GB2613892A - System for securing folding doors - Google Patents

Abstract

A system for retaining two folding door panels 10 in proximity to one another formed of two door securing devices 100, one attached to each panel, each having a door attachment section 120 for attaching to the frame 12 of a door, and a securing section 180 coupled to and movable with respect to the attachment section to facilitate mutual engagement of the securing sections of adjacent devices. The securing sections 180 may include drum elements (188,190 Fig 3/4) pivotable received within an insert (140) of the attachment sections such that on engagement with another securing section, both can rotate, ensuring abutment of faces of the securing section with no gap, accommodating the non-parallel angle between opened doors. The securing section may include one or more bar magnets to provide a securing force. Devices may be installed in opposite orientation on adjacent doors to ensure magnetic attraction between poles. Alternative the bar magnets may be installed in opposite orientation within each device. Also claimed is a single securing device. A pin or dowel (220, fig 3/4) may be used to secure parts of each device together.

Description

System for securing folding doors

FIELD

[0001] The present invention is related to a system and method for securing folding doors

BACKGROUND

[0002] Folding doors are becoming a more popular alternative to traditional patio or French doors for use on a building, in particular a domestic dwelling.

[0003] Bi-folding doors are made up of multiple panels or 'leaves', the number of which typically ranges from two to eight. When bi-folding doors are opened, the panels fold in a concertina motion, dramatically reducing the space taken up by the bi-folding door.

[0004] In order to retain the bi-folding doors in an open position, the bi-folding doors must include a securing means. The securing means may be a biasing towards the open position or a fixing means.

[0005] Different bi-folding doors comprise different panels; each type of panel will have different components, such as hinges, handles and frames. The way in which each set of panels folds will also differ, typically folding to near parallel with each other, with an angle of around two to seven degrees between each panel.

[0006] Often, one door is used more than the others. This door is called the 'traffic' door. The traffic door is the single door used for entry and exit and is typically the furthest door from the main hinge of the bi-folding door system. The traffic door will comprise a handle, which often prevents the traffic door from opening to a point where it is completely parallel with the adjacent door.

[0007] Due to the variation between different bi-folding doors, such as type of panel and closing angle, a different securing means has to be provided for each type of bi-folding door. It is the object of the present disclosure to overcome some of the above-mentioned problems.

SUMMARY

[0008] According to the present invention, there is provided an apparatus and method as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.

[0009] According to a first example, there is provided a system for retaining two folding doors in proximity to one another comprising two door securing devices, each of the door securing devices comprising: a door attachment section for attaching to the frame of a door; and a securing section coupled to the door attachment section, wherein the securing section is movable with respect to the door attachment section to facilitate mutual engagement of the securing sections of adjacent devices.

[0010] The above invention provides an arrangement whereby a small amount of pivoting movement in each device gives rise to a larger angle between the two folding doors being accommodated.

[0011] In some examples, the securing section may be pivotable with respect to the door attachment section.

[0012] In some examples, the securing section may incorporate a magnet to facilitate engagement of the securing section with the securing section of a second door securing device. The engagement may be a face-to-face engagement of the respective securing sections. Advantageously, the combination of the magnet and the movable securing section in each device provides an increased holding force relative to the strength of the magnet, when compared to existing devices.

[0013] In some examples, the securing section incorporates a second magnet to facilitate engagement of the securing section with the securing section of a second door securing 20 device.

[0014] In some examples, the two magnets are bar magnets [0015] In some examples, the two magnets are arranged such that the N poles of the two magnets are uppermost, such that the two door securing devices are secured in opposite orientations on adjacent doors, to facilitate mutual engagement.

[0016] In some examples, the two magnets are arranged such that the N pole of one of the two magnets is uppermost, and the N pole of the other of the two magnets is lowermost, such that the two door securing devices are secured in the same orientation on adjacent doors, to facilitate mutual engagement.

[0017] In some examples, the two door securing devices may be substantially identical to one another.ln some examples, the door securing devices may be secured in opposite orientations to facilitate mutual engagement.

[0018] In some examples, the opposite orientations may be achieved by rotating one securing device by approximately a half-circle about a horizontal axis with respect to the other.

