Security screen

Abstract

The present invention discloses security panel systems and braces to support security panels within these systems.

Description

Security ScreenFIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a brace for attaching one or more security panels in an opening of a building, a system comprising at least one of these braces and at least one of these security panels, and a kit comprising at least one of these braces, at least one of these security panels, and one or more fixings for attaching the at least one security panel to the at least one brace.BACKGROUND

[0002] Security screens provide a sturdy and visible method of securing building openings such as doors and windows in order to prevent break-ins or trespassers in empty properties.

[0003] A common type of security screen is formed of perforated steel panels. These perforated steel panels are drilled and bolted directly to the building it is desired to secure, in order to cover the relevant doors and windows. This direct drilling and bolting to the building necessarily damages the fabric of the building around each opening which might result in the need for repairs and related costs when the building is intended to be used again.

[0004] Another type of security screen comprises metal panels attached to a frame. Systems of this kind require that the frame is attached to the walls inside the building being secured. This may also be referred to as an internal brace. The method of attachment of this frame to the interior walls of the building is generally via drilling and bolting, which results in damage to the fabric of the building. That the frame is attached inside the building also requires either that the security screen is inside the doors and windows of the building being secured, or that the doors and windows must be removed in order for the panels to be installed. If the screen is installed inside the doors and windows then these are vulnerable to damage despite the installation of security screens. The latter approach (i.e. removal of the doors and windows) requires the subsequent user of the building to replace all doors and windows before the building can be used, and can lead to building damage resulting from the loss of the building's environmental seal, such as water ingress.

[0005] Each of the above types of security screens causes damage to the buildings to which it is installed. Aside from the time and cost of remedial works that can result from this, such systems are also unsuitable for certain types of building such as listed buildings or heritage buildings where causing damage is highly undesirable or, in some cases, illegal. There is, therefore, a need for new security screen systems which can be installed and removed without causing damage to the building to which they are installed.SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0006] In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a brace for attaching one or more security panels in an opening of a building, the brace comprising a telescopic body terminating in feet for engaging with the building structure; wherein the telescopic body comprises at least one point of attachment for each of a number of security panels, and the telescopic body comprises a locking mechanism which locks the telescopic body at a fixed length.

[0007] The or each point of attachment may comprise a threaded stud or a threaded hole. The threaded stud may be integral to the brace or point of attachment. The threaded stud may be irreversibly installed as a point of attachment. The or each point of attachment may comprise a selfclinching stud. This self-clinching stud may be irreversibly installed as a point of attachment.

[0008] The telescopic body may comprise a first part which defines a channel, and a second part which is slidable within the channel. In other words, the first part may have a substantially U-shaped cross-section. The second part may have a substantially U-shaped cross-section. Both the first and second parts may have a substantially U-shaped cross-section.

[0009] The or each point of attachment may comprise a bracket which is shaped to fit inside the channel formed by the first and second parts of the telescopic body. Only part of each bracket may be inside the channel formed by the first and second parts of the telescopic body.

[0010] The or each bracket may comprise at least one threaded stud or threaded hole. The threaded stud may be integral to the bracket. The threaded stud may be irreversibly installed as part of the bracket. The or each bracket may comprise a self-clinching stud. This self-clinching stud may be irreversibly installed onto the bracket. The or each bracket may comprise at least one threaded hole.

[0011] The feet may be attached to the longitudinal ends of the telescopic body. At the most basic level, a "foot" is a portion of the longitudinal end of the telescopic body which is shaped or designed to come into contact with another surface, e.g. a window reveal or door reveal. When the brace of the invention is in use, these feet are in contact with the window reveal or door reveal and hold the brace in place through friction / pressure with the window reveal or door reveal. At least a portion of at least one foot may comprise a conformable surface which, in use, comes into contact with and grips the door reveal or window reveal such that the brace is held in place. The conformable surface may be an elastomeric surface. Both feet may comprise a conformable surface, for example an elastomeric portion. This conformable surface, e.g. the elastomeric surface, may deform slightly on contact with the window reveal or door reveal in order to maximise the surface area of the foot which is in direct contact with and gripping the window reveal or door reveal.

