GB2555372B

GB2555372B - Anti-barricade device

Info

Publication number: GB2555372B
Application number: GB1612835.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Harrison Richard; Barsby Philip
Original assignee: Intastop Ltd
Current assignee: Intastop Ltd
Priority date: 2016-07-23
Filing date: 2016-07-23
Publication date: 2019-06-12
Anticipated expiration: 2036-07-23
Also published as: GB2555372A; GB2554328B; GB201720337D0; GB201612835D0; GB2554328A

Description

Anti-barricade device

The present invention relates to an anti-barricade system, a method of manufacturing an anti-barricade device and a method of fitting an antibarricade device to a door.

In mental health institutions, prisons or similar, doors are typically provided with hinges which allow the door to move to enable them to open in both an outward direction and an inward direction. The doors are also provided with stop devices known in the industry as door stops, which are configured to prevent movement of the door one of these two directions. In barricade situations, patients and prisoners are known to use furniture and other items to prevent medical staff and officers from opening the door to enter the room. The door stops are therefore also configured to be removable to allow for the door to be swung in the opposite direction so that the room can be entered, even when a barricade situation presents itself.

Some known door stops are attached to the door frame of a door and are detached from the door frame when it is required to open the door in the opposite direction. This presents a problem in that, once removed, the door stop needs positioning in a safe position away from the door. A further problem which exists with currently available door stops, even those which are not detachable, is that they typically comprise a number of locks which are required to be unlocked to move the door stop out of the way. Having a number of locks to unlock can be time-consuming, and a further problem occurs in that, when multiple locks are used, the door stop can be removed unevenly which leads to the door stop moving back unexpectedly under the weight of the barricade thereby potentially causing injury to the member of staff.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an anti-barricade system comprising an anti-barricade device, a door and a door frame, said anti-barricade device being fitted to an external surface of said door frame and comprising: a hinged stop member configured to move between a first position and a second position such that when in said first position, said hinged stop member is configured to restrict movement of said door in a first direction and, when in said second position, said hinged stop member is configured to permit the door to move in the first direction; a locking mechanism configured to maintain said hinged stop member in said first position; said locking mechanism comprising at least two securing devices and a connecting rod, each said securing device being relatedly connected to said connecting rod; wherein said locking mechanism further comprises releasing means configured to move said connecting rod to release said at least two securing devices such that said hinged stop member is permitted to move between said first position and said second position.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing an anti-barricade device for a door, comprising the steps of: configuring a hinged stop member to move between a first position and a second position such that when in said first position, said hinged stop member is configured to restrict a door from moving in a first direction and, when in said second position, said hinged stop member is configured to permit the door to move in the first direction; connecting at least two securing devices to a connecting rod to create a locking mechanism configured to maintain said hinged stop member in said first position; and attaching a releasing means to said locking mechanism such that said releasing means is configured to move said connecting rod to release said at least two securing devices.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of fitting an anti-barricade device to a door frame of a door, comprising the steps of: receiving a hinged stop member configured to move between a first position and a second position; attaching said hinged stop member to an external surface of a door frame of a door such that when in said first position, said stop member restricts the door from moving in a first direction and, when in said second position, said hinged stop member permits the door from moving in the first direction; configuring a locking mechanism to maintain said hinged stop member in said first position, wherein said locking mechanism comprises at least two securing devices and a connecting rod, each said securing device being relatedly connected to said connecting rod; and permitting said stop member to move between said first position and said second position by activation of a releasing means configured to move said connecting rod to release said at least two securing devices.

Preferred features of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

The invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings of which:

Figure 1 shows an anti-barricade system including an anti-barricade device in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 shows an operative releasing the anti-barricade device of Figure 1 to enable movement of a door in a first direction;

Figure 3 shows the anti-barricade device in a second position in which movement of the door is permitted in a first direction;

Figure 4 shows a portion of an anti-barricade device attached to a door frame in a first, closed position;

Figure 5 shows the portion of the anti-barricade device of Figure 4 in a second, open position;

Figure 6 shows a connecting rod of a locking mechanism of the antibarricade device;

Figure 7 shows an illustration of part of a releasing means comprising a geared mechanism;

Figure 8 shows a partial cross section showing the locking mechanism and releasing means of the anti-barricade device; and

Figure 9 shows an anti-barricade device being fitted to a door frame by an operative.

