U.S. patent application number 09/872935 was filed with the patent office on 2002-12-05 for method and apparatus for a quick release security grill system.
Invention is credited to Marks, Chester J..
Application Number | 20020178652 09/872935 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25360635 |
Filed Date | 2002-12-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020178652 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Marks, Chester J. |
December 5, 2002 |
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR A QUICK RELEASE SECURITY GRILL SYSTEM
Abstract
A security grill adapted to securely close off a window or door
but which may be manually released from within the building and
allowing egress through the window while maintaining security and
preventing unauthorized access from the exterior of the building.
The grill is attached along one side by hinges and is lockable in
position by a locking device on an opposite side. The locking
device being a keyed dead bolt, which protrudes into a rapid
release mechanism secured and shielded in the surrounding frame,
which is secured by bolts to the building. The grill being spring
biased to the open position with the release mechanism operable
from inside the building also biased for rapid release.
Inventors: |
Marks, Chester J.;
(Lafayette, LA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ROBERT N. MONTGOMERY
109 BROWNLEE AVE.
BROUSSARD
LA
70518-3021
US
|
Family ID: |
25360635 |
Appl. No.: |
09/872935 |
Filed: |
June 2, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
49/141 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 292/0999 20150401;
H04L 9/40 20220501; E05B 63/246 20130101; E06B 9/04 20130101; E05B
65/1033 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
49/141 |
International
Class: |
E06B 003/68 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A security grill comprising: a) a frame having a biased latch
assembly integral therein; b) a lattice having a dead bolt key lock
integral therein pivotally attached to said frame; c) a biased
trigger means remotely connected to said biased latch assembly for
releasing said dead bolt; and d) a manual means for remotely
connecting said biased trigger means to said biased latch
assembly.
2. The security grill according to claim 1 wherein said biased
latch assembly comprises: a) an elongated tubular housing having a
notched wall portion capable of receiving but not retaining said
dead bolt when extended; b) an elongated internal sliding element
having a normally open position and a closed position, said sliding
element being capable of receiving and retaining said dead bolt
when extended; c) a means for biasing said internal sliding element
in said normally open position; and d) a retractable release means
for retaining said internal sliding element in said closed
position.
3. The security grill according to claim 1 wherein said biased
trigger means comprises: a) a housing having a biased pivotal
cover; b) an internal sliding element having a closed position but
biased in a normally open position; c) a biased means for retaining
said internal sliding element in said closed position; and d) a
trigger attached to said pivotal cover in contact with and capable
of depressing said biased means for retaining said internal sliding
element by depressing said pivotal cover, thereby allowing said
internal sliding element to move to said open position.
4. The security grill according to claim 1 wherein said manual
means for connecting said biased trigger means to said biased latch
assembly is a sliding cable.
5. The security grill according to claim 1 wherein said lattice is
biased towards an open position.
6. A quick release security grill comprising: a) a tubular metal
frame generally conforming to the size of a building opening, the
frame defining an open area therein; b) a plurality of tabs
attached to said frame for attachment to said building; b) a
lattice covering at least a predominate portion of said open area
within said frame, said lattice being pivotal along a hinged side;
c) a key lock assembly having an extendable dead bolt, said lock
assembly integral with said lattice and located opposite said
hinged side; d) a biased latching means integral with said frame
located adjacent said lock assembly for capturing said dead bolt
when extended; and e) a biased trigger means located remotely
inside said building and attached by a sliding cable to said
latching means for releasing said dead bolt from said frame.
7. The quick release security grill according to claim 6 wherein
said latching means comprises: a) an elongated tubular member
having a notched corner portion removed defining a rectangular
intersecting aperture in two adjacent sides; b) an arched sliding
element slidable within said elongated tubular member; c) a release
pin for releasably retaining said sliding element retractably
traversing one wall of said tubular member and penetrating said
arched sliding element; d) an elongated rod element having a head
portion, a washer slidable thereon, and a coil spring located
mesial said head and said washer, said rod element attached to an
upper end of said arched sliding element; and e) a transverse pin
located on each side of said threaded member extending through said
elongated tubular member at a point mesial said washer and said
upper end of said arched sliding element.
