DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0028] Hereinafter, illustrative, non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. The present invention is not restricted to the following illustrative embodiments, and many variations are possible within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are provided in order to more completely explain the present invention to one skilled in the art.

[0029] Illustrative embodiments of an improved adjustable security apparatus for protection of door and window openings that solves the aforementioned problems, and others, are now described with reference to FIGS. 1-9.

[0030] The present invention relates to an adjustable security apparatus for doors and windows that is capable of extending telescopically to adjust to any door or window size, and thereby, prevent access into the door or window.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 1, in an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, the adjustable security apparatus comprises an adjustable module 100. The module 100 preferably comprises, but is not limited to, at least two vertical posts 1, 2. Additional modules 100 can be installed adjacent to the first module in order to adequately protect the entire lateral area of the door or window opening.

[0032] Specifically, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the module 100 comprises two posts 1, 2. The posts 1, 2 are preferably, but not necessarily, substantially the same length. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, each post 1, 2, comprises a first portion 10 and a second portion 11. The first portion 10 is telescopically disposed within the second portion 11.

[0033] The second portion 11 has an inner diameter, or dimension, so that the second portion 11 can telescopically receive the first portion 10, which has a smaller outside diameter or dimension. Other embodiments can include posts 1, 2 that comprise greater than two portions. As shown in the illustrative embodiment depicted in FIG. 2, the first portion 10 and second portion 11 of post 1 are in a reverse orientation to the first portion 10 and second portion 11 of the post 2, so that the strength of the module is substantially the same at both ends. However, depending on the application, the orientation of the portions 10, 11 of posts 1, 2 is not required to be alternated.

[0034] The posts 1, 2 depicted in FIG. 2 are tubular posts. However, the adjustable security apparatus can be formed from posts having various shapes. For example, the security apparatus can comprise posts that are square, round, oval, triangular, rectangular, hexagonal, or various other shapes. FIGS. 3A-3C depict posts 1, 2 having a rectangular or square shape, rather than a circular or tubular shape.

[0035] Preferably, but not necessarily, the shape of the first portion 10 should correspond to the second portion 11. However, in other illustrative embodiments, the shape of the first portion 10 and second portion 11 do not correspond. In these illustrative embodiments, it is possible to use different shapes so long as the second portion 11 is capable of accepting the first portion 10 in a telescopic manner; for example, a circular shaped first portion 10 that engages a square shaped second portion 11 in a telescopic manner.

[0036] Furthermore, the adjustable security apparatus can be formed from a variety of materials suited for this purpose. The module 100 can be formed from any material, or combination of materials, with suitable strength, such as, but not limited to, iron, steel, aluminum, plastics, composite materials, and so on.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 4A-4C, the first portion 10 and the second portion 11 are axially aligned and overlap one another so that they can be extended telescopically to fill an infinite variety of existing or newly constructed window or door opening sizes. FIGS. 4A-4C depicts other illustrative embodiments having various sizes of posts 1, 2. By simply increasing the length of posts 1, 2, the module can be applied to a wider range of door and window sizes. In addition, more than two posts may be employed such that one module can cover a larger area, as shown in FIGS. 3A, 3C, 5A, and 5B.

[0038] The module further comprises a first end plate 3 and a second end-plate 4 fixed to either end of the module. The posts 1, 2 are fixed to the end plates 3, 4 so that post 1 is parallel to post 2.

[0039] As shown in the Figures, end plate 3 and end plate 4 are used to secure the module to the window or door frame. End plates 3 and 4 can include holes 7a for receiving a fastener 7, such as nail (shown), screw, or lag bolt, etc. Preferably, the fastener 7 is a security screw. Other fasteners 7 suitable for this purpose may also be used to secure the end plates 3 and 4 to the door or window frame.

[0040] The module can also include a plurality of traversing bars 5, 6 that traverse the posts 1, 2 to provide added strength and rigidity to the module and to aid in maintaining the substantially parallel relationship between the post 1, 2. These traversing bars 5, 6 are preferably disposed towards the ends of the posts 1, 2. However, the traversing bars 5, 6 can also be positioned at various positions along the length of the posts 1, 2 depending on the application of the module 100. The traversing bars 5, 6 can be horizontal plates, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 1 and 2. In addition, the traversing bars 5, 6 can be used alone or in combination with vertical traversing plates 12, 13, as shown in FIGS. 6A-6C. The vertical plate traversing bars 12,13 can comprise slits, holes, grooves, or webbing, etc., for reducing the weight of the vertical plate traversing bars 12, 13 while maintaining their strength and, additionally, improving the aesthetic appearance of the module. Further, additional transverse bars (not shown) may also be installed to provide added security and increased strength.

[0041] FIG. 7 depicts a coupling 8 which is used to secure the first portion 10 to the second portion 11 after the module has been extended and positioned within the window or door frame. As shown in FIG. 7, a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention uses a threaded hexagonal bolt than can be inserted using a standard hex wrench. In addition, other means for securing the first portion 10 to the second portion 11 are possible. For example, a key and lock can be used in conjunction with, or integrated in, the coupling 8 to secure the first portion 10 to the second portion 11. Clamps and other securing devices or fixing devices can also be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. Additional couplings 9, as shown in the Figures, can be used to secure the transverse plates to the posts or to provide added strength to the transverse plates 5, 6.

[0042] In another illustrative embodiment of the adjustable security apparatus depicted in FIG. 8A, the module comprises additional reinforcement members 20, 21 disposed within the first portion 10 and the second portion 11 for reinforcing the module. The additional reinforcing members 20, 21 can be either hollow or solid. In this embodiment, the first portion 10 and second portion 11 which form the exterior portions, are hollow so that they can receive the additional reinforcing members 20, 21 in a telescopic manner, as shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C. The exterior portions can be formed from any material, such as plastic, metal, or composite materials. Moreover, as a result of the additional reinforcement members 20, 21 in this embodiment, the exterior portions are not required to have a high strength or rigidity, and therefore, a larger variety of materials are suitable for the exterior portions. As with the other embodiments of the present invention, the hollow exterior portions and the reinforcing members 20, 21 can be formed in various cross-sectional shapes, for example, circular or rectangular, so long as the module is capable of telescopically extending.

[0043] Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 8A-8C, another illustrative embodiment includes additional reinforcement end plates 23, 24, either alone or in combination with the additional reinforcing members 20, 21. These reinforcement end plates 23, 24 can take the place of, or be disposed within the end plates 3, 4.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, respectively, the above described illustrative embodiment of the adjustable security apparatus has the advantage that can it be installed inside or outside of the door or window. In addition, a plurality of modules 100 can be combined easily to span a wide range of door and window sizes. The telescopic vertical adjustability of the modules has the advantage of permitting easy application and adjustability to any size window or door opening. Furthermore, the modules 100 can also be installed in a horizontal position to provide increased flexibility and application to an even broader range of door and window opening sizes.