AU672591B2

AU672591B2 - Locking apparatus

Info

Publication number: AU672591B2
Application number: AU32904/93A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Edward John Smith
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1992-02-28
Filing date: 1993-02-08
Publication date: 1996-10-10
Anticipated expiration: 2013-02-08
Also published as: GB2265413A; AU3290493A; NZ241783A; GB9303966D0; GB2265413B

Description

P/00/011 Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

ORIGINAL

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT oo o e r s cc

HEO

.a rQ o cc o o Name of Applicant: Edward John Smith ALTERLU Actual Inventor: Edward John Smith Address for Service: -Rn 1 o w o r, urleighW s, Gold Cast 4220, Queensland, Australia C -on 1lcc Cn G (11Y- +roY C4l CrCs, Invention Title: Locking Apparatus (.ob no \cl 4q'226 Details of Associated Provisional Application: New Zealand Application No. 241738, dated 28th February 1992 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me:- LOCKING APPARATUS This invention relates to locking apparatus and methods for securing closable openings.

For convenience only, the present invention will be described with reference to locking apparatus and methods for securing closable openings such as doors and windows of buildings for which the invention may be particularly suitable. However it is to be understood that it is not to be limited as such.

Moreover, because the invention may have many other applications, prior art and possible applications of the invention discussed below, are given by way of example only.

Conventional apparatus and methods for securing closable openings such as doors and windows of buildings comprise standard door locks, and window latches. In addition to these there are security chains which may be releasably connected between the door and the door jamb, or security bars such as used for 1:5 locking barn doors wherein a heavy bar is positioned across the door by providing slots for the ends of the bar on either side of the door.

The chain type security apparatus provides an additional level of security over and above the standard door lock, and is mainly provided to enable the door to be S opened slightly to check who is on the other side of the door, without allowing the person to push the door open. This system however is generally not sufficient to withstand an excessive load applied by someone determined to break open the door, and hence does not give a complete sense of security to the occupant.

The bar type lock used with barn doors can be designed to withstand heavy loads by merely providing a more rigid bar with stronger support slots on either -2side of the door. Since the loading on the bar is generally carried in shear and bending however, the bar must generally be of a substantial cross section to carry a heavier load resulting in a bulky bar member. Furthermore the loading carried by the support slots and attachment bolts is generally a tension loading so that adequate fasteners are required to transfer the loading to the door posts.

Other types of conventional locks and latches commonly used to fasten doors and windows are often deficient, and can be broken open relatively easily by persons wishing to gain access to a building. In some cases the lock or latch can be pushed out of engagement or simply broken. In other cases, the latch can be made to tear free of the door or windows, or its frame. Consequently these types of latches also may leave an occupant with a sense of insecurity.

It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

S. According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a means for securing a closable opening in a building, said means comprising; a single fixed length elongate element, and first and second fastening means provided Sat opposite first and second ends of said elongate element for respectively fastening said elongate element to first and second frame members on opposite sides of said closable opening, said first fastening means comprising an "20 aperture in a portion of said first end of said elongate element, and a pivot pin adaptable to pass through said aperture and directly into a portion of said first frame member, such that said elongate element may swing in a vertical plane about said pivot pin when mounted on said first frame member, and said second fastening means comprising a releasable fastener adapted to be mounted on said second frame member, said fastener incorporating a pin aligned substantially parallel with said pivot pin which is adapted to pass completely through an aperture formed in a portion of said second end of said -o T R '4, -3elongate element, the arrangement and construction being such that a substantial tensile loading in said elongate element can be transmitted via said first and second fastening means to said first and second frame members.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided means for securing a closable opening substantially as described above wherein said elongate element is a solid rigid member.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided means for securing a closable opening substantially as described above wherein said first and second fastening means for fastening said elongate element comprise one or more bolts passing entirely through said first and second frame members of said opening.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of securing a door having first and second frame members on opposite side edges of said door, using the means for securing a closable opening as described above, including the step of; closing said door, fastening the first end of said elongate element to said first frame member using said first fastening means Ssuch that said elongate element can be positioned across said door to obstruct Sopening of said door, and releasably fastening the second end of said elongate element to said second frame member using said releasable fastener, such that a tensile loading in said elongate element may be transmitted to said second frame member.

With the above described means for securing a closable opening, problems due to inadequate strength, or bulky construction associated with conventional apparatus may be overcome.

Since the fastening means enables a tension load in the elongate element to be transmitted to the frame of the opening, the elongate element may be of -4relatively small cross section since it does not need to carry a bending moment as with the conventional bar type door lock. Furthermore, the loading applied to the frame of the opening is not a pure tension load tending to pull the fastener directly away from the frame, as is the case with conventional fasteners.

