GB2554118A

GB2554118A - Doorstop apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2554118A
Application number: GB1709933.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Menzies Banks Robert
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-06-22
Filing date: 2017-06-21
Publication date: 2018-03-28
Anticipated expiration: 2037-06-21
Also published as: GB2554118B; GB201610939D0; GB201709933D0

Abstract

Freight container doorstop 1 apparatus restricts movement of a freight container door and comprises a base 6, support 2, door engaging portion 4 and actuator 3 having a handle(s) rotatable about the support to increase the distance between the base and the door engaging portion. Preferably the support is a threaded post on which the actuator is threaded. The door engaging portion may include a plate for engaging the underside of the door and may include an upstanding protrusion/lug (12, fig.5) wherein the door may be located between the support post and lug of the door plate. Also claimed is a door stop having a base, support, door engaging portion and means for resisting sliding of the base; the resisting means may be a slidable ring with two downwardly protruding feet/L-shape legs (24, fig.9). When the base is placed on a grate the ring (16, fig.11) may slide down the support and the resisting feet protrude through apertures in the base.

Description

(71) Applicant(s):

Robert Menzies Banks

Toimount Drive, Dunfermline, Fife, KY12 7YB, United Kingdom (72) Inventor(s):

Robert Menzies Banks (51) INT CL:

E05C 17/54 (2006.01) (56) Documents Cited:

EP 1277904 A1 DE 202014006457 U1

JP 2002188161 A US 20140375070 A1

US 20110278866 A1

KR 2020090005060 KR 2020110004499 (58) Field of Search:

INT CL A47B, B65D, B66F, E05C, E05F Other: EPODOC, WPI (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

Hindles Limited

Clarence House, 131-135 George Street, EDINBURGH, EH2 4JS, United Kingdom (54) Title of the Invention: Doorstop apparatus Abstract Title: Adjustable door stop (57) Freight container doorstop 1 apparatus restricts movement of a freight container door and comprises a base 6, support 2, door engaging portion 4 and actuator 3 having a handle(s) rotatable about the support to increase the distance between the base and the door engaging portion. Preferably the support is a threaded post on which the actuator is threaded. The door engaging portion may include a plate for engaging the underside of the door and may include an upstanding protrusion/lug (12, fig.5) wherein the door may be located between the support post and lug of the door plate. Also claimed is a door stop having a base, support, door engaging portion and means for resisting sliding of the base; the resisting means may be a slidable ring with two downwardly protruding feet/L-shape legs (24, fig.9).

When the base is placed on a grate the ring (16, fig.11) may slide down the support and the resisting feet protrude through apertures in the base.

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22A 22B

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22A 22B

Fig. 10

Fig. 11

DOORSTOP APPARATUS

Field of the invention

The invention relates to doorstop apparatus, kits of parts for doorstop apparatus, methods of assembling kits of parts for doorstop apparatus, and methods of restricting movement of a door.

Background to the invention

Many buildings and containers are provided with one or more doors which typically either restrict or permit access though one or more passageways, depending on the configuration of each door. A door is typically hingedly attached to a surrounding support structure such that the door is pivotable between open and closed positions. Doors are often provided with mechanisms configured such that each door is retainable or lockable in a closed position. However, in many cases, a door is freely pivotable about its hinge, especially when in an open position, such that manual force may be used to move (e.g. open and close) the door. Consequently, when a door is in an open position, it may often be moved accidentally, for example by the accidental application of manual force or by the force of the wind. This is a particular problem for doors used in commercial or industrial applications, such as the doors of freight containers, which are often very heavy. Accidental or uncontrolled motion of such heavy doors can be dangerous. This is also a particular problem for doors located outside, especially in windy conditions, or doors positioned on unstable surfaces, such as on a moving ship.

It is known to use a doorstop to releasably retain a door in an open position and to restrict accidental or uncontrolled movement of the door. Such doorstops typically comprise a wedge (for example a wooden wedge) having a thick end and a thin end which is jammed under the door. Such wedge doorstops are typically designed for use with internal, domestic doors and are not generally suitable for use with larger, heavier, industrial doors or doors which are raised significantly off the ground (such as freight container doors).

It is also known to position a heavy object in front of or behind a door to retain the door in an open position. However, exceedingly large and heavy objects are required to restrict movement of heavy industrial doors (such as freight container doors), such objects being unmanageable for frequent use and for manual positioning of a door.

Summary of the invention

A first aspect of the invention provides doorstop apparatus comprising a base, a door engaging portion and an actuator. The actuator is typically operable to (e.g. reversibly) increase a distance between the base and the door engaging portion (to thereby engage a door in use). It may be that the actuator is operable to (e.g. reversibly) decrease the distance between the base and the door engaging portion (to thereby disengage the door in use).

The doorstop apparatus is typically configured to (e.g. temporarily) restrict (e.g. prevent) movement of a door. The door is typically a vertically aligned door, i.e. a door movable in a horizontal direction or pivotable about a vertical axis (for example a vertically aligned hinge). The door is typically movable (e.g. pivotable) between open and closed positions. The doorstop apparatus may therefore be configured to (e.g. temporarily) restrict movement of the door towards the closed position. The doorstop apparatus may be configured to (e.g. temporarily) restrict movement of the door between open and closed positions. The doorstop apparatus may be configured to (e.g. temporarily) restrict pivotal movement of the door (e.g. between said open and closed positions). The doorstop apparatus may be configured to (e.g. temporarily) restrict (e.g. prevent) movement of the door in a direction perpendicular to the vertical. The doorstop apparatus may be configured to (e.g. temporarily) fix the position of the door (e.g. in an open position). For example, the door may be held in an open position (e.g. temporarily) in order to facilitate access to a room or to a container (e.g. a freight container (such as a standard freight container, e.g. a freight container complying with the ISO 668 and/or the ISO 1496-1 standards)) to which the door is attached.

Because the distance between the base and the door engaging portion may be increased, the apparatus may be used to restrict movement of different doors having different dimensions, shapes and/or configurations. In use, the doorstop apparatus is typically provided beneath (a lower(most) surface or edge of) the door and the distance between the base and the door engaging portion is increased until the door engaging portion engages the (lower(most) surface or edge of the) door. For example, it may be that the (base of the) doorstop apparatus is provided (i.e. placed) on a supporting surface beneath the (lower(most) surface or edge of the) door and the distance between the base and the door engaging portion is increased until the door engaging portion (e.g. frictionally) engages the (lower(most) surface or edge of the) door, typically thereby restricting movement of the door between open and closed positions. The doorstop apparatus is typically first provided (i.e. placed) beneath the (lower(most) surface or edge of the) door in a configuration in which the (e.g. maximum) (e.g. vertical) distance between the base and the door engaging portion is less than a (e.g. vertical) (shortest) distance between the supporting surface and the (lower(most) surface or edge of the) door. Increasing the distance between the base and the door engaging portion typically comprises increasing the distance between the supporting surface (i.e. on which the (base of the) doorstop apparatus is provided (i.e. placed)) and the door engaging portion.

In addition, because the distance between the base and the door engaging portion may be increased, a stopping force may be exerted by the door engaging portion on the (lower(most) surface or edge of the) door. By exerting a stopping force on the (lower(most) surface or edge of the) door, movement of the door is restricted.

The stopping force is typically exerted by the door engaging portion on the (lower(most) surface or edge of the) door in a direction perpendicular to the direction of motion in which the door typically travels between open and closed positions. It may be that the stopping force is applied in a vertical direction. It may be that application of said stopping force increases (e.g. static) friction between the (lower(most) surface or edge of the) door and the door engaging portion (e.g. a portion of said door engaging portion which contacts the (lower(most) surface or edge of the) door), thereby opposing movement of the door (in the direction of motion). Application of a stopping force is particularly important in use with heavy doors whose unrestricted movement could be dangerous. A substantial stopping force must be applied to effectively restrict motion of freight container doors, which are typically very heavy. The stopping force exerted by the door engaging portion on the (lower(most) surface or edge of the) door may also lift the door vertically away from the supporting surface. Accordingly, at least a portion of the weight of the door may be supported by the doorstop apparatus. The at least a portion of the weight of the door acting vertically downwards on the doorstop apparatus typically increases the (e.g. static) friction between the (lower(most) surface or edge of the) door and the door engaging portion), thereby further opposing movement of the door.

It may be that the actuator is operable to (e.g. reversibly) increase (and/or (e.g. reversibly) decrease)) a vertical distance between the base and the door engaging portion. It may be that the actuator is operable to (e.g. reversibly) increase (and/or (e.g. reversibly) decrease)) a vertical distance between the supporting surface (i.e. on which the doorstop apparatus is provided in use) and the door engaging portion.

