Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention belongs to the field of security devices for sliding
windows, including
window latches and locks which are designed to prevent the sliding window from
being
opened from the outside.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The following is a tabulation of some prior art that presently appears
relevant:
U.S. Patents
Patent Number Kind Code Issue Date Patentee
3078524 A Feb. 26, 1963 Minick
5125699 A Jun. 30, 1992 Dinan
5409271 A Apr. 25, 1995 Hoffmann
U.S. Patent Application Publications
Publication Nr. Kind Code Publ. Date Applicant
20070194579 Al Aug. 27,2007 Fiedler
20070209414 Al Sep. 13, 2007 Bentley
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
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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, patent 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
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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 patent number 5409271 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
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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
(patent number 5409271, 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.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
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
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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.
Advantages
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
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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.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the following drawings, closely related figures have the same number but
different
alphabetic suffixes.
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a blocking device for use on closures with
smaller
inter-panel gaps (e.g., sliding windows as opposed to sliding doors),
partially disassembled to
show the very high bonding double-sided tape, the track and the blocking
slider in
accordance with one embodiment;
Fig. 2a to 2c shows the top, lateral and rear views of the track component in
accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3a and 3b shows a partially disassembled side view and a bottom view of
the
slider in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 1;
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Fig. 4a to 4c shows a perspective, lateral, and rear view of the assembled
blocking
device in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 1;
Fig. 5a is a side perspective exploded view of the block slider in accordance
with the
embodiment of Fig. 1;
Fig. 5b shows a top view of the blocking module and cover assembly in
accordance
with the embodiment of Fig. 5a;
Fig. 6a 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 Fig. 1;
Fig. 7a 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 Fig. 1;
Fig. 8a shows a top view of the safety latch mechanism and the extent of its
movement in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 1;
Fig. 8b shows a partial perspective view of the safety latch and release
assembly in
accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 1;
Fig. 9a and 9b show perspective views of the blocking device in use on a
horizontal
sliding closure, partially opened, in accordance with the embodiment of Fig.
1;
Fig. 9c shows a profile view of the blocking device in use on a horizontal
sliding
closure, partially opened, in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 1;
Fig. 9d and 9e show perspective views of the blocking device in use on a
double hung
closure, partially opened, in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 1;
Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a first additional embodiment of a blocking
device for
use on closures with larger inter-panel gaps (e.g., sliding doors as opposed
to sliding
windows);
Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a second additional embodiment of a blocking
device
which can detect the opening of a closure and alert the user and a remote
device or system
using a light, a buzzer and a wireless transmitter; and
Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a third additional embodiment of a blocking
device
with the cover and blocking module manufactured as single contiguous member.
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Drawings ¨ Reference Numerals
Referring to the reference numerals, like numerals, letters, and combinations
there of
indicate like elements throughout.
FIRST EMBODIMENT FIRST EMBODIMENT (cont.)
multi-position blocking slider 70 slider plate wall
11 slider rails 76 finger (on pawl)
12 slider plate 77 groove (left hook-
shaped edge)
14 spring 78 groove (right hook-shaped
edge)
16 pawl 80 blocking member (blocking
module)
18 release lever 81 bottom flange
member (blocking module)
18a top member (release lever) 82
overhanging member (cover)
18b bottom member (release lever) 83
protrusion (blocking module)
18f release guide aperture 84
indentation (cover)
18h release head
cover ADDITIONAL EMBODIMENTS
20a cover mid-section 86 stop module
(1st add'!)
21 universal slider base 87 track (1st
addl.)
22 blocking module 88 slider (1st addl)
24 brace plate 90 slider (2nd addl)
track 92 track (2nd addl)
32 left hook-shaped edge 94 track (3rd
addl)
34 right hook-shaped edge 95 slider
(3rd addl)
36 track entrance 96 stop module (2nd
add'1)
38 track front 97 bumper (2nd addl)
39 attachment side (track) 102 buzzer
(2nd addl)
double-sided adhesive tape 104 LED (2nd addl)
42 safety latch 106 wireless
transmitter (2nd addl)
44 sliding button member (safety latch)
118 stop module (3rd addl)
channel (safety button)
48 pawl foot aperture OTHER
58 spring post A forward direction of
track
60 pawl post B partial open window gap
64 brace screws C reverse direction of
track
65 brace screw M horizontal sliding
window
66 center post Q outer pane
67 stop module screws R center rail
(outer panel)
68 head-end (universal slider base) T
double hung window
69 tail-end (universal slider base) V
center rail (inner panel)
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A FIRST EMBODIMENT - FIG. 1 TO FIG. 9B
In Fig. 1, there is shown a perspective view of one embodiment, partially
disassembled. The embodiment includes a multi-position blocking slider 10, a
track 30, and
very high bonding double-sided adhesive tape 40.
