WO2019229443A1

WO2019229443A1 - Collapsible wedge for doors

Info

Publication number: WO2019229443A1
Application number: PCT/GB2019/051480
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nigel Shenton; Richard Jones
Original assignee: Era Home Security Limited
Priority date: 2018-05-30
Filing date: 2019-05-30
Publication date: 2019-12-05
Also published as: GB201808805D0; GB2574218A

Abstract

A collapsible wedge (100, 1000) moveable between a collapsed configuration and a wedge configuration for preventing or restricting movement of a door, the collapsible wedge comprising a wedge portion (104, 1004) configured, in use, to abut the door when the collapsible wedge is in the wedge configuration, and at least one sidewall portion (102a,b, 1002a,b) moveably connected to the wedge portion, wherein the sidewall portion (102a,b, 1002a,b) is moveable with respect to the wedge portion (104, 1004) to move the collapsible wedge between the collapsed configuration and the wedge configuration.

Description

COLLAPSIBLE WEDGE FOR DOORS

Technical field

The invention relates to collapsible wedges for preventing or restricting the opening of a door.

Background

It is often desired to provide increased security of a door beyond a door lock. One such situation may arise when a person is staying at a hotel. In this case, an occupier of a hotel room may desire increased security, given the ability of a number of staff being able to access the room, even when locked.

In more extreme situations, such as a terrorist attack or emergency lock-down of a building, it is desirable to disable doors quickly. In such situations, it is desirable to fit a physical barrier to restrict the movement of the door.

Summary

The inventors have appreciated that it may be desirable to provide a device that can increase security, but which is also easily transportable between locations.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a collapsible wedge. The collapsible wedge may be moveable between a collapsed configuration and a wedge configuration for preventing or restricting movement of a door. The collapsible wedge may comprise a wedge portion. The wedge portion may be configured, in use, to abut the door when the collapsible wedge is in the wedge configuration. The collapsible wedge may comprise at least one sidewall portion. The at least one sidewall portion may be moveably connected to the wedge portion. The sidewall portion may be moveable with respect to the wedge portion to move the collapsible wedge between the collapsed configuration and the wedge configuration.

The invention is desirable, since it is simple to store in the collapsed state, and can be used to block the movement of a door in the wedge configuration, for example, by inserting the wedge between a door leaf and the adjacent frame or floor. The collapsible wedge can be easily returned to the collapsed configuration and thus re-used repeatedly.

The collapsible wedge may be substantially flat in the collapsed configuration. The term “substantially flat” is intended to mean the wedge portion and the at least one sidewall portion are approximately parallel and/or coplanar. The wedge portion and the at least one sidewall may have approximately the same thickness and/or the same maximum thickness.

The collapsible wedge may comprise a first sidewall portion and a second sidewall portion. The first and second (and/or each) sidewall portion may be moveably connected to the wedge portion. The first and second sidewall portions may be moveably connected to opposed sides of the wedge portion.

The first and second sidewalls may be perpendicular to the wedge portion in the wedge configuration. In some embodiments, the first and second sidewalls are at an angle of >0 and £90 degrees to the wedge portion in the wedge configuration.

The at least one sidewall portion may be rotatably connected to the wedge portion e.g. by a rotatable connection. The at least one sidewall portion may be rotatably connected along at least a portion of its length to the wedge portion, for example, to form a long edge.

The rotatable connection may comprise an area of reduced thickness in comparison to a thickness of the one or more of the at least one sidewall portion and the wedge portion. The rotatable connection may comprise a groove e.g. a V-shaped groove. The rotatable connection may comprise tapered faces configured to limit the rotation of the at least one sidewall portion. In some embodiments, the rotation may be limited by abutment of the tapered faces. The tapered faces may be tapered faces of one or more of the at least one sidewall portion and the wedge portion.

In some embodiments, the rotatable connection may comprise at least one hinge. The hinge may extend along at least a portion of the length of the at least one sidewall portion and wedge portion. The at least one hinge may comprise a continuous hinge. In some embodiments the hinge may be formed by a flexible material connected, bonded or adhered to the at least one sidewall portion and the wedge portion. The flexible material may comprise a plastics or rubber material, or alternatively it may comprise a fabric material.

The collapsible wedge may further comprise a retaining portion configured to hold the at least one sidewall in the wedge configuration. The retaining portion may be moveably connected to at least one of the wedge portion and the at least one sidewall portion. The retaining portion may be moveably connected as described previously. The collapsible wedge may be configured wherein one of the retaining portion or, the wedge portion and at least one sidewall portion, comprises a lug. The lug may be configured to engage a corresponding aperture on the other of the retaining portion or, the wedge portion and at least one sidewall portion. The retaining portion may be rotatably connected to at least one of the wedge portion and/or the at least one sidewall portion by a rotatable connection.

The collapsible wedge may further comprise a reinforcing mechanism. The reinforcing mechanism may be configured to increase the ability of the collapsible wedge to withstand load when in the wedge configuration. The reinforcing mechanism may comprise a reinforcing portion.

The reinforcing portion may be configured to be deployed by a force applied by a user. The reinforcing portion may be rotatably connected to one or more of: the at least one sidewall portion, the wedge portion, and the retaining portion. The rotatable connection may be as described previously. In some embodiments, the reinforcing portion may be foldably connected to the at least one sidewall portion and/or the wedge portion.

