GB2548648A

GB2548648A - Security device for a sliding door or window

Info

Publication number: GB2548648A
Application number: GB1614912.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Johnson Dave
Original assignee: Era Home Security Ltd
Current assignee: Era Home Security Ltd
Priority date: 2016-03-24
Filing date: 2016-09-02
Publication date: 2017-09-27
Anticipated expiration: 2036-09-02
Also published as: GB201614912D0; GB2548648B; GB2591415B; GB2591415A; GB201605043D0; GB202105572D0

Abstract

A security device 100 for a sliding door leaf 12 in a frame 14 has at least one engaging member 102,104 mounted on the leaf or the frame which permits sliding of the leaf within a frame when correctly seated and restricts sliding when the leaf is moved laterally relative to the frame by the engaging member engaging a corresponding feature on the other of the leaf or the frame (fig.4a-c). The engaging members may form part of an interlock between the leaf and the frame, with the engaging members being hooked (fig.1,23). Preferably each engaging member has a number of separate hooks (fig.1,23) separated by frangible break portions for adjusting the length to extend along a trailing edge or leading face of the leaf, or on a jamb of the door frame adjacent to a leading edge of the leaf. The leaf or frame may have a reinforcing bar 126 into which the engaging members may be received, and attached using mechanical fasteners 122. The security device may have a plug portion 136, receivable in a groove 18 of the leaf or frame and retained by a friction, compression or snap fit mechanism 130; gaskets 127 may provide a seal between the leaf and the frame. A kit of parts having at least two security devices is also claimed, and may be used in sliding windows.

Description

Security Device fora Siiding Door or Window

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a security device for sliding doors and/or windows. More specifically, the invention may relate to an interlock between door leafs and/or the adjacent frame for sliding doors and/or windows. The invention may relate to a lock assembly and/or faceplate for sliding doors and/or windows.

Background

Sliding doors, often referred to as patio doors, have a frame around the periphery of a doorway and at least one door leaf which is slidable relative to the frame so as to open and close. Sliding doors may have a further panel which is fixed in position and lies parallel to the plane of the sliding door leaf. Some sliding doors may have multiple sliding door leafs which lie in parallel planes so as to close larger doorways or provide greater flexibility.

With sliding doors, it is necessary to provide a seal for the perimeter of the door as well as between each door leaf or panel to prevent draughts and heat losses. It is also important that sliding doors, especially when used as exterior doors, are lockable and resistant to attacks by unauthorised people attempting to gain entry.

Summary of the Invention

Conventional locking mechanisms such as shoot and hook bolts are commonly used to lock the door leaf relative to the frame when the door is closed. However, the inventors have appreciated that such conventional sliding doors have a number of security vulnerabilities which can be exploited by attackers.

It is an aim of the present invention to mitigate or ameliorate at least one of the problems of the prior art, or provide a useful alternative.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a door leaf for slidable engagement within a corresponding frame, the door leaf comprising: at least one engaging member configured to permit sliding of the door leaf within the frame when it is correctly seated therein, and further configured to engage a corresponding feature of the frame for restricting sliding of the door leaf within the frame when the door leaf is moved laterally relative to the frame.

The inventors have identified a weakness with conventional sliding door assemblies, wherein an attacker can lever the door leaf laterally away from the corresponding frame and thereby bypass or overcome many of the security features such as bolts or locks. For example, it may be possible to overcome a shoot bolt in the door leaf by force or by lifting the door. The door can then be “hinged” on its leading edge by forcing the trailing edge laterally (or outwards). In other existing products, once a lock has been overcome, it may be possible to simply slide the door open. The engaging member of the exemplary apparatus disclosed herein is arranged to allow operation of the door leaf when correctly seated within the frame and to engage with features of the frame on lateral movement of the door leaf to prevent opening of the door.

The door leaf is correctly seated when the door leaf is aligned with the frame such that it is in its default lateral position. For example, the door leaf is correctly seated when the leaf is freely slidable relative to the frame. Any wheels or rollers are received in or on corresponding tracks or rails and the door leaf is free to slide back and forth between open and closed positions in the conventional manner. The engaging member of the invention only engages the corresponding feature when the door leaf is moved under a lateral force is applied to the slidable door leaf or frame i.e. away from its default lateral position. For example, this may be due to an attacker levering the door and frame apart. Typically, the lateral force will be outwards with respect to a building to which the door is fitted. When engaged with the corresponding features, the engaging member prevents the door leaf from being opened by restricting sliding movement in the direction of opening the door.

