Security window assembly

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 6167656
  • Patent Number
    6,167,656
  • Date Filed
    Tuesday, March 9, 1999
    25 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, January 2, 2001
    23 years ago
Abstract
“A security window assembly comprising a frame having four members and a pane member securable within the frame. The bottom member of the frame contains a milled groove. The top member of the frame contains a stepped groove having a first groove of a first depth and a second groove of a second and deeper depth. The pane is installed by sliding it into the second depth groove to allow it clearance to then be installed in the bottom member groove. The pane can only be removed by sliding it into the second depth groove which removes the pane from the bottom member groove. When in place in the window, the pane is positioned within the bottom member groove and within the first depth groove of the top member. Clamps hold the pane in place.”
Description




FIELD OF THE INVENTION




This invention relates generally to windows and window assemblies, and, more particularly, to security window assemblies.




BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION




Every year, millions of residential break-ins and burglaries occur in the United States. In selecting a point of entry for a residential break-in, burglars often select an entry point which is free from the view of the street and unlikely to be noticed by a person in the home. Obviously, windows, and especially basement windows are prime targets for burglars.




There are many deterrents to burglary on the market. These include sophisticated electronic alarm devices and security systems, motion detectors, and the like. Physical barriers to intruders are also well known, such as fences, window bars, shutters and the like. A variety of locking devices for doors and windows are also well known.




One known barrier to intrusion through a basement window are so-called “glass-block” windows. These windows are made of heavy gauge glass blocks, fused together to form a solid barrier. Some glass-block window assemblies include small vents, whereas others do not. The vents are large enough for ventilation, but too small for entry or even for transferring objects into or out of a basement. Glass-block assemblies also offer privacy in that an outsider cannot see through them.




Despite the advantages of glass-blocks, these assemblies offer several disadvantages. First, homeowners often desire to transfer objects into and out of their basements via basement windows, as this is often much easier, safer and cleaner than bringing items through the house itself and down the basement stairs. This is especially true for home craftsmen, who wish to bring lumber and supplies into a basement workshop. Unfortunately, transfer is impossible through glass-block windows. Glass-block windows can also be dangerous in the event of an emergency. It is impossible to escape a basement having glass block windows in the event of a fire or should residents flee to the basement in the event of an aboveground break-in. Finally, the vents in glass-block windows are usually too small to properly ventilate a room, especially in unusual circumstances such as a carbon monoxide leak, or for purposes of painting or home-craftsman furniture finishing, etc.




Thus, it is seen that there is a need for a new security window assembly that overcomes the disadvantages of glass-block and other security windows. An ideal security window would offer as much if not more security than traditional glass-block assemblies and yet also offer ventilation and escape capability when needed.




SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION




The invention broadly comprises a security window assembly for a structure, comprising a top member having an outwardly-facing surface and an inwardly-facing surface, the top member having a stepped-groove extending from the inwardly-facing surface, the stepped-groove having at least a first depth and a second depth extending deeper than the first depth, a first side member secured to the top member, a second side member secured to the top member, a bottom member secured to the first and second side members, the bottom member having an outwardly-facing surface and an inwardly-facing surface, the bottom member having a groove extending from the inwardly-facing surface, the groove arranged in alignment with the first depth groove of the stepped-groove of the top member, a pane member operatively arranged to be secured within the first depth groove of the stepped-groove of the top member and the groove of the bottom member, and, clamping means operatively arranged to hold the pane member securely within the first depth groove of the stepped groove of the top member and the groove of the bottom member, the clamping means accessible only from inside of the structure.




A primary object of the invention is to provide a security window assembly for a structure which provides both security against intruders and yet capability of fast and easy escape from within when necessary.




Another object of the invention is to provide a security window assembly for a structure which permits adequate ventilation of the room in which the window assembly is installed when desired.




A further object of the invention is to provide a security window assembly for a structure which can be easily installed over existing non-security window assemblies, or, alternatively, be installed in a newly constructed building or structure.




