SECURITY DEVICE

Abstract: A security device for attaching to a window or the like, is formed of three components, a first component (1, 5) having a surface carrying an adhesive pad (4), by means of which the first component may be attached to a window pane (20), a second component (7) for mounting on a window frame (21), and a flexible link (11), linking the first and second components and being removably attached to one of them.

Description: DESCRIPTION SECURITY DEVICE. The present invention relates to security devices and, more particularly, to security devices for doors, windows and other like opening panels. Conventional security devices for securing doors and windows, and more particularly those intended primarily for domestic use or on caravans or boats etc., include security bolts of various types, many of which require to be professionally fitted. Others which are marketed in the "do-it-yourself" area still generally require accurate alignment of the respective components in order to ensure proper functioning of the device. For example, some security bolts require holes to be drilled in both the frame and casement of a window in alignment with one another so that the security bolt, sliding within a hole formed in the casement, mates accurately with a hole formed in the frame. The correct installation of such existing devices is beyond the capability of many people, in particular, the elderly or infirm. As, in many cases, it is just these types of people who particularly need the increased level of security provided by such devices, a problem arises. To have security devices professionally fitted can be extremely expensive as it is, generally, a time consuming process. There is a need therefore for a security device that can be installed much more quickly and simply and which does not, in particular, require a high level of manipulative skill or the use of specialised tools. According to the present invention therefore a security device comprises a first component having a surface carrying an adhesive system by means of which the first component may be mounted in a desired location; a second component for mounting at a second location; and a third component linking the first and second components. In use, the first component, by means of the adhesive system, may be attached to a glass or like panel of a window or door for example and the second component can be attached to the frame or surround (the wall) of the window or door, the third, linking component being provided to prevent opening of the window or door beyond a given distance- To achieve this, preferably, the third component is a flexible or rigid link which may be integrally formed with one or both of the first and second components or which may be selectively releasable from one or both of the first and second components. The particular form of the security device may thus vary from application to application. The user may choose from a kit or selection of parts a device appropriate to the security situation. The adhesive system provided on the surface of the first component may be in the form of double-sided adhesive tape. The three components may be formed in part or wholly of a high strength plastics material. By mounting the first component on the transparent panel of a window by means of adhesive, the fitting of the device in place can be greatly simplified. The second component may be similarly attached by adhesive, and may be provided with holes so that it can be additionally or alternatively attached by means of screws. Mounting the first component on a window also provides an additional deterent in that in order to remove the security device it will be necessary to break the (usually glass) transparent panel of the window. It is suggested that many burglaries are opportunistic in nature and that, in general, the casual burglar may refrain from breaking windows and the like in order to gain entry as noise itself is a deterent factor. One example of a security device constructed in accordance with the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is an exploded diagrammatic perspective view of the device; Figure 1A shows the underside of one end of the strap forming the link between the first and second components; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the assembled device; Figure 3A is a plan view of the first component and cooperating end of the strap; Figure 3B is a view similar to Fig. 3A, showing the strap engaged with the first component; Figures 3C & 3D are cross-sections through the first component and strap end corresponding to Figs. 3A & 3B respectively; and. Figures 4A to 4H illustrate the sequence of mounting the device. The device shown in the drawings is intended primarily for attachment to opening windows and patio doors and to this end comprises a first component in the form of a generally triangular rigid plastics moulded base 1, for example, formed of polycarbonate or similar high strength plastics material, the moulding having a raised hollow boss 2 on one side and, on the other side (see Figs. 3C & 3D), an adhesive substrate 4 which, for example, may be in the form of a double-sided pressure sensitive adhesive tape, for example of acrylic or neoprene foam coated or impregnated with a high strength adhesive. Suitable tapes are marketed by 3M United Kingdom PLC under the designation "VHB" tapes. A removable cover sheet 4' is preferably provided for peeling off prior to installation. Powever, other forms of adhesive may be used and may even be provided for attachment to the plate by the user. To provide an alternative or additional method of mounting (when mounting the first component on a wooden frame of the like) plural apertures may be provided in the periphery of the moulding, for the receipt of screws. The boss 2 has a central aperture 3 into which engages as a snap fit, a barbed spigot 51 of a cap 5, which, like the base 1 of first component, is a plastics moulding. By means of the spigot, the cap is permanently, but rotationally fixed to the base l. The cap 5 has a resilient catch 6, the function of which will be described later. A second component 7 is also similarly formed as a generally rectangular base plate having a hollow underside, and has a pair of arcuate slots 8 and also a pair of screw holes 10 to provide the main method of mounting. An adhesive pad 9 is provided to enable a secure fixing, but the main method of fixing, is by means of the screw holes 10. Extending between the second component and the cap 5 is a flexible link 11 formed of a high strength resilient plastics material in the form of a