Source: http://www.sumobrain.com/patents/wipo/Door-securing-assembly/WO2019057991A1.html
Timestamp: 2019-11-12 19:16:34
Document Index: 401341794

Matched Legal Cases: ['art.\n15', 'art.\n24', 'art 9', 'art 1', 'art 9', 'art 1', 'art 9', 'art 9', 'art 1', 'art 9', 'art 9', 'art 9', 'art 1', 'art 9', 'art 1', 'art 9', 'art 1', 'art 17', 'art 1', 'art 9', 'art 1', 'art 17', 'art 1', 'art 17', 'art 1', 'art 17', 'art 1', 'art 17', 'art 1', 'art 1', 'art 17', 'art 17', 'art 1', 'art 9', 'art 1', 'art 1', 'art 9', 'art 17', 'art 1', 'art 17', 'art 1', 'art 9', 'art 9', 'art 9', 'art 1', 'art 1', 'art 9', 'art 1', 'art 1', 'arts 9', 'arts 9', 'arts 9', 'arts 9', 'art 1', 'art 9', 'art 1', 'art 9', 'art 9', 'art 1', 'art 9', 'art 1', 'art 1', 'art 9', 'art 1', 'art 9', 'art 1', 'art 27', 'art 9', 'art 1', 'art 9', 'art 1', 'arts 1', 'art 1', 'art 1', 'art 9', 'art 17', 'art 1', 'art 1', 'art 1', 'art 1', 'art 109', 'art 1', 'art 109']

DOOR SECURING ASSEMBLY - SECURIBAR INNOVATION LIMITED
DOOR SECURING ASSEMBLY
WIPO Patent Application WO/2019/057991
A door securing assembly comprising a primary bracket which is mountable upon a support surface, a secondary bracket which is mountable upon a door adjacent the support surface and a resilient arm which is pivotably coupled to a first one of the primary or secondary brackets at one end and removably coupleable to a second one of the primary or secondary brackets at the opposing end, wherein the resilient arm is configured to retain the door in a secured state when the resilient arm is coupled to the second one of the primary or secondary brackets.
DUKE, Barry (8 Ballyloughan Brow, Ballymena Antrim BT43 6PW, BT43 6PW, GB)
BLACK, Leslie (92 Kilwarlin Road, Hillsborough Antrim BT26 6EA, BT26 6EA, GB)
EP2018/075983
SECURIBAR INNOVATION LIMITED (Linden House, 92 Kilwarlin Road, Hillsborough Antrim BT26 6EA, BT26 6EA, GB)
E05C19/00; E05C17/30; E05C17/34
US5988710A 1999-11-23
EP0336947A1 1989-10-18
US4789123A 1988-12-06
US5951071A 1999-09-14
1 . A door securing assembly comprising:
A primary bracket which is mountable upon a support surface;
A secondary bracket which is mountable upon a door adjacent the support surface; and
A resilient arm which is pivotably coupled to a first one of the primary or secondary brackets at one end and removably coupleable to a second one of the primary or secondary brackets at the opposing end;
Wherein the resilient arm is configured to retain the door in a secured state when the resilient arm is coupled to the second one of the primary or secondary brackets.
2. The door securing assembly of claim 1 , wherein the secured state the door is arranged to adopt a partially open state or closed state. 3. The door securing assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the resilient arm comprises a resiliently biased arm, wherein the resilient arm comprises one or more resilient biasing means.
4. The door securing of any preceding claim, wherein the resilient arm comprises a plurality of parts which are telescopically arranged with respect to one another.
5. The door securing assembly of claim 4, wherein a part of the plurality of parts, typically the part which is located furthest away from the pivotable coupling is shaped and dimensioned for engaging with the second of the primary or secondary bracket. 6. The door securing assembly of claims 4 or 5, wherein the resilient arm comprises a first part which is configured to pivotably couple the resilient arm to the first one of the primary or secondary brackets.
7. The door recurring assembly of claim 6, the resilient arm further comprises a second part which is configured to removably couple the resilient arm to the second one of the primary or secondary brackets.
8. The door securing assembly of claim 7, wherein the first part has a larger vertical cross section than the second part such that the second part is operable to extend out of and retract into the first part in telescopic fashion.
9. The door securing assembly of claims 6 to 8, wherein the first part comprises first and second resilient biasing means, wherein the first biasing means is less resilient than the second biasing means.
10. The door securing assembly of claim 9, wherein the difference in resilience between the first and second resilient biasing means is due to a difference in their respective materials, gauge, thickness, or any other feature which may vary the resilience of a biasing means.
