GB2287282A

GB2287282A - A leveraged door secrity device

Info

Publication number: GB2287282A
Application number: GB9504669A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Bernard Higham
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1994-03-09
Filing date: 1995-03-08
Publication date: 1995-09-13
Also published as: GB9404564D0; GB9504669D0

Abstract

A door security device and installation comprises a rigid elongate bar or tube 7 mounted by a fixing plate 2 to, for example, a frame 100 of a door 200. Fixing plate 2 allows rotational/pivotal movement, about two orthogonal axes A and B, between a rest position (not shown) in which the bar or tube 7 is clear of the door 200 and a secure position in which the bar or tube 7 extends across a face of the door 200 when closed, wherein the length of the bar or tube 7 is such that in its secure position it provides sufficient mechanical advantage for a user to prevent the door 200 being opened by an unwanted intruder. The other end of the bar or tube 7 is releasably receivable in a receiver socket 21, 21' attached to the door 200. <IMAGE>

Description

DOOR SECURITY DEVICE AND INSTALLATION DESCRIPTION This invention relates to a device for securing an openable and closable component, such as a door or window, of a building or other structure, against unwanted entry by an intruder. Hereinafter, such a component will be referred to as a "door". The invention also extends to a door security installation.

Previously-known security devices for doors are used either to secure a door in a partially open position, which is the case with a door chain assembly, or to retain the door in its fully closed position, as in the case of a door bolt.

Known security door chain assemblies can be defeated easily by an unwanted intruder, either by putting a hand and arm through the gap provided by the partially open door, to disengage the chain or cut through it, or by using the gap provided by the partially open door to gain mechanical advantage for forcing the door further open, to rip the chain from its mountings.

The main disadvantage associated with known types of door bolt is that the door can be secured only in its fully closed position, so that a user is not provided with any security against unwanted entry if the bolt is released and the door is opened at least partially.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a door security device which eliminates, or at least substantially reduces, the disadvantages associated with known types of door security devices as discussed above and which is capable of securing a door against unwanted entry by an intruder not only when the door is in its fully closed position but also in a partially open position, whilst also allowing the door to be opened fully if required.

Accordingly, one aspect of the invention resides in a security device for a door, comprising a rigid elongate member having one end thereof securable in a position at or adjacent a door for pivotal movement between a rest position, in which the member is clear of the door, and a secure position, in which the member extends at least partially across a face of the door when closed, wherein the length of the member is such that, when the device is in use with the member in its secure position, it provides sufficient mechanical advantage for a user to prevent the door being opened by a sufficient amount which would otherwise allow unwanted entry by an intruder.

In a first arrangement of the inventive security device, the rigid elongate member may be rotatable at one end thereof, about a first axis extending generally normal to the plane of the door for movement from its rest position into a first secure position in which it extends at least partially across the door, so that the door can be retained in its fully closed position by a user as and when necessary.Also, the elongate member may be pivotable at that one end about a second axis, preferably generally at right angles to the first axis, namely generally parallel to the plane of the door, into a second secure position in which the door can be retained partially open by a user, due to the mechanical advantage afforded by the length of the member and the open edge of the door engaging against the member, thereby preventing unauthorised entry through the partially open door by an unwanted intruder.

In a second arrangement of the inventive security device, the elongate member may be pivotable, again at its one end, about the second axis which in this instance extends generally normal to the plane of the door, from its rest position to its first secure position, to extend at least partially across the fully-closed door. However, and for added security in this first secure position, one end of the member is shaped and dimensioned such that the member can also be rotated in one direction through 900 about the first axis which now lies generally parallel to the plane of the door, to retain the door substantially closed, with the member still in its first secure position.Alternatively, the member can be rotated in the other direction through 900 about the first axis, for subsequent rotation about the second axis into a second secure position in which the door can be opened partially.

In the first secure position of the elongate member in the first arrangement discussed above, or in the first and second secure positions of the elongate member in the second arrangement discussed above, the rigid elongate member may be removably retained in that or those positions by attaching its other, free end to the door by locating that other end in a receiver, preferably in the form of a socket, secured to the door, thereby retaining the door fully or partially closed without a user being present.