Figure 1

An example of an anti-barricade system in accordance with the present invention is shown in Figure 1. A door 101 of the type typically used in mental institutions and prisons is fitted to a door frame 102 which extends around three of the four edges of the door. As is known in the art, door 101 is hinged to door frame 102 to enable the door to move from an open position to a closed position.

In many applications in hospitals, institutions, prisons and similar, it is desirable to have doors which open up to one hundred and eighty degrees, so that the door is able to open both outwards and inwards as required. Any suitable hinge for the door which achieves this may be used.

In the embodiment, an anti-barricade device 103 is fitted to an external surface 104 of door frame 102. Anti-barricade device 103 is a device which is configured to restrict movement of door 101 in one direction. In this illustrated example, anti-barricade device 103 is shown in a first position which may be considered a closed configuration, and in which door 101 is not permitted to open outwards (towards a user). Door 101, however, is permitted by anti-barricade device 103 to open inwards (away from a user).

Anti-barricade device 103 comprises a hinged stop member 105 which can pivot between the position shown in Figure 1 (restricting movement of the door) to the position shown in Figure 3 (allowing movement of the door) and can be released by a suitable locking mechanism 106 as will be described with reference to Figure 2.

Figure 2

In the event of an anti-barricade situation or any alternative event in which the door is required to be opened outwards rather than inwards into the room, an operative can utilise the locking mechanism 106 to move antibarricade device 103 from the position of Figure 1 to the position of Figure 3.

In order to accomplish this, operative 201 releases locking mechanism 106 which releases hinged stop member 105 so that hinged stop member 105 is able to move. Hinged stop member 105 comprises handles 202 and 203 which operative 201 can use to pull hinged stop member 105 away from door 101 and into the second position of Figure 3.

Figure 3

Once operative 201 has unlocked locking mechanism 106 and moved hinged stop member 105 away from door 101, anti-barricade device 103 is positioned in a second position in which door 101 is permitted to open in both inwards and outwards directions and is therefore unrestricted by the anti-barricade device. In this way, if a patient has created a barricade from furniture or similar which prevents opening of the door in a conventional manner, medical staff are still able to access the room and the patient to provide treatment.

In the embodiment of Figure 3, when moved to the second position, which may be considered an open configuration, it can be seen that two securing devices 301 and 302 have been disengaged by the release of locking mechanism 106 to allow hinged stop member 105 to pivot around to the second position. The process by which the locking mechanism is released will now be described with reference to Figures 4 to 8.

Figure 4

For illustrative purposes, an upper portion of anti-barricade device 103 is shown in isolation attached to a door frame 102 in Figure 4.

Anti-barricade device 103 comprises hinged stop member 105 which is configured to move between the position shown in Figure 1 and the position shown in Figure 3. Hinged stop member 105 is also configured to restrict movement of a door (such as door 101) in a first direction (for example outwards) when in the position of Figure 1 and permit movement of door 101 in the first direction when in the position of Figure 3.

Anti-barricade device 103 further comprises locking mechanism 106 which maintains hinged stop member 105 in the first, closed position, which is also illustrated here in Figure 4. Thus, in this position, hinged stop member 105 provides an obstructive device which is positioned in front of the door to prevent opening of the door towards it. When locking mechanism 106 is released, hinged stop member 105 can be pivoted and swung around so that it does not obstruct the door or prevent it from opening outwards.

In the embodiment, hinged stop member 105 also includes handle 203 to enable an operative to move hinged stop member easily and ergonomically. Handle 203 is, in this embodiment, shown as a hollow indentation in the side of hinged stop member 105. In alternative embodiments, handle 203 comprises alternative suitable arrangements, such as protruding handles. In the embodiment as described in Figures 1 to 3, two handles are utilised. However, it is appreciated that any number of handles can be provided depending on user requirements.