It is noted that the term “lateral” as used herein encompasses a direction transverse to a plane of the door leaf when seated in the frame. More generally, it is noted that relative terms, such as upper, lower, lateral, vertical and upright are used herein principally to aid description and need not limit the scope of protection conferred by the appended claims.

The corresponding frame may comprise a doorframe. Alternatively, the corresponding frame may comprise an upright portion of a second slidable door leaf.

In some embodiments, the at least one engaging member may comprise a hook.

The at least one engaging member may extend longitudinally along an upright portion of the door leaf. By “longitudinally”, it is intended that the engaging member comprises an elongate device, and extends substantially parallel to an upright or vertical portion of the door leaf e.g. a stile or mullion. “Upright” or “vertical” refer to orientation in use.

In some embodiments the at least one engaging member comprises a plurality of engaging members. The plurality of engaging members may comprise at least two engaging members that are separated by at least one frangible break portion. The plurality of engaging members may comprise at least two engaging members that are spatially separated. The plurality of engaging members may be connected to a fixing portion fitted to the door leaf.

The engaging member may extend the full height, or substantially the full height, of the door leaf. Alternatively, the engaging member may extend at least 95%, at least 90%, at least 80%, at least 70%, at least 60% or at least 50% of the height of the door leaf.

In embodiments comprising a plurality of engaging members, the combined length of the engaging members, and optionally also the frangible break portions, may extend 100%, at least 95%, at Ieast90%, at least 80%, at least 70%, at least 60% or at least 50% of the height of the door leaf.

The at least one engaging member may comprise a trailing engaging member located on or adjacent to the trailing edge of the door leaf.

In one series of embodiments, the engaging member comprises part of an interlock between the door leaf and corresponding frame, or between the door leaf and a further door leaf seated within the frame. The interlock is a device fitted to the trailing edge of a sliding door and the corresponding door frame or further door leaf, configured to provide a seal between the door and the frame to prevent draughts and water ingress.

At least one of the one or more engaging members may be located on or adjacent to a leading face of the door leaf. For example, the engaging member may comprise part of a lock faceplate. The leading face of the door leaf is the face on the opposite side of the door from the hinges and which in use abuts the doorjamb when the leaf is in the closed position. The leading face lies in a plane perpendicular to the main plane of the doorway i.e. it extends in the upright axis of the door leaf, and in a horizontal axis transverse to the plane of the door leaf.

The door leaf may further comprising at least one mechanical fastener configured to attach the at least one engaging member to the door leaf.

The door leaf may further comprise a reinforcing bar for strengthening the door leaf, wherein the reinforcing bar is configured to receive the at least one mechanical fastener.

The engaging members may be located on a sealing assembly, further comprising one or more seals and/or gaskets for providing a seal between the slidable door leaf and the frame.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a door frame for slidable engagement of a corresponding door leaf within, the door frame comprising: at least one engaging member configured to permit sliding of a door leaf within the frame when it is correctly seated therein, and further configured to engage a corresponding feature of the door leaf for restricting sliding of the door leaf within the frame when the door leaf is moved laterally relative to the frame.

The at least one engaging member may comprise a hook.

The at least one engaging member may extend longitudinally along an upright portion of the door frame. By “longitudinally”, it is intended that the engaging member comprises an elongate device, and extends substantially parallel with an upright or vertical portion of the door frame e.g. a jamb.

In some embodiments, the at least one engaging member comprises a plurality of engaging members.

The plurality of engaging members may comprise at least two engaging members that are separated by at least one frangible break portion.

The plurality of engaging members may comprise at least two engaging members that are spatially separated.

The plurality of engaging members may be connected to a fixing portion fitted to the door frame.

The engaging member may extend the full height, or substantially the full height, of the door frame. Alternatively, the engaging member may extend at least 95%, at least 90%, at least 80%, at least 70%, at least 60% or at least 50% of the height of the door frame.

In embodiments comprising a plurality of engaging members, the combined length of the engaging members, and optionally also the frangible break portions, may extend 100%, at least 90%, at least 80%, at least 70%, at least 60% or at least 50% of the height of the door frame.

At least one of the one or more engaging members may be located on the frame adjacent to the trailing edge of a door leaf. The at least one engaging member may comprise at least part of an interlock between the door frame and a trailing edge of the door leaf.