Instead some of the loading on the fastener is a side load tending to pull the fastener sideways. The restraining strength of the fastener is thus not solely dependent on the grip of the screw thread in the frame as with conventional fasteners, but is also dependent on the compressive strength of the frame material which can be considerable. By having a fastening means such as bolts passing right through the opposite side members of the opening, an even stronger fastening may be provided.

Moreover, by having a pivotal fastening at one end, the elongate element may be easily swung down in a vertical plane and so lie substantially parallel to the side of the opening so as not to cause an obstruction when not in use.

Furthermore, when fitted acroslj the opening, the elongate element provides a visibly secure means for securing a closable opening such as a door or window hence adding to the sense of security.

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ooeo -o eg• l Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic front view of a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, from the inside of a door way.

Figure 2 is a sectional plan view of the embodiment of Fig. 1.

Figure 3 is a front view of a second embodiment of the present invention, from the inside of a doorway.

Figure 4 is a sectional side view of a third embodiment of the present invention, fitted to a window.

Figure 5 is a sectional plan view of an extruded door frame modified in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

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Figures 6 to illustrate further embodiments of the present invention.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a first embodiment of the present invention comprises a metal strap or bar 10, of approximately 5mm thickness and width, which can be fastened across a doorway to prevent the door from o* opening, and is held in place by bolts at either end which pass entirely through the doorposts from the outside.

As shown in Figure 1, one end of the strap 10 is pivotally mounted on a bolt 11 passing through the doorpost 12 and fastened with a nut. The bolt 11 is preferably round-headed or countersank in the doorpost, so that it cannot be turned from the outside. When the strap 10 is not in use, it can hang vertically alongside the doorway from the bolt 11, preferably at the hinged side of the door C 3 RA4C -o ~'ro so that it lies behind the open door. To secure the door, the door is closed and the strap 10 pivoted up to lie horizontally across the doorway.

At the free end of the strap 10 an aperture or clip is provided, which can be engaged with a latch 14 mounted on the doorpost 15, with one or more further bolts 16 passing entirely through the doorpost 15 as with the bolt 11. Preferably the latch 14 comprises of a housing fitted with a spring-loaded pin 17, which can fit through the aperture 13 and is arranged to thereby fasten the end of the strap By this means, the strap 10 on the indoor side of the doorway is tied across the S door through the doorposts to the outside, providing a very secure retainer.

o Preferably a metal coverplate 18 is provided on the doorpost 12 to prevent scratching or chafing of the doorpost from the swinging strap, and the strap may be spaced slightly away from the surface of the door to similarly avoid damage to the paint work. The latch 14 may be further fastened in place with one or more small screws 19 to hold it against twisting out of proper alignment.

Because the strap extends across the whole door, it is not possible for it to be broken away from the door like a latch or bolt screwed onto the door itself.

0: Furthermore great force is required before the fasteners at either end of the strap can be pulled away from the doorpost. This is because the bolts 11 and 16 transmit Che loading from the strap (which includes a tension load), to the doorposts as both a compressive load due to the bolts being pulled sideways and as a compressive load exerted by the heads of the bolts on the other side of the doorpost. Since the compressive strength of doorposts is generally considerable, it may also be possible to obtain adequate strength and security by using heavy screws instead of bolts which do not pass right through the door post. In this case the force would be transmitted to the door post as a compressive side -7loading, and as a shear loading between the screw threads and the door material. In either case, the strap may be located relatively unobtrusively when not in use, and no alteration to the door itself is required.

As shown in the remaining drawings, the present invention may be embodied in a wide variety of different forms. As shown in Figure 3, a central coupling may be used joining two pivotally mounted short straps 21 and 22 with the aperture or clip 23 at the end of one, and the latch 24 with a spring-loaded pin at the end of the other. Both straps are pivotally mounted on bolts 25 passing entirely through the door-posts 26 as with the bolt 11 in the embodiment of Figure 1. A central locking system as shown in Figure 3 may be found preferable in some cases because the two short straps may be easier to handle than a single long strap, particularly for weak or elderly persons. In appearance however, such a system may be more obtrusive than the embodiment of Figure 1.

As shown in Figure 4, a window latch of the present invention may comprise a point fastener rather than a strap extending across the full width of a window.

S Because pivotally mounted windows generally open outwards rather than inwards, as exterior doors generally do, the embodiments of Figure 1 and 3 are not usually applicable to windows. Instead, a latch 30 fastened to a window frame 34 engages a round-headed bolt 31 passing entirely through a window sash 32 from the outside. The latch 30 engages with a detent 33 cut in the bolt 31. The latch mounting is preferably integrally formed as a part of the window frame 34 as shown, or alternatively may also be bolted thereon by a bolt passing through the outer frame 34. The bolt 31 may have a number of detents 33 as shown to allow the window to be latched slightly open.

