Patent ID: 6813861
Filing Date: 2004-11-09
Classification: E06B

Abstract:
A quick release security guard assembly for installation in a protective position adjacent a window opening in a building structure comprising, in combination:a retention frame; a security grating; a hinge assembly coupling the security grating to the retention frame to permit movement of the security grating from a closed position in which the security grating opposes entrance movement through the retention frame, to an open position permitting exit movement through the retention frame; a latch assembly for releasably locking the security grating onto the retention frame in the closed position, the latch assembly including latch receivers mounted on and overlapping the retention frame and security grating, an actuator arm urged by the force of gravity into latched engagement with the latch receivers and a release handle attached to the actuator arm for manually disengaging the actuator arm from the latch assembly, wherein the actuator arm is disposed upright and overlaps a first portion of the retention frame in the protective position and the release handle extends substantially at a right angle to the actuator arm and overlaps a second portion of the retention frame; and a utility hook attached to the release handle, wherein the utility hook depends from the release handle and overlaps the window opening in the protective position, whereby the latch receivers, actuator arm and release handle are accessible to an occupant inside the building structure but are concealed from observers looking through the window opening from a location external of the building structure, and the utility hook and release handle can be quickly located and operated by an occupant to release the security grating during an emergency that may arise during hours of darkness or when the room is filled with smoke under zero visibility conditions.