Again, and with the member in its second secure position and the door partially open, location of the other, free end of the member in the receiving socket secured to the door and engagement of the partially open door with the member intermediate its ends, retains the door partially open against unauthorised entry by an intruder. Preferably, there is just sufficient play between the other end of the member and socket in which it is located, to allow the door to be so partially opened. Alternatively, the receiving socket may be secured in a pivotable manner to the door, to allow for opening and closing of the door between the first and second secure positions of the member.

If any receiving socket for the other free end of the elongate member is provided, then it is preferably channel-shaped or is of such a shape that it provides a channel-shaped socket with the adjacent face of the door.

When such a socket is used with, or as part of, the inventive security device, then a latch or other similar means may be used to close its open side, with the other free end of the member received therein, to prevent the member from being lifted out of the receiver by an unwanted intruder or other unauthorised party.

From another aspect the invention resides in a door security installation comprising a door movable between open and closed positions relative to a door aperture, and a rigid elongate member having one end thereof secured in a position at or adjacent the door aperture for pivotal movement between a rest position, in which the member is clear of the door, and a secure position, in which the member extends at least partially across the door when closed, wherein the length of the member is such that, when the member is in its secure position it provides sufficient mechanical advantage for a user to prevent the door being opened by a sufficient amount which would otherwise allow unwanted entry by an intruder or other unauthorised party.

In order that the invention may be more fully understood, preferred arrangements of a security device in accordance therewith will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figures 1 and 2 are respective front and side views of a first arrangement of inventive security device; Figures 3A and 3B and Figures 4A and 4B are respective front and side views of alternative receivers for use with the device shown in Figures 1 and 2; Figure 5 is a plan view in partial section of the device of Figures 1 and 2 in use; Figures 6A and 6B are respective views of the device shown in Figures 1 and 2 in its rest and secure positions; Figures 7A, 7B and 7C are respective views of another arrangement of the device shown in Figures 1 and 2 in rest and first and second secure positions; ; Figure 8A is a diagrammatic view of a modified form of the inventive security device in a first arrangement, seen in its secure position; Figure 8B is a detail of the device of Figure 8A; and Figure 9 is a diagrammatic view of another modified form of the inventive security device, seen in its secure position.

Referring firstly to Figures 1, 2, 3A, 3B, 4A and 4B of the drawings, a door security device indicated generally at 1 comprises a fixing plate 2 to which is secured a generally circularly cross-sectioned stud 3 by means of a bolt 4, for rotational movement about a first axis A. The bolt 4 extends through a coaxial bore 5 of the stud 3 and has its head 6 countersunk into the rear surface of the fixing plate 2, such that the stud 3 is rotatable freely about the first axis A with respect to that plate. A rigid elongate member in the form of a steel bar or tube 7 of square crosssection is attached to the stud 3 for pivotal movement with respect thereto about a second axis B by means of a bolt 8 passing through another bore 9 in the stud 3.

This other bore 9 extends transversely of the first bore 5 at right angles thereto.

A portion of one end of one wall of the square cross-sectioned bar or tube 7 is cut away, as shown at 10, and a portion 11 of the free end of the stud 3 is bevelled, to permit pivotal movement of the bar or tube 7 in one direction about the second axis B with respect to the stud. As seen in Figure 1, the direction of pivotal movement from the horizontal position of the bar or tube, as shown, is clockwise.

However, the bar or tube 7 cannot pivot in the other direction i.e. anti-clockwise, about the axis B from the horizontal position.

A receiving socket indicated generally at 21 in Figure 1 and Figures 3A and 3B comprises a rigid plate 22 to which is welded at 23 a channel-shaped member 24 with its open side uppermost.

The receiving socket 21 is securable by, say, bolts or screws, to a door with which the security device 1 is be associable.

A similar receiving socket to the socket 21 is shown generally at 21' in Figures 4A and 4B and comprises, again, a fixing plate 22' to which is welded at 23' a cranked-but generally U-shaped rigid wire member 24'. The plate 22' is, again, securable to a door such that the upper vertical and cranked horizontal portions of the wire member 24' form, with the associated face of the door, a channel-shaped recess, again with its open side uppermost.

The free end 12 of the bar or tube 7 is locatable in the channel-shaped member 24 of the receiving socket 21 or in the channel-shaped recess provided by the receiving socket 21' and door.

