GB2341431A

GB2341431A - Fixing a security closure to a window or door frame

Info

Publication number: GB2341431A
Application number: GB9918487A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gerrard Alan Reid
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1999-08-06
Filing date: 1999-08-06
Publication date: 2000-03-15
Anticipated expiration: 2019-08-06
Also published as: GB9918487D0; GB2341431B

Abstract

To fit a security screen to a window or door pre-drilled holes 22 are provided in the window or door frame 23 to allow fixing wires 25 to pass from the outer screen to inner restraining bars (Fig.1). The edges of the holes 22 are protected by metal or plastic ferrules to allow the wires 25 to pass through the frames and be tightened without damaging the frames. Bolts 10 are used to seal the holes when not in use and are easily removed for reuse of the fixing points at any time.

Description

1 2341431 FIXING KIT This invention is a 'fixing kit' which can be used to

facilitate the fitting of either steel security screens and metal/plywood sheeting to window frames, door frames and porch frames without causing any damage to the frames. The fixing points will become a permanent feature of the frames which will allow them to be re-used many times in the future as required. This is possible because the fixing points are sealed by bolts with special fixing heads when not in use.

Steel security screens and metal/plywood sheeting are widely used to effectively guard vacant properties from extensive vandalism. Unfortunately, the present fixing method causes considerable damage to the frames which are now indiscriminately drilled. Single glazed panes are purposely smashed whilst double glazed panes have to be removed and re-fitted again. All of this incurs excessive costs which councils and housing associations alike, reluctantly accept as there has never been any option.

This 'fixing kit' provides the solution. It is a unique, non-destructive, neat, reusable fixing method. The use of this kit will completely eliminate the destruction currently experienced which makes the kit not only economically viable but ecologically sound as well. Particular attention has been given to the asthetics of the kit and its unobtrusive design will assure its use in property security in both the housing and commercial markets.

The 'fixing kit' works by protecting the frames with two specially designed ferrules. These are fitted to either side of pre-drilled holes which allow the wires of the screens/plywood to pass easily through the holes. This prevents the wires from cutting into the frames by the tension which is caused when fixing the screens/plywood in place. When the screens are removed the holes are then sealed with the specially designed fixing bolts which are simple to fit and are easily removed when new screens are required. The whole kit is completely reusable and fixing points need only be fitted once. The kit will save time, waste and cost.

The ferrules and the bolts will be made of either metal or plastic material. The external fixing head will be made of plastic in various colours to match different frame types and materials. There is a choice of three internal fixing heads which will also come in various colours, also made of plastic. Both the external and internal fixing heads are fitted to the threaded bolt which has been designed to prevent tampering and provide protection against the elements when the holes and ferrules are not in use.

FIGURE I Shows in perspective a cross section of a typical security screen fitted to a standard window frame using the fixing kit. This also shows how the tension wires pass through the frames. FIGURE 2 Shows the necessary parts used to form the Fixing Kit including a side view and front view of the fixing parts. FIGURE 3 Shows how the Fixing Kit would be fitted to a solid frame allowing the screens or sheeting to be fitted neatly and and also how the fixing points are sealed when the screens or sheeting have been removed. FIGURE 4 Shows how the Fixing Kit would be fitted to a hollow frame allowing the screens or sheeting to be fitted neatly and also how the fixing points are sealed when the screens or sheeting have been removed. FIGURE 5 Show some typical Fixing Kit positions which will vary depending on frame size and shapes.

2 The fixing kit has been designed to be used with existing steel security screens 27 and metal or plywood sheeting which are used to secure and protect empty properties. The screens as shown in figure I and metal or plywood sheeting are normally held in place using tension wires 25 which pass either through the frames or the glazing area of the frames to steel restraining bars 28, where the tension wires 25 are clamped by the purpose made ratchets 29. This and other similar security methods would not need to be altered to use this new fixing kit which I have designed. In essence this fixing kit makes the security screens or sheeting not only more secure and neater but has the added bonus that they can be quickly and easily refitted if required in the future.

The first part of the fixing kit as shown in figure I comprises of two plastic or metal ferrules 16 or 17 for solid frames see figure 3 and 18 or 19 for hollow frames see figure 4. The ferrules can be either pushed or screwed into the pre-drilled holes 22. These are designed to protect the edges of the frame around the holes 22 against damage which is usually caused by the tension wires 25 cutting into the frame as they are tightened to hold the screens 27 or sheeting into place securely.

When the security screens 27 or sheeting are removed the second part of the fixing kit comes into use as shown in figures 3 and figures 4. This part of the kit comprises of specially designed fixing bolts 10 with one of three internal fixing heads 11, 12 or 13, One external fixing head 14 and a sealing washer 15 to protect the fixing points 26 as shown in figure 5.

The fixing bolts 10 are fitted into the pre-drilled holes 22 with the specially designed ferrules 16 / 17 or 18 / 19 which remain in place permenantly for reuse if the property needs protective screens or sheeting in the future.

The fixing heads 11, 12, 13 and 14 will be available in various colours to match the different frame materials such as hardwood, softwood, plastic or metal.

The actual bolt 10 which will be available in plastic or metal and also will be available in various lengths which can be easily cut to length to facilitate the varying frame thickness. Where the frames are hollow as shown in figure 4 the ferrules can be linked by a plastic sleeve 20 to help guide the tension wires 25 easily through the hollow of the frame.

The fixing bolt 10 once fitted will seal the holes 22 until they need to be removed to refit a security screen or sheeting system should the property become empty again in the future.

I

Claims

A Fixing Kit comprising of two steel or plastic ferrules which are designed to protect pre-drilled holes through a frame from any damage which could be caused by fitting tension wires through the frame to fit either security screens or sheeting. The ferrules remain fitted into the holes after the screens or sheeting are removed and the holes are sealed up by fitting the Fixing Kit bolts made of either metal or plastic which have been designed for easy fitting and sealing of the holes whilst not in use. This then allows quick and easy reuse of the fixing holes which remain protected by the specially designed ferrules at all times.
2 A Fixing Kit as claimed in claim I can be fitted to either timber, plastic, upvc or metal frames. 3 A Fixing Kit as claimed in claim I and claim 2 can be fitted to either window frames, door frames or porch frames. 4 A Fixing Kit as claimed in claim 1, claim 2 and claim 3 can be fitted to new frames at the factory during manufacture. 5 A Fixing Kit as claimed in claim 1, claim 2, claim 3 and claim 4 can be fitted to new and existing frames on site as and when required. 6 A Fixing Kit as claimed in claim 1, claim 2, claim 3, claim 4 and claim 5 will facilitate the quick and easy fitting of existing steel security screens without damage to frames. 7 A Fixing Kit as claimed in claim 1, claim 2, claim 3, claim 4 and claim 5 will facilitate the quick and easy fitting of steel sheeting or plywood sheeting without damage to frames. 8 A Fixing Kit as claimed in claim 1, claim 2, claim 3, claim 4, claim 5, claim 6 and claim 7 is a very easily fitted Fixing Kit designed to protect frames from damage which can easily be reused time and time again by means of a simple removable fixing bolt which can be removed to reveal pre-drilled and protected fixing points. 9 A Fixing Kit substantially described herein with reference to figures I - 5 of the accompanying drawings.