GB2502124A

GB2502124A - Door handle extension and retaining device

Info

Publication number: GB2502124A
Application number: GB201208703A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Kevin Rickard; Sean Rickard
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-05-17
Filing date: 2012-05-17
Publication date: 2013-11-20
Also published as: GB201208703D0

Abstract

A door handle locking device comprises an extension lever which may be integral with the handle or may be a separate lever detachable from the handle having a tubular portion which may be slid over the handle; the lever of the locking device having retaining means such that the handle can be locked in an upwardly pivoted position. The door handle may be of a multi point door lock the locking device retaining the handle in the lifted or raised position in which the multiple locking bolts are thrown. The retaining means may comprise a portion 30 of the lever which engages a clip 32 mounted on the door frame or first locking means 36 on the extended portion of the lever 24 may engage a second locking means 38 on the door frame which may be key operated. The extended lever also provides an aid for elderly, children, or physically impaired persons.

Description

Improvements in and relating to Multipoint Door Locks

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a locking device including a lever member for a door handle, an assembly comprising a door handle and a locking device including a lever member and a method of operating a door lock. In particular, the invention relates to a locking device including a lever member for a door handle to assist the operation of a multipoint door lock, an assembly comprising a door handle and a locking device including a lever member to assist the operation of a multipoint door lock and a method of assisting the operation of a multipoint door lock.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Many modern external doors, especially uPVC doors, have a locking mechanism in which the handle of the door must be lifted to engage the locking mechanism.

In particular, conventional door lock mechanisms comprise multipoint door locks in which multiple latches are spaced along the edge of the door. Each latch comprises a bolt which can extend outwardly from the door in order to be engaged within a corresponding keep provided in the door frame.

Generally, after the door has been closed, to lock the door, the handle is firstly lifted upwards. This activates a securing mechanism and causes the bolts housed within an edge portion of the door to project into the corresponding keeps located in the surrounding door frame. A lock, traditionally operated with a key, is then operated to lock the securing mechanism and prevent the door being opened.

However, one common problem with these systems is that the hinges often drop due to the weight of the door. Misalignment occurs between the bolts and the keeps, and the handle becomes increasingly difficult to lift. This is particularly a problem for the elderly or frail, who may find it difficult to lift the handle even when the misalignment is only minimal.

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a device for securing a door that overcomes at least some of the problems mentioned above.

It is an aim of the present invention to overcome at least one problem associated with the prior art whether referred to herein or otherwise.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a locking device for operating a locking mechanism of a door, the locking device comprising a lever member for a door handle, the lever member being secured to the door handle such that arcuate movement of the lever member causes pivotal movement of the door handle, the lever member comprising an extended portion to increase the leverage on the door handle, the lever member further comprising retaining means to retain the lever member in a predetermined position and to retain the door handle in an upwardly pivoted position.

The lever member may be directly or indirectly secured to the door handle.

Preferably the locking device comprises securing means to secure the lever member to the door handle.

Preferably the locking device comprises securing means to removably secure the lever member to the door handle.

Preferably the locking device comprises securing means to permanently secure the lever member to the door handle.

The lever member and the door handle may be integral.

The locking device may include the door handle.

The locking mechanism may comprise a multipoint locking mechanism.

The door handle may be movable from a first lowered unlocked position to a second raised locked position. Preferably, in the second position, the door handle maintains a plurality of locking bolts in a locking position. Preferably, the locking bolts are movable to an unlocked position by moving the door handle downwardly from the first lowered unlocked position.

The locking device may be a sole locking device for the door.

The locking device may be an auxiliary locking device for the door.

Preferably the securement means removably secures the locking device to the door handle.

The securement means may comprise an engagement portion which is arranged, in use, to cooperate with the door handle to enable mutual movement of the engagement portion and the door handle.

The engagement portion may comprise a sleeve portion which is arranged to at least partially receive the door handle. The sleeve portion may enable the locking device to be slidably mounted to the door handle.

The sleeve portion may be arranged, in use, to encapsulate the door handle.

The sleeve portion may be arranged, in use, to be co-axial with the door handle.

The sleeve portion may have a uniform internal cross section, at least along an engagement section.

The sleeve portion may comprise a tapered internal engagement section in which the internal cross section decreases from an entry region. The sleeve portion may comprise a cone.

The securement means may comprise a plurality of sleeve portions to enable the locking device to be secured to different door configurations.

