AU2014202554A1

AU2014202554A1 - Door Assembly

Info

Publication number: AU2014202554A1
Application number: AU2014202554A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Martin Izod; Philip Ross; Jeremy Young
Original assignee: Safehinge Ltd
Current assignee: Safehinge Ltd
Priority date: 2013-05-13
Filing date: 2014-05-12
Publication date: 2014-11-27
Also published as: GB201408219D0; GB2515393A; GB201308548D0; GB2515393B

Abstract

DOOR ASSEMBLY Abstract The present invention relates to door systems which use baffle members, e.g. spacers, to occlude certain gaps present in conventional door installations and thus avoid potential ligature points. Door systems, kits and methods of installation are provided. Such door systems have particular utility in reducing risks in settings where there is a concern that a room occupant may seeking to secure a cord or the like about the door hinge to attempt suicide or self-harm. ---------- 18 Fig 4

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 Safehinge Limited ORIGINAL COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Invention Title: Door Assembly The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us: DOOR ASSEMBLY Background of the Invention [001] In buildings which house vulnerable individuals there is often a need to adapt aspects of the buildings to make them safer than conventional buildings. Such individuals are, in many cases, more liable to accidents and, in some case, may be prone to harming themselves intentionally. [002] One particular example of this is buildings which house individuals with mental health problems. Such individuals can be at risk of attempting to harm or kill themselves, and measures must be taken to minimise the risk of this. [003] One particular concern is that individuals may attempt to hang themselves. To mitigate the risk of this individuals at risk are routinely deprived of materials which can be used to hang themselves, such as belts, draw cords etc. However, there remains a risk that individuals will be able to obtain or fabricate something, such as by tearing strips of fabric from bedding, using headphone cables or the like. These can le looped around ligature points [004] Accordingly a parallel approach of eliminating ligature points in rooms where vulnerable individuals are to be left unsupervised is often undertaken. This involves elimination of any points where a cord or the like can be secured in order to bear the weight of the person trying to hang themselves. [005] Doors provide a specific challenge in providing an anti-ligature assembly. By their nature there are number of features which provides various ligature points, in particular hinges. For example, in a conventional butt hinge door, the top hinge is a clear ligature point. [006] This is especially the case with doors which require to self-close, e.g. in line with fire regulations. Self-closing mechanisms, such as the commonly used face-fixed spring lever arm provide a ligature point. [007] Various devices have been proposed which aim to reduce or eliminate the presence of ligature points in door assemblies. For example, the following systems are on the market: - Intastop Anti-ligature Hinge - this is a continuous geared hinge system, which is comparatively complex and challenging to install, requires tight tolerances, and is expensive.

-2 - Intastop Anti-barricade - this uses a double acting Z-hinge - this is complex to install, requires tight tolerances in frame alignment, and is expensive. - Dorma ITS96 Concealed Door Closer - this system uses a spring arm which is concealed between the transom and the door when the door is closed, but there is still a possible ligature point around the level and also around the door hinges. - A continuous (full length) butt hinge (akin to a piano hinge) along the door - such a system avoids ligature points on the hinge, but adding a door closer system would add a ligature point. Additionally, a continuous hinge along the full length of a door requires the door and the frame to be well aligned, can be difficult to install correctly, and can add considerable friction, especially if the edge of the frame or door is not perfectly straight. [008] All of these prior art systems have associated limitations or problems. There remains a need for alternative or improved door assemblies for use in situations where anti-ligature properties are desired. [009] One important consideration is ensuring that doors cannot readily be barricaded. In this case a double-action door (also known as a double-swing door) is desirable because it can open both ways. However, many existing anti-ligature doors are not double-acting. Those that are double-acting are typically expensive and complex to install. [010] The present inventors have developed an improved door assembly. Summary of the Invention [011] According to the present invention there is provided a door assembly comprising a door and a door frame, the door being pivotally mounted in the frame by a pivot hinge, the door or frame comprising a baffle member to prevent ligature about the top pivot. [012] A 'pivot hinge' is a hinge mechanism where pivot pins extend between the top and bottom edges of the door and the transom and floor respectively, and thereby pivotally mount the door in the frame. It is a convenient mechanism which allows a door to have a double action and avoids any hinge components projecting from the door or frame being accessible. [013] A significant advantage of the invention is that the baffle member makes it impossible for the top pivot to be used as a ligature point, e.g. it impossible to pass a cord around the pivot.

