WO2022175665A1

WO2022175665A1 - Door security apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2022175665A1
Application number: PCT/GB2022/050426
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Furness; Mark FURNESS; Paul Davidson; Andrew Holland
Original assignee: Rapier Star Holdings Limited
Priority date: 2021-02-18
Filing date: 2022-02-17
Publication date: 2022-08-25
Also published as: GB202102315D0

Abstract

A door security apparatus comprising an elongate spindle and a first rotatable component for location on a first side of a door. The first rotatable component comprises a hole for receiving at least a portion of the elongate spindle, wherein the hole includes an engagement portion shaped to correspond to the longitudinal cross section of the elongate spindle, such that when located in the engagement portion of the hole, the elongate spindle is rotatably fixed relative to the first rotatable component. The apparatus further comprises a second rotatable component with a similar such hole. An actuator is also included in the apparatus for coupling to the elongate spindle. The actuator is arranged to urge the elongate spindle in a dimension substantially coincident with or substantially parallel to the length dimension of the elongate spindle to disengage the elongate spindle from the engagement portion of the hole of the first or second rotatable component.

Description

TITLE

DOOR SECURITY APPARATUS

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a door security apparatus. Some relate to a door security apparatus for preventing access through a door by turning a door handle.

BACKGROUND

Typically, doors are secured to a doorframe by a latch or deadbolt mechanism. A latch mechanism is usually operated by turning a door handle or door knob, which allows easy access through a door. A deadbolt mechanism is usually secured by a lock, requiring a key to retract the deadbolt and open the door.

However, an intruder can open a locked door if they obtain a copy of the key, or if the intruder is able to pick the lock.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided a door security apparatus comprising: an elongate spindle; a first rotatable component for location on a first side of a door, the first rotatable component comprising: a hole for receiving at least a portion of the elongate spindle, wherein the hole includes an engagement portion shaped to correspond to the longitudinal cross section of the elongate spindle, such that when located in the engagement portion of the hole, the elongate spindle is rotatably fixed relative to the first rotatable component; a second rotatable component for location on a second side of a door which is opposite to the first side of the door, the first rotatable component comprising: a hole for receiving at least a portion of the elongate spindle, wherein the hole includes an engagement portion shaped to correspond to the longitudinal cross section of the elongate spindle, such that when located in the engagement portion of the hole, the elongate spindle is rotatably fixed relative to the second rotatable component; and an actuator for coupling to the elongate spindle, the actuator being arranged to urge the elongate spindle in a dimension substantially coincident with or substantially parallel to the length dimension of the elongate spindle.

The apparatus may further comprise a latch or a deadbolt locatable in a door between the door handles, the latch or deadbolt including a through hole for engaging with the elongate spindle, and wherein the apparatus includes a stop, which is arranged to inhibit movement of the elongate spindle, such that when the actuator has disengaged the elongate spindle from the engagement portion of the hole of the first or second rotatable component, a longitudinal end of the elongate spindle is substantially flush with the surface surrounding an entrance of the through hole of the latch or deadbolt.

The hole of the first rotatable component may be a blind hole. The actuator may be arranged to urge the elongate spindle towards the end wall of the blind hole.

The first rotatable component may further comprise a resilient part arranged to resiliently urge the elongate spindle outwardly from the hole of the first rotatable. The resilient part includes a spring.

The elongate spindle may comprise a ferromagnetic material and the actuator may comprise an electromagnet. The electromagnet may be located at the end of the blind hole.

The elongate spindle may comprise a ferromagnetic material and the actuator may comprise a solenoid, the solenoid being locatable around the elongate spindle.

The actuator may comprise a motor. The actuator may further comprise an arm coupled to the motor. The arm may be arranged to abut against the elongate spindle when the motor is activated to urge the elongate spindle in a dimension substantially coincident with or substantially parallel to the length dimension of the elongate spindle.

The actuator may be actuatable by a user.

The actuator may comprise a hand grip. The hand grip is coupled to the elongate spindle, or the handgrip may be integrally formed with the elongate spindle. The hand grip may extend outwardly from the longitudinal end of the elongate spindle and through an aperture in the end wall of the blind hole of the first rotatable component.

A slot may be provided in a side wall of the hole of the first rotatable component. The hand grip may be arranged to project outwardly from the elongate spindle and through the slot, such that the elongate spindle can be slidably urged within the hole of the first rotatable component in a dimension substantially coincident with or substantially parallel to the length dimension of the elongate spindle when a user moves the hand grip parallel to the length dimension within the slot. A recess for locating an end of the grip may be provided in an opposite side of the side wall of the hole to the slot.

At least a portion of the hand grip may be locatable in an opening in the elongate spindle to couple the grip to the elongate spindle.

The elongate spindle may include a screw portion comprising an external thread. The actuator may include one or more rotatable projections for engaging with the external thread of the elongate spindle, such that the elongate spindle is urged in a dimension substantially coincident with or substantially parallel to the length dimension of the elongate spindle when the rotatable projections are rotated on the external thread.

The elongate spindle may have a non-circular longitudinal cross section. The engagement portion of the hole of the second rotatable component may have a corresponding non-circular cross section.

The first rotatable component may further comprise a battery for powering the actuator. The apparatus may comprise a connector for connecting to mains power to charge the battery and/or power the actuator.

The first rotatable component may further comprise a wireless receiver for activating or deactivating the actuator based on a received external signal. The wireless receiver may be for activating or deactivating the actuator based on a received external RFID signal. The apparatus may comprise a user input surface locatable on a first side of the door for activating or deactivating the actuator based on a user input to the user input surface.