The reinforcing portion may comprise a reinforcing sidewall. The reinforcing sidewall may be configured to be moveable into a position perpendicular to the wedge portion when the collapsible wedge is in the wedge configuration. The reinforcing sidewall may be configured to be moveable into a position parallel to the at least one sidewall when the collapsible wedge is in the wedge configuration. The reinforcing sidewall may be rotatably and/or foldably connected to a reinforcing base. The reinforcing base may be configured to move into a position perpendicular to the at least one sidewall portion and/or the reinforcing sidewall when the wedge is in the wedge configuration. The reinforcing mechanism may be provided within cutouts within the wedge portion and/or the at least one sidewall. The reinforcing mechanism may be configured to be parallel or coplanar to the wedge portion when the collapsible wedge is in the collapsed configuration.

The collapsible wedge may be configured so that when the wedge is in the collapsed configuration it has a height of 85mm, a width of 54mm and a thickness of 2.2mm.

The collapsible wedge may comprise a high grip portion. The high grip portion may be configured to provide a high level of grip with the floor or ground. The high grip portion may comprise a serrated or ridged portion or region. Additionally or alternatively, the high grip portion may comprise a portion formed from a material with a high level of or coefficient of friction. The high grip portion may comprise rubber.

The collapsible wedge may be formed from a plastics material, for example, resins and plastics materials such as polypropylene, nylon (such as nylon 6), or ABS. The collapsible wedge may be formed from metals such as aluminium or steel. The collapsible wedge may be formed from wood materials. Some embodiments may be formed from combinations of materials or from composite or laminar materials, and may optionally be fibre reinforced, such as with glass fibre or carbon fibres. The material can be selected depending on desired strength, flexibility, resilience or for desirable aesthetics.

Brief description of the figures

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a collapsible wedge in a collapsed configuration; Figures 2(a) and 2(b) show a front view of a collapsible wedge in a collapsed configuration, and an enlarged view of a typical rotatable connection respectively;

Figure 3 is a side view of a collapsible wedge in a collapsed configuration;

Figure 4 is a plan view of the top of a collapsible wedge in a collapsed configuration; Figure 5 is a plan view of the underside of a collapsible wedge in a collapsed configuration; Figure 6 a section view of a collapsible wedge in a collapsed configuration;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a collapsible wedge in a wedge configuration;

Figures 8a-c show perspective views of the collapsible wedge;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of a collapsible wedge in a wedge configuration;

Figures 10a-b are top and underside perspective views of a collapsible wedge in a wedge configuration;

Figure 1 1 is an enlarged view of the underside of the collapsible wedge of Figures 10a and 10b; and

Figure 12 is a perspective view of a collapsible wedge in a wedge configuration.

Detailed description

Generally disclosed herein is a collapsible wedge for preventing or restricting the opening of a door. The collapsible wedge is moveable between a collapsed configuration and a wedge configuration. The collapsible wedge is generally credit card sized when in the collapsed configuration so as to allow easy transportation and storage, for example in a purse or wallet, when the collapsible wedge is not in use. The collapsible wedge may be substantially flat in the collapsed configuration. The collapsible wedge comprises a number of moveable portions. In one embodiment, the collapsible wedge comprises a wedge portion, for abutting the door when the collapsible wedge is in the wedge configuration and in use, and at least one sidewall portion. The at least one sidewall portion is moveable with respect to the wedge portion to move the collapsible wedge between the collapsed configuration and the wedge configuration. The collapsible wedge may comprise a retaining portion to hold the at least one sidewall portion in the wedge configuration. The wedge may also comprise a reinforcing portion to increase the ability of the formed wedge to sustain loads, for example from a door.

Figure 1 shows a collapsible wedge 100 in a collapsed configuration. As discussed above, collapsible wedges are generally of a size to allow transportation in a wallet or a purse. The collapsible wedge 100 may have maximum dimensions corresponding to a standard credit card. That is, collapsible wedges may have a length of about 85mm, a width of about 54mm and a thickness of about 2.2mm. The skilled person will however appreciate that alternative collapsible wedges may be of substantially any size. The collapsible wedge may be formed of any suitable material, including for example resins and plastics materials such as polypropylene, nylon (such as nylon 6), or ABS, metals such as aluminium or steel or even wood materials. Some embodiments may be formed from composite materials, and may optionally be fibre reinforced.

The collapsible wedge 100 comprises sidewall portions 102a-b, a wedge portion 104, and a retaining portion 106.

The collapsible wedge 100 is substantially flat when in the collapsed configuration. The term“flat” encompasses each of the planes of the sidewall portions 102a, 102b, wedge portion 104 and retaining portion 106 being parallel with respect to each other. In embodiments in which not all of the sidewall portions 102a, 102b, wedge portion 104 and retaining portion 106 are present, the term“flat” may encompass a collapsible wedge in which at least two of the planes of the sidewall portions 102a, 102b, wedge portion 104 and retaining portion 106 are parallel with respect to and/or coplanar to each other.

The sidewall portions 102a-b become sidewalls of the collapsible wedge 100 when the collapsible wedge 100 is in a wedge configuration (see Figures 7 and 8). The sidewall portions 102a, 102b are substantially triangular in shape.

The collapsible wedge 100 of Figure 1 comprises two sidewall portions 102a, 102b (a first sidewall portion and a second sidewall portion). Each of the sidewall portions 102a, 102b are moveably connected to the wedge portion 104. In the embodiment of Figure 1 , the sidewall portions 102a, 102b are connected to the wedge portion along respective hinge lines forming rotatable connections 108a, 108b. In alternative embodiments, the sidewall portions may be, for example, slideably connected to the wedge portion and comprise slideable connections. In further alternative embodiments, the sidewall portions 102a, 102b may be discrete from the wedge portion and connectable by mechanical means such as a snap fit arrangement.

