GB2514787A

GB2514787A - A blocking device

Info

Publication number: GB2514787A
Application number: GB201309905A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Martin Trevor Hawkins
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-06-03
Filing date: 2013-06-03
Publication date: 2014-12-10
Also published as: GB201309905D0

Abstract

A handle blocking device for preventing use of a door handle. The device comprises an elongate body forming a cavity for covering the handle in at least part and a displaceable securing means for bridging the cavity. In one arrangement the elongate body forms a C-shaped channel with two opposing sides 11 extending from a base 10 the sides having one or more apertures or slots 8 receiving sliding pins 5 extending across the channel to retain the device on the handle; the device may fit on two adjacent handles of double door or the device may fix to a doorframe either with a sliding bracket (fig.8a, 8b) and/or the body may be pivotally mounted to the bracket enabling it to be rotated from a first position away from the door in which it does not cover the handle to a second position wherein it covers the handle. In the arrangement having a pivoted blocking device the pivot may include locking means to retain the pivot in the second position. The device may comprise a telescopic body.

Description

A BLOCKING DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a blocking device, more particularly but not exclusively a blocking device for a handle of a door.

Background

Locking and securing a property or premises can be essential so as to prevent uriautborised access. Typically a door or gate is provided to enable restricted access and ideally the door or gate may include a lock so as to prevent unauthorised entry.

However when a resident is present at the property or premises the door or gate may be unlocked although the resident may still wish to protect against unauthorised entry. In order to do this the door or gate may need to be locked again.

In situations where locking the door or gate by traditional methods is undesirable, or for doors or gates without a lock it may be difficult to control unauthorised access and therefore a resident may be vulnerable.

Also the use of a stand lock such as a key may not indicate to an intruder such as burglar that the door is locked and therefore they may be more likely to attempt to access a property

Prior Art

:: Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: * *. 30 Granted United States patent US 8 177 268 (VARNEY et al) discloses a lock for a lever handle mounted on a door, the lock comprising a blocker-support base adapted to mount on a door in a fixed position to surround a lever handle coupled to the door * and the blocker-support base is formed to include an anchor receiver, a lever-handle * 35 rotation blocker mounted on the blocker-support base to rotate about a rotation axis between a door-locking position wherein the lever-handle rotation blocker is adapted to block rotation about the rotation axis of a lever handle carried on a door to keep the door in mating contact with a door frame and a door-unlocking position wherein the lever-handle rotation blocker is adapted to allow rotation about the rotation axis of a lever handle carried on a door to allow the door to move out of mating contact with a door frame, and a blocker-movement controller including a rotation lock including an anchor and an anchor return configured to apply a biasing force to the anchor, the anchor being coupled to the lever-handle rotation blocker and configured to move from a lever-rotation blocking position wherein the anchor is arranged to extend into the anchor receiver formed in the blocker-support base toward a lever-rotation unblocking position wherein the anchor is positioned to lie in spaced-apart relation to the anchor receiver, and actuator means for moving the anchor against the biasing force to cause the anchor to move out of the anchor receiver to free the lever-handle rotation blocker to rotate about the rotation axis in response to rotation of the lever handle about the rotation axis from the door-locking position toward the door-unlocking position.

International patent application WO 2011 131 971 (KNOTT) discloses a rotatable or pivotable door handle locking device comprising: first and second body portions, at least one of the portions including receiving means for receiving a rotatable or pivotable door handle; at least one of the body portions including one or more arms which are received by corresponding recesses on the other body portion; the body portions being capable of relative movement between a first position in which they are engaged via the arms and recesses, and a second position in which they are disengaged; wherein the body portions and/or arms are arranged such that they substantially block or prevent rotation or pivotal movement of the handle when fitted thereto and moved to the engaged position. *. **

* *. Granted European patent EP 2 373 857 (FRONMUELLER et al) discloses a handle holder for fastening a door handle on a door leaf of a domestic appliance, said * * 30 handle comprising: a first component having an interior and including a guiding and fastening device arranged in the interior and configured to accommodate an elongated fastener and to enable the fastener to be introduced through a side surface of the first component for fastening the handle holder on the door leaf, said 0u*e * fastener enclosing an acute intermediate angle with a fastening side in confronting * 35 relationship to a side assigned to the device for securing the door handle; and a second component having a side with an integrally arranged device for securing the door handle and defining a first cavity for insertion of the first component, said second component being configured such that the fastener is able extend through a side surface of the second component into the guiding and fastening device.