5 1 1. The door securing assembly of claim 9, wherein said first and second biasing means comprise first and second springs, wherein said first spring has less turns and is shorter in length than the second spring.
12. The door securing assembly of any of claims 9 to 1 1 , wherein the second part is arranged to abut 10 the resilient biasing means contained within the first part and wherein the resilient biasing means is configured to bias the second part towards an extended state.
13. The door securing assembly of any of claims 7 to 12, wherein the resilient arm further comprises a third part which is coupled to the second part at the opposing end to the first part, wherein the third
15 part is operable to extend out of and/or retract into the second part in telescopic fashion.
14. The door securing assembly claim 13, wherein the third part is coupled to the second part by an adjustment means which is configured to alter the length of the third part which extends out of, or retracts into, the second part and/or wherein the adjustment means is further configured to lock the
20 third part in a fixed position relative to the second part.
15. The door securing assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the first part and second part have an actuator operable therebetween configured to move the first and second parts relative to one another such that the second part extends out of or retracts into the first part in telescopic fashion.
16. The door securing assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the second part and third part have an actuator operable therebetween configured to move the second and third parts relative to one another such that the third part extends out of or retracts into the second part in telescopic fashion.
30 17. The door securing assembly of any preceding claim, wherein said first part comprises apertures located upon opposing side walls, wherein said apertures are aligned with respect to one another along the same vertical axis to define a hole through which a pivoting member, such as a pin, is insertable to pivotably couple the first part to the first one of the primary or secondary brackets.
35 18. The door securing assembly of claim 17, wherein at least one of the one or more resilient biasing means located within the first part are configured to abut the pivoting member at one end and the second part at the opposing end such that the resilient biasing means are compressed between the second part and the pivoting member.
40 19. The door securing assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the primary bracket to which the resilient arm is pivotably coupled comprises at least first and second spaced apart side walls which define an open-ended channel within which the resilient arm is operable to pivot about a pivot axis when the resilient arm is not coupled to the second one of the primary or secondary brackets, ideally said pivot axis extends perpendicular to the body of the resilient arm. 20. The door securing assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the second bracket to which the resilient arm is removably coupleable comprises an engaging portion which is shaped and dimensioned to receive and retain the opposing end of the resilient arm.
21. The door securing assembly of claim 20, wherein he engaging portion comprises a recess or aperture, wherein the recess is shaped and dimensioned such that the opening of the recess is angled towards the primary bracket when the door is in the secured state.
22. The door securing assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the resilient arm comprises one or more sleeve members configured to ensure a secure fit of each of the respective parts within the one or more other parts which they extend out of and retract into, ideally the sleeve members are configured to prevent de-coupling of the respective parts of the resilient arm.
23. The door securing assembly of any preceding claim, wherein, said second part comprises a first sleeve member located at least at a first end which is located inside the first part, which is configured to ensure a secure fit of the second part within the first part.
24. The door securing assembly of claim 23, wherein said first part comprises a second sleeve member disposed typically at an end thereof, wherein the first and second sleeve members are configured to prevent the second part from being removed from the first part and/or wherein the first and second sleeve members are arranged to abut one another such as to prevent removal of the second part from the first part when the second part extends out of the first part beyond a predetermined position and/or wherein the pre-determined position is determined by the positioning of the sleeve members upon the first and/or second parts and/or wherein the sleeve member of the second part is dimensioned such that the second part, with the sleeve member coupled thereon, is still operable to extend within the first part in telescopic fashion at least up to the point where the sleeve member of the second part abuts the sleeve member of the first part or vice versa.
25. The door securing assembly of claim 24, wherein the resilient arm is pivotably coupled to the primary bracket at the one end and removably coupleable to the secondary bracket at the opposing end.
This invention relates to a door securing assembly and in particular to a door securing assembly which is operable to removably secure a door in one or more states.
It is a common feature of most doors to include a lock or other securing assembly which is operable to secure the door in a closed state for the purposes of preventing unwanted entry into a building or entry into one or more rooms within a building. However, on occasion there is a requirement to secure a door in a partially open state, whilst still retaining optimum security. Furthermore, internal doors, i.e. those located within a building, commonly do not have a door locking or securing assembly and if an intruder were to gain access to the building, the occupant may be required to block the door using whatever relatively heavy items are available to them at the time. The most commonly available solutions to limit door movement include door limiting chains and door restrictors.