-3 [014] Preferably the baffle member substantially occludes the gap formed between the top pivot and the corner of the frame proximal to the pivot point, and the corresponding top edge of the door. More specifically, the gap is defined by the pivot pin on one side, and the jamb on the other, the transom (or top jamb) at the top, and the top of the door (e.g. top rail) at the bottom. This gap will be referred to henceforth for clarity and brevity as the 'pivot gap'. If there is substantially no pivot gap then, while a cord can be passed through a gap distal to the pivot point, i.e. between the top edge of the door and the transom distal to the pivot pin, it is not possible to return the cord around the other side of the pivot pin because there is insufficient gap. This prevents the top pivot being used as a ligature point. [015] It is typically impractical to engineer a door and frame so accurately that the substantially no gap will be left between the top of a door and the transom. A gap is required to allow smooth operation of the door and allow for thermal expansion or settling of building materials. However, the present inventors have found that using a baffle member to occlude the pivot gap, it is possible to effectively remove this primary ligature point. [016] 'Substantially occlude', or the like, in the present context means that there is insufficient gap to pass a cord through the gap, in particular a cord which is strong enough to bear the weight of an individual. It is typically impractical to completely occlude the gap such that there is no gap whatsoever - this may lead to wear on the components of the door assembly. That is not necessary for the present invention. Typically, where there is a gap having a major dimension of 2 mm or less, preferably 1 mm or less, that will be satisfactory, as cords which can fit through such a gap are typically weak. [017] The baffle member can suitably comprise a projection from the door and/or the frame. It is typically preferred that the baffle is defined by a projection from the door, but the baffle can also comprise a projection from the frame. [018] Another alternative is that the baffle member comprises one or more spacers. Suitable such a spacer is a generally flat member, e.g. a plate or washer, but other shapes are possible provided that it is suited to occlude the pivot gap. The spacer is typically relatively thin (e.g. between 1 and 5 mm), so as to fit between the top of the door and the frame and occlude the pivot gap. Several spacers can be stacked one upon the other, for instance where a comparatively large gap is to be occluded. Such a modular baffle system allows for straightforward adaptation of the installation procedure to allow for variations in frame dimensions can be accommodated.