[0012] At least one foot may be adjustable. Alternatively, both feet are adjustable. The or each foot being adjustable may mean that the distance of the foot or both feet from the telescopic body may be independently altered. The or each foot being adjustable may mean that the angle of the foot or both feet relative to the telescopic body may be independently altered. The or each foot being adjustable may mean that both the distance of the foot or both feet from the telescopic body and the angle of the foot or both feet relative to the telescopic body may be independently altered. The distance of the foot or feet from the longitudinal end of the telescopic body may be reduced or increased. Where the foot or feet and longitudinal end of the telescopic body comprise a threaded portion and a threaded hole, this distance may be reduced or increased by rotating the or each foot relative to the telescopic body such that the threaded portion and threaded hole are more or less engaged.

[0013] At least one foot may comprise a threaded portion for altering the length of the feet which extend from one or more threaded holes positioned at one or each longitudinal end of the telescopic body. The feet may comprise a threaded portion for altering the length of the feet which extend from one or more threaded holes positioned at one or each longitudinal end of the telescopic body. The foot or feet may comprise a threaded hole which is screwed onto a threaded portion extending from one or each longitudinal end of the telescopic body.

[0014] The angle of the or each foot may be adjustable relative to the longitudinal axis of the telescopic body. This may be achieved through the or each foot comprising a ball and socket joint to adjust the angle of the or each foot relative to the longitudinal axis of the telescopic body.

[0015] The foot or feet may by adjustable both in terms of the distance of the or each foot from the longitudinal ends of the telescopic body and in terms of the angle of the or each foot relative to the longitudinal axis of the telescopic body.

[0016] The locking mechanism may be any of those as defined below.

[0017] In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for providing one or more security panels in the opening of a building, the system comprising at least one brace as defined herein; and at least one security panel fixed to the or each brace via one or more respective points of attachment on each brace.

[0018] The one or more security panels may be metal panels. The one or more security panels may be perforated metal panels.

[0019] The at least one security panel may be fixed to the or each brace via a nut secured to one or each threaded stud which forms the one or more respective points of attachment on each brace. The nut may be a security nut. In these embodiments, the threaded stud passes through the security panelsuch that the nut is on the opposite side of the security panel to the brace to which it is attaching the security panel.

[0020] The at least one security panel may be fixed to the or each brace via a security bolt or security screw which is irremovably fastened into the or each threaded hole which forms the one or more respective points of attachment on each brace.

[0021] A washer may be provided between the at least one security panel and each nut located within a predefined distance from a corner of the opening of the building.

[0022] A washer may be provided between the at least one security panel and a head of each security bolt or security screw located within a predefined distance from a corner of the opening of the building.

[0023] In accordance with a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit for attaching one or more security panels in an opening of a building, the kit comprising at least one brace as defined herein; and at least one security panel which is securely fixable to the or each brace via one or more respective points of attachment on each brace.

[0024] The kit may further comprise a set of fixings for attaching the at least one security panel to the or each brace via one or more respective points of attachment on each brace. This set of fixings may provide both parts necessary to join a security panel to a brace. As an example, if the points of attachment on the brace and security panel are holes through which a bolt or screw may be passed, the set of fixings may contain both the required nuts and bolts or screws.

[0025] The points of attachment may comprise at least one threaded stud. This threaded stud may comprise some or all of the features described above. The threaded stud may be a self-clinching stud.

[0026] Where the points of attachment comprise at least one threaded stud, and a set of fixings is present, the set of fixings may comprise one or more nuts. The one or more nuts may be security nuts. The security nuts may be of the kinds described below.

[0027] The points of attachment may comprise at least one threaded hole.