In Fig. 2a to 2c, there is shown a top, lateral, and rear view, respectively,
of track 30
in accordance with the embodiment of Fig 1. Track 30 is an elongated body that
comprises
two ends; one designated the track entrance 36, and the other the track front
38. The forward
direction A is the direction from the track entrance 36 towards the track
front 38. The reverse
direction C is in the opposing direction of A. In addition, track 30 comprises
two elongated
hook-shaped edges named the left edge 32 and the right edge 34 curving to one
side forming
a channel with asymmetric but uniform grooves (77 and 78) shaped into each
edge. The side
with hook-shaped edges (32 and 34) is designated the attachment side 39.
In Fig. 3a and 3b, there is shown a partially disassembled side perspective
view and a bottom
view of slider 10, respectively, in accordance with the embodiment of Fig 1.
Slider 10
comprises a universal slider base 21 and a blocking module 22. Slider base 21
has two ends
designated the head-end 68 and tail-end 69. Base 21 comprises a slider plate
12 having
extended rails 11. Slider plate 12 conforms to the channel on attachment side
39 (Fig. 2c),
such that when plate 12 is slotted into track 30, rails 11 are held in by
hooked-shaped edges
32 and 34, limiting the slider 10 movement along track 30. In addition, slider
base 21 can be
slotted into track entrance 36 with either the head-end 68 or tail-end 69
leading.
In Fig. 4a to 4c, there is shown a perspective view, lateral, and rear view,
respectively, of the assembled device in accordance with the embodiment of Fig
1.
Additionally, Fig. 4a shows the device with tape 40 peeled back. In Fig. 4a to
4c, slider 10
slidably engages with track 30. Tape 40 adheres to the opposing planar surface
of track 30.
When the device is installed on a closure, double-sided tape 40 firmly adheres
to the closure's
glass pane, thereby firmly attaching track 30.to the same glass pane. Tape 40
is made from
closed cell acrylic foam and is available from 3M of St. Paul, Minnesota.
However, tape 40
can be replaced by any other very high bonding double-sided tape offered by 3M
or other
tape manufacturer that allows track 30 to firmly adhere to a flat glass pane
surface which has
excellent properties against peeling, normal, and shearing forces. In many
applications, such
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tapes replace rivets, spot welds, liquid adhesives and other permanent
fasteners. In addition,
Fig. 4a exhibits the sliding translational motion of slider 10 on track 30.
The blocking device
comprises a linear ratchet means which permits slider 10 movement in the
forward direction
A, but prevents movement in the reverse direction C. The linear ratchet means
is disengaged
with a release means which permits slider 10 to be freely adjusted in the
forward or reverse
direction (A or C). The linear ratchet and release means combined constitute
an adjustable
position attachment means which will become more apparent as the description
proceeds.
In further detail, in Fig. 5a, there is shown a side perspective exploded view
of slider
in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 1. Slider base 21 comprises a pawl
16, and a
loaded spring 14. Pawl 16 is pivotally attached to a post 60 and comprises
fingers 76. Spring
14 presses against and rotatably urges pawl 16 laterally outward, thereby
pressing fingers 76
into grooves 77 or 78 of which depends on the slider base 21 orientation with
respect to
entrance 36 (head-end 68 or tail-end 69 leading). When a force is applied to
base 21 in the
forward direction A, fingers 76 slide along the gradual sloping sides of
grooves 77 or 78 in a
ratcheting motion, permitting base 21 to move along track 30. When a force is
applied in the
reverse direction C, fingers 76 jam into grooves 77 or 78 holding base 21 in
place at the set
position along track 30. The linear ratchet mechanism described heretofore
constitutes the
linear ratchet means. Slider base 21 also comprises a pivotally mounted
release lever 18 that
when depressed, rotates pawl 16 inward disengaging fingers 76 from grooves 77
or 78. The
release mechanism described heretofore constitutes the release means.