Door chains such as those recited above typically operate using first and second brackets, one of which is screwed to the door itself, and the other to an adjacent door frame. A chain is affixed to one of the brackets and is operable to removably slot into a channel formed in the other bracket in-use. Problems associated with door chains include the use of relatively small screws used to retain the brackets and the type of wood or other material into which the screws are driven. More importantly there may be limitations from the strength of the chain itself and how it locates into the slot within the door bracket. Lastly, if the door is ajar, the chain is visible and can be cut by a potential intruder using bolt cutters or the like. The second most common device is a door restrictor which replaces the chain element noted previously, with a solid ball and loop mechanism made of solid metal. This retains the screw issues of the chain installation from the mounting perspective of the brackets, and the loop part is again visible, risking severing by bolt cutters, or fracturing of the device where it is made from cast metal with attendant inherent weaknesses. Another solution, but one which does not allow limited opening of the door, comprises mounting bracket supports to the walls or door frame on either side of the door, wherein when it is desired to secure the door in a closed state an elongate member can be placed into the brackets, with the elongate member extending across the width of the door thereby securing the door in the closed state. This solution is very unwieldy however, as both brackets have to be installed either side of the door, which dramatically impacts on the aesthetics of the door. Furthermore, the elongate member, when not in use, has to be stored somewhere in close proximity, which leaves room for the possibility of it being misplaced.
Another less common alternative solution employed is the use of a bar of fixed or variable length which is attached to a door at a first end and interferes with the ground surface at the opposing end, with this opposing end comprising a foot or pad or any other surface which increases frictional resistance with the ground surface. The bar in-use therefore secures the door in the locked state by transmitting forces received at the door through the bar to the ground surface. It is usually foot operated. However, there are a number of problems with this bar solution the foremost of which is that it requires the bar to be placed in a relatively stable position which can be difficult as the ground surface on which it rests and which it requires to operate, can vary from carpet, to wooden floors, to tiles, to concrete with each having varied frictional resistance. Furthermore, in an emergency situation where an intruder is about to attempt to force their way into a building, or into a room, it can be difficult to securely lock the rod quickly. Even if the door has been secured, because the device operates on the lower outer part of the door, an intruder's attempt to force the door can result in stresses causing the door to flex, which in an extreme situation can lead ultimately to door failure.
Therefore, there exists a need to provide a door securing assembly which is easy and quick to deploy, is not visible to a potential intruder, addresses the noted mounting issues of other devices and which provides a strong and stable means of securing a door in at least a partially open state. It is a desire of the invention to obviate or mitigate the problems described above.
Accordingly the present invention provides a door securing assembly comprising a primary bracket which is mountable upon a support surface, a secondary bracket which is mountable upon a door adjacent the support surface and a resilient arm which is pivotably coupled to a first one of the primary or secondary brackets at one end and removably coupleable to a second one of the primary or secondary brackets at the opposing end, wherein the resilient arm is configured to retain the door in a secured state when the resilient arm is coupled to the second one of the primary or secondary brackets.
Advantageously, the door security assembly allows visitors to be viewed, or items to be passed through the opening, while preventing the door being further forced open to a point where access could be achieved by an intruder. Further advantageously, for convenience, the door security assembly is easily engaged and disengaged to encourage usage.
Preferably, the resilient arm comprises a resiliently biased arm, ideally wherein the resilient arm comprises one or more resilient biasing means.
Ideally, wherein the secured state the door is arranged to adopt a partially open state.
Preferably, wherein the partially open state an opening is defined between the elongate door edge and the adjacent support surface, the opening typically defines a distance of approximately 100 millimetres between the elongate door edge and the adjacent support surface. Optionally, wherein the secured state the door is configured to adopt a closed state.
Preferably, the resilient arm comprises a plurality of parts which are telescopically arranged with respect to one another.
Ideally, a part of the plurality of parts, typically the part which is located furthest away from the pivotable coupling is shaped and dimensioned for engaging with the second of the primary or secondary bracket. Preferably the resilient arm comprises at least two parts to allow restricted but secure door movement.
Ideally, the resilient arm comprises a first part which is configured to pivotably couple the resilient arm to the first one of the primary or secondary brackets. Preferably, the resilient arm further comprises a second part which is configured to removably couple the resilient arm to the second one of the primary or secondary brackets.
Ideally, the first part has a larger vertical cross section than the second part such that the second part is operable to extend out of and retract into the first part in telescopic fashion.
Preferably, the first part comprises at least one resilient biasing means.
Ideally, the first part comprises first and second resilient biasing means, preferably wherein the first biasing means is less resilient than the second biasing means.