As shown in Figure 5, the system of the present invention can be applied as an integral modification to a door frame, particularly to an extruded aluminum type of metal door frame. A strap 40 may be pivotally mounted on a bolt 41 passing through the extruded frame 42 and entirely through the underlying wall stud 43. The interior of the door frame extrusion includes a recurving lip 44, which on one side of the door forms a housing in which the strap 40 lies concealed when not in use. At the other side of the door, the same recurving lip 44 forms the body of the latch 45 in which a spring loaded pin 46 is mounted.

Again, a bolt 47 is passed entirely through the doorpost at or about that point, so that when fastened, the strap 40 is tied by fasteners from the exterior of the door frame on both sides. Alternatively, instead of the bolts 41 and 47 passing entirely through the doorposts, screws which screw into the doorposts may be used. Since much of the load carried by the screws will be due to a sideways force from the tension in the strap 40, this method may provided adequate strength and may simplify installation.

Figure 6 shows a variety of further embodiments of the present invention. As

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shown in plan view in Figure 6a, the strap may be fastened onto the door itself and joined by a bolt passing entirely through the door, to a door hinge. The hinge in turn is bolted to the doorpost by a bolt from the exterior. The latch may O comprise a solenoid activated lock 50 as shown in detail and front view in o.ee Figure 6b, fastened through the door and through the doorpost. Such a latch *has the advantage that it can be remotely operated from the exterior using an i electronic control or "key" unit. The solenoid may also be linked to a smoke detector or heat activated release system so that in the event of fire inside the building, the lock 50 is automatically released. Heat insulation of some type may be required around the sensor to prevent improper activation from the outside.

An automatic safety release of this type may be of particular advantage if the lock 50 comprises a deadlock without the manual operation knob 51 and/or switch 52, so that it is releasable only with the appropriate electronic key.

As shown in plan view in Figure 6c, the strap may be a flexible fabric belt 60 of the type commonly used for seat belts in vehicles. Preferably, such a belt is cut to length so that it cannot be extended further than is necessary to engage with the latch 61, and is mounted in a spring-loaded automatic retractor unit 62.

Similarly, a chain, wire cable, leather, plastics or other material might equally be used instead of the metal strap described with reference to Figure 1.

As shown in Figure 6d, the strap 70 may be pivotally mounted on the door itself, preferably on a bolt 71 passing through the door, and swiveled to engage with latches 72 bolted through the doorpost on one, or as shown on both sides.

The strap may extend diagonally across a door or in a variety of other configurations as suits a particular application. Sliding doors may be secured with a point fastener of the general type described with reference to Figure 4.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and S: it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims.

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Claims

1. Means for securing a closable opening in a building, said means comprising; a single fixed length elongate element, and first and second fastening means provided at opposite first and second ends of said elongate element for respectively fastening said elongate element to first and second frame members on opposite sides of said closable opening, said first fastening means comprising an aperture in a portion of said first end of said elongate element, and a pivot pin adaptable to pass through said aperture and directly into a portion of said first fame member, such that said elongate element may swing in a vertical plane about said pivot pin when mounted on said first frame member, and said second fastening means comprising a releasable fastener adapted to be mounted on said second frame member, said fastener incorporating a pin aligned substantially parallel with said pivot pin which is adapted to pass completely through an aperture formed in a portion of said second end of said elongate element, the arrangement and construction being such that a substantial tensile loading in said elongate element can be transmitted via said first and second fastening means to said first and second frame members. *e.

2. Means for securing a closable opening according to claim wherein said i" elongate element is a solid rigid member.

3. Means for securing a closable opening according to either one of claims 1 and 2, wherein said first and second fastening means for fastening said elongate element comprise one or more bolts passing entirely through said first and second frame members of said opening. 0 I ~T -11-

4. A method of securing a door having first and second frame members on opposite side edges of said door, using the means for securing a closable opening as claimed in any one of claims 1 through 3, including the step of; closing said door, fastening the first end of said elongate element to said first frame member using said first fastening means such that said elongate element can be positioned across said door to obstruct opening of said door, and releasably fastening the second end of said elongate element to said second frame member using said releasable fastener, such that a tensile loading in said elongate element may be transmitted to said second frame member. Means for securing a closable opening substantially as described herein with reference to drawings 1, 2, and too. 6. A method of securing a closable opening substantially as described herein S 6 6 with reference to drawings 1, 2, and oo. EDWARD JOHN SMITH (Date) os 555 p ABSTRACT An apparatus for securing a closable opening such as a door opening is disclosed. The apparatus has a metal strap (10) pivotally connected at one end to a door post (12) by means of a bolt The other end of the strap (10) is releasably fastened to the opposite door post (15) by means of a housing attached to the door post (15) by a bolt and fitted with a spring loaded pin (17) which fits through an aperture (13) in the end of the strap The strap (10) may thus carry a tension loading when in use with its ends securely attached to the opposite door posts (12,15), thereby providing a strong and visually secure means for securing the door opening.