Still referring to Fig. 5a, the attachment means of spring 14 comprises spring
14,
under compression, placed between pawl 16 and the apposing slider plate wall
70. The head
of spring 14 shaped into an almost full circular arc, loops around a rigid
post 58 holding
spring 14 in position on plate 12, while still permitting spring 14 to
springingly engage with
pawl 16.
Still referring to Fig. 5a, slider base 21 comprises a cover 20 which firmly
attaches to
the top of plate 12 using an attachment means forming a housing surrounding
spring 14, and
pawl 16. The attachment means of cover 20 comprises a rigid brace plate 24
fitted with
screws (64 and 65) and a threaded center-post 66, sandwiching cover 20 to
plate 12. The
attachment means permits cover 20 to be made of a relatively non-rigid,
colorful and lighter
material, such as plastic, compared to the rigid material of brace plate 24,
but still maintain a
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high degree of strength when a strong lateral or vertical pressure is applied.
When brace plate
24 is placed on cover 20, a plurality of apertures on plate 24 and cover 20
line-up with
threaded apertures on plate 12. Screws 64 and 65, and threaded center post 66
are then fitted
into corresponding apertures and then tightened, securing cover 20 to plate 12
at multiple
points.
Still referring to Fig. 5a, release lever 18 comprises a contiguous piece of
sheet metal,
die-cut and folded into a three-sided sleeve with a shape and apertures
conforming to cover
mid-section 20a. When assembled, lever 18 slips onto a lateral side of cover
20 around mid-
section 20a. In Fig. 5a, for descriptive purposes only, release 18 is
separated into top member
18a comprising an oblong-shaped guide aperture 181 and a bottom member 18b
comprising a
release head 18h. When assembled, bottom member 18b fits between cover 20 and
plate 12
with release head 18h resting against pawl 16. The attachment means of release
lever 18
comprises circular apertures on members 18a and 18b that line up with post 60
and rotatably
attach to post 60 with screw 65. Release 18 rotatably attaches around the same
post 60 as
pawl 16, eliminating friction between the two components and permitting a
smooth tactile
feel as they rotate around post 60. In addition, oblong-shaped guide aperture
18f lines up with
post 66 constraining the rotational movement of release 18.
In Fig. 6a and 6b, there is shown two orientations of subcomponents (plate 12,
spring
14, and pawl 16) of slider base 21 and track 30, in accordance with the
embodiment of Fig. 1.
In both orientations, spring 14 urges pawl 16 outward, firmly engaging fingers
76 with track
grooves 77 (Fig. 6a) or 78 (Fig. 6b). The first orientation has slider base 21
with its head-end
68 leading, while the second orientation has slider base 21 with its tail-end
69 leading. This
mechanism constitutes a reversible slider means whereby in either orientation,
slider base 21
can be ratcheted along the positive direction A, but cannot be moved in the
reverse direction
C. In addition, pawl 16 comprises two fingers 76 that engage with grooves 77
or 78. Two
fingers provide additional strength over a single finger when a force is
applied in the reverse
direction C against slider base 21, such as when a window is forcibly opened
against the
device. The number of fingers can be as little as one, but additional fingers
can be added
depending on the strength requirements of the application.
In Fig. 7a and 7b, there is shown two more configurations of subcomponents of
slider
base 21 (spring 14, pawl 16, and release bottom member 18b) further showing
the release
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mechanism in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 1. Fig. 7a shows the
rested state of
release 18, while Fig. 7b shows the fully depressed state of release 18.
Release 18 makes
contact with pawl 16 via member 18h. When depressed with fingers, release 18
urges pawl
16 inward against the force of spring 14. Fig. 7a and Fig. 7b combined exhibit
the full extent
of movement of spring 14, pawl 16, and release 18 as limited by the shape of
release guide
aperture 18f (Fig. 5a).