-4 [019] The baffle member should be shaped and sized such that it extends from the pivot pin to the jamb of the frame, or to a frame member associated with the jamb. [020] In one embodiment the frame member can be an adjustable frame member that can be positioned so as to contact, or very nearly contact, the spacer and thereby minimise any residual pivot gap after installation of the door into the frame. [021] Preferably the frame member is an elongate frame member, for example one which runs for substantially the full length of the door, and thus can be positioned to contact, or very nearly contact, both the baffle member and the edge of the door, and thus eliminate or minimise both any residual pivot gap and any gap between the edge of the door and the frame. [022] It is desirable that both the pivot gap and the gap between the edge of the door and the adjacent frame are eliminated or minimised. By occluding the gap at the edge of the door, i.e. the hinged edge, it enhances safety as it means that a cord cannot be passed between the edge of the door and the frame, and then returned over the top of the door, e.g. distal to the pivot pin. Elimination of the gap between the edge of the frame and the edge of the door can be achieved in the present invention by having an arcuate door edge, as discussed below, and ensuring this is in close proximity to the frame. However, as mentioned above, by providing the adjustable elongate frame member, it is possible to occlude any gap which exists, e.g. as a result of adjusting the door. [023] Suitably the baffle member is shaped to match the cross-sectional shape of the door, i.e. the profile of the door when viewed in from above. [024] In some embodiments of the invention it may be desirable to provide a baffle member which is adjustable or to provide a plurality of baffle members of different shapes/sizes. This is advantageous as it allows the baffle member to be altered or replaced to ensure it is optimally matched to the size and shape of the pivot gap and the relative positions of the various components of the door/frame. Where the door can be adjusted relative to the frame, the size of the pivot gap can of course be altered, and this may result in an undesirable gap arising. It is desirable that the baffle member can be adjusted, modified or replaced to accommodate such changes, or that the baffle member is inherently suited to accommodate such changes. For example, a plurality of spacers with different diameters could be provided, or an eccentric/cammed spacer could be provided. In the former case a spacer having a suitable diameter can be selected to match the pivot gap, and in the later the eccentric/cammed spacer can be rotated such that it is in the optimal rotational position to occlude the pivot gap. Another -5 option is to provide one or more spacers which can be trimmed, moulded or otherwise configured to the ideal shape as required during the installation process. Another option is that the baffle member can be resilient (e.g. formed from an elastomeric polymer or suchlike) which would allow it to expand and compress as needed, e.g. it can be compressed into position to occlude the pivot gap, or it can be compressed as the door is opened or closed and the pivot gap may increase or decrease in size. [025] In a particularly preferred embodiment the spacers comprise an arcuate edge. This arcuate edge is suitably adapted to match an arcuate edge of the door; this will be described further below. [026] Suitably the spacer comprises an aperture or slot to accommodate the pivot pin. [027] Accordingly, exemplary shapes for the spacers include a generally circular plate with a hole or slot formed therein; this can result, for example, in an 0 or C shaped spacer. [028] Preferably the door is configured so that the gap between the hinged edge of the door and its corresponding adjacent frame member (e.g. jamb) remains substantially constant as the door is opened and closed. [029] By 'hinged edge' it is meant the edge which is parallel to the pivot axis of the door, and which remains proximal to the frame when the door is opened - typically this is the vertical edge of the door nearest the pivot hinge, e.g. the style of the door nearest the hinge. The opposite edge of the door is typically referred to as the 'latched edge' because this side typically bears the latching mechanism in a standard door. [030] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention the hinged edge of the door comprises an arcuate profile. [031] By arcuate profile is meant that the edge of the door defines an arc when viewed in cross section, e.g. from vertically above, when in use. [032] Preferably the arc of the arcuate profile subtends a central angle of at least 1800, more preferably at least 2200, and even 2600 or more.