[0019] In some examples, each of the door securing devices may further comprise an insert slidably held within the door attachment section. Advantageously, the insert prevents the door securing device from creating noise when not in use, by providing a fit between the different components that is not loose. That is, the components of the door securing device are fitted such that they will only move in response to coming into contact with the magnet of an adjacent door securing device.

[0020] In some examples, the insert may comprise a receiving portion, the receiving portion comprising a flared recess and a retaining detail.

[0021] In some examples, the securing section may comprise a projecting portion, and the receiving portion of the insert may be configured to receive the projecting portion of the securing section to allow movement of the securing section with respect to the insert and the door attachment section, about the longitudinal axis.

[0022] In some examples, the insert may comprise a rear wall and a first and second opposing sidewalls and has a t-shaped cross-section.

[0023] The t-shaped cross-section allows for a more secure engagement between the insert and the door attachment section [0024] In some examples, the door attachment section may comprise a base section, first and second opposing sidewalls and a rear wall.

[0025] In some examples, each of the opposing sidewalls of the insert, and the opposing sidewalls of the door attachment section may comprise an aperture, wherein the apertures are aligned, when assembled.

[0026] In some examples, the projecting portion of the securing section may comprise a spacing, wherein the spacing aligns with the apertures of the sidewalls of the insert and the door attachment section when assembled.

[0027] In some examples, each of the door securing devices may further comprise a pin, wherein, when assembled, the pin extends through the apertures of the door attachment section, the apertures of the insert and the spacing of the securing section, such that the insert and the door attachment section are fixed with respect to one another, and the door attachment section, the insert and the securing section are fixed with respect to the longitudinal axis.

[0028] According to a second example, there is provided a door securing device comprising: a door attachment section for attaching to the frame of a door; and a securing section coupled to the door attachment section, wherein the securing section is movable with respect to the door attachment section to facilitate mutual engagement a securing section of a second door securing device.

[0029] In some examples, the securing section may be pivotable with respect to the door attachment section.

[0030] In some examples, the securing section may incorporate a magnet to facilitate engagement of the securing section with the securing section of a second door securing device.

[0031] In some examples, the securing section incorporates a second magnet to facilitate engagement of the securing section with the securing section of a second door securing 10 device.

[0032] In some examples, the door securing device may further comprise an insert slidably held within the door attachment section.

[0033] In some examples, the insert may comprise a receiving portion, the receiving portion comprising a flared recess and a retaining detail.

[0034] In some examples, the securing section may comprise a projecting portion, and the receiving portion of the insert may be configured to receive the projecting portion of the securing section to allow movement of the securing section with respect to the insert and the door attachment section, about the longitudinal axis.

[0035] In some examples, the insert may comprise a rear wall and a first and second opposing sidewalls and has a t-shaped cross-section.

[0036] In some examples, the door attachment section may comprise a base section, first and second opposing sidewalls and a rear wall.

[0037] In some examples, each of the opposing sidewalls of the insert, and the opposing sidewalls of the door attachment section may comprise an aperture, wherein the apertures are aligned, when assembled.

[0038] In some examples, the projecting portion of the securing section may comprise a spacing, wherein the spacing aligns with the apertures of the sidewalls of the insert and the door attachment section when assembled.

[0039] In some examples, each of the door securing devices may further comprise a pin, wherein, when assembled, the pin extends through the apertures of the door attachment section, the apertures of the insert and the spacing of the securing section, such that the insert and the door attachment section are fixed with respect to one another, and the door attachment section, the insert and the securing section are fixed with respect to the longitudinal axis.

[0040] The above invention substantially simplifies the manufacturing process, because only one type of device needs to be manufactured, rather than two different cooperating devices.

[0041] All of the features contained herein may be combined with any of the above aspects, in any combination.

[0042] Although a few preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0043] For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: Figure 1A shows an example of a pair of traditional door securing means before engaging; Figure 1B shows an example of a pair of traditional door securing means after engaging; Figure 2 shows an example of a door securing device Figure 3 shows a front exploded view of an example of the door securing device; Figure 4 shows a rear exploded view of an example of the door securing device; Figure 5 shows a front view of an example of the door securing device; Figure 6 shows a side view of an example of the door securing device; Figure 7 shows a rear view of an example of the door securing device; Figure 8A shows a front perspective view of an example of the door securing device; Figure 8B shows a rear perspective view of an example of the door securing device; Figure 9A shows a schematic view of an example of a system for securing a bifold door before engaging; Figure 9B shows a schematic view of an example of the system for securing a bifold door after engaging; and Figure 10 shows an example of a flow chart method of securing a pair of bifold doors.

SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0044] A system and method of the present disclosure is described below.

[0045] In particular, the present disclosure is concerned with a system for securing a bifold door and a method thereof.

[0046] Figures 1A and 1B show a traditional bi-folding door system 1. In traditional bi-folding door systems 1 a stopper 2 is attached to each panel 3 of the bi-folding door. The stopper 2 may have a magnetic component, such that a pair of stoppers 2 attract to cause the adjacent panels 3 to be held together. Figure 1A shows the traditional bi-folding door system 1 before two panels 3 of the bi-folding door engage. Figure 1B shows the traditional bi-folding door system after two panels 3 of the bi-folding door have engaged.

[0047] When bi-folding doors are fully opened, each panel 3 remains at a small angle to the adjacent panel 3. As such, the front faces of the stoppers 2 cannot fully engage, as shown by the air gap in Figure 1B, the air gap causing a significant reduction in the ability of the stopper to hold doors together, for example in windy or drafty conditions.

[0048] Figure 2 shows an example of a door securing device 100 and a panel 10 of a bifolding door. The door securing device 100 comprises a door attachment section 120 for attaching to a frame 12 of the panel 10. The door securing device 100 further comprises a securing section 180 for securing the door securing device 100 to the securing section of an adjacent door securing device, attached to the frame of an adjacent door.

[0049] The door 10 may be a bifold door or bifold window, for example.

[0050] Figures 3 and 4 show exploded views of an example of the door securing device 100.

Figures 5 to 8B show different views of the door securing device 100.

[0051] The door attachment section 120 comprises a base section 122 and a plurality of walls 124, 126, 128. Sidewalls 124 and 126 are opposing sidewalls. The opposing side walls 124, 126 are connected to the rear wall 128. The side walls 124, 126 comprise cutout sections 130, 132 towards the rear wall 128. The cutout sections 130, 132 are positioned such that the internal cross-section of the side walls 124, 126 and rear wall 128 forms a T shape. The base 122, the side walls 124, 126 and the rear wall 128 may be integrally formed.

[0052] The side walls 124, 126 and rear wall 128 extend substantially perpendicularly away from the base section 122, along a longitudinal axis L. The longitudinal axis may, in use, be substantially parallel to a door/window to which the device is attached, which may be a nominally vertical axis. Vertices of the side walls 124, 126 distal from the rear wall 128 are curved.

[0053] Each of the side walls 124, 126 comprises an aperture 134, 136. The apertures 134, 136 are aligned with each other, such that a pin 220 may pass through the apertures 134, 136 of both of the side walls 124, 126. The pin 220 may be a dowel, a screw, a bolt and nut, or the like. The pin 220 extends through the apertures 134, 136 substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis L. [0054] The rear wall 128 comprises one or more fixing apertures 138, 139. The one or more fixing apertures 138, 139 are configured to allow the door securing device 100 to be attached to the frame of a door by receiving a fixing. The door securing device 100 may be attached to the door using fixings, such as screws or nails or the like. The fixing apertures 138, 139 may be a plurality of fixing apertures 138, 139 arranged in a vertical array. Alternatively, the plurality of fixing apertures 138, 139 may be arranged in a square, rectangular, or random array. The fixing apertures 138, 139 further comprise cut-out sections on the inner side of the rear wall 128. The cut-out sections are each sized to receive a screw head, such that insertion and removal of the insert 140 (described below) are not hindered by the screw heads.

[0055] The base section 122 extends further from the rear wall 128 than the side walls 124, 126, to form a lower tab part and also to support a securing section 180 described below. The part of the base section 122 furthest from the rear wall 128 may have a rounded edge.

[0056] The door securing device 100 further comprises an insert 140. The insert 140 may be part of the door attachment section 120. The insert 140 and the door attachment section 120 may be integrally formed.

