IE20210169A2

IE20210169A2 - Letterplate

Info

Publication number: IE20210169A2
Application number: IE20210169A
Authority: IE
Inventors: Singh Varinder
Original assignee: Era Home Security Ltd
Priority date: 2020-09-24
Filing date: 2021-09-24
Publication date: 2022-08-31
Also published as: GB202015133D0; GB2599366B; GB2599366A

Abstract

A letterplate 100 for forming a closure for a letterbox aperture in a door. The letterplate 100 has a mounting portion 207, connectable to the door and at least partially defines an opening and a movable cover portion 104 configured to cover the opening. The movable cover portion 104 is configured to move linearly relative to the mounting portion 207. The linear sliding letterplate arrangement provides additional security benefits compared to conventional hinged-flap letterplates.

Description

Letterplate Technical Field The invention relates to a letterplate for forming a closure for a letterbox aperture in a door or the like, and more specifically to a letterplate configured to restrict access to the interior of a building.

Background Letterplate assemblies are commonly fitted to doors or to parts of a skin of a building adjacent to a door for both commercial and domestic buildings in order to permit the delivery of mail directly to the inside of the building. Conventional through-door type letterplate assemblies comprise a letterbox aperture extending through the door, wall or other area of the building skin. A closure for the letterbox aperture is typically formed by one or more pivoting letter flaps. In use, the letter flaps are configured to pivot away from the surfaces of the door (either inwardly or outwardly) thereby creating an opening through which mail may be delivered.

One problem with existing products is that pivoting letter flaps lack security. The opening which is created when the letter flap pivots open may be used by thieves to gain access to the interior of a building to steal objects therefrom. For example, thieves are known to insert a wire hook or rod through a letterbox opening to attempt to steal high value items, especially keys. Such attacks are known as ’fishing’ type attacks.

Additionally, hooked tools can be inserted through a letterbox opening and used to manipulate a lock or door handle in order to provide access to the building. Such attacks are known as ‘hooking’type attacks.

A number of security measures are available on the market which aim to improve the security of conventional through-door letterplate assemblies. Such measures may include a cowl, a letterbox bag or a cage fitted to an internal side of a door. The above security measures are often large, bulky and suffer from poor aesthetics. Further, the existing products may project away from the internal surface of the door by a greater distance than the door handle or doorknob. In this case, the cowl or cage may strike the adjacent wall of the building when the door swings open, causing significant 1O damage. Due to the above disadvantages, the building owners may choose to remove the security measures altogether, thus losing all security benefits.

This background description is provided to generally present the context of the disclosure. Unless othenNise indicated herein, material described in this section is neither expressly nor impliedly admitted to be prior art to the present disclosure or the appended claims.

Summary of Invention The inventors have appreciated that current security measures are often bulky items that project from an internal surface of a door or wall, thereby causing obstruction.

Therefore, an exemplary apparatus is disclosed herein which aims to solve or mitigate one or more problems associated with the prior art.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a letterplate for forming a closure for a letterbox aperture in a door or the like. The letterplate may comprise a mounting portion, connectable to said door, at least partially defining an opening. The letterplate may comprise a moveable cover portion. The moveable cover portion may be configured to cover the opening. The moveable cover portion may be configured to move linearly relative to the mounting portion.

The moveable cover portion may be slideable relative to the mounting portion. The mounting portion and/or the moveable cover portion may comprise linear slide rails or guides e.g. to facilitate the linear movement of the moveable cover portion relative to the mounting portion. The linear slide rails may extend along a movement axis of the moveable cover portion. The linear slide rails may comprise a guide rail and a runner rail, which are slideable relative to one another. Rolling bodies may be located between the guide rail and the runner rail to facilitate the sliding motion. The rolling bodies may comprise one or more or wheels, rollers, bearing and ball bearings. Additionally or alternatively, the linear slide rails may comprise telescopic slides.

