GB2373819A

GB2373819A - Door security device

Info

Publication number: GB2373819A
Application number: GB0201899A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Karl Ramon Priest
Original assignee: Home & Garden Products Ltd
Current assignee: Home & Garden Products Ltd
Priority date: 2001-02-06
Filing date: 2002-01-28
Publication date: 2002-10-02
Also published as: GB0102934D0; GB0201899D0

Abstract

A door security device has first and second members 1, 2 fixed to the door frame 21 and door 22, one member having a hook 16 and the other being hinged to a third member 3 which is, in turn, hinged to a fourth member 4. The latter member is able to releasably engage the hook 16 when the door is closed and the door can then be opened but only to an extent permitted by movement of the third and fourth members 3 and 4 about the hinges. Advantageously, the third and fourth members are sprung so as to move out of the way when the device is not being used. The fourth member may be U-shaped and may have a portion 15 fixed across it to form a handle.

Description

DOOR SECURITY DEVICE This invention relates to a security device for fixing to a door and the jamb of a door frame and for enabling the door to be held ajar, for example to enable the occupant to identify a caller before opening the door fully.

The prior art includes the well-known catch and door chain and also various designs of fixed or sliding bolt and slotted bolt engaging member.

The object of the invention is to provide a device which is stronger and more secure against forcible entry than these prior art devices.

According to the invention there is provided a first member for being fixed to one of a door and door jamb; a second member for being fixed to the other of the door and door jamb, the second member having a catch portion; a third member connected to the first member by first hinge means for turning movement towards and away from the second member; and a fourth member connected to the third member by second hinge means and comprising a catch engaging portion for releasably engaging the catch portion of the second member.

For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a front view of a door security device in position on a door and adjacent door frame jamb with the door closed and the security device disengaged.

Figure 2 is a top view corresponding to Figure 1 with the door and jamb sectioned on line II II.

Figure 3 is a top view corresponding to Figure 1 but with the security device engaged and the door open.

Figure 4 is a view in the direction A in Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the device with the door closed but the security device engaged with the door.

The security apparatus is intended for fixing to a door 22 adjacent the jamb of a door frame 21. The door is hinged at that side of the door which is not shown. The security device comprises an L-shaped plate 1 The two limbs 6 and 7 of the L-shape have countersunk holes so that the plate 1 can be screwed by screws 20 to the front face and side of the door jamb 21. The part 6 has upper and lower bent-over portions 25 forming a trunnion for receiving an !-shaped member 3. The top and bottom portions 24 of member 3 are bent over to be parallel to the portions 25. The member 3 is connected to the trunnion 1 by a hinge comprising a spindle 8 of which the ends are screw threaded to receive dome nuts 9. A coil biasing spring 10 IS engaged round the spindle to bias the member 3 away from the door 22. The bent over top and bottom portion 24 of member 3 form a space for receiving a further member 4. The member 4 is also hinged, this time to the part 3 by way of a spindle 11 and dome nuts 12. As before, a coiled biasing spring 13 is fixed between the members 4 and 3 around the spindle. Next to sprint 13 and spindle 11, end portions 14 of the top and bottom portions 24 of member 3 are bent in towards one another. The bent in end portions 14 are just long enough to cover the ends of spindle 11 and spring 13. In this case, the part 4 is biased by the spring 13 so as to enter close to the central portion of the member 3 between the top and bottom of the t-shape. The member 4 is formed of round section metal that is U-shaped with the ends of the limbs of the U flattened to receive spindle 11. A handle portion 15 is fixed across the limbs of the U-shape member 4. A plate member 2 is fixed by screws 17 to the door 22 adjacent the member 1, the part 2 having a hook shaped extension 16 which opens away from the member 3.

Initially, the members 3 and 4 are biased to lie flat against the door jamb as shown in Figures 1 and 2. In use the apparatus member 4 can be grasped by the handle 15 and pulled outwardly so that the member 4 pivots out of the member 3 and the member 3 pivots out from jamb 21. The base 17 of the U-shape of the member 4 can then be engaged by the hook 16. At this point, the arrangement will appear as shown in Figure 5. The door can now be opened a few inches as shown in Figure 3 so that the occupant can identify a caller. If the occupant then wishes to open the door fully he can close the door again, disengage the part 4 from the hook 16, and then open the door. Meanwhile, the member 4 can spring back to within the member 3 and then back against the wall next to the door jamb. If required if the wall 23 extends outward from the door jamb, i. e. at right angles to the direction shown, the members 3 and 4 can still lie back against the wall.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Door security apparatus comprising a first member for being fixed to one of a door and door jamb; a second member for being fixed to the other of the door and door jamb, the second member having a catch portion; a third member connected to the first member by first hinge means for turning movement towards and away from the second member; and a fourth member connected to the third member by second hinge means and comprising a catch engaging portion for releasably engaging the catch portion of the second member
2. Apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein said catch portion is a hook shaped portion of the second member.
3. Apparatus according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the first member comprises an L shaped plate having holes in each limb of the L-shape for enabling the plate to be fixed by screws to the face and side of a door Jamb.
4. Apparatus according to any preceding Claim, wherein the fourth member comprises a generally U-shaped member hinged to the third member at the ends of the limbs of the U-shape, the U-shaped member having a handle portion fixed across it from one to the other limb of the U-shape.
5. Apparatus according to any preceding Claim, where in the third member is biased by spring means to tend to move away from the second member when the fourth member is disengaged from said catch portion of the second member, and said fourth member is biased by spring means to move towards the third member
6. Door security apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.