8. The quick release security grill according to claim 7 wherein
said trigger means comprises: a) a housing; b) a springable cover
attached to said housing; c) a means for releasably retaining said
cover in a closed operable position; c) an elongated rod having a
head portion at each end and a coil spring slidable thereon located
inside said housing in a manner whereby said rod is slidably guided
within said housing and biased by said coil spring; d) a bias
element attached to said housing and in contact with said elongated
rod in a manner whereby said coil spring is compressed; e) a
notched bracket member attached to said cover in such a manner
whereby depression of said cover depresses said biased element,
thereby releasing said elongated rod; and f) a slidable cable
having an end connected to an end of said elongated rod opposite
said coil spring.
9. The quick release security grill according to claim 8 wherein
said slidable cable is further connected to said release pin for
retaining said arched sliding element.
10. The quick release security grill according to claim 9 wherein
said lattice is biased to the open position.
11. The quick release security grill according to claim 9 wherein
said grill further comprises a metal enclosure for covering said
release pin after connecting said slidable cable thereto.
12. The quick release security grill according to claim 9 wherein
said grill further comprises a shield attached to said lattice
extending outwardly covering said notched corner portion of said
release latch.
13. A method for quickly releasing a security grill comprising the
steps of: a) providing a security grill comprising: i) a frame
having an biased latch assembly integral therein; ii) a lattice
having a dead bolt key lock integral therein pivotally attached to
said frame; iii) a biased trigger means remotely connected to said
biased latch assembly for releasing said dead bolt; and iv) a
manual means for remotely connecting said biased trigger means to
said biased latch assembly; b) setting said trigger means to a
biased closed and cocked position, thereby positioning said biased
latch assembly to a closed position; c) extending said dead bolt
with a key whereby said biased latch assembly secures said dead
bolt; d) tripping said biased trigger means, thereby releasing said
biased latch assembly and thereby releasing said dead bolt, thus
allowing said lattice to pivot open.
14. A method for quickly releasing a security grill comprising the
steps of: a) providing a security grill comprising; i) a tubular
metal frame generally conforming to the size of a building opening,
the frame defining an open area therein; ii) a plurality of tabs
attached to said frame for attachment to said building; iii) a
lattice covering at least a predominate portion of said open area
within said frame, said lattice being pivotal along a hinged side;
iv) a key lock assembly having an extendable dead bolt, said lock
assembly integral with said lattice and located opposite said
hinged side; v) a biased latching means having a retractable
release pin, the latching means integral with said frame and
located adjacent said lock assembly for capturing said dead bolt
when extended; vi) a biased trigger means located remotely inside
said building and attached by a sliding cable to said latching
means for releasing said dead bolt from said frame; and vii) a
metal enclosure for covering said release pin after connecting said
slidable cable thereto. b) attaching said frame to said building;
c) connecting said sliding cable to said biased latching means; d)
installing said trigger means within said building and attaching
said sliding cable thereto; e) installing said metal enclosure
after connecting said sliding cable to said release pin; f) setting
said biased trigger means whereby said biased latching means is set
for quick release by said trigger means; and g) closing said
lattice and extending said dead bolt with a key to engage said
latching means.
15. The method according to claim 14 for quickly releasing a
security grill further comprising the steps of depressing cover of
said biased trigger means, thereby releasing said biased latching
means thereby releasing said dead bolt, without the use of a key,
thus allowing said lattice to pivotally open.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates generally to an improved metal
security grill structure that prevents entrance through a window or
door opening and more particularly to a grill which is rigidly
secured to the building structure, yet allows rapid egress from
within the structure in an emergency.
[0003] 2. General Background
[0004] 2.1 Various types of grill structures have been developed
for covering window and doors to prevent unlawful entry into a
building structure. Many such grill structures are, by their very
nature, difficult to remove and often require special tools.
Unfortunately, security bars for windows and doors have become a
necessary evil to insure the perceived well-being of the occupants.
As a result, a great many families have inadvertently locked
themselves into potentially life-threatening situations by
installing bars that fail to provide rapid egress in an emergency,
such as fire. In recent years the death rate from fire as a result
of blocked windows and doors has steadily increased.
[0005] 2.2 Building codes are being adopted in many states to
regulate the installation of security bars to insure rapid egress,
thereby challenging the industry to develop safer security systems.
These codes are often very strict, requiring that every basement
and sleeping room below the fourth floor shall have at least one
operable window or exterior door approved for emergency escape.