In the collapsible wedge 100, the sidewall portions 102a, 102b are rotatably connected to opposed sides of the wedge portion 104. The wedge portion 104 is substantially trapezium shaped. The rotatable connections 108a, 108b are configured to enable the sidewall portions 102a, 102b to be rotated to move the collapsible wedge 100 between the collapsed configuration and the wedge configuration. For example, the rotatable connections 108a, 108b may be configured to allow the sidewall portions 102a, 102b to be rotated to and from a position in which the sidewall portions 102a, 102b are parallel to the plane of the wedge portion 104, to a position in which the sidewall portions 102a, 102b form an angle of up to and including 90 degrees with respect to the wedge portion 104.

The rotatable connections may be formed of substantially any arrangement that allows the sidewall portions 102a, 102b to be rotated with respect to the wedge portion 104. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 , the rotatable connections 108a, 108b comprise a living hinge. That is, the rotatable connections 108a, 108b may comprise a portion of reduced dimension (for example, reduced thickness) such that the angle between the two portions either side of the rotatable connection can be changed by bending the area of reduced dimension. The rotatable connections 108a, 108b may be foldable connections.

In alternative collapsible wedges, the rotatable connections may comprise a single hinge (for example, a butterfly hinge) or a plurality of discrete hinges.

As best shown in Figure 2, which is a front view of the collapsible wedge 100, the rotatable connections 108a, 108b (located between the sidewall portions 102a, 102b and the wedge portion 104) are of reduced thickness in comparison to the thickness of the sidewall portions 102a, 102b and the wedge portion 104. The skilled person will, however, appreciate that the thickness of the rotatable connections 108a, 108b may be altered to achieve a desired stiffness and/or strength of the rotatable connections 108a, 108b. For example, a greater thickness provides a stiffer rotatable connection, while a smaller thickness provides for a more flexible rotatable connection. The length of the rotatable connection may be such that the rotatable connection extends across the length of the collapsible wedge 100. In alternative arrangements, the rotatable connection may comprise cut outs or separations across its length to increase flexibility. In the collapsible wedge 100 of Figure 1 , the rotatable connection 108a comprises a cut out configured to accommodate a reinforcing portion 130 (described in more detail below). The rotatable connection 108a, 108b may comprise tapered faces. The tapered faces may form a substantially triangular groove 1 10a, 1 10b between the sidewall portions 102a, 102b and the wedge portion 104. This is best shown in Figure 2b, which is an enlarged view of one of the rotatable connections 108b of the collapsible wedge 100.

In the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, the tapered faces of the rotatable connections 108a, 108b are formed by tapered faces 1 12a, 1 12b of the sidewall portions and tapered faces 1 14a, 1 14b of the wedge portion. That is, the rotatable connection 108a, 108b may be formed by the tapered faces of the sidewall portions 102a, 102b and the wedge portion 104. The angle of the tapered faces may be configured to define the maximum extent of rotation possible between the sidewall portions 102a, 102b and the wedge portion 104. That is, the sidewall portions 102a, 102b may be rotatable with respect to the wedge portion 104 until a point at which the tapered faces 1 12, 1 14 abut.

Figure 2b shows an enlarged view of an exemplary rotatable connection that may be typical of all rotatable connections in the collapsible wedge 100. In exemplary embodiments the tapered faces 1 12, 1 14 may be separated by an angle, Q, which may be between 80^e and 120^e, or between 90^e and 1 10^e, and preferably approximately 100^e. The skilled person will however realise that multiple angles could be used in order to achieve a desired maximum extent of rotation. The reduced thickness portion of the rotatable connection is of a thickness T, which may be between 0.3mm and 0.5mm and preferably about 0.4mm. The reduced thickness portion of the rotatable connection is of a width W, which may between 0.2mm and 0.4mm and preferably about 0.3mm. As discussed above however, the thickness and width may be of alternative dimensions based on the desired stiffness of the rotatable connection.

T urning back to Figure 1 , it can be seen that each sidewall portion 102a, 102b comprises a lug 1 16a, 1 16b. The lugs 1 16a, 1 16b are configured to be received in corresponding apertures located on the retaining portion 106 (described below) when the collapsible wedge 100 is in the wedge configuration. It should be understood that the location of corresponding lugs and apertures could be reversed, that is, in alternative arrangements the lugs may be located on the retaining portion 106, with the corresponding apertures located on the sidewall portions 102a, 102b. Each of the lugs 1 16a, 1 16b may comprise an angled end face 1 17a, 1 17b configured to interact with a corresponding surface of the apertures 128a, 128b, when the lugs 1 16a, 1 16b are brought into engagement with the apertures 128a, 128b (this is more clearly shown in Figure 7). The angled end faces 1 17a, 1 17b are configured to guide the lugs 1 16a, 1 16b into engagement with the apertures 128a, 128b.

Each of the lugs 1 16a, 1 16b further comprise a locking face 1 18a, 1 18b configured to interact with an outer surface of the retaining member 106 to prevent the lugs 1 16a, 1 16b from being accidentally disengaged from the apertures 128a, 128b of the retaining portion 106.

A face of at least one sidewall portion 102a, 102b may comprise a serrated portion 1 19a, 1 19b. In the embodiment of Figure 1 , a face of each of the sidewall portions 102a, 102b comprise serrated portions 1 19a, 1 19b.