Sumrnarr of the Invention According to the present invention there is provided a blocking device for a handle of a door, in which the device comprises an elongate body with an internal lacuna to surround said handle at least in part and at least one displaceable securement means to bridge said lacuna.

In some embodiments said body is mounted in use on a base, wherein said base is secured to a surface peripheral to the door and said body in use articulates on at least one articulation from an open position substantially analogous, proximate or coplanar to the base, to a closed position where the handle is situated within the lacuna and restricted in movement.

In other embodiments the device may be displaceable, for example wherein the device is displaceable from such base, or wherein the device is fitted over two adjacent handles and blocks mutual movement by mutual blocking.

In embodiments with a base the at least one articulation comprises a hinge or bracket, wherein the body is hinged on the base, and the base is secured to a wall or door jamb. In yet further embodiments a hinged body may be interfaced with the base or a separate bracket so as to prevent turning of the handle, to position the lacuna over the handle, and removed therefrom so as to enable turning.

The base may be a part of the body or analogous or contiguous to the body, and a separate bracket attached in use to a wall or door jamb. e..

The body in turn is arranged to provide sufficient rigidity to ensure that the handle is limited in movement within the lacuna, or when the device is in the closed position.

Said lacuna may be further arranged to limit turning of the handle, and in some embodiments this may include rotation wherein the lacuna may include teeth or offset teeth disposed to minimise rotation of the handle.

In preferred embodiments however the lacuna is elongate and the handle an elongate member pivoted at one end, at a pivot, wherein the member is limited from.

movement at an end distal from the pivot by presence of the lacuna.

In this way the device may provide a physical lock for use on a lever handle comprising: a body located in use over said handle, restricting by physically blocking movement of the handle wherein as a consequence the door cannot be opened. The device in preferred embodiments further includes the securement means for attachment of the device to the handle to ensure the device is not liable to compromising unauthorised movement from the handle.

In preferred embodiments the device is for use on door handles such as those for entrance and exit to a property. Thereby the device can be used to limit access to or from a property, in addition or alternative to other means such as a door latch or door lock.

Preferably the device is for use specifically on lever handles so as to prevent or limit pivoting of the handle. Typically the lever handle or handle is pushed down or pulled up so as to disconnect the latch so that the door may be opened and when the device is in use such movement of the handle is restricted so as to prevent the latch from being disconnected, thereby stopping the door from being opened.

In use the device thereby provides an additional physical element of security to any locks already present in or on the door, for example in addition to the door device or the door latch, wherein the device provides a physical block to burglars equipped to overcome standard locks, and in particular such as where key security has been compromised.

Preferably the body is designed to fit about the handle wherein the handle is at least in part enclosed by the lacuna at least in part. Typically the body defines an interior

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* 35 lacuna or overarching skeleton or structure, which in use is placed about the handle, defining a top and two sides.

In this way the body can be placed over the handle, typically so as to be parallel to the door in use wherein movement of the handle is restricted by the sides of the lacuna, the top facing a user, and wherein access to the handle is as a result limited from all directions. Therefore the door cannot be opened when the body is over the handle from either side and likelihood of injury, for example a child catching fingers, is reduced as the handle is substantially covered by the body and ideally a smooth and continuous outer face is presented.

Advantageously as the body covers the handle when in use, the device is visible and accordingly may serve as a deterrent.

The body may be formed from a heavy duty, strong durable material such as metal or metal alloy so that it may not be readily broken by application of force, thereby providing enhanced security.

In some pivoted bady or base embodiments the pivot to the base may comprise a locking mechanism, wherein the user is enabled to prevent the body pivoting into an open position where the lacuna is displaced from the handle. In this way further security may be provided whereby even where a door glass and/or lock are comprised the burglar requires access through the glass as the door itself will remain unopenable, or the handle unturnable.

In some embodiments the lacuna may include a soft lining so as to prevent damage to the handle. For example the body may include a resiliently deformable layer of foam, rubber or a fabric layer.

Preferably thebody may be for use on single or double doors wherein the body is adapted in length to be able to cover more than one handle. In some embodiments * 30 length of the body may be varied, to accommodate different handle types, for example the body length may be made longer for longer handles and plural handles.

In such embodiments the body may comprise telescopic parts.