The engaging member may comprise at least part of an interlock between the door frame and the corresponding door leaf, or between the door leaf and a further door leaf seated within the frame.

At least one of the one or more engaging members may be located on a jamb of the door frame adjacent to the leading edge or face of a door leaf.

The door frame may further comprise at least one mechanical fastener configured to attach the at least one engaging member to the door frame.

The door frame may further comprise a reinforcing bar for strengthening the door leaf, wherein the reinforcing bar is configured to receive the at least one mechanical fastener.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a sliding door assembly comprising a door leaf and a door frame as described herein.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a security device for a sliding door assembly; said assembly comprising a slidable door leaf and a door frame; the security device comprising: at least one engaging member, mountable on the door leaf or door frame, configured to permit sliding of a door leaf within a frame when the door leaf is correctly seated therein, and further configured to engage a corresponding feature of the other of the door leaf or door frame, when the door leaf is moved laterally relative to the frame, to restrict sliding of the door leaf within the frame.

The security device may form part of an interlock for a trailing edge of a slidable door leaf and an adjacent frame portion.

The security device may form part of a faceplate for a leading edge of the slidable door leaf and the adjacent frame portion.

The security device may be configured to be mountable on a planar portion of the door leaf and/or door frame. The security device may be configured to be mountable on a surface portion of the door leaf and/or door frame. The security device may be mountable on the door leaf or door frame without requiring routing or milling of the door leaf and/or door frame.

The at least one engaging member may comprise a hook.

The at least one engaging member may extend longitudinally along an upright portion of the slidable door leaf and/or frame.

The at least one engaging member may comprise a plurality of engaging members. The plurality of engaging members may comprise at least two engaging members that are separated by at least one frangible break portion. The plurality of engaging members may comprise at least two engaging members that are spatially separated. The plurality of engaging members may be connected to a fixing portion for fitting to a door leaf and/or door frame.

The security device may further comprise a plug portion receivable within a groove or channel of the door leaf or frame. The plug portion may further comprise a retaining mechanism configured to provide a friction fit, compression fit or snap fit with the groove or channel of the slidable door leaf or frame.

The security device may be configured to be located over or around a portion of the slidable door leaf or frame, and receive a mechanical fastener therethrough.

The security device may further comprise one or more seals and/or gaskets configured to provide a seal between the slidable door leaf and the frame.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit of parts comprising at least two security devices as described previously. The at least two security devices may be identical.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying Figures, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a horizontal cross-section through a door leaf and a corresponding frame or further door leaf,

Figure 2 is a horizontal cross section through a door leaf and a corresponding frame,

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the cross section shown in Figure 2,

Figures 4A to 4C are horizontal cross-sections through a door leaf and a corresponding frame or further door leaf showing different stages of use.

Figure 5 is a horizontal cross section through a door leaf and a corresponding frame,

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the cross section shown in Figure 5,

Figure 7 is a horizontal cross section through a door leaf and a corresponding frame, and

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the cross section shown in Figure 7.

Detailed Description

Turning now to Figure 1, there is shown a cross-section through a frame portion of a sliding door assembly 1.

The assembly 1 comprises a first upright 12, which is an upright of a door leaf support, which forms part of the door leaf and supports edges of a window pane or solid panel (not shown), and a second upright 14. The first and second upright are connected by an interlock 10. The second upright 14 may be part of a door leaf support for a further sliding door leaf, or part of a stationary panel or peripheral portion of the doorframe. In the following description, the first and second uprights 12, 14 are taken as being an upright 12 of a door leaf support and an upright 14 of a door frame. The first and second uprights 12, 14 may be conventional extruded plastic or aluminium members and have a channel 16, 18 running their length.

An interlock 10 is formed of two interlock portions 20, which in the exemplary apparatus of Figure 1 are identical. The interlock portions 20 comprise engaging members 22 and mounting bodies 24. The mounting bodies 24 are located abutting the surface of the uprights 12, 14, and comprise seal housings 25 in which a flexible seal or flange (not shown) may be housed. The engaging members 22 may extend the length of the interlock 10 and have hooked tips 23 at their distal ends which will be described further below.

Fascias 26 are provided with longitudinal teeth 30 which provide a snap-fit with corresponding grooves 32 in the internal faces of the channels 16, 18, and flanges 28 which extend over a perimeter of the channels 16, 18 to close the channel.