In the collapsible wedge 100, the serrated portions 1 19a, 1 19b are located on an end face of the sidewall portion 102a, 102b configured to contact the floor when the collapsible wedge 100 is in the wedge configuration (see Figures 7 and 8). In the collapsible wedge 100 of Figure 1 , the serrated portion 1 19a, 1 19b, extends over substantially two thirds of the face of the sidewall portions 102a, 102b. In alternative embodiments, the serrated portion 1 19a, 1 19b may extend over substantially all of the face of the sidewall portion(s), substantially half of the face of the sidewall portion(s), or substantially a third of the face of the sidewall portion(s). The serrated portions provide increased grip of the collapsible wedge when then collapsible wedge is used on a surface such as a carpet in the wedge configuration.

The retaining portion 106 is configured to hold the sidewall portions 102a, 102b at an angle with respect to the wedge portion 104 to retain the sidewall portions 102a, 102b in the wedge configuration. In the collapsible wedge 100 of Figure 1 , the retaining portion 106 is moveably connected to the wedge portion 104. In alternative arrangements, the retaining portion 106 may be moveably connected to a sidewall portion 102a, 102b. In further alternative arrangements, the retaining portion 106 may comprise a separate component which can be engaged with at least one of the sidewall portion(s) and the wedge portion. The retaining portion 106 may be moveably connected to the wedge portion 104. In the collapsible wedge 100, the retaining portion 106 is rotatably connected to the wedge portion 104 by way of a rotatable connection 120. The rotatable connection 120 may be of similar configuration to the rotatable connections 108a, 108b connecting the sidewall portions 102a, 102b and the wedge portion 104.

As best shown in Figure 3, which is a side view of the collapsible wedge 100, the rotatable connection 120 is of reduced thickness in comparison to the thickness of the wedge portion 104. The skilled person will, however, appreciate that the thickness of the rotatable connection 120 may be altered to achieve a desired stiffness or resilience of the rotatable connection 120.

The rotatable connection 120 may comprise tapered faces such that a substantially triangular groove 122 is formed between the retaining portion 106 and the wedge portion 104. The skilled person will appreciate that in alternative blanks, the cross section of the groove produced between the retaining portion and wedge portion may be of a different cross-section, for example rectangular, square or circular.

In the embodiment of Figures 1 and 3, the tapered faces of the rotatable connection 120 are formed by tapered faces of the retaining portion 124 and tapered faces of the wedge portion 126. The angle of the tapered faces may be configured to define the maximum extent of rotation possible between the retaining portion 106 and the wedge portion 104. That is, the retaining portion 106 may be rotated with respect to the wedge portion 104 until the tapered faces of the rotatable connection 120 abut.

The dimensions and structure of the rotatable connection 120 may match the dimensions and structure described above and shown in Figure 2b.

The retaining portion 106 comprises apertures 128a, 128b. The apertures 128a, 128b are configured to receive the lugs 1 16a, 1 16b of the sidewall portions 102a, 102b when the collapsible wedge 100 is in the wedge configuration. In this way, the retaining portion 106 retains the sidewall portions 102a, 102b, at a fixed angle with respect to the wedge portion 106. In one embodiment, the retaining portion 106 retains the sidewall portions 102a, 102b at 90 degrees to the wedge portion 104. Retaining the sidewall portions 102a, 102b at 90 degrees to the wedge portion reduces the probability of the wedge collapsing from the wedge configuration, under the force of the door if a person tries to gain entry when the wedge is in use in restricting movement of a door. In alternative embodiments, the retaining portion 106 may be configured to retain the sidewall portions 102a, 102b at any angle greater than zero degrees with respect to the plane of the wedge portion 104 and less than 90 degrees with respect to the plane of the wedge portion.

Preferably, the collapsible wedge 100 is configured so that when in the wedge configuration, in use the sidewall portions 102a, 102b and/or the retaining portion 106 extend approximately perpendicularly to the floor on which it is positioned. E.g. as shown in the Figures, the sidewall portions 102a, 102b and the retaining portion 106 are approximately upright or vertical. Thus as discussed above, a force applied to the wedge portion 104 which is diverted downward would be parallel to the plane of the sidewall portions 102a, 102b and/or the retaining portion 106. Thus, lateral forces and splaying of the sidewall portions 102a, 102b and/or the retaining portion 106 is minimised.

Figure 4 shows a plan view of the top of the collapsible wedge 100. The collapsible wedge 100 further comprises a reinforcing portion 130. The reinforcing portion 130 is configured to increase the rigidity and ability of the collapsible wedge to withstand load when in the wedge configuration. The reinforcing portion 130 may be flat when the collapsible wedge 100 is in the collapsed configuration. That is, the plane of the reinforcing portion 130 may be parallel to the plane of the wedge portion 104 and at least one sidewall portion 102a, 102b.

The reinforcing portion 130 comprises a reinforcing sidewall 132 and a reinforcing base 134. The reinforcing sidewall 132 and the reinforcing base 134 are foldable with respect to one another along a foldable connection 136. The foldable connection 136 may be of the same structure as the rotatable connections 108a, 108b and 120 as described above. That is there may be an area of reduced thickness provided by tapered walls of the reinforcing sidewall and reinforcing base about which folding is possible.

As shown in Figure 5, which is a plan view of the underside of the collapsible wedge 100, the reinforcing portion 130 is accommodated in a cut-out in the wedge portion 104 and at least one of the sidewall portions 102a, 102b. The reinforcing portion 130 is connected to the wedge portion 104 and the sidewall portion 102a by foldable connections. In the collapsible wedge 100, the reinforcing portion 130 is only connected to the wedge portion 104 and the sidewall portion 102a via the foldable connections. All other surfaces of the reinforcing portion are not connected to the wedge portion 104 or sidewall portion 102 so as to allow the reinforcing portion 130 to be moveable with respect to the wedge portion 104 and sidewall portion 102a.

