DOOR WINDOW PROTECTOR

A door window protector includes a mounting frame defining a first frame side, a second frame side opposite the first frame side, a frame opening extending between the first frame side and the second frame side, and a lock opening formed through the mounting frame at the second frame side; and a protective panel received within the frame opening and comprising a locking member, the protective panel movable relative to the mounting frame between an open position, wherein the protective panel is disposed proximate to the first frame side and the locking member is disengaged from the lock opening, and a closed position, wherein the protective panel is disposed proximate to the second frame side and the locking member engages the lock opening.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to windows. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a window protector for a door window.

BACKGROUND

Typical doors comprise a door panel and hinges configured to mount the door panel to a door frame. Doors can further comprise a door window mounted in an opening of the door panel. For example, doors with door windows are often found in office buildings and educational buildings, such as schools and colleges. However, door windows can be broken through, which can present a danger in situations where the door must be secured, such as a lockdown situation involving an unwelcome intruder. Door windows also allow intruders to look into the classroom for items to steal or people to attack.

SUMMARY

Disclosed is a door window protector comprising a mounting frame defining a first frame side, a second frame side opposite the first frame side, a frame opening extending between the first frame side and the second frame side, and a lock opening formed through the mounting frame at the second frame side; and a protective panel received within the frame opening and comprising a locking member, the protective panel movable relative to the mounting frame between an open position, wherein the protective panel is disposed proximate to the first frame side and the locking member is disengaged from the lock opening, and a closed position, wherein the protective panel is disposed proximate to the second frame side and the locking member engages the lock opening.

Also disclosed is a method of protecting a door window with a door window protector, the method comprising mounting the door window protector to a door, the door comprising the door window, wherein the door window protector comprises a mounting frame defining a frame opening, and wherein the door window is disposed within the frame opening; and covering the door window with a protective panel of the door window protector, wherein covering the door window the protective panel comprises: sliding the protective panel of the door window protector within the frame opening from an open position to a closed position; and engaging a locking member of the protective panel with a lock opening of the mounting frame.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed is a door window protector and associated methods, systems, devices, and various apparatus. Example aspects of the door window protector can comprise a mounting frame and a protective panel. It would be understood by one of skill in the art that the door window protector is described in but a few exemplary embodiments among many. No particular terminology or description should be considered limiting on the disclosure or the scope of any claims issuing therefrom.

FIG. 1is a front perspective view of a prior art door100. The door100can comprise a door panel110defining a first door side112, a second door side114opposite the first door side112, a top door end116, and a bottom door end118opposite the top door end116. One or more hinges102can be coupled to the door panel110at the first door side112thereof. The hinges102can be configured to pivotably mount the door100to a door frame. In some aspects, a door knob104or door handle can be coupled to the door panel110proximate to the second door side114, which can be gripped by a user to pivot the door100relative to the door frame. In the present aspect, the door100can further comprise a door window120mounted within a window opening122of the door panel110. The door window120can be oriented proximate to the second door side114of the door panel110, as shown, or can be oriented at any other suitable location within the door panel110. As shown, the door window120can comprise a window frame124and a window panel126. In example aspects, the window panel126can be transparent or translucent to allow viewing therethrough. For example, the window panel126can be formed from transparent glass in some aspects. Other aspects of the window panel126can be opaque.

FIG. 2is a front perspective view of a door window protector200, in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure. The door window protector200can be mounted to a door having a door window, such as the door100ofFIG. 1. Example aspects of the door window protector200can be oriented in a closed configuration, as shown inFIGS. 2 and 8, and an open configuration, as shown inFIG. 7. According to example aspects, the door window protector200can comprise a mounting frame210and a protective panel250. Example aspects of the mounting frame210and the protective panel can comprise a metal material, such as, for example, steel. In other aspects, the protective panel can comprise any other suitably durable material, including, but not limited to, other metals, plastics, wood, composites, and the like.