The hole of the first rotatable component may be elongate, and the length dimension of the hole of the first rotatable component may be greater than half the total length of the elongate spindle.

The first rotatable component may comprise any one of: a door handle, a door knob, a cylinder lock, or a thumbturn.

The second rotatable component may comprise any one of: a door handle, a door knob, a cylinder lock, or a thumbturn.

The apparatus may further comprise an insert for location into a hole extending from the first side of the door to the second side of the door. The insert may include a lip which is arranged to extend radially inwardly into the hole of the door, and the lip may provide the stop.

The spindle may comprise a hole. The spindle may further comprise a pin for location in the hole of the spindle, wherein the end of the pin is arranged to project radially outwardly from a side of the elongate spindle to abut against the lip of the insert.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided a door security apparatus comprising: an elongate spindle; a first rotatable component for location on a first side of a door, the first rotatable component comprising: a hole for receiving at least a portion of the elongate spindle, wherein the hole includes an engagement portion shaped to correspond to the longitudinal cross section of the elongate spindle, such that when located in the engagement portion of the hole, the elongate spindle is rotatably fixed relative to the first rotatable component; a second rotatable component for location on a second side of a door which is opposite to the first side of the door, the first rotatable component comprising: a hole for receiving at least a portion of the elongate spindle, wherein the hole includes an engagement portion shaped to correspond to the longitudinal cross section of the elongate spindle, such that when located in the engagement portion of the hole, the elongate spindle is rotatably fixed relative to the second rotatable component; and an actuator for coupling to the elongate spindle, the actuator being arranged to urge the elongate spindle in a dimension substantially coincident with or substantially parallel to the length dimension of the elongate spindle to disengage the elongate spindle from the engagement portion of the hole of the first or second rotatable component.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided a door security apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a rotatable component for location on a first side of a door, the first rotatable component comprising: a hole for receiving at least a portion of an elongate spindle, wherein the hole includes an engagement portion shaped to correspond to the longitudinal cross section of the elongate spindle, such that when located in the engagement portion of the hole, the elongate spindle is rotatably fixed relative to the rotatable component; and an actuator for coupling to the elongate spindle, the actuator being arranged to urge the elongate spindle in a dimension substantially coincident with or substantially parallel to the length dimension of the elongate spindle.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided examples as claimed in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Some examples will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a front view of an example door and a first door security apparatus;

Fig. 2 is a cross sectional view along the line A-A of Fig. 1;

Figs. 3A and 3B are magnified cross sectional views along the line A-A of Fig. 1 when the first door security apparatus is in a first condition and a second condition respectively;

Fig. 4 is a schematic cross sectional view of part of the first door security apparatus; Fig. 5 is a schematic cross sectional view of part of a second door security apparatus; Fig. 6 is a schematic cross sectional view of part of a third door security apparatus; Figs. 7A - 7C are schematic cross sectional views of part of a fourth door security apparatus, in first, second and third conditions respectively;

Fig. 8 is a side view of an example spindle with a screw portion; Figs. 9A and 9B are schematic cross sectional views of part of a fifth door security apparatus when the fifth door security apparatus is in a first condition and a second condition respectively;

Figs. 10A and 10B are schematic cross sectional views of part of sixth and seventh door security apparatuses when the sixth and seventh door security apparatuses are in a first condition and a second condition respectively;

Fig. 11 is a schematic cross sectional view of part of an eighth door security apparatus; Fig. 12 is a schematic cross sectional view of an alternative hole in the spindle of the eighth door security apparatus; and

Figs. 13A - 13D are schematic cross sectional views showing the stages of assembly of a ninth door security apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Fig. 1 shows an example door 50, along with a first door security apparatus 100 and a latch 70. The latch 70 may also be referred to as a spring bolt. A cross sectional view along the line A-A of Fig. 1 is provided in Fig. 2. Fig. 3A is a magnified view of Fig. 2.

The first door security apparatus 100 includes a first rotatable component in the form of a first handle 110, which is locatable on a first side of the door 50 at a first end of a through hole 52 in the door 50. The through hole 52 extends from the first side of the door 50 through to an opposite second side of the door 50. The first door security apparatus 100 further includes a second rotatable component in the form of a second handle 120, which is locatable on an opposite second side of the door 50 at an opposite second end of the through hole 52.

The first door security apparatus 100 also includes a spindle 130, which is elongate and is locatable in the through hole 52 of the door 50. The length dimension of the spindle 130 is coincident with a longitudinal axis 20, which is shown in Fig. 3A. The length dimension of the spindle 130 is larger than the extent of the through hole 52 of the door 50, such that the first and second longitudinal ends 132, 134 of the spindle 130 can simultaneously project outwardly from the through hole 52 of the door 50. The spindle 130 may have a non-circular longitudinal cross section, such as a substantially square longitudinal cross section (as in this example), or alternatively a substantially hexagonal longitudinal cross section. The spindle 130 may be made from a metal, and may be a ferromagnetic metal, such as steel.

As shown in Fig. 3A, the latch 70 is locatable inside the door 50. The latch 70 includes a spindle receiving portion with a through hole 72. The through hole 72 of the latch 70 has a non-circular cross section that corresponds with the non-circular longitudinal cross section of the spindle 130, such that the spindle receiving portion is rotatably fixed relative to the spindle 130 when the spindle 130 is located in the through hole 72 of the latch 70. In this this particular example, the spindle 130 has a substantially square longitudinal cross section, and the through hole 72 of the latch 70 also has a substantially square cross section. Rotation of the spindle 130 within the spindle receiving portion of the latch 70 causes a latch mechanism (not shown) to urge a latch bolt 76 inwardly or outwardly from the side of the door 50.