The reinforcing portion 130 may be foldable with respect to the wedge portion 104. In the collapsible wedge 100 of Figure 5, the reinforcing sidewall 132 is foldable with respect to the wedge portion 104 along a foldable connection 138. The foldable connection 138 may be of the same structure as the rotatable connections 108a, 108b and 120 as described above. That is there may be an area of reduced thickness provided by tapered walls of the reinforcing sidewall and an area of the wedge portion 104 about which folding is possible. Figure 6, shows a section view along the line A-A of Figure 5 and the tapered sidewalls provided by a face of the reinforcing sidewall 132 and a face of the area of the wedge portion 104.

The reinforcing portion 130 may be foldable with respect to one of the sidewall portions 102a, 102b. In the collapsible wedge 100 of Figure 5, the reinforcing base 134 is foldable with respect to the sidewall portion 102a along a foldable connection 140. The foldable connection 140 may be of the same structure as the rotatable connections 108a, 108b and 120 as described above. That is there may be an area of reduced thickness provided by tapered walls of the reinforcing base 134 and an area of the sidewall portion 102a about which folding is possible.

Figure 7 shows the collapsible wedge 100 in the wedge configuration. The method of moving the collapsible wedge 100 from the collapsed configuration to the wedge configuration will be described below with reference to Figures 8a - 8c.

As shown in Figure 8a, the first sidewall portion 102a is rotated with respect to the wedge portion 104 about rotatable connection 108a. The sidewall portion 102a is rotated until the tapered faces 1 12a and 1 14a abut. In one arrangement the tapered faces 1 12a and 1 14a may be configured such that the abutment of the tapered faces occurs when the sidewall portion 102a is at 90 degrees with respect to the wedge portion 104. Rotation of the first sidewall portion 102a results in the tapered walls of the foldable connection 140 of the reinforcing portion 130 being brought into contact.

The reinforcing portion 130 may then be pressed into position, for example, by a user applying a downward force to the reinforcing portion. The causes the reinforcing sidewall 132 to rotate about foldable connection 138, which in turn causes the reinforcing base 134 to rotate about foldable connection 136. The reinforcing portion 130 may lock into a position in which the reinforcing sidewall 132 extends between the ground and the wedge portion 104. For example, the reinforcing sidewall 132 extends approximately parallel to the plane of the first sidewall portion 102a and perpendicularly to and/or is at approximately 90 degrees with respect to the wedge portion 104. The reinforcing base 134 is in turn perpendicular to the reinforcing sidewall 132 (see Figure 8a). In some embodiments, the first sidewall portion 102a and the reinforcing sidewall 132 and base 134 are moved simultaneously to the configuration shown in Figure 8a.

The second sidewall portion 102b, may then be rotated into position with respect to the wedge portion 104 about rotatable connection 108b (see Figure 8b). The second sidewall portion 102b may be rotated until the tapered faces of 1 12b, 1 14b abut. In one arrangement the tapered faces 1 12b and 1 14b may be configured such that the abutment of the tapered faces occurs when the second sidewall portion 102b is at 90 degrees with respect to the plane of the wedge portion 104.

The retaining portion 106 is rotated about rotatable connection 120 to engage with the sidewall portions 102a, 102b and retain the sidewall portions 102a, 102b in a fixed position (see Figure 8c) to place the collapsible wedge in the wedge configuration. In the collapsible wedge 100, the retaining portion 106 is rotated such that the lugs 1 16a, 1 16b of the sidewall portions 102a, 102b are brought into engagement with the apertures 128a, 128b of the retaining portion. More specifically, the angled end faces 1 17a, 1 17b of the lugs 1 16a, 1 16b ride against a surface of the apertures 128a, 128b until the lugs 1 16a, 1 16b are fully engaged in the apertures 128a, 128b. The lugs 1 16a, 1 16b are fully engaged in the apertures 128a, 128b when the locking faces 1 18a, 1 18b of the lugs interact with an outer surface of the retaining member 106. The interaction between the locking faces 1 18a, 1 18b and the outer surface of the retaining member prevents the lugs 1 16a, 1 16b from being accidentally disengaged from the apertures 128a, 128b of the retaining portion 106. In the collapsible wedge 100, shown in Figure 8c, the retaining portion 106 is configured to hold the sidewalls 102a, 102b at an angle of 90 degrees with respect to the wedge portion 104. Figure 9 shows an isometric view of the top side of the collapsible wedge in a wedge configuration

It will be appreciated that the order of rotation of each of the above mentioned features may be altered. For example, the sidewall portion 102b may be rotated before the sidewall portion 102a. Or the reinforcing portion 130 may only be rotated once the sidewall portions 102a, 102b have been rotated into position and secured by the reinforcing portion 106. The above order of events is therefore not limiting and is given as an example only.

The collapsible wedge 100, may be moved from the wedge configuration to the collapsed configuration by disengaging the retaining portion 106 from the sidewall portions 102a, 102. The retaining portion 106 and the sidewall portions 102a, 102b may then be rotated back into a position in which they are parallel with and/or coplanar to the wedge portion 104 about rotatable connections 120 and 108a, 108b respectively. Similarly, the reinforcing portion 130 may be folded back into a position in which it is parallel with the wedge portion 104. That is the reinforcing sidewall 132 may be rotated with respect to the reinforcing base 134 about the foldable connection 136. The reinforcing sidewall 132 is therefore also rotated with respect to the sidewall portion 102a about the foldable connection 138.

