SECUREMENT OF DOORS

This invention relates to securement of doors. More particularly, the invention relates to a securement device and a method of securing a wing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Doors and windows are often provided with latches to latch the door or window wing into their respective frames. Often doors and windows are not provided with locks, or the locks may not be provided with keys. Sometimes, in public facilities such as hotels, locks may have spare keys, which are not under the control of the occupant of a room. The inventor identified a requirement to secure doors and windows, provided with latches. In this specification the term "wing" is used to refer to a movable door or window. This term also includes other movable structures such as drawers, lids of chests, car boots, or car bonnets, to which the operating, mounting, latching, or locking means may be applied. "Frame" means any member to which a wing may be held.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a securement device, which includes a first attachment formation, being removably securable to any one of a wing and a frame; a second attachment formation, shaped and dimensioned removably to engage a wing handle; and retaining means fixed to the first- and the second attachment formations for retaining the second attachment formation in position relative to the first attachment formation thereby, in use, to retain the wing handle, being engaged by the second attachment formation, in position.

The first attachment formation may be in the form of a rigid hook shaped and dimensioned to be attachable to a wing edge. In one embodiment, the rigid hook may be constructed from a sheet metal. In another embodiment, the rigid hook may be moulded, such as by injection moulding.

The second attachment formation is in the form of a sling attachable to a closure handle, such as a door lever and a doorknob. The second attachment formation may include a high friction arrangement disposed, in use, to engage the wing handle.

The retaining means may include an adjustment device for adjusting the retaining means thereby to adjust the relative position of the first- and second attachment formations relative to each other.

The retaining means may be in the form of an elongate tensile element. In particular the elongate tensile element may be in the form of a strap.

The adjustment device may be in the form of a strap adjustment buckle.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of securing a wing, which includes removably attaching a first fixed attachment formation to the wing; removably attaching a second attachment formation to a wing handle operable to open a wing latch; restricting movement of the wing handle so as to prevent operation of the wing handle and latch.

The invention will now be described, by way of example only with reference to the following drawing(s):

DRAWING(S)

In the drawing(s):

Figure 1 shows a securement device in accordance with the invention, in use on a door with a door lever; and Figure 2 shows a securement device in accordance with the invention, in use on a door with a doorknob.

EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

Figures 1 and 2 a securement device 10 is shown in use.

The securement device 10 includes a first attachment formation in the form of a rigid hook 12 manufactured from a sheet metal. The hook is provided with a slit 12.1. The hook can also be manufactured by moulding such as by injection moulding it for mass production. As can be seen the hook 12 is shaped and dimensioned to fit over an edge 14.1 of a door 14 (shown in broken line).

The securement device 10 includes a second attachment formation in the form of a sling 16.1.

Between the sling 16.1 and the rigid hook is provided retaining means in the form of a strap 16. In this embodiment, the sling 16.1 is integral with, and defined by the strap. The sling 16.1 is defined by the strap being folded back on itself and stitched together by stitching 18.

A second strap 20 is provided, being attached to the hook 12 by being fed through the slit 12.1 and stitched on itself by stitching 22.

A buckle 24 is also attached to the strap 20 and is adjustable on the strap 16.

The two straps 16, 20 provide retaining means for retaining the hook 12 and the sling 16.1 in position relative to each other. The buckle 24 provides for adjustment of the retaining means by pulling a strap portion 20.1 tight, thereby to retain the sling 16.1 in position relative to the hook 12.

The sling is urged in the direction of arrow 26 if the strap portion 20.1 is pulled tight.

An inner surface of the sling 16.1 is provided with a high friction surface 16.1.1 defined by a rubber coating.

In Figure 1 , the securement device 10 is attached to a door 14 fitted with a door handle in the form of a lever 28 (shown in broken line). As can be seen, the hook 12 is hooked over the edge 14.1 of the door and the sling is removably attached to the door lever 28, with the high friction surface 16.1.1 facing inwards to engage the door handle 28. When the strap 20.1 is tightened, the normal movement of the handle 28 is restricted, thereby preventing the door 14 from being opened.

In Figure 2, the securement device 10 is attached to a door 14 fitted with a door handle in the form of a doorknob 30 (shown in broken line). As can be seen, the hook 12 is hooked over the edge 14.1 of the door and the sling is removably attached to the doorknob 30, with the high friction surface 16.1.1 facing inwards to engage the doorknob 30. When the strap 20.1 is tightened, the normal movement of the doorknob 30 is restricted, by preventing rotation of the doorknob 30 in the tightened high friction surface 16.1.1 of the sling 16.1 , thereby preventing the door 14 from being opened.

The inventor believes that the invention provides a new apparatus for securing doors, windows and other openings in addition to existing locking methods.