The first and second door handles 110, 120 each include a hole 112, 122 for receiving at least a portion of the spindle 130. The holes 112, 222 may be elongate, and the length dimension of the hole 112 of the first handle 110 may be greater than half the total length of the elongate spindle 130. In this example the holes 112, 122 of the first and second door handles 110, 120 are blind holes (i.e. the spindle 130 cannot pass fully through the holes 112, 122).

Each of the holes 112, 122 of the first and second door handles 110, 120 includes an engagement portion 114, 124. The engagement portions 114, 124 of the first and second door handles 110, 120 are shaped to correspond to the longitudinal cross section of the spindle 130, such that when located in the engagement portion 114, 124 of the respective hole 114, 124, the spindle 130 is rotatably fixed relative to the respective first and/or second door handle 110, 120. In this example, the engagement portions 114, 124 have a substantially square cross section. In Fig. 3A, the spindle 130 is located in the engagement portions 114, 124 of both the first and second handles 110, 120, and therefore the spindle 130 is rotatably fixed relative to both the first and second handles 110, 120. As an example, if the second door handle 120 of Fig. 3A is rotated by a user, this would cause the first door handle 110 and the spindle receiving portion of the latch 70 to rotate. The first door security apparatus 100 further includes an actuator 150. The actuator 150 of Figs. 3A and 3B is located in the first door handle 110. The actuator 150 is for coupling to the spindle 130, and is arranged to urge the spindle 130 in a dimension substantially coincident with or substantially parallel to the length dimension of the spindle 130, to disengage the spindle 130 from the engagement portion 114, 124 of the hole 112, 122 of the first or second door handle 110, 120. In the example of Figs. 3A and 3B, the actuator 150 is configured to urge the spindle 130 in a first direction away from the second door handle 120, to disengage the spindle 130 from the engagement portion 124 of the hole 122 of the second doorhandle 120. In other words, the actuator 150 is arranged to urge the spindle 130 towards an end wall 116 of the blind hole 112 of the first door handle 110. Relative to the door, 50, the actuator 150 is arranged to urge the spindle 130 away from the door 50 and towards the gripable portion of the first door handle 110. In this example, the actuator 150 is located within the first door handle 110.

The spindle 130 is shown disengaged from the engagement portion 124 of the second door handle 120 in Fig. 3B, once the actuator 150 has moved the spindle 130. The actuation of the spindle 130 provides improved door security, as once the spindle 130 has been disengaged and isolated from the second door handle 120, an intruder cannot operate the latch 70 using the second door handle 120. In this particular example, the actuator 150 is arranged to fully retract the spindle 130 from the hole 122 of the second door handle 120 (e.g., such that no part of the spindle 130 is present in that hole 122).

The first door handle 110 and the spindle 130 of Figs. 3A and 3B are shown schematically in Fig. 4. The latch 70, door 50, and second door handle 120 are not shown in Fig. 4. In the example of Figs. 3A, 3B and 4, the actuator 150 comprises a solenoid 152 and the spindle 130 comprises a ferromagnetic material, such as steel. The solenoid 152 is locatable around the spindle 130, and is configured to electromagnetically couple to the spindle 130, to urge the spindle 130 along its length dimension, thereby disengaging the spindle 130 from the engagement portion 124 of the second door handle 120.

The actuator 150 may be powered by a battery 160, such as the battery 160 of Figs. 3A, 3B and 4, which is located in the first door handle 110. A switch 162 may be provided to activate or deactivate the actuator 150. Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus 100 may comprise a connector (not shown) for connecting to a mains power circuit. This enables the actuator 150 to be powered directly via mains power and/or the battery 160 to be charged using mains power.

In some examples, the door security apparatus 100 includes a wired or wireless receiver (not shown) for activating or deactivating the actuator 150 based on a received external signal. The external signal could for instance be received from a computer or a smart phone. The external signal may be a radio-frequency identification (RFID) signal, for instance from a proximity key fob. Additionally, or alternatively, in some examples the door security apparatus 100 includes a user input surface (not shown), such as a button or a lever, for activating or deactivating the actuator 150 based on a user input to the user input surface. The user input surface is locatable on the first side of the door, and may be provided on the first door handle 110.

In this example, the first door handle 110 further includes a resilient part 140. The resilient part 140 is arranged to resiliently urge the spindle 130 outwardly from the hole 112 of the first door handle 110. In the particular example of Figs 1 to 3B, where the hole 112 of the first door handle 110 is a blind hole 112, the resilient part 140 is arranged to urge the spindle 130 away from the end wall 116 of the blind hole 112 of the first door handle 110. The resilient part 140 biases the spindle 130 to a default position where the spindle 130 is engaged with the engagement parts 114, 124 of both the first and second door handles 110, 120. Therefore, in this example, if the actuator 150 is deactivated, the first and second door handles 110, 120 will be rotatably fixed relative to one another. The resilient part 140 may comprise a spring, which is coupled to both the first door handle 110 and the spindle 130.