In an alternative series of embodiments, the moveable cover portion may be configured to move linearly relative to the mounting portion via a scissor and/or concertina mechanism. The scissor mechanism may be constructed by linked, folding supports in a criss-cross or "X" pattern. The scissor mechanism may be attached to the moveable 1O cover portion at a first end and to the mounting portion at a second end e.g. for facilitating the linear movement of the moveable cover portion relative to the mounting portion.

The moveable cover portion may be configured to cover the opening in a closed position. The moveable cover portion may permit access through the opening when the moveable cover portion is moved away from the closed position.

The letterplate may further comprise a limiter configured to limit the movement of the moveable cover portion relative to the mounting portion. The limiter may be connected to and/or formed on or with the moveable cover portion and/or the mounting portion.

The limiter may comprise a protrusion, for example, the limiter may comprise a tooth, block, or plate. The limiter may comprise a recess, for example, a depression, groove, aperture or slot. The protrusion and recess me be configured to engage each other for limiting the movement of the moveable cover portion relative to the mounting portion.

The limiter may be formed on or with and/or connected to the linear slide rails or guides.

The moveable cover portion may be moveable in a direction perpendicular to the width and height of the opening.

The moveable cover portion may comprise a cover plate and a barrier portion. The barrier portion may be configured to restrict access around the cover plate. The barrier portion may extend parallel to the movement axis of the moveable cover portion and/or perpendicular to the width and height of the opening. The barrier portion may be connected to the cover plate and/or the barrier portion and the cover plate may be integrally formed.

The barrier portion may comprise one or more of: a lateral barrier restricting the lateral access through the opening of the moveable cover portion; an upper barrier restricting access through the opening to a region above the moveable cover portion; and a lower barrier restricting access through the opening to a region below the moveable cover portion.

The barrier portion may comprise a first lateral barrier located on and/or connected to a first side of the cover plate and a second lateral barrier located on and/or connected to 1O a second side of the cover plate. The first side of the cover plate and the second side of the cover plate may be opposite with respect to each other. The barrier portion may further comprise the upper barrier which may be located on and/or connected to a third side of the cover plate. The third side of the cover plate may be adjacent to and/or between the first side of the cover plate and the second side of the cover plate. The upper barrier may be connected the first and the second lateral barriers. In this configuration the barrier portion may restrict the lateral access through the opening as well as the access to a region above the moveable cover portion.

In an alternative series of embodiments, the upper barrier may be omitted and the barrier portion may comprise a lower barrier. The lower barrier may be located on and/or connected to a fourth side of the cover plate. The fourth side of the cover plate may be adjacent to and/or between the first side of the cover plate and the second side of the cover plate. The fourth side of the cover plate may be opposite to the third side of the cover plate. The lower barrier may be connected to the first and second lateral barriers. In this configuration the barrier portion may restrict the lateral access through the opening as well as the access to a region below the moveable cover portion.

The letterplate may comprise one or more additional barrier portions. The barrier portion and the additional barrier portions may be telescopically extendable. The additional barrier portions may be connected to or integrated with the moveable cover portion.

The additional barrier portions may be sized so as to fit within the interior of, or to surround the outside of, the barrier portion. For example, the additional barrier portion may be locatable inside the barrier portion, so that the additional barrier portion lines an internal surface of the barrier portion. Alternatively, the additional barrier portion may be locatable around the outside of the barrier portion, so that the barrier portion lines an internal surface of the additional barrier portion. The additional barrier portions may be moveable (e.g. linearly moveable) relative to the barrier portion and/or the cover plate. The additional barrier portion may be slideably connected to the barrier portion.

In operation, the barrier portion may slide telescopically with respect to the additional barrier portion in the direction of the movement axis of the moveable cover portion. The cover plate may be moveable relative to the mounting portion by a distance greater than the dimensions of the barrier portion. 1O In some embodiments, the additional barrier portion may be moveably connected to the mounting portion. For example, the additional barrier portion may be slideable relative to the mounting portion. The additional barrier portion may thus connect the moveable cover portion (and barrier portion) to the mounting portion. The additional barrier portion may comprise a projection configured to engage a channel or groove in the mounting portion to guide and/or restrict the motion of the cover portion. Alternatively, the additional barrier portion may comprise a channel or groove configured to receive a projection to guide and/or restrict the motion of the cover portion. The additional barrier portion may be connected to the cover portion by a similar arrangement.