In use, the interlock 10 can be fitted to a sliding door assembly 1 by adhering or welding the mounting body 24 of a first interlock portion 20 to a surface of a first upright 12 that faces the second upright 14 when the door leaf is in a position such that the first and second uprights 12, 14 are adjacent. A mechanical fastener 21 is also inserted through the mounting body 24 and into the uprights 12, 14 to fix the interlock 10 in position. A further first interlock portion 20 is similarly fitted to on the other of the first and second uprights 12, 14. The interlock 10 can thus be mounted on a surface of the uprights 12, 14 without requiring routing or milling of the uprights.

The fascias 26 can then be pressed into position until the longitudinal teeth 30 and grooves 32 interlock to hold the fascia 26 in place and provide an attractive finish. The flexible seals or flanges (not shown) provide a seal between the interlock portions 20 and the opposite upright 12, 14 so as to provide a water or air resistant seal.

In alternative embodiments, the interlock portions 20 may be attached to the uprights 12, 14 by an alternative mechanism, for example, snap or friction fittings. In further alternative embodiments, the interlock portions 20 are formed integrally as part of the uprights 12, 14 rather than as discrete attachable components.

Turning now to Figure 2, there is shown a section through a sliding door assembly 2; wherein like features to assembly 1 will maintain the same reference numerals. The first and second uprights 12, 14 are connected by an interlock 100, formed of a second interlock portion 102 and a third interlock portion 104. The first upright 12 is a portion of a slidable door leaf comprising a handle 13 mounted on the interior of the assembly 2 for operating a locking mechanism. Typically this is a secondary locking mechanism at the trailing end of the sliding door, such as one or more shoot bolts (not shown).

The second interlock portion 102 is substantially the same as interlock portion 20, but the mounting body 124 has additional seal housings 125 for multiple flexible seals 127. Mechanical fasteners 122 in the form of screws or bolts extend through the mounting body 124, the upright 12, and a steel reinforcing bar 126. Mechanical fasteners can provide a stronger attachment to the uprights compared to the attachment shown in Figure 1. The reinforcing bar 126 extends the length of the upright 12 and provides additional structural support to the upright 12 by improving the strength of the sliding door assembly 2 and increasing the rigidity. In Figure 2, the mechanical fasteners 122 engage the reinforcing bar 126 to ensure that the interlock portion 102 is securely and strongly retained on the upright 12.

The third interlock portion 104 comprises a mounting body 134, substantially the same as the mounting body 124 of the second interlock portion 102. The third interlock portion 104 further comprises a bridging portion 132 connecting the mounting body 134 and a plug portion136, which extends into the channel 18 of the second upright 14. The plug portion 136 has a hollow cuboidal body and extends into the channel 18 for receiving a fastener 122 for the mounting body 134. In the exemplary apparatus, the plug portion 136 extends the full depth of the channel 18. The mechanical fasteners 122 extend through the mounting body 134, the second upright 14 and into the plug portion 136. The plug portion 136 has longitudinal teeth 130 which provide a snap-fit with a groove on the inside of the channel 18, and a planar upper face to seal off the channel 18.

In use, the plug portion 136 provides additional body material into which the mechanical fasteners 122 can grip, and thereby prevents the mechanical fasteners 122 from stripping the holes through the second upright 14, for example, where the second upright 14 is manufactured from extruded plastic. This is suitable where it is not possible to use a steel reinforcing bar 126, or where one is not present in the sliding door assembly, as shown in conjunction with the second interlock portion 102.

Advantageously, both the second and third interlock portions 102, 104 can be securely mounted of the surface of the uprights 12, 14 without requiring milling or routing of the uprights 12, 14. Routing or milling is often unavailable to the manufacturer when using extruded uprights due to the hollow parts, and thus the first, second and third interlock portions 20, 102, 104 utilise surfaces of the uprights 12, 14 or pre-formed channels. With uprights manufactured from solid materials, such as wood and composites, routing and milling are labour intensive and difficult manufacturing processes and thus the present interlock is simpler and easier to fit.

Turning now to Figure 3, the sliding door assembly 2 is shown in perspective view. More clearly shown are the second and third interlock portions 102, 104 which extend along the length of the first and second uprights 12, 14.