[0057] The insert 140 is configured to be at least partially housed within the door attachment section 120. The insert 140 has a generally T-shaped cross-section, such that the insert 140 may be slidably coupled with the door attachment section 120. That is, the size of the external cross-section of the insert 140 is matched with the size of the internal cross-section of the T-shape formed by side walls 124, 126 and rear wall 128 of the door attachment section 120 described above. The insert 140 may be moved along the longitudinal axis L to be seated within the door attachment section 120.

[0058] The insert 140 comprises a rear wall 142 and side walls 144, 146. The side walls 144, 146 extend perpendicularly from the rear wall 142. The insert 140 further comprises end faces 148, 150. The end faces 148, 150 are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. [0059] The insert 140 further comprises apertures 152, 154. The apertures 152, 154 are configured such that when the insert 140 is housed within the door attachment section 120, the pin 220 may pass through the first sidewall aperture 134 of the door attachment section 120, through the first aperture 152 of the insert 140, through the second aperture 154 of the insert 140 and the second sidewall aperture 136 of the door attachment section 120, thus, holding the insert 140 captive within the door attachment section 120. That is, the apertures 152, 154 of the insert 140 are aligned with the apertures 134, 136 of the door attachment section 120, when assembled.

[0060] The insert 140 further comprises a receiving portion 156. The receiving portion 156 is configured to receive at least part of the securing section 180. The receiving portion 156 comprises a flared recess 158. The flared recess 158 may flare towards one end of the insert 140, such that the open end of the flared recess 158 forms the ends of the side walls 144, 146. That is, the insert 140 is open at the end substantially away from the rear wall 142.

[0061] The receiving portion 156 further comprises a retaining detail 160. The retaining detail 160 is located at the narrow end of the flared recess 158. The retaining detail 160 is radiused.

The receiving portion 156 of the insert 140 forms an open-bottomed keyhole-shaped opening on the side walls 144, 146. That is, the keyhole-shaped opening extends from one side wall 144 to the other side wall 146 of the insert 140, along the longitudinal axis L. [0062] The insert 140 further comprises indentations 162, 164 on the rear wall 142. The indentations 162, 164 are on the side of the rear wall 142 away from the side walls 144, 146.

That is, the indentations 162, 164 are facing the rear wall 128 of the door attachment section 120. The indentations 162, 164 are configured to align with the fixing apertures 138, 139, in use. The indentation 162, 164 provide additional clearance for the fixings for attaching the door attachment section 120 to the frame of a door.

[0063] The securing section 180 is configured to attach to the insert 140 of the door attachment section 120. When attached to the insert 140, the securing section 180 may rotate with respect to the insert 140 and the door attachment section 120. The rotation of the securing section 180 is rotation about the longitudinal axis L. [0064] In more detail, the securing section 180 comprises a top section 182 and an alignment face 184. The alignment face 184 projects from an end of the top section 182 in a direction parallel to the perpendicular axis L. The top section 182 and the alignment face 184 are substantially right-angled with respect to one another. The alignment face 184 comprises two curved sections separated by a flat section, the curved sections matching the curved part of the door attachment section 120 described above.

[0065] The securing section 180 further comprises a projecting portion 186 for facilitating captive engagement of the securing section 180 with the insert 140. The projecting portion 186 is a pronged portion comprising two drum elements 188, 190. The end of each drum element 188, 190 is radiused. The radiused ends are configured to slide longitudinally into the retaining detail 160 of the insert 140, such that the securing section 180 may not be removed from the insert 140 and the door attachment section 120 by pulling in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. [0066] Between the two drum elements 188, 190 is spacing 192. The spacing 192 is configured such that when the securing section 180 is attached to the insert 140 and the door attachment section 120, the spacing 192 is aligned with the apertures 134, 136 of the door attachment section 120 and with the apertures 152, 154 of the insert 140. Therefore, when assembled, the pin 220 may pass through the first sidewall aperture 134 of the door attachment section 120, through the first aperture 152 of the insert 140, through the spacing of the securing section 180, through the second aperture 154 of the insert 140 and the second sidewall aperture 136 of the door attachment section 120, thus, attaching the securing section to the insert 140 and the door attachment section 120.