The additional barrier portions may have substantially the same structure as the barrier portion. The additional barrier portions may comprise one or more of: an additional lateral barrier; an additional upper barrier; and an additional lower barrier. The additional lateral, upper and lower barriers may be configured to restrict access through the opening to a region lateral to, above, or below the moveable cover portion. The additional barrier portions may be configured to restrict access around the cover plate.

The additional barrier portion may extend parallel to the movement axis of the moveable cover portion and/or perpendicular to the width and height of the opening.

The mounting portion may comprise a plate or support securable to a door, wall or other surface adjacent to or within the letterbox aperture. In one series of embodiments, letterplate comprises more than one, e.g. a pair, of mounting portions.

In one embodiment, the mounting portion comprises a first support, a second support, and a bridging portion between the first and second supports. The first support may be connected to and/or extend from one end of the bridging portion at a right angle. The second support may be connected to and/or extend from the opposite end of the bridging portion at a right angle. The first support, the second support and the bridging portion may be positionable around the perimeter of the letterbox aperture. The mounting portion may be U-shaped. The opening may be defined as the area between the first support, the second support and the bridging portion. The mounting portion may be configured to extend around an outside edge of a letterbox aperture in a door or the like. In use, the opening defined by the mounting portion may overlap with the letterbox aperture in a door or the like. 1O In a series of embodiments, the mounting portion may extend around the full perimeter of the letter box aperture and comprise an opening through the mounting portion. In a further series of embodiments, a pair of mounting portions may be configured to be positioned on opposite sides of a letterbox aperture in use.

The mounting portion may be connectable to a surface of a door or the like via one or more mechanical fasteners such as screws, nails, nuts and bolts, pins, rivets or any other suitable mechanical fastener. The mechanical fasteners may extend through the door and may be engageable with a letter plate provided on the opposite side of the door or the like. Additionally or alternatively, the mounting portion may be connectable to a surface of a door or the like via an adhesive. In some embodiments, the mounting portion may be configured to be received within the letterbox aperture. In some further embodiments, the mounting portion may be integrally formed with the door.

The letterplate may comprise a sleeve portion. The sleeve portion may be connectable to or formed with the mounting portion. The sleeve portion may extend parallel to the movement axis of the moveable cover portion and/or perpendicularly to the opening and/or mounting portion. The sleeve portion may be configured to be received within a letterbox aperture of a door. The sleeve portion may comprise at least one of: a first side plate, a second side plate, a roof plate, and/or a base plate. The first side plate may be parallel to, and displaced from, the second side plate. The roof plate may be parallel to, and displaced from, the base plate. One end of the roof plate may be connectable to and/or extendable from one end of the first side plate at a right angle.

The opposite end of the roof plate may be connectable to and/or extendable from one end of the second side plate at a right angle. One end of the base plate may be connectable to and/or extendable from the opposite end of the first side plate at a right angle. The opposite end of the base plate may be connectable to and/or extendable from the opposite end of the second side plate at a right angle. The first side plate, the second side plate, the roof plate and/or the base plate may be integrally formed.

The sleeve may be configured to line the letterbox aperture i.e. to form at least part of the inner surface thereof. The sleeve may define at least part of a channel. The mouth of the channel may be the opening in the mounting portion. The sleeve may extend perpendicularly to the width and height of the opening. The sleeve may have an approximately rectangular cross-section, and/or the channel defined by the sleeve may have an approximately rectangular cross-section. The sleeve may provide a simple 1O way to align the letterplate with a letterbox aperture during installation and/or may provide weather resistance and restrict water ingress through the letterbox aperture.

