Use of a safety device for preventing rotation of a handle for a door or a window during renovation or construction of a building, and specific safety devices therefor.

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates in general to the field of renovation and construction of buildings.

Background of the Invention

During renovation and construction of a building, windows and doors will in some cases be mounted before renovation or construction of the fagade screen, such as brickwork. In other cases, all brickwork associated with the entire building is renovated or constructed before starting the mounting of windows and doors.

In particular, terrace doors and terrace windows, which are mounted first in the renovation or construction without further protection etc. are dangerous as they by inattention can be opened without any kind of security outside.

Building regulations contain provisions that dictate that once windows and doors are mounted in a building construction, these must be secured and kept closed so that the construction workers do not use window openings or door openings for example for leading building materials for the interior of the building or removing materials from the interior of the building. In other words, these provisions dictate that windows and doors, once mounted in a building, must be kept closed during renovation or construction of the building.

Nonetheless it is still tempting for a construction worker to use window openings and door openings for leading materials and tools in or out or to use these openings as access roads.

When this happens, rules are broken and, moreover, opening of a window or a door will represent a safety risk to the construction workers working in the building. Furthermore, there is a risk of damaging doors or windows by such materials or tools hitting parts of the doors or the windows or the frames thereof. This entails expenses for the constructor for repairing such damages. Hence, there is therefore a need for a solution that can ensure that windows and doors, once mounted in the building, are not opened during renovation or construction of the building.

Object of the Invention

The objective of the present invention is to provide such a solution. This is obtained with the present invention in its various aspects.

Summary of the Invention

The inventors of the present invention have developed a specific safety device for preventing rotation of a handle for a door or a window during renovation or construction of a building.

With the various aspects of the invention, it is ensured that windows or doors cannot be opened in an easy and inexpensive manner. This increases the safety and quality during renovation or construction of buildings.

One aspect relates to the use of a safety device for preventing rotation of a handle for a door or a window during renovation or construction of a building (wherein said door or window is mounted), wherein said safety device is adapted for being attached to or around said handle and/or covering at least a part, preferably more than 20%, such as within 20-100%, e.g., 25-90%, of said handle.

Another aspect relates to a safety device for preventing rotation of a handle for a door or a window, wherein said safety device is adapted for being attached to or around said handle and/or covering at least a part, preferably more than 20%, such as within 20-100%, e.g., 25-90%, of said handle. In its first aspect, the present invention therefore relates to a safety device for preventing rotation of a door handle or a window handle, the safety device comprising:

-a first subelement,

-a second subelement -a connecting element; wherein the first subelement comprises a longitudinal edge extending in a longitudinal direction X; wherein, at the longitudinal edge of the first subelement, an opening is positioned for receiving a door handle or a window handle, this opening having an extension in the longitudinal direction X as well as in a transverse direction Y that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X; wherein the second subelement comprises a longitudinal edge extending in the longitudinal X direction; wherein the first subelement is connected to the second subelement via the connecting element; wherein the first subelement comprises a first set of gripping means, and wherein the second subelement comprises a second set of gripping means; wherein the first set of gripping means is configured to be able to engage with the second set of gripping means, the first subelement thereby being able to be locked to the second subelement.

In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a door element comprising a door frame with a pivotably suspended door, the door comprising a door handle for opening and closing the door, the door element further comprising one or more safety devices according to the first aspect of the invention.

In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a window element comprising a window frame with a pivotably suspended window, the window comprising a window handle for opening and closing the window, the window element further comprising one or more safety devices according to the first aspect of the invention. In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a use of a safety device according to the first aspect of the invention for preventing rotation of a door handle or a window handle.

In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a method for producing a safety device according to the first aspect of the invention, comprising the steps of: a) producing a negative mold representing the desired shape and contour of the safety device; b) filling the mold provided in step a) with a liquid plastic material; c) awaiting solidification of the liquid plastic material; d) removing the safety device from the negative mold.

In a sixth aspect, the invention provides a method for preventing rotation of a door handle or a window handle comprising the following steps: i) providing a safety device according to the first aspect of the invention; ii) placing the safety device around the pivot shaft of a door handle or a window handle in such a way that this pivot shaft is located in the opening of the first subelement and in such a way that the longitudinal edge of the first subelement and/or first longitudinal subedge and second longitudinal subedge are positioned substantially parallel to a frame of the door or the window and adjacent to this; iii) bending the safety device around the connecting element so that the first set of gripping means is brought close to the second set of gripping means; iv) ensuring that the first set of gripping means engages with the second set of gripping means, the safety device thereby being locked around the door handle or the window handle.