The collapsible wedge 100 may be moved between the collapsed configuration and the wedge configuration as many times as required by a user.

In other collapsible wedges, alternative mechanisms for reinforcing the wedge to enable it to withstand load (for example, from a door) when in wedge configuration may be utilised.

A collapsible wedge 1000 according to a further embodiment is shown in Figures 10a and b. Many of the features of the collapsible wedge 1000 are similar to those described above in respect of the collapsible wedge 100 of Figures 1 -9. As such, a description of these features is not given again here and corresponding reference numerals are used to identify them in Figure 1000. Thus, 1002a,b are the sidewall portions, 1004 is the wedge portion, 1006 is the retaining portion and 1 1 16a, 1 1 16b are the lugs of the sidewall portions configured to engage with respective apertures 1 128a, 1 128b of the retaining portion. Each of the sidewall portions 1002a, 1002b and the retaining portion 1006 may be moveably connected to the wedge as described above in respect of Figures 1 -9. That is, the sidewall portions 1002a, 1002b and the retaining portion 1006 may be rotatably connected to the wedge portion 1004 along respective hinge lines forming rotatable connections 1008a, 1008b and 1020. The collapsible wedge 1000 may be moved between a collapsed configuration (in which the collapsible wedge is substantially flat) and a wedge configuration.

One or more of the additional features of the collapsible wedge 1000 described below may be utilised in the wedge 100.

The collapsible wedge 1000 comprises a reinforcing portion 1030 configured to increase the rigidity and ability of the collapsible wedge to withstand load when in the wedge configuration. The reinforcing portion 1030 of Figures 10a and 10b differs from the reinforcing portion 130 (shown in Figures 1 -9) because the reinforcing portion 1030 does not move relative to the wedge portion 1004. Instead, the reinforcing portion 1030 is fixed relative to the wedge portion 1004.

In the collapsible wedge 1000 of Figures 10a, b, the reinforcing portion 1030 increases the rigidity and ability of the collapsible wedge 1000 to withstand load by increasing the thickness of the wedge portion 1004. The reinforcing portion 1030 increases the area moment of inertia in the load bearing direction, as will be understood by the skilled person.

The reinforcing portion 1030 comprises a patterned portion 1042 located on the underside of the wedge portion 1040 (visible in Figure 10b). The skilled person will understand that the underside of the wedge portion 1040 is the side of the wedge portion that would face the ground/floor when the wedge 1000 is in use and in wedge configuration.

In the collapsible wedge 1000 of Figures 10a and 10b, the patterned portion 1042 is a raised patterned portion. The skilled person will also understand that“raised patterned portion” encompasses portions of material that protrude from a face of the wedge portion, such that a geometric pattern is formed from by the protruding portions. As such, the patterned portion 1042 comprises raised portions 1044 and recessed portions 1046. Using geometric patterning, as opposed to simply increasing the thickness of the wedge portion over its entire area, increases the strength of the wedge portion 1040 while minimising the additional material (and therefore weight) needed. The skilled person will however appreciate that simply increasing the thickness of the wedge portion will also increase the strength, but would require additional weight and material.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 10a, b, the patterned portion 1042 comprises a raised grid pattern. However, alternative raised and recessed patterns may be utilised in other embodiments. In the embodiment of Figures 10a,b the raised grid pattern forms square shaped recesses over most of the surface of the wedge portion 1004. Those recesses adjacent to the end faces of the wedge portion 1004, may be rectangular in shape. The patterned portion 1042 is symmetrical along a longitudinal axis of the wedge portion 1044.

The raised portions 1044 are filleted with respect to the wedge portion 1004. For example, the raised portions 1044 comprise filleted edges 1048 (shown best in Figure 1 1 ). The filleted edges 1048 are configured to reduce the stress concentration along the edges of the raised portions 1044 when load is applied to the wedge 1000 in wedge configuration. The skilled person will appreciate that the radius of the fillets may be used to distribute the stress more evenly along the edges of the raised portions 1044 when a load is applied to the wedge portion 1004. In the embodiment of Figures 10a,b and 1 1 , the radius of the fillets used for the filleted edges is substantially 0.75 mm. However, the radius may be of substantially any value to reduce the stress concentration, for example, the radius may be substantially 0.25 mm, 0.5 mm or 1 mm.

In the collapsible wedge 1000, the sidewall portions 1002a, 1002b do not extend along the entire length of the wedge portion 1004. In the embodiment of Figures 10a and 10b, the sidewall portions 1002a, 1002b extend partially along the length of the wedge portion 1004. Specifically, the sidewall portions 1002a, 1002b extend from the end of the wedge portion 1004 adjacent to the retaining portion 1006 partially along the length of the wedge portion 1004. As such, the sidewall portions 1002a, 1002b are substantially right trapezium shaped. Omitting the material of the sidewall portions 1002a, 1002b at the end of the wedge portion 1004 (that is, the end of the wedge portion opposite to the end adjacent to the retaining portion 1006), allows the sidewall portions 1002a, 1002b to easily be placed at and retained at 90 degrees to the wedge portion 1004 when the collapsible wedge 1000 is placed in wedge configuration (as shown in Figures 10a, 10b). The skilled person will realise that similar sidewall configurations may be used in the embodiment of Figures 1 - 9.

Although not shown in Figures 10a and 10b, the wedge portion 1004 of the collapsible wedge 1000 may further comprise a textured portion or a protruding lip on an upper face (that is, the face configured to abut the door when the collapsible wedge is in use in the wedge configuration). The textured portion or protruding lip may be configured to resist movement of the door over the wedge portion 1004 in the event an intruder tries to force the door open to gain access.