In yet further embodiments such telescopic or extendable parts may be equipped to *.

* 35 allow bracing of the body on further surfaces, both for embodiments with a base or without.

In preferred embodiments the body includes a securement means that allows securement of the body to the handle, wherein the securement means is temporary and robust.

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To provide said means, sides of the body may include apertures for accepting a displaceable pin, said pin inserted through to prevent the body pulling away from the handle. Ideally the apertures are located so as to enable the pin to be situated in use between the handle and door, and the pin is engaged into a distal side of the body across the lacuna and handle.

Preferably the pin is elongate and cylindrical and includes a foot at its distal end and a grip at the proximal end wherein the foot enables the pin to be locked in position and the grip allows the pin to be held and manipulated by the user to enable such locking. In some embodiments an intermediate, proximal or distal part for attachment to or articulation from the body may be provided, for example wherein the part comprises a hinge or pivot on or from which the pin may be hinged away from and to engagement, or in other embodiments a sleeve or chain in or on which the pin may be maintained to prevent loss.

The pin may be formed from a strong durable material similar to that of the body, for example metal or metal alloy. It may be envisaged that the pin may be coated so as to be coloured and so as to prevent the pin from damaging the handle, for example the pin may be coated in silicone or powdercoated.

Typically one side of the body includes an aperture and the opposite side of the body includes an aperture or engagement slot through.which the foot can be accepted.

Preferably the slot is provided on the body's lower side wherein the pin can be * r dropped through, and is urged towards, into and/or against the slot under gravity.

Ideally the foot is dimensioned to fit through the slot in or with a particular orientation, wherein twisting of the pin changes orientation of the foot so that it cannot return though the slot and is thereby locked in position, until the pin is rotated again. It may be envisaged that the pin operates in a similar manner to a postman lock. * *e * 35

Preferably the side or slot may include a guide or notching so as to prevent the foot rotating more than through a particular range, for example limiting the foot from rotating more than 90 degrees. Advantageously this enables the pin to be swiftly inserted, locked, unlocked and removed as required due to the guidance provided by the notches.

In some embodiments the pin may be sprung biased and/or telescopic so as to be released automatically when twisted. In this way the device may be readily removed from the door in an emergency situation.

In some embodiments the pin may be hinged or slidable so as to displace from the lacuna to the body or elsewhere and prevented from interference.

Advantageously the pin may be a contrasting colour to the body to improve ease of use and in particular for emergency situations.

The grip may be available in various shapes for example as a knob, or handle. In some embodiments the grip may include finger shaping for enhanced usability.

Some embodiments may include more than one pin and some embodiments may include screwthreaded pins.

In embodiments where the body is adapted for use on double doors wherein the body is arranged to include at least two aligned sets of apertures so as to allow at least one pin to be inserted behind each handle.

Advantageously the pins are typically located mid way along the handle.

In this way in plural-handle embodiments insertion of the two pins across the lacuna * 30 and the two handles prevents the body being removed from the handles, for example by being slid along the handles, as sliding movement is blocked by the pins, thereby securing the body to the handles by use of the pins, and movement of one handle is * ** blacked by the body and other handle. *

It may be envisaged that one body may include plural apertures or slots so as to be suitable for plural style and sizes of handles and so as to accommodate more than one handle.

In some further embodiments a clamp may be used to secure the body to the door by combining the lacuna and the pin, wherein the clamp is attached to or integrated with the body. Typically a portion of the clamp is extendable about the handle so as to be able to secure the body to the handle wherein the clamp can be readily released if required so as to gain access to the handle(s). Typically said extendable portion of the clamp may be concealed by the body so as to be discreet and less likely to become caught.

Ideally a body with clamps for use on double doors may include at least two clamps.

In some embodiments of the device with more than one pin or clamp they may be linked so that both can be removed together.

In some other embodiments the body may include cuffs for attachment directly to the handles, wherein the cuff is arranged to be fit about each handle and the handle is fit into a lacuna defined by the body and lacuna. Preferably the cuff may include a resiliently deformable lining so as not to damage the handle in use.

In embodiments where the body is adapted for use on a single door and thereby one handle the body istemporarily or permanently secured at one end to the base, and the base to a surface such as the wail or door frame so as to hold the body to the handle in use. Ideally the body is secured to the base by the bracket.