The door engaging portion is typically coupled to (e.g. attached to) the base.

It may be that the door engaging portion is supported (e.g. vertically) above the base.

The base is typically configured (e.g. formed and/or shaped) to support the doorstop apparatus on the supporting surface beneath the (lower(most) surface or edge of the) door (in use). The base may be configured (e.g. formed and/or shaped) to rest on said supporting surface beneath the (lower(most) surface or edge of the) door (in use). For example, the base may be configured (e.g. formed and/or shaped) to rest on the floor or on the ground beneath the (lower(most) surface or edge of the) door (in use).

The base typically comprises an underside. The underside may be substantially flat (e.g. entirely flat). The underside may be configured to rest on the supporting surface (in use). The base may comprise one or more feet. The one or more feet may be configured to rest on the supporting surface (in use).

The doorstop apparatus may comprise means for resisting sliding of the base relative to (i.e. across) the supporting surface (i.e. in use, when the base is resting on the supporting surface). It may be that the means for resisting sliding of the base relative to (i.e. across) the supporting surface comprise (e.g. consist of) a high-friction surface. The high-friction surface may be provided by (e.g. may be) the underside or feet of the base which engage the supporting surface in use. It may be that the means for resisting sliding of the base relative to (i.e. across) the supporting surface comprise one or more sliding resisting members configured to extend (i.e. away) from the (i.e. underside of the) base towards and/or into and/or through the supporting surface. It may be that the one or more sliding resisting members extend perpendicularly (or substantially perpendicularly) to the (i.e. underside of the) base. It may be that the one or more sliding resisting members extend perpendicularly (or substantially perpendicularly) to the supporting surface when the base is resting on the supporting surface.

It may be that the one or more sliding resisting members are substantially elongate. It may be that the one or more sliding resisting members are movable. It may be that the one or more sliding resisting members are extendable and/or retractable. It may be that the one or more sliding resisting members are movable between an extended position, in which the one or more sliding resisting members extend (e.g. vertically downwards) from the (i.e. underside of the) base (e.g. towards and/or into and/or through the supporting surface when in use), and a retracted position. It may be that, in the retracted position, the one or more sliding resisting members do not extend (e.g. vertically downwards) from the (i.e. underside of the) base (i.e. towards and/or into and/or through the supporting surface when in use). It may be that the one or more sliding resisting members are movable from the retracted position to the extended position under gravity.

It may be that (e.g. distal ends of) the one or more sliding resisting members are movable into and out of (e.g. retractable into and extendable out of) one or more recesses provided in the base. It may be that, in the retracted position, distal ends of the one or more sliding resisting members are stowed in the said recesses provided in the base. It may be that, in the extended position, distal ends of the one or more sliding resisting members extend (e.g. vertically downwards from) from the said recesses provided in the base. The distal ends of the one or more sliding resisting members are ends of the said one or more sliding resisting members which extend (e.g. vertically) furthest away from the (i.e. underside of the) base when in the extended position.

It may be that the one or more sliding resisting members are movable through the base. For example, it may be that the one or more sliding resisting members are movable vertically through the base (e.g. in use, when the base is resting on the supporting surface). It may be that the one or more sliding resisting members are movable through one or more open channels which extend (e.g. vertically) through the base (i.e. in use, when the base is resting on the supporting surface). It may be that the one or more sliding resisting members are movable between an extended position, in which the one or more sliding resisting members extend (e.g. vertically) through the base (typically such that they protrude from the (i.e. underside of the) base), and a retracted position. It may be that, in the retracted position, the one or more sliding resisting members do not protrude from the (i.e. underside of the) base.

It may be that one or more of the one or more open channels has a lower open end (e.g. an open end on the underside of the base). It may be that one or more of the one or more open channels has an upper open end (e.g. an open end on an upper surface of the base, for example a surface of the base facing away from the supporting surface in use). It may be that the one or more sliding resisting members are movable between an extended position, in which the one or more sliding resisting members extend beyond one or more lower open ends of the one or more open channels (such that they protrude from the (i.e. underside of the) base), and a retracted position. It may be that, in the retracted position, the one or more sliding resisting members are retracted into the one or more open channels (such that they do not extend beyond (e.g. vertically downwards from) the one or more lower open ends and do not protrude from the (i.e. underside of the) base). It may be that the one or more sliding resisting members extend through the one or more upper open ends in both the extended and retracted positions.

It may be that the supporting surface comprises a plurality of open apertures. The supporting surface may comprise (e.g. consist of) a grating, grid or mesh having a plurality of open apertures. In use, the one or more sliding resisting members, when in the extended position, may extend into and/or through one or more of the plurality of open apertures. It may be that engagement between the sliding resisting members and material between the open apertures resists sliding of the base relative to (e.g. across) the supporting surface.

Retraction of the one or more sliding resisting members into the retracted position (for example, retraction of the one or more sliding resisting members into one or more recesses or one or more channels in the base, such that the one or more sliding resisting members do not protrude beyond the (i.e. underside of the) base) typically permits the doorstop apparatus to rest on (and typically be used on) a supporting surface which does not comprise a plurality of open apertures (e.g. a planar supporting surface) while the underside of the base remains flush with said supporting surface. However, when the doorstop apparatus rests on a supporting surface comprising a plurality of open apertures (e.g. a grating, grid or mesh), extension of the one or more sliding resisting members out of the, for example, one or more recesses or one or more channels in the base, such that the one or more sliding resisting members protrude beyond the underside of the base and into the one or more open apertures of the supporting surface assists in retaining the doorstop apparatus in its resting position.

The base (e.g. the underside of the base and/or the feet) may be configured to resist sliding of the doorstop apparatus relative to (i.e. across) the supporting surface. For example, the base (e.g. the underside of the base and/or the feet) may be configured such that a coefficient of friction at an interface between said base (e.g. the underside of said base and/or the feet) and the supporting surface is high. For example, the underside of the base and/or the feet may comprise rubber. Additionally or alternatively, the (base of the) doorstop apparatus may be heavy.

The base typically has a width of at least 15 cm, or at least 30 cm. For example, it may be that the base is substantially circular and has a diameter of at least 10 cm, or at least 15 cm, or at least 30 cm.

The door engaging portion is typically configured to engage the door (in use), thereby restricting movement of the door.

The door engaging portion may comprise at least one force application surface. The at least one force application surface may be configured such that, when the door engaging portion engages the door in use, at least a portion of the said force application surface contacts (e.g. at least one surface or edge of) the door. The said at least a portion of the at least one force application surface may be configured to contact the lower(most) surface or edge of the door in use. It may be that, by increasing the distance between the door engaging portion and the base (e.g. by increasing the distance between the door engaging portion and the supporting surface), the at least a portion of the at least one force application surface is brought into contact with the at least one surface or edge (e.g. the lower(most) surface or edge) of the door. It may be that, by decreasing the distance between the door engaging portion and the base (e.g. by decreasing the distance between the door engaging portion and the supporting surface), the at least a portion of the at least one force application surface is brought out of contact with the at least one surface or edge (e.g. the lower(most) surface or edge) of the door.

It may be that, by increasing the distance between the door engaging portion and the base (e.g. by increasing the distance between the door engaging portion and the supporting surface), the stopping force is exerted on the (lower(most) surface or edge of the) door by (e.g. through) the at least one force application surface.

It may be that the at least one force application surface is configured (e.g. formed and/or shaped) to contact (e.g. engage) a substantial portion of the (lower(most) surface or edge of the) door (in use).

It may be that the force application surface is substantially flat (e.g. entirely flat). It may be that the at least one force application surface extends in a horizontal plane (i.e. the at least one force application surface is horizontal). It may be that the at least one force application surface and the (e.g. underside of the) base are substantially parallel.

It may be that, by increasing the distance between the door engaging portion and the base, (e.g. by increasing the distance between the door engaging portion and the supporting surface), a retaining force is exerted on the supporting surface (e.g. by (the underside and/or the feet of) the base). By (simultaneously) exerting a retaining force on the supporting surface and a stopping force on the (lower(most) surface or edge of the) door, the doorstop apparatus may be retained in position between the supporting surface and the (lower(most) surface or edge of the) door. The heavier and/or stronger the door, typically the greater the (e.g. maximum) retaining force and the (e.g. maximum) stopping force which may be applied by the doorstop apparatus to the supporting surface and the (lower(most) surface or edge of the) door respectively. The retaining force and the stopping force are typically equal in magnitude. The retaining force and the stopping force typically act in opposite directions. The retaining force and the stopping force are typically collinear.

