GB2201712A - Door and door assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

To improve vandal-resistance on doors to buildings subject to unauthorised tampering, improved measures are taken to conceal parts and fittings of a door assembly from view. The door may be basically of wood having a hard perimeter (2), a rigid hollow spine (3) allowing projecting pivots of floor and ceiling mountings to be inserted and adjusted. Various brackets (4, 8) and channels (21) are used as strengthening means and for concealment. <IMAGE>

Description

TITLE Door and Door Assembly This invention is concerned with a door and door assembly. It is more particularly concerned with the technical field of "security" doors particularly where the door assembly is to be used in locations susceptible to vandalism by way of damage or destruction.

It is an accepted phenomenon of city life that certain fixed structures are liable to be damaged by acts of vandalism. Although lifts and public telephone booths are frequently the objects of vandalism, it is also known that in certain built-up areas, particularly blocks of high-rise flats, damage may be done to entrance doors and this often renders the door unsuitable for use.

There have been previous attempts to construct doors which are vandal-resistant in the sense of improving their security against damage, but known arrangements have not proved entirely satisfactory. Part of the problem is that in known arrangements it is still possible to gain access to screws, bolts and hinges which are used in the construction of the door. These are a weak point as far as the structure is concerned and it is all too easy for vandals to damage fittings by inserting screwdrivers in accessible places and by removing screws and the like from their respective positions.

Furthermore, the door member itself may be damaged as may any windows or "portholes" for observing the interior or exterior of the building in which the door is located.

It is from consideration of existing security doors and their attendant disadvantages which has led to the development of the present invention.

According to this invention there is provided a door structure comprising a door member having the whole or a major proportion if its perimeter constructed of a hard material, an elongate spine abutting and secured to one perimeter edge and also extending along a major part thereof, at least one supporting bracket connected to the door member which both extends from and is secured to said spine, a channel section of hard material encasing the spine and secured to the door, both ends of the spine and/or channel section having a recess or a projecting pivot, the door further capable of receiving a locking mechanism and capable of insertion between a pair of spaced mountings by pivotal engagement.

To improve the strength and appearance of the door structure It is preferred to include at least a cover facing of a hard material over the door member and covering the or each bracket from view. If windows or portholes are present in the door then, clearly, the cover facing will not extend over the regions in the structure.

It is to be noted that the invention includes within its scope also a door assembly which comprises a door structure as defined above in association with a pair of mountings which are operable by pivotal interconnection.

It is further preferred that both such mountings include movable projecting pivots which can engage the recesses at each end of the spine or channel section.

For some embodiments of the invention the pivotal projection and co-operating recess may be reversed in position whereby each mounting has a pivot-receivable recess and each end of the spine or tube is provided with a movable projecting pivot.

The invention further includes within its scope a structure such as a building or the like which incorporates either a door assembly as defined above or a door structure as defined above.

it is most preferred that when the door assembly comprising the door structure and mountings are fitted into a building or similar structure that the front surface of the door and mountings are free of exposed screws, bolts which might be removed by vandalism. In order to meet this criteria and provide for adjustable spacing of the projecting pivots, at least the upper mounting of a pair of mountings may have an access plate remote from the front surface and permitting access to the upper pivotal connection for initial fitting assembly and for any subsequent adjustment necessary.

The #lower pivotal mounting may comprise a known form of channel keep which can be inserted within a recess in the ground or floor level. Such channel keep can be provided with a fixed or movable, vertically projecting pivot. An alternative arrangement of channel keep may comprise a recess of sufficient dimensions and strength to accommodate a projecting pivot at the lowermost end of the spine or channel section which encases the spine.

Most conveniently the locking mechanism which may be inserted within the door structure is operable magnetically or electronically by authorised personnel.

The precise locking mechanism which may be utilised in the door structure and door assembly is not of especial importance to the function of this invention.

Nevertheless, it will be convenient to use some form of security locking mechanism which permits people, having the wight of access, to gain entry by Inserting an identity card or the like into a sensing device in the building structure or, alternatively, in the door structure.

The expression "hard material" is used herein to denote material having strength and resilience to damage and, for example, includes metals such as steel or aluminium and their alloys, and rigid plastics materials which are resistant to impact and accidental or deliberate damage. It is preferred, however, to use steel or metals (including alloys) which are harder than steel. This is to permit ease of fabrication whilst permitting welding connections and keeping overall costs within reasonable budgets. More expensive and stronger materials could, however, be used if required.

The door structure may be constructed of wood or wood facing material or possibly hardboard facing material, and the cover facing which is preferably deployed conveniently comprises glass-reinforced plastics material. Laminates of other hard materials may be used as the cover facing. A rear facing of similar material may be used at the side of the door intended to face the interior of the building or structure.