[0067] When the pin 220 is inserted, the securing section 180 is held captive and may not be removed from the insert 140 and the door attachment section 120 by pulling in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis L. The securing section 180 may pivot about the longitudinal axis L with respect to the insert 140 and the door attachment section 120. This pivoting is limited by the contact between the alignment face 184 of the securing section 180 and the side walls 124, 126 of the door attachment section.

[0068] The securing section 180 further comprises one or more magnets 194, 196. The magnets 194, 196 are bar magnets. The magnets are held captive in the securing section 180 by a base plate 198. The magnets 194, 196 are arranged so that two of the devices 100 will stay together by magnetic attraction, when the two securing sections 180 of the devices 100 are brought together, if one is turned upside down, or rotated by 180 degrees about a horizontal axis. For example, N poles of the magnets 194, 196 may be uppermost as shown in Figure 3, so that when another example of the same device is turned over the N poles are lowermost, opposite to the orientation shown in Figure 3). The base plate 198 is configured to attach to an end of the alignment face 184 spaced from the top section 182. The base plate 198 may have two depressions 200, 202, one corresponding to each magnet 194, 196. The base plate 198 further comprises an opening 204. The opening 204 is located between the two depressions 200, 202. The opening 204 is configured to receive a fixing to secure the base plate 198 to the securing section 180, thereby retaining the magnets 194, 196 within the securing section. The fixing is received in a corresponding opening (not shown) in the securing section 180.

[0069] Alternatively, the magnets 194, 196 may be arranged such that the N pole of magnet 194 is uppermost and the N pole of the magnet 196 is the lowermost. In this embodiment, the magnets 194, 196 are arranged so that two of the devices 100 will stay together, when the two securing sections 180 of the devices 100 are brought together, by magnetic attraction when the two devices 100 are in the same orientation.

[0070] Further alternatively, the magnets 194, 196 may be a single magnet. The single magnet is a flat, circular magnet. The single magnets of each device 100 are arranged such that the two devices will stay together, when the two securing sections 180 of the devices 100 are brought together, by magnetic attraction irrespective of the orientation of the devices.

[0071] The securing section 180 further comprises a cover 206. The cover 206 is configured to cover the alignment face 184. The cover 206 prevents damage to the securing section 180 due to the contact between two door securing devices 100. The cover 206 may made from clear plastic. The cover 206 may be made from diecast aluminium. The cover 206 may be powder coated.

[0072] The door securing device 100 may be assembled and disassembled by a user. The insert 140 is inserted into the door attachment section 120. Alternatively, the insert 140 and the door attachment section 120 may be integrally formed. The magnets 194, 196 are inserted into the securing section 180, and the base plate 198 is secured to the securing section 180, thus holding the magnets captive within the securing section. The securing section 180 may then be slidably attached to the insert 140. Once the securing section 180 is slidably attached to the insert 140, the pin 220 may be inserted through the door attachment section, the insert and the securing section, to secure the components together, such that they cannot be separated without removing the pin 220.

[0073] Once assembled, the securing section 180 may pivot relative to the rest of the door securing device 100, about the longitudinal axis L. The securing section 180 has a range of movement of between 3 and 18 degrees. The range of movement of the securing section 180 may preferably be between Sand 15 degrees. The range of movement of the securing section 180 may more preferably be between 8 and 13 degrees. The range of movement of the securing section 180 may most preferably be approximately 10 degrees.

[0074] Therefore, a pair of door securing devices 100 may provide a total workable angle of between 6 and 36 degrees. The total angle may preferably be between 10 and 30 degrees. The total angle may more preferably be between 16 and 23 degrees. The total angle may most preferably be approximately 20 degrees.

[0075] In use, a system comprises a pair of door securing devices that interact to secure two panels of a bi-folding door together. A schematic example of the system can be seen in figures 9A and 9B.

[0076] In use, a first door securing device 100 is attached to the frame 12 of a panel 10. A second door securing device 100 is attached to the frame 12 of an adjacent panel 10, such that the two door securing devices 100 are facing one another when the bifold doors are in an open configuration.

[0077] When bi-folding doors are in their closed configuration, the individual panels 10 are parallel with one another, such that the panels 10 form a substantially straight line.