Preferably, the difference in resilience between the first and second resilient biasing means is due to a difference in their respective materials, gauge, thickness, or any other feature which may vary the resilience of a biasing means. Preferably, said first and second biasing means comprise first and second springs, wherein said first spring has less turns and is shorter in length than the second spring.
Ideally, the first biasing means is a soft biasing means and the second biasing means is a hard biasing means.
Preferably, the second part is arranged to abut the resilient biasing means contained within the first part and wherein the resilient biasing means is configured to bias the second part towards an extended state. Ideally, the resilient arm further comprises a third part which is coupled to the second part at the opposing end to the first part, wherein the third part is operable to extend out of and/or retract into the second part in telescopic fashion. Ideally, the third part is coupled to the second part by an adjustment means which is configured to alter the length of the third part which extends out of, or retracts into, the second part.
Preferably, the adjustment means is further configured to lock the third part in a fixed position relative to the second part.
Ideally, the adjustment means comprises a threaded adjustment means or other suitable adjustment means.
Preferably, the adjustment means comprises a threaded nut.
Ideally, the adjustment means comprises a threaded nut, the threaded nut for being adjustable by a g- spanner.
Ideally, the first part and second part have an actuator operable therebetween configured to move the first and second parts relative to one another such that the second part extends out of or retracts into the first part in telescopic fashion.
Ideally, the second part and third part have an actuator operable therebetween configured to move the second and third parts relative to one another such that the third part extends out of or retracts into the second part in telescopic fashion.
Preferably, said first part comprises apertures located upon opposing side walls, wherein said apertures are aligned with respect to one another along the same vertical axis to define a hole through which a pivoting member, such as a pin, is insertable to pivotably couple the first part to the first one of the primary or secondary brackets.
Ideally, at least one of the one or more resilient biasing means located within the first part are configured to abut the pivoting member at one end and the second part at the opposing end such that the resilient biasing means are compressed between the second part and the pivoting member.
Preferably, the primary bracket to which the resilient arm is pivotably coupled comprises at least first and second spaced apart side walls which define an open-ended channel within which the resilient arm is operable to pivot about a pivot axis when the resilient arm is not coupled to the second one of the primary or secondary brackets.
Ideally, said pivot axis extends perpendicular to the body of the resilient arm. Preferably, said resilient arm is operable to pivot 180° about the pivot axis.
Ideally, the second bracket to which the resilient arm is removably coupleable comprises an engaging portion which is shaped and dimensioned to receive and retain the opposing end of the resilient arm. Preferably, the engaging portion comprises a recess or aperture.
Ideally, the recess is shaped and dimensioned such that the opening of the recess is angled towards the primary bracket when the door is in the secured state.
Optionally, the engaging portion of the secondary bracket may comprise a rod or pin or loop and the opposing end of the resilient arm may comprise a hook or latch or the like for releasable engagement of the engaging portion of the secondary bracket. Preferably, the resilient arm comprises one or more sleeve members configured to ensure a secure fit of each of the respective parts within the one or more other parts which they extend out of and retract into. Ideally, the sleeve members are configured to prevent de-coupling of the respective parts of the resilient arm. Ideally, said second part comprises a first sleeve member located at least at a first end which is located inside the first part, which is configured to ensure a secure fit of the second part within the first part.
Preferably, said first part comprises a second sleeve member disposed typically at an end thereof, wherein the first and second sleeve members are configured to prevent the second part from being removed from the first part. Ideally, the first and second sleeve members are arranged to abut one another such as to prevent removal of the second part from the first part when the second part extends out of the first part beyond a predetermined position. Preferably, the pre-determined position is determined by the positioning of the sleeve members upon the first and/or second parts. Typically the sleeve member of the second part is dimensioned such that the second part, with the sleeve member coupled thereon, is still operable to extend within the first part in telescopic fashion at least up to the point where the sleeve member of the second part abuts the sleeve member of the first part or vice versa. Ideally, the resilient arm is pivotably coupled to the primary bracket at the one end and removably coupleable to the secondary bracket at the opposing end.