These emergency escape windows or doors must provide a full, clear
opening and shall be operable from the inside dwelling without the
use of separate tools or special knowledge. Bars, grills, grates,
security roll down shutters, or similar devices may be installed on
emergency escape windows or exit doors provided such devices are
equipped with approved quick release mechanisms which are openable
from the inside the dwelling without the use of a key or special
knowledge or effort. These requirements apply to any security
device installed over emergency escape windows, doors, or window
wells regardless of when it was installed.
[0006] 2.3 A building permit is also required for the new
installation of any of the above security bar devices, as well as
for the retrofit installation of any quick release mechanism
installed over the required bedroom egress opening.
[0007] 2.4 Typical code requirements for security grills now
requiring Quick Release Mechanisms are as follows:
[0008] 1. The quick release latch for egress windows shall be
actuated by a readily accessible knob, handle, or button which may
be grasped by hand and operated by a single twist, turn, or pull or
by pedal which may be pushed by foot. The use of slide bolts, pull
chain bolts, and releases requiring both hands for actuation are
prohibited. The quick release latch shall be unobstructed, readily
visible and accessible, mounted no greater than 36 inches from the
edge of the window, at a height not to exceed 48 inches above the
finished floor as measured from the center of the device. The
release latch shall not require more than 10 pounds of force to
unlatch the security device to the fully opened position.
[0009] 2. Security devices over emergency escape doors may be
provided with a night latch, dead bolt, or security chain, provided
such devices are openable from the inside without the use of key or
special tool.
[0010] 3. A licensed contractor, building owner or his
representative shall properly install each quick release system.
(Per manufacturer's instructions)
[0011] 4. Each system shall be installed in conjunction with smoke
detectors, installed as per section 310.9 of the UBC.
[0012] 5. Each system must be field tested for proper operation and
witnessed by the Building Inspector prior to acceptance.
[0013] 6. The installed bars, grills, or grates must not restrict
the available light or ventilation through the required windows by
more than 15%. When open, the bars must not diminish the required
minimum clear openable area of the egress window or exit door.
[0014] 7. The release mechanism must be manufactured from corrosive
resistant materials.
[0015] 8. The manufacturer must provide maintenance instructions to
the building owner to ensure proper long-term functionality.
[0016] 9. Installers will be required to test each release
mechanism and complete the attached certificate to verify that the
installation fully complies with this Policy.
[0017] 2.5 Inspection Process:
[0018] 1. A final inspection will be required. The proper location
of each release mechanism will be verified and operation of all
release mechanism(s) will be field-tested.
[0019] 2. The contractor or owner of the property will be
responsible to reset each release mechanism and to close the window
grill.
[0020] 3. A certificate of proper installation must be completed
for each dwelling unit by the installer prior to final inspection.
During final inspection the certificate shall be made available to
the inspector for their review. The certificate will be returned to
the owner or tenant for their records.
[0021] 2.6 It is an object of the instant invention to meet or
exceed the aforementioned security grill or gate requirements.
3.0 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0022] An improved security grill for building openings, the
improvements structured to comply with recent building requirements
for security grills that do not impede emergency egress from
buildings fitted with such devices. The security grill system
herein including a tubular frame having a biased latch integral
therewith, the frame fitted within the building opening and secured
to the building, the frame having a biased lattice pivotally hinged
therein and fitted with a keyed dead bolt lock located adjacent the
biased latch in the frame. The biased latch captures the dead bolt
when extended. A biased remote release trigger located inside the
building is provided and attached to the latch for remotely
releasing the dead bolt from the latch, allowing the biased lattice
to spring open. The lattice may be opened with the dead bolt lock
key at any time for window maintenance without disturbing the
emergency release latch. The release trigger and latch are manually
resettable.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] For a further understanding of the nature and objects of the
present invention, reference should be made to the following
detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, in which, like parts are given like reference numerals,
and wherein:
[0024] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the preferred embodiment;
[0025] FIG. 2 is an isometric view illustrating the preferred
embodiment in the open position;
[0026] FIG. 3 is a cross section view of the preferred embodiment
as mounted in building wall;
[0027] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the latch assembly;
[0028] FIG. 5 is a cross section view of the latch assembly
illustrated in FIG. 4 in the latched position;
[0029] FIG. 6 is a cross section view of the latch assembly
illustrated in FIG. 4 in the unlatched position;
[0030] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the remote release latch
assembly;
[0031] FIG. 8 is a cross section view of the remote release latch
assembly taken along sight lines 8-8 as seen in FIG. 7 with the
biased release trigger in the set position; and
[0032] FIG. 9. is a cross section view of the remote release latch
assembly taken along sight lines 8-8 as seen in FIG. 7 with the
biased release trigger in the released position.