-6 [033] Where the door has an arcuate profile, it is advantageous in that the door can be pivotally mounted such that the gap between the hinged edge of the door and the frame adjacent to which it pivots does not change as the door is opened. [034] The arcuate profile can be integral to the door, or it can be provided on a member that is attachable to the edge of the door. For example, the arcuate profile can be provided on an elongate member, one side of the elongate member comprising the arcuate profile and the other providing a channel to receive the hinged edge of the door. Preferably the elongate member which defines the profile has a substantially constant cross-section. This cross section may be generally C-shaped. The member is suitably substantially the same length as the hinged edge of the door such that the entire hinged edge of the door is provided with an arcuate profile when the member is attached. Alternatively, a plurality of shorter elongate members could be attached end-to-end to make up the length of the hinged edge. [035] Preferably the pivot centre for the door is located centrally relative to the arcuate portion; that is to say, so that the pivot point lies at the centre of a circle, the circumference of which is partially defined by the arcuate profile of the door. [036] In such a configuration there is a significant advantage in that as the door opens the surface defined by the arcuate portion of the door stays at a substantially constant distance from the adjacent frame. [037] Preferably the frame is adapted such that the door can open past 900 from its closed position, preferably 1000 or more, and suitably 1200 or more. It is often important that doors can open past 900 so that the opening is not partially obstructed by the handle or any other features protruding from the face of the door. This can be problematic with pivot hinged doors (as opposed to conventional butt hinged doors) as when the door opens, because of the position of the pivot point, the surface of the door can abut against the frame. [038] Suitably the frame is provided with a bevel or a chamfer which allows the door to open past 900. The advantage of such a bevel or chamfer is that the portion of the frame against which the door would have abutted, if the frame had a square edge, is not present. An alternative arrangement is to provide an elongate recess or channel on the door into which the square edge of the frame can enter. [039] To permit opening of a door past 900, it is known in the art to provide a pivot hinge spaced inwardly from the hinged edge of the door, often known as an 'offset pivot'. This has the -7 effect of meaning that when the door is fully opened, the opened edge of the door (i.e. the vertical edge distal from the hinge) is able to swing beyond 900 and thus a handle or suchlike does not project into the door opening. This has the significant disadvantage a large gap forms between the hinged edge of the door and the frame (sometimes referred to as a hinge gap). When the door closes, this gap is closed and there is a significant risk that anything within in the gap will become entrapped, and potentially crushed. This could, for example, be a finger or the like. Accordingly, such a hinge arrangement is undesirable from a safety perspective. The present invention provides a system whereby the hinged edge and the frame remain in close relationship (and the gap can be kept constant in cases where an arcuate door edge is present), and yet allow the door to open beyond 900. [040] In a preferred embodiment the door comprises a control means to control closing of the door. In a preferred embodiment the control device is provided at the top of the door, e.g. associated with the transom. Alternatively the control device can be located in the floor, e.g. a floor spring. [041] A preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a transom mounted door control device. Preferably the control device is substantially completely contained within the transom, with the obvious exception of the pivot pin which must extend to mount the door. By containing the control device in the transom, it is beneficial that ligature points are avoided. This contrasts with many control devices commonly used on doors such as sprung lever arms and the like. The control device can comprise a resilient (e.g. sprung) mechanism to bias the door into a desired position, typically into the closed position. Such a device is typically known as a transom spring. The control device may be adapted to provide some degree of damping or might be mechanised to assist opening, e.g. with an electric motor. There are a variety of commercially available transom springs (e.g. from Dorma) which can be used in the present invention. [042] It is preferred that the door comprises adjustment means to adjust the relative position of the door and the frame. It is typically the case that a door opening is not exactly rectangular, and some degree of adjustment of the door relative to the frame is often required to ensure correct operation. In the context of a pivot hinged door, it is known to use adjustable upper and lower hinge arms which locate into channels provided in the upper and lower edges of the door. Adjustment can be provided by adjusting the position of the hinge arms relative to the channel in the door, e.g. using a plurality of grub screws or the like. Such a system can be used with the present invention, but in many cases is sub-optimal as it is undesirable if the pivot point is not central with respect to the arcuate profile.

-8 [043] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the adjustment means is adapted to allow adjustment of the door relative to the frame, but ensures that the pivot point remains centred in the door relative to the arcuate profile. As discussed above, when an arcuate profile is used, it is advantageous that the pivot point is substantially centrally located, to ensure that the gap between the arcuate portion and the frame remains constant. If the adjustment means permits movement of the pivot point relative to the arcuate portion, so that it is off-centre, then this could lead to the door operating incorrectly, e.g. binding against the jamb, or eliminating the advantage that no pinch point is caused between the hinged edge and the jamb when the door is opened and closed. [044] Accordingly, it is preferred that the adjustment means allows adjustment of the pivot point relative to the frame and not relative to the door. This means that, although the door can be moved relative to the frame, the pivot point on the door will always be centred relative to the arcuate profile. [045] Optionally the door assembly can comprise a stop to limit movement of the door, e.g. to hold the door in a closed position. Preferably the stop, if present, is removable. [046] According to a further aspect, the present invention comprises a kit comprising: - a door adapted to mount in a frame via a pivot hinge; - a baffle member adapted to occlude the pivot gap. [047] The baffle member may be integral to the door, frame or ironmongery (pivot set, strap or closer) or may comprise one or more detachable spacers. The kit can comprise a plurality of different sized or shaped spacers (as described above) or the spacer(s) may be trimmable or mouldable to ensure that the pivot gap is suitably occluded. [048] The door may comprise one of more features described above, e.g. the arcuate profile. [049] The kit may comprise a pivot hinge mechanism for installation of the door. The hinge mechanism suitably comprises a transom mountable door control device. [050] The kit may comprise pivot hinge components for mounting of the door in the frame. [051] The kit may further comprise an adjustable frame member, e.g. an adjustable elongate frame member, adapted to be mounted on the frame to occlude any residual pivot gap, and preferably any gap between the frame and the edge of the door.