In one or more embodiments, the safety device further comprises a sensor unit configured to register when a door or window is open or closed.

In one or more embodiments, the safety device further comprises a sensor unit configured to register if the handle has been turned after the safety device has been mounted thereto. In one or more embodiments, the safety device further comprises a sensor unit configured to register if the safety device has been opened after the safety device has been mounted.

Suitable sensors for the sensor unit could e.g., be tilt sensors and/or motion sensors. The sensor unit may further comprise a microchip configured for communicating with a handheld computer, such as a smartphone.

The above sensor unit(s) may be part of a larger system of sensor units, such as burglar alarms, flooding alarms, fire alarms, etc.

As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" or "approximately" one particular value and/or to "about" or "approximately" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about", it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.

It should be noted that embodiments and features described in the context of one of the aspects of the present invention also apply to the other aspects of the invention.

The invention is described in more detail in the following detailed description of several preferred embodiments, with reference to the figures.

Brief description of the figures

Figure 1 is a plan view showing an embodiment of a safety device according to the present invention, seen from its front. Figure 2a is a plan view showing an alternative embodiment of a safety device according to the present invention, seen from its front.

Figure 2b is a plan view showing an alternative embodiment of a safety device shown in Fig. 2a and according to the present invention, seen from its front. Figure 3 is a plan view showing yet another alternative embodiment of a safety device according to the present invention, seen from its front.

Figure 4 is a cross section of an example of the embodiment of the first set of gripping means and the second set of gripping means for a locking device according to the present invention.

Figure 5 is a cross section of an example of an alternative embodiment of the first set of gripping means and det second set of gripping means for a locking device according to the present invention.

Figure 6 is a plan view showing the embodiment of the safety device from Fig. 1 or 2, seen from the side.

Figure 7a shows in perspective a typical embodiment of a door or window handle.

Figure 7b shows in perspective a typical embodiment of a traditional handle for a door or a window.

Figure 8a is a perspective drawing illustrating positioning of the safety device according to the first aspect of the invention on a handle for a window.

Figure 8b is a perspective drawing illustrating locking of the safety device in Fig. 8a on a handle for a window.

Figure 9a, 9b and 9c is a cross section of an alternative embodiment of the first set of gripping means and the second set of gripping means.

Figures 10-16 shows different embodiments of a safety device in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. References

2 Handle for door or window

4 First subelement of safety device

6 Second subelement of safety device

8 Connecting element of safety device

10 Longitudinal edge of first subelement

10a First longitudinal subedge of longitudinal edge of first subelement

10b Second longitudinal subedge of longitudinal edge of first subelement

12 Opening in first subelement for receiving handles

12a Primary part of opening

12b Secondary part of opening

13 Locking block

14 Longitudinal edge of second subelement

16 First gripping means of safety device

18 Second gripping means of safety device

20 Reinforcing element of safety device

22 Front of safety device

24 Back of safety device

26 Ridge

28 Primary locking element

30 Recess in primary locking element

31 Through hole of primary locking element

32 Front surface of primary locking element

34 Secondary locking element

36 Protrusion of secondary locking element

38 Root of protrusion of secondary locking element

40 Pivot shaft for handle

42 Window

43 Window sill 44 Window frame/window element

46 Hole in first subelement for third set of gripping means

48 Hole in second subelement for third set of gripping means

50 Third set of gripping means

52 Machine bolt

54 Nut

56 Wood screw

58 Locking strip

60 Contact surface

100 Safety device

X Longitudinal direction

Y Transverse direction z Direction that is perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction

Detailed Description of the Invention

One aspect relates to the use of a safety device for preventing rotation of a handle for a door or a window during renovation or construction of a building (wherein said door or window is mounted), wherein said safety device is adapted for being attached to said handle and/or covering at least a part, preferably more than 20%, such as within 20-100%, e.g., 25-90%, of said handle.

Another aspect relates to a safety device for preventing rotation of a handle for a door or a window, wherein said safety device is adapted for being attached to or around said handle and/or covering at least a part, preferably more than 20%, such as within 20-100%, e.g., 25-90%, of said handle.