In alternative embodiments, the sliding door assembly 2 of Figures 2 and 3 may comprise a reverse arrangement of interlock portions 102, 104; two second interlock portions 102; or two third interlock portions 104. For example, in alternative embodiments, the steel reinforcing bar 126 may be present in the second upright 14 instead of the first upright 12 i.e. in the exterior upright instead of the interior upright. In this arrangement, the interlock portions 102, 104 would be reversed so that the upright without the reinforcing bar cooperates with the interlock 104 comprising the plug portion 136 to ensure the interlock 104 is securely retained.

In an alternative embodiment, both uprights 12, 14 comprise reinforcing bars 126 which can receive the mechanical fasteners 122, and are thus each provided with first interlocks 102.

In a further alternative embodiment and as shown in Figures 5 and 6, neither the first nor second uprights 12 or 14 comprise reinforcing bars, and would are each be provided with a second interlock 104 comprising a plug portion 136.

In alternative embodiments, the interlock portions 102, 104 may be attached to the first and second uprights 12, 14 by any suitable mechanism or combination such as adhesives, multiple mechanical fasteners, and snap and/or friction fittings.

The second and third interlock portions 102, 104 each comprise three flexible seals 127, although greater or fewer could be used.

Turning now to Figures 4A to 4C the advantages and manner of operation of an exemplary arrangement will be explained.

Figure 4A shows a cross section through first and second uprights 12, 14 connected by an interlock formed from two fourth interlock portions 202. The first and second uprights 12, 14 are slidably movable relative to one another in the direction A in the conventional manner to open the door. In the exemplary arrangement discussed below, the first upright 12 is considered to be an upright of the door leaf and the second upright 14 is considered to be an upright of the door frame. As shown, the door assembly is in its closed position with the interlock 200 preventing further movement in the closed direction (against direction A). The hooks (engaging members) are disengaged and can move past each other unimpeded so as to permit opening of the door as shown in Figure 4B, which shows a partially open door. This operation is possible when the door leaf is seated correctly within the frame.

Figure 4C shows the action of the interlock in response to lateral movement of the door leaf, for example, when an attacker attempts to gain entry through the sliding door assembly by pulling the door leaf outwards from the frame.

Conventional sliding door assemblies have a weakness in that security features such as bolts are typically concentrated at the leading edge of the sliding door leaf. The interlock region between adjacent frames is especially vulnerable. For example, a lateral force applied to the frames at the interlock, for example by a crowbar or improvised lever can force the two frames apart and permit entry. Alternatively, it is possible to lift or force the sliding door leaf into a position where one of more of the security features is compromised and allow easier entry.

In Figure 4C, a lateral force transverse to the plane of the door in the direction B has been applied to the interlock region of a sliding door fitted with the interlock 200 in an embodiment of the present invention. The hooks 23 between the two interlock portions 202 are thereby moved from an unengaged position to an engaged position. Further movement of the frame 14 in the direction B is restricted or prevented. Because the interlock runs longitudinally, and in some arrangements, the height of the door, the force of the attack is spread over a large area and can be resisted. Because the force is spread over the area of the interlock 200, the interlock 200 can be produced from materials such as plastics that would be unsuitable for conventional bolts or locking points.

Secondly, the hooks 23 engage, and therefore prevent movement in the direction A i.e. in the direction to open the sliding door. Opening of the door is therefore prevented until the lateral force is removed. During an attack, if the lateral force is sufficient to overcome the other security mechanisms in the assembly, the attacker is still unable to gain entry since the hooks 23 of the interlock 200 (and also all other embodiments) prevent the door from being opened until the lateral force is removed, at which point the other security mechanisms should retain the door in place.

Turning now to Figures 7 and 8, there is shown a cross section and perspective cross section through a further sliding door assembly 5.

The sliding door assembly 5 has a perimeter frame 302 and a sliding door leaf with an upright 304 that forms part of a support and which forms part of the leading edge of a sliding door leaf.

The perimeter frame 302 may be manufactured from extruded plastic, steel or aluminium in the conventional manner, and has a rear face 306 for connecting to and sealing with a wall. The perimeter frame 302 may be configured to run around an internal surface of a door aperture in a wall and the section shown in Figure 7 shows only one upright member of the perimeter frame 302. Facing inwards into the door aperture and facing the sliding door leaf is a first rail 308 which extends the height of the sliding door assembly. The leading edge 309 of the first rail 308 is provided with a strike plate 310 facing the leading edge of the sliding door leaf. The strike plate 310 and first rail 308 are provided with apertures therethrough (not shown) for receiving locking mechanisms such as bolt 312 in order to lock the sliding door leaf in position adjacent the perimeter frame 302.