5.0 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0033] Looking a FIG. 1 we see the improved security grill 10
includes a tubular frame 12 generally configured to fit inside a
building opening, usually over a window or door, and attached to
the building by tabs 14 secured with one way bolts etc., the frame
having latch assembly 16 as an integral member, a biased lattice 18
composed of vertical and horizontal tubes and bars, or some
decorative design thereof, pivotally mounted within said frame, the
lattice having a keyed dead bolt lock assembly 20 integral therein
located adjacent the latch assembly 16. A sliding cable attaches a
remote biased release trigger 22 to the latch assembly 16, thereby
completing the assembly.
[0034] 5.2 As seen in FIG. 2, the lattice 18 is biased by a
compression spring 26 connected to the backside of the frame 12 and
the lattice 18, thereby urging the lattice outwardly when released.
The keyed dead bolt latch assembly 20 is welded in place in the
lattice 18 in a manner whereby the dead bolt 28 extends through
lattice member 30. Access to the dead bolt 28 is denied by cover
plate 32, also serving as a stop when closing the lattice 18.
[0035] 5.3 As seen in FIG. 3 the security grill 10 may be located
over a window 34 or door located in a wall opening 36. Although
shown located inside the opening, the grill 10 could be located
externally as well. The sliding cable 24, when connected to the
latch assembly 16, extends through the wall 38 and is surface
mounted to the inside wall and connects to the remote trigger
22.
[0036] 5.4 Looking now at FIG. 4, we see the latch assembly 16 is
comprised of a tubular member 40 integrally welded within the frame
12. The tubular member 40 is notched on two adjacent sides exposing
the releasable latch member 42. A second tubular member 44 is
attached at installation to impede access to the cable 24 and its
connection to the latch release pin 46, better seen in FIGS. 5 and
6. As shown in FIG. 5, the latch assembly 16 straddles the dead
bolt 28. A threaded member 48 is biased in the downward direction
by a compression spring 50 held in compression by a washer 52
slidable along the threaded member 48 supported by a pair of pins
54 extending through the tubular member 40, the threaded member 48
being threadably attached to the top of the latch member 42.
Therefore, when the release pin 46 is retracted as seen in FIG. 6,
the latch member 42 is drawn upwards as a result of the spring 50
bias, thereby releasing the dead bolt 28 and allowing the lattice
18 to spring outwards from the member 40. Holes 56 are provided in
the legs of the latch member 42, as seen in FIG. 4, for contacting
with a bent tool when resetting the latch.
[0037] 5.5 Looking now at FIG. 7, the remote release trigger
assembly 22 includes a housing 60 having a spring cover 61 held in
the closed position by the cover latch member 58. Cover 60 release
is accomplished by spreading the sides of the cover latch member
58. Opening the cover 60 exposes the trigger mechanism held in a
latched or cocked position by a springable latch member 62 as shown
in FIG. 8. The trigger mechanism includes a sliding rod 64 passing
through guides 66 and biased by a compression spring 68. A clip 70
connects one end of the sliding cable 24 to the sliding rod 64.
Release is accomplished as seen in FIG. 9 by compressing cover 61
inwardly, thereby triggering the spring latch member 62 with the
slotted contact member 72, subsequently depressing the latch member
62 and allowing the biased rod 64 to travel downward retracting the
slidable cable 24 and thus retracting the release pin 46 shown in
FIG. 6.
[0038] 5.6 This unique method of security grill release allows the
grill to be opened by key without disturbing the biased spring
release by simply withdrawing the dead bolt 28 with the keyed lock
20. Releasing the spring biased trigger 22 eliminates the need for
cams, levers, keys, and/or expensive locking devices to retain and
open the grill and further eliminates the need for levers or
special tools for removing the grill from the window or door of a
building.
[0039] 5.7 Because many varying and different embodiments may be
made within the scope of the inventive concept herein taught, and
because many modifications may be made in the embodiments herein
detailed in accordance with the descriptive requirement of the law,
it is to be understood that the details herein are to be
interpreted as illustrative and not in any limiting sense.
* * * * *