In one arrangement of the security device 1, as shown in Figure 5 and Figures 6A and 6B, the plate 2 is secured firmly to the inner face of an associated frame 100 of the door opening or, alternatively, to the brickwork 101 adjacent that frame.

In the rest position of the bar or tube 7, as shown in Figure 6A, the bar or tube hangs generally vertically downwardly clear of a door 200 which is hinged at 201 to the other side 102 of the door frame 100.

The bar or tube 7 is rotatable through substantially 900 about the first axis A, which is normal to the plane of the door 200, from its rest position into a first secure position, as shown in Figure 5 and 6B. In this first secure position, the free end 12 of the bar or tube 7 is locatable in the receiving socket 21, 21' secured to the door 200.

A certain amount of play may be provided between the bar or tube 7 and the socket 21, 21', so that the door 200 can be opened partially through, say, 100, from its fully-closed position, whereby its inner free edge 202 engages with the bar or tube 7 intermediate the ends thereof. Thus, when the door is opened partially, the bar or tube 7 is pivoted about the second, vertical axis B into a second secure position, to prevent further opening of the door 200. The mechanical advantage afforded by the bar or tube, in its second secure position, and its engagement with the inner free edge 202 of the door 200, allows a user to exert a comparatively small amount of force upon the free end of the bar or tube 7, to retain the door partially open with the bar or tube in any number of desired second secure positions, thereby preventing unauthorised entry by an intruder.

Alternatively, there may be very little play, possibly none at all, between the bar or tube 7 and the socket 21, 21', in which case, the door 200 is retained firmly and fully closed with the bar or tube 7 in its first secure position and the bar or tube has to be removed from the socket 21, 21' to enable the door 200 to be opened even at least partially.

Referring now to Figures 7A, 7B and 7C, here there is shown a second arrangement of the security device 1, wherein the fixing plate 2 is secured to a door frame at right angles to the fixing position shown in Figure 5 and Figures 6A and 6B. In the rest position of the bar or tube 7, as shown in Figure 7A, it hangs generally vertically downwardly by the free edge of the associated door opening (not shown), so that it can be pivoted upwardly about the generally horizontal second axis B lying at right angles to the plane of the door, into a first, manually secure position, as shown in Figure 7B.In this position of the bar or tube 7, without its free end located in the receiving socket secured to the door, the length of the bar or tube provides sufficient mechanical advantage for a user to prevent the door being opened by a sufficient amount which would otherwise allow unauthorised entry therethrough by an unwanted intruder.

In that first secure position of the bar or tube 7, it can also be rotated in one direction through 900 about the generally horizontal first axis A lying generally parallel to the plane of the door, and then located in the socket, as shown in Figure 7C. Thus, the second axis B has also been rotated through 900, such that it is now vertical and lies generally parallel to the plane of the door, rather than horizontal as shown in Figures 7A and 7B.

In this manner, the bar or tube 7 is now in a first, fixed secure position in which the door cannot be opened even partially by pivotal movement of the bar or tube 7 about the second, now vertical axis B.

Alternatively, the bar or tube 7 in its first manually secure position, as shown in Figure 7B, can be rotated in the other direction about the first axis A and then located in the receiving socket 21, 21'.

In this arrangement, the door can be opened partially, because the bar or tube 7 is able to pivot about the vertical second axis B into a second secure position.

Such pivotal movement about the axis B is provided by the cut-away portion 10 of one wall end of the bar or tube 7 and the bevelled free end of the stud 3, as described above.

Similar to the first arrangement shown in Figure 5 and Figures 6A and 6B, the associated door can now be opened partially until its inner free edge engages the bar or tube 7, at which point the door can be opened no further.

Pivotal movement of the bar or tube 7 about the second axis B and simultaneous rotation about the first axis A in either direction can be effected as the bar or tube is moved from its rest position into its first secure position and, preferably, just before its free end is located in the receiving socket 21, 21'.

As discussed above, there is preferably sufficient play between the bar or tube 7 and associated receiving socket secured to the door to allow pivotal movement of the bar or tube 7 from its first to its second secure position about the second, vertical axis B after the bar or tube has been rotated in the other direction about the first axis A, thereby allowing the door to be opened partially.