The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like numerals are used to denote like parts and in which: Figure 1 is a front view of a door securing assembly, in particular showing a resilient arm pivotably coupled to a bracket;
Figure 2 is a top plan view of the resilient arm pivotably coupled to the bracket;
Figure 3 is a front perspective view of the resilient arm pivotably coupled to the bracket;
Figure 4 is an exploded view of the resilient arm showing the pivotable coupling 10 of the bracket; Figure 5 is a sectional view of the resilient arm pivotably coupled to the bracket;
Figure 6 is a sectional view of the resilient arm pivotably coupled to the bracket;
Figure 7 is a front perspective view of a door securing assembly showing the resilient arm
pivotably coupled to a primary bracket and removably coupled to a secondary bracket with the door being secured in a secured state;
Figure 8 is a top plan view of the door securing assembly showing the resilient arm pivotably coupled to the primary bracket and removably coupled to the secondary bracket with the door being secured in the secured state;
Figure 9 is a top plan view of the door securing assembly showing the resilient arm pivotably coupled to the primary bracket and removably coupled to the secondary bracket with the door being secured in the secured state;
Figure 10 is a front perspective view of the door securing assembly showing the resilient arm pivotably coupled to the primary bracket and decoupled from the secondary bracket; and
Figure 1 1 is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of the door securing assembly.
Referring now to the drawings there is shown, generally indicated by the reference numeral 1 , a door securing assembly embodying an aspect of the invention. The door securing assembly 1 comprises a primary bracket 3 which is mountable upon a support surface 4 such as a wall or ceiling or any other suitable support surface 4 and a secondary bracket 5 which is mountable upon a door 6 which is located adjacent to the support surface 4. The brackets 3, 5 are typically provided with one or more attachment means for mounting the brackets 3, 5 upon the support surface 4 or door 6, to this end the attachment means may comprise one or more throughbores for receiving one or more screws, the screws securing the brackets 3, 5 to the support surface and the door. The door 6 typically comprises a hinged door such that the door securing assembly 1 may be disposed on the in-swing side of the door 6. The door securing assembly 1 further comprises a resilient arm 7 which is pivotably coupled to a first one of the primary or secondary brackets 3, 5 at one end and removably coupleable to a second one of the primary or secondary brackets 3, 5 at the opposing end. The resilient arm 7 is configured to retain the door 6 in a secured state when the resilient arm 7 is coupled to the second one of the primary or secondary brackets 3, 5 (as shown in figures 7 to 10). In a preferred embodiment of the door securing assembly the resilient arm 7 is preferably pivotably coupled to the primary bracket 3 which is mounted upon the support surface 4 at the one end and removably coupleable to the secondary bracket 5 mounted upon the door 6 at the opposing end. It should be understood that the term "resilient arm" is intended to mean that the arm includes one or more resilient biasing means i.e. the resilient arm is a resiliently biased arm. It should be understood that the term "secured state" is intended to mean that the door 6 is closed to such an extent that a person cannot enter or exit through the door. In a preferred embodiment the secured state may comprise a partially open state where the door securing assembly 1 is operable to retain the door in a position where it is open to such an extent that a person outside the door can be seen, or an item passed through the gap, but an intruder cannot enter through the door even when force is used. In the most preferred embodiment of the invention, the door when held in the secured state by the securing assembly 1 defines an opening between the elongate door edge and the adjacent support surface; optionally the opening may define a distance between the elongate door edge and the adjacent support surface of approximately 100 millimetres. In an alternative embodiment the secured state may comprise a closed state where the door is retained in a fully closed position when the resilient arm is coupled to the second one of the primary or secondary brackets.
The resilient arm 7 preferably comprises a plurality of parts (as shown in figures 1 to 6) which are telescopically arranged with respect to one another with the resilient arm 7 typically comprising at least two parts. The parts may be coupled together by one or more adjustment means 8 which are configured to alter the length to which one part extends out of, or retracts into, a respective other part and is also typically configured to retain the part in a fixed or locked position relative to the respective other part. Preferably the part located furthest away from the pivotable coupling is shaped and dimensioned for engaging with the secondary bracket 5.
The resilient arm 7 typically comprises a first part 9 which is configured to pivotably couple the resilient arm 7 to the primary bracket 3 and a second part 1 1 which is configured to removably couple the resilient arm 7 to the secondary bracket 5. The first part 9 has a larger vertical cross section than the second part 1 1 such that the second part is operable to extend out of and retract into the first part 9 in telescopic fashion. Advantageously the first part 9, which is pivotably coupled to the primary bracket 3, which is mounted upon the support surface 4, has a greater vertical cross section than the second part 1 1 such that the area transmitting the load through the support surface 4 has increased strength compared to an embodiment where the part with the larger cross section is coupleable to the door 6 by the secondary bracket 5, as the thicker first part 9 when coupled to the support surface 4 provides greater axial compressive strength and is therefore able to support heavier loads and prevent buckling. The resilient arm 7 typically comprises a tube, or a plurality of tubes which are telescopically arranged with respect to one another. Alternatively, or additionally, the resilient arm 7, one or more parts thereof, may comprise one or more bars. The resilient arm 7 or the plurality of parts making up the resilient arm 7 typically have a circular cross section however the parts may alternatively have a square or hexagonal, or any other suitable shaped cross section. The resilient arm 7 is typically made from metal such as steel or iron or any other suitable metal; however it may alternatively comprise a composite material or any other suitable material.