In Fig. 8a, there is shown a safety mechanism, in accordance with the
embodiment of
Fig. 1. The safety mechanism which provides a tamper-resistant means for
release 18
comprises a safety latch 42, such that when slid to the left most extent,
release 18 cannot be
depressed. When latch 42 is slid to the right most extent, release 18 can move
between its
rested and fully depressed positions. Safety latch 42 comprises a contiguous
member safety
button 44 which protrudes from channel 45. Using a finger-tip, the user can
engage or
disengage the safety mechanism by sliding the safety button to the left or
right most extent.
The attachment means of latch 42 is a channel along the inside of release 18
which holds
latch 42 while still permitting slidable engagement.
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 Fig. 5a, the slider 10 comprises a blocking module 22 that
attaches
to the top of cover 20 by an interlocking attachment means. Blocking module 22
comprises
blocking member 80 (Fig. 3a) which extend over both front and back ends of
cover 20 and is
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the blocking module 22 member that make contact with a closure's inner panel
when the
device is in use.
Fig. 5b 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 (Fig. 5a) forming underlying channels.
Additionally,
blocking module 22 comprises two bottom flange members 81 (Fig. 5a). The
blocking
module 22 is placed on cover 20 in a perpendicular orientation permitting it
to slot vertically
into a center cavity of cover 20. A cylindrical recess on the bottom of
blocking module 22 fits
onto the attached center post 66. When blocking module 22 is rotated clockwise
or counter-
clockwise from the perpendicular orientation, the bottom flanges 81 interlock
with
overhanging members 82. In the final assembled position, protrusions 83 on the
inner radial
surface of blocking module 22 mate with indentations 84 on cover 20 causing
substantial
retaining force between cover 20 and blocking module 22 as compared to similar
assemblies
using multiple screws or pins.
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.
Operation ¨ Figs. 9a to 9e
In Fig. 9a, there is shown a front perspective view of the blocking device, in
accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 1, installed and in use on a partially
opened
horizontal sliding closure M. The view is from inside of a building structure
looking outside.
Fig. 9b is a subsidiary figure to Fig. 9a to show the enlarged view of the
blocking device, in
accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 1. To install the device, the user
attaches track 30 to
the inner surface of pane Q of the closure's outer panel. Track 30 firmly
adheres to pane Q
using tape 40. The outer panel of closure M is the outer-most panel when
viewed from inside
the building structure. The inner surface of pane Q is the surface facing
inside the building
structure. The center rail R is the center or meeting rail of the outer panel
of closure M. The
center rail V is the center or meeting rail of the inner panel of closure M.
The track position
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in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 1 is adjacent to center rail R on
pane Q with the
forward direction A oriented directly towards center rail R. When installed,
track 30 alone
fits between the panels permitting closure M to be fully opened. When slider
10 is attached to
track 30, the height of track 30 and slider 10 combined is sufficiently tall
to contact the
leading edge of center rail V, thereby preventing closure M from opening past
the attached
position of slider 10. Slider 10 constitutes a blocking component to limit the
sliding
translation of closure M to the extent of gap B. The device can also secure
closure M in its
fully closed position by attaching slider 10 to track 30 directly adjacent to
meeting rail R.
In Fig. 9c, there is shown a side profile view of the blocking device
installed on
sliding closure M, in accordance with Fig. 9a. The view is from the top of
closure M looking
down. While slider 10 is engaged on track 30, the combined height of slider 10
and track 30
is sufficiently tall, so as to make contact with center rail V of the
closure's inner panel.
In Fig. 9d, there is shown a front perspective view of the blocking device, in
accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 1, vertically installed and in use on a
partially open
double hung closure T. The view is from inside a building structure looking
outside. Fig. 9e
is a subsidiary figure to Fig. 9d to show the enlarged view of the blocking
device, in
accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 1. The device's applicability to
vertical closures is
the same as with the horizontal closures except the direction of the device
when installed, is
vertical rather than horizontal.
In further detail, referring to Fig. 1, track 30 is made sufficiently long to
allow slider
to be held at a number of useful positions, one being a position to secure a
closure in its
fully closed position, another being a position to allow the closure to be
partially open to
allow for external air circulation, for instance, allowing the closure to be
open about 10
centimeters. Track 30 is sufficiently flat so that a closure's inner panel can
freely pass over
track 30, for instance a height of 3 to 6 millimeters. Since track 30 is
installed on a closure
pane, track 30 should be as narrow as possible to least obstruct the view
through the closure,
but still have enough bonding area to firmly adhere track 30 to the closure
pane, for instance
a width of 20 to 30 millimeters.