Anti-barricade device 103 further comprises a hinge 401. In the embodiment, hinge 401 is a continuous geared hinge. In further embodiments, other suitable hinges are utilised such as, but not limited to, non-continuous geared hinges, piano hinges, pivot hinges or similar. Hinge 401 is secured to stop member 105 and further provides means of attachment to door frame 102, which is illustrated further in Figure 5.

In the embodiment, locking mechanism 106 comprises a single locking device 402 which is located on a front face 403 of hinged stop member 105 and handle 203 (and handle 202, as visible in Figures 1 to 3) is positioned on a side face 404 of hinged stop member 105. While it has been found that positioning locking device 402 on the front face is particularly advantageous as it allows an operative a clearer view of the door in a barricade situation, it is appreciated that the locking device may also be accessible on the side face in alternative embodiments. Similarly, handle 203 (and consequently 203) may also be placed on the front face 403 if this is required. In a further embodiment, a first handle is placed on front face 403 and a second handle is placed on side face 404.

As shown, hinged stop member 105 includes a curved profile such that rough edges which could be utilised as anti-ligature points are minimised. The curved profile also advantageously prevents accidentally injury by those walking through the door when hinged stop member is in either position.

In the embodiment, hinged stop member 105 comprises timber. In alternative embodiments, hinged stop member comprises one or more of the following materials: timber, wood, aluminium or other metals such as steel, suitable plastics or any other suitable material.

In the embodiment, locking device requires a key to enable release. It is appreciated that, alternative locking devices are also suitable and in accordance with the invention, such as combination locks or lever locks or any suitable locking devices known or available in the field.

Figure 5

The upper portion of anti-barricade device 103 previously shown in Figure 4 is shown further in Figure 5 whereby hinged stop member 105 has been moved to a second, open position.

As can be seen in this position, leaf 501 of hinge 401 is utilised to fit anti-barricade device 103 to external surface 104 of door frame 102. Leaf 501 is comprises a plurality of holes through which fasteners 502 are positioned to enable attachment in a conventional manner to door frame 102. In this way, anti-barricade device 103 can be bought individually and retro-fitted to an existing door and door frame in the manner which will be described in Figure 9. It is appreciated that any suitable fastener can be used to fit anti-barricade device 103 to door frame 102, however, in the embodiment, suitably sized screws are used.

In the open position of Figure 5, securing device 301 is visible. It is appreciated that an aspect of the current invention is that at least two securing devices are required and these are typically placed at intervals along hinged stop member 105 in the manner seen in Figure 3. However, for simplicity a single securing device is illustrated in Figure 5. It is further appreciated that more than two securing devices may be used as an increasing number of securing devices provides increased security, robustness and strength. In one embodiment, three securing devices are utilised and this number can vary depending on customer requirements.

Securing device 301 comprises a hook mechanism which includes hook 503 which is configured to protrude through a corresponding aperture 504 in leaf 505 of hinge 401. A further aperture 506 is present in leaf 501 and hook 503 is configured to engage with aperture 506 to enable the locking mechanism to maintain hinged stop member 105 in first position whereby movement of the door is restricted in one direction.

Each securing device (be it two or more securing devices) are released to permit hinged stop member 105 between the first and second (open and closed) positions by a releasing means which will be described with reference to Figures 6 to 8.

Figure 6

Locking mechanism 106 comprises at least two securing devices as discussed in Figure 5. Locking mechanism 106 also comprises a connecting rod 601 as shown in Figure 6. Hooks 503 and 602 are relatedly connected to connecting rod 601 such that movement of connecting rod 601 allows for simultaneous movement of both hook 503 and hook 602.

Connecting rod 601 is typically around three quarters of the length of the hinged stop member, which is a length corresponding to the height of a door. Connecting rod 601 comprises a centre portion 603, end portions 604 and 605 and elongate portions 606 and 607. Centre portion 603 separates elongate portion 606 from elongate portion 607 with each of the elongate portions being of similar diameter. End portions 604 and 605 have a reduced diameter or profile, which are cut out to present flat indentations which are approximately half the diameter of the elongate portions.

