GB2401905A

GB2401905A - Security device to prevent movement of a movable member

Info

Publication number: GB2401905A
Application number: GB0402410A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Keith White
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-05-20
Filing date: 2004-02-04
Publication date: 2004-11-24
Also published as: GB0402410D0; GB0311522D0

Abstract

A security device to prevent movement of a movable member 26 relative to a fixed member 25. The device comprises a bracket 10A for attachment to the fixed member 25 and a body 11A comprising a slot engagable with part of the bracket 10A. The bracket 10A further comprises an aperture (15), or other engagement formation, that the latch means 20 within the body 11A engages with to prevent movement of the movable member 26 from the fixed member 25. A method of release of the latch means is also provided, which may comprise a key 27 or a combination lock. The latch means may form a spring-biassed latch element (20) with an inclined face (21). Alternatively, the latch element may comprise locking fingers (33)pivotally mounted on the body. The device is designed to prevent children moving the movable member, which may be a door or a drawer.

Description

1 2401 905

SECURITY DEVICES

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to security devices and, in particular, to security devices for preventing unauthorized opening of a door or drawer.

Various security devices are currently available for preventing children from obtaining access to a cupboard containing medicines or disinfectants, but the child-safety devices that are currently available are either difficult for some adults to open or too easy for some children to open.

It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide an improved form of security device that can be used effectively for childsafety purposes.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved form of security device that can be used for a variety of purposes in addition to child safety.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved method of preventing unauthorized opening of a door or drawer.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a security device for use in preventing unauthorised movement of a movable member, such as a door or drawer, relative to a fixed member, such as a door frame or the frame of a cupboard, the security device including: a) a bracket for attachment to a presented surface of the fixed member, the bracket including a first element which, in use, is disposed in face-toface engagement with the presented surface of the fixed member, and a second element which extends substantially perpendicularly to, or parallel to, the first element, the second element being formed with an aperture or other engagement formation adjacent the end thereof remote from the first element, b) an enlarged body formed with a slot to receive the end of the second element in which the aperture or other engagement formation is located, the enlarged body being of such shape and configuration that, when the movable member is in its closed position relative to the fixed member and the enlarged body is moved into a position such that the slot therein receives the end of the second element, a part of the enlarged body overlies a part of the movable member, c) latch means within the enlarged body and arranged to engage the aperture or other engagement formation in the second element when the end of the second element is received in the slot, thereby holding the enlarged body in engagement with the bracket and serving to prevent movement of the movable member away from the fixed member, and d) release means for releasing the latch means to permit disengagement of the enlarged body from the bracket, thereby permitting movement of the movable member away from the fixed member.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of preventing unauthorized movement of a movable member, such as a door or drawer, relative to a fixed member, such as a door frame or the frame of a cupboard, the method including: a) providing a bracket for attachment to a presented surface of the fixed member, the bracket including a first element which, in use, is disposed in face-to-face engagement with the presented surface of the fixed member, and a second element which extends substantially perpendicularly to, or parallel to, the first element, the second element being formed with an aperture or other engagement formation adjacent the end thereof remote from the first element, b) attaching the bracket to the presented surface of the fixed member, c) providing an enlarged body formed with a slot to receive the end of the second element in which the aperture or other engagement formation is located, the enlarged body being of such shape and configuration that, when the movable member is in its closed position relative to the fixed member and the enlarged body is moved into a position such that the slot therein receives the end of the second element, a part of the enlarged body overlies a part of the movable member, and latch means being provided within the enlarged body and arranged to engage the aperture or other locating formation in the second element when the end of the second element is received in the slot, thereby holding the enlarged body in engagement with the bracket and serving to prevent movement of the movable member away from the fixed member, d) engaging the enlarged body with the bracket, when the movable member is in its closed position relative to the fixed member, such that the slot in the enlarged body receives the end of the second element of the bracket and the latch means engages with the aperture or other engagement formation adjacent the end of the second element to hold the enlarged body in engagement with the bracket and thereby prevent movement of the movable member out of its closed position, and e) providing release means that can be used, when so desired, to release the latch means and permit disengagement of the enlarged body from the bracket, thereby permitting movement of the movable member away from the fixed member.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a security device for use in preventing unauthorized movement of a movable member, such as a door or drawer, relative to a fixed member, such as a door frame or the frame of a cupboard, the security device including:- a) a bracket for attachment to a presented surface of the fixed member, the bracket including a first element which, in use, is disposed in faceto-face engagement with the presented surface of the fixed member, and a second element which extends substantially perpendicularly to, or parallel to, the first element, the second element being formed with an aperture or other engagement formation adjacent the end thereof remote from the first element, b) an enlarged body formed with a slot to receive the end of the second element in which the aperture or other engagement formation is located, the enlarged body being mounted on the movable member and the arrangement being such that, when the movable member is in its closed position relative to the fixed member, the slot therein receives the end of the second element, c) latch means within the enlarged body and arranged to engage the aperture or other engagement formation in the second element when the end of the second element is received in the slot, thereby holding the enlarged body in engagement with the bracket and serving to prevent movement of the movable member away from the fixed member, and d) release means for releasing the latch means to permit disengagement of the enlarged body from the bracket, thereby permitting movement of the movable member away from the fixed member.