In one or more embodiments, the safety device is adapted for being attached to said handle and covering at least a part, preferably more than 20%, such as within 30-95%, e.g., 35-75%, of said handle. In one or more embodiments, the safety device is adapted for being attached to said handle and for covering at least 50% of said handle, preferably substantially covering the entire handle. This configuration reminds the user that the handle is not to be turned and makes it very difficult to grasp the handle.

In one or more embodiments, the safety device is adapted for being attached around said handle and for covering at least 50% of said handle, preferably substantially covering the entire handle.

In one or more embodiments, the safety device comprises:

-a first subelement;

-a second subelement; wherein said first subelement is configured for being locked to said second subelement, or vice versa.

In one or more embodiments, the safety device further comprises a connecting element, and wherein said first subelement is connected to said second subelement via said connecting element. The purpose of the connecting element is in some embodiments to provide a cover function and/or in other embodiments to serve as a guide for the first and second subelements to easier being locked together.

In one or more embodiments, the connecting element is flexible, thereby allowing a user to connect or fasten said first subelement to said second subelement.

In one or more embodiments, the safety device is only fastened to the handle, i.e. , not to other parts of the window or door.

In one or more embodiments, the safety device comprises a contact surface adapted for being held or positioned between a) a door element and the corresponding door frame, and/or b) a window element and the corresponding window casing and/or window sill. This embodiment allows the safety device to be mounted between the door element and the corresponding door frame, or between a window element and the corresponding window casing and/or window sill. This configuration may be embodied as a plate with a flange, where the flange is the contact surface and the plate may be a connection to, or part of, the first subelement or the second subelement.

In one or more embodiments, the contact surface is attached to the first subelement or to the second subelement.

In one or more embodiments, the safety device comprises two contact surfaces, each contact surface adapted for being held or positioned between a) a door element and the corresponding door frame, and/or b) a window element and the corresponding window casing and/or window sill; wherein one of said contact surfaces is attached to said first subelement, and wherein the other of said contact surfaces is attached to said second subelement. This configuration enables the safety device to be used for different types of doors or windows, e.g., one of the contact surfaces is adapted for a window or a door that opens into the construction/building, while the other is adapted for a window or a door that opens out of the construction/building.

In one or more embodiments, the first subelement comprises an opening adapted for receiving a handle for a door or a window.

In one or more embodiments, the second subelement, when locked to the first subelement, is adapted for blocking the opening in the first subelement, thereby making it more difficult to remove the safety device when it is closed.

In one or more embodiments, the first subelement comprises a first gripping means, and wherein the second subelement comprises a second gripping means; and wherein the first set of gripping means is configured to be able to engage with the second set of gripping means, the first subelement thereby being able to be locked to the second subelement, or vice versa. Examples of gripping means are discussed below in relation to another aspect and embodiment.

In one or more embodiments, the device comprises one or more primary locking elements, each comprising a recess; and wherein the second set of gripping means of the device comprises one or more secondary locking elements, each comprising a protrusion adapted for fitting into said recess.

In one or more embodiments, the first subelement comprises a longitudinal edge extending in a longitudinal direction; and wherein the second subelement comprises a longitudinal edge extending in said longitudinal direction.

In one or more embodiments, first subelement comprises an opening adapted for receiving a handle for a door or a window; and wherein said opening has an extension in the longitudinal direction as well as in the transverse direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

In one or more embodiments, opening for receiving a handle for a door or a window is in the form of a through hole positioned near the longitudinal edge of the first subelement.

In one or more embodiments, opening comprises a primary part as well as one or more secondary parts, the secondary part(s) being coherent with the primary part and having an extension from this in a longitudinal direction; wherein the primary part of the opening has a larger extension in the transverse direction, compared to the extension in the transverse direction of the secondary part(s); a door or window handle thereby being able to pass through the primary part of the opening; said opening being configured to house said handle so that the pivot shaft of the door or window handle is housed in said secondary part.

In one or more embodiments, second subelement comprises one or more locking blocks adapted for preventing the door or window handle from being turned when the second subelement is locked to the first subelement, or vice versa.