These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art from the following detailed description of the invention in view of the drawings and appended claims.











BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS





FIG. 1

is a perspective view of a typical structure having non-security windows which can be easily retrofit with the security window assembly of the present invention;





FIG. 2

is a fragmentary perspective view of a section of the foundation of the structure shown in

FIG. 1

, showing the non-security window assembly removed, and the structure retrofitted with the security window assembly of the present invention;





FIG. 3

is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention, as seen from the inside of a structure in which the window assembly would be installed;





FIG. 4

is a cross-sectional view of the window assembly shown in

FIG. 3

, taken generally along plane


4





4


in

FIG. 3

;





FIG. 5

is an enlarged fragmentary view of the clamping means shown in

FIG. 4

;





FIG. 6

is a cross-sectional view of the window assembly shown in

FIG. 3

, taken generally along plane


6





6


in

FIG. 3

;





FIG. 7

is a perspective view similar to that of

FIG. 1

, but showing the clamps being removed to illustrate how the pane member is removed from the window assembly;





FIG. 8

is a cross-sectional view of the window assembly of

FIG. 7

, taken generally along plane


8





8


in

FIG. 7

, and showing the pane member in the clamped secure position,





FIG. 9

is a view identical to that of

FIG. 8

but showing the pane member being tilted to align it for removal;





FIG. 10

is a view identical to that of

FIG. 9

but showing the pane member being elevated for removal;





FIG. 11

is a view identical to that of

FIG. 10

but showing the pane member being removed from the window assembly;





FIG. 12

is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention, having clamping means only on the top member of the window assembly,





FIG. 13

is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the present invention, having clamping means only on the two side members of the window assembly;





FIG. 14

is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention, illustrating tongue and groove installation of the window assembly into a foundation of a structure; and,





FIG. 15

is a view similar to that of

FIG. 14

taken after the window assembly has been installed.











DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT




At the outset, it should be clearly understood that like reference numerals are intended to identify the same structural elements, portions or surfaces consistently throughout the several drawing figures. as such elements, portions or surfaces may be further described or explained by the entire written specification, of which this detailed description is an integral part. Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are intended to be read together with the specification, and are to be considered a portion of the entire “written description” of this invention. With respect to the window assembly itself, the terms “inwardly-facing” and “outward-facing” refer to directions away from, and toward the structure in which the assembly is installed, respectively. With respect to the pane member, the terms “inwardly facing” and “outwardly facing” refer to directions facing the interior and exterior of the structure in which the assembly is installed, respectively.




It should be noted that although the present invention is ideally suited for installation in residential dwellings, the invention is equally suitable for commercial buildings. Also, although the drawings illustrate the invention being installed as a basement window assembly, the invention is not so limited. It can be installed anywhere in a structure. Finally, a preferred clamping means for holding the pane member in place is disclosed in the detailed description, but other means of holding the pane member in place should be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art.




Adverting now to the drawings,

FIG. 1

illustrates structure


20


in perspective. In this drawing, the structure happens to be a residential home, but the structure can be any building. The structure is shown as having a foundation


22


and existing non-security window assemblies


21


. There are a number of ways in which the security window assembly of the present invention may be installed in structure


20


. In

FIG. 2

, a preferred method of installation is shown, where the non-security window has been removed, and security window assembly


10


is shown being retrofit in its place. Thus, the frame of the security window assembly of the invention installs in the same manner and in the same space as existing non-security window assemblies.





FIG. 3

is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the invention. Security window assembly


10


comprises top member


11


, a first side member


12


secured to the top member, a second side member


14


secured to the top member, a bottom member


13


secured to the first and second side members, and pane member


18


secured within the assembly by clamping means


15


,


16


and


17


. The window assembly of

FIG. 3

is shown from the perspective of one looking at the window from inside a structure in which the window assembly would be installed. In other words, handles


19


and clamps


15


,


16


and


17


(which will be described infra) would be accessible only from inside the structure.