The sleeve portion may be connectable to a letterbox aperture of a door or the like. The sleeve portion may be connectable to the internal surfaces of the letterbox aperture of a door e.g. via an adhesive or mechanical fastener as previously described.

The letterplate may further comprise a biasing mechanism configured to bias the moveable cover portion towards a closed position, where by the moveable cover portion covers the opening. The biasing mechanism may comprise a resilient biasing means, such as a spring or other suitable means.

The letterplate may further comprise a fascia portion connectable to the mounting portion and/or the moveable cover portion. The fascia portion may be a decorative element. The fascia portion may comprise a substantially rectangular plate with a concentric rectangular cut-out. The rectangular cut-out may define a fascia opening.

The fascia opening may be aligned, in use, with the opening defined by the mounting portion. The fascia portion may be connectable to the surface of a door or the like. The fascia portion may be configured to extend around the perimeter of a letterbox aperture in a door or the like. The fascia portion may be configured to cover the mounting portion. The fascia portion may comprise one or more materials such as metal, plastic or wood.

The moveable cover portion may further comprise a deflecting surface configured, in use, to deflect any objects inserted through the opening away from the moveable cover portion. The deflecting surface may be fitted to the barrier portion and/or the additional barrier portion and/or to the cover plate. The deflecting surface may be fitted to the upper barrier, the lower barrier and/or to the one or more lateral barriers. The deflecting surface may be fitted to the additional upper barrier, the additional lower barrier and/or to the one or more additional lateral barriers. The deflecting surface may comprise an obliquely angled or curved surface, relative to the plane of the cover portion. The deflecting surface may be a ramp arranged to direct upwards or downwards any objects passing through a letterbox aperture e.g. the deflecting surface may smoothly direct the objects over or under the cover plate. The deflecting surface may be configured to prevent the objects from jamming in the letterbox aperture e.g. against 1O the moveable cover portion. The deflecting surface may be manufactured out of a plastic and/or metal material.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a lette rplate assembly for fitting to a door or the like comprising a letter aperture. The letterplate assembly may comprise a first letterplate, as described herein, for fitting to a first side of the door or the like; and a further letterplate for fitting to the opposite side of said door.

The letterplate assembly may further comprise at least one mechanical fastener for extending between and connecting the ﬁrst letterplate to the further letterplate. For example, the mechanical fastener may be configured to extend through a door or the like and/or extend through the letterbox aperture. In some embodiments, the at least one mechanical fastener may extend through a hole through the door or the like adjacent to the letterbox aperture.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a door or a window comprising a letterplate or a letterplate assembly as described herein.

Brief Description of the Figures Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the following Figures in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a letterplate; Figure 2 is an exploded view of a letterplate; Figure 3 is an exploded view of a letterplate assembly; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a letterplate in a closed configuration; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a letterplate in an open configuration; Figure 6 is a bottom view of a letterplate; and Figure 7 is a cross-section through the letterplate of Figure 6 in the line A-A Detailed Description Generally disclosed herein is an apparatus for providing increased security to doors comprising letterbox apertures. The apparatus disclosed aims to provide a letterplate 1O and a letterplate assembly designed to restrict access though the letterbox aperture, thereby increasing security.

The invention is illustrated in the Figures of the accompanying drawings, which are meant to be exemplary and not limiting, in which like references are intended to refer to like or corresponding parts.

Turning now to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown a perspective and an exploded view of a letterplate 100. The letterplate 100 forms a closure for a letterbox aperture 224 in a door 102. The letterplate has a moveable cover portion 104 and a fascia portion 106.

The moveable cover portion 104 comprises a cover plate 202 connected to a barrier portion 200. The barrier portion 200 comprises a first lateral barrier 206a, a second lateral barrier 206b and an upper barrier 204. The barrier portion 200 extends parallel to the axis of movement of the moveable cover portion 104, depicted with an arrow A.

