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$10 chain solves window dilemma

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Simple device can stop aluminium frames falling from high-rises and prevent injuries, say inventors

A former space engineer and a university colleague have invented a cheap and simple safety device to prevent aluminium windows from falling from high-rise buildings and injuring pedestrians.

The device is a 25cm stainless steel chain bolted to the window and frame and concealed when the window is closed.

Co-designed by Michael Hung Yau-yan and Ralph Ip Wai-lam, of City University's Department of Manufacturing Engineering and Engineering Management, the chain can hold up to 300kg, or the equivalent of about 16 aluminium windows.

'The materials of our safety-chain device are remarkably inexpensive and the installation distinctly simple,' said Professor Hung, who used to work for the US space agency Nasa.

The designers said they would not apply for a patent for the invention.

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