The doorstop apparatus may further comprise at least one movement restricting portion configured to restrict (e.g. prevent) movement of the door when the door engaging portion engages the door (in use). The at least one movement restricting portion may be configured to restrict (e.g. prevent) movement of the door towards the closed position. The at least one movement restricting portion may be configured to restrict (e.g. prevent) movement of the door between the open and closed positions. The at least one movement restricting portion may be configured to restrict (e.g. prevent) pivotal movement of the door (e.g. between the open and closed positions). The at least one movement restricting portion may be configured to restrict (e.g. prevent) pivoting of the door about a vertical axis (for example a vertically aligned hinge). The at least one movement restricting portion may be configured to restrict (e.g. prevent) movement of the door in a horizontal direction.

The at least one movement restricting portion may be different from the force application surface.

The at least one movement restricting portion may be configured to (e.g. releasably) retain the door (e.g. in at least one direction) (in use) when the door engaging portion engages the (lower(most) surface or edge of the) door, thereby restricting movement of the door.

The doorstop apparatus (e.g. the at least one movement restricting portion) may be configured to engage one or more (typically lateral) surfaces of the door (in use) (for example, when the door engaging portion engages the (lower(most) surface or edge of the) door).

The said lateral surfaces of the door typically extend (e.g. vertically) upwards from a lower(most) surface or edge of the door.

The doorstop apparatus may comprise a first movement restricting portion and a second movement restricting portion configured to retain the door therebetween (in use) (e.g. when the door engaging portion engages the (lower(most) surface or edge of the) door). The first movement restricting portion may be configured to engage a first (e.g. lateral) surface of the door (in use) (e.g. when the door engaging portion engages the (lower(most) surface of edge of the) door). The second movement restricting portion may be configured to engage a second (e.g. lateral) surface of the door (in use) (e.g. when the door engaging portion engages the (lower(most) surface of edge of the) door). The second (e.g. lateral) surface of the door is typically opposite the first (e.g. lateral) surface of the door.

The first and second movement restricting portions are typically spaced at least 4 cm, or at least 5 cm, or at least 6 cm, apart from one another.

The doorstop apparatus may comprise at least two movement restricting portions. The at least two movement restricting portions may comprise a (first) protrusion (e.g. a first locking pin) configured to engage the first (e.g. lateral) surface of the door (in use) (e.g. when the door engaging portion engages the (lower(most) surface or edge of the) door). The at least two movement restricting portions may comprise a second protrusion (e.g. a second locking pin) configured to engage the second (e.g. lateral) surface of the door in use (e.g. when the door engaging portion engages the (lower(most) surface or edge of the) door). The first and second protrusions may be configured (e.g. positioned and/or shaped) to (e.g. releasably) retain the door therebetween (in use) (e.g. when the door engaging portion engages the (lower(most) surface or edge of the) door).

The first and second protrusions (e.g. locking pins) are typically spaced at least 4 cm, or at least 5 cm, or at least 6 cm apart from one another.

At least part of the at least one movement restricting portion (or at least part of the at least two movement restricting portions) may be provided on, and/or extend from, and/or be connected to, and/or be integrally formed with, and/or comprise part of, the door engaging portion.

One or more of the at least one movement restricting portions (or one or more of the at least two movement restricting portions) may be provided on, and/or extend from, and/or be connected to, and/or be integrally formed with, and/or comprise part of, the door engaging portion.

One or both of the first and second protrusions may be provided on, and/or extend from, and/or be connected to, and/or be integrally formed with, and/or comprise part of, the door engaging portion. One or both of the first and second protrusions may be provided on, and/or extend from, and/or be connected to, and/or be integrally formed with, and/or comprise part of, the force application surface. One or both of the first and second protrusions may extend vertically (away) from the door engaging portion (e.g. from the force application surface).

The doorstop apparatus may comprise a first locking surface and a second locking surface configured to retain the door therebetween (in use) (e.g. when the door engaging portion engages the (lower(most) surface or edge of the) door). The first locking surface may be configured to engage a first (e.g. lateral) surface of the door (in use) (e.g. when the door engaging portion engages the (lower(most) surface of edge of the) door). The second locking surface may be configured to engage a second (e.g. lateral) surface of the door (in use) (e.g. when the door engaging portion engages the (lower(most) surface of edge of the) door).

The first and second locking surfaces are typically spaced at least 4 cm, or at least 5 cm, or at least 6 cm apart from one another.

The actuator may be mechanical. For example, the actuator may comprise a linear actuator (e.g. comprising a screw or a rack and pinion). The actuator may comprise a (mechanical) jack (e.g. a screw jack). The actuator may comprise biasing means (e.g. a (compressed) spring). The actuator may be telescopic.

The actuator may be electronic.

The actuator may be hydraulic or pneumatic. For example, the actuator may comprise a hydraulic jack.

The actuator may be manually operable.

It may be that the actuator is manually driven (e.g. powered) (for example, the actuator may be driven by the manual application of force (thereto)).

The actuator may comprise one or more handles. The actuator may be manually operable (e.g. manually drivable) by the manual application of force (e.g. torque) to said one or more handles.

The door engaging portion may be (adjustably, e.g. movably) coupled to the base by a support.

The door engaging portion may be adjustably coupled to (e.g. mounted on) said support.

The door engaging portion may be movably coupled to (e.g. mounted on) said support. The door engaging portion may be movable relative to (e.g. along) (at least a portion of) said support. The actuator may be operable to move the door engaging portion relative to (e.g. along) the (at least a portion ofthe) support.

The door engaging portion may be slidably coupled to (e.g. mounted on) said support. The door engaging portion may be slidable relative to (e.g. along) (at least a portion of) said support. The actuator may be operable to slide the door engaging portion relative to (e.g. along) the (at least a portion ofthe) support.

The door engaging portion may be bushed (i.e. the door engaging portion may be coupled to the support by way of bushing). The bushing may be configured to reduce friction between the door engaging portion and the support. The bushing may comprise one or more bearing surfaces. The bushing may comprise one or more ball bearings.

The actuator may be operable to vary (e.g. (e.g. reversibly) increase and/or (e.g. reversibly) decrease) the distance between the base and the door engaging portion by moving (e.g. sliding) the door engaging portion relative to (e.g. along) the (at least a portion of the) support.

The actuator may be operable to vary (e.g. (e.g. reversibly) increase and/or (e.g. reversibly) decrease) the distance between the base and the door engaging portion up to a maximum distance between the base and the door engaging portion of at least 10 cm, or at least 20 cm, or at least 30 cm.

The support may extend from the base. The support may extend in a direction perpendicular to the base. The support may extend vertically (away from the base).

The support may be coupled to (e.g. mounted on, attached to) the base. The support may be integrally formed with the base.

The support may extend from the door engaging portion. The support may extend in a direction perpendicular to the force application surface of the door engaging portion. The support may extend vertically (away from the door engaging portion). The support may extend (e.g. vertically) through the door engaging portion.

The support may be coupled to (e.g. mounted on, attached to) (at least a portion of) the door engaging portion. The support may be integrally formed with (at least a portion of) the door engaging portion.

The support may form (e.g. part of) the at least one movement restricting portion (or (e.g. part of) one or more of the at least two movement restricting portions where provided). The support may form (e.g. part of) the first and/or second protrusions configured to engage the first and/or second (e.g. lateral) surfaces of the door (in use) (e.g. when the door engaging portion engages the (lower(most) surface or edge of the) door).

The support may be elongate. The support may be substantially cylindrical (e.g. entirely cylindrical).

The support typically has a length (i.e. along a longitudinal axis of the support) of at least 10 cm, or at least 20 cm, or at least 30 cm.

The actuator may be coupled to (e.g. attached to) the base.

The actuator may be (adjustably) coupled to (e.g. mounted on) the support.

The actuator may be movably coupled to (e.g. mounted on) the support. The actuator may be movable relative to (e.g. along) (at least a portion of) the support.

The actuator may be slidably coupled to (e.g. mounted on) the support. The actuator may be slidable relative to (e.g. along) the support.

The actuator may be rotatably coupled to (e.g. mounted on) the support. The actuator may be rotatable about (at least a portion of) the support.

The actuator may comprise an internal thread (e.g. an internally threaded portion). The actuator may be (e.g. adjustably, movably, slidably, and/or rotatably) mounted on the support by way of said internal thread (e.g. said internally threaded portion).

The support may comprise an external thread (e.g. an externally threaded portion).