[0028] Where the points of attachment comprise at least one threaded hole, and a set of fixings is present, the set of fixings may comprise one or more security bolts or security screws. The security bolts or security screws may be of the kinds described below.

[0029] The set of fixings may comprise washers for preventing the corners of the at least one security panel from flexing when the one or more security panels are attached to the opening of a building. The washers may be round, square or hexagonal in shape.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSFigure 1A shows a brace according to one embodiment of the invention in an extended position.Figure IB shows a brace according to one embodiment of the invention in a collapsed position.Figures 2A to 2C show three brackets according to embodiments of the invention.Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a brace according to one embodiment of the invention.Figure 4 shows a square washer for use in the security panel system.Figure 5 shows a window in which three braces according to an embodiment of the invention have been installed.Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a window in which braces and panels according to an embodiment of the invention have been installed.Figure 7 shows a fully installed security panel system according to an embodiment of the invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONDefinitions

[0030] While the following items are believed to be well understood by the skilled person, the following definitions are set forth to facilitate explanation of the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0031] The term "telescopic body" refers to two or more concentric body sections which are designed such that one can slide into the other in order to alter the length of the body along its longitudinal axis.

[0032] The term "threaded stud" is used in the conventional sense to refer to a threaded bar or rod. A threaded stud may be a discrete object such as a bolt or screw, or may be part of a larger object. In some embodiments a threaded stud extends from another object of which it is a part. A threaded stud may be threaded along its entire length. A threaded stud may be threaded along part of its length. A self-clinching stud is a type of threaded stud which is designed to become a permanent fixture of the object onto which it is installed. This can be achieved, for example, by the self-clinching stud comprising a tooth locking system, i.e. the head of the stud has serrations which cut into the object onto which the stud is to be installed, such that when the stud is pressed into the object the tooth locking system provides rotational resistance.

[0033] The term "threaded hole" refers to an open hole or a blind hole where the inner surface of the hole is at least partially threaded along its length such that a threaded stud can be screwed into the hole.

[0034] As used herein, a "security nut" is a nut which can be irreversibly bound to the thread to which it is attached. An exemplary security nut comprises a first portion with a threaded hole in a cylindrical body, and a second portion which is unthreaded and has a head with angularly-disposed faces (e.g. the faces can be arranged in a square or hexagonal manner for engaging with a spanner or socket). In use, the security nut is screwed onto a threaded stud until the first portion is flush with either the base of the threaded stud, or an object such as a sheet through which the threaded stud extends. The security nut is screwed through the engagement of a tool with the head of the second portion. Once the first portion is flush, the torque applied by the rotation of the security nut causes the second portion to shear off the first portion. The second portion can then be removed from the threaded stud and the first portion remains. The first portion cannot then be rotated due to its cylindrical body preventing tools from gaining purchase.

[0035] A "security bolt" or "security screw" refers to a bolt or screw which is designed to be irreversibly screwed into a threaded hole. An exemplary security bolt or security screw may be tamperproof or comprise a screw head that prevents removal. Examples of screw heads that prevent removal are clutch-head screws or bolts, where the bolt or screw can be installed with a standard screwdriver but once installed cannot be unscrewed using the screwdriver because it cannot grip the head in the unscrewing direction. Other security bolts or security screws may have screw heads which prevent unscrewing such as a sentinel screw head or a Kinmar screw head, or may feature a screw head which requires a non-standard screwdriver blade or tip.

[0036] The term "locking mechanism" refers to a system which is designed to keep the telescopic brace described herein at a fixed length. An exemplary locking mechanism for a telescopic body is a pin and hole system, where the outer body portion has a number of holes along its length, and the inner body portion has a pin or button which is urged by spring pressure into an original position in which it can project through one of the holes in the outer body portion. When pressed, the pin or button is no longer engaged with any of the holes in the outer body portion which can then slide along the inner body portion until the pin or button aligns with another hole along the length of the outer body portion. The spring pressure then causes the pin or button back into the original position and it re-extends through the hole and prevents further relative movement of the inner and outer body portions unless pressed and slid again. Another locking mechanism is a pin or bar which may be slid through holes in both the outer and inner body portions such that they are no longer able to slide. A further locking mechanism may comprise a ratchet system.