The cover plate 202 is a substantially rectangular plate, which comprises a side edge 201a, a second side edge 201 b and a top edge 203. The first lateral barrier 206a and the second lateral barrier 206b are connected to the side edge 201a and the side edge 201b respectively. The upper barrier 204 is connected to the top edge 203 at a right angle. The first lateral barrier 206a is further connected to the upper barrier 204, so that the plane of the first lateral barrier 206a is perpendicular to the plane of the upper barrier 204. The second lateral barrier 206b is further connected to the upper barrier 204, so that the plane of the second lateral barrier 206b is perpendicular to the plane of the upper barrier 204.

The moveable cover portion 104 is slideably attached to a mounting portion 207, which is connectable to the door 102. The mounting portion 207 comprises a first support 212, a second support 214 and a bridging plate 210. The ﬁrst support 212 is connected to a first end of the bridging plate 210 at a right angle. The second support 214 is connected to an opposite end of the bridging plate 210 at a right angle. The first support 212 and the second support 214 are substantially identical in shape and size.

A first boss 216a and a second boss 216b are connected to the first support 212 and the second support 214 respectively and extend parallel to the axis of movement A.

During installation of the letterplate, the mounting portion 207 is connectable to a surface of the door 102 via mechanical fasteners (not shown) through screw holes 214. 1O When installed, the mounting portion 207 lies flat against the surface of the door 102, extending around an outside edge of the letterbox aperture 224.

The fascia portion 106 is configured to cover the mounting portion 207 and the corresponding mechanical fasteners and screw holes 214. The fascia portion 106 a substantially rectangular plate 209 with a concentric rectangular cut-out which defines a fascia opening Y. The fascia portion 106 is connectable to the mounting portion 207, preferably by interlocking portions (not shown) which form an interference fit with one or more of the screw holes 214. The fascia portion extends around an outside edge of the letterbox aperture 224. In some installations, the fascia portion 106 can be connected directly to the surface of the door 102 via an adhesive. The fascia portion 106 is a decorative element, which aims to improve the aesthetic appearance of the installed letterplate by masking the mounting portion 207.

With additional reference to Figure 3, the first support 212, the second support 214 and a bridging plate 210 of the mounting portion 207 partially define an opening X therebetween. The first support 212 and the second support 214 define the height of the opening X. The bridging plate 210 defines the width of the opening X.

The mounting portion 207 has a sleeve portion 218. The sleeve portion 218 extends perpendicularly to the opening X of the mounting portion 207 and/or parallel to the movement axis A. The sleeve portion 218 comprises a first side plate 222a, a second side plate 222b and a roof plate 220. The first side plate 222a is connected to a first end of the roof plate 220 at a right angle and the second side plate 222b is connected to an opposite end of the roof plate 220 at a right angle. The sleeve portion 218 is connected to the mounting portion 207 so that the sleeve portion 218 extends around the perimeter of the opening X. The sleeve portion 218 partially defines a channel. The mouth of the channel is the opening X in the mounting portion 207. The sleeve portion 218 has a curved rectangular cross section. More specifically, the channel defined by the sleeve portion 218 has a curved rectangular cross section.

The sleeve portion 218 is configured to extend into the door 102, forming a lining of the letterbox aperture 224. The sleeve portion 218 offers several advantages e.g. improved resistance to water ingress and easy mounting of the letterplate 100 in the letterbox aperture 224 during the installation process. The sleeve portion 218 ensures that the letterplate 100 is correctly aligned, thereby simplifying the installation process. Further, 1O the sleeve portion 218 ensures that the letterplate 100 does not become misaligned during continued use. Both the sleeve portion 218 and the barrier portion 200 are shaped to have a curved rectangular cross section in order to minimise hard edges and corners on which items of mail could become caught or snagged. The dimensions of the sleeve portion 218 are configured to conform to the necessary standards and permit the passage of an item of standard mail.

Turning to Figure 3, there is provided an exploded view of a letterplate assembly 300.