The internal thread (e.g. the internally threaded portion) of the actuator may be configured to complement (e.g. mate with) the external thread (e.g. the externally threaded portion) of the support. It may be that rotation of the actuator, mounted on the support by way of the internal thread (e.g. the internally threaded portion) mating with the external thread (e.g. the externally threaded portion) of the support, about the support causes (e.g. drives) movement of the actuator relative to (e.g. along) (at least a portion of) the support.

The actuator may be rotatable through more than 90° about (at least a portion of) the support. The actuator may be rotatable through more than 180° about (at least a portion of) the support. The actuator may be rotatable through more than 270° about (at least a portion of) the support. The actuator may be rotatable through more than 360° about (at least a portion of) the support.

It may be that the one or more handles of the actuator are manually operable to cause (e.g. drive) rotation of the actuator around the support. The one or more handles may be configured (e.g. shaped and dimensioned) to be operable by two hands (i.e. at the same time). Accordingly, a user may grip the one or more handles with two hands at the same time, allowing the user to apply a greater force (e.g. torque) to the actuator to drive rotation of the actuator around the support.

The actuator may be configured to engage the door engaging portion. It may be that movement of the actuator relative to (e.g. along) the support causes (e.g. drives) movement of the door engaging portion relative to (e.g. along) the support. It may be that movement of the actuator relative to (e.g. along) the support, when the said actuator engages the door engaging portion, causes (e.g. drives) movement of the door engaging portion relative to (e.g. along) the support.

It may be that the actuator is provided (on the support) between the base and the door engaging portion.

It may be that the door engaging portion is provided (e.g. vertically) above the actuator (on the support).

The doorstop apparatus may comprise a stop configured to restrict (the extent of) movement of the actuator and/or the door engaging portion relative to (e.g. along) the support. It may be that the stop is configured to restrict (e.g. prevent) movement of the actuator and/or the door engaging portion relative to (e.g. along) the support beyond a maximum extension (e.g. beyond an end of the support and/or beyond a maximum distance from the base).

The means for resisting sliding of the base relative to (i.e. across) the supporting surface may be (e.g. adjustably) coupled to (e.g. mounted on) the support. The means for resisting sliding of the base relative to (i.e. across) the supporting surface may be movable relative to (e.g. along) (at least a portion of) the support. The means for resisting sliding of the base relative to (i.e. across) the supporting surface may be slidable relative to (e.g. along) (at least a portion of) the support.

It may be that movement (for example, sliding) of the means for resisting sliding of the base relative to (i.e. across) the supporting surface relative to (e.g. along) the support causes (e.g. drives) movement of the one or more sliding resisting members between the extended position and the retracted position.

It may be that movement (for example, sliding) of the means for resisting sliding of the base relative to (i.e. across) the supporting surface relative to (e.g. along) the support causes (e.g. drives) extension and/or retraction of the one or more sliding resisting members. It may be that movement (for example, sliding) of the means for resisting sliding of the base vertically upwards with respect to the base causes (e.g. drives) retraction of the one or more sliding resisting members (i.e. movement from the extended position to the retracted position). It may be that movement (for example, sliding) of the means for resisting sliding of the base vertically downwards with respect to the base causes (e.g. drives) extension of the one or more sliding resisting members (i.e. movement from the retracted position to the extended position).

It may be that the means for resisting sliding of the base relative to (i.e. across) the supporting surface comprise a mounting portion which is mountable on the support. It may be that the mounting portion comprises an aperture. It may be that the mounting portion is mountable on the support by way of the aperture (i.e. such that the support extends through the aperture). The aperture is typically configured (e.g. shaped and dimensioned) such that the mounting portion is movable (e.g. slidable) along at least a portion of the support. The mounting portion may be substantially annular (i.e. ring-shaped). The aperture may be substantially circular in shape. It may be that the support is substantially cylindrical and that a diameter of the substantially circular aperture is greater than a diameter of the substantially cylindrical support.

The means for resisting sliding of the base relative to (i.e. across) the supporting surface may consist of the mounting portion and one or more sliding resisting members coupled (e.g. connected or joined) thereto such that movement of the mounting portion along at least a portion of the support causes (i.e. drives) movement of the one or more sliding resisting members, thereby causing retraction and/or extension of the one or more sliding resisting members (i.e. movement between the extended and retracted positions). It may be that movement (for example, sliding) of the mounting portion away from the base causes (e.g. drives) retraction of the one or more sliding resisting members (i.e. movement from the extended position towards the retracted position). It may be that movement (for example, sliding) of the mounting portion towards the base causes (e.g. drives) extension of the one or more sliding resisting members (i.e. movement from the retracted position towards the extended position).

The apparatus may comprise a stop configured to restrict (the extent of) movement of the means for resisting sliding of the base relative to (i.e. across) the supporting surface (e.g. the mounting portion) relative to (e.g. along) the support. The stop may be removable. The support may be elongate and the stop may extend away from an external surface of the support in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the support. The stop may extend away from opposing sides of the support.

The stop may be formed from a stop rod and a stop channel which extends through the support. The stop channel may extend through the support substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the support. The stop may be formed by placing (e.g. sliding) the stop rod into the stop channel. The stop may be removed by removing (e.g. sliding) the stop rod from inside the stop channel.

The apparatus may comprise one or more brightly coloured (e.g. yellow) components. It may be that one or more of the base, the door engaging portion, and/or the actuator is brightly coloured. It may be that the support and/or the stop is brightly coloured. Users are more likely to notice brightly coloured doorstop apparatus and are less likely to, for example, trip over brightly coloured doorstop apparatus accidentally. This is particularly important where the doorstop apparatus is to be used in commercial or industrial settings, or outside or in locations with poor lighting or visibility.

It may be that the doorstop apparatus is configured (e.g. sized and/or shaped) to restrict movement of a freight container door (in use). The doorstop apparatus may therefore be doorstop apparatus for a freight container door (i.e. a freight container doorstop).

The doorstop apparatus (or one or more components thereof) may be made from iron or steel, for example steel alloy.

The doorstop apparatus (or one of more components thereof) may have a protective coating. For example, the doorstop apparatus (or one of more components thereof) may have a powder coating. The doorstop apparatus (or one of more components thereof) may have an anti-corrosion coating. The doorstop apparatus (or one or more components thereof) may be galvanised (e.g. hot-dip galvanised).

A second aspect of the invention provides a kit of parts for doorstop apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention, the kit of parts comprising a base, a door engaging portion coupled or couplable to the base, and an actuator operable to cause movement of the door engaging portion relative to the base when the apparatus is assembled.

The kit of parts may comprise a support. The support may be attached or attachable to the base. The support and the base may be integrally formed. The support may be substantially elongate. The support may be substantially cylindrical. A (substantially elongate and/or cylindrical) portion of the support may be externally threaded.

The door engaging portion may be mountable or mounted on the support. The actuator may be operable to cause movement of the door engaging portion relative to (e.g. along) the support.

The actuator may be manually operable. The actuator may comprise one or more handles. The actuator may be mountable or mounted on the support. The actuator may comprise an internally threaded mount configured to complement (e.g. mate with) the externally threaded portion of the support.

The door engaging portion may comprise a substantially flat plate. The door engaging portion may be mounted or mountable on the support by way of a mount. The interior of the mount of the door engaging portion may not be threaded. Alternatively, the mount of the door engaging portion may be internally threaded.

The kit of parts may further comprise a stop mounted or mountable on the support.

The kit of parts may further comprise means for resisting sliding of the base relative to (i.e. across) the supporting surface. The said means may be mounted or mountable on the support. The said means may comprise a mounting portion and one or more sliding resisting members connected thereto.

The base may comprise one or more open channels.

A third aspect of the invention provides a method of assembling a kit of parts according to the second aspect of the invention, the kit of parts comprising a support, the method comprising: mounting the actuator onto the support; and mounting the door engaging portion onto the support (typically after mounting the actuator on the support, typically above the actuator). Mounting the actuator onto the support may comprise screwing an internally threaded mount of the actuator onto an externally threaded portion of the support. Mounting the door engaging portion onto the supporting may comprise sliding the door engaging portion onto the support (e.g. above the actuator).

In embodiments in which the support and the base are not integrally formed or attached to one another, the method may comprise attaching the support to the base.

The method may comprise mounting the means for resisting sliding of the base across the supporting surface onto the support. For example, the method may comprise mounting the mounting portion onto the support. The method may comprise inserting the one or more sliding resisting members into the one or more channels in the base.

A fourth aspect of the invention provides a method of restricting movement of a door, the method comprising the steps of: providing doorstop apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention, or assembled from a kit of parts according to the second aspect of the invention (e.g. by a method according to the third aspect of the invention); and bringing the door engaging portion into contact with (a lower(most) surface or edge of) the door by operating the actuator to increase the (e.g. vertical) distance between the base and the door engaging portion.