The securement means may comprise a first sleeve portion which is adjacent to a second sleeve portion. The first sleeve portion may be arranged to be secured adjacent to a side of the second sleeve portion. The second sleeve portion may be arranged to locate closer to a surface of the door compared to the first sleeve portion.

Preferably the sleeve portion extends along a first longitudinal direction. The lever member may extend along the first longitudinal direction. The lever member may extend at an angle relative to the first longitudinal direction. The locking device may comprise a transition section to form the angle between the sleeve portion and the lever member.

The locking device may comprise an attachment for a door handle.

The locking device may be integral with the door handle.

The locking device may comprise a transition section. Preferably the transition section locates between the securement means and the retaining means.

Preferably the transition section comprises an angled section.

Preferably the retaining means may be mounted on a retaining section of the locking device. Preferably the retaining means is located spaced from the securement means in both a vertical direction and a horizontal direction.

Preferably, when the door handle is in a raised position, the retaining means is arranged to locate adjacent to a surrounding of the door and preferably locates adjacent to a door frame member.

Preferably the retaining means is arranged to cooperate with a retaining member mounted on a surround of the door. Preferably the retaining member is mounted on a door frame member. Preferably the retaining member is mounted at a portion located vertically above the door handle.

Preferably the retaining means comprises a retaining portion.

Preferably the retaining portion is arranged to be engaged with the retaining member. The retaining portion and the retaining member may comprise a clip arrangement. Preferably the retaining portion is clipped into engagement with the retaining member in order to maintain the door handle in an upwardly pivoted (or raised) position.

Preferably, when the retaining portion is clipped in the retaining member, the locking device prevents the door from being opened.

The locking device may be resilient which may enable the retaining portion to be clipped into and out of engagement with the retaining member. The retaining portion may be movable towards and away from the surface of the door and/or the door surround and/or the door frame member.

Preferably locking device is arranged, in use, to be secured to a door handle which is arranged to be lifted to a raised position in order to engage a plurality of door locks.

Preferably the locking device comprises a locking device for operating a multipoint door locking mechanism.

The locking device may comprise locking means in order to lock the door handle in an upwardly pivoted (or raised) position.

The locking device may comprise locking means in order to lock the locking device to a surround of the door and preferably to a door frame member.

The locking means may require a key in order to unlock the locking means.

The locking means may comprise a first locking member mounted to the locking device and a second locking member mounted to a door surround. The second locking member may be arranged, in use, to be mounted to a door frame.

Preferably, the locking device is arranged, in use, to secure a door when a centre case locking mechanism is disabled.

A centre case locking mechanism for the door may be absent or disabled.

Preferably the locking mechanism comprises a centre case lock housing.

The locking mechanism may comprise a multi point locking mechanism.

The locking mechanism may comprise a dead bolt locking mechanism.

The locking mechanism may comprise a cylinder locking mechanism and preferably comprises a euro cylinder locking mechanism.

The locking mechanism may comprise a keyway for a dead bolt latch The locking mechanism may comprise a configurable centre case housing. The configurable centre case housing may comprise a dead bolt latch. The configurable centre case housing may comprise a face from which a dead bolt latch is extendable. The configurable centre case housing may be adjustable to enable the dead bolt latch to be secured at a plurality of locations on the face of the configurable centre case housing. Accordingly, the configurable centre case housing can be configured to replace a plurality of different centre case housings.

The configurable centre case housing may comprise a plurality of receiving portions into which a dead bolt latch can be secured. The configurable centre case housing may comprise a plurality of threaded receivers into which a dead bolt latch can be screwed.

The configurable centre case housing may comprise a door latch. The configurable centre case housing may comprise a face from which a door latch is extendable. The configurable centre case housing may be adjustable to enable the door latch to be secured at a plurality of locations on the face of the configurable centre case housing. Accordingly, the configurable centre case housing can be configured to replace a plurality of different centre case housings.