The latch means preferably includes a spring-loaded latch element having an inclined presented surface such that, when the enlarged body is moved into a position in which the second element of the bracket enters the slot in the enlarged body, the end of the second element of the bracket engages the inclined surface to displace the latch element against its spring-loading until the aperture in the second element is aligned with the latch element and the latch moves, under the action of its springloading into the aperture in the second element of the bracket to hold the enlarged body in engagement with the second element of the bracket.

The release means is preferably in the form of a key that can be inserted in a bore in the side of the enlarged body for engagement with the latch means to move the latch element against the action of its spring-loading so that the end of the latch element is no longer contained in the aperture in the second element of the bracket.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a security device for use in preventing unauthorized movement of a movable member, such as a door or drawer, relative to a fixed member, such as a door frame or the frame of a cupboard, the security device including: a) a bracket for attachment to a presented surface of the fixed member, the bracket including a first element which, in use, is disposed in face-toface engagement with the presented surface of the fixed member, and a second element which extends substantially perpendicularly to, or parallel to, the first element, the second element being formed with an engagement formation adjacent the end thereof remote from the first element, b) an enlarged body having pivotally mounted locking fingers arranged for engagement with the engagement formation, the enlarged body being of such shape and configuration that, when the movable member is in its closed position relative to the fixed member and the enlarged body is moved into a position in which the locking fingers engage the engagement formation, a part of the enlarged body overlies a part of the movable member, c) blocking means within the enlarged body and arranged to prevent releasing movement of the locking fingers, thereby holding the enlarged body in engagement with the bracket and serving to prevent movement of the movable member away from the fixed member, and d) release means for releasing the blocking means to permit disengagement of the enlarged body from the bracket, thereby permitting movement of the movable member away from the fixed member.

The engagement formation of the bracket may comprise a projection having shoulders arranged to be engaged by shoulders on the locking fingers.

A further aspect of the present invention comprises a method of preventing unauthorized movement of a movable member, such as a door or drawer, relative to a fixed member, such as a door frame or the frame of a cupboard, the method including: a) providing a bracket for attachment to a presented surface of the fixed member, the bracket including a first element which, in use, is disposed in face-to-face engagement with the presented surface of the fixed member, and a second element which extends substantially perpendicularly to, or parallel to, the first element, the second element being formed with an engagement formation adjacent the end thereof remote from the first element, b) attaching the bracket to the presented surface of the fixed member, c) providing an enlarged body having pivotally mounted locking fingers, the enlarged body being of such shape and configuration that, when the movable member is in its closed position relative to the fixed member and the enlarged body is moved into a position in which the locking fingers engage the engagement formation, a part of the enlarged body overlies a part of the movable member, and blocking means being provided within the enlarged body and arranged to prevent releasing movement of the locking fingers, thereby holding the enlarged body in engagement with the bracket and serving to prevent movement of the movable member away from the fixed member, d) engaging the enlarged body with the bracket, when the movable member is in its closed position relative to the fixed member, such that the locking fingers engage the engagement formation adjacent the end of the second element to hold the enlarged body in engagement with the bracket and thereby prevent movement of the movable member out of its closed position, and e) providing release means that can be used, when so desired, to release the blocking means and permit disengagement of the enlarged body from the bracket, thereby permitting movement of the movable member away from the fixed member.