End portions 604 and 605 are configured to receive hooks 602 and 503 respectively and are typically slotted over the reduced profile of the end portions.

Centre portion 603 comprises a further reduced diameter which also comprises a plurality of teeth 606 which are configured to engage with a geared mechanism which will now be discussed further in Figures 7 and 8.

Figure 7

Locking mechanism 106 also comprises a releasing means which is configured to move connecting rod 601 to release the at least two securing devices, which, in this illustrated example, hooks 503 and 602 are released from engagement with corresponding apertures, such as aperture 506 described in Figure 5. The releasing means will be described in further detail in Figure 8, however, in respect of Figure 7 the releasing means comprises a geared mechanism including a gear 701 which has a first plurality of teeth 702. As previously explained connecting rod 601 comprises a second plurality of teeth 606.

Figure 7 shows an exploded view of the connecting rod 601 and gear 701 in isolation for illustrative purposes. It is appreciated that one skilled in the art would understand that, in order for the present invention to operate, gear 701 and connecting rod 601 are placed in close cooperation.

When fitted to form the geared mechanism, the plurality of teeth 702 of gear 701 engage with the plurality of teeth 606 of connecting rod 601. In operation, gear 701 is configured to rotate in both clockwise and anticlockwise directions as required such that connecting rod 601 moves in a longitudinal direction.

For example, locking mechanism 106 is operated by means of a key which, in use, rotates gear 701 in the direction of arrow 703 (in a clockwise direction). Due to the engagement of the teeth of gear 701 with the teeth of connecting rod 601, this results in connecting rod 601 being moved in the direction of arrow 704, which in turn moves the attached hooks 503 and 602 so as to release the hooks and allow the hinged stop member to be moved to enable opening of the door.

Conversely, it is appreciated that the locking mechanism is also configured to rotate gear 701 in the opposite direction of arrow 703 (in an anti-clockwise direction) which moves the connecting rod 601 in the opposite direction to arrow 704, which would engage the hooks thereby locking them into position and preventing movement of the hinged stop member to maintain hinged stop member 105 in the position in which movement of the door is restricted.

Figure 8 A partial cross section showing locking mechanism 106 and releasing means of the present invention is shown in Figure 8.

Connecting rod 601 extends in a longitudinal manner on the inside of a cavity 801 of hinged stop member 105. Cavity 801 is cut into the hinged stop member with sufficient space to allow connecting rod 601 to move in a longitudinal direction (for example, upwards and downwards). Releasing means 802 comprises a geared mechanism 803 which includes gear 702 which is enclosed inside a housing 804. Extending from the housing 804 is a spindle 805 which is connected to single locking device 402.

As previously indicated, a key can be inserted into the single locking device 402, which, by means of the connection between locking device 402 and gear 702 by spindle 805, allows gear 702 to rotate either clockwise or anti-clockwise thereby moving connecting rod 601 upwards or downwards in a longitudinal direction.

The mechanism specifically allows for a single locking device to be used in combination with at least two securing devices so that an operative can easily open the anti-barricade device to allow for the door to open in both directions. Thus, an anti-barricade device in accordance with the present invention means that the door stop can be removed quickly without reducing the security and robustness of the door stop in barricade situations. In particular, the anti-barricade device is operated by a single key but includes multiple securing devices rather than requiring several keys to unlock the multiple securing devices. This also means that the locking mechanism can be positioned on the anti-barricade device in a suitable position for access by an operative, rather than the operative needing to bend and stretch to unlock several locking mechanisms.

Figure 9

Anti-barricade device 103 is suitable for retro-fitting to existing doors and door frames. While it is appreciated that, in practice, the system as a whole may be provided to customers, for existing doors, it is possible to provide the anti-barricade device in isolation.

