Abstract: An emergency release latch for releasibly locking a protective closure, such as a window grill, in closed position over an opening in a building structure to prevent intruders from entering the structure through the opening and yet permit escape of persons from the structure through the opening in the event of a fire or other emergency. The latch is relativey immune to improper installation and tampering, releases automatically in response to a fire in the immediate vicinity of the escape opening and in response to breaking of the latch actuator, is reliable in operation over long periods of time without servicing, is easily releasible by young, handicapped, and elderly persons, and is secure against forced entry when engaged.

Abstract: A fence kit for constructing a fence having upright posts, rails extending between the adjacent posts, and coupling means connecting the rail ends to the adjacent posts in a manner which permits assembly of the kit into a fence without welding or special tooling. The coupling means for each fence rail comprise collars slidable on the adjacent fence posts, means such as a socket on one collar for slidably receiving the adjacent rail end in its endwise direction, and a radially projecting lug on the other collar to be coaxially aligned with the adjacent rail end and a sleeve slidable on the lug and rail to and from a position wherein the sleeve bridges the lug and rail, whereby the fence may be constructed by first securing the fence posts in their upright positions and then installing the rails between the posts.