The embodiment in accordance with Fig. 1 fits a range of closures with smaller
inter-
panel gaps (e.g., sliding windows as opposed to sliding doors). For the
embodiment in
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accordance with Fig. 1, a slider 10 height of 10 to 30 millimeters would be
sufficient. The
slider 10 width should be similar to the track 30 width, for instance a width
of 20 to 35
millimeters. The slider 10 length should be as short as possible, but requires
a minimum
length to encase working sub-components, for instance, a length of 4 to 7
centimeters.
The construction details of the blocking device, in accordance to the
embodiment of
Fig. 1, is that tape 40 is sufficiently high bonding to keep track 30 firmly
attached to a glass
pane against peeling, normal and shearing forces such that total adhesive
force is at least as
strong as that of VHB acrylic foam tape manufactured by 3M of St. Paul,
Minnesota. Track
30 may be made of metal or any other sufficiently rigid and strong material
such as high-
strength plastic. Plate 12, spring 14, pawl 16, brace 24 and release 18 may be
made of metal
or any other sufficiently rigid and strong material such as high-strength
plastic. Cover 20 and
blocking module 22 may be made of high strength plastic or any other
sufficiently rigid and
strong material such as metal. Safety latch 42 may be made of high-strength
plastic or any
other sufficiently rigid and strong material such as metal. Brace screws 64
and 65 and center-
post 66 may be made of metal or any other sufficiently rigid and strong
material such as high-
strength plastic. Further, the various components of slider 10 may be made of
different
materials.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN ADDITIONAL EMBODIMENT - FIG. 10
In Fig. 10, there is shown a perspective view of a first additional embodiment
of a
blocking device. The components and sub-components of device are the same as
those of the
embodiment in accordance to Fig. 1, except blocking module 86 is taller than
blocking
module 22, in order to fit a range of sliding closure constructions with
larger inter-pane gaps
(e.g., sliding doors as opposed to sliding windows). A slider height of 30 to
45 millimeters
would be sufficient. The construction details of the embodiment are the same
as the
construction details of the embodiment in accordance to Fig. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A SECOND ADDITIONAL EMBODIMENT - FIG. 11
In Fig. 11 there is shown a perspective view of a second additional embodiment
of a
blocking device which contains a device that can detect the opening of a
sliding closure and
CA 02820638 2013-06-19
alert the user with a light, sound, and also send an alert to a remote device
or system using
wireless transmission.
The second additional embodiment comprises the same components and sub-
components as those of the embodiment of Fig. 1. In addition, the blocking
module 96
contains an electronic device comprising a switch, a battery, a buzzer 102, a
light emitting
diode (LED) 104, and a wireless transmitter 106, all connected in a circuit.
The switch is
mechanically connected to a bumper 97 that protrudes from blocking module 96
in the
direction of the center rail of the closure's inner panel. When the blocking
device is in use
and the sliding closure is pushed opened, the center rail of the closure's
inner panel will
contact bumper 97, closing the switch and activating the electronic device.
The emitted sound
from the buzzer 102, and the emitted light from the light emitting diode 104
will alert the user
locally to the possibility of intrusion. Wireless transmitter 106 will send a
wireless
transmission comprising an alert message, and possibly other data, to a remote
receiver or
system which will then take some form of action in response. An example of a
response is
sending an e-mail or SMS message to a user's mobile phone, or sending an alert
to a home
security system.
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 Fig. 1, with
additional consideration
of the added mechanical and electronic components contained in module 96.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A THIRD ADDITIONAL EMBODIMENT - FIG. 12
In Fig. 12, there is shown a perspective view of a third additional embodiment
of a
blocking device. The blocking module and cover are manufactured as a single
moulded piece
118. The embodiment has the same dimension details as the embodiment in
accordance with
Fig. 1. The construction details of the embodiment are the same as the
construction details of
the embodiment in accordance with Fig. I.
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Advantages
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.
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Conclusion, Ramifications and Scope
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
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CA 02820638 2013-06-19
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.
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