As described previously, Fig. 3B illustrates the first door security apparatus 100 once the actuator 150 has moved the spindle 130. As demonstrated in Fig. 3B, in this example the apparatus 100 comprises a stop 170 arranged to arranged to inhibit movement of the spindle 130, such that when the actuator 150 has disengaged the spindle 130 from the engagement portion 124 of the hole 122 of the second door handle 120, the second longitudinal end 134 of the elongate spindle 130 is substantially flush with the surface surrounding an entrance 76 of the through hole 72 of the latch 70. In otherwords, in Fig. 3B, the second longitudinal end 134 of the spindle 130 is substantially level with the surface around the entrance 76 of the through hole 72 in the latch 70. The entrance 76 of the through hole 72 of the latch 70 is the entrance 76 of the through hole 72 that is closest to the second handle 120 in use.

In the example shown in Figs. 3A and 3B, the stop 170 is provided by the end wall 116 of the blind hole 112 of the first door handle 110, which abuts against the first longitudinal end 132 of the spindle 130. Therefore in this particular example, when the first handle 110 is mounted to the door, the distance between the end wall 116 of the blind hole 112 and the entrance 76 of the through hole 72 of the latch 70 is substantially the same as the length of the spindle 130. The end wall 116 of the blind hole 112 of the first door handle 110 may include a recess for receiving a corresponding projection on the first longitudinal end 132 of the spindle 130, as shown for instance in Figs. 3A and 3B.

When the second longitudinal end 134 of the spindle 130 is substantially flush with the surface surrounding the entrance 76 of the through hole 72 of the latch 70, this provides improved door security. For instance, if an intruder gains access to the longitudinal end 134 of the spindle 130 by forcibly removing the second door handle 120 from the door 50, the intruder cannot grip the end of the spindle 130 to rotate the spindle 130 within the latch and open the door. Furthermore, the intruder cannot insert for instance an Allen key or a square drive bit into the through hole 72 of the latch 70 to operate the latch 70.

Electromagnet

Fig. 5 shows part of a second door security apparatus 200. The second door security apparatus 200 is similar to the first door security apparatus 100, but the actuator 250 comprises an electromagnet 252 located at the end wall 216 of the blind hole 212 of the first door handle 210. The latch 70 and second door handle 120 form part of the second door security apparatus 200, but are not shown in Fig. 5.

The electromagnet 252 is configured to electromagnetically couple to the spindle 130, to urge the spindle 130 in a dimension substantially coincident with or substantially parallel to the length dimension of the spindle 130, thereby disengaging the spindle 130 from the engagement portion 124 of the second door handle 120. In the example of Fig. 5, the stop 270 is provided by the electromagnet 252, which abuts against the first longitudinal end 132 of the spindle 130.

Electric motor

Fig. 6 shows part of a third door security apparatus 300. The third door security apparatus 300 is similar to the first door security apparatus 100, but the actuator 250 comprises a motor 352 and an arm 354 coupled to the motor 352. The first door handle 610 in the example of Fig. 6 does not include a resilient part 150. Furthermore, the spindle 330 includes a projection (not shown) which extends outwardly from the spindle 330 in a dimension perpendicular to the length dimension of the spindle 330. The latch 70 and second door handle 120 form part of the third door security apparatus 300, but are not shown in Fig. 6.

The arm 354 is for mechanically coupling to the spindle 330. In particular, the arm is arranged to abut against the spindle 330 when the motor 352 is activated, to urge the spindle 330 in a dimension substantially coincident with or substantially parallel to the length dimension of the spindle 330. In this example, the arm 354 is arranged to rotate and abut against the projection on the spindle 330. The motor 352 may be an electric motor, such as stepper motor.

In the example of Fig. 6, the stop is an internal stop (not shown) within the motor 352. The internal stop inhibits movement of the spindle 130 by restricting the rotation of the arm 354, such that such that when the actuator 350 has disengaged the spindle 330 from the engagement portion 124 of the hole 122 of the second door handle 120, the second longitudinal end of the elongate spindle 330 is substantially flush with the surface surrounding an entrance 76 of the through hole 72 of the latch 70.

The first door handle 310 in the example of Fig. 6 does not include a resilient part, but in other examples a resilient part may be provided.

Hand grip Figs. 7 A to 7C illustrate part of a fourth door security apparatus 400. The part of the fourth door security apparatus 400 is shown in a first condition, a second condition, and a third condition respectively in Figs. 7 A to 7C. The fourth door security apparatus 400 is similar to the first door security apparatus 100, but the actuator 450 comprises a hand grip 452 and is actuatable by a user. The spindle 430 includes an opening 432 for receiving the hand grip 452, and also a slot 419 for the hand grip 452 is provided in the side wall of the hole 412 of the first door handle 410. Furthermore, the first door handle 410 includes a recess 418 in the side wall of the hole 412 of the first door handle 410, the recess 418 being for locating an end of the hand grip 452. The latch 70 and second door handle 120 form part of the fourth door security apparatus 400, but are not shown in Figs. 7A to 7C.

The hand grip 452 is for mechanically coupling to the spindle 430. The hand grip 452 is arranged to abut against the spindle 430 when the hand grip 452 is moved by a user in a dimension substantially coincident with or substantially parallel to the length dimension of the spindle 430, to urge the spindle 430 in a dimension substantially coincident with or substantially parallel to the length dimension of the spindle 430. The hand grip includes a grip portion 456 for handling by a user and a coupling portion 454 which is locatable into the opening 432 in the spindle 430, to couple the hand grip 452 to the spindle 430. The coupling portion 454 may be elongate. The grip portion 456 provides the user input surface of the fourth door security apparatus 400, and the grip portion 456 may have a textured surface to allow easy handling by a user.