In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a safety device for preventing rotation of a door handle or a window handle, the safety device comprising:

-a first subelement,

-a second subelement -a connecting element; wherein the first subelement comprises a longitudinal edge extending in a longitudinal direction X; wherein, at the longitudinal edge of the first subelement, an opening is positioned for receiving a door handle or a window handle, this opening having an extension in the longitudinal direction X as well as in a transverse direction Y that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X; wherein the second subelement comprises a longitudinal edge extending in the longitudinal direction X; wherein the first subelement is connected to the second subelement via the connecting element; wherein the first subelement comprises a first set of gripping means, and wherein the second subelement comprises a second set of gripping means; wherein the first set of gripping means is configured to be able to engage with the second set of gripping means, the first subelement thereby being able to be locked to the second subelement.

The safety device is therefore intended for being mounted on a handle for a door or a window as the handle is received in the opening of the safety device. Therefore, the safety device can be locked to the handle to prevent opening of a door or a window. This locking takes place by the first subelement of the device being locked together with the second subelement of the device when the pivot shaft of the handle is positioned in the opening of the safety device. The edge(s) of the first and/or the second subelement of the safety device will hereby be adjacent to a door frame or a window frame, which prevents the handle from being able to rotate.

In an embodiment of the safety device according to the first aspect of the invention, the opening for receiving a handle for a door or a window is in the form of a through hole positioned near the longitudinal edge of the first subelement, the material of the first subelement completely surrounding this through hole. Providing the opening for receiving a handle as a through hole with material around it helps to effectively ensure that the handle cannot be rotated after mounting the device.

In an embodiment of the safety device according to the first aspect of the invention, the through hole comprises a primary part as well as one or more secondary parts, each secondary part being coherent with the primary part and having an extension from this in a longitudinal direction X; wherein the primary part of the through hole has a larger extension in the transverse direction Y, compared to the extension in the transverse direction Y of at least one of the secondary parts; a door or window handle thereby being able to pass through the primary part of the through hole; and the safety device then being able to be displaced in a longitudinal direction relative to this door or window handle so that the pivot shaft of the door or window handle is thereby housed in one of the secondary parts of the through hole.

As mentioned, this embodiment of the trough hole of the safety device enables the use with a door or window handle.

In an embodiment of the safety device according to the first aspect of the invention, the second subelement comprises one or more locking blocks, the locking block or locking blocks extending in a transverse direction Y; wherein the locking block or locking blocks are positioned at a position in the longitudinal direction X corresponding to one or more of the secondary parts of the through hole, or at a position in the longitudinal direction X corresponding to the transition between a secondary part and the primary part of the through hole.

It is hereby further ensured that it will not even be possible to open a door or window handle when the safety device is mounted thereon.

In an embodiment of the safety device according to the first aspect of the invention, the opening for receiving a handle for a door or a window is in the form of a recess extending some distance from the longitudinal edge of the first subelement in a transverse direction Y towards the longitudinal edge of the second subelement, the recess thereby dividing the longitudinal edge of the first subelement into a first longitudinal subedge and a second longitudinal subedge. Designing the opening for receiving a handle for a door or a window in this manner makes it easier to mount the safety device on the handle.

In an embodiment of the safety device according to the first aspect of the invention, the longitudinal edge of the first subelement and/or the first longitudinal subedge of the first subelement and/or the second longitudinal subedge of the first subelement are substantially straight.

In an embodiment of the safety device according to the first aspect of the invention, the first longitudinal subedge of the first subelement and/or the second longitudinal subedge of the first subelement are straight and in line.

In an embodiment of the safety device according to the first aspect of the invention, the longitudinal edge of the second subelement is substantially straight.

In an embodiment of the safety device according to the first aspect of the invention, the longitudinal edge of the second subelement is parallel to the longitudinal edge of the first subelement and/or is parallel to the first longitudinal subedge of the first subelement and/or to the second longitudinal subedge of the first subelement.

These embodiments of the edges make it easier to position the safety device on a handle.

In an embodiment of the safety device according to the first aspect of the invention, the first subelement, det second subelement and the connecting element are an integrated unit made of a coherent material; or the first subelement and the second subelement are separate elements connected to each other via the connecting element, for example in the form of a hinging element.

These embodiments of the safety element make it easy and inexpensive to produce the device.

In an embodiment of the safety device according to the first aspect of the invention, the connecting element and optionally also the first subelement and/or the second subelement are independently made of a rigid, but flexible material. This hereby makes it easier to mount the safety device on a handle.

In an embodiment of the safety device according to the first aspect of the invention, the first subelement, the second subelement and the connecting element are independently made of polymer, such as plastic, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, wood, metal, or alloy, such as aluminium, steel or brass.