The resilient arm 7 comprises one or more resilient biasing means 13, to this end the resilient biasing means 13 are typically located within the first part 9 of the resilient arm 7. In a preferred embodiment, the first part 9 comprises first and second resilient biasing means 13, 15 which ideally comprise first and second springs however it may alternatively comprise any other suitable resilient biasing means. The first resilient biasing means 13 is preferably less resilient than the second resilient biasing means 15, to this end where the biasing means 13, 15 comprise first and second springs typically the first spring 13 has less turns and is shorter in length than the second spring 15 with the first resilient biasing means 13 consequently operable to provide less compressive force in-use. Alternatively, the first and second springs 13, 15 may be made of different materials with one of the materials exhibiting greater resilience than the other. The two springs 13, 15 ensure that the resilient arm 7 is securely coupleable to the secondary bracket 5 and that when the arm 7 is coupled to the secondary bracket 5 it cannot easily be decoupled by shaking or other vibratory movement. The second part 1 1 of the resilient arm 7 is arranged to abut the resilient biasing means 13 contained within the first part 9 such as to advantageously provide a cushioned displacement of the second part 1 1 relative to the first part 9. Furthermore, the resilient biasing means 13 is configured to bias the second part 1 1 towards an extended state. It is further preferable that the resilient arm 7 further comprises a third part 17 which is coupled to the second part 1 1 at the opposing end to the first part 9. The third part is arranged to extend out of and/or retract into the second part 1 1 in a controlled adjustable fashion. To this end the third part 17 has a smaller vertical cross section in comparison to that of the second part 1 1 . The third part 17 is typically coupled to the second part 1 1 by an adjustment means 8 and secured in place thereto, to this end the adjustment means 8 typically comprises a threaded nut, however it may alternatively comprise any other suitable fastener or mechanism. The adjustment means 8 is further configured to alter the length of the third part 17 which extends outs of or retracts into the second part 1 1 and the adjustment means 8 is further operable to retain the third part 17 in a fixed position relative to the second part 1 1 . In one embodiment of the invention, the second part 1 1 and the third part 17 have an actuator (not shown) therebetween configured to displace the second and third parts relative to one another such that the third part 17 extends out of or retracts into the second part 1 1 in telescopic fashion. In a similar manner, the first part 9 and second part 1 1 may have an actuator (not shown) therebetween configured to move the first and second parts relative to one another such that the second part 1 1 extends out of or retracts into the first part 9 in telescopic fashion. Advantageously the extent of which the third part 17 extends out of the second part 1 1 , which is altered by the adjustment means 8, can be such that when the resilient arm 3 is coupled to the secondary bracket 5 the door 6 is retained in a secured state comprising a fully closed position. Optionally, the extent of which the third part 17 extends out of the second part 1 1 , which is altered by the adjustment means 8, can be such that when the resilient arm 3 is coupled to the secondary bracket 5 the door 6 is retained in a partially open position.
In a preferred embodiment the first part 9 typically includes apertures 19 located upon opposing side walls which are aligned with respect to one another along the same vertical axis to define a hole through which a pivoting member 21 such as a pin or any other suitable pivoting member may be inserted to pivotably couple the first part 9 to the primary bracket 3. At least one of the one or more resilient biasing means 13, 15 located within the first part 9 are configured to abut the pivoting member 21 at one end and the second part 1 1 at the opposing end, such that the resilient biasing means 13, 15 are compressed between the second part 1 1 and the pivoting member 21 . Preferably, as shown in figures 5 and 6 the less resilient first resilient biasing means 13 is disposed within the first part 9 such as to contact the end of the second part 1 1 at one end and the second resilient biasing means 15 at its other end, whilst the more resilient second resilient biasing means 15 is arranged to abut the pivoting member 21 at one end and the first resilient biasing means 13 at it's other end.