The method of moving the collapsible wedge 1000 between the collapsed configuration and the wedge configuration (as shown in Figures 10a, 10b) may be substantially the same as the method described above in respect of the collapsible wedge 100 (and with reference to Figures 8a-8c). Flowever, unlike the reinforcing portion 130 of the collapsible wedge 100, the reinforcing portion 1030 of the collapsible wedge 1000 does not need to be deployed by a user pressing it into position (as described above, the reinforcing portion 1030 is fixed relative to the wedge portion 1004). As such, that step is omitted when moving the collapsible wedge 1000 between the collapsed configuration and the wedge configuration.

To move the collapsible wedge 1000 from the collapsed configuration to the wedge configuration, a user would therefore rotate the sidewall portions 1002a, 1002b with respect to the wedge portion 1004 about rotatable connections 1008a, 1008b. The user may rotate the sidewall portions 1002a, 1002b with respect to the wedge portion 1004 until the sidewall portions 1002a, 1002b are at 90 degrees with respect to the wedge portion 1004.

The retaining portion 1006 may then be rotated about rotatable connection 1020 to engage with the sidewall portions 1002a, 1002b and retain the sidewall portions 1002a, 1002b in a fixed position to place the collapsible wedge in the wedge configuration. The retaining portion 1006 is rotated such that the lugs 1 1 16a, 1 1 16b of the sidewall portions 1002a, 1002b are brought into engagement with the apertures 1 128a, 1 128b of the retaining portion 1006. The retaining portion 1006 holds is configured to hold the sidewall portions 1002a, 1002b at an angle of 90 degrees with respect to the wedge portion 1004.

The collapsible wedge 1000 may be moved from the wedge configuration to the collapsed configuration by disengaging the retaining portion 1006 from the sidewall portions 1002a, 1002b. The retaining portion 1006 and the sidewall portions 1002a, 1002b may then be rotated back into a position in which they are parallel with and/or coplanar to the wedge portion 1004 about respective rotatable connections 1020 and 1008a, 1008b.

Exemplary collapsible wedges may comprise further reinforcing features (in addition to or as an alternative to those mentioned above), to enable the collapsible wedge to withstand load (for example, from a door) when in wedge configuration. Exemplary collapsible wedges may comprise reinforced sidewall portions. For example, the sidewall portions may comprise reinforcing pins orientated perpendicular to the plane of the wedge portion when the collapsible wedge is in the wedge configuration. The reinforcing pins may configured to absorb the compressive forces placed on the sidewall portions when the collapsible wedge is in the wedge configuration and in use under a door (for example, if someone tries to open the door).

Figure 12 shows the collapsible wedge 1000 of Figures 10a, 10b with reinforced sidewall portions. Although Figure 12 shows the collapsible wedge 1000 of Figures 10a and 10b comprising the reinforced sidewalls, the reinforced sidewalls could equally be utilised with the collapsible wedge 100 of Figures 1 -9.

As can be seen in Figure 12, the sidewall portions 1002a, 1002b comprise reinforcing pins 1050a-n. The reinforcing pins may be made from metal. Preferably the reinforcing pins 1050a-n may be made from carbon fibre or glass reinforced plastic (GRP), however the reinforcing pins may also be made out of any similarly strong and robust plastics. This allows the collapsible wedge to be carried in environments in which a user must pass through metal detectors, such as an airport. The reinforcing pins 1050a-n are orientated such that when the collapsible wedge 1000 is in the wedge configuration they are perpendicular to the wedge portion 1004. This orientation enables the reinforcing pins 1050a-n to absorb the load placed on the sidewall portions 1002a, 1002b as someone tries to open a door, when the wedge is in use, in wedge configuration under the door.

In the collapsible wedge 1000 of Figure 12, each sidewall portion 1002a, 1002b comprises six reinforcing pins 1050a-n. However, the skilled person will appreciate that in alternative collapsible wedges, the sidewall portions 1002a, 1002b may comprise any number of reinforcing pins 1050a-n. In further embodiments, only one sidewall portion may comprise reinforcing pins 1050a-n.

The sidewall portions 1002a, 1002b comprise a plurality of slots 1052a-n shaped and dimensioned to receive the reinforcing pins 1050a-n. In Figure 12, the slots 1052a-n are circular, however the slots 1052a-n may be of substantially any shape corresponding to the shape of the reinforcing pins 1050a-n.

The slots 1052a-n may extend along the entire length of the sidewall portions 1002a, 1002b (that is both ends of the slots may be open ended), or alternatively, the slots 1052a-n may extend partially along the length of the sidewall portions 1002a, 1002b and comprise one open end and one closed end. The skilled person will appreciate that either arrangement may be utilised so long as the reinforcing pins may be received within the slots. The length of the reinforcing pins 1050a-n may correspond to the length of the respective slot 1052a-n. For example, in the collapsible wedge 1000 shown in Figure 12, the reinforcing pins 1050a-n are of reducing length as the length of the sidewall portion, and therefore the length of the slots 1052a-n, reduces. In alternative embodiments, the reinforcing pins 1050a-n may be of reduced length compared to the length of the slots 1052a-n.

The slots 1052a-n and the reinforcing pins 1050a-n are equally spaced along the sidewall portions 1002a, 1002b. This allows an even distribution of load through the reinforcing pins 1050a-n.

