Patent Application
20130180296
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
The following is a tabulation of some prior art that presently appears relevant:
Additional examples of prior art for sliding closure security devices may be seen in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,938,839; 4,171,835; 4,274,666; 4,607,253; 5,437,486; 5,620,215; 6,264,252; 7,887,105 and 7,463, 577 B2.
Solutions for sliding window security devices include window latches and locks which are designed to prevent the sliding window from being opened from the outside. For purposes herein, a latch is a device in which mating mechanical parts engage to fasten but usually do not lock, whereas a lock fastens and is operated by a key or combination. Herein we will use the term fastener to refer to either a lock or a latch. There are many prior art window constructions comprising at least one slidable panel (also referred to as a sash in a number of window designs) offset in an independent track running the length of the window which is parallel to another slidable or fixed panel. In such window constructions, sliding panels slide past adjacent panels, thereby permitting the sliding window to be open to its full extent. A panel comprises a single or multiple glass pane structure framed with rails made from varying material such as wood, aluminum or polyvinyl chloride. Sliding windows having parallel panel construction comprise an outer panel and inner panel. The outer panel (or sash) is the outer-most panel of the sliding window when viewed from inside a building structure. Accordingly, the inner panel is the inner-most panel of the sliding window when viewed from inside a building structure. For purposes herein, an inner pane surface faces inside the building structure and a center rail is the vertical rail of a sliding or fixed panel which meets, in an overlapping relationship, the rail of an adjacent panel while in the window's fully closed position. Sliding windows have an inter-panel gap defined as the gap between the inner pane surface of the window's outer panel and the center rail of the window's adjacent inner panel.
Given the similar construction of a sliding door to a sliding window, the present invention also applies equally to sliding doors. Herein we will use the term sliding closure or closure to refer to a sliding window or a sliding door.
Several types of fasteners have been proposed that are intended to be the primary locking mechanism and were designed as an integral part of the original sliding closure—for example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,078,524 to Minick (1963). One drawback of such fasteners, especially those that exist in older homes, is that the fastener can be easily popped off, broken or disengaged from the outside allowing a would-be criminal to enter therethrough. Another drawback of many such fasteners is that the fastener can only be engaged when the closure is fully closed. If the closure is partially opened to allow for external air circulation, the fastener cannot be engaged and is thus rendered useless as a security device.
Several types of secondary fasteners have been proposed to solve the inherent vulnerabilities and limitations of such primary fasteners, some requiring an invasive installation and others that do not. Most secondary fasteners are designed to provide added security when the sliding closure is fully closed and the primary fastener is in use. In addition, there are secondary fasteners that allow the sliding closure to be limited to or fixed in a partially open position. These secondary fasteners include blocking devices that prevent a sliding closure from being opened beyond the fastener's set position.
For example, in publication number 2007/0194579 by Fiedler (2007) there is proposed a blocking device that clamps to a sliding closure track using a vice or clamping mechanism. Although Fiedler's device can be placed anywhere along the track and does not require an invasive installation, the vice mechanism is inherently weak. With any moderate and repeated force in the opening direction of the sliding closure, the Fiedler device will slip along or disengage from the track, potentially damaging the track in the process.
Another example of a blocking device is in publication number 2007/0209414 by Bentley (2007) where there is proposed an adjustable length blocking bar, one end mounted to the closure frame while the other end blocks the sliding panel from opening past the position corresponding to the bars set length. Although such bar-type blocking devices provide added security, they are large, unsightly and like Bentley's proposed device, the installation requires an invasive mount with screws to attach the device to the closure's frame.
There are other types of secondary fasteners such as pin fasteners that require an invasive procedure of drilling position holes into a closure's panels or frame depending on the closure construction. When the pin is inserted into the aligned positioning holes, the sliding closure is either blocked or fixed in either a closed or partially open position. For example—in U.S. Pat. No. 5,409,271 to Hoffmann (1995), there is proposed a pin latch that firmly sets the sliding closure in a fixed position corresponding to alignment holes in the panels. Although such pin-type fasteners provide added security, they are highly invasive, requiring drill holes for the pin latch and additional positioning holes for each fixed position of the sliding closure.