It may be that the step of providing doorstop apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention, or assembled from a kit of parts according to the second aspect of the invention (e.g. by a method according to the third aspect of the invention) comprises placing said doorstop apparatus beneath the (lower(most) surface or edge of the) door.

The doorstop apparatus is typically first provided (i.e. placed) beneath the door in a configuration in which the (e.g. maximum) (e.g. vertical) distance between the door engaging portion and the base is less than a (e.g. minimum) (e.g. vertical) distance between the (lower(most) surface or edge of the) door and a supporting surface (on which the doorstop apparatus is provided (i.e. placed)). It may be that the doorstop apparatus is typically first provided (i.e. placed) beneath the door in a configuration in which the (e.g. maximum) (e.g. vertical) distance between the door engaging portion and the supporting surface (on which the doorstop apparatus is provided (i.e. placed)) is less than the (e.g. minimum) (e.g. vertical) distance between the (lower(most) surface or edge of the) door and said supporting surface.

A fifth aspect of the invention provides a method of restricting movement of a door comprising the steps of: providing doorstop apparatus, the doorstop apparatus comprising a door engaging portion and a base; and (e.g. reversibly) increasing a distance between the door engaging portion and the base (thereby engaging the (lower(most) surface or edge of the) door).

It may be that the doorstop apparatus comprises an actuator. The actuator is typically operable to (e.g. reversibly) increase the distance between the base and the door engaging portion (to thereby engage a door in use). It may be that the actuator is operable to (e.g. reversibly) decrease the distance between the base and the door engaging portion (to thereby disengage the door in use). The step of (e.g. reversibly) increasing the distance between the door engaging portion and the base (thereby engaging the (lower(most) surface or edge of the) door) may comprise the actuator increasing the distance between the door engaging portion and the base (thereby engaging the (lower(most) surface or edge of the) door).

The door is typically a vertically aligned door, i.e. a door movable in a horizontal direction or pivotable about a vertical axis (for example a vertically aligned hinge). The door is typically movable (e.g. pivotable) between open and closed positions. The method may therefore comprise (e.g. temporarily) restricting (e.g. preventing) movement of the door by engaging the door engaging portion with the door. The method may comprise (e.g. temporarily) restricting (e.g. preventing) movement of the door towards the closed position by engaging the door engaging portion with the door. The method may comprise (e.g. temporarily) restricting (e.g. preventing) movement of the door between the open and closed positions by engaging the door engaging portion with the door. The method may comprise (e.g. temporarily) restricting (e.g. preventing) pivotal movement of the door (e.g. between the open and closed positions) by engaging the door engaging portion with the door. The method may comprise (e.g. temporarily) restricting (e.g. preventing) movement of the door in a direction perpendicular to the vertical by engaging the door engaging portion with the door. The method may comprise (e.g. temporarily) fixing the position of the door (e.g. in an open position) by engaging the door engaging portion with the door. For example, the method may comprise holding the door in an open position (e.g. temporarily) by engaging the door engaging portion with the door in order to facilitate access to a room or to a (storage) container to which the door is attached.

Because the method comprises increasing the distance between the base and the door engaging portion, the method may be used to restrict movement of different doors having different dimensions, shapes and/or configurations. The method may comprise providing (i.e. placing) the doorstop apparatus beneath (the lower(most) surface or edge of) the door and increasing the distance between the base and the door engaging portion until the door engaging portion engages the (lower(most) surface or edge of the) door. For example, the method may comprise providing (i.e.

placing) the (base of the) doorstop apparatus on a supporting surface beneath the (lower(most) surface or edge of the) door and increasing the distance between the base and the door engaging portion until the door engaging portion engages the (lower(most) surface or edge of the) door. The method may comprise first providing (i.e. placing) the doorstop apparatus beneath the (lower(most) surface or edge of the) door in a configuration in which the (e.g. maximum) (e.g. vertical) distance between the base and the door engaging portion is less than a (e.g. vertical) (e.g. shortest) distance between the supporting surface and the (lower(most) surface or edge of the) door. Increasing the distance between the base and the door engaging portion typically comprises increasing the distance between the supporting surface (on which the (base of the) doorstop apparatus is provided (i.e. placed)) and the door engaging portion.

In addition, because the method comprises increasing the distance between the base and the door engaging portion, the method typically further comprises applying (e.g. exerting) a stopping force on the (lower(most) surface or edge of the) door. By applying (e.g. exerting) a stopping force on the (lower(most) surface or edge of the) door, movement of the door is restricted.

The method typically comprises the door engaging portion applying (e.g. exerting) said stopping force on the (lower(most) surface or edge of the) door. The method typically comprises the door engaging portion applying (e.g. exerting) said stopping force on the (lower(most) surface or edge of the) door in a direction perpendicular to the direction of motion in which the door travels between the open and closed positions. The stopping force is typically applied in a vertical direction. It may be that applying (e.g. exerting) said stopping force increases (e.g. static) friction between the (lower(most) surface or edge of the) door and the door engaging portion (e.g. a portion of said door engaging portion which contacts the (lower(most) surface or edge of the) door), thereby opposing movement of the door. Applying (e.g. exerting) the stopping force is particularly important in use with heavy doors whose unrestricted movement could be dangerous. A substantial stopping force must be applied to effectively restrict motion of freight container doors, which are typically very heavy. Applying (e.g. exerting) the stopping force may cause lifting of the door vertically away from the supporting surface. Accordingly, at least a portion of the weight of the door may be supported by the doorstop apparatus. The at least a portion of the weight of the door acting vertically downwards on the doorstop apparatus typically increases the (e.g. static) friction between the (lower(most) surface or edge of the) door and the door engaging portion, thereby further opposing movement of the door.

It may be that the actuator is operable to (e.g. reversibly) increase (and/or (e.g. reversibly) decrease) a vertical distance between the base and the door engaging portion. The step of (e.g. reversibly) increasing the distance between the door engaging portion and the base (thereby engaging the (lower(most) surface or edge of the) door) may therefore comprise the actuator (e.g. reversibly) increasing the vertical distance between the base and the door engaging portion.

It may be that the actuator is operable to (e.g. reversibly) increase (and/or (e.g. reversibly) decrease)) a vertical distance between the supporting surface (i.e. on which the doorstop apparatus is provided in use) and the door engaging portion. The step of (e.g. reversibly) increasing the distance between the door engaging portion and the base (thereby engaging the (lower(most) surface or edge of the) door) may therefore comprise the actuator (e.g. reversibly) increasing the vertical distance between the supporting surface and the door engaging portion.

The base typically comprises an underside. The underside may be substantially flat (e.g. entirely flat). The underside may be configured to rest on the supporting surface (in use). The base may comprise one or more feet. The one or more feet may be configured to rest on the supporting surface (in use). The base (e.g. the underside of the base and/or the feet) may be configured to resist sliding of the doorstop apparatus relative to (i.e. across) the supporting surface. For example, the base (e.g. the underside of the base and/or the feet) may be configured such that a coefficient of friction at an interface between said base (e.g. the underside of said base and/or the feet) and the supporting surface is high. For example, the underside of the base and/or the feet may comprise rubber. Additionally or alternatively, the (e.g. base of the) doorstop apparatus may be heavy.

The door engaging portion may comprise at least one force application surface. The at least one force application surface may be configured such that, when the door engaging portion engages the door in use, at least a portion of the said force application surface contacts (at least one surface or edge of) the door. The method may comprise bringing the said at least a portion of the at least one force application surface into contact with the at least one surface or edge of the door. The method may comprise at least a portion of the at least one force application surface contacting the lower(most) surface or edge of the door. The method may comprise bringing the at least a portion of the at least one force application surface into contact with the lower(most) surface or edge of the door. The method may comprise increasing the distance between the door engaging portion and the base (e.g. by increasing the distance between the door engaging portion and the supporting surface), such that the at least a portion of the at least one force application surface is brought into contact with the at least one surface or edge (e.g. the lower(most) surface or edge) of the door. The method may comprise decreasing the distance between the door engaging portion and the base (e.g. by decreasing the distance between the door engaging portion and the supporting surface), such that the at least a portion of the at least one force application surface is brought out of contact with the at least one surface or edge (e.g. the lower(most) surface or edge) of the door.

It may be that the method comprises increasing the distance between the door engaging portion and the base (e.g. by increasing the distance between the door engaging portion and the supporting surface), such that the stopping force is exerted on the (lower(most) surface or edge of the) door by (e.g. through) the at least one force application surface.