-9 [052] According to a further aspect, there is provides a method of installing a door into a frame, said method comprising: a) providing a door adapted to be mounted in a frame via a pivot hinge; b) mounting said door in the frame via a pivot hinge; and c) providing a baffle member to occlude the pivot gap. [053] The door or frame may comprise one of more features described above, e.g. the arcuate profile. [054] Step c) preferably comprises providing one or more spacers. Various preferable features of the spacers are described above. [055] The method can comprise providing a frame member which is positioned and affixed to the frame to minimise any residual pivot gap between the baffle member and the jamb of the frame and/or between the frame and the edge of the door, e.g. which has resulted from adjustment of the door relative to the frame. [056] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps. [057] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this specification. [058] In order that the present invention may be more clearly understood, preferred embodiments will be described with reference to the following drawings and examples. Specific Description of Embodiments of the Invention [059] An example of the invention will now be described in more detail, by way of non restrictive example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: -10 Fig 1 shows a door assembly according to the present invention in a closed position; Fig 2 shows a door assembly according to the present invention in an open position, at an opening angle of 1100; Fig 3 shows a door assembly according to the present invention in an open position, at an opening angle of 900; Fig 4 shows a close view of the top pivot region of a door assembly according to the present invention; Fig 5 shows a close view of the frame of a door assembly according to the present invention, with the door removed, with the transom pivot assembly and the spacers shown; Fig 6 shows a view of a door assembly according to the present invention with the transom removed for clarity, the door being in the closed position; Fig 7 shows a view of a door assembly according to the present invention with the transom removed for clarity, the door being in an open position at an opening angle of 900; Fig 8 shows a view of a door assembly according to the present invention with the transom removed for clarity, the door being in the open position at an opening angle of 110; Fig 9 shows an exploded view of a door assembly according to the present invention with the various component parts separated; and Figs 1OA-E show various cross-sections through the door assembly of the present invention. [060] Fig 1 shows a door assembly of the present invention10 comprising a door 12 and a frame 14. The frame comprises a transom (also known as a top jamb) 16, a hinge jamb 18, and floor jamb 20 and a distal jamb 22. The door 12 is mounted in the frame 14 via a pivot hinge, not shown. The dotted lines in Fig 2 show that the figure has been compressed in terms of the height of the door assembly 10 to make better use of space. [061] The door 12 is a double-action door, and can open in both directions, as shown in Figs 2 and 3. [062] The door 12 comprises and arcuate surface 24, which defines the hinge edge of the door. As the door opens, the distance between the arcuate surface 24 and the surface of the hinge jamb 18 stays substantially constant. This has an important benefit in that pinch points, which in conventional door arrangements are caused by the edge of the door moving relative to the frame, are avoided. [063] Figs 4 and 5 show the top pivot assembly 30 of the pivot hinge used to mount the door in the frame. The top pivot comprises a pivot pin 32, which is rotatably mounted in a transom - 11 spring door control mechanism 34, (e.g. the transom spring sold by Dorma UK Ltd, Hitchin, UK, as unit number RTS87). The pivot pin 32 is square in section, which allows torque applied to the pin 32 to be transmitted to the door 12, via a corresponding square recess 42 provided in the top of the door. This allows for controlled opening and closing of the door 12. [064] Spacers 36 are provided between the top of the door 12 and the transom 16. The spacers are C-shaped, with the outer, convex portion of the C defining an arc which substantially matches the arcuate profile of the hinge edge of the door, and the inner, concave portion of the C defining a slot which receives the pivot pin 32. [065] As can be seen from Fig 4, the spacers 32 serve to occlude the gap between the top edge of the door 12 and the transom 16, and between the hinge jamb 18 and the pivot pin 32. This means that there is insufficient gap for an individual to pass a cord (or similar elongate object) around the pivot pin 32. While it may