According to a still further aspect of the present invention there is provided a security device for use in preventing unauthorized movement of a movable member, such as a door or drawer, relative to a fixed member, such as a door frame or the frame of a cupboard, the security device including: a) a bracket for attachment to a presented surface of the fixed member, the bracket being disposed, in use, in face-to-face engagement with the presented surface of the fixed member, and being formed with an engagement formation, b) an enlarged body having pivotally mounted locking fingers arranged for engagement with the engagement formation, the enlarged body being of such shape and configuration that, when the movable member is in its closed position relative to the fixed member and the enlarged body is moved into a position in which the locking fingers engage the engagement formation, a part of the enlarged body overlies a part of the movable member, c) blocking means within the enlarged body and arranged to prevent releasing movement of the locking fingers, thereby holding the enlarged body in engagement with the bracket and serving to prevent movement of the movable member away from the fixed member, and d) release means for releasing the blocking means to permit disengagement of the enlarged body from the bracket, thereby permitting movement of the movable member away from the fixed member.

The engagement formation of the bracket may comprise a slot formed in the bracket and the locking fingers may be formed with recesses that receive portions of the surround of the slot.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of preventing unauthorized movement of a movable member, such as a door or drawer, relative to a fixed member, such as a door frame or the frame of a cupboard, the method including: a) providing a bracket for attachment to a presented surface of the fixed member, the bracket being disposed, in use, in face-to- face engagement with the presented surface of the fixed member, and being formed with an engagement formation, b) attaching the bracket to the presented surface of the fixed member, c) providing an enlarged body having pivotally mounted locking fingers, the enlarged body being of such shape and configuration that, when the movable member is in its closed position relative to the fixed member and the enlarged body is moved into a position in which the locking fingers engage the engagement formation, a part of the enlarged body overlies a part of the movable member, and blocking means being provided within the enlarged body and arranged to prevent releasing movement of the locking fingers, thereby holding the enlarged body in engagement with the bracket and serving to prevent movement of the movable member away from the fixed member, d) engaging the enlarged body with the bracket, when the movable member is in its closed position relative to the fixed member, such that the locking fingers engage the engagement formation to hold the enlarged body in engagement with the bracket and thereby prevent movement of the movable member out of its closed position, and e) providing release means that can be used, when so desired, to release the blocking means and permit disengagement of the enlarged body from the bracket, thereby permitting movement of the movable member away from the fixed member.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a bracket, Figure 2 is a perspective view of an enlarged body, Figure 3 is a side view of a key and a latch element, Figure 4 is an end view of the latch element, Figure 5 is a side view of a latch housing, Figure 6 is a sectional side view of a security device, Figure 7 is a plan view of the device of Figure 6, Figure 8 is a sectional side view of a further form of security device, Figure 9 is a transverse sectional view of the security device of Figure 8, Figure 10 is a sectional side view of a another form of security device, and Figure 11 is a transverse sectional view of the security device of Figure 10.

Description of the Preferred Embodiments

The security devices shown in the drawings are designed for use as a child-safety device for a cupboard door or drawer.

The device of Figures 1 to 5 includes a metal bracket 10 and an enlarged body 11 formed of wood or as a plastic moulding. The bracket 10 includes a first planar element 12 that is formed with two apertures 13 for receiving screw-threaded fasteners (not shown) for securing the bracket 10 to the frame of the cupboard adjacent an edge of a drawer or door. The bracket 10 also includes a second planar element 14 that extends at right angles to the plane of the first element 11 so that, when the bracket 10 is secured to the frame of the cupboard, the second element 14 projects outwardly. An aperture 15 is formed in the second element 14 adjacent the end thereof remote from the first element 11. The length of the second element 14 and the positioning of the aperture 15 are such that, when the bracket 10 is fixed in position, access can be obtained to the aperture 15, i.e. the aperture 15 is disposed outwardly of the presented surface of the drawer or door.

The enlarged body 11 is formed with a slot 16 that extends inwardly from a face 17 of the body 1 1 and the slot 16 communicates with a transverse bore 18 that contains a latch housing 19 within which there is a springloaded latch element 20.