As shown in

FIG. 3

, clamping means


15


comprises hinge member


15


B secured to surface


11


B of top member


11


and screw


15


C which extends through hinge member


15


A to clamp pane member


18


in place. Similarly, clamping means


16


comprises hinge member


16


B secured to surface


12


B of side member


12


and screw


16


C which extends through hinge member


16


A to clamp pane member


18


in place. Finally, clamping means


17


comprises hinge member


17


B secured to surface


14


B (shown in

FIG. 6

) of side member


14


and screw


17


C which extends through hinge member


17


A to clamp member


17


A against surface


14


A. Operation of the clamping means will be described infra.




Pane member


18


may be made of any suitable material, and obviously should be strong and shatterproof. Ideal choices for pane material are polycarbonate and armored glass, although other plastic materials are also suitable. The exterior surface of the pane member should be smooth and flat to make it difficult for potential intruders to grab it with their hands.




Pane member


18


is shown clamped in place in the window assembly in

FIG. 4

, which is a cross-sectional view of the window assembly taken generally along plane


4





4


in FIG.


3


. The clamping mechanism is best shown in enlarged view in

FIG. 5

, which shows how clamping means


15


functions. Clamping means


15


comprises hinge member


15


B which is fixedly secured to surface


11


B of top member


11


. Hinge member


15


A is normally free to pivot about pivot pin


15


D. Threaded ferrule


36


is also fixedly secured within top member


11


. Screw


15


C is shown in tight threaded engagement with threaded ferrule


36


, forcing hinge member


15


A into contact with surface


11


A of top member


11


. Mounted to an end of hinge member


15


A is resilient member


15


E. As screw


15


C is turned clockwise, the threaded part of the screw engages the threaded ferrule, forcing hinge member


15


A to contact surface


11


A, and resilient member


15


D to contact pane member


18


, holding the pane in place in the frame as shown.




Side clamps


16


and


17


function in the exact same way, as illustrated best in

FIG. 6

which is a cross-sectional view of the window assembly shown in

FIG. 3

, taken generally along plane


6





6


in FIG.


3


. As seen in this view, side clamps


16


and


17


are functioning to securely clamp pane


18


in place in the window assembly.




As best shown in

FIGS. 8 and 11

, pane member


18


is held in place in first depth groove


32


in top member


11


and groove


31


in bottom member


11


. Top member


11


contains a stepped groove comprising first depth groove


32


and second depth groove


33


, both of which extends into member


11


from surface


35


. Second depth groove is shown as being deeper than first depth groove


32


. This combination of different depth grooves both facilitates easy installation and removal of the pane, and adds security. Since the groove structure is normally hidden from view, a potential intruder cannot readily discern how the pane is removed.




Removal is best illustrated in FIGS.


7


-


11


. In

FIG. 7

, the pane member is in place in the assembly, clamping means


15


has been removed; clamping means


17


is in the process of being removed; and clamping means


16


is about to be removed. Even with the clamps removed, as shown in cross-sectional view in

FIG. 8

, it is still extremely difficult to remove the pane from the outside of the structure, due to the difficulty of grasping the pane, and the non-visible structure and function of the stepped groove in the top member and the groove in the bottom member of the assembly. However, the pane can be easily moved, maneuvered, and removed from the inside of the structure with handles


19


.




Once the clamps have been removed as shown in

FIG. 8

, the next step in removal is shown in

FIG. 9

, where the pane is shown tilted into alignment with the deeper of the stepped grooves in the top member. The pane must then be lifted upwardly into second depth groove


33


as shown in

FIG. 10

, which simultaneously removes the bottom of the pane from groove


31


, which extends downwardly from surface


34


. Finally, the pane can be tilted and removed from the assembly as shown in FIG.


11


. It should be noted that the groove widths are selected to provide some clearance to permit the above-described maneuvering. It is not necessary or even desired that the pane fit snugly, (i.e., an interference fit), in the grooves, since the pane is further held in place by the clamping means. Thus it is seen that the invention provides an extremely secure window assembly, difficult to penetrate from the outside, yet with a pane that can be easily removed for quick escape from the inside.