be possible to pass a cord through the gap between the top edge of the door 12 and the transom 16 distal to the pivot pin 32, it is not possible to return it back using the pivot pin 32 as a ligature point. [066] This is extremely desirable because it allows pivot hinged doors to be used in situations where ligature points are problematic (e.g. in institutions housing individuals at risk of suicide). Pivot hinged doors have many advantages, including ease of installation, aesthetic properties, reliability, double-action (if required), ease of cleaning, etc. However, prior to the present invention they have been avoided in situations where ligature points are a concern, and more complex, expensive or technically complex systems have been used. [067] Figs 6, 7 and 8 show views of the top of the door 12 in closed and open positions. Fig 6 shows the door in the closed position. Fig 7 shows the door in an open position, swung in one direction (i.e. into the page) at an opening angle of 900. Fig 7 shows the door in an open position, swung in the other direction (i.e. out from the page) at an opening angle of 1100. [068] As can be seen, at each of the positions shown in Figs 6 to 8, the distance between the arcuate surface 24 and the hinge jamb 18 is the same. This is highly desirable as it means that there is no pinching action as the door is opened or closed. [069] Fig 8 shows the door 12 opened beyond 900, in this case to 1100. This is desirable as if the door only opened to 900 or less, the handle on the door (if present) would project from the door and obstruct the opening. This can be problematic, especially when moving large objects - 12 through the door opening. In the present invention the hinge jamb is provided with a chamfer which allows the door to open beyond 900 without abutting against the hinge jamb 18. [070] Fig 7 shows the door opened in the opposite direction from Fig 8, and in this case the door abuts against an elongate frame member 28 when the door is opened to 900. Elongate frame member 28 thus acts as a stop to limit the extent of opening of the door. It is quite acceptable in many circumstances that the door is able to open past 900 in one direction because, in general use, the full opening width is not required, and the door can be opened in the direction that permits opening beyond 900 when full opening width is required. [071] Elongate frame member 28 performs another important role in the embodiment shown. During installation, the member 28 is fitted once the door has been mounted into the desired position. The exact positioning of member 28 can be selected at this point such that it contacts, or very nearly contacts the spacer 32. Elongate frame member 28 thus allows for the pivot gap to be substantially eliminated; this is particularly useful in the case that the spacer does not meet the jamb closely enough to occlude the pivot gap as much as is desired - this could occur if a significant adjustment of the door relative to the frame has been required, e.g. where the frame is considerably off square, and a residual pivot gap has been introduced. Thus the elongate frame member 28 provides a very useful mechanism to fine tune the relationship between the spacer and the frame to occlude the pivot gap. In other embodiments the elongate frame member can be replaced by another frame component which allows fine tuning of the pivot gap. For example, a small member, e.g. a block, could be provided and fixed in a suitable location. However, it is generally preferred that an elongate member is used, as this allows for any significant gap between the frame and the arcuate edge of the door to be occluded, thus further improving the anti-ligature properties of the door assembly. [072] Fig 9 shows an exploded view of the door assembly show in the preceding figures. [073] The components of the top pivot 30 are shown in more detail, including the transom spring door controller 31, which is mounted in the transom 16 and covered by a cover plate 42, which is secured in place with screws. [074] A top strap 44 provides for connection of the door 12 to the top pivot. It comprises an elongate portion 44 which is adjustable within a channel provided in the top edge of the door 12. Channel liners 46 and 48 are located within the channel in the door with screws, and the elongate portion 44 is adjusted within the channel liner by adjusting of grub screws etc. A cover plate 47 is secured in place to cover the top strap 44. This arrangement allows the position of -13 the door within the frame to be adjusted, which allows minor alignment problems to be addressed. In a more preferred embodiment (not shown), adjustment of the location of the door is achieved by adjusting the position of the pivot point in the transom - this avoids the