Typically one end of the body is secured to the base, wherein the base is mounted onto the surface semi-permanently. In some embodiments the body may be * * 30 displaceable from the base, wherein the bracket formed by body, base and a fl*0 mounting is bipartite or separable.

Ideally the end of the body arranged at the base may include a rim that can be slid * into a runner provided to provide the bracket, wherein said runner is mounted on * adjacent surface such as door frame or wall.

It may be envisaged that in some embodiments the body may be arranged with an arcuate or stepped portion to enable the body to be accepted onto walls in the same plane as the door. For example the body may be L-shaped so as to enable one end to be filled to the bracket.

A hinged or pivoted base or bracket may be provided so as to enable the body or base to remain attached to the bracket whilst the lacuna is displaced from the handle and wherein the pivoting may be such that the body can be fully pivoted away from the handle when not required and into alignment with the door frame.

In some further embodiments a pivoted or rigid bâdy may have a base that is slid or secured into or onto the bracket such that pins may not be included, wherein insertion of the body into, or so as to interface with, the bracket limits movement of the pivot and/or body to prevent movement of the handle; such as on a door for inward-opening. In such embodiments the interface, bracket or body may bridge the lacuna so as to prevent the lacuna opening under force to release the handle from the body.

In preferred embodiments the device is provided with a warning sticker to be displayed on the property or premises so as to alert potential burglars of the presence of enhanced security measures, thereby serving as a further deterrent.

Brief Description of FiQures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment arranged for two handles; Figure 2 shows an isometric view of a second embodiment arranged for one handle; *. .. *4 * * *

Figure 3 shows an isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 2 subject to some displacement; * *. * * .

Figure 4 shows an isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 with pins displaced; 0** i 35 Figure 5 shows an isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 2 with pins displaced; Figure 6 shows an isometric view of a pin as used in embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 2; Figure 7 shows an isometric view of a bracket as used in the embodiment shown in Figure 2; and Figures 8a-c show sketches of variant embodiments of the body in use and in isolation.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the figures the body 1 is comprised of two sides 11 and a top 10, defining a lacuna 2.

The sides include apertures 9 and slots 8, wherein pins 5 are inserted therethrough.

The pins comprise grips 6 and feet 7.

In the embodiment pictured in Figure 2 the body 1 includes a base 3, which interlaces with a bracket 4 for attachment of the device to a surface (not shown).

Typically the body may be at least 200mm and preferably 250mm long so as to accommodate the handle(s) and to be fitted to the base as required. Ideally the body is as short as possible so as to be readily handled by users whilst also being discreet but still sufficiently visible to serve as a deterrent. *

Preferably the lacuna is at least 65mm deep, so as to cover the handle and enable the pins to be inserted behind the handle.

Typically the apertures and slots for double doors may be spaced by 165mm.

Figure Ba shows a pivoted body 1 inserted in a vertical orientation into a bracket 4 arranged about a lever handle, wherein a screwthreaded pin 5 is positioned behind the handle.

In some embodiments pins may not be included, wherein insertion of the body 1 into the bracket limits movement of the pivot andlor body to prevent movement of the handle, such for a door for inward-opening.

Figure 8b shows body accepted into a bracket 4 located on a surface including a pin 5 that is located behind the lever handle in use.

Figure 8c shows body dimensions wherein the body length is 250mm, the body width is 32mm and the body depth is 65mm. The apertures for the pin 5 are positioned 45mm and 50mm from the distal end and 35mm from an upper surface. The body is formed from 3mm thick material thereby providing a lacuna of 26mm.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

* *. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction * ..

and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. a. *

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Claims

Claims 1. A blocking device for a handle of a door, in which the device comprises an elongate body with an internal lacuna to surround said handle at least in part and at least one displaceable securement means to bridge said lacuna.
2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the body comprises a base at a distal end.
3. A device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the securement means comprises at least one displaceable part.
4. A device according to claim 3 wherein the at least one displaceable pal comprises a sliding pin and the securement means comprises at least one aperture or slot.
5. A device according to claim 3 wherein the displaceable part comprises the body and the securement means comprises an interface between the body and a bracket.
6. A device according to claim 5 wherein the body is pivoted.
7. A device according to any of the preceding claims wherein the body is interfaced in use with a bracket mounted on an adjacent surface.
8. A device according to any of the preceding claims wherein the body is telescopic.
9. A blocking device for a handle of a door with reference to the figures and * 30 substantially as described herein. * * * *