In order that the invention may be illustrated and readily carried into effect, an embodiment thereof will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings and in which: Figure 1 is a view of a door assembly as fitted to a building, Figure 2 is a corresponding front view of a door structure, Figure 3 is a front view of a door structure with cover facing removed, Figure 4 is a cross-section on the line Y-Y of Figure 2, Figure 5 is a cross-section along the line X-X of Figure 2, and Figure 6 is a detailed view of a floor mounting showing pivotal connection.

Referring firstly to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, a door structure is shown as assembled into a domestic residence such as a high-rise block of flats susceptible to vandalism. The door member 1 is coated with a layer 15 of glass reinforced plastic (GRP). The door is set within an area defined by metal framework 19 which does not form part of the door structure or of the door assembly according to the invention. The door framework 19 is to assist the location of the door in the building and to assist sealing of the gap between door member 1 and the structure in which it is inserted. In the present embodiment the adJacent structure is brickwork 17 and a supplementary framework 18 in which panels of glass (not referenced) are inserted. Figure 2 shows the imaginary lines Y-Y and X-X from which the cross-sectional view of Figures 4 and 5 are taken.

Referring to Figure 3 of the drawings, this illustrates a door structure according to the invention.

A wooden door member or core 1 has a metal surround 2 extending around the entire external perimeter. The metal surround is conveniently screwed into the door member 1 at convenient locations using countersunk or otherwise recessed screws.

The door member 1 includes a rectangular recess 7 into which a lock housing 20, such as an electromagnetic door closure, is fitted. It also includes a series of portholes or windows 16, but it will be appreciated that these windows or the particular type of locking mechanism are not essential features of this invention. Extending substantially the length of one vertical edge 2 is a metal hollow door spine 3. The door spine 3 is welded substantially along its entire length to the metal surround 2 which it abuts. The spine has an upper end 3a' and a lower end 3b both of which are fitted with bosses (not shown in Figure 3) for receiving projecting pivot members. The view of Figure 3 shows the front of the door unit and this Figure does not include the facing of hard glass reinforced plastic.This facing is optional but preferred as enhancing the appearance of the door as well as providing additional security against undesirable damage.

A series of three horizontal metal support brackets 4 are provided which are both screwed into the door member 1 at locations 5 and also welded to door spine 3 at their ends in contact therewith. The other side of the door, the rear side, is not not shown but will equally have three such brackets in corresponding position.

Referring to Figure 4 of the drawings, internal details are shown of the door unit according to the invention, details of the pivot mountings being described below with reference to Figure 5. At the left hand pivoting side of the door unit the metal framework 19 is shown curving around the door spine 3 and associated fittings. ! It will be seen that the curvature of these fittings restricts access by e.g. screwdrivers and other implements, and there are no immediately accessible screws, bolts or hinges which may be attacked or damaged by' vandals.

Adjacent the metal surround 2 is a rectangular channel section 21 which is screwed into the door member 1 at appropriate locations. This member 21 provides additional protection to the door at this end and is in contact with the door spine 3 along the length of the door. The spine 3 is welded to this channel section 21 and welded to a U-shaped channel section 8 which encases the spine within its interior. The channel section 8 is secured to the member 21 by means of plug welding. Again, this avoids the use of externally visible screws which are liable to be unscrewed by vandals. The brackets 4 are shown extending from the door spine 3, to which they are also welded, it being noted that the door member 1 is rebated to assist fitting and location of all metal brackets 4.

At the right hand side of the figure the door closure mechanism is shown by way of housing 23 and access panel 24 through which an authorised person may insert a card or other device to trigger the electromagnetic catch (not shown in detail). At this point in the structure the housing 23 has replaced the corresponding part of the framework structure 19. The perimeter of the door member 1 is provided with metal surround 2 as previously, and, furthermore, a reinforcing channel section 21 which is conveniently plug welded to the surround 2 and assists in the location of GRP facing 15, the ends of which are rebated at the location of this channel section 21. Also secured to the channel section 21 is a metal return plate 22 which bridges the gap between the end of the door structure and the catch housing 23 or correspond framework surround 19.Because of a close fitting arrangement between the external end of this return 22 and the card entry plate 24 (and corresponding part of framework surround 19) it is difficult to insert a screwdriver or other sharp object into the space between these two items 22 and 24 or 22 and 19, further assisting in security against vandalism.

Referring to Figure 5, details are shown of an upper pivotal mounting 9 in the form of a metal housing and a lower pivotal mounting 25 in the form of a channel keep for the floor supporting mechanism. The upper end 3a of the core 3 is provided with an internal annular boss 29 which is welded in position. The upper pivotal housing 9 has a removable access plate 14 normally arranged whereby access to said moun#ting 9 can only be made from the inside of the building and not the outside. This is a further security measure against vandalistic attack from the outside of a building. Resting within pivotal housing 9 is a flanged pivot support 31 projecting through an aperture 32 in the housing 9 and resting whereby the flange rests on the rim defining aperture 32.