An operative 901 is shown in Figure 9 attaching anti-barricade device 103 to door frame 102. Operative 901 positions anti-barricade device 103 in an open position (substantially similar to that shown in Figure 3) and utilises the plurality of holes in leaf 501 to screw in fasteners 502 to secure antibarricade device 103 to door frame 102 by means of a suitable tool, such as screwdriver 902. As the overall length of the anti-barricade device substantially similar to the length of standard doors, this also means that the anti-barricade device is easy to align with existing door frames.

Thus, this provides an easy and efficient way for a customer to retro-fit the anti-barricade device to existing door frames to provide protection to doors in anti-barricade situations.

Claims

1. An anti-barricade system comprising an anti-barricade device, a door and a door frame, said anti-barricade device being fitted to an external surface of said door frame and comprising: a hinged stop member configured to move between a first position and a second position such that when in said first position, said hinged stop member is configured to restrict movement of said door in a first direction and, when in said second position, said hinged stop member is configured to permit the door to move in the first direction; a locking mechanism configured to maintain said hinged stop member in said first position; said locking mechanism comprising at least two securing devices and a connecting rod, each said securing device being relatedly connected to said connecting rod; wherein said locking mechanism further comprises releasing means configured to move said connecting rod to release said at least two securing devices such that said hinged stop member is permitted to move between said first position and said second position.

2. An anti-barricade system according to claim 1, wherein a hinge of said hinged stop member is fitted to said door frame.

3. An anti-barricade system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said releasing means comprises a single locking device.

4. An anti-barricade system according to claim 3, wherein said single locking device is located in said hinged stop member.

5. An anti-barricade system according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein said hinged stop member comprises a side face and a front face and said single locking device is accessible from said front face.

6. An anti-barricade system according to any preceding claim, wherein said releasing means comprises a geared mechanism configured to engage with said connecting rod so as to move said connecting rod.

7. An anti-barricade system according to claim 6, wherein said geared mechanism comprises a gear having a first plurality of teeth and said connecting rod has a second plurality of teeth configured to engage with said first plurality of teeth.

8. An anti-barricade system according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein said geared mechanism is enclosed in a housing.

9. An anti-barricade system according to any preceding claim, wherein said hinged stop member comprises a cavity which houses said connecting rod.

10. An anti-barricade system according to any preceding claim, wherein each said securing device comprises a hook mechanism.

11. An anti-barricade system according to any preceding claim wherein said connecting rod comprises an end having a reduced profile.

12. An anti-barricade system according to any preceding claim, wherein said hinged stop member comprises a handle.

13. A method of manufacturing an anti-barricade device for a door, comprising the steps of: configuring a hinged stop member to move between a first position and a second position such that when in said first position, said hinged stop member is configured to restrict a door from moving in a first direction and, when in said second position, said hinged stop member is configured to permit the door to move in the first direction; connecting at least two securing devices to a connecting rod to create a locking mechanism configured to maintain said hinged stop member in said first position; and attaching a releasing means to said locking mechanism such that said releasing means is configured to move said connecting rod to release said at least two securing devices.

14. A method according to claim 13, wherein said hinged stop member comprises a hinge, said method further comprising the step of: attaching said hinge to a door frame of a door.

15. A method according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein said releasing means comprises a single locking device, and said method further comprises the step of locating said single locking device in said hinged stop member.

16. A method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, said method further comprising the step of positioning said connecting rod in a cavity of said hinged stop member.

17. A method of fitting an anti-barricade device to a door frame of a door, comprising the steps of: receiving a hinged stop member configured to move between a first position and a second position; attaching said hinged stop member to an external surface of a door frame of a door such that when in said first position, said stop member restricts the door from moving in a first direction and, when in said second position, said hinged stop member permits the door from moving in the first direction; configuring a locking mechanism to maintain said hinged stop member in said first position, wherein said locking mechanism comprises at least two securing devices and a connecting rod, each said securing device being relatedly connected to said connecting rod; and permitting said stop member to move between said first position and said second position by activation of a releasing means configured to move said connecting rod to release said at least two securing devices.