The hand grip 452 is arranged to project outwardly from the spindle 430 and through the slot 419 in the first door handle 410. Thus, when a user moves the hand grip 452 parallel to the length dimension of the spindle within the slot 419, the spindle 430 is slidably urged within the hole 412 of the first door handle 410. Fig. 7A shows the spindle 430 before being slidably moved within the hole 412 of the first door handle 410, and Fig. 7B shows the spindle 430 after being slidably moved.

The opening 432 in the spindle 430 for receiving the hand grip 452 is elongate and extends substantially perpendicular to the length dimension of the spindle 430. Furthermore, in the examples of Figs. 7A to 7C, the opening 432 is a through hole, and the recess 418 of the first door handle 410 is provided in an opposite side of the side wall of the hole 412 to the slot 419. The recess 418 extends to a lesser extent than the slot 419 in a dimension parallel to the length dimension of the spindle 430, such that the movement of the spindle 430 is restricted when the hand grip 450 is located in the opening 432 and the recess 418.

In the example of Figs. 7 A to 7C, the stop 470 is provided by the recess 418, which abuts against the hand grip 452 when the hand grip 450 is located in therein. The stop 470 is arranged to inhibit movement of the spindle 430, such that when the actuator 450 has disengaged the spindle 430 from the engagement portion 124 of the hole 122 of the second door handle 120, the second longitudinal end of the spindle 430 is substantially flush with the surface surrounding an entrance 76 of the through hole 72 of the latch 70.

The first door handle 410 of Figs. 7 A to 7C does not include a resilient part, but in other examples a resilient part may be provided.

Screw

Figs. 9A and 9B illustrate part of a fifth door security apparatus 500. The part of the fifth door security apparatus 500 is shown in a first condition and a second condition respectively in Figs. 9A and 9B. The fifth door security apparatus 500 is similar to the first door security apparatus 100, but the spindle includes a screw portion 532 with an external thread, which is shown best in Fig. 8. Furthermore, the actuator 550 comprises one or more rotatable projections 552 for engaging with the external thread of the screw portion 532 of the spindle 530. The latch 70 and second door handle 120 form part of the fifth door security apparatus 500, but are not shown in Figs. 9A and 9B.

The one or more rotatable projections 552 are for mechanically coupling to the spindle 530. The one or more rotatable projections 552 are arranged to mesh with the external thread of the screw portion 532 of the spindle 530 when the actuator 550 is rotated, to urge the spindle 530 in a dimension substantially coincident with or substantially parallel to the length dimension of the spindle 530. Fig. 9A shows the actuator 550 prior to rotation of the actuator 550, and Fig, 9B shows the actuator 550 after rotation. The actuator 550 is actuatable by a user. In this example, the actuator is rotated by a user using a screwdriver inserted into a screw drive (not shown) in the actuator 550. In this example, the screw drive provides the user input surface. In other examples (not shown), the actuator 550 may include a motor, such as the motor 352 of the third door security apparatus 300, the motor being configured to cause the one or more rotatable projections 552 to rotate around the external thread of the spindle 530.

In this example, the screw portion 532 of the spindle 530 is provided at a first longitudinal end of the spindle 530.

In the example of Figs 9A and 9B, the stop 570 is a surface of the actuator 550, which is arranged to abut against the longitudinal end of the spindle 530. The stop 570 arranged to inhibit movement of the spindle 530, such that when the actuator 550 has disengaged the spindle 530 from the engagement portion 124 of the hole 122 of the second door handle 120, the second longitudinal end 134 of the spindle 530 is substantially flush with the surface surrounding an entrance 76 of the through hole 72 of the latch 70.

The first door handle 510 of Figs 9A and 9B does not include a resilient part, but in other examples a resilient part may be provided.

Alternative hand grip

Figs. 10A and 10B illustrate a sixth door security apparatus 600 which is located on the door 50. A seventh door security apparatus 700 is also shown, which will be described later. Figs. 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views, but the latch 70 and deadbolt 80 are not shown in cross-section. The sixth door security apparatus 600 is shown in a first condition and a second condition respectively in Figs. 10A and 10B.

The sixth door security apparatus 600 is similar to the first door security apparatus 100, but the first and second rotatable components are first and second door knobs 610, 620, rather than door handles 110, 120. The first and second door knobs 610, 620 include holes 612, 622, which are similar to the holes 112, 122 of the first and second door handles 110, 120. Furthermore, the actuator 650 is actuatable by a user and comprises a hand grip 652. The hand grip 652 is different to the hand grip 452 of Figs. 7 A to 7C. The first door knob 610 further includes an aperture 618 extending between the hole 612 in the first door knob and the exterior of the first door knob 610. The hand grip 652 is for mechanically coupling to the spindle 630. In this example the hand grip 652 is integrally formed with the spindle 630, such that when the hand grip 652 is moved by a user in a dimension substantially coincident with or substantially parallel to the length dimension of the spindle 630, the spindle 630 is urged in a dimension substantially coincident with or substantially parallel to the length dimension of the spindle 630. In other examples, the hand grip 652 may be separate to, but fastenable to the spindle 630, for instance by a threaded connection.

The hand grip 652 extends outwardly from the first longitudinal end 632 of the elongate spindle 630 and through the aperture 618 in the end wall 616 of the blind hole 612 of the door knob 610. The hand grip includes a grip portion 656 for handling by a user and a coupling portion 654 for insertion through the aperture 618 in the first door handle 610. The grip portion 656 provides the user input surface in this example. The grip portion 656 may include a textured surface to allow easy handling by a user. The coupling portion 654 may be elongate. As illustrated in Figs. 10A and 10B, the user pulls the grip portion 656 to urge the spindle 630 through the holes in the first and second door knobs 610, 620, to disengage the spindle from the engagement portion 624 of the second door knob 62.