The configurable centre case housing may comprise a plurality of receiving portions into which a door latch can be secured. The configurable centre case housing may comprise a plurality of threaded receivers into which a door latch can be screwed.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an assembly comprising a door frame, a door including a door handle and a locking mechanism, and a locking device for operating the locking mechanism of the door, the locking device comprising a lever member for the door handle, the lever member being secured to the door handle such that arcuate movement of the lever member causes pivotal movement of the door handle, the lever member comprising an extended portion to increase the leverage on the door handle, the lever member further comprising retaining means to retain the lever member in a predetermined position and to retain the door handle in an upwardly pivoted position.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of operating a locking mechanism of a door comprising providing a door handle and a locking device for operating a locking mechanism of a door, the locking device comprising a lever member for the door handle and the lever member comprising an extended portion to increase the leverage on the door handle, the method comprising moving the lever member arcuately to cause pivotal movement of the door handle, the method further comprising retaining the lever member in a predetermined position using retaining means in order to retain the door handle in an upwardly pivoted position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be further described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a front schematic view of a prior art uPVC door comprising a door handle and a multipoint door lock mechanism; Figure 2 is a front schematic view of a preferred embodiment of a lever member for a door handle; Figure 3 is a front schematic view of a preferred embodiment of a lever member for a door handle secured to a door handle and in an upwardly retained position; Figure 4 is a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of retaining means for retaining the lever member in a predetermined position; Figure 5 is a front schematic view of another embodiment of a locking device in accordance with the present invention; Figure 6 is a front schematic view of a further embodiment of a locking device in accordance with the present invention; Figure 7 is a front schematic view of a configurable centre case for a locking mechanism is accordance with the present invention; and Figure 8 is a front view of a yet further embodiment of a locking device of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Figure 1 shows a typical external door 10 in which a locking mechanism is activated initially by lifting the door handle 12. This movement causes a first part of a securing mechanism housed in an external region of the door 10 to engage with a second part of the securing mechanism housed in a corresponding region of the door frame 14. Typically the first part of the securing mechanism comprises bolts and the second part of the securing mechanism comprises recesses or keeps sized to receive the bolts.

The securing mechanism comprises a multipoint door lock in which a number of bolts are located on the edge of the door 10 and these bolts can be extended from and retracted into the door 10. The corresponding door frame 14 includes corresponding keeps into which the bolts are retained in the engaged and locked configuration. The multipoint door lock may include two such pairs of bolts and keeps spaced vertically along the edge of the door and the door frame. This significantly improves the security provided by the locking mechanism. Figure 1 shows typical locations 15 of the pairs of bolts (or rollers) and keeps between the door and the door frame. The typical door will also include a dead bolt 17 and a normal door latch 11.

Figure 3 is a schematic drawing of a preferred embodiment of a locking device 18 of the present invention. The locking device 18 comprises a lever member 20 which is arranged to be secured to the existing door handle 12 of the door 10.

The lever member 20 comprises a first engagement portion 22 designed to receive and engage with the handle 12 of the door 10. In this example, the engagement portion comprises a tubular member 22 having an internal diameter slightly greater than external dimensions of the door handle 12. The length of the tubular member 22 is, at least, slightly greater than the length of the door handle 12. In this way, the door handle 12 may be slidably received within the tubular member 22 so that a longitudinal axis of the door handle 12 is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the tubular member 22. In the engaged configuration the door handle 12 is co-axial with the tubular member 22 such that radial or arcuate movement of the tubular member 22 will cause corresponding movement of the door handle 12.

The tubular member 22 comprises a sleeve portion which has a uniform internal cross section at least along the length which cooperates with the external surface of the door handle. In alternative embodiments, the sleeve portion may be conical such that the internal surface tapers inwardly from an outer receiving entry region.

Such a shaped sleeve portion may enable the locking device to be used with more door handles. In addition, the shape may enable the sleeve portion to be forced into engagement with a door handle.

The lever member 20 comprises an extended portion 24 which is arranged to increase the leverage on the door handle 12. In particular, the extended portion 24 enables an actuating force to be applied to the door handle 12 at a distance further from the pivot point of the door handle 12. Accordingly, the extended portion 24 enables a reduced force to be used to operate the door handle 12. For example, the extended portion 24 may include a handle section whereby a user can grab the lever member 20 and easily rotate the door handle 12. Since the handle section of the extended portion 24 is spaced further from the pivot point of the door handle 12 compared to the usual section of the door handle 12, then this increased distance means that only a reduced force (an a very minimum force) needs to be applied in order to operate the door handle 12.

The aim of this feature is to enable weak people (e.g. the elderly) to easily operate the locking mechanism. In addition, as previously mentioned, with time, the alignment of the bolts and keeps may become offset such that an increased force on the door handle 12 is required to engage the locking mechanism. The present invention solves this problem by enabling a user to be able to exert an increased rotational force on the door handle 12.