In the present aspect, the mounting frame210can be substantially rectangular in shape. However, in other aspects, the mounting frame210can define any other suitable shape. As shown, the mounting frame210can define a front frame end211, a rear frame end412(shown inFIG. 4A) opposite the front frame end211, a first frame side213, a second frame side214opposite the first frame side213, an upper frame end215, and a lower frame end216opposite the upper frame end215. The mounting frame210can comprise a first side frame member217at the first frame side213thereof and a second side frame member218at the second frame side214thereof. The second side frame member218can be oriented opposite and substantially parallel to the first side frame member217. Moreover, the first and second side frame members217,218can be substantially vertically oriented in the present view. Example aspects of the mounting frame210can further comprise an upper frame member219at the upper frame end215thereof and a lower frame member220at the lower frame end216thereof. The lower frame member220can be oriented opposite and substantially parallel to the upper frame member219. Moreover, the upper and lower frame members219,220can be substantially horizontally oriented in the present view. As shown, the upper frame member219can extend between the first and second side frame members217,218at the upper frame end215of the mounting frame210, and the lower frame member220can extend between the first and second side frame members217,218at the lower frame end216of the mounting frame210. The upper and lower frame members219,220can be secured to the first and second side frame members217,218by any suitable fastener known in the art, including but not limited to, screws, bolts, rivets, welding, adhesive, and the like. In other aspects, some or all of the upper and lower frame members219,220and the first and second side frame members217,218can be monolithically formed with one another (i.e., formed as a singular component that constitutes a single material without joints or seams). The frame members217,218,219,220can together define a frame opening225of the mounting frame210.

According to example aspects, each of the first and second side frame members217,218can be substantially L-shaped, and can define an elongated front plate230and an elongated side plate232. The front plate230can be angled relative to the side plate232; for example, the front plate230can be oriented about perpendicular to the side plate232. Furthermore, each of the upper and lower frame members219,220can be substantially U-shaped, and can define the front plate230, the side plate232, and an elongated rear plate434(shown inFIG. 4B). As shown, the front plates230can be formed generally at the front frame end211of the mounting frame210and can be substantially co-planar. Each of the side plates232can extend from the corresponding front plate230, substantially from the front frame end211of the mounting frame210to the rear frame end412of the mounting frame210. In the present aspect, each of the front plates230can extend inward towards the frame opening225from a front edge231of the corresponding side plate232. Referring to the upper and lower frame members219,220only, each of the rear plates434can be formed generally at the rear frame end412of the mounting frame210and can be substantially coplanar. The rear plates434can extend inward towards the frame opening225from a rear edge233of the corresponding side plate232. Other aspects of the mounting frame210may not comprise the front plates230and/or the rear plates434, or can comprise more or fewer front plates230and/or rear plates434. Each of the front plates230and rear plates434can be monolithically formed with the corresponding side plate232, as shown, or the front, side, and/or rear plates230,232,434can be formed separately and fastened together with any suitable fastener, such as screws, bolts, rivets, welding, and the like.

Referring to the second side frame member218, one or more lock openings235can be formed through the corresponding side plate232. In some aspects, a portion of each lock opening235be formed through the corresponding front plate230. For example, the present aspect of the mounting frame210can comprise two of the lock openings235. In other aspects, the mounting frame210can define more or fewer lock openings235. In the present aspect, each of the lock openings235can be formed as a substantially vertical slot236. A first one of the lock openings235can be oriented between the upper frame end215of the mounting frame210and a center238of the second side frame member218, and a second one of the lock openings235can be oriented between the lower frame end216of the mounting frame210and the center238of the second side frame member218. Each of the lock openings235can be configured to receive a locking member, such as a locking tab270, of the protective panel250, as described in further detail below. Other aspects of the lock openings235can define any other suitable configuration, such as a horizontal slots, and can be positioned at any suitable orientation along the second side frame member218. Furthermore, in other aspects, the lock openings235can be formed through the side plate232of the first side frame member217.