The pivot support 31 is internally threaded as shown and is provided with a depending, projecting pivot member 30 having a corresponding thread and being displaceable by means of appropriately sized recess 6 into which an allen key may be inserted. Alternatively, the depending, projecting pivot 30 may be provided with other means enabling it to be rotated and consequently raised or lowered as required. The lower part of the projecting pivot is adapted to fit the annular boss 29 and so form a pivotal support between the door unit and structure to which the upper mounting 9 is secured. It will be appreciated that the parts 31 and 30 are removable from the housing 9 by means of the access plate whereby the door unit may be inserted in correct position and then parts 31 and 30 inserted and adjusted until correctly set up. The displaceable facility of this depending pivot allows careful initial installation and subsequent adjustment if necessary. The pivot support 31 and consequently the depending pivot 30 are shielded from external vtiew by means of the U-shaped channel section 8.

Thus, the pivoting action is protected from the exterior and enhances the security of the door apparatus.

At the lower end 3b of the spine 3 a corresponding lower annular boss 26 is located, being similarly welded to the interior of the spine 3. A movable projecting pivot 27 is located within the annular bore and this may function in the manner of conventional channel keeps for pivoting doors. The projecting pivot 27 is connected to a movable support 28 which can be raised or lowered by known means. Upon initial installation of the door into the building or other structure the projecting pivot 27 may either be coplanar with the floor or projecting slightly upwards therefrom, whichever is found to be the more convenient. Again, in similar fashion to the upper pivotal arrangement, the pivot and supporting boss are shielded from external view by means of both the spine and its encasing U-shaped channel section 8.Close fitting of the end 3b of the spine also minimises any possible point of access by vandals.

Referring lastly to Figure 6 there is shown a detailed view of one suitable form of floor mounting in partial cutaway form. The floor mounting 25 comprises a channel keep for insertion level or flush in the floor. A floor closure mechanism 28 has a displaceable pivot 27 projecting into the core or into a support member 50 embedded therein. The closure mechanism 28 is supported on a packer 51, the amount of projection of pivot 27 being variable and controllable by known means for initial fitting of the door structure and any subsequent adjustment needed. The channel keep 25 is rigidly secured to metal framework 19, 24 and some components adjacent core 1 and channel section 8 have been omitted for purposes of illustration. The door frame part 19 is shown having a partly rounded cross section adjacent the spine. The form could equally be of rectangular section (dotted lines, Figure 4) for all embodiments of the invention. There will still preferably only be a minimum gap or space between the points referenced A and B in Figure, to minimise risk of damage by e.g. screwdrivers or chisels.

The invention thus serves to provide an improved door unit and door assembly useful for installations which are susceptible to vandalism, such as domestic or office premises. It will be appreciated that use of doors and assemblies according to the invention not only provide improved protection against vandalism but also restrict entry to authorised personnel only and, therefore, doors and assemblies may be useful in high security applications such as banks, post offices, building sbcieties and other premises which handle significant amounts of cash or valuable items.

Claims (13)

1. A door structure comprising a door member having the whole or a major proportion if its perimeter constructed of a hard material, an elongate spine abutting and secured to one perimeter edge and also extending along a major part thereof, at least one supporting bracket connected to the door member which both extends from and is secured to said spine, a channel section of hard material encasing the spine and secured to the door, both ends of the spine and/or channel section having a recess or a projecting pivot, the door further capable of receiving a locking mechanism and capable of insertion between a pair of spaced mountings by pivotal engagement.

2. A door structure as claimed in Claim 1 including a cover facing of hard material over the door member covering a major part of the or each bracket.

3. A door structure as claimed in Claim 1 or 2 including a security locking mechanism.

4. A door structure as claimed in Claim 2 or 3 in which the cover facing is of laminated or reinforced material including rebates.

5. A door structure as claimed in any preceding claim including a metal surround extending the perimeter length of a core, said spine being rigidly affixed to said surround.

6. A door structure as claimed in any preceding claim in which the spine is located within and concealed by a channel section which further conceals parts of said brackets.

7. A door assembly comprising a door structure as claimed in any preceding claim in combination with floor and ceiling mountings therefor capable of supporting the door structure within a door frame.

8. A door assembly as claimed in Claim 7 in which the spine or any channel section affixed thereto includes recesses and the mountings include projecting pivots whereby the door structure can be pivotally affixed with the projecting pivots concealed.

9. A door assembly as claimed in Claim 7 or 8 in which a mounting is adjustable remotely from its front surface.

10. A door or door assembly substantially as herein described and illustrated.

11. A building including a door assembly as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 10 or a door structure as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 6 or 10.

12. A building as claimed in Claim 11 wherein the floor mounting is recessed flush or level with the floor surface and secured to a door frame within which the door structure is located.

13. A building including a door assembly substantially as herein described and illustrated.