The lever member 20 further comprises retaining means comprising a retaining portion 30, at least a part 30 of which may be secured to a part of the door frame 14 when the device is in use, as will be explained further below. The retaining portion 30 is located on the end of the extended portion 24 (elongate member) that may be positioned parallel to and adjacent to a vertical section of the door frame 14. The retaining portion 30 engages with a corresponding second part 32 of the retaining means which is mounted to the door frame 14 and secures the device to the door frame in use.

The retaining means may comprise a clip mechanism in which the first retaining portion 30 mounted on the locking device 18 is moved inwardly towards the door frame 14 and hence the second retaining portion 32 in order for the two retaining portions 30, 32 to simply clip together. The two retaining portions 30, 32 can be unclipped by simply reversing this movement. The natural bias of the door handle 12 may urge the two retaining portions 30, 32 towards each other in order to maintain the retained configuration.

In the engaged configuration, the retaining means retain the locking device 18 in an upper location. In particular, the retaining means is arranged to retain the door handle 14 in an upwardly pivoted position, as shown in Figure 3. In this configuration, the multiple lock mechanism provides extra security. Accordingly, if a user uses this locking device and secures the locking device 18 in the upper retained configuration, then this provides a second form of defence against a burglar. At present, cylinder locks are vulnerable from "lock snapping" and the present invention thereby maintains the integrity of the locked door even if the cylinder is snapped.

The position of the retaining portion 30 relative to the engagement portion 22 is determined, in part, by the angle of the handle 12 relative to the door frame 14 when the handle 12 is in its lifted position, as shown in Figure 3. Even when the handle 12 is fully lifted there is generally a horizontal distance between the end of the handle 12 and the vertical door frame 14 adjacent the handle 12, so that the retaining portion 30 lies in a first plane which is offset from a second plane containing the first end of the engagement portion 22. Accordingly, the locking device 18 further comprises a transition portion or an angled section 26 between the engagement portion 22 and the extended portion 24.

The transition portion 26 is joined between the engagement portion 22 and the extended portion 24. The transition portion 26 typically comprises a curved or angled section so that a first end of the extended portion 24 is offset from a first end of the engagement portion 22. As shown most clearly in Figure 3, the first end of the engagement portion 22 lies at the end of the handle 12 when the device is in use.

The overall length of the locking device 18 allows it to act as a lever when engaged with a handle 12. With the engagement portion 22 engaged with the handle 12 a user may apply a force to the extended portion 24, which acts as an extended handle, to rotate and lift the door handle 12. This allows a smaller force to be applied to the locking device 18 than would otherwise need to be applied directly to the handle 12. This provides an advantage for users, in particular elderly or disabled users, who may otherwise have difficulty applying a sufficient force to lift the handle 12 to secure the door 10.

The longer the combined length of the transition portion 26 and extended portion 24 of the locking device 18, the less force must be applied by a user to lift the handle 12, by using the mechanical advantage of the lever. There is, of course, a limit to the practical length of the locking device 18.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, in which the extended portion 24 comprises at least a first part 30 of a retaining mechanism, once the handle 12 has been lifted using the locking device, the retaining mechanism may be used to secure the extended portion 24 to the door frame 14, thereby retaining the door handle 12 in a lifted position.

By locking the device to the door frame in this way, the securing mechanism of the door 12 is retained in an engaged position.

Furthermore, when the locking device 18 is fitted to a first side of a door 10, access through the door 10 from a second side is prevented as the handle 12 cannot be pulled downwards. The locking device 18, therefore, may be advantageously applied to a door 10 if the main door lock fails or cannot be used.

As shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3, the preferred embodiment of the locking device 18 includes a pull cord 34 to enable a user to easily disengage the locking device 18 and open the door 10.

The pull cord 34 is attached at a first end to a distal end region of the extended portion 24. A weight 35 is attached to the second end of the pull cord 34 so that, in use, the pull cord 34 hangs substantially vertically.

When a user pulls the pull cord 34, the retaining portion 30 is disengaged from the door frame 14. The handle 12 is then able to return to its horizontal, or non-lifted, position. The user can then pull the handle 12 downwards, either directly or by continuing to pull the pull cord 34, to open the door 10.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, the pull cord 34 would need to be pulled in a direction slightly away from the door frame 14. In addition, due to the retaining means, the user may also have to pull on the pull cord in a direction away from the plane of the door/door frame in order to disengage the first retaining portion 30 from the second retaining portion 32.