As also discussed above, the receiving socket, such as that shown in Figures 3A and 3B or Figures 4A and 4B, may be provided with a latch to close its open side, to prevent unauthorised removal, by lifting, of the bar or tube 7 from the socket.

With reference to Figures 8A and 8B, a modified form of the security device of the invention has a receiving socket 31 in the form of a generally tubular member and which incorporates a suitable latch mechanism (not shown) for releasably retaining the other, free end of the bar or tube 7 therein. The latch mechanism may be provided with operating means accessible and operable only at the inner side of the door 200. Optionally, means 32 may be provided, additionally, extending through the door 200 to enable operation of the latch mechanism from the outer side of the door by an authorised user. Such means 32 will be constructed to afford access, or be operable, by a specially-shaped "key".

The receiving socket 31 has, at its end presented for receiving the other, free end of the bar or tube 7, a portion of its top wall and each of its sidewalls cut away to enable that end of the bar or tube 7 to be moved into, or out of, engagement with the socket as the bar or tube 7 is pivoted.

That end of the bar or tube 7 has a protruding tab 7', secured within the open end of the bar or tube by means affording an axis C about which the tab 7' may pivot to a limited extent as indicated by the arrows P. It is the tab 7' which is received, and by which the bar or tube 7 is supported and retained, within the socket 31. Pivoting of the tab 7' facilitates engagement of the tab 7' with, and its disengagement from, the socket by providing play between the bar or tube 7 and the socket sidewalls.

Such play may also allow the security device to function in its second secure position, in which the door may be partially opened, as explained above.

Referring now to Figure 9, this modified form of security device of the invention embodies a bar or tube 7 formed with a suitable bend 202 so as to pass round an obstacle, such as a post 103, located just inside the door 200.

Various other modifications and/or features may be incorporated in the inventive security device. For example, additional security means may be provided for the device 1, for instance, a locking mechanism for preventing rotation of the stud 3 with respect to the fixing plate 2 about the first axis A and/or preventing rotation of the bar or tube 7 with respect to the stud 3 about the axis B.

Further, the receiving socket may be pivotally secured to the associated door, to facilitate movement of the bar or tube between its first and second secure positions, to enable the door to be opened partially.

Moreover, the bar or tube 7 may be of any other suitable cross-section, for example, circular, to facilitate rotational movement thereof about the first axis A, particularly when the free end of the bar or tube is received in the receiving socket.

Thus, the security device of the invention is not limited to the precise details described above, but extends to all variations as fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A security device for a door, comprising a rigid elongate member having one end thereof securable in a position at or adjacent a door for pivotal movement between a rest position, in which the member is clear of the door, and a secure position, in which the member extends at least partially across the door when closed, wherein the length of the member is such that, when the device is in use with the member in its secure position, it provides sufficient mechanical advantage for a user to prevent the door being opened by a sufficient amount which would otherwise allow unwanted entry by an intruder.

2. A security device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rigid elongate member is rotatable at one end thereof about a first axis which, in use of the device, extends generally normal to the plane of the door for movement from its rest position into a first secure position in which the member extends at least partially across the door, so that the door can be retained in its fully closed position by a user.

3. A security device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the rigid elongate member is pivotable at said one end about a second axis into a second secure position in which the door can be retained partially open by a user, due to the mechanical advantage afforded by the length of the member and the open edge of the door engaging against it, thereby preventing unauthorised entry through the partially open door by an unwanted intruder.

4. A security device as claimed in claim 3, wherein, in use of the device, the second axis extends generally at right angles to the first axis and generally parallel to the plane of the door when closed.

5. A security device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rigid elongate member is pivotable at one end thereof about a second axis which, in use of the device, extends generally normal to the plane of the door for movement from its rest position into a first secure position in which the member extends at least partially across the fully-closed door.

6. A security device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the one end of the member is shaped, dimensioned and arranged such that the member can be rotated in a first direction through 90" about a first axis which, in use of the device, extends generally parallel to the plane of the door, to retain the door substantially closed, with the member remaining in its said first secure position.