The secondary fasteners described thus far are specific in varying degrees to the design and construction material of the sliding closure. For example, Fiedler's proposed sliding closure track clamping device (publication number 2007/0194579, 2007) is specific to a sliding closure design with high, thin sliding closure tracks, such as aluminum windows. For purposes herein, a sliding closure track is a member of a sliding closure that carries and channels a sliding panel in the direction of the closure's sliding translation. The sliding closure tracks of wooden or polyvinyl windows and doors are not tall enough or are too soft to be used as a clamping surface, and thus Fiedler's device may not fit or function as intended when applied to such closures. Bentley's proposed adjustable bar device (publication number 2007/0209414, 2007) must be securely mounted on the closure frame and it is claimed that the device can be applied to many different closure types but without any further detail on how to implement the mounting means. For aluminum sliding windows and doors, the frame does not provide a flush surface to which a generalized flat mounting member can be attached, such as the mounting member described by Bentley (publication number 2007/0209414, 2007). Accordingly, different frame materials and designs will require a plurality of mounting means complicating the design. The pin device proposed by Hoffmann (U.S. Pat. No. 5,409,271, 1995) requires that the pin travel through two panels to secure the sliding closure. Wood, aluminum, polyvinyl and other sliding closure materials come in widely varying thicknesses that would require different length pins, again complicating the design.
In accordance with one embodiment, an adjustable position blocking device for sliding closures comprises an elongated track having elongated hook-shaped edges curving to one side forming a channel, very high bonding double-sided adhesive tape which firmly adheres to the opposing planar surface permitting the track to be firmly attached to the glass pane of a sliding closure panel, and a multi-position blocking slider comprising a flat rigid sliding plate on one side. The rigid sliding plate over-extends slightly on lateral sides forming rails which conform to the channel shape, such that the slider is held in the track with its motion limited to sliding translation along the track. In addition, the track and slider comprise a linear ratcheting mechanism which permits the slider to move in a ratcheting motion along one direction of the track (designated the forward direction), but prevents the slider from moving in the reverse direction. In addition, the slider comprises a release mechanism. When engaged, the release mechanism disengages the linear ratchet mechanism, thereby permitting the slider to move freely in either the forward or reverse direction.
To install and operate the blocking device on a sliding closure, the user attaches the track to the inner pane surface of the closure's outer panel or sash using the double-sided adhesive tape. When installed, the track alone is flat enough to fit between the closure panels so as not to block the sliding closure from being fully opened. To attach the blocking slider on the track, the slider is inserted into one end of the track designated the track entrance and ratcheted with fingers along the forward direction to a user determined position using the linear ratchet and release mechanism. When the slider is set at a the user determined position along the channel, the height of the track and slider combined is sufficiently tall to prevent sliding translation of the closure panels beyond the set position of the slider. The track position, in accordance with one embodiment, is adjacent to the outer panel's center rail with the forward direction of the track pointing directly toward the center rail. In this track position, the closure can be secured in a closed or partially open position.
In addition, the slider can be inserted into the track entrance without regard to the slider's forward or reverse orientation and still be ratcheted in the forward direction and set at different track positions. The benefits of this reversible slider mechanism will become apparent as the description proceeds.
In addition, the slider comprises two components (a universal slider and a blocking module), and a modular attachment means which permits the end-user to easily attach blocking modules of different form and function to the universal slider base which comprises a standardized interlocking attachment end. The universal slider constitutes a variable position attachment base of the slider which attaches to the track. The blocking module which comprises a complimentary interlocking attachment end, constitutes a blocking component of the slider. Customized blocking modules can be easily developed for different closure constructions, for example, sliding windows versus sliding doors. In addition, blocking modules may incorporate an electronic device that can perform multiple functions. For example, when the closure is opened and contacts the device, a switch mechanically attached to a bumper on the blocking device closes, activating the electronic device. An electronic device could be an onboard sound, or light device to alert the possibility of intrusion, or media recording devices to record pictures, video or audio of the intruder, or an onboard wireless device that would communicate with another wireless device, or system to alert the possibility of intrusion, or a combination thereof.
