and a moveable security rod slidably positionable within said rod-receiving portion and within said bore of said first end of said upper horizontal bar member in a telescoping relationship, wherein when said security rod is in a first position, the grille structure is moveable with respect to said latch mechanism and when said security rod is in a second position disposed within said bore of said first end of said upper horizontal bar member, said grille structure is prevented from moving with respect to said latch mechanism.

1 more element

A removable apparatus for preventing ingress through a building opening in a building, the apparatus comprising:

a grille structure configured to be removably secured across the opening and in a spaced-apart relationship from a closure positioned across the opening, the grille structure having a first horizontal bar member including opposed first and second ends each having a bore therein, at least a second horizonal bar member spaced apart from the first horizontal bar member, and a plurality of laterally-spaced vertical members coupled to the horizontal members;
at least one stop member configured to be secured along a building surface within the building adjacent to the building opening, the stop member having a pair of spaced apart restraint surfaces limiting movement of at least one of the grille structure vertical members to the space between the restraint surfaces;
and
a latch mechanism comprising at least one support bracket configured to be positionable along the building surface within the building, the bracket having a hollow security rod-receiving portion positionable in alignment with said bore of said first end of said first horizontal bar member, and a moveable security rod slidably positionable within said rod-receiving portion and within said bore of said first end of said first horizontal bar member in a telescoping relationship, wherein when said security rod is in a first position, the grille structure is moveable with respect to said latch mechanism and when said security rod is in a second position disposed within said bore of said first end of said first horizontal bar member, said grille structure is prevented from moving with respect to said latch mechanism.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Description2,944 words

Summary1,350 words

#This invention is related generally to moveable and removable closures and, more particularly, to protective grilles for securing building openings.

#As was pointed out in Applicant's U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/611,598, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,740,628, crime is serious problem confronting modern society. Burglary and forced entry into buildings are of major concern to families, businesses and organizations. Such crimes can result in theft, property damage, personal injury, or more serious harm.

#Security doors and windows are a well known means of preventing criminals from entering a building through a building opening. Security doors and windows typically consist of heavy metal bars or grates that are placed over a window or door opening to prevent criminals from entering the building. These security systems are typically secured to the building opening in a permanent manner (i.e., they are not removable). U.S. Pat. No. 4,162,590 (Earley), U.S. Pat. No. 3,871,151 (Der Estephanian) and U.S. Pat. No. 1,657,908 (Wulftange) are examples of permanently-mounted security bars or grates.

Brief description of the drawings10 figures

#FIG. 1 is a front elevation of the invention showing a grille mounted over a window opening.

#FIG. 2 is side elevation of the invention showing the grille positioned with respect to one form of a stop member.

#FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary security rod of the invention.

Detailed description1,440 words

#This invention involves a burglary prevention apparatus that is mounted over an opening on the inside of a building. Placement of the apparatus inside not only makes it impossible for an intruder to tamper with the device, it also protects the apparatus from the elements thus preventing rust or other wear from degrading the protection offered by the invention.

#FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of Applicant's inventive security apparatus 10 positioned inside a building opening typical of a home or business. Apparatus 10 is intended to prevent burglars and the like from gaining unauthorized entry to a building through window 11 secured in building opening 13. In the example shown, opening 13 is positioned in the inner wall surface 15 and the outer wall surface 15a. Opening 13 includes sill 16 and top surface 18. FIG. 8 shows an exemplary bay window 12 including potential mounting positions 12a, 12b, 12c for the apparatus 10. The invention is not limited to use with these specific types of openings.

#The invention includes a grille structure 17 removably secured with respect to opening 13. Grille 17 is positioned inside the building. Grille 17 has an upper horizontal bar member 27 at least one lower horizontal bar member 21 and a pair of laterally-disposed vertical members 23 and 25 coupled to the horizontal members 27 and 21. Preferably, a plurality of vertical members 24 are provided on grille 17. Grille structure 17 includes upper 17a and lower 17b ends.

Facts

Application

09/050,857Filed 30 Mar 1998 · us provisional application

Priority

3 Apr 1997

Granted

6 Feb 2001

Term ended

30 Mar 2018

Estimated · how

20 years from earliest known nonprovisional domestic filing. Maintenance-fee lapses, terminal disclaimers and statutory extensions have not been checked. The continuity chain may be incomplete; this is not an enforceability determination. Patent term adjustment is unavailable; no adjustment was added.

Classification2 codes

E06B 9/02
Screening or protective devices for wall or similar openings, with or without operating or securing mechanisms; Closures of similar construction:…
E06B
Fixed or movable closures for openings in buildings, vehicles, fences or like

Removable security apparatus for building openings with quick-release latch mechanism

Life of this patent

Removable security apparatus for building openings with quick-release latch mechanism

Life of this patent

Life of this patent

Abstract

Drawings

Drawings

Claims15

Description2,944 words

Drawings

Classification2 codes

Life of this patent

Description2,944 words