situation where the pivot point of the door is off-centre relative to the arcuate portion. Nonetheless, the arrangement set out in Fig 9 can, in many cases, provide for satisfactory installation and adjustment in many cases. [075] The square pivot pin 32 that extends from the transom spring door controller 31 is inserted into a square channel in the elongate portion 44 and secured by a cap member 45 which is bolted into place to compress the pivot pin 32 in the channel. [076] A bottom pivot 52, which is non-adjustable in the embodiment shown, is screwed into place. This pivot can comprise a bearing or similar low friction mechanism to allow for smooth operation of the door. The bottom pivot 52 engages with a hole in a bottom strap 50, which is secured with screws to the bottom edge of the door. [077] An elongate member 23 is generally C-shaped in cross section, which defines a channel 25 adapted to receive the hinge edge of the door 12, and an elongate arcuate surface 24. The elongate member is secured to the door by screws 52, but other fixation means could be used, e.g. adhesive, clips or the like. Once secured to the door 12, the combined door and elongate portion result in the door having an arcuate hinge edge which provides the benefits described earlier. It should be noted that the arcuate surface need not be completely continuous, in that, for example, the embodiment shown is provided with a longitudinal groove in which is located an intumescent strip 54; this results in a flattened surface along the length of the elongate member 23. [078] Three C-shaped spacers 36 can be seen which, when the door assembly is assembled, will occlude access to the pivot gap. The spacers 36 are shaped to generally match the arcuate profile of the hinged edge of the door. [079] These spacers 36 can be made of any suitable material, but it is preferred that the top and/or bottom surfaces are formed by a low friction material, such as PTFE, polythene or the like. [080] In the embodiment shown, a profiled jamb member 18a is attached to the frame 18. This profiled jamb member 18a provides a jamb having a preferred profile for use with the door as described. As can be seen, it comprises a longitudinal chamfer 54 to permit the door to open - 14 past 900 in one direction, and a longitudinal stop 56 to limit opening at 900 in the other direction. Of course, a separate jamb member 18a need not be provided, and the jamb 18 can be adapted to provide a suitable profile. [081] A removable elongate stop member 40 is shown, which is attachable to the jamb 22 at the latch edge of the frame. Where it is desired to make the door single-acting, then such a stop can be attached to the jamb. If the door is barricaded, it is possible to remove the stop to allow the door to be opened. [082] Figures 1 0A to 1 0E show various sections through the door which help illustrate the specific details of the assembly. [083] The various component parts of the door assembly can be readily installed by the skilled person. The skilled person selects the appropriate number of spacers 36 to ensure that the pivot gap is occluded, e.g. any gap is less than 2 mm, preferably less than 1 mm, and most preferably less than 0.5 mm. To achieve this, spacers may be provided in a number of thicknesses in order to customise the fit, e.g. thicknesses of 2 mm, 1 mm and 0.5 mm, though other thicknesses could of course be provided. [084] In use, as the door is opened, it pivots about the pivot hinge. The arcuate profile ensures that the gap between the jamb member 24 and the edge of the door remains substantially constant, and ideally the gap is less than 2mm, preferably less than 1mm. The door can open past 900 until the face of the door abuts against the chamfer 54 at about 1100 opening angle. [085] The spacers 36 substantially occlude the pivot gap, meaning that it is essentially impossible to thread a cord or the like through the pivot gap. This means that the top pivot 32 pin cannot be used as a ligature point. Frame member 28 also has a role in occluding the pivot gap, and also the gap between the edge of the door and the jamb. This effect of the door assembly of the present invention is that a pivot hinged door can be conveniently used in situation where anti ligature properties are required. This is a far simpler system to provide an anti-ligature door assembly than those of the prior art. It combines the inherent elegant simplicity of a pivot hinge door, with the safety of anti-ligature properties and the anti-pinch properties of an arcuate edged door. Furthermore, the combination of an arcuate edged door and arcuate spacers provides for a very close fit between the spacers and the hinged jamb, thus allowing for any residual gap require for clearance for smooth operation to be minimised.