The slot 16 is of a size such that it can receive the end of the second element 14 of the bracket 10 and the arrangement is such that, when the enlarged body 11 is moved into a position in which the end of the second element 14 of the bracket 10 enters the slot 16, the end of the second element 14 engages an inclined face 21 of the latch element 20 to displace it against the action of its spring-loading.

With continued movement of the enlarged body 11 towards the frame to which the bracket 10 is attached, the displacement of the latch element 20 continues until the latch element 20 is aligned with the aperture 15 in the second element 14 of the bracket 10.

The latch element 20 then moves, under the action of its spring- loading, so that the free end thereof enters the aperture 15 to hold the enlarged body 11 in engagement with the bracket 10. The size of the enlarged body 11 is such that, when it is moved into engagement with the bracket 10 with the drawer or door in its closed position, a part of the enlarged body 11 will overlie an edge of the drawer or door and will act as a blocking element preventing opening of the drawer or door.

It will be appreciated that, in order to lock the drawer or door in its closed position, all that is required is movement of the enlarged body 11 into a position in which the end of the second element 14 of the bracket 10 enters the slot 16 and continued movement of the enlarged body 11 towards the frame of the cupboard until the latch element 20 "clicks" into position in the aperture 15 in the second element 14 of the bracket 10.

When it is desired to effect authorised opening of the drawer or door, a key 22 is used. This is inserted in the bore 18 in the enlarged body 11 and turned to withdraw the end of the latch element 20 from the aperture 15. This is again a very simple operation, but it requires the use of the key 22.

The enlarged body 11 can be so produced that it has a visually attractive appearance and, although the invention has been described above with reference to its application to the secure closing of a cupboard door or drawer, it will be appreciated that there are many other purposes for which the device may be used.

The configuration of the bracket 10 can differ from that shown in Figure 1 and will depend on the configuration of the cupboard frame or other fixed member to which the bracket 10 is attached. Thus, the bracket can be of a generally T-shape as shown in Figure 1, or of an L-shape or may comprise two portions that extend parallel to one another, either spaced from one another or having coinciding axes. Thus, where reference has been made above to the second element of the bracket extending parallel to the first element of the bracket, this includes an arrangement in which the bracket comprises a single metal strip, one end of which is attached to the frame and the other end of which is formed with an aperture, or other engagement formation, for engagement with the latch element.

The latch element may include a part that is formed of an electromagnetic material and the release means for effecting release of the latch element may include a magnet.

The particular form of enlarged body 11 shown in Figure 2 of the drawings is a separate element that can be engaged with the bracket 10 when a cupboard door is closed. The enlarged body 11 may, instead, be permanently secured to the door with the arrangement such that, when the door is moved into its closed position, the free end of the second element 14 of the bracket 10 enters the slot 16 in the enlarged body 11 and the latch element 20 within the enlarged body 11 engages the aperture 15 (or other locating formation of the bracket 10) to hold the door in its closed position until the latching action is released by the use of a key.

Figures 6 and 7 show a slightly modified form of security device which again includes a bracket 10A, that is secured to a part 25 of the frame of a cupboard, and an enlarged body 11A that can be engaged with the bracket 1 OA, to prevent opening of a door or drawer 26. The enlarged body 11A contains a latch mechanism 28 that engages with the aperture in the bracket 10A and release of the latching engagement is effected by means of a key 27, as described above. As an alternative to the use of a key, it is possible to have a combination lock release mechanism.

Figures 8 and 9 show a further form of security device that includes a metal bracket 10B for attachment to a part of the frame of a cupboard and an enlarged body 11B arranged to overlie an edge of a door or drawer to hold it in its closed position. The metal bracket 10B includes a pair of parallel plates 30 between which there is a projection 31 having shoulders 32 facing towards the frame of the cupboard. A pair of locking fingers 33 are pivotally mounted on the enlarged body 11 B and are formed with shoulders 34 arranged so that they can abut the shoulders 32 of the projection 31.

The locking fingers 33 are shown in their engagement positions in Figure 9 and a release button 35 is provided. The release button 35 engages the adjacent arms 36 of the locking fingers 33 and the arrangement is such that, when the button 35 is pressed inwardly, the arms 36 are moved towards one another and the other ends of the locking fingers 33 are moved away from each other to disengage the shoulders 34 on the locking fingers 33 from the shoulders 32 of the projection 31.