These materials have proven suitable for the intended purpose.

In an embodiment of the safety device according to the first aspect of the invention, the device further comprises one or more reinforcing elements.

In an embodiment of the safety device according to the first aspect of the invention, one or more of the reinforcing elements are positioned at the longitudinal edge of the first subelement and/or at the first longitudinal subedge of the first subelement and/or the second longitudinal subedge of the first subelement and/or at the longitudinal edge of the second subelement, and/or at the opening of the subelement.

In an embodiment of the safety device according to the first aspect of the invention, one or more of the reinforcing elements comprise an elongated reinforcement independently positioned substantially in an orientation parallel to the longitudinal X direction or parallel to the transverse Y direction.

Inclusion of one or more reinforcing elements ensures that unauthorized disassembling of a safety device mounted on a handle is made more difficult. The reinforcing elements are typically in the form of an elevation extending from the front or back of the first subelement or the second subelement.

In an embodiment of the safety device according to the first aspect of the invention, it comprises a plate-like structure with a front and a back, the first set of gripping means, and the second set of gripping means both being positioned on the front.

This hereby ensures easy locking of the safety device when this is to be mounted on a handle.

In an embodiment of the safety device according to the first aspect of the invention, the extension of the device in the longitudinal X direction is 10 - 45 cm, such as 15 - 40 cm, for example 20 - 35 cm or 25 - 30 cm.

In an embodiment of the safety device according to the first aspect of the invention, the extension of the device in the transverse Y direction is 7 - 26 cm, such as 10 - 24 cm, for example 12 -22 cm, such as 14 - 20 cm, for example 16 - 18 cm.

In an embodiment of the safety device according to the first aspect of the invention, the opening of the device has an extension in the longitudinal X direction of 10 - 80 mm, such as 20 - 70 mm, for example 30 - 60 mm or 40 - 50 mm.

In an embodiment of the safety device according to the first aspect of the invention, the opening of the device has a largest extension in the transverse Y direction of 30 - 100 mm, such as 35 - 90 mm, for example 40 - 80 mm or 50 - 70 mm.

In an embodiment of the safety device according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein the opening comprises a primary part as well as one or more secondary parts, the primary part of the through opening has an extension in the transverse Y direction of 50 - 95 mm, such as 55 - 90 mm, for example 60 - 85 mm, such as 65 - 80 mm or 70 - 75 mm; and/or the secondary part 12b of the through opening 12 has an extension in the transverse Y direction of 25 - 90 mm, such as 30 - 85 mm, for example 35 - 80 mm, such as 40 - 75 mm, for example 45 - 70 mm, such as 50 - 65 mm or 55 - 60 mm. These dimensions have proven suitable for the safety device.

In an embodiment of the safety device according to the first aspect of the invention, the connecting element of the device comprises a ridge extending in a direction that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal X direction, this ridge defining an area of reduced thickness of the connecting element relative to the thickness of a surrounding area of the connecting element.

This hereby makes it easier to bend the connecting element.

In an embodiment of the safety device according to the first aspect of the invention, the first set of gripping means of the device comprises one or more primary locking elements, each comprising a recess; and the second set of gripping means of the device comprises one or more secondary locking elements, each comprising a protrusion having an extension in the direction Z from a surface of the safety device, the protrusion having a larger extension some distance from the root of the protrusion relative to the extension of the protrusion closer to the root of the protrusion.

In an embodiment of the safety device according to the first aspect of the invention, the first set of gripping means of the device comprises one or more secondary locking elements, each comprising a protrusion having an extension in a direction Z from a surface of the safety device, the direction Z being perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction X and the transverse direction Y of the safety device, the protrusion having a larger extension some distance from the root of the protrusion relative to the extension of the protrusion closer to the root of the protrusion; and the second set of gripping means of the device comprises one or more primary locking elements, each comprising a recess.

In an embodiment of the safety device according to the first aspect of the invention, the recess is in the form of a through hole in the material of the safety device.

In an embodiment of the safety device according to the first aspect of the invention, the recess has an extension in a direction Z from a front surface of the primary locking element, the direction Z being perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction X and the transverse direction Y of the safety device, the recess having a larger extension some distance down the recess relative to the extension of the recess at the front surface.