According to example aspects, the second side frame member218can further comprise one or more reinforcement tabs240extending from the corresponding front plate230. For example, the present aspect of the mounting frame210can comprise three of the reinforcement tabs240. In other aspects, the mounting frame210can define more or fewer reinforcement tabs240. As shown, each of the reinforcement tabs240can extend from an inner edge242of the front plate230generally towards the first frame side213, opposite the front edge231of the corresponding side plate232. Each of the reinforcement tabs240can be substantially coplanar with one another, and in some aspects, can be angled forward slightly with respect to the front plate230away from rear frame end412of the mounting frame210. In other aspects, the reinforcement tabs240can be substantially coplanar with the corresponding front plate230or can be angled slightly rearward towards the rear frame end412. The reinforcement tabs240can be configured to limit or prevent forward movement of the protective cover towards the front frame end211of the mounting frame210in the closed configuration, as described in further detail below.

In example aspects, the mounting frame210can further comprise a fastening plate245coupled to each of the upper and lower frame members219,220at the rear frame end412thereof. In other aspects, one of the fastening plates245can also or alternatively be coupled to each of the first and second side frame members217,218. The fastening plates245can be monolithically formed with the upper and lower frame members219,220or can be formed separately and fastened thereto. According to the present aspect, the fastening plates245can be secured to the corresponding rear plates434of the upper and lower frame members219,220. The fastening plates245can be coplanar with one another and can be oriented parallel to the rear plates434. In example aspects, each of the fastening plates245can extend vertically outward, relative to the orientation shown, beyond the corresponding upper and lower frame members219,220. In other aspects, the upper and lower frame members219,220may not comprise the corresponding rear plates434, and the fastening plates245can be secured to the corresponding side plates232. In other aspects, the mounting frame210may not comprise the fastening plates245.

Example aspects of the mounting frame210can define one or more primary mounting holes246formed through each of the fastening plates245for mounting the door window protector200to the door100, as illustrated inFIG. 7. In other aspects, the mounting frame210may not comprise the fastening plates245and the primary mounting holes246can be formed through the rear plates434. Additionally, in some aspects, one or both of the first and second side frame members217,218can define one or more secondary mounting holes248therethrough. For example, the secondary mounting holes248can be formed through the corresponding front plate230of the first and second side frame members217,218. Each of the primary mounting holes246and secondary mounting holes248can be configured to receive a fastener710(shown inFIG. 7) therethrough, which can engage the door panel110(shown inFIG. 1) of the door100(shown inFIG. 1) to secure the door window protector200thereto. The fasteners710can be screws, bolts, rivets, or any other suitable fastener known in the art. Furthermore, in other aspects, the door window protector200can be secured to the door100by any other suitable fastening mechanisms, such as, for example, welding or adhesives. In other aspects, the mounting frame210can be monolithically formed with the door panel110.

Example aspects of the protective panel250can define a first panel side252, a second panel side254opposite the first panel side252, an upper panel end256, and a lower panel end258opposite the upper panel end256. The protective panel250can further define a front panel side260and a rear panel side662(shown inFIG. 6A) opposite the front panel side260. According to example aspects, the protective panel250can comprise a panel body265defining a substantially planar front surface266generally at the front panel side260and a substantially planar rear surface668(shown inFIG. 6A) generally at the rear panel side662. The protective panel250can be movably mounted within the frame opening225of the mounting frame210and can be selectively oriented in an open position, wherein the door window protector200is in the open configuration, and a closed position, as shown, wherein the door window protector200is in the closed configuration. Specifically, in the present aspect, the protective panel250can be configured to move laterally between the first frame side213of the mounting frame210and the second frame side214of the mounting frame210. In the open configuration, the protective panel250can be positioned proximate to the first frame side213, and in the closed configuration, the protective panel250can be positioned proximate to the second frame side214, as shown.

According to example aspects, the protective panel250can comprise the locking tabs270extending from the panel body265at the second panel side254. The locking tabs270can be oriented substantially coplanar with the panel body265, as shown. In the closed configuration of the door window protector200, each of the locking tabs270can be configured to extend through a corresponding one of the lock openings235of the mounting frame210to retain the protective panel250in the closed position. In the present aspect, each of the locking tabs270can comprise a lower locking shoulder675(shown inFIG. 6A) which can pass through the corresponding locking opening235as the protective panel250is moved from the open position to the closed position. However, in example aspects, the lower locking shoulders675can be configured to catch on the mounting frame210when attempting to move the protective panel250back to the open position, thereby retaining the protective panel250in the closed position until a sufficient force is applied. The locking tabs270are shown and described in further detail below with respect toFIGS. 5 and 6.