Ideally, the primary bracket 3 to which the resilient arm 7 is pivotably coupled, comprises at least first and second spaced apart side walls 22, 23 which define an open-ended channel within which the resilient arm 7 is operable to pivot about a pivot axis when the resilient arm 7 is not coupled to the secondary bracket 5. The primary bracket 3 ideally comprises one aperture 20a and opposing indentation 20 located on the same vertical axis on opposing interior walls of the side walls 22, 23 for receiving the first and second ends of the pivoting member 21 . The pivot axis extends perpendicular to the body of the resilient arm 7. Ideally the resilient arm 7 is operable to pivot 180° about the pivot axis. The primary bracket 3 additionally comprises a base 24 from which the first and second side walls 22, 23 extend in a perpendicular direction relative to the base 24, typically from opposing sides thereof, with the base 24 being configured for mounting upon the support surface 4. To this end the base 24 may comprise at least first and second holes 26 which may be radiused to allow greater loadings to be safely absorbed. The holes may be spaced apart such that the locating screws are also spaced more widely, again spreading load.
The secondary bracket 5 to which the resilient arm 7 is removably coupled comprises an engaging portion 25 which is shaped and dimensioned to receive and retain the opposing end of the resilient arm 7, which may comprise the end of the second or third part 1 1 ,17. The engaging portion 25 typically comprises a recess which is shaped and dimensioned such that the opening of the recess is angled towards the primary bracket 3 when the door 6 is in the secured state i.e. partially open or closed, thereby aiding in preventing disengagement of the resilient arm 7 to the secondary bracket 5. In an alternative embodiment (not shown) the engaging portion 25 of the secondary bracket 5 may comprise a rod or pin or loop and the opposing end of the resilient arm 7 may comprise a hook or latch or the like for releasable engagement of the engaging portion 25. Advantageously, when the resilient arm 7 is not coupled to the secondary bracket 5 it can be pivoted about the pivot axis such that it lies substantially parallel to the support surface 4 when not in-use (see figure 10). Furthermore, when it is desired to use the door securing assembly 1 it can easily and quickly be pivoted about the pivot axis and the resilient arm 7 can be releasably coupled to the secondary bracket 5 mounted upon the door to retain the door 6 in the secure partially open state.
Optionally the plurality of parts 9, 1 1 , 17 of the resilient arm 7 may include one or more sleeve members 27 configured to ensure a secure fit of each of the respective parts 9, 1 1 , 17 within the one or more other parts 9, 1 1 , 17 which they extend out of and retract into. To this end the sleeve members 27 may be located upon the exterior or interior of the parts 9, 1 1 , 17. In a preferred embodiment the door securing assembly comprises a dual sleeve arrangement where the second part 1 1 comprises a sleeve member 27 located at least at a first end, typically within the first part 9 which is configured to ensure a secure fit of the second part 1 1 within the first part 9 and the first part 9 includes a sleeve member 27 located at its end into which the second part 1 1 is received. The sleeve members 27 may be arranged such that the sleeve member 27 of the first part 9 is configured to abut the sleeve member 27 of the second part 1 1 , or vice versa, such as to prevent the second part 1 1 being removed from the first part 9. Advantageously the combination of the two sleeve members 27 is operable to prevent the second part 1 1 being removed from the first part 9. Furthermore, the dual sleeve arrangement described above is operable to increase the load surface acting upon the resilient biasing means 13, 15. The sleeve member 27 may comprise a metal, rubber, plastic or other material sleeve member. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sleeve member 27 of the second part 1 1 is a nylon sleeve part and the sleeve part 27 of the first part 9 is a steel sleeve part. Advantageously, the sleeve member(s) 27 facilitates smooth, controlled displacement of the second part 1 1 within the first part 9. Advantageously as described previously the second part 1 1 cannot be pulled out due to the dual-purpose usage of the two sleeve members 27. Furthermore, the sleeve members 27 used on the second and first parts 1 1 , 9 are operable to positively locate the second part 1 1 in terms of lateral movement. This removes any risk of the tubes becoming misaligned, or locking and as an additional benefit, the new device has increased compliance.