However, in some embodiments the pull cord may be located so that the cord 34 hangs, in use, to a side of the handle 12 furthest from the adjacent door frame 14.

This allows the locking device 18 to be disengaged from the door frame 14 with less force required, compared to a pull cord 34 mounted closer to the door frame 14. This positioning may enable a user to simply pull the pull cord 34 vertically downwardly in order to move the handle 12 downwardly.

The pull cord 34, therefore, allows a user to open a door 12 secured by means of the locking device 18 even if they are unable to reach the handle 12 or the extended portion 24 of the locking device 18.

In a preferred embodiment of the locking device 18, the engagement portion comprises two parallel tubular members 22, 23 attached along their length, as illustrated in Figure 2. These two tubular members 22, 23 allow handles 12 at different distances from the surface of the door to be accommodated. This arrangement comprises a double barrel or double sleeve arrangement. This may be particularly useful since the surfaces of some doors are flush whilst others are rebated.

As shown in Figure 2 to Figure 4, the locking device 18 also includes locking means in order to lock the locking device 18 in the upwardly retained configuration. The locking means comprise a first locking portion 36 mounted on the extended portion 24 of the locking device 18. The locking means comprises a second locking portion 38 mounted to the door frame 14. The locking means enables a user to lock the locking device and provides added security to the door for the user. The locking means may comprise any suitable locking mechanism which may or may not require a key.

The locking device may also include a security chain 40 as used in conventional doors. This chain 40 would enable a user to utilise the security function of the locking device 28 whilst still enabling the user to be able to partially open the door in a secure and controlled way.

Alternative embodiments of the present invention are shown in Figure 5 and Figure 6. As it will be appreciated, the locking device 18 contains a number of specific essential features but the look and appearance of these features may have significantly different appearances in other embodiments.

As shown in Figure 5, the locking device 18 includes an engagement portion 30 located at the end of the extended portion 24. In this embodiment the transition portion is integral with the extended portion and comprises a shaped section in the lever member 20.

As shown in Figure 6, the retaining portion 30 is provide on an auxiliary section 42 which is mounted on and extends out perpendicularly form the extended section 24. This embodiment still provide the lever function as created by the extended handle section 24 whilst also provides the retaining portion which will be engageable with a retaining portion mounted on the door frame 14 when the handle is in the lifted position.

In a yet further embodiment of the present invention, the locking device may be integral with the door handle and may be permanently provided on the inside of the door 10.

The present invention enable the door handle of a multi lock to be raised effortlessly and may be raised by a single finger of a user. The locking device 18 is of particular use with a lift handle mechanism or a lift lever mechanism. The locking device is suited for use in securing a door in which the cylinder lock has been snapped for example with a shear force. In one example, if a cylinder lock has been snapped but the locking device 18 is fitted and is retaining or locking the door handle 12 in the raised position, then the rollers 15 may still also be locking the door 10 and this would prevent an unauthorised person from gaining access by simply snapping the cylinder lock.

The present invention may also provide a visual deterrent to a potential burglar since the handle on the external side of the door will also be in a raised position when the locking device is in a raised and retained and/or locked configuration.

This will warn the burglar that even if the main cylinder lock is snapped, the integrity of the door will be maintained by the multi locks due to the handle being in the lifted position.

The extended portion 24 may be adjustable in length in order to increase or decrease the leverage. In particular, the extended portion 24 may be telescopic.

In addition, the extended portion 24 may be removable such that the remaining parts of the locking device could be maintained with the door handle and the extended portion could be removed.

The locking device may be completely removable such that the locking device is portable. For example, a user would be able to carry the locking device 18 in a handbag whilst away from the house and then use the locking device 18 to gain entry to the house on their return. In one embodiment, the locking device 18 may include lighting means, for example LED lights, which would help a user if using the locking device 18 in the dark.

The present invention thereby provides added security and also enables a physically restricted person to be able to easily operate and secure multi lock doors. Furthermore, the present invention can also be used as a locksmiths tool since the locking device 18 can be used to temporarily secure a door if the main cylinder lock has been disabled. This enables the locksmith to then source and find a replacement mechanism whilst using the locking device 18 to securely lock the door for the person. At present, a locksmith must either fit a temporary device (e.g. a sash jamber) which is generally not adequate or must fit a complex and expensive modular system with the cylinder lock space of the broken lock.