Movement of the arms 36 towards one another can be blocked by means of a blocking member 37 connected to a key- operated interlock mechanism 38.

When the enlarged body 11B is engaged with the bracket 10B, the blocking member 37 is moved into its blocking position so as to prevent inward movement of the release button 35. The door or drawer is thus locked in its closed position. To release the locking action, the interlock mechanism 38 is operated by the key 39 to displace the blocking member 37 and allow inward movement of the release button.

The further form of security device shown in Figures 10 and 11 differs from that shown in Figures 8 and 9 in that the engagement formation of the bracket 10C comprises a slot and that the locking fingers 33A are formed with outwardly facing recesses that receive the surrounds of the slot in the bracket 10C when the locking fingers are in their locking positions.

A blocking member 37A is movable by a key-operated interlock mechanism 38A between its blocking position, as shown, in which it serves to prevent inward movement of a release button 35A. The release button 35A engages the adjacent arms 36A of the locking fingers 33A so that, when it is pushed inwardly, it serves to push the arms 36A away from each other and thus moves the other ends of the locking fingers 33A towards each other out of engagement with the surrounds of the slot in the bracket 10C.

To release the security device to allow opening of a door or drawer, the interlock mechanism 38A is operated by means of the key 39A and the blocking member 37A is moved clear of the path of travel of the release button 35A. Inward movement of the release button 35A subsequent to release of the blocking action by means of the key 39A will effect the appropriate movement of the locking fingers 33A to allow movement of the enlarged body 11C away from the bracket 10C and thus opening of the door or drawer.