It may be that the method comprises at least one force application surface contacting (e.g. engaging) a substantial portion of the (lower(most) surface or edge of the) door.

It may be that the at least one force application surface is substantially flat (e.g. entirely flat). It may be that the at least one force application surface extends in a horizontal plane (i.e. the force application surface is horizontal). It may be that the at least one force application surface and the (underside of the) base are substantially parallel.

It may be that, the method comprises increasing the distance between the door engaging portion and the base, (e.g. by increasing the distance between the door engaging portion and the supporting surface), such that a retaining force is exerted on the supporting surface (e.g. by (the underside and/or the feet of) the base). It may be that the method comprises retaining the doorstop apparatus in position between the supporting surface and the (lower(most) surface or edge of the) door by (simultaneously) exerting a retaining force on the supporting surface and a stopping force on the (lower(most) surface or edge of the) door. The heavier and/or stronger the door, the typically the greater the (e.g. maximum) retaining force and the (e.g. maximum) stopping force which may be applied by the doorstop apparatus to the supporting surface and the (lower(most) surface or edge of the) door respectively. The retaining force and the stopping force are typically equal in magnitude. The retaining force and the stopping force typically act in opposite directions. The retaining force and the stopping force are typically collinear.

The method may comprise at least one movement restricting portion restricting (e.g. preventing) movement of the door when the door engaging portion engages the door (in use). The at least one movement restricting portion may be configured to restrict (e.g. prevent) movement of the door (e.g. movement of the door in a horizontal direction). The method may comprise the at least one movement restricting portion restricting (e.g. preventing) pivoting of the door about a vertical axis (for example a vertically aligned hinge). The method may further comprise the step of restricting (e.g. preventing) movement of the door (e.g. by way of at least one movement restricting portion).

The method may comprise the doorstop apparatus (e.g. the at least one movement restricting portion) engaging one or more (e.g. lateral) surfaces of the door (in use) (e.g. when the door engaging portion engages the (lower(most) surface or edge of the) door).

The at least one movement restricting portion is typically different from the force application surface.

The method may comprise retaining the door between a first movement restricting portion and a second movement restricting portion (e.g. when the door engaging portion engages the (lower(most) surface or edge of the) door). The method may comprise the first movement restricting portion engaging a first (e.g. lateral) surface ofthe door (e.g. when the door engaging portion engages the (lower(most) surface or edge ofthe) door). The method may comprise a second movement restricting portion engaging a second (e.g. lateral) surface of the door (e.g. when the door engaging portion engages the (lower(most) surface or edge ofthe) door).

The method may comprise a (first) protrusion (e.g. a first locking pin) engaging the first (e.g. lateral) surface of the door (e.g. when the door engaging portion engages the (lower(most) surface or edge ofthe) door). The method may comprise a second protrusion (e.g. a second locking pin) engaging the second (e.g. lateral) surface of the door (e.g. when the door engaging portion engages the (lower(most) surface or edge ofthe) door). The method may comprise first and second protrusions retaining the door therebetween (e.g. when the door engaging portion engages the (lower(most) surface or edge of the) door) (thereby resisting movement of the door).

One or more of the at least one movement restricting portions (e.g. one or more of the at least two movement restricting portions) may be provided on, and/or extend from, and/or be connected to, and/or be integrally formed with, and/or comprise part of, the door engaging portion.

The actuator may be electronic.

The actuator may be manually operable.

The method may comprise (e.g. reversibly) increasing the distance between the door engaging portion and the base by manually operating the actuator. The method may comprise manually operating the actuator, thereby (e.g. reversibly) increasing the distance between the door engaging portion and the base.

The method may comprise manually increasing the distance between the base and the door engaging portion.

The actuator may comprise one or more handles. The actuator may be manually operable (e.g. manually drivable) by the manual application of force (e.g. torque) to said one or more handles. The method may comprise (manually) applying (a) force (e.g. torque) to the one or more handles, thereby operating the actuator (thereby (e.g. reversibly) increasing the distance between the door engaging portion and the base).

The door engaging portion may be (for example, adjustably, e.g. movably) coupled to the base by a support.

The door engaging portion may be movably coupled to (e.g. mounted on) said support. The door engaging portion may be movable relative to (e.g. along) (at least a portion of) said support. The actuator may be operable to move the door engaging portion relative to (e.g. along) the (at least a portion of the) support. The method may comprise (e.g. the actuator) moving the door engaging portion relative to (e.g. along) the (at least a portion of the) support (e.g. by manually operating the actuator).

The door engaging portion may be slidably coupled to (e.g. mounted on) said support. The door engaging portion may be slidable relative to (e.g. along) (at least a portion of) said support. The actuator may be operable to slide the door engaging portion relative to (e.g. along) the (at least a portion of the) support. The method may comprise (e.g. the actuator) sliding the door engaging portion relative to (e.g. along) the (at least a portion of the) support (e.g. by manually operating the actuator).

The door engaging portion may be bushed i.e. the door engaging portion may be coupled to the support by way of bushing). The bushing may be configured to reduce friction between the door engaging portion and the support. The bushing may comprise one or more bearing surfaces. The bushing may comprise one or more ball bearings.

The support may form (part of) the at least one movement restricting portion (or (part of) one or more of the at least two movement restricting portions where provided). The support may form (part of) the first and/or second protrusions configured to engage the first and/or second (e.g. lateral) surfaces of the door (in use) (e.g. when the door engaging portion engages the (lower(most) surface or edge of the) door).

The actuator may be (adjustably) coupled to (e.g. mounted on) the support.

The actuator may be movably coupled to (e.g. mounted on) the support. The actuator may be movable relative to (e.g. along) (at least a portion of) the support. The method may comprise moving the actuator relative to (e.g. along) the (at least a portion of the) support.

The actuator may be slidably coupled to (e.g. mounted on) the support. The actuator may be slidable relative to (e.g. along) the support. The method may comprise sliding the actuator relative to (e.g. along) the (at least a portion of the) support.

The actuator may be rotatably coupled to (e.g. mounted on) the support. The actuator may be rotatable about (at least a portion of) the support. The method may comprise rotating the actuator about the support.

The actuator may comprise an internal thread (e.g. an internally threaded portion). The actuator may be (for example, adjustably, movably, slidably, and/or rotatably) mounted on the support by way of said internal thread (e.g. said internally threaded portion).

The internal thread (e.g. the internally threaded portion) of the actuator may be configured to complement (e.g. mate with) the external thread (e.g. the externally threaded portion) of the support. It may be that rotation of the actuator, mounted on the support by way of the internal thread (e.g. the internally threaded portion) mating with the external thread (e.g. the externally threaded portion) of the support, about the support causes (e.g. drives) movement of the actuator relative to (e.g. along) (at least a portion of) the support. The method may comprise rotating the actuator, mounted on the support by way of the internal thread (e.g. the internally threaded portion) mating with the external thread (e.g. the externally threaded portion) of the support, about the support (thereby causing (e.g. driving) movement of the actuator relative to (e.g. along) (at least a portion of) the support).

It may be that the one or more handles of the actuator are manually operable to cause (e.g. drive) rotation of the actuator about the support. The method may comprise manually rotating the actuator about the support (e.g. by way of the one or more handles).

The actuator may be configured to engage the door engaging portion. It may be that movement of the actuator relative to (e.g. along) the support causes (e.g. drives) movement of the door engaging portion relative to (e.g. along) the support. It may be that movement of the actuator relative to (e.g. along) the support, when the said actuator engages the door engaging portion, causes (e.g. drives) movement of the door engaging portion relative to (e.g. along) the support. The method may comprise moving the actuator relative to (e.g. along) the support, thereby causing (e.g. driving) movement of the door engaging portion relative to (e.g. along) the support.

The doorstop apparatus may comprise a stop configured to restrict (the extent of) movement of the actuator and/or the door engaging portion relative to (e.g. along) the support. It may be that the stop is configured to restrict (e.g. prevent) movement of the actuator and/or the door engaging portion relative to (e.g. along) the support beyond a maximum extension (e.g. beyond an end of the support). The method may comprise restricting (e.g. preventing) movement of the door engaging portion and/or the actuator relative to (e.g. along) the support beyond a maximum allowed extension (e.g. beyond an end of the support and/or beyond a maximum distance from the base).

The doorstop apparatus may comprise one or more brightly coloured (e.g. yellow) components. It may be that one or more of the base, the door engaging portion, and/or the actuator is brightly coloured. It may be that the support and/or the stop is brightly coloured. Users are more likely to notice brightly coloured doorstop apparatus and are less likely to, for example, trip over brightly coloured doorstop apparatus accidentally. This is particularly important where the doorstop apparatus is to be used in commercial or industrial settings, or outside or in locations with poor lighting or visibility.