The reinforcing pins 1050a-n are shown as solid cylindrical pins in Figure 12. The reinforcing pins 1050a-n may be inserted into the slots and held therein by frictional forces (that is, an interference fit) or by using a suitable adhesive. In some embodiments, the reinforcing pins may be configured such that they are pushed out of the slots slightly when load is applied to the sidewall portions in order to grip the floor that the collapsible wedge is placed on (for example, a carpet). In such arrangements, there may be an interference fit between the reinforcing pins and the slots. The friction between the reinforcing pins and the slots may be overcome when a threshold amount of load is placed on the reinforcing pins. In alternative arrangements, the collapsible wedge may be moulded around the retaining pins. In a further embodiment, the reinforcing pins could be co-moulded, or pre positioned into the mould when producing the wedge so that they are positioned in place during the production process.

In alternative embodiments, the reinforcing pins 1050a-n may be spring pins. The spring pins may be compressed to allow their insertion into the slots 1052a-n, once placed into the slot 1052a-n, the spring pin would expand to assume the diameter of the slot 1052a- n. The force exerted by the spring pin on the slot walls retains the pin in the hole.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1 . A collapsible wedge moveable between a collapsed configuration and a wedge configuration for preventing or restricting movement of a door, the collapsible wedge comprising:

a wedge portion configured, in use, to abut the door when the collapsible wedge is in the wedge configuration, and

at least one sidewall portion moveably connected to the wedge portion, wherein the sidewall portion is moveable with respect to the wedge portion to move the collapsible wedge between the collapsed configuration and the wedge configuration.

2. A collapsible wedge according to claim 1 , wherein the collapsible wedge is substantially flat in the collapsed configuration.

3. A collapsible wedge according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a first sidewall portion and a second sidewall portion, each sidewall portion moveably connected to the wedge portion.

4. A collapsible wedge according to claim 3, wherein the first and second sidewall portions are moveably connected to opposed sides of the wedge portion.

5. A collapsible wedge according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the first and second sidewalls are perpendicular to the wedge portion in the wedge configuration.

6. A collapsible wedge according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the first and second sidewalls are at an angle of >0 and £90 degrees to the wedge portion in the wedge configuration.

7. A collapsible wedge according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one sidewall portion is rotatably connected to the wedge portion by a rotatable connection.

8. A collapsible wedge according to claim 7, wherein the rotatable connection comprises an area of reduced thickness in comparison to a thickness of the one or more of the at least one sidewall portion and wedge portion.

9. A collapsible wedge according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the rotatable connection comprises tapered faces configured to limit the rotation of the at least one sidewall portion.

10. A collapsible wedge according to claim 9, wherein the rotation is limited by abutment of the tapered faces.

1 1 . A collapsible wedge according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the tapered faces are tapered faces of one or more of the at least one sidewall portion and the wedge portion.

12. A collapsible wedge according to any of claims 3 to 1 1 , wherein the first and second sidewall portions extend partially along the wedge portion.

13. A collapsible wedge according to any preceding claim, further comprising a retaining portion configured to hold the at least one sidewall in the wedge configuration.

14. A collapsible wedge according to claim 13, wherein the retaining portion is moveably connected to at least one of the wedge portion and the at least one sidewall portion.

15. A collapsible wedge according to claim 13 or 14, wherein one of the retaining portion or, the wedge portion and at least one sidewall portion, comprises a lug, the lug being configured to engage a corresponding aperture on the other of the retaining portion or, the wedge portion and at least one sidewall portion.

16. A collapsible wedge according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the retaining portion is rotatably connected to at least one of the wedge portion or the at least one sidewall portion by a rotatable connection.

17. A collapsible wedge according to any preceding claim, further comprising a reinforcing portion configured to increase the ability of the collapsible wedge to withstand load when in the wedge configuration.

18. A collapsible wedge according to claim 17, wherein the reinforcing portion is configured to be deployed by a force applied by a user.

19. A collapsible wedge according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the reinforcing portion is foldably connected to one or more of the at least one sidewall portion and the wedge portion.

20. A collapsible wedge according to any of claims 17 to 19, wherein the reinforcing portion comprises a reinforcing sidewall foldably connected to a reinforcing base.

21 . A collapsible wedge according to claim 20, wherein the reinforcing sidewall is configured to be moveable into a position perpendicular to the wedge portion when the collapsible wedge is in the wedge configuration, and the reinforcing base is configured to move into a position perpendicular to the at least one sidewall portion when the wedge is in the wedge configuration.

22. A collapsible wedge according to claim 17, wherein the reinforcing portion comprises a raised patterned portion on the underside of the wedge portion configured to increase the thickness of the wedge portion.

23. A collapsible wedge according to claim 22, wherein the raised patterned portion comprises a grid configured to protrude from the underside of the wedge portion to form raised portions and recessed portions.

24. A collapsible wedge according to claim 23, wherein the raised portions are filleted with respect to the wedge portion.

25. A collapsible wedge according to any preceding claim, wherein an upper surface of the wedge portion comprises a textured portion or a protruding lip configured to resist movement of the door over the wedge portion when the collapsible wedge is in use in the wedge configuration.

26. A collapsible wedge according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the sidewall portions is reinforced.

27. A collapsible wedge according to claim 26 wherein the at least one sidewall portion comprises a plurality of reinforcing pins orientated to be perpendicular to the wedge portion when the collapsible wedge is in the wedge configuration.

28. A collapsible wedge according to claim 27, wherein the reinforcing pins are formed of carbon fibre or glass reinforced plastic.

29. A collapsible wedge according to any preceding claims wherein when the wedge is in the collapsed configuration the height is 85mm, the width is 54mm and the thickness is 2.2mm.

30. A collapsible wedge according to any preceding claim, wherein the collapsible wedge is formed from polypropylene.