Claims

Claims: 1. A security device for use in preventing unauthorised movement

of a movable member, such as a door or drawer, relative to a fixed member, such as a door frame or the frame of a cupboard, the security device including: a) a bracket for attachment to a presented surface of the fixed member, the bracket including a first element which, in use, is disposed in face-to-face engagement with the presented surface of the fixed member, and a second element which extends substantially perpendicularly to, or parallel to, the first element, the second element being formed with an aperture or other engagement formation adjacent the end thereof remote from the first element, b) an enlarged body formed with a slot to receive the end of the second element in which the aperture or other engagement formation is located, the enlarged body being of such shape and configuration that, when the movable member is in its closed position relative to the fixed member and the enlarged body is moved into a position such that the slot therein receives the end of the second element, a part of the enlarged body overlies a part of the movable member, c) latch means within the enlarged body and arranged to engage the aperture or other engagement formation in the second element when the end of the second element is received in the slot, thereby holding the enlarged body in engagement with the bracket and serving to prevent movement of the movable member away from the fixed member, and d) release means for releasing the latch means to permit disengagement of the enlarged body from the bracket, thereby permitting movement of the movable member away from the fixed member.
2. A security device as claimed in Claim 1, in which the latch means includes a spring-loaded latch element having an inclined presented surface such that, when the enlarged body is moved into a position in which the second element of the bracket enters the slot in the enlarged body, the end of the second element of the bracket engages the inclined surface to displace the latch element against its spring-loading until the aperture in the second element is aligned with the latch element and the latch element moves, under the action of its spring-loading, into the aperture in the second element of the bracket to hold the enlarged body in engagement with the second element of the bracket.
3. A security device as claimed in Claim 2, in which the release means is in the form of a key that can be inserted in a bore in the side of the enlarged body for engagement with the latch means to move the latch element against the action of its spring- loading so that the end of the latch element is no longer contained in the aperture in the second element of the bracket.
4. A security device as claimed in Claim 1, in which the release means is in the form of a combination lock mechanism.
5. A method of preventing unauthorized movement of a movable member, such as a door or drawer, relative to a fixed member, such as a door frame or the frame of a cupboard, the method including: a) providing a bracket for attachment to a presented surface of the fixed member, the bracket including a first element which, in use, is disposed in face-to-face engagement with the presented surface of the fixed member, and a second element which extends substantially perpendicularly to, or parallel to, the first element, the second element being formed with an aperture or other engagement formation adjacent the end thereof remote from the first element, b) attaching the bracket to the presented surface of the fixed member, c) providing an enlarged body formed with a slot to receive the end of the second element in which the aperture or other engagement formation is located, the enlarged body being of such shape and configuration that, when the movable member is in its closed position relative to the fixed member and the enlarged body is moved into a position such that the slot therein receives the end of the second element, a part of the enlarged body overlies a part of the movable member, and latch means being provided within the enlarged body and arranged to engage the aperture or other locating formation in the second element when the end of the second element is received in the slot, thereby holding the enlarged body in engagement with the bracket and serving to prevent movement of the movable member away from the fixed member, d) engaging the enlarged body with the bracket, when the movable member is in its closed position relative to the fixed member, such that the slot in the enlarged body receives the end of the second element of the bracket and the latch means engages with the aperture or other engagement formation adjacent the end of the second element to hold the enlarged body in engagement with the bracket and thereby prevent movement of the movable member out of its closed position, and e) providing release means that can be used, when so I desired, to release the latch means and permit disengagement of the enlarged body from the bracket, thereby permitting movement of the movable member away from the fixed member.
6. A method as claimed in Claim 5, in which the latch means includes a spring-loaded latch element having an inclined presented surface and in which, when the enlarged body is moved into a position in which the second element of the bracket enters the slot in the enlarged body, the end of the second element of the bracket engages the inclined surface to displace the latch element against its spring-loading until the aperture in the second element is aligned with the latch element and the latch moves, under the action of its spring-loading, into the aperture in the second element of the bracket to hold the enlarged body in engagement with the second element of the bracket.
7. A security device for use in preventing unauthorized movement of a movable member, such as a door or drawer, relative to a fixed member, such as a door frame or the frame of a cupboard, the security device including:- a) a bracket for attachment to a presented surface of the fixed member, the bracket including a first element which, in use, is disposed in face- to-face engagement with the presented surface of the fixed member, and a second element which extends substantially perpendicularly to, or parallel to, the first element, the second element being formed with an aperture or other engagement formation adjacent the end thereof remote from the first element, b) an enlarged body formed with a slot to receive the end of the second element in which the aperture or other engagement formation is located, the enlarged body being mounted on the movable member and the arrangement being such that, when the movable member is in its closed position relative to the fixed member, the slot therein receives the end of the second element, c) latch means within the enlarged body and arranged to engage the aperture or other engagement formation in the second element when the end of the second element is received in the slot, thereby holding the enlarged body in engagement with the bracket and serving to prevent movement of the movable member away from the fixed member, and d) release means for releasing the latch means to permit disengagement of the enlarged body from the bracket, thereby permitting movement of the movable member away from the fixed member.
8. A security device as claimed in Claim 7, in which the latch means includes a spring-loaded latch element having an inclined presented surface such that, when the enlarged body is moved into a position in which the second element of the bracket enters the slot in the enlarged body, the end of the second element of the bracket engages the inclined surface to displace the latch element against its spring-loading until the aperture in the second element is aligned with the latch element and the latch moves, under the action of its spring-loading, into the aperture in the second element of the bracket to hold the enlarged body in engagement with the second element of the bracket.