In an embodiment of the safety device according to the first aspect of the invention that comprises reinforcing elements, one or more reinforcing elements are positioned in a longitudinal direction X, and one or more of the recesses are positioned in one or more of these reinforcing elements.

All these embodiments of gripping means ensure safe and good locking of the second subelement to the first subelement of the safety device.

In an embodiment of the safety device according to the first aspect of the invention, dimensions, geometry and materials of the first set of gripping means and the second set of gripping means, respectively, are configured in such a way that once the first set of gripping means and the second set of gripping means have engaged with each other, this engagement can only be lifted in a destructive manner in the sense that separation can only take place in a way, wherein the first set of gripping means and/or the second set of gripping means are deformed in such a way that they will not immediately be able to engage with each other again and thereby be able to lock the first subelement to the second subelement, or at least so that this deformation will become visually detectable. The securing element hereby serves for prophylactic locking of a handle, as it is easily revealed that a safety device has been broken open without authorization. In an alternative embodiment of the safety device according to the first aspect of the invention, the first set of gripping means comprises a number of holes in the first subelement, and the second set of gripping means comprises a number of holes in the second subelement, the safety device also comprising a third set of gripping means, the third set of gripping means being configured to be able to engage with the first set of gripping means as well as the second set of gripping means and thereby indirectly engage the first set of gripping means with the second set of gripping means.

This embodiment provides further flexibility regarding possible ways of locking the first subelement to the second subelement. In an embodiment of the safety device according to the first aspect of the invention, the holes of the first set of gripping means are through holes in the first subelement; and the holes of the second set of gripping means are through holes in the second subelement.

With the third set of gripping means, the first subelement can be locked to the second subelement by passing a third set of gripping means through respective holes in the first subelement and the second subelement.

In an embodiment of the safety device according to the first aspect of the invention, the holes of the first set of gripping means are through holes in the first subelement; and the holes of the second set of gripping means are non-through holes in the second subelement; or the holes of the first set of gripping means are non-through holes in the first subelement; and the holes of the second set of gripping means are through holes in the second subelement; and wherein the extension in the XY plane of the non-through hole is smaller than the extension in the XY plane of the through hole.

With the third set of gripping means, the first subelement can be locked to the second subelement by passing a third set of gripping means through the through hole in the first subelement and fixing the third subelement to the non-through hole in the second subelement, or vice versa.

In an embodiment of the safety device according to the first aspect of the invention, the third set of gripping means is selected from the group of: a number of machine bolts with associated nut; a number of wood screws; a number of locking strips, the locking strip being of the type comprising an elongated element with a head in one end, the elongated element on one side comprising a serrated track, and the head comprising a through opening, the through opening in the head comprising a locking latch that can engage with the serrated track so that the elongated element only can be passed through the through opening of the head in one direction; or a number of combination or key locks, such as padlocks.

These examples of the third set of gripping means effectively provide a locking of the first subelement to the second subelement. In certain embodiments, the safety device can be designed so that it serves for detection of whether a window or a door has been opened, as they do not necessarily prevent opening, but allow removal from the door or the window, however, resulting in destruction of the safety device.

Thereby, doors and windows will still be able to function as emergency exits as the safety device will be able to be removed if violent forces are exerted thereon.

In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a door element comprising a door frame with a pivotably suspended door, the door comprising a door handle for opening and closing the door, the door element also comprising one or more safety devices according to the first aspect of the invention.

In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a window element comprising a window frame with a pivotably suspended window, the window comprising a window handle for opening and closing the window, the window element also comprising one or more safety devices according to the first aspect of the invention.

In a fourth aspect, the invention provides a use of a safety device according to the first aspect of the invention for preventing rotation of a door handle or a window handle.

In an embodiment of the use according to the fourth aspect of the invention, the use takes place during construction of a building.

In a fifth aspect, the invention provides a method for producing a safety device according to the first aspect of the invention, comprising the steps: a) producing a negative mold representing the wanted shape and contour of the safety device; b) filling the mold provided in step a) with a liquid plastic material; c) awaiting solidification of the liquid plastic material; d) removing the safety device from the negative mold.

Other methods for producing comprise cutting or 3D printing of one or more of the subelements and possibly assembling them.

In a sixth aspect, the invention provides a method for preventing rotation of a door handle or a window handle comprising the following steps: i) providing a safety device according to the first aspect of the invention; ii) placing the safety device around the pