The Smith Brothers and Their Father Transform Home Security with a New Safety Patent

In a year of rapid changes in home safety and a growing demand for simple and effective protection solutions, a Chicago family has made a significant breakthrough in residential security. This spring, four brothers, namely Jayden, Jaylen, Marshawn, and Makel Smith, along with their father, Martasz Smith, obtained a patent for the Winlock Window and Patio Safety & Security Bar. This device is designed to strengthen windows and sliding doors against forced entry and accidental falls.

The patent is now registered as 2026’s top home security hardware innovation. It marks years of research and product development by the Smith family under their brand, Smart Guard. Their safety bar addresses weaknesses in common window and patio door designs that traditional locks and aftermarket security bars often ignore.

“This company was built out of necessity. After our home was burglarized twice, each time exposing a different, overlooked vulnerability, we knew there had to be a better way to protect families.” The Smith brothers said in an exclusive statement to Black Enterprise. “Every Smart Guard product is designed from that experience, with a focus on closing the gaps most people don’t even realize exist.”

From Personal Loss to Public Safety

The idea for Smart Guard stemmed from a real threat: the Smiths’ home was burglarized twice. Both incidents took advantage of weaknesses in their window and door fixtures. In the first case, an intruder entered through a window-mounted air conditioning unit. This is a common but problematic entry point that standard locks often overlook. In the second incident, an intruder manipulated the outer top sash of a window, revealing another structural weak spot.

These experiences are not unique to the Smith family. According to data, residential break-ins often happen through windows and patio doors. These are frequently easier to access than heavily reinforced front doors.

Patented Innovation Meets Market Demand

After refining several prototypes, the Smiths filed for a patent on their Winlock security bar, which was officially granted in 2026. The patent covers a design that reinforces the structural integrity of the window assembly, making it much harder for would-be intruders to apply leverage or force.

In addition to preventing burglary, the device acts as a safety measure for children, reducing the risk of accidental falls from windows, an often-overlooked issue in multi-story homes.

Patents are valuable in the home tech industry, signaling innovation and credibility. Based on recent intellectual property filings, the Smith family patent stands out because of its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and broad applicability in homes—traits often lacking in complex smart home systems.

Wider Commercial Reach and Partnerships

Smart Guard has seen significant momentum in 2026. In 2024, the company secured a nationwide retail partnership with Lowe’s. This places Winlock units in hundreds of stores across the U.S. This kind of distribution deal is rare for early-stage companies. It highlights strong retailer confidence in the brand’s demand and reliability.

The product is also available through major e-commerce platforms, including Amazon, Target, and True Value hardware stores, ensuring wide consumer access. High customer ratings and multiple “Amazon’s Choice” titles indicate a positive market response and growing trust among homeowners.

Voices from the Field

Security experts interviewed for this article emphasize the importance of the Smiths’ innovation.

“We’re entering a phase where consumers want real protection, not just smart locks and cameras, but hardware that directly counters physical vulnerabilities.” Dan Lewis said, a residential security consultant based in Chicago. “What the Smith family has done with Winlock is to address a gap that many installers and manufacturers have missed.”

Home safety advocates also stress the value of inclusive design. Many traditional security upgrades are costly or complicated to install. In contrast, the Winlock bar is marketed as DIY-friendly, allowing homeowners to improve safety without needing professional help.

Looking Ahead: Family First, Safety Always

For the Smith family, growth has not changed their mission. Their Smart Guard pipeline now includes additional devices focused on personal health and vehicle security. These are all based on the real-life lesson that safety must consider actual situations, rather than hypothetical scenarios.

The Smiths say their guiding philosophy remains the same:

“We didn’t set out to start a product company; we set out to solve a real problem.”

With their patent secured and distribution growing nationwide, Smart Guard positions itself as a leader in practical, accessible home security. This achievement could influence product design standards for years to come, as industry analysts predict.