strap having a head 12 at one end for connection with the catch 6 on the cap 5, whereby the one end of the strap can be releasably secured to the base 1 of the first component. The other end of the strap has an integral button 13 which is hollow and which has a pair of depending legs 14 with locking shoulders 14*. The button has, on its interior, a ribbed locking ratchet block 15, for engaging one of a plurality of locking ribs 15' formed along the surface of the strap. The legs 14 are a snap fit within the apertures 8 by means of the shoulders 14 1 , the arcuate shape of the apertures allowing partial rotation of the button on the component 7, and the strap fits under the button on top of the component 7, passing through a pair of edge apertures 16 (only one of which is shown). Thus, the strap can be secured in any one of a plurality of given positions within the button 13 with the ratchet block 15 engaging locking ribs 15' on the strap. Figures 3A to 3D illustrate the base 1 and cap 5 of the first component 1 and strap end 12 in more detail. Figures 3C and 3D show the engagement of the cap 5 with the boss 2, by means of the spigot 51 which has locking shoulders 52. The cap 5 has a catch 6 which includes a pair of side walls 61, each having an inwardly directed rib 62, adapted to guide and receive the sides 71 of an insertion part 70 of the strap head 12 when it is slidably inserted into the catch 6 in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 3A. A pair of locking tabs 63 are provided on the cap to engage a locking shoulder 72 on the underside of the insertion part 70, as best seen in Fig. 3D, and a resilient finger 64 provides a biassing force which springs the head 12 away from the cap 5 when it is released. Release is achieved, as indicated in Fig. 3C, by pushing downwards on the centre of the cap 5, pushing the cap down closer to the base 1, the head 12 of the strap being forced to remain in position by means of a leg 73 which abuts against the top surface of the base 1 and thus prevents the head 12 from moving downwards with the cap 5. The finger 64 moves the shoulder 72, and thus the insertion part 70 and head 12 outwards from the cap. The cap has a pair of arcuate slots 65 which are provided in order that the shoulders 52 on the spigot 51 can be formed during a moulding process. In use, to mount the device, as shown in Figures 4A to 4H, the base 1 is first attached, after preliminary removal of grease or dirt, to the interior surface of a window 20 for example, the cover sheet 4' being removed and the base 1 of the first component offered up to the corner of the glass panel 3 and attached by means of the adhesive pad 4 (Fig. 4A) . Pressing the base 1 against the window panel causes the adhesive to bond the base to the glass. The cap 5 is then snap-fitted to the base to complete the first component (Fig. 4B) . The second component 7 is likewise be offered up to the surrounding frame 21 of the window (Fig. 4C) , but as this may well be decorated the adhesive may well be bonding only to the paint, it is preferable if screws (not shown) are inserted to securely mount the component 7 to the wooden or metal frame 21. The button 13 is then attached to the component 7 (Fig. 4D) as a snap fit by folding it over the strap as indicated by the arrow in Fig. 1 to trap the strap, and the head 12 of the strap is then snapped into the catch 6 on the cap 5 (Fig. 4E) . Thereafter, it is merely necessary to tighten the strap 11 by pulling any excess through the button 13 on the ratchet (Fig. 4F) , and then cut off any excess portion of the strap (Fig. 4G) . The assembled device is shown in Fig. 4H. Externally of the window a decal matching in shape the first component, may be attached to the outer surface of the window, the decal either being coloured to match the window frame or carrying suitable legend. If desired, the strap need not be tightened or cut off, in order to allow partial opening of the window. Modern high strength plastics materials are preferably used in order to simplify the manufacture and may be of sufficient strength to deter anything but the most professional of burglars. It will readily be appreciated that the fitting of a security device according to the present invention is considerably simpler than conventional security bolt type devices and is therefore cheaper to install as well as cheaper to purchase.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A security device for attaching to a window or the like, comprising: a first component (1,5) having a surface carrying an adhesive system (4,4 r ) by means of which the first component may be mounted in a desired location; a second component (7) for mounting at a second location; and a third component (11) linking the first and second components. 2. A security device according to claim 1, wherein the third component (11) is a flexible or rigid link which is integrally formed with one or both of the first and second components. 3. A security device according to claim 1, wherein the third component (11) is a flexible or rigid link which is selectively releasable from one or both of the first and second components. 4. A security device according to claim 3, wherein the link is a flexible strap (11) having a head (12) releasably engageable with one of the first and second components and a mounting button (13) permanently engageable with the other component. 5. A security device according to claim 4, wherein the mounting button (13) clamps a portion of the strap against the other component and provides with the strap a ratchet (15,15') to allow tightening, but not untightening of the strap between the first and second components. 6. A security device according to claim 5, wherein the mounting button (13) is partially rotatable on the second component. 7. A security device according to claim 4, wherein the first component has a mounting base (1) for attachment to a window pane and a cap (5) snap-fitted thereto for engagement by means of a catch (6) with the head (12) of the strap. 8. A security device according to claim 7, wherein the cap is rotatable on the first component. 9. A security device according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive system comprises an adhesive pad (4) permanently secured to the underside of the first component. 10. A security device according to claim 9, wherein the pad (4) has an adhesive surface and a releasable cover sheet (5) disposed thereover.

Inventors: CANNING REGINALD PAUL, CANNING, REGINALD, PAUL
Applicants: ROBERTS WEAVER DESIGN LIMITED
Application year: 1988
Main classification: E05C17
IPC codes: E05C17