The upright 304 of the sliding door leaf may also be manufactured from extruded plastic, steel or aluminium. The leading edge 320 is provided with a channel 18 extending the height of the door leaf. The base of the channel 18 houses a locking mechanism 322 with a faceplate 328 at a shoulder region 324 which defines a sub-recess 326 on the rear of the locking mechanism 322. The sub-recess 326 houses any drive mechanisms (not shown) required to actuate the locking mechanism 322.

The faceplate 328 and the strike plate 309 are provided with engaging members 330, 332, with hooked tips at their distal ends similar to the engaging member 22 shown in Figures 1 to 6. In use, the faceplate engaging members 330 are located between the strikeplate engaging members 332 in parallel planes. When the door is in the closed position and is seated correctly in the frame 302, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the engaging members 330, 332 are not engaged, and the sliding door leaf can be moved freely when the locking mechanism 322 is unlocked.

In response to an attack on the door by an intruder, any lateral force applied to the sliding door leaf i.e. in the axis B (shown in Figure 8), will cause the engaging members to interlock, and thus restrict further movement of the sliding door leaf in the axis B. The hooked tips of the engaging members 330, 332 further restrict movement of the sliding door leaf in the direction A (shown in Figure 8) when engaged, requiring an intruder to remove any lateral force applied to the sliding door leaf with the intention of overcoming other locking mechanisms. The assembly 5 is thereby better able to withstand attacks and prohibit entry through the doorway.

In some embodiments the engaging members are provided in a reverse arrangement, wherein the faceplate engaging members 330 are located to the outside of the strikeplate engaging members. Alternatively, the engaging members could be paired in any configuration so as to provide engagement.

In some embodiments (not shown), the engaging members could comprise at least two engaging members, or multiple engaging members. The at least two engaging members can be separated by a frangible break portion. A frangible break portion is a region of the engaging member that is frangible and allows a portion of the engaging portion to be removed whilst leaving the remainder of the engaging portion still fitted to the door leaf or doorframe.

In other arrangements, the at least two engaging members are spatially separated. For example, the engaging member comprises a plurality of discrete engaging member portions that are disconnected from other engaging member portions. For example, the discrete engaging member portions may be connected by non-engaging regions. Such non-engaging regions may not have a hook, or have a discontinuous engaging member with discrete spaces between longitudinal strips of engaging member. The engaging members could be connected to a fixing portion fitted to the door leaf and/or to the door frame.

The frangible break portions and/or spatially separated engaging members are advantageous, since they prevent “peeling” of the engaging members should an attacker manage to forcibly gain access to the engaging members and attempt to remove them or forcibly dis-engage them. If the attacker is able to overcome the engaging members in a single location, in embodiments with a continuous engaging member, it is possible to slowly work along the length of the engaging members, similar to a zip or pressable zip-lock seal. This action is impeded in exemplary arrangements as each frangible or spatially separated engaging member must either be removed independently, or disengaged independently.

In some embodiments, the siding door assembly comprises both an interlock assembly according to Figures 1 to 6 and a leading edge faceplate and strike plate assembly according to Figures 7 and 8.

It will be appreciated that the above embodiments are only examples of the invention, and that other configurations are envisaged. Furthermore, any feature of any embodiment may be used in combination with any other feature in accordance with the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A door leaf for slidable engagement within a corresponding frame, the door leaf comprising: at least one engaging member configured to permit sliding of the door leaf within the frame when it is correctly seated therein, and further configured to engage a corresponding feature of the frame for restricting sliding of the door leaf within the frame when the door leaf is moved laterally relative to the frame.

2. The door leaf according to claim 1, wherein the at least one engaging member comprises a hook.

3. The door leaf according to either preceding claim, wherein the at least one engaging member extends longitudinally along an upright portion of the door leaf.

4. The door leaf according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one engaging member comprises a plurality of engaging members.

5. The door leaf according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of engaging members comprises at least two engaging members that are separated by at least one frangible break portion.

6. The door leaf according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the plurality of engaging members comprises at least two engaging members that are spatially separated.

7. The door leaf according to any of claims 4 to 6, wherein the plurality of engaging members are connected to a fixing portion fitted to the door leaf.

8. The door leaf according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one engaging member comprises a trailing engaging member located on or adjacent to the trailing edge of the door leaf.

9. The door leaf according to claim 8, wherein the trailing engaging member forms part of an interlock between the door leaf and corresponding frame.