The method may be a method of restricting movement of a freight container door. The step of providing doorstop apparatus may comprise providing doorstop apparatus configured to restrict movement of a freight container door (i.e. providing freight container doorstop apparatus).

A sixth aspect of the invention provides a system comprising a door and doorstop apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention, or assembled from a kit of parts according to the second aspect of the invention (e.g. by a method according to the third aspect of the invention), wherein the doorstop apparatus is provided beneath the door, the door engaging portion of the doorstop apparatus engaging the door (thereby restricting movement of the door). It may be that the door comprises a freight container door. It may be that the doorstop apparatus comprises freight container doorstop apparatus.

A seventh aspect of the invention provides doorstop apparatus comprising a base, a door engaging portion, an actuator and means for resisting sliding of the base relative to a supporting surface on which the doorstop apparatus is positioned in use, the actuator being operable to increase a distance between the base and the door engaging portion. It may be that the means for resisting sliding of the base relative to the supporting surface comprise one or more extendable and/or retractable sliding resisting members.

Optional and preferred features of any one aspect of the invention may be features of any other aspect of the invention.

Description of the Drawings

An example embodiment of the present invention will now be illustrated with reference to the following Figures in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of doorstop apparatus releasably retaining a portion of a door;

Figure 2 shows an alternative perspective view of the doorstop apparatus of Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows an exploded view of a support, a handle, a doorstop plate and a stopper which together form the doorstop apparatus of Figure 1;

Figure 4 shows a perspective view and a bottom view of the support of Figure 3;

Figure 5 shows a perspective view, a top view and a side view of the doorstop plate of Figure 3;

Figure 6 shows a perspective view, a top view and a side view of the handle of Figure 3;

Figure 7 shows a perspective view and a side view of the stopper of Figure 3;

Figure 8 shows an exploded view of a support, a slidable ring, a handle, a doorstop plate and a stopper which together form an alternative doorstop apparatus;

Figure 9 shows the slidable ring of Figure 8 in more detail;

Figure 10 shows the slidable ring mounted on the support of Figure 8 when the support is mounted on a solid surface; and

Figure 11 shows the slidable ring mounted on the support of Figure 8 when the support is positioned on a grating.

Detailed Description of an Example Embodiment

A first example embodiment of an adjustable doorstop 1 for a freight container is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. The doorstop 1 consists of a support 2, a handle 3 (functioning as the actuator) and a doorstop plate 4 (functioning as a door engaging portion). The individual components are illustrated separately in Figure 3.

The support 2 comprises an elongate, substantially cylindrical, externally threaded portion 5 which extends substantially perpendicular to a substantially flat base 6 as is shown in more detail in Figure 4. The support 2 and the base 6 are integrally formed (or alternatively threadably connected).

The handle 3 is formed by an outer handle ring 7 (see Figure 6), which is substantially circular in shape, connected by struts 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D to an inner mounting ring 9, as shown in more detail in Figure 6. The inner ring 9 is substantially cylindrical in shape and is internally threaded. The internal thread of the inner ring 9 is configured to complement and mate with the external thread of the externally threaded portion 5 of the support 2. When mounted on support 2, application of a torque to the handle 3 in the plane of said handle 3 (perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the externally threaded portion 5) causes rotation of the handle 3 about the support 2 and drives motion of the handle 3 in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the externally threaded portion 5.

The doorstop plate 4 comprises a substantially flat upper surface 10 (functioning as the force application surface) which is substantially ovate in shape, as shown in more detail in Figure 5. A substantially cylindrical, hollow mount 11 extends through the doorstop plate 4, substantially perpendicular to the upper surface 10. The mount 11 is not internally threaded. The internal diameter of the mount 11 is approximately equal to or greater than the external diameter of the externally threaded portion 5 in cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said externally threaded portion

5. A locking post 12 (functioning as a movement restricting portion) is located at a narrow end of the substantially ovate upper surface 10, the post 12 extending substantially perpendicular to upper surface 10.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the handle 3 and the doorstop plate 4 are mounted on the externally threaded portion 5 of the support 2 such that the handle 3 is provided between the base 6 and the doorstop plate 4.

In use, the doorstop 1 is typically placed on a substantially horizontal surface such that an underside 13 of the base 6 rests on the substantially horizontal surface and the externally threaded portion 5 of the support 2 extends substantially vertically upwards away from said substantially horizontal surface. Because the mount 11 of the doorstop plate 4 is not internally threaded and has an internal diameter greater than or equal to the external diameter of the external thread of the externally threaded portion 5, doorstop plate 4 is able to slide up and down the externally threaded portion 5 without rotation. The doorstop plate 4 therefore typically rests upon the handle 3 and movement of the handle 3 up or down the externally threaded portion 5 drives movement of the doorstop plate 4 in the same direction or allows the doorstop plate 4 to fall under gravity (as the case may be).

As shown in Figure 3, the adjustable doorstop 1 may include a stopper 13. The externally threaded portion 5 is hollow. The stopper 13 comprises a head 14 supported on top of a generally cylindrical base 15 as shown in Figure 7. The external diameter of the base 15 is configured for an interference fit with the hollow interior of the externally threaded portion 5. Providing the stopper 13 at the end of the externally threaded portion 5 opposite the base 6 restricts movement of the doorstop plate 4 or the handle 6 off the top of the doorstop 1.

Freight container doors are generally designed such that a lowermost edge of each door is elevated above the level of a flat surface on which the freight container is placed. Accordingly, in use, and as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the adjustable doorstop 1 is provided on a substantially horizontal surface beneath a lowermost edge 16 of a freight container door 17 such that a portion of the doorstop plate 4 is provided directly below the lowermost edge 16. The handle 3 is manually rotated such that the handle and the doorstop plate travel together substantially vertically upwards along the longitudinal axis of the externally threaded portion towards the lowermost edge. The handle 3 is rotated until the upper surface of the doorstop plate just contacts the lowermost edge. The doorstop plate is manually rotated and/or the position of the door is manually adjusted until the externally threaded portion of the support contacts one side of the door and the locking post contacts the other side of the door. The handle is then further rotated in a direction such that the doorstop plate moves further towards and presses against the lowermost edge. By applying sufficient force to the lowermost edge, the doorstop is locked in place between the substantially horizontal surface on which it is positioned and the lowermost edge of the door. A substantial force is applied to the lowermost edge of the door by tightening the handle. In this configuration, the doorstop supports part of the weight of the door. The door is thereby held in place (between the doorstop plate 4, the support 2 and the locking post 12) and restricted from moving.

In order to release the door, the handle 3 is rotated in the opposite direction, thereby lowering the handle 3 and the doorstop plate 4 out of contact with the door. The doorstop may therefore be removed from beneath the door and the door is free to be repositioned.

The doorstop has been tested in use with a freight container door. When the doorstop plate engaged with the door, the door remained fixed in position even when subjected to wind speeds of up to 55 knots.

A second example embodiment doorstop is illustrated in Figures 8 to 11. The doorstop consists of a support 17, a handle 3 (identical to the handle 3 of the first example embodiment), a slidable ring 16, a doorstop plate 4 (identical to the doorstop plate 4 of the first example embodiment) and a stopper 13 (identical to the stopper 13 of the first example embodiment).

The support 17 comprises an elongate, substantially cylindrical, externally threaded portion 18 which extends substantially perpendicular to a substantially flat base 19, similar to the support 2 of the first example embodiment. The externally threaded portion 18 and the base 19 are integrally formed (or alternatively threadably connected). A cylindrical bore 20 extends through the externally threaded portion 18 substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the substantially cylindrical externally threaded portion. A substantially cylindrical dowel pin 21 extends through the cylindrical bore 20 so that opposite ends of the dowel pin 21 protrude from opposing sides of the externally threaded portion 18. The external diameter of the dowel pin 21 is smaller than the internal diameter of the cylindrical bore 20 so that the dowel pin 21 can be slid into and out of the bore. First and second open channels 22A, 22B extend through the full thickness of the base 19, substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the externally threaded portion 18.