The present invention thereby provides a locking system even if the main multipoint locking mechanism fails. In this situation, a deadlock could be used but this provides a fire hazard if someone needs to try and exit through the door in an emergency. Since the present invention can be quickly and easily used by children and the elderly, the present invention is suited for use in an emergency (e.g. a house fire) where visibility is restricted and young children and the elderly need to be able to quickly and easily open the secured door. The locking device can also be used by someone who is located on the floor.

The locking device 18 provides an easy lifting system for a multipoint locking mechanism which cannot be manipulated from outside.

The present invention can also be used with French doors.

Figure 8 shows a yet further embodiment of the present invention in which the looking device 18 includes the door handle 12. Specifically, in this embodiment, the door handle 12 and the lever member 20 are integral. Accordingly, the locking device is permanently provided on the door 10. The present invention enables the door handle 12 or door handle section to be retained in the raised (locked) position.

The present invention can also be used with a configurable centre case housing including two spindles 53, 55, as shown in Figure 7. The centre case housing 50 provides a number of receiving portions into which a dead bolt latch 52 can be secured. In particular, a dead bolt latch 52 can be screwed into the outer face of the centre case 50 at a number of different locations. Similarly, the centre case housing 50 provides a number of receiving portions into which a door latch 54 can be secured. In particular, a door latch 54 can be screwed into the outer face of the centre case at a number of different locations. Accordingly, if the centre case locking mechanism is damaged then the present invention provides a replacement centre case which can be configured to fit the existing keeps of the damaged locking mechanism. At present, a locksmith may have a number of centre cases to fit the most popular sizes of locking mechanisms. However, the present invention provides a single system that can be configured to fit with numerous existing systems. In particular, in the centre case of the present invention the spaces of the door latch and the dead bolt can be set by the user. Such a configurable centre case may be used a temporary system until the locksmith has sourced a correct replacement centre case.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A locking device for operating a locking mechanism of a door, the locking device comprising a lever member for a door handle, the lever member being secured to the door handle such that arcuate movement of the lever member causes pivotal movement of the door handle, the lever member comprising an extended portion to increase the leverage on the door handle, the lever member further comprising retaining means to retain the lever member in a predetermined position and to retain the door handle in an upwardly pivoted position.
2. A locking device according to Claim 1 in which the locking mechanism comprises a multipoint locking mechanism.
3. A locking device according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 in which the door handle is movable from a first lowered unlocked position to a second raised locked position and, in the second position, the door handle maintains a plurality of locking bolts in a locking position.
4. A locking device according to any preceding claim in which the locking device is a sole locking device for the door.
5. A locking device according to any one of Claim 1 to Claim 3 in which the locking device is an auxiliary locking device for the door.
6. A locking device according to any preceding claim in which the locking device comprises securement means which removably secures the locking device to the door handle.
7. A locking device according to any preceding claim in which the locking device comprises securement means which comprises an engagement portion which is arranged, in use, to cooperate with the door handle to enable mutual movement of the engagement portion and the door handle.