Additionally, in the closed configuration of the door window protector200, the reinforcement tabs240of the mounting frame210can be positioned directly in front of the protective panel250, relative to the orientation shown, and can generally face the planar front surface266of the panel body265. In the present aspect, as described above, the reinforcement tabs240can be angled slightly forward, away from the rear frame end412of the mounting frame210, and thus can be angled slightly away from the protective panel250. As such, in the present aspect, the reinforcement tabs240do not engage the protective panel250in normal operation. However, the reinforcement tabs240can engage the protective panel250and can serve as a stop in the event that the protective panel250is biased towards the front frame end211, such as by someone pushing on the rear surface668of the protective panel250.

According to example aspects, the protective panel250can be configured to slide between the open and closed positions within one or more guide channels410(shown inFIG. 4B) of the mounting frame210. For example, in the present aspect, the mounting frame210can define an upper guide channel410a(shown inFIG. 4B) of the guide channels410proximate to the upper frame end215thereof and a lower guide channel410b(shown inFIG. 4C) of the guide channels410proximate to the lower frame end216thereof. The panel body265at the upper panel end256of the protective panel250can engage and slide within the upper guide channel410a,and the panel body265at the lower panel end258of the protective panel250can engage and slide within the lower guide channel410b.In example aspects, each of the guide channels410can generally be defined by the corresponding front plate230, side plate232, and rear plate434, as shown and described in further detail with respect toFIG. 4B. In other aspects, the protective panel250can be configured to roll along the mounting frame210, can pivot relative to the mounting frame210, or can be otherwise configured to move relative to the mounting frame210between the open and closed positions.

Some example aspects of the protective panel250can further comprise a panel handle275configured to be manually engaged by a user. For example, the panel handle275can be pushed, pulled, or otherwise biased by a user to slide the protective panel250between the open and closed positions. In the present aspect, the panel handle275can define a substantially planar handle ledge276extending from the panel body265at the first panel side252. As shown, the handle ledge276can be oriented about perpendicular to the panel body265and can extend substantially along a height of the panel body265. In other aspects, the handle ledge276may not extend fully along the height of the panel body265and/or may not be oriented perpendicular to the panel body265. Furthermore, in other aspects, the panel handle275can be positioned elsewhere, including, for example, at the second panel side254or extending anywhere from the front surface266of the panel body265. According to example aspects, the panel handle275can further comprise a substantially planar handle grip278extending from the handle ledge276distal to the panel body265. In the present aspect, the handle grip278can be positioned about centrally along a height of the handle ledge276. Furthermore, the handle grip278be oriented substantially coplanar with the handle ledge276. In other aspects, the handle grip278can be located elsewhere along the height of the handle ledge276or can extend fully along the height of the handle ledge276. In other aspects, the handle grip278may not be coplanar with the handle ledge276and may extend in a different direction, such as towards the first or second frame side213,214of the mounting frame210. A user can manually engage and can push or pull the handle grip278or the handle ledge276to move the protective panel250relative to the mounting frame210.

FIGS. 3A and 4Aillustrates front and rear perspective views of the mounting frame210of the door window protector200, respectively. Example aspects of the mounting frame210can define the front frame end211, rear frame end412(shown inFIG. 4A), first frame side213, second frame side214, upper frame end215, and lower frame end216. The mounting frame210can comprise the first side frame member217at the first frame side213, the second side frame member218at the second frame side214thereof, the upper frame member219at the upper frame end215, and the lower frame member220at the lower frame end216thereof. The frame members217,218,219,220can together define the frame opening225of the mounting frame210. Each of the lock openings235can be formed in the side plate232of the second side frame member218and can be defined by a corresponding opening edge335of the mounting frame210. The reinforcement tabs240can extend from the inner edge242of the front plate230of the second side frame member218. One of the fastening plates245can extend from each of the upper and lower frame members219,220at the rear frame end412of the mounting frame210. The primary mounting holes246can be formed through the fastening plates245and the secondary mounting holes248can be formed through the first and second side frame members217,218.