[0037] A security panel is a sheet which is designed to be installed to create a barrier between the inside and outside of a building. The security panel is designed to be installed over, behind or inside a window reveal or door reveal. Security panels may be timber or metal. Security panels are often madefrom a metal such as steel and may be perforated. The perforations allow light to pass through the security screen. Perforated security screens may be attached to a building or brace through the perforations, for example with nuts and bolts or anti-tamper security screws.

[0038] As used herein, "irreversible" is used to mean something which cannot be reversed or undone within the confines of normal use. For example, a self-clinching stud can be considered as irreversibly attached to the object onto which it is installed because it cannot be removed during the normal use of that object or without causing damage to that object or stud.Telescopic Brace

[0039] In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 1A, the brace 100 comprises a telescopic body with two concentric body sections 102, 104. Body section 104 slides into body section 102. The body sections 102, 104 are hollow and the reverse of the body sections 102, 104 form a channel in which brackets (not pictured) are slidable to provide points of attachment. The telescopic body terminates in feet 106a, 106b for engaging with the building structure. As shown, one foot 106a is attached via a threaded portion 112. The foot 106a may also be adjusted via this threaded portion 112 as described above. The telescopic body comprises a locking mechanism 108 which locks the telescopic body at a fixed length. In the depicted brace, the locking mechanism 108 is formed of holes in each of the two body sections 102, 104 and a pin or rod which may be pushed through the two body sections 102, 104 when a respective hole is each is aligned. This prevents body section 104 from moving relative to body section 102. This pin or rod can itself be designed to prevent its removal, for example by being deformable after insertion, or by having a threaded portion which is inserted into a nut after the pin or rod has passed through the hole in the locking mechanism 108.

[0040] Figure IB shows the embodiment of Figure 1A in a collapsed position. The body section 104 has been slid into body section 102. The locking mechanism 108 has been secured with a nut and bolt 130. The remaining features are as described in relation to Figure 1A.

[0041] As described above, in some embodiments, the points of attachment comprise a bracket. Figure 2A shows one such bracket 214a which is designed to be slidable within a channel formed by the telescopic body (not shown). The pictured bracket 214a has a stepped body to prevent removal from the channel in a forward direction, with the broader channel body section 218a fitting inside the channel and the narrower attachment body section 216a extending beyond the channel to form, along with threaded stud 220a, a point of attachment 210a. The telescopic body for use with this bracket features a protruding flange at the channel opening. This channel opening is, therefore, approximately the width of the attachment body section 216a, and as such the channel body section 218a cannotpass out of this opening, keeping the bracket within the channel, but the attachment body section 216a extends beyond the channel. A cross section of a bracket 314a of this kind installed within a suitable telescopic body 300 and engaged with a security panel 350 is shown in Figure 3 and discussed below.

[0042] A second bracket 214b is shown in Figure 2B. This bracket 214b is also designed to be slidable within a channel formed by the telescopic body (not shown). In this bracket 214b, the channel body section 218b and attachment body section 216b are defined by a groove 224b between the two sections. This groove 224b is designed to engage with a protruding flange present on the telescopic body. This flange prevents the bracket 214b from being pulled out of the channel through this opening. The bracket 214b also features a point of attachment 210b which is a hole. This could be a threaded hole into which a bolt or screw could be fastened during the attachment of a security panel. Alternatively, this hole could be a simple or threaded hole to which a threaded stud is attached (not shown), with this threaded stud then passed through the security panel which can be fastened to the stud with a nut. In some embodiments, the threaded stud may be a self-clinching stud installed prior to the bracket's insertion into the telescopic body's channel.