The letterplate assembly comprises the letterplate 100 and an external letterplate 303.

The components of the external letterplate 303 are situated on the opposite side of the door 102 with respect to the components of the letterplate 100.

The letterplate assembly 300 comprises an external mounting portion 304 which is substantially rectangular in shape and has an external mounting face 320 and an external sleeve portion 322. The external mounting face is connectable to a surface of the door 102 via mechanical fasteners 319.

The external sleeve portion 322 extends perpendicularly to the width and height of the opening X defined by the mounting portion 207 and/or parallel to the axis of movement of the moveable cover portion 104. The external sleeve 322 defines a second channel.

The external sleeve 322, and thus the second channel, has a curved rectangular cross- section. The curved rectangular cross section aims to minimise hard edges and corners on which items of mail could become caught or snagged.

During installation the external mounting portion 304 is connectable to the mounting portion 207 so that the door 102 is sandwiched therebetween. The cross -sectional area of the second channel defined by the external sleeve 322 is smaller than the cross section area of the channel defined by the sleeve 218. During installation the external sleeve is configured to extend into the letterbox aperture 224 of the door 102. The second channel defined by the external sleeve 322 is configured to slot into the channel defined by the sleeve portion 218. Therefore, when fitted, the second channel defined by the external sleeve portion 322 forms an inner lining of the channel defined by the sleeve 218.

The fascia opening Y, the opening X, the channel defined by the sleeve portion 218 and the second channel defined by the external sleeve 322 are aligned with the 1O letterbox aperture 224 so as to define a passageway through which items of mail can be passed.

The external mounting portion 304 is connectable to the mounting portion 207 via a first and a second mechanical fasteners (not shown). The first mechanical fastener (not shown) is configured to extend through the first boss 216a and engage in the first external boss 316a. The second mechanical fastener (not shown) is configured to extend through the second boss 216b and engage in the second external boss 316b.

Tightening the first and the second mechanical fasteners (not shown) pulls the external mounting portion 304 towards the mounting portion 207, so that the door 102 is sandwiched therebetween. Therefore, when fitted, the external mounting portion 304 is connected to and immobilised with respect to the mounting portion 207.

The letterplate assembly 300 may further comprise an external fascia portion 324 which is connectable to the external mounting portion 304 and facilitates the mounting of an external letter flap (not shown). Weather seals 301 and 302 are connectable to the external mounting portion 304 and the external fascia portion 324. The weather seal 301 is sandwiched between the external mounting portion 304 and the external fascia portion 324. The weather seal 302 is sandwiched between the mounting portion 207 and the external mounting portion 304. The weather seals 301, 302 are formed out of a semi-flexible rubber material and prevent draughts and water ingress through the letterplate 100, thereby acting to insulate and improve the energy efficiency of the building to which the letterplate assembly 300 is ﬁtted.

Turning to Figures 4 and 5, the operation of the letterplate 100 is shown. Figure 4 depicts the letterplate 100 in a closed or fully retracted position and Figure 5 depicts the letterplate 100 in a fully open position. The moveable cover portion 104 is configured to move linearly (e.g. slides) relative to the mounting porting 207 and the fascia portion 106, along the movement axis A, between the closed position and the open position. The axis of movement A of the moveable cover portion 204 is perpendicular to the width and the height of the opening X defined by the mounting portion 207.

In the closed position, the cover portion 104 is configured to cover the opening X defined by the mounting portion 207. The cover plate 202 sits flush with the fascia portion 106 and the barrier portion 200 of the moveable cover portion 104 is fully 1O retracted into the letterbox aperture 224 and/or the channel defined by the sleeve portion 218. The cover portion 104 thus forms a closure to the passageway defined by the fascia opening Y, the opening X, the channel defined by the sleeve portion 218 and the second channel defined by the external sleeve 322. In the closed position, the cover portion 104 prevents draughts through the letterplate 100 and further prevents items of mail from being passed through the passageway and into the inside of a house or building. An additional locking element (not shown) may be incorporated into the letterplate which would allow the user to lock the moveable cover portion 104 in the closed position, thereby preventing the delivery of mail.