FIG. 3Billustrates a close-up of a lower right corner302of the mounting frame210, showing a lower one of the lock openings235formed through the second side frame member218and a lower one of the reinforcement tabs240extending from the front plate230of the second side frame member218. As shown, the lock opening235can be formed through the side plate232of the second side frame member218, and can extend into the front plate230. In other aspects, the lock opening235may not extend into the front plate230. Furthermore, as shown, the reinforcement tab240can be angled forward from the inner edge242of the front plate230.

FIG. 4Billustrates one of the guide channels410of the mounting frame210, in accordance with an example aspect of the present disclosure. In particular, the upper guide channel410aformed generally at or proximate to the upper frame end215is illustrated, which can also be representative of the lower guide channel410b(shown inFIG. 4C). As shown, the upper frame member219and the corresponding fastening plate245can be oriented at the upper frame end215of the mounting frame210and can extend substantially between the first side frame member217and the second side frame member218. The upper frame member219can be substantially U-shaped, as described above, and can comprise the corresponding front plate230, side plate232, and rear plate434. According to example aspects, the front plate230, side plate232, and rear plate434can respectively define a front side413, a bottom414, and a rear side416of the upper guide channel410a.In some aspects, the upper and lower frame members219,220(lower frame member220shown inFIG. 4C) may not comprise the corresponding rear plates434, in which case the corresponding fastening plate245can define the rear side416of the guide channel410.

FIG. 4Cillustrates the lower guide channel410bformed generally at or proximate the lower frame end216of the mounting frame210. The lower frame member220and the corresponding fastener plate245can be oriented at the lower frame end216, and can extend substantially between the first side frame member217(shown inFIG. 2) and the second side frame member218. Like the upper frame member219(shown inFIG. 4B), the lower frame member220can be substantially U-shaped and can comprise the corresponding front plate230, side plate232(shown inFIG. 4B), and rear plate234. The front plate230, side plate232, and rear plate434of the lower frame member220can define the corresponding front side413, bottom414(shown inFIG. 4B), and rear side416of the lower guide channel410b.

FIGS. 5 and 6Aillustrate front and rear perspective views, respectively, of the protective panel250, according to an example aspect of the present disclosure. As shown, the protective panel250can define the first panel side252, the second panel side254, the upper panel end256, and the lower panel end258. The protective panel250can further define the front panel side260and the rear panel side662(shown inFIG. 6A). Example aspects of the protective panel250can comprise the panel body265defining the front surface266and the opposite rear surface668. The panel handle275can extend from the panel body265generally at the first panel side252, and the locking tabs270can extend from the panel body265generally at the second panel side254. Example aspects of the panel body265can define a recess510formed at the second panel side254and oriented between the locking tabs270. In the closed position, the recess510can prevent the panel body265from hitting the fastener710(shown inFIG. 7) extending through the secondary mounting hole248(shown inFIG. 2) formed in the second side frame member218(shown inFIG. 2). Additionally, in some aspects, the protective panel250can define one or more channel tabs520extending from the panel body265at the upper panel end256and the lower panel end258. The channel tabs520can be configured to ride within the corresponding upper and lower guide channels410a, b(shown inFIGS. 4B and 4C, respectively) of the mounting frame210(shown inFIG. 2).