[0043] A third bracket 214c is shown in Figure 2C. This bracket 214c is also designed to be slidable within a channel formed by the telescopic body (not shown). In this bracket 214c, the channel body section 218c and attachment body section 216c are defined by a groove 224c between the two sections. This groove 224c is designed to engage with a protruding flange present on the telescopic body. This flange prevents the bracket 214c from being pulled out of the channel through this opening. The bracket 214c also features two points of attachment 210c which are holes. These could be threaded holes into which a bolt or screw could be fastened during the attachment of a security panel. Alternatively, these holes could be simple or threaded holes to which a threaded stud is attached (not shown), with this threaded stud then passed through the security panel which can be fastened to the stud with a nut. In some embodiments, one hole could be a threaded hole into which a bolt or screw could be fastened during the attachment of a security panel and the other hole could be a simple or threaded hole to which a threaded stud is attached. In some embodiments, the threaded stud may be a self-clinching stud installed prior to the bracket's insertion into the telescopic body's channel.Security Panel System

[0044] In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 3, a telescopic brace 300 comprising a number of brackets 314a is provided. As shown, the channel body section 318a fits inside the channel 326 defined by the telescopic body of the brace 300 and is kept inside the channel by the flange 328formed by the telescopic body. The attachment body section 316a extends beyond the channel and features a threaded stud 320a which passes through the security panel 350. This threaded stud 320a may be a self-clinching stud. Once the threaded stud 320a has passed through the security panel 350, the security panel 350 is fixed in place by a nut 322a which is screwed onto the threaded stud 320a. The nut 322a may be a security nut as described above.

[0045] Figure 4 shows a square "corner" washer 460. This washer 460 can be used in combination with the threaded stud 320a and nut 322a described with reference to Figure 3. This washer 460 comprises a hole 462 and a square body 464. The hole 462 is a simple hole through which a threaded stud is passed. This square washer 460 is designed to be used in the corners of security panels. The square body 464 is secured against the security panel and strengthens the corners of the security panels such that it is more difficult to bend the corners of the panels.

[0046] Figure 5 shows a window reveal with three braces 500 installed. These braces 500 each carry six brackets 514a to which security panels (not pictured) would be attached. As shown, the telescopic bodies 502, 504, and foot 506 have been extended to reach the side of the window reveal and apply sufficient pressure that the braces are held in place by this pressure and the resultant friction between the feet 506 and window reveal. This enables the braces 500 to be installed and held in place without the need to fix the braces to the window reveal for example with screws. The braces are locked in place at the appropriate length by the locking mechanism 508 described in relation to the brace 100 of Figures 1A and IB. The foot 506 is then extended to provide finer adjustment to the overall length of the brace such that it is held in place within the window reveal.

[0047] Figure 6 provides a second perspective view of a window reveal in which braces 600 have been installed. These braces 600 can comprise a plurality of brackets (not shown) arranged inside the telescopic body 602. In the depicted embodiment, panels 650 have been secured to each of the two depicted braces 600. As shown, these panels 650 are smaller than the window reveal and are designed to be placed adjacent to each other to completely cover the window reveal. As an alternative, a single large panel could be used. These panels 650 are perforated such that the threaded stud which extends from a bracket (not visible behind the security panel) passes through the security panel 650 via these perforations. The security panel 650 is then secured to the brace with a nut (for example, a security nut to prevent easy removal) screwed onto the threaded stud. Further security panels 650 can be secured to brackets on each of the three visible braces 600. These security panels 650 have been secured to the upper and lower braces 600 with a square washer 660 in the upper and lower corners of the window reveal. These square washers 660 are held in place by the threaded stud and nut which secure the security panel to the braces 600.