10. The door leaf according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one engaging member comprises a leading engaging member located on or adjacent to a leading face of the door leaf.

11. The door leaf according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one mechanical fastener configured to attach the at least one engaging member to the door leaf.

12. The door leaf according to claim 11, further comprising a reinforcing bar for strengthening the door leaf, wherein the reinforcing bar is configured to receive the at least one mechanical fastener.

13. A door frame for slidable engagement of a corresponding door leaf within, the door frame comprising: at least one engaging member configured to permit sliding of a door leaf within the frame when it is correctly seated therein, and further configured to engage a corresponding feature of the door leaf for restricting sliding of the door leaf within the frame when the door leaf is moved laterally relative to the frame.

14. The door frame according to claim 13, wherein the at least one engaging member comprises a hook.

15. The door frame according to either claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the at least one engaging member extends longitudinally along an upright portion of the door frame.

16. The door frame according to claim 15, wherein the at least one engaging member comprises a plurality of engaging members.

17. The door frame according to claim 16, wherein the plurality of engaging members comprises at least two engaging members that are separated by at least one frangible break portion.

18. The door frame according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the plurality of engaging members comprises at least two engaging members that are spatially separated.

19. The door frame according to any of claims 16 to 18, wherein the plurality of engaging members are connected to a fixing portion fitted to the door frame.

20. The door frame according to any one of claims 13 to 19, wherein at least one engaging member comprises at least part of an interlock between the door frame and a trailing edge of the door leaf.

21. The door frame according to any one of claims 13 to 20, wherein the at least one engaging member is located on a jamb of the door frame adjacent to a leading edge or face of a door leaf.

22. The door frame according to any one of claims 13 to 21, further comprising at least one mechanical fastener configured to attach the at least one engaging member to the door frame.

23. The door frame according to claim 22, further comprising a reinforcing bar for strengthening the door frame, wherein the reinforcing bar is configured to receive the at least one mechanical fastener.

24. A sliding door assembly comprising a door leaf according to any one of claims 1 to 12 and a door frame according to any one of claims 13 to 23.

25. A security device for a sliding door assembly, the assembly comprising a slidable door leaf and a door frame; the security device comprising: at least one engaging member, mountable on the door leaf or door frame, configured to permit sliding of a door leaf within a frame when the door leaf is correctly seated therein, and further configured to engage a corresponding feature of the other of the door leaf or door frame, when the door leaf is moved laterally relative to the frame, to restrict sliding of the door leaf within the frame.

26. The security device according to claim 25, wherein the security device forms part of an interlock for a trailing edge of a slidable door leaf and an adjacent frame portion.

27. The security device according to claim 25, wherein the security device forms part of a faceplate for a leading edge of the slidable door leaf and the adjacent frame portion.

28. The security device according to any one of claims 25 to 27, configured to be mountable on a planar portion of the door leaf and/or door frame.

29. The security device according to any one of claims 25 to 28, wherein the at least one engaging member comprises a hook.

30. The security device according to any one of claims 25 to 29, wherein the at least one engaging member extends longitudinally along an upright portion of the slidable door leaf and/or frame.

31. The security device according to any one of claims 25 to 30, wherein the at least one engaging member comprises a plurality of engaging members.

32. The security device according to claim 31, wherein the plurality of engaging members comprises at least two engaging members that are separated by at least one frangible break portion.

33. The security device according to claim 31 or 32, wherein the plurality of engaging members comprises at least two engaging members that are spatially separated.

34. The security device according to any one of claims 31 to 33, wherein the plurality of engaging members are connected to a fixing portion for fitting to a door leaf and/or door frame.

35. The security device according to any one of claims 25 to 34, further comprising a plug portion receivable within a groove or channel of the door leaf or frame.

36. The security device according to claim 35, wherein the plug portion further comprises a retaining mechanism configured to provide a friction fit, compression fit or snap fit with the groove or channel of the slidable door leaf or frame.

37. The security device according to either claim 35 or claim 36 configured to be located over or around a portion of the slidable door leaf or frame, and receive a mechanical fastener therethrough.

38. The security device according to any one of claims 25 to 37 further comprising one or more seals and/or gaskets configured to provide a seal between the slidable door leaf and the frame.

39. A security device substantially as described herein and with reference to the accompanying Figures.

40. A kit of parts comprising at least two security devices according to any one of claims 25 to 39.