When items of mail are inserted through the letterbox aperture 224 and the opening X from an external side of the door 102, they contact and exert a force on the cover portion 104. The force causes the moveable cover portion 104 to move linearly away (e.g. inwardly relative to the building) from the closed position towards the open position. The linear movement may be facilitated by linear slide rails or guides (not shown) mounted on the mounting portion 207, or by any other suitable mechanism.

The moveable cover portion 104 permits access through the opening X and the letterbox aperture 224 when it is moved away from the closed position towards the open position.

Turning to Figures 5 and 6, the moveable cover portion 104 is presented in a fully open position whereby the moveable cover portion 104 allows items of mail to pass through the letterbox aperture and the opening X followed by an aperture 0 best seen in Figure 6. The aperture 0 is defined by the cover plate 202, the first lateral barrier 206a and the second lateral barrier 206b of the moveable cover portion 104. The aperture 0 is an opening opposite and parallel to the upper barrier 204. The aperture 0 permits access to the region below the moveable cover portion 104. The lateral access through the opening X is restricted by the first lateral barrier 206a and a second lateral barrier 206b. The access through the opening X to a region above the moveable cover portion is restricted by the upper barrier 204. The combined limits of accessibility though the moveable cover portion act to improve the security of the letterplate 100 without impeding the ability of the letterplate 100 and/or the letterplate assembly 300 to receive items of mail.

The letterplate 100 and/or the letterplate assembly 300 may further comprising a limiter (not shown) configured to limit the movement of the moveable cover portion 104 1O relative to the mounting portion 207. The limiter (not shown) prevents the moveable cover portion 104 from extending beyond the fully open position shown in Figure 5.

The letterplate 100 and/or the letterplate assembly 300 may further comprise a biasing mechanism (not shown) configured to bias the moveable cover portion 104 towards the closed position, wherein the moveable cover portion 104 covers the opening X. The biasing mechanism may include one or more springs connecting the cover portion 104 to a stationary component of the letterplate, such that it automatically retracts the cover portion 104 when no force is applied by a user.

Turning to Figure 7, there is shown a cross-section through the letterplate assembly 300 in the line A-A of Figure 6. As shown in Figure 7, a depth DM of the barrier portion 200 is approximately equal to a depth DD of the door 102. These dimensions allow the barrier portion 200 of the moveable cover portion 104 to fully retract into the letterbox aperture 224 when the letterplate 100 is in the closed position.

The moveable cover portion 104 may further comprise an additional barrier portion (not shown). The additional barrier portion may be slideably connected to the barrier portion 200. The barrier portion 200 and the additional barrier portions may be telescopically extendable e.g. in operation, the barrier portion 200 may slide telescopically with respect to the additional barrier portion in the direction of the movement axis of the moveable cover portion 104. The cover plate 202 may be moveable relative to the mounting portion 207 by a distance greater than the depth DM of the barrier portion 200.

DHF Technical Specification T8008:2015 sets out a number of criteria for letter plate assemblies sold in the UK. In section 6.3.7 and as shown in Figure 4 of T8008:2015, one criteria is that the letter plate assembly must be able to withstand a manipulation test from a "ﬁshing" and a "hooking" type attack. During a "fishing" type attack thieves are known to insert a wire hook or rod through a letterbox opening to attempt to steal high value items, especially keys. During a "hooking" type attack, hooked tools can be inserted through a letterbox opening and used to manipulate a lock or door handle in order to provide access to the building. The letterplate 100 offers several advantages over conventional letterplates. The letterplate 100 greatly reduces the likelihood of valuables being stolen through fishing attacks or of a lock or a handle being manipulated via a hooking attack. The first lateral barrier 206a, the second lateral barrier 206b and the upper barrier 204 act to restrict an accessible region which can be 1O reached when an elongate linear tool is inserted through the opening X. More specifically, the attacker is unable to reach the region located above the moveable cover portion 104. The lateral access through the opening X is greatly reduced due to the respective lateral barriers.