Referring toFIG. 6A, each of the locking tabs270can define a tab leg672and a tab head674. The tab leg672can extend from the panel body265, and the tab head674can extend from the tab leg672at a proximal end676of the tab head674, distal to the panel body265. In the present aspect, a width of the tab head674at the proximal end676can be greater than a width of the tab leg672, and the tab head674can define the lower locking shoulder675and an opposing upper shoulder677extending inward to the tab leg672at the proximal end676. A locking slot679can be defined between the lower locking shoulder675and the panel body265. Each of the tab heads674can further define an upper side680and a lower side682. In the present aspect, each of the upper side680and the lower side682can taper generally from the proximal end676of the locking tab270to the distal end678. Thus, a width of each tab heads674can taper from the corresponding proximal end676to the corresponding distal end678, which can facilitate the passage of the locking tabs270through the corresponding lock openings235. In other aspects, the upper side680and/or the lower side682may not be tapered.

Each of the lower locking shoulders675can be configured to pass through the corresponding lock opening235(shown inFIG. 2) of the mounting frame210(shown inFIG. 2) as the protective panel250is moved to the closed position, but can catch on the mounting frame210when attempting to move the protective panel250back to the open position. In the present aspect, when moving the protective panel250to the closed position, the tapered lower side682of the tab head274can slide along the corresponding opening edge335(shown inFIG. 3A) of the mounting frame210(shown inFIG. 2). The tapered configuration of the tapered lower side682can lift the protective panel250slightly relative to the mounting frame210as the tab head274passes through the lock opening235(shown inFIG. 2). Once the tab head274has passed fully through the lock opening235, the protective panel250can drop slightly, such that opening edge335of the mounting frame210can engage the locking slot679. In some aspects, the tab leg672can rest on the opening edge335. If an attempt is made to move the protective panel250back to the open position, the lower locking shoulder675will abut the mounting frame210to retain the protective panel250in the closed position. To move the protective panel250to the open position, the protective panel250must be lifted so that the lower locking shoulder675can clear the opening edge335and horizontally align with the lock opening235. Furthermore, as shown, each of the locking tabs270can define a distal end678opposite the proximal end676thereof.

FIG. 6Billustrates a front perspective view of an upper portion610of the protective panel250, showing an upper one of the locking tabs270extending from the panel body265at the second panel side254. As shown, each of the locking tabs270can define the tab leg672and the tab head674. The tab head674can define the proximal end676and the distal end678. The lower locking shoulder675and the upper locking shoulder677can be defined at the proximal end676, and one of the locking slots679can be defined between each of the lower and upper locking shoulders675,677and the second panel side254. The tab head674can further define the tapered upper side680and the tapered lower side682.

Furthermore, as shown, a pair of the channel tabs520can extend from the panel body265at the upper panel end256. For example, a first channel tab520aof the channel tabs520can extend from the upper panel end256at or near the first panel side252, and a second channel tab520bof the channel tabs520can extend from the upper panel end256at or near the second panel side254. Additionally, the panel handle275can formed monolithically with the panel body265, and can be bent forward relative to the panel body265at the first panel side252. In some aspects, a panel slot690can extend into the panel body265at the first panel side252proximate to each of the upper panel end256and the lower panel end258(shown inFIG. 6A), and the panel slots690can facilitate bending the panel handle275relative to the panel body265.

FIGS. 7 and 8illustrate the door window protector200mounted to the door panel110of the door100and oriented in the open and closed configurations, respectively. Referring toFIG. 7, the door window protector200can be secured to the door100by the fasteners710, wherein each fastener710can extend through a corresponding primary mounting holes246(shown inFIG. 2) or secondary mounting holes248(shown inFIG. 2) of the mounting frame210to engage the door panel110. The door window protector200can be positioned on the door panel110such that the mounting frame210can surround the door window120of the door100and the door window120can be disposed within the frame opening225. Example aspects of the door window protector200can be selectively configured in the open configuration, as shown, and the closed configuration. In the open configuration, the protective panel250of the door window protector200can be oriented in the open position proximate to the first frame side213of the mounting frame210, such that the window panel126of the door window120can be uncovered or at least partially uncovered by the protective panel250. Referring toFIG. 8, in the closed configuration, the protective panel250can be oriented in the closed position proximate to the second frame side214of the mounting frame210, and the window panel126(shown inFIG. 7) can be covered by the protective panel250.

FIG. 9illustrates a close-up view of the door window protector200mounted to the door panel110of the door100and oriented in the closed configuration.