Accordingly, several advantages of one or more aspects are as follows: to provide a blocking device that is compact, that is extremely easy to install using a non-invasive procedure that does not require hand tools, that can be universally applied to sliding closures with panels comprising planar glass panes, to provide a blocking device that provides a superior degree of security as compared to other non-invasive blocking devices, to provide a blocking device that allows the closure to be partially opened, as well as fully closed, and to provide a blocking device that incorporates a modular attachment means where the slider comprises two interlocking components that can be assembled easily by the end-user without the use of attachments screws or pins: one component being a universal slider base with an interlocking end and the other being a blocking module with the complimentary interlocking end. The blocking device permits the user to customize the slider with blocking modules of different form to fit different sliding closure constructions (e.g., sliding windows versus sliding doors). In addition, the modular attachment means decreases overall manufacturing complexity since the universal slider base and track can be manufactured and assembled without regard to the form or function of the blocking modules, thereby lowering overall production costs at the factory.
In addition, the modular attachment means permits the use of modules incorporating useful functions (e.g., alarm function) which can be sold separately to and interchanged by the end-user. The purpose of integrating such components is to detect the opening of the closure and alerting the user of the possibility of intrusion using sound and light, or recording the event with pictures, video, or sound. In addition, the module could include a wireless transmitter to send an alert message or other data to another wireless device or system from which the user or a security service can respond. Other advantages of one or more aspects will become more apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description.
In the drawings, closely related figures have the same number but different alphabetic suffixes.
a to 2c shows the top, lateral and rear views of the track component in accordance with the embodiment of
a and 3b shows a partially disassembled side view and a bottom view of the slider in accordance with the embodiment of
a to 4c shows a perspective, lateral, and rear view of the assembled blocking device in accordance with the embodiment of
a is a side perspective exploded view of the block slider in accordance with the embodiment of
b shows a top view of the blocking module and cover assembly in accordance with the embodiment of
a and 6b show a top view of sub-components of the reversible slider in both its forward and reverse orientations, respectively, in accordance with the embodiment of
a and 7b show a top view of sub-components showing the release mechanism in its rested and depressed states, respectively, in accordance with the embodiment of
a shows a top view of the safety latch mechanism and the extent of its movement in accordance with the embodiment of
b shows a partial perspective view of the safety latch and release assembly in accordance with the embodiment of
a and 9b show perspective views of the blocking device in use on a horizontal sliding closure, partially opened, in accordance with the embodiment of
c shows a profile view of the blocking device in use on a horizontal sliding closure, partially opened, in accordance with the embodiment of
d and 9e show perspective views of the blocking device in use on a double hung closure, partially opened, in accordance with the embodiment of
Referring to the reference numerals, like numerals, letters, and combinations there of indicate like elements throughout.
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In other embodiments, spring 14 may be replaced by some other equivalent means that provides an outward force to pawl 16. Pawl 16 may be replaced by some other equivalent means that comprises fingers that press into grooves 77 or 78. The release 18 may be replaced by some other equivalent means that disengages the pawl 16 (or some other equivalent pawl component) from track 30. The safety mechanism may be replaced by some other equivalent means that prevents release 18 (or other equivalent release means) from being engaged when the safety mechanism engaged. Cover 20 and plate 12 may be attached by some other equivalent means that secure the two components together. In addition, slider base 21 and track 30 may be attached by various other equivalent attachment means which allow the two components to be attached in a detent arrangement, such that slider base 21 can be firmly set at a plurality of track 30 positions against a force applied in the reverse direction C. Various other embodiments may have attachment means that provide only a single orientation of the slider base 21.