A further advantage is offered by the mechanism which facilitates the linear movement of the moveable cover portion 104 relative to the mounting portion 207. The mechanism allows the barrier portion 200 of the moveable cover portion 104 to fully retract into the body of the door 102. Therefore, only the cover plate 202 and the fascia portion 106 remain visible in the closed position. This offers a sleek and appealing aesthetic of the letterplate 100 and or the letterplate assembly 300.

Further, in the closed position the letterplate 100 does not significantly project away from the surface of the door 102 and potentially much less than the projection from the surface of a door handle or doorknob (not shown). Therefore, unlike conventional letterplates with fitted security mechanisms, the letterplate 100 is far less likely to strike an adjacent wall of a building when the door 102 swings open, preventing damage to said wall.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A letterplate for forming a closure for a letterbox aperture in a door or the like, the letterplate comprising: a mounting portion, connectable to said door, at least partially defining an opening; and a moveable cover portion configured to cover the opening; wherein the moveable cover portion is configured to move linearly relative to the mounting portion.

2. The letterplate according to claim 1, wherein the moveable cover portion is slideable relative to the mounting portion.

3. The letterplate according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the moveable cover portion is configured to cover the opening in a closed position; and wherein the moveable cover portion permits access through the opening when the cover portion is moved away from the closed position.

4. The letterplate according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a limiter configured to limit the movement of the moveable cover portion relative to the mounting portion.

5. The letterplate according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the moveable cover portion is moveable in a direction perpendicular to the width and height of the opening.

6. The letterplate according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the moveable cover portion comprises a cover plate and a barrier portion, wherein the barrier portion is configured to restrict access around the cover plate.

7. The letterplate according to claims 5 and 6, wherein the barrier portion extends parallel to the movement axis of the moveable cover portion and/or perpendicular to the plane of the cover plate. 1O 17

8. The letterplate according to any one of claims 6 to 7, wherein the barrier portion comprises one or more of: a lateral barrier restricting access through the opening laterally of the moveable cover portion; an upper barrier restricting access though the opening to a region above the moveable cover portion; and a lower barrier restricting access though the opening to a region below the moveable cover portion.

9. The letterplate according to claim 8, comprising a first lateral barrier connected to a first side of the cover plate and a second lateral barrier connected to a second side of the cover plate.

10. The letterplate according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the letterplate comprises one or more additional barrier portions and wherein the barrier portion and the one or more additional barrier portions are telescopically extendable.

11. The letterplate according to any one of the proceeding claims, wherein the mounting portion is configured to extend around an outside of a letterbox aperture in a door or the like.

12. A letterplate according to any one of the proceeding claims, wherein the mounting portion comprises a sleeve portion extending parallel to the movement axis of the moveable cover portion and/or perpendicularly to the opening, wherein the sleeve portion is configured to be received within a letterbox aperture of a door.

13. The letterplate according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a biasing mechanism configured to bias the moveable cover portion towards a closed position, whereby the moveable cover portion covers the opening.

14. The letterplate according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the letterplate further comprises a fascia portion connectable to the mounting portion and/or the moveable cover portion.

15. A letterplate according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the moveable cover portion further comprises a deflecting surface configured, in use, to deflect any objects inserted through the opening away from the moveable cover portion. 1O 18

16. A letterplate assembly for ﬁtting to a door or the like comprising a letter aperture, the letterplate assembly comprising: a first letterplate according to any one of the preceding claims for fitting to a first side of the door or the like; and a further letterplate for fitting to the opposite side of said door.

17. A letterplate assembly according to claim 16, further comprising at least one mechanical fastener for extending between and connecting the first letterplate to the further letterplate

18. A door or a window comprising a letterplate or a letterplate assembly according to any one of the preceding claims.