In the sixth apparatus 600, the stop 670 is provided by the end wall 616 of the blind hole 612 of the first door knob 610, which abuts against the first longitudinal end 632 of the spindle 630. The stop 670 is arranged to inhibit movement of the spindle 630, such that when the actuator 650 has disengaged the spindle 630 from the engagement portion 624 of the hole 622 of the second door knob 620, the second longitudinal end 634 of the spindle 630 is substantially flush with the surface surrounding an entrance 76 of the through hole 72 of the latch 70.

The first door knob 610 of Figs 10A and 10B does not include a resilient part, but in other examples a resilient part may be provided.

Cylinder lock and deadbolt

Figs. 10A and 10B also illustrate a seventh door security apparatus 700 which is located on the door 50. The seventh door security apparatus 700 is shown in a first condition and a second condition respectively in Figs. 10A and 10B. The seventh door security apparatus 700 is similar to the sixth door security apparatus 600 and includes a similar actuator 750, but the first and second rotatable components are a thumbturn 710 and a key cylinder 720 respectively. The thumbturn 710 may otherwise be known as a turnkey. The thumbturn 710 and key cylinder 720 each include a hole 712, 722 with an engagement portion 714, 724 for engaging with the spindle 730, similarly to the door handles and door knobs described previously.

In Figs. 10A and 10B, the spindle 730 of the seventh door security apparatus 700 is shown coupled to a deadbolt 80. Deadbolts, rather than latches, are typically used in combination with a cylinder lock. The deadbolt 80 is similar to the latch 70, but an internal spring mechanism (not shown) is not included. The spindle 730 couples to the deadbolt 80 in a similar manner to the previously described coupling with the latch 70. Therefore the deadbolt could be used in place of the latch in any of the previously described examples, and vice versa.

The thumbturn 710 of Figs 10A and 10B does not include a resilient part, but in other examples a resilient part may be provided.

Door hole insert

Fig. 11 shows part of an eighth door security apparatus 800 and part of a ninth door security apparatus 900. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view, but the latch 70 and deadbolt 80 are not shown in cross-section. The eighth and ninth door security apparatuses 800 also each include first and second rotatable components and an actuator, but the rotatable components and actuator are not shown in Fig. 11. Any of the rotatable components or actuators described herein could be used in combination with the parts of the eighth and ninth door security apparatus 800, 900 shown in Fig. 11.

In this example, the eighth door security apparatus 800 and the ninth door security apparatus 900 are similar to one another and operate in a similar manner, except the spindle 930 of the ninth security apparatus 900 is shown engaged with a deadbolt 80, and the spindle 830 of the eighth door security apparatus 800 is shown engaged with a latch 70. For the sake of brevity, only the eighth door security apparatus 800 will be described below. The eighth door security apparatus 800 comprises an insert 872, which is locatable in the hole 52 through the door 50. The insert 872 may be substantially cylindrical, and may include an external flange 878 for retaining the insert 872 in the hole 52. The hole 52 through the door 50 includes a first portion 53 on a first side 10 of the door 50, and a second portion 55 on an opposite second side 20 of the door 50. In this example, the insert 872 is locatable in the first portion 53 of the hole 52 of the door 50, which is adjacent to the first rotatable component in use. The first rotatable component for location on the first side 10 of the door 50 could for instance be the first rotatable component 110 of Figs. 2 to 3B, or any of the other first rotatable components described herein.

The insert 872 includes a lip 874, which extends radially inwardly into the hole 52 through the door 50 when located therein. The insert 872 also includes an aperture 876 for receiving the spindle 830. The lip 874 extends at least partially around the aperture 876 of the insert 872. In this example, the lip 874 projects radially inwardly from the lower end of the hole 52 through the door 50. The insert 872 may be a metal boss, such as a steel boss.

The lip 874 of the insert 872 provides the stop 870 of the eighth door security apparatus 800. The lip 874 is arranged to inhibit movement of the spindle 830, such that when the actuator has disengaged the spindle 830 from the engagement portion of the hole of the second rotatable component, the longitudinal end 834 of the spindle 830 is substantially flush with the surface surrounding an entrance of the through hole of the latch 70.

As illustrated in Fig. 11, the spindle 830 of the eighth door security apparatus 800 further comprises a pin 880. The end 884 of the pin 880 is arranged to project radially outwardly from a side of the elongate spindle 830 to abut against the lip 874 of the insert 872, thereby inhibiting movement of the spindle 830 as described in the paragraph above. The pin 880 is locatable in a hole 838 in the spindle 830. In this example, the pin 880 includes an enlarged head 882, which has a larger diameter than the remainder of the pin 880. In this example, the enlarged head 882 is shaped to abut against a shoulder 839 within the hole 838 of the elongate spindle 830. The shoulder 839 of the hole 838 prevents the pin 880 from passing fully through the hole, to retain the pin 880 at least partially within the hole 838. The pin 880 may be elongate, and the length dimension of the pin 880 may be substantially the same as, or smaller than, the width dimension of the elongate spindle 830.

Fig. 12 shows an alternative hole 1038, which could be provided in the spindle 830 of Fig. 11 , instead of the hole 838 of the spindle 830 shown in Fig. 11. The alternative hole 1038 is similar to the hole 838 of Fig. 11, but the alternative hole extends to a greater extent along the length dimension of the spindle, such that the pin 880 is slidably movable within the alternative hole 1038 along the length dimension of the spindle 830.