In-use the resilient arm 7 is pivotably coupled to the primary bracket 3 mounted upon the support surface 4 and the secondary bracket 5 is mounted upon the rear face of the door 6. The resilient arm 7 when not in-use can be pivoted about the pivot axis such that the resilient arm lies parallel with respect to the support surface 4. In this non-secured or non-engaged state, the door 6 may be opened and closed freely, however, if it is desired to secure the door 6 in the secured state the door may be closed and subsequently the resilient arm 7 pivoted about the pivot axis to align, engage the opposing end of the resilient arm 7 with the engaging portion 25 of the secondary bracket 5 such as to couple the resilient arm 7 to the secondary bracket 5. Where the resilient arm 7 comprises the plurality of parts they may adjust the length of the arm 7 by the adjustment means 8 to facilitate engagement of the arm 7 to the secondary bracket 5, secure the resilient arm 7 in place. When the arm 7 is coupled to the secondary bracket 5, the door 6 is secured in the secured state, however if a person attempts to open the door 6 when the arm 7 is coupled to the secondary bracket then the force applied at the door 6 is transmitted through the arm 7. In particular the second part 1 1 which will displace against the resilient biasing means 13, 15 of the first part 9 such as to compress the resilient biasing means 13, 15 located therein and thereby provide a cushioned movement which is operable to limit movement of the door 6 whilst still securely retaining the door 6 in the secured state. If excessive force is applied to the door, the biasing means 13, 15 creates a reactive force acting to close the door. The biasing means 13, 15 are designed such that the first biasing means 13 is less resilient that the second biasing means 15. As a result, when force is initially applied to the door, the first biasing means 13 is compressed due to its less resilient nature when compared to the second biasing means 15. Should additional or excessive force be applied, the more resilient second biasing means 15 will be displaced, to this end the more resilient second biasing means 15 requires a greater force to compress such as to prevent further opening of the door. In addition, should the door be opened to the extent that the second biasing means 15 is compressed or partially compressed, the resilience of the second biasing means 15 is such that it will exert a force which will attempt to return the door to the original position of the secured state. The door securing assembly 1 is preferably designed such that it can withstand an overall force of approximately 2 tonnes acting to attempt to open the door from the secured position to a more open position, wherein a person may pass through the door 6. However the force that the door securing assembly 1 is operable to withstand is determined by the materials it is made of therefore it may be configured to withstand greater or lower forces than this. If the person no longer desires for the door 6 to be retained in the secured state, they can pivot the arm 7 about the pivot axis such that it is no longer coupled to the secondary bracket 5 and/or alter the length of which the third part 17 extends out of the second part 1 1 such that it no longer extends to a length sufficient to engage the secondary bracket 5.
Advantageously the door securing assembly 1 is easy and quick to deploy, is hidden and inaccessible to potential intruders and is unobtrusive with regards the aesthetics of the door, as it can be pivoted such that it is kept relatively out of sight, and provides a strong and stable means of securing a door in a secured state. It must be understood that the components of the door securing assembly 1 , most pertinently the first 9, second 1 1 , and third 17 parts, can be sized to accommodate differing door arrangements. Components may be made interchangeable such that a user can select those which match their door and its surrounding geometry to enable the door securing assembly 1 to function as intended.
Referring now to Figure 1 1 there is shown, generally indicated by the reference numeral 100 an alternative embodiment of the door securing assembly in which like numerals are used to denote like parts of the first embodiment described previous. In this embodiment the resilient arm further comprises one or more spacer elements, preferably first and/or second spacer elements 130 the first spacer element being located between the first resilient biasing means 1 13 and the second resilient biasing means 1 15 and the second spacer element being located between the first resilient biasing means 113 and the sleeve member 127 wherein the spacer elements 130 are operable to prevent interference between the first and second resilient biasing means 1 13, 1 15 and typically further prevent interference between the first resilient biasing means 1 13 and the sleeve member 127. The resilient arm, in particular the second part 1 1 1 thereof, further typically comprises an additional sleeve member 128 which is typically located at approximately halfway along the length of the second part 1 1 1 , the additional sleeve member being operable to work in conjunction with the first sleeve member 127 to provide additional stabilisation during the telescopic displacement of the second part 1 1 1 relative to the first part 109, further preventing the second part 1 1 1 from being removed from within the fist part 109 in-use. The sleeve member 127, 128 may be made from a metal, rubber, plastic or any other suitable material, preferably the sleeve member 127 comprises a nylon sleeve member. The resilient arm typically further comprises a bush 131 or other suitable arrangement which is operable to provide a bearing surface for the second resilient biasing means 1 15 upon contact with the pivoting member 121 . The bush 131 is typically made from plastic or metal or composite or any other suitable material, preferably the bush 131 is made from nylon. The pivoting member 121 in this embodiment comprises a bolt however it may alternatively comprise a pin or rivet or any other suitable fastener. It should be understood that the additional features of the second embodiment, in particular the spacer elements 130, the additional sleeve member 128 and the bush 131 may form part of the first embodiment also with these parts being interchangeable with respect therewith.
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