[0078] When bi-folding doors are moved to their open configuration, the panels 10 move such that they are almost perpendicular with one another. Importantly, due to the hinges, the fixings and the handles of each panel 10, the panels 10 may not be fully parallel with one another. That is, in the open configuration, there is a small angle between each of the panels of the folding doors giving rise to an air gap on prior art devices, as mentioned above.

[0079] In the present invention, the securing sections 180 of the door securing devices 100 may be parallel to one another, due to the relative pivoting about the longitudinal axis L of each of the securing sections 180 with respect to the door securing devices 100.

[0080] In other words, the pair of door securing devices 100 are configured such that when the bi-folding doors are in the open configuration, the door securing devices 100 on adjacent panels 10 are brought into contact with one another, such that the securing sections 180 of each of the door securing devices 100 are parallel with one another. This arrangement is particularly advantageous because a small amount of pivoting movement in each device gives rise to a larger angle (double) between the two folding doors being accommodated. The simple structure of the securing device 100 allows for a limited range of movement, which provides strength and longevity of function to the device, as well as a reduced manufacturing cost compared to a comparable device with a larger range of pivoting. The ability of two of the devices 100 to attach together magnetically when one is flipped over substantially simplifies the manufacturing process, because only one type of device needs to be manufactured, rather than two different cooperating devices.

[0081] Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

[0082] All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

[0083] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[0084] The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims (19)

1. CLAIMS1. A system for retaining two folding doors in proximity to one another comprising two door securing devices, each of the door securing devices comprising: a door attachment section for attaching to the frame of a door; and a securing section coupled to the door attachment section, wherein the securing section is movable with respect to the door attachment section to facilitate mutual engagement of the securing sections of adjacent devices.
2. 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the securing section is pivotable with respect to the door attachment section.
3. 3. The system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the securing section incorporates a magnet to facilitate engagement of the securing section with the securing section of a second door securing device.
4. 4. The system according to claim 3, wherein the securing section incorporates a second magnet to facilitate engagement of the securing section with the securing section of a second door securing device.
5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the two magnets are bar magnets.
6. 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the two magnets are arranged such that the N poles of the two magnets are uppermost, such that the two door securing devices are secured in opposite orientations on adjacent doors, to facilitate mutual engagement.
7. 7. The system of claim 5, wherein the two magnets are arranged such that the N pole of one of the two magnets is uppermost, and the N pole of the other of the two magnets is lowermost, such that the two door securing devices are secured in the same orientation on adjacent doors, to facilitate mutual engagement.
8. 8. The system according to any preceding claim, wherein the two door securing devices are substantially identical to one another.
9. 9. The system according to claim 6, wherein the opposite orientations are achieved by rotating one securing device by approximately a half-circle about a horizontal axis with respect to the other.
10. 10. The system according to any preceding claim, wherein each of the door securing devices further comprises an insert slidably held within the door attachment section.
11. 11. The system according to claim 10, wherein the insert comprises a receiving portion, the receiving portion comprising a flared recess and a retaining detail.
12. 12. The system according to claim 11, wherein the securing section comprises a projecting portion, and wherein the receiving portion of the insert is configured to receive the projecting portion of the securing section to allow movement of the securing section with respect to the insert and the door attachment section, about the longitudinal axis.
13. 13. A door securing device comprising: a door attachment section for attaching to the frame of a door; and a securing section coupled to the door attachment section, wherein the securing section is movable with respect to the door attachment section to facilitate mutual engagement a securing section of a second door securing device.
14. 14. The door securing device according to claim 13, wherein the securing section is pivotable with respect to the door attachment section.
15. 15. The door securing device according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the securing section incorporates a magnet to facilitate engagement of the securing section with the securing section of a second door securing device.
16. 16. The door securing device according to claim 15, wherein the securing section incorporates a second magnet to facilitate engagement of the securing section with the securing section of a second door securing device.
17. 17. The door securing device according to any preceding claim, wherein the door securing device further comprises an insert slidably held within the door attachment section.
18. 18. The door securing device according to claim 17, wherein the insert comprises a receiving portion, the receiving portion comprising a flared recess and a retaining detail.
19. 19. The door securing device according to claim 18, wherein the securing section comprises a projecting portion, and wherein the receiving portion of the insert is configured to receive the projecting portion of the securing section to allow movement of the securing section with respect to the insert and the door attachment section, about the longitudinal axis.