9. A security device as claimed in Claim 8, in which the release means is in the form of a key that can be inserted in a bore in the side of the enlarged body for engagement with the latch means to move the latch element against the action of its spring- loading so that the end of the latch element is no longer contained in the aperture in the second element of the bracket.
10. A security device for use in preventing unauthorized movement of a movable member, such as a door or drawer, relative to a fixed member, such as a door frame or the frame of a cupboard, the security device including: a) a bracket for attachment to a presented surface of the fixed member, the bracket including a first element which, in use, is disposed in face-to-face engagement with the presented surface of the fixed member, and a second element which extends substantially perpendicularly to, or parallel to, the first element, the second element being formed with an engagement formation adjacent the end thereof remote from the first element, b) an enlarged body having pivotally mounted locking fingers arranged for engagement with the engagement formation, the enlarged body being of such shape and configuration that, when the movable member is in its closed position relative to the fixed member and the enlarged body is moved into a position in which the locking fingers engage the engagement formation, a part of the enlarged body overlies a part of the movable member, c) blocking means within the enlarged body and arranged to prevent releasing movement of the locking fingers, thereby holding the enlarged body in engagement with the bracket and serving to prevent movement of the movable member away from the fixed member, and d) release means for releasing the blocking means to permit disengagement of the enlarged body from the bracket, thereby permitting movement of the movable member away from the fixed member.
11. A security device as claimed in Claim 10, in which the engagement formation of the bracket comprises a projection having shoulders arranged to be engaged by shoulders on the locking fingers.
12. A method of preventing unauthorized movement of a movable member, such as a door or drawer, relative to a fixed member, such as a door frame or the frame of a cupboard, the method including: a) providing a bracket for attachment to a presented surface of the fixed member, the bracket including a first element which, in use, is disposed in face-to- face engagement with the presented surface of the fixed member, and a second element which extends substantially perpendicularly to, or parallel to, the first element, the second element being formed with an engagement formation adjacent the end thereof remote from the first element, b) attaching the bracket to the presented surface of the fixed member, c) providing an enlarged body having pivotally mounted locking fingers, the enlarged body being of such shape and configuration that, when the movable member is in its closed position relative to the fixed member and the enlarged body is moved into a position in which the locking fingers engage the engagement formation, a part of the enlarged body overlies a part of the movable member, and blocking means being provided within the enlarged body and arranged to prevent releasing movement of the locking fingers, thereby holding the enlarged body in engagement with the bracket and serving to prevent movement of the movable member away from the fixed member, d) engaging the enlarged body with the bracket, when the movable member is in its closed position relative to the fixed member, such that the locking fingers engage the engagement formation adjacent the end of the second element to hold the enlarged body in engagement with the bracket and thereby prevent movement of the movable member out of its closed position, and À 27 e) providing release means that can be used, when so desired, to release the blocking means and permit disengagement of the enlarged body from the bracket, thereby permitting movement of the movable member away from the fixed member.
13. A security device for use in preventing unauthorized movement of a movable member, such as a door or drawer, relative to a fixed member, such as a door frame or the frame of a cupboard, the security device including: a) a bracket for attachment to a presented surface of the fixed member, the bracket being disposed, in use, in face-to-face engagement with the presented surface of the fixed member, and being formed with an engagement formation, b) an enlarged body having pivotally mounted locking fingers arranged for engagement with the engagement formation, the enlarged body being of such shape and configuration that, when the movable member is in its closed position relative to the fixed member and the enlarged body is moved into a position in which the locking fingers engage the engagement formation, a part of the enlarged body overlies a part of the movable member, c) blocking means within the enlarged body and arranged to prevent releasing movement of the locking fingers, thereby holding the enlarged body in engagement with the bracket and serving to prevent movement of the movable member away from the fixed member, and d) release means for releasing the blocking means to permit disengagement of the enlarged body from the bracket, thereby permitting movement of the movable member away from the fixed member.
14. A security device as claimed in Claim 13, in which the engagement formation of the bracket comprises a slot formed in the bracket and the locking fingers are formed with recesses that receive portions of the surround of the slot.
15. A method of preventing unauthorized movement of a movable member, such as a door or drawer, relative to a fixed member, such as a door frame or the frame of a cupboard, the method including: a) providing a bracket for attachment to a presented surface of the fixed member, the bracket being disposed, in use, in face-to- face engagement with the presented surface of the fixed member, and being formed with an engagement formation, b) attaching the bracket to the presented surface of the fixed member, c) providing an enlarged body having pivotally mounted locking fingers, the enlarged body being of such shape and configuration that, when the movable member is in its closed position relative to the fixed member and the enlarged body is moved into a position in which the locking fingers engage the engagement formation, a part of the enlarged body overlies a part of the movable member, and blocking means being provided within the enlarged body and arranged to prevent releasing movement of the locking fingers, thereby holding the enlarged body in engagement with the bracket and serving to prevent movement of the movable member away from the fixed member, d) engaging the enlarged body with the bracket, when the movable member is in its closed position relative to the fixed member, such that the locking fingers engage the engagement formation to hold the enlarged body in engagement with the bracket and thereby prevent movement of the movable member out of its closed position, and e) providing release means that can be used, when so desired, to release the blocking means and permit disengagement of the enlarged body from the bracket, thereby permitting movement of the movable member away from the fixed member.
16. A security device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in Figures 1 to 5, or 6 and 7, or 8 and 9, or 10 and 11 of the accompanying drawings.
17. A method of preventing unauthorized movement of a movable member, such as a door or drawer, relative to a fixed member, such as a door frame or the frame of a cupboard, said method including the use of a security device as claimed in Claim 16.