GB2258262A

GB2258262A - Security device

Info

Publication number: GB2258262A
Application number: GB9210948A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Eilleen Warzyk
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1991-05-23
Filing date: 1992-05-22
Publication date: 1993-02-03
Anticipated expiration: 2012-05-22
Also published as: GB9111164D0; GB2258262B; GB9210948D0

Abstract

The invention relates to a security device for reinforcing a door or other openable panel in the region of a lock. An example of a device according to the invention comprises a first (2) and a second (4) panel portion, with an intermediate panel portion (14) bridging the portions (2, 4) to form a U-shape cross-section. The panel portions are provided with a series of apertures (16; 6; 8; 20) to accommodate a tongue (18) of the lock, a handle (10), a keyhole (12) and fastening screws (22) respectively received as necessary for the type of lock used. Preferably the apertures (20) for the fastening screws (22) in panel portion (2) are offset from those in panel portion (4) and the device (2, 4, 14) is integrally formed for strength. <IMAGE>

Description

SECURITY DEVICE The invention relates to a security device, particularly but not exclusively suitable for use in association with a door or other openable panel.

It is customary to provide at least one locking device on a free edge of a door, having a tongue receivable in a keeper secured to an architrave portion, usually a door jamb. Where extra protection is required, two or three such locks may be provided. However, it has been found that even these precautions do not prevent entry through the doorway by unauthorised persons.

The invention therefore provides a security device for a door or other openable panel, said device comprising a door reinforcing member having a first panel portion adapted to engage a first surface of a door in a region surrounding an aperture provided to receive a locking device, a second panel portion parallel to said first panel portion and adapted to engage a second, opposite, surface of said door at a region at least substantially opposite to the first mentioned region, and an intermediate panel portion arranged to lie in a plane normal to those of the parallel first and second panel portions and to provide the dev-ice with a U-shape cross-section.

Preferably, said intermediate panel portion may be integrally formed with one of the first and second panel portions, or, advantageously, with both panel portions.

Advantageously, one of said first or second panel portions has a larger surface area then that of the other portion. Conveniently, the arms of the U-shaped cross-section are of unequal length.

It will be appreciated that the required number of apertures will be provided in the door reinforcing member to accommodate handles, spindles, locking mechanisms and bolts and tongues of these. However, devices according to the invention are suitable for use with doors having a lock visible and operable from the room-side only.

Moreover, it will be found that, particularly where-the device is entirely integrally formed, only the panel portion adapted to engage the room-side or interior surface of the door need be provided with apertures to receive fastening means such as screws.

In the use of the device according to the invention, it will be found that forced entry through a door reinforced therewith, is markedly hindered in contrast with an un-reinforced door. It has been observed that the weakest area of an un-reinforced door is that in the vicinity of apertures for locks and handles, and where such locks are difficult or time-consuming to "pick", then persons seeking unauthorised entry attempt to break down the door. The door having a conventionally mounted lock will be found to fail at the above identified weakest areas.

There will now be described an example of a security device according to the invention. The description, to be read with reference to the drawings, is given by way of example only and not by way of limitation.

In the drawings: Figures 1, 2 and 3 are front, side and top plan views respectively of the device; and Figure 4 is a fragmentary perspective view of a door provided with said device.

The device comprises a first panel portion 2 and a second panel portion 4, each provided with aligned apertures 6 and 8 arranged to provide access for a handle 10 and a key-hole 12 (Figure 4) An intermediate panel portion 14 is integrally formed with and bridges the portions 2 and 4 to provide the device with a U-shape cross-section (see Figure 3). The panel portion 14 is provided with an aperture 16 to accommodate a tongue 18 of a locking device. It will be observed that the panel portion 4 is longer than the portion 2 as viewed in Figure 3 so that apertures 20 for fastening screws 22 may be off-set by a distance ato avoid any localised weakness in the door.

A door 24 having a thickness appropriate to the distance between panel portions 2 and 4 is arranged to close against a door jamb 26 so that the tongue 18 may be received in a keeper, indicated at 28. It will be observed from Figure 3 that the thickness of the panel portion 14 is enough to prevent the insertion of a tool or a plastics card in an attempt to push back the tongue 18.

Various modifications may be made within the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims. For example, the device may be made adjustable for doors of various thicknesses, by provided a panel portion 14 having two overlapping portions, one integral with panel portion 2 and the other integral with panel portion 4, the extent of such overlapping determining the distance between said panel portions 2 and 4.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A security device for a door or other openable panel, said device comprising a door reinforcing member having a first panel portion adapted to engage a first surface of a door in a region surrounding an aperture provided to receive a locking device, a second panel portion parallel to said first panel portion and adapted to engage a second, opposite, surface of said door at a region at least substantially opposite to the first mentioned region, and an intermediate panel portion arranged to lie in a plane normal to those of the parallel first and second panel portions and to provide the device with a U-shape cross-section.

2. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said intermediate panel portion is integrally formed with one of said first and second panel portions.

3. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said intermediate panel portion is integrally formed with both of said first and second panel portions.

4. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein one of said first or second panel portions has a larger surface area than that of the other portion.

5. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein arms of said U-shaped cross-section are of unequal length.

6. A device as claimed in claim 3, wherein said first panel portion is adapted in use to engage an inner or room-side surface of said door and is provided with a plurality of apertures to receive fastening devices in said first panel and a single aperture to receive a lock means operating member.

7. A device as claimed in claim 6, wherein said second panel portion is devoid of apertures.

8. A device as claimed in claim 6, wherein said first and said second panels are each provided with apertures for receiving fastening means, said apertures in the first panel portion being offset with respect to the apertures for receiving fastener means in the second panel portion, lock member receiving apertures being provided in both panel portions in an aligned relationship.

9. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said intermediate panel portion comprises two overlapping portions, one integral with said first panel portion and the other integral with said second panel portion, the extent of overlap being adjustable.

10. A security device for a door or other openable panel, constructed and arranged substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the drawings.