Figs. 13A to 13D schematically illustrate the assembly of part of the eighth door security apparatus 800. Figs. 13A to 13D also illustrate the assembly of part of the ninth door security apparatus 900, which is assembled in the same way as the eighth door security apparatus 800. Thus for the sake of brevity, only the assembly of part of the eighth door security apparatus 800 will be described below.

Fig. 13A shows a cross sectional view of the hole 52 through the door 50. As shown in Fig. 13A, the first portion 53 of the hole 52 through the door 50 may have a larger diameter than the second portion 55 of the hole 52 through the door 50. This enables the first portion 53 of the hole 52 to accommodate the insert 872 in addition to the spindle 830.

The insert 872 is located in the first portion 51 of the hole 52 through the door 50. The latch 70 may be inserted into the door 50 before or after the insert 872 is located in the hole 52 through the door 50. Fig. 13B shows the insert 872 and latch 70 once located in the door 50.

The spindle 830 can then be inserted into the hole of the spindle receiving portion of the latch 70. Fig. 13C shows the spindle 830 during insertion. During insertion, the pin 880 can be retracted into the spindle 830, such that the end 884 of the pin 880 does not project outwardly from the spindle 830. For instance, the pin 880 can be held within the spindle 830 by a user, by pressing a finger against the end 884 of the pin 880, to enable the pin 880 to pass the lip 874 of the insert 872. Once the pin has passed the lip 874 and is located in the first portion 53 of the hole 52 of the door 50, the pin 880 can fall under gravity such that the end 884 of the pin 880 projects outwardly from the spindle 830, as shown in Fig. 13D. Thus the spindle 830 cannot be fully removed from the hole 52 in the door 50 by the actuator, because the end 884 of the pin abuts against the lip 874. In Fig. 13D, the pin 880 is positioned against the lip 874, and therefore the longitudinal end 834 of the spindle 830 is substantially flush with the surface surrounding the entrance 76 of the through hole of the latch 70.

Once the spindle 830 has been inserted into the hole 52 in the door 50 as shown in Figs. 11 or 13D, the first rotatable component (not shown), the second rotatable component (not shown) and the actuator (not shown) can be mounted to the door 50 to provide the eighth door security apparatus 800.

There is thus described a door security apparatus 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900 with a number of advantages. For instance, an intruder cannot gain access through the door even if a lock on the door has been picked. This can further delay or prevent an intruder from opening the door. The door can be secured from only one side. The apparatus can be readily retrofitted onto existing standard doors, using the same fitting techniques as conventional door handle or door lock assemblies. Furthermore, when observing the second rotatable component, an intruder cannot see that the apparatus includes the actuation mechanism.

The term ‘comprise’ is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y. If it is intended to use ‘comprise’ with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context by referring to “comprising only one” or by using “consisting”.

In this description, reference has been made to various examples. The description of features or functions in relation to an example indicates that those features or functions are present in that example. The use of the term ‘example’ or ‘for example’ or ‘can’ or ‘may’ in the text denotes, whether explicitly stated or not, that such features or functions are present in at least the described example, whether described as an example or not, and that they can be, but are not necessarily, present in some of or all other examples. Thus ‘example’, ‘for example’, ‘can’ or ‘may’ refers to a particular instance in a class of examples. A property of the instance can be a property of only that instance or a property of the class or a property of a sub-class of the class that includes some but not all of the instances in the class. It is therefore implicitly disclosed that a feature described with reference to one example but not with reference to another example, can where possible be used in that other example as part of a working combination but does not necessarily have to be used in that other example.

Although examples have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the claims. For example, the elongate spindle may be urged out of the engagement portion of the first rotatable component, rather than being urged out of the engagement portion of the second rotatable component the resilient part 140 may arranged to be biased urge the spindle in the opposite direction, such that the default position of the spindle is to be disengaged from the second rotatable component. Where the default position of the spindle is to be disengaged from the second rotatable component, the actuator is arranged to urge the elongate spindle in a dimension substantially coincident with or substantially parallel to the length dimension of the elongate spindle, to engage the elongate spindle with the engagement portion of the hole of the second rotatable component.

Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described above. For example, the different rotatable components described herein could be used in combination with any of the different actuators described herein.

A door security apparatus comprising the first rotatable component and the actuator may be provided, without requiring the second door handle and/or the spindle. Such an apparatus could for instance fitted to a door and combined with a standard pre-existing spindle and second door handle.

Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.

Although features have been described with reference to certain examples, those features may also be present in other examples whether described or not. The term ‘a’ or ‘the’ is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising a/the Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y unless the context clearly indicates the contrary. If it is intended to use ‘a’ or ‘the’ with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context. In some circumstances the use of ‘at least one’ or ‘one or more’ may be used to emphasis an inclusive meaning but the absence of these terms should not be taken to infer any exclusive meaning.

The presence of a feature (or combination of features) in a claim is a reference to that feature or (combination of features) itself and also to features that achieve substantially the same technical effect (equivalent features). The equivalent features include, for example, features that are variants and achieve substantially the same result in substantially the same way. The equivalent features include, for example, features that perform substantially the same function, in substantially the same way to achieve substantially the same result.

In this description, reference has been made to various examples using adjectives or adjectival phrases to describe characteristics of the examples. Such a description of a characteristic in relation to an example indicates that the characteristic is present in some examples exactly as described and is present in other examples substantially as described.

Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features believed to be of importance it should be understood that the applicant may seek protection via the claims in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

1. A door security apparatus comprising: an elongate spindle; a first rotatable component for location on a first side of a door, the first rotatable component comprising: a hole for receiving at least a portion of the elongate spindle, wherein the hole includes an engagement portion shaped to correspond to the longitudinal cross section of the elongate spindle, such that when located in the engagement portion of the hole, the elongate spindle is rotatably fixed relative to the first rotatable component; a second rotatable component for location on a second side of a door which is opposite to the first side of the door, the first rotatable component comprising: a hole for receiving at least a portion of the elongate spindle, wherein the hole includes an engagement portion shaped to correspond to the longitudinal cross section of the elongate spindle, such that when located in the engagement portion of the hole, the elongate spindle is rotatably fixed relative to the second rotatable component; and an actuator for coupling to the elongate spindle, the actuator being arranged to urge the elongate spindle in a dimension substantially coincident with or substantially parallel to the length dimension of the elongate spindle.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus further comprises a latch or a deadbolt locatable in a door between the door handles, the latch or deadbolt including a through hole for engaging with the elongate spindle, and wherein the apparatus includes a stop, which is arranged to inhibit movement of the elongate spindle, such that when the actuator has disengaged the elongate spindle from the engagement portion of the hole of the first or second rotatable component, a longitudinal end of the elongate spindle is substantially flush with the surface surrounding an entrance of the through hole of the latch or deadbolt.

3. An apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the hole of the first rotatable component is a blind hole, and the actuator is arranged to urge the elongate spindle towards the end wall of the blind hole.

4. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first rotatable component further comprises a resilient part arranged to resiliently urge the elongate spindle outwardly from the hole of the first rotatable component.

5. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the resilient part includes a spring.

6. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the elongate spindle comprises a ferromagnetic material and the actuator comprises an electromagnet.

7. An apparatus according to claim 6 when dependent on claim 3, wherein the electromagnet is located at the end of the blind hole.

8. An apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the elongate spindle comprises a ferromagnetic material and the actuator comprises a solenoid, the solenoid being locatable around the elongate spindle.

9. An apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the actuator comprises a motor and an arm coupled to the motor, the arm being arranged to abut against the elongate spindle when the motor is activated to urge the elongate spindle in a dimension substantially coincident with or substantially parallel to the length dimension of the elongate spindle.

10. An apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the actuator is actuatable by a user.

11. An apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the actuator comprises a hand grip.

12. An apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the hand grip is coupled to the elongate spindle.

13. An apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein the hand grip is integrally formed with the elongate spindle.

14. An apparatus according to claim 12 or 13 when dependent on claim 3, wherein the hand grip extends outwardly from the longitudinal end of the elongate spindle and through an aperture in the end wall of the blind hole of the first rotatable component.

15. An apparatus according to claim 12, wherein a slot is provided in a side wall of the hole of the first rotatable component, and the hand grip is arranged to project outwardly from the elongate spindle and through the slot, such that the elongate spindle can be slidably urged within the hole of the first rotatable component in a dimension substantially coincident with or substantially parallel to the length dimension of the elongate spindle, when a user moves the hand grip parallel to the length dimension within the slot.

16. An apparatus according to claim 12 or 15, wherein at least a portion of the hand grip is locatable in an opening in the elongate spindle to couple the grip to the elongate spindle.

17. An apparatus according to claim 16 when dependent on claim 15, wherein a recess for locating an end of the grip is provided in an opposite side of the side wall of the hole to the slot.

18. An apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the elongate spindle includes a screw portion comprising an external thread, and the actuator includes one or more rotatable projections for engaging with the external thread of the elongate spindle, such that the elongate spindle is urged in a dimension substantially coincident with or substantially parallel to the length dimension of the elongate spindle when the rotatable projections are rotated on the external thread.

19. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the elongate spindle has a non-circular longitudinal cross section, and the engagement portion of the hole of the second rotatable component has a corresponding non-circular cross section.

20. An apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 9 or any of the preceding claims when dependent on any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the rotatable component further comprises a battery for powering the actuator.

21. An apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 9 or any of the preceding claims when dependent on any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first rotatable component comprises a wireless receiver for activating or deactivating the actuator based on a received external signal.

22. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus comprises a user input surface locatable on a first side of the door for activating or deactivating the actuator based on a user input to the user input surface.

23. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the hole of the first rotatable component is elongate, and the length dimension of the hole of the first rotatable component is greater than half the total length of the elongate spindle.

24. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first rotatable component comprises any one of: a door handle, a door knob, a cylinder lock, or a thumbturn.

25. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second rotatable component comprises any one of: a door handle, a door knob, a cylinder lock, or a thumbturn.

26. An apparatus according to claim 2 or any preceding claim when dependent thereon, wherein the apparatus comprises an insert for location into a hole extending from the first side of the door to the second side of the door, the insert including a lip which is arranged to extend radially inwardly into the hole of the door, and wherein the lip provides the stop.

27. An apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the spindle comprises a hole, and the spindle further comprises a pin for location in the hole of the spindle, wherein the end of the pin is arranged to project radially outwardly from a side of the elongate spindle to abut against the lip of the insert.

28. A door security apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a rotatable component for location on a first side of a door, the first rotatable component comprising: a hole for receiving at least a portion of an elongate spindle, wherein the hole includes an engagement portion shaped to correspond to the longitudinal cross section of the elongate spindle, such that when located in the engagement portion of the hole, the elongate spindle is rotatably fixed relative to the rotatable component; and an actuator for coupling to the elongate spindle, the actuator being arranged to urge the elongate spindle in a dimension substantially coincident with or substantially parallel to the length dimension of the elongate spindle.