-15 [086] Construction and Installation of a door assembly of the present invention is well within the routine abilities of the person skilled in the art, in light of the teaching of the present application. [087] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

1. A door assembly comprising a door and a door frame, the door being pivotally mounted in the frame by a pivot hinge, the door or frame comprising a baffle member to prevent ligature about the top pivot.

2. A door assembly according to claim 1 in which the baffle member substantially occludes the pivot gap formed between the top pivot and the corner of the frame proximal to the pivot point, and the corresponding top edge of the door.

3. A door assembly according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the baffle member comprises a projection from the door and/or the frame.

4. A door assembly according to claim 3 wherein the baffle is defined by a projection from the door.

5. A door assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein that the baffle member comprises one or more spacers.

6. A door assembly according to claim 5 wherein the one or more spacers comprise a generally flat member.

7. A door assembly according to claim 6 wherein the spacer has a thickness of from 1 to 5 mm.

8. A door assembly according to any one of claims 5 to 7 wherein several spacers are stacked one upon the other.

9. A door assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein the frame member is an adjustable frame member that can be positioned so as to contact, or very nearly contact, the spacer and thereby minimise any residual pivot gap after installation of the door into the frame.

10. A door assembly according to claim 9 wherein the frame member is an elongate frame member, which is adapted to be positioned to contact, or very nearly contact, both the baffle member and the edge of the door, and thus eliminate or minimise both any residual pivot gap and any gap between the edge of the door and the frame. -17

11. A door assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein the baffle member is shaped to match the cross-sectional shape of the door.

12. A door assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11 having an adjustable or to provide a baffle member.

13. A door assembly according to claim 12 comprising an eccentric or cammed spacer.

14. A door assembly according to claim 12 comprising a resilient baffle member.

15. A door assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 14 having a spacer comprise an arcuate edge.

16. A door assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 15 having a spacer which comprises an aperture or slot to accommodate the pivot pin.

17. A door assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 16 wherein the door is configured so that the gap between the hinged edge of the door and its corresponding adjacent frame member remains substantially constant as the door is opened and closed.

18. A door assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 17 wherein the hinged edge of the door comprises an arcuate profile.

19. A door assembly according to claim 18 wherein the arc of the arcuate profile subtends a central angle of at least 1800.

20. A door assembly according to claim 18 or 19 wherein the arcuate profile is integral to the door, or wherein it is provided on a member that is attachable to the edge of the door.

21. A door assembly according to any one of claims 18 to 20 wherein the pivot centre for the door is located centrally relative to the arcuate portion.

22. A door assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 21 wherein the frame is adapted such that the door can open past 900 from its closed position. -18

23. A door assembly according to claim 22 wherein the frame is provided with a bevel or a chamfer and/or the door is provided with an elongate recess or channel, which allows the door to open past 900.

24. A door assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 23 which comprises a control means to control closing of the door.

25. A door assembly according to claim 24 which comprises a transom mounted door control device, wherein the control device is substantially completely contained within the transom.

26. A door assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 25 in which the door and/or frame comprises adjustment means to adjust the relative position of the door and the frame.

27. A door assembly according to claim 26 in which the adjustment means is adapted to allow adjustment of the door relative to the frame, but ensures that the pivot point remains centred in the door relative to the arcuate profile.

28. A door assembly according to claim 27 wherein the adjustment means allows adjustment of the pivot point relative to the frame and not relative to the door.

29. A door assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 28 which comprises a stop to limit movement of the door.

30. A kit comprising: - a door adapted to mount in a frame via a pivot hinge; - a baffle member adapted to occlude the pivot gap.

31. The kit of claim 30 in which either: - baffle member is integral to the door, frame or ironmongery; or - the baffle comprises one or more detachable spacers.

32. The kit of claim 30 or 31 which comprises a plurality of different sized or shaped spacers, one or more eccentric or cammed spacers, a resilient spacer and/or in which the one or more spacers may be trimmable or mouldable to ensure that the pivot gap is suitably occluded.

33. The kit of claim of any one of claims 30 to 32 which comprises a pivot hinge mechanism for installation of the door. -19

34. A method of installing a door into a frame, the method comprising: a) providing a door adapted to be mounted in a frame via a pivot hinge; b) mounting said door in the frame via a pivot hinge; and c) providing a baffle member to occlude the pivot gap.

35. The method of claim 34 in which step c) comprises providing one or more spacers.

36. The method of claim 34 or 35 which comprises providing a frame member which is positioned and affixed to the frame to minimise any residual pivot gap between the baffle member and the jamb of the frame and/or between the frame and the edge of the door.