Referring now to
b is a top view of the blocking module 22 and cover 20 assembly prior to rotating the blocking module 22 in its final assembled position. Cover 20 comprises two inner-facing overhanging members 82 (
In other embodiments, the assembly may include screws secured through apertures on the side walls of blocking module 22 that when tightened, slot between two rings of post 66, further enhancing the retaining force of the assembly. In other embodiments, the cover 20 and blocking module 22 may be attached by some other equivalent means to secure the two components together.
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In further detail, referring to
The embodiment in accordance with
The construction details of the blocking device, in accordance to the embodiment of
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The second additional embodiment comprises the same components and sub-components as those of the embodiment of
The electronic device can be replaced by other devices comprising different types and numbers, as well as, alternate configurations of electronic components. Slider 90 has the same or slightly larger dimensions compared to slider 10 to accommodate the added electronic device. The construction details of the embodiment are the same as the construction details of the embodiment in accordance to
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From the description above, a number of advantages of some embodiments of my blocking device become evident:
(a) My blocking devices provide a high degree of security for sliding closures, while being non-invasive and non-specific to any sliding closure design or construction when applied to a planar glass surface of a sliding closure panel, and are exceedingly easy to install.
(b) My blocking devices allow the sliding closure to be secured in a closed position or in a partially open position. For example, the sliding closure can be opened to around 10 centimeters to stop a would-be intruder from reaching inside to disengage the device, but is wide enough to allow air to circulate from the outside.
(c) The slider is reversible while still being able to ratchet in the forward direction of the track. This is highly useful when a track's long edge is positioned adjacent to a closure's side rail leaving insufficient spacing to press the release with normal adult-size fingers. In this situation, the slider's orientation can be reversed giving the user easy access to the release.
(d) My blocking device incorporates a modular attachment means where the slider comprises two interlocking components (a universal slider base and blocking module) that can be assembled easily by the end-user without the use of attachments screws or pins thereby permitting the end-user to customize the device to a target closure. New modules can be easily designed which attach to the top of a universal slider base. Blocking modules can now be independently designed to include, but not limited to, blocking modules of differing heights to accommodate differing inter-panel gaps(e.g., sliding windows versus sliding doors), and blocking modules that contain mechanical and electronic components that are part of a device to detect a closure being opened and alert the user, record the event, or send a message wirelessly to a remote device or a remote system. Some examples of mechanical components are devices that emit sound, or light, record and store sound, pictures, or video, or wirelessly transmit data, such as an alert to a remote device, or system that will in turn send an alert to the user or a security service.
Accordingly, the reader will see that the blocking device of the various embodiments can be used as a variable position secondary fastener to secure a sliding closure. Very high bonding double-sided adhesive tape is used to firmly attach the device to a flat surface of a closure's panel making the device exceedingly easy to install. The device is universal to sliding closures comprising flat glass panes and does not require an invasive installation using hand or power tools. The device allows the closure to be secured in a fully closed or partially open position, allowing air circulation from the outside. The slider component is reversible so that when the track is installed, the slider can be oriented for easy access to the release lever. In addition, the device can be easily customized with blocking modules of different form and function. Blocking modules of different heights can accommodate sliding closures with different inter-panel gaps (e.g., sliding windows versus sliding doors). Blocking modules can also integrate mechanical and electronic components to detect the opening of the closure and alert the user, a remote device or a remote system of a possible intrusion, in addition to recording the event with picture, video or sound. Furthermore, the blocking device has further advantages in that:
it allows the slider shape to be easily modified by changing the plastic mold;
it allows the slider to be of different colors and patterns using plastic color pigments which can be applied in the mould process rather having to apply paint in a secondary process;
it incorporates both metal and plastic parts to allow the device to be strong, yet light, functional and beautiful as compared to all metal or all plastic blocking devices; and
it allows security warning labels and product advertising logos to be printed on the tape surface facing towards the exterior of the building,
Although the description above contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments but as merely providing illustrations of some of several embodiments. For example, in other embodiments the release lever can be located on the opposite side or rear side of slider; the slider can have other shapes, such as circular, oval, trapezoidal, triangular, etc.; or the release latch can be replaced by a combination or key lock.
Thus the scope of the embodiments should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.