The slidable ring 16 is shown in more detail in Figure 9. The slidable ring 16 comprises an annular portion 23 and first and second L-shaped legs 24A, 24B which are connected to opposing sides of the annular portion 23. The annular portion and the first and second L-shaped legs may be integrally formed with one another. Each

L-shaped leg 24A, 24B is formed from a connecting portion and a leg portion. Each connecting portion is joined to the annular portion at a first end and extends away from the annular portion, in the plane of the annular portion, towards a second end. Each leg portion extends away from the second end of the corresponding connecting portion at approximately 90° to the said connecting portion (i.e. substantially perpendicular to the plane of the annular portion). The distance between the leg portions is approximately equal to the distance between the open channels 22A, 22B in the base 19. The internal diameter of the annular portion 23 is slightly greater than the external diameter of the externally threaded portion 18 such that the slidable ring 16 is mountable on and slidable along the externally threaded portion 18.

In use, the dowel pin 21 is slid out of the cylindrical bore 20, the slidable ring 23 is slid onto the externally threaded portion (by way of the annular portion 23) and along the externally threaded portion until the leg portions of the legs 24A,24B extend into the open channels 22A, 22B. The dowel pin is slid back into the cylindrical bore 20.

When the doorstop is placed on a solid surface, the slidable ring takes the position illustrated in Figure 10. In this configuration, the legs 24A, 24B do not extend beyond the underside of the base 19. However, when the doorstop is placed on a grating (i.e. a surface having a number of open apertures) as shown in Figure 11, the legs 24A, 24B extend through the apertures 22A,22B and protrude beyond the underside of the base 19. The legs 24A, 24B engage with the material of the grating between the apertures 22A, 22B to thereby resist sliding of the doorstop across the grating. Accordingly, when the doorstop is used to restrict movement of a door of a freight container which is located on top of a grating, the legs 24A, 24B assist in retaining the doorstop, and thus the door, in the locked position. This is particularly important because freight containers are commonly stored on top of gratings or drains when offshore.

Movement of the slidable ring is automatic when the doorstop apparatus is placed on a given surface. If the surface is solid, the reaction force acting on each leg 24A, 24B pushes the slidable ring up the externally threaded portion away from the base 19. If the surface is a grating, the legs 24A, 24B slide through the open channels 22A,22B and the slidable ring slides down the externally threaded portion under gravity.

The dowel pin 21 ensures that the slidable ring does not travel too far up the externally threaded portion away from the base 19 when placed on a solid surface.

This ensures that the slidable ring does not interfere with the operation of the handle or the doorstop plate.

Further variations and modifications may be made within the scope of the invention herein disclosed.

Bushing may be provided between the inner mounting ring 9 of the handle 3 and the externally threaded portion 5 of the support 2. For example, the bushing may comprise a bearing surface such as a cylindrical lining configured to reduce friction between the ring 9 and the support 2. The bushing may include one or more ball bearings.

The doorstop (or one or more components thereof) is typically made of strong materials. For example, the support, the handle and the plate may be formed from steel alloy. The stopper may be formed from a hard plastic (such as Nylon) or a steel alloy.

Any components of the doorstop may be painted in a bright colour, for example bright yellow, in order to improve visibility of the doorstop when used in industrial settings or in conditions with poor lighting.

Claims

1. Freight container doorstop apparatus operable or configured to restrict movement of a freight container door, the apparatus comprising a base, a door engaging portion, a support and an actuator comprising one or more handles, the door engaging portion being movably coupled to the base by the support, the actuator being operable to increase a distance between the base and the door engaging portion, wherein the one or more handles are manually operable to cause rotation of the actuator about the support to thereby increase the distance between the base and the door engaging portion.

2. The freight container doorstop apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the actuator is operable to increase a substantially vertical distance between the base and the door engaging portion.

3. The freight container doorstop apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the door engaging portion comprises at least one force application surface, the at least one force application surface being configured such that, when the door engaging portion engages a freight container door in use, at least a portion of said at least one force application surface contacts the freight container door.

4. The freight container doorstop apparatus according to any one preceding claim further comprising at least one movement restricting portion configured to restrict movement of the freight container door when the door engaging portion engages the freight container door in use.

5. The freight container doorstop apparatus according to claim 4 comprising a first movement restricting portion and a second movement restricting portion configured to releasably retain the freight container door therebetween, when the door engaging portion engages the freight container door in use.

6. The doorstop apparatus according to any one preceding claim, wherein the actuator is operable to move the door engaging portion relative to at least a portion of the support.

7. The freight container doorstop apparatus according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein at least a portion of the support forms at least part of said at least one movement restricting portion.

8. The freight container doorstop apparatus according to any one of any one preceding claim, wherein the actuator is movably mounted on the support.

9. The freight container doorstop apparatus according to any one preceding claim, wherein a portion of the support comprises an external thread and

1 wherein a portion of the actuator comprises an internal thread configured to

2 mate with the external thread of the support.

3

10. The freight container doorstop apparatus according to claim 9, wherein, when

4 the actuator is mounted on the support by way of the internal thread mating

5 with the external thread, rotation of the actuator about the support causes

6 movement of said actuator relative to at least a portion of the support.

7

11. The freight container doorstop apparatus according to any one preceding

8 claim further comprising a stop configured to restrict movement of the actuator

9 and/or the door engaging portion beyond a maximum distance from the base.

10

12. The freight container doorstop apparatus according to any one preceding

11 claim, wherein the actuator is further operable to decrease the distance

12 between the base and the door engaging portion.

13

13. A kit of parts for assembling a freight container doorstop apparatus according

14 to any one preceding claim, the kit of parts comprising a base, a door

15 engaging portion, a support, and an actuator comprising one or more handles,

16 the actuator being operable to increase a distance between the base and the

17 door engaging portion when the apparatus is assembled, wherein the one or

18 more handles are manually operable to cause rotation of the actuator about

19 the support to increase the distance between the base and the door engaging

20 portion when the apparatus is assembled.

21

14. The kit of parts according to claim 13, wherein a portion of the support is

22 externally threaded and wherein the actuator comprises an internally threaded

23 mount configured to mate with the externally threaded portion of the support.

24

15. A method of restricting movement of a freight container door, the method

25 comprising the steps of: providing freight container doorstop apparatus

26 according to any one of claims 1 to 12, or assembled from a kit of parts

27 according to claim 13 or claim 14, beneath the freight container door; and

28 bringing the door engaging portion into contact with the freight container door

29 by manually rotating the actuator about the support by way of the one or more

30 handles to thereby increase the distance between the base and the door

31 engaging portion.

32

16. A method of restricting movement of a freight container door, the method

33 comprising the steps of: providing freight container doorstop apparatus, the

34 doorstop apparatus comprising a door engaging portion, a base, a support,

35 and an actuator comprising one or more handles, the door engaging portion

36 being movably coupled to the base by the support; and increasing a distance

37 between the door engaging portion and the base by manually rotating the

1 actuator about the support by way of the one or more handles such that the

2 door engaging portion engages the freight container door.

3

17. The method according to claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the step of increasing

4 the distance between the door engaging portion and the base comprises

5 increasing a substantially vertical distance between the door engaging portion

6 and the base.

7

18. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17 further comprising the

8 door engaging portion applying a stopping force to the freight container door.

9

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the door engaging comprises at

10 least one force application surface, the door engaging portion applying the

11 stopping force to the freight container door by way of at least a portion of said

12 at least one force application surface.

13

20. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 19 further comprising

14 restricting movement of the freight container door.

15

21. The method according to claim 20 further comprising releasably retaining the

16 freight container door between first and second movement restricting portions.

17

22. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 21 further comprising

18 moving the door engaging portion relative to at least a portion of the support.

19

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein the actuator is movably mounted

20 on the support, the method further comprising moving the actuator relative to

21 at least a portion of the support.

22

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein a portion of the support comprises

23 an external thread and wherein a portion of the actuator comprises an internal

24 thread configured to mate with the external thread of the support, the actuator

25 being mounted on the support by way of the internal thread mating with the

26 external thread, the method further comprising manually rotating the actuator

27 about the support by way of the one or more handles, thereby causing

28 movement of said actuator relative to at least a portion of the support.

29

25. A system comprising a freight container door and freight container doorstop

30 apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, or assembled from a kit of

31 parts according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the freight container doorstop

32 apparatus is provided beneath the freight container door, the door engaging

33 portion of the freight container doorstop apparatus engaging the freight

34 container door.

35

26. Doorstop apparatus comprising a base, a door engaging portion, an actuator

36 and means for resisting sliding of the base relative to a supporting surface on

37 which the doorstop apparatus is positioned in use, the actuator being

1 operable to increase a distance between the base and the door engaging

2 portion.

3

27. The doorstop apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the means for

4 resisting sliding of the base relative to the supporting surface comprise one or

5 more extendable and/or retractable sliding resisting members.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: Claims searched:

GB1709933.4

1-25