[0048] Figure 7 depicts a window reveal which has been fully secured using a system according to the invention. As shown, once this system is fully installed, only the security panels 750 and square washers 760 are visible from the outside of the building, the braces are covered and inaccessible without security panels 750 being removed. The square washers 760 minimise the ability of the corners of the outermost security panels 750 to bend or flex in order to force access to the brackets behind these panels 750.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A brace for attaching one or more security panels in an opening of a building, the brace comprising a telescopic body terminating in feet for engaging with the building structure; wherein the telescopic body comprises at least one point of attachment for each of a number of security panels, and the telescopic body comprises a locking mechanism which locks the telescopic body at a fixed length.

2. The brace of claim 1, wherein the or each point of attachment comprises a threaded stud or a threaded hole.

3. The brace of claim 2, wherein the or each point of attachment comprises a self-clinching stud.

4. The brace of claim 1, wherein the telescopic body comprises a first part which defines a channel, and a second part which is slidable within the channel.

5. The brace of claim 4, wherein the or each point of attachment comprises a bracket which is shaped to fit inside the channel.

6. The brace of claim 5, wherein the or each bracket comprises at least one threaded stud or threaded hole.

7. The brace of claim 6, wherein the or each bracket comprises at least one threaded stud.

8. The brace of claim 7, wherein the threaded stud is a self-clinching stud.

9. The brace of claim 5, wherein the or each bracket comprises at least one threaded hole.

10. The brace of any preceding claim, wherein one or more foot comprises an elastomeric portion.

11. The brace of any preceding claim, wherein at least one foot is adjustable.

12. The brace of any claim 11, wherein one or more foot comprises a threaded portion for altering the length of the or each foot which extends from one or more threaded holes positioned at one or each longitudinal end of the telescopic body.

13. The brace of claim 11 or 12, wherein the angle of one or more foot is adjustable relative to the longitudinal axis of the telescopic body.

14. The brace of claim 13, wherein the or each foot comprises a ball and socket joint to adjust the angle.

15. A system for providing one or more security panels in the opening of a building, the system comprising at least one brace as defined in any preceding claim; and at least one security panel fixed to the or each brace via one or more respective points of attachment on each brace.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the one or more security panels are metal panels.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the one or more security panels are perforated metal panels.

18. The system of any one of claims 15-17, wherein the at least one security panel is fixed to the or each brace via a nut secured to one or each threaded stud which forms the one or more respective points of attachment on each brace.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the nut is a security nut.

20. The system of any one of claims 15-17, wherein the at least one security panel is fixed to the or each brace via a security bolt or security screw which is irremovably inserted into the or each threaded hole which forms the one or more respective points of attachment on each brace.

21. The system of any one of claims 18 or 19, wherein a washer is provided between the at least one security panel and each nut located within a predefined distance from a corner of the opening of the building.

22. The system of claim 20, wherein a washer is provided between the at least one security panel and a head of each security bolt or security screw located within a predefined distance from a corner of the opening of the building.

23. A kit for attaching one or more security panels in an opening of a building, the kit comprising: at least one brace as defined in any of claims 1-14; and at least one security panel which is securely fixable to the or each brace via one or more respective points of attachment on each brace.

24. The kit of claim 23, wherein the kit further comprises a set of fixings for attaching the at least one security panel to the or each brace via one or more respective points of attachment on each brace.

25. The kit of claim 23 or 24, wherein the points of attachment comprise at least one threaded stud.

26. The kit of claim 25, wherein the threaded stud is a self-clinching stud.

27. The kit of any one of claims 24-26, wherein the set of fixings comprises one or more nuts.

28. The kit of claim 23, wherein the one or more nuts are security nuts.

29. The kit of claim 23 or 24, wherein the points of attachment comprise at least one threaded hole.

30. The kit of claim 29, wherein the set of fixings comprises one or more security bolts or security screws.

31. The kit of any one of claims 24-30, wherein the set of fixings comprises washers for preventing the corners of the at least one security panel from flexing when the one or more security panels are attached to the opening of a building.

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