An alternative embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG.


12


. In this embodiment, only a single clamping means


15


is used to hold the pane member in place. Yet another embodiment is shown in

FIG. 13

where two clamping means


12


and


14


are used to hold the pane in place from the sides of the window assembly. As mentioned previously, the clamping means shown and described herein are representative only, as it should be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art that a variety of suitable types of clamps could be used to hold the pane in place.




Although the security window assembly may be easily retrofit in existing homes and other buildings, an improved embodiment of the invention can be installed in new construction, as shown in

FIGS. 14 and 15

. In this embodiment, tongue


37


is fixedly secured to the side members of the window assembly and arranged to align and mate with groove


38


in foundation


22


, providing a secure installation.




Thus, the objects of the invention are efficiently obtained. Although the invention is described by reference to specific preferred embodiments, it is clear that variations can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as claimed. For example, with respect to the groove structure, it should be readily apparent that the stepped groove could be located in the bottom window assembly member, with a single groove in the top member. Although not preferred, the stepped groove assembly could be eliminated entirely, with the pane being held in place only by a single groove in combination with the clamps.



Claims
  • 1. A security window assembly for a structure, comprising:a top member having an outwardly-facing surface and an inwardly-facing surface, said top member having a stepped-groove extending from said inwardly-facing surface, said stepped-groove having a first groove having a first depth, and a second adjacent groove having a second depth, where said second depth is greater than said first depth; a first grooveless side member secured to a first end of said top member, said first side member having a first rabbet therein; a second grooveless side member secured to a second end of said top member, said second side member having a second rabbet therein; a bottom member having a first end secured to said first side member and a second end secured to said second side member, said bottom member having an outwardly-facing surface and an inwardly-facing surface, said bottom member having a single groove extending from said inwardly-facing surface, said single groove arranged in alignment with said first groove of said top member; a pane member operatively arranged to be secured within said first groove of said top member and said single groove of said bottom member; and, clamping means operatively arranged to hold said pane member securely within said first groove of said top member and said single groove of said bottom member and against said first and second rabbets of said first and second side members, respectively.
  • 2. A security window assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said pane member is made of plastic.
  • 3. A security window assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said pane member is made of polycarbonate.
  • 4. A security window assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said pane member is made of armored glass.
  • 5. A security window assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said pane member is transparent.
  • 6. A security window assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said pane member is translucent.
  • 7. A security window assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said pane member is opaque.
  • 8. A security window assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said clamping means comprises a threaded rod secured to a knob turnable by hand to position and lock a hinge member against said pane member within said first depth groove of said stepped-groove of said top member and said groove of said bottom member.
  • 9. A security window assembly as recited in claim 8 wherein said threaded rod clamping means is secured by a hinge member to said top member.
  • 10. A security window assembly as recited in claim 8 wherein said window assembly comprises two or more of said clamping means.
  • 11. A security window assembly as recited in claim 10 wherein a first clamping means is secured to said top member, a second clamping means is secured to said first side member, and a third clamping means is secured to said second side member.
  • 12. A security window assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said top member further comprises a flange extending therefrom adapted to mount said security window over an existing non-security window.
  • 13. A security window assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said first and second side members further comprise outwardly extending tongues adapted to matingly engage grooves in a foundation of a structure to hold said assembly in place within said structure.
  • 14. A security window assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said pane member includes a smooth, planar surface.
  • 15. A security window assembly as recited in claim 1 further comprising a handle member secured to an inwardly facing surface of said pane member to facilitate installation and removal of said pane member into and out of said window assembly.
  • 16. A security window assembly as recited in claim 1 further comprising a pair of handles secured to an inwardly facing surface of said pane member to facilitate installation and removal of said pane member into and out of said window assembly.
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