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8. A locking device according to Claim 7 in which the engagement portion comprises a sleeve portion which is arranged to at least partially receive the door handle and the sleeve portion enables the locking device to be slidably mounted to the door handle.
9. A locking device according to Claim 8 in which the sleeve portion is arranged, in use, to be co-axial with the door handle.
10. A locking device according to Claim 8 or Claim 9 in which the sleeve portion comprises a tapered internal engagement section in which the internal cross section decreases from an entry region and the sleeve portion comprises a cone.
11. A locking device according to any one of Claim 8 to Claim 10 in which the securement means comprises a plurality of sleeve portions to enable the locking device to be secured to different door configurations and, in which, the first sleeve portion is secured adjacent to a side of the second sleeve portion and the second sleeve portion is arranged to locate closer to a surface of the door compared to the first sleeve portion.
12. A locking device according to any preceding claim in which the locking device comprises securement means comprising a sleeve portion which extends along a first longitudinal direction.
13. A locking device according to Claim 12 in which the lever member extends along the tirst longitudinal direction.
14. A locking device according to Claim 12 in which the lever member extends at an angle relative to the first longitudinal direction.
15. A locking device according to Claim 14 in which the locking device comprises a transition section to form the angle between the sleeve portion and -21 -the lever member.
16. A locking device according to any preceding claim in which the locking device comprises an attachment for a door handle.
17. A locking device according to any one of Claim 1 to Claim 15 in which the locking device is integral with the door handle.
18. A locking device according to any preceding claim in which the retaining means is mounted on a retaining section of the locking device and the retaining means is located spaced from the securement means in both a vertical direction and a horizontal direction.
19. A locking device according to any preceding claim in which, when the door handle is in a raised position, the retaining means is arranged to locate adjacent to a surrounding of the door.
20. A locking device according to Claim 19 in which the retaining means is arranged to cooperate with a retaining member mounted on a surround of the door.
21. A locking device according to Claim 20 in which the retaining member is mounted at a portion located vertically above the door handle.
22. A locking device according to any preceding claim in which the retaining means comprises a retaining portion and the retaining portion is arranged to be engaged with the retaining member, the retaining portion and the retaining member comprising a clip arrangement in which, the retaining portion is clipped into engagement with the retaining member in order to maintain the door handle in an upwardly pivoted (or raised) position.
23. A locking device according to Claim 22 in which the locking device is -22 -resilient which enables the retaining portion to be clipped into and out of engagement with the retaining member.
24. A locking device according to any preceding claim in which the locking device is arranged, in use, to be secured to a door handle which is arranged to be lifted to a raised position in order to engage a plurality of door locks.
25. A locking device according to any preceding claim in which the locking device comprises locking means in order to lock the door handle in an upwardly pivoted (or raised) position.
26. A locking device according to any preceding claim in which the locking device comprises locking means in order to lock the locking device to a surround of the door.
27. A locking device according to any preceding Claim 25 or Claim 26 in which the locking means requires a key in order to unlock the locking means.
28. A locking device according to any one of Claim 25 to Claim 27 in which the locking means comprises a first locking member mounted to the locking device and a second locking member mounted to a door surround.
29. A locking device according to any one of Claim 25 to Claim 28 in which the locking device is arranged, in use, to secure a door when a centre case locking mechanism is disabled.
30. A locking device according to any preceding claim in which the locking mechanism comprises a dead bolt locking mechanism.
31. A locking device according to any preceding claim in which the locking mechanism comprises a euro cylinder locking mechanism.

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32. A locking device according to any preceding claim in which the locking mechanism comprises a configurable centre case housing comprising a dead bolt latch, the configurable centre case housing also comprising a face from which the dead bolt latch is extendable and, in which the configurable centre case housing is adjustable to enable the dead bolt latch to be secured at a plurality of locations on the face of the configurable centre case housing.
33. A locking device according to Claim 32 in which the configurable centre case housing comprises a plurality of receiving portions into which a dead bolt latch can be secured and the receiving portions comprise a plurality of threaded receivers into which the dead bolt latch can be screwed.
34. A locking device according to any preceding claim in which the configurable centre case housing comprises a door latch, the configurable centre case housing also comprising a face from which the door latch is extendable and, in which, the configurable centre case housing is adjustable to enable the door latch to be secured at a plurality of locations on the face of the configurable centre case housing.
35. A locking device according to Claim 34 in which the configurable centre case housing comprises a plurality of receiving portions into which a door latch can be secured and the receiving portions comprise a plurality of threaded receivers into which the door latch can be screwed.
36. An assembly comprising a door frame, a door including a door handle and a locking mechanism, and a locking device for operating the locking mechanism of the door, the locking device comprising a lever member for the door handle, the lever member being secured to the door handle such that arcuate movement of the lever member causes pivotal movement of the door handle, the lever member comprising an extended portion to increase the leverage on the door handle, the lever member further comprising retaining means to retain the lever member in a predetermined position and to retain the door handle in an upwardly pivoted -24 -position.
37. A method of operating a locking mechanism of a door comprising providing a door handle and a locking device for operating a locking mechanism of a door, the locking device comprising a lever member for the door handle and the lever member comprising an extended portion to increase the leverage on the door handle, the method comprising moving the lever member arcuately to cause pivotal movement of the door handle, the method further comprising retaining the lever member in a predetermined position using retaining means in order to retain the door handle in an upwardly pivoted position.39. A locking device for operating a locking mechanism of a door substantially as herein described, with reference to, and as shown in, any of the accompanying figures.40. An assembly comprising a door frame, a door including a door handle and a locking mechanism, and a locking device for operating the locking mechanism of the door substantially as herein described, with reference to, and as shown in, any of the accompanying figures.41. A method of operating a locking mechanism of a door substantially as herein described, with reference to, and as shown in, any of the accompanying figures.