7. A security device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the one end of the member is arranged such that the member can be rotated in a second direction through 909 about a first axis which, in use of the device, extends generally parallel to the plane of the door, for subsequent rotation about the second axis into a second secure position in which the door can be opened partially.

8. A security device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein, in use of the device and in the first secure position of the elongate member or in the second secure position of the elongate member, the rigid elongate member may be removably retained in that or those positions by attaching its other end to the door by locating said other end in a receiver secured to the door, thereby retaining the door fully or partially closed without a user being present.

9. A security device as claimed in claim 8, wherein, with the elongate member in its second secure position and the door partially open, location of the other end of the member in the receiver and engagement of the partially open door with the member intermediate its ends retains the door partially open against unauthorised entry by an intruder.

10. A security device as claimed in claim 9, wherein there is just sufficient play between the other end of the member and the receiver in which it is located, to allow the door to be so partially opened.

11. A security device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the receiver is secured in a pivotable manner to the door, to allow for opening and closing of the door between the first and second secure positions of the member.

12. A security device as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the receiver is a socket.

13. A security device as claimed in any of the claims 8 to 12, wherein the receiver is channel-shaped or is of such a shape that it provides a channel-shaped socket with the door.

14. A security device as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein a latch means is provided to retain the other end of the member when received in the receiver, to prevent the member from being lifted out of the receiver by an unwanted intruder.

15. A security device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a mounting plate rigidly securable in a position at or adjacent a door, supports a stub projecting therefrom and rotatable thereon about its own central axis which defines a or said first axis, and wherein the rigid elongate member has its one end secured to the stub by means defining a or said second axis, the second axis being transverse and normal to the first axis.

16. A security device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the second axis is afforded by a bolt by which the elongate member is mounted to the stub.

17. A security device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the rigid elongate member is in the form of a bar or tube.

18. A security device as claimed in claim 17, wherein the bar or tube is of generally square cross-sectional shape.

19. A security device as claimed in claim 17 or claim 18, when appended to claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the one end of the bar or tube provides a socket in which the stub is non-rotatably received.

20. A security device as claimed in claim 17 and claim 18 and claim 19, when appended to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein at the one end of the bar part of one wall thereof is partially cut away to enable rotation of the bar or tube through 90C in the first and/or the second direction about the first axis.

21. A security device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the other end of the rigid elongate member affords a hollow interior in which is received a tab which is mounted within the hollow interior for limited pivotal movement with respect thereto and protrudes therefrom in continuance of the length of the elongate member.

22. A security device as claimed in claim 21 when appended to any one of claims 8 to 14, wherein the tab is narrower than the internal dimension of the receiver to allow play therebetween when the tab is received within the receiver.

23. A security device as claimed in claim 14, or any claim appended thereto, wherein means are provided to enable the latch to be operated by a key insertable from the opposite face of the door from that on which the receiver is mounted.

24. A security device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the rigid elongate member is bent to fit around a fixed object adjacent the door, when the device is in use.

25. A door security installation comprising a door movable between open and closed positions relative to a door aperture, and a rigid elongate member having one end thereof secured in a position at or adjacent the door for pivotal movement between a rest position, in which the member is clear of the door, and a secure position, in which the member extends at least partially across the door when closed, wherein the length of the member is such that, when the member is in its secure position it provides sufficient mechanical advantage for a user to prevent the door being opened by a sufficient amount which would otherwise allow unwanted entry by an intruder.

26. A door security installation as claimed in claim 25, including a security device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 24, the elongate member being of a length equal to at least half the width of the door or its aperture.

27. A door security installation as claimed in claim 25 or claim 26, wherein the elongate member is of a length equal to at least half the width of the door aperture, and wherein a receiver for receiving the other end of the elongate member is mounted on the door.

28. A security device for a door, or a door security installation, substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1, 2, 5, 6A and 6B, and with or without Figures 3A and 3B or Figures 4A and 4B, of the accompanying drawings.

29. A security device for a door, or a door security installation, substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1, 2, 7A, 7B, and 7C, and with or without Figures 3A and 3B or Figures 4A and 4B, of the accompanying drawings.

30. A security device for a door, or a door security installation, as claimed in claim 28 or claim 29 and including the modifications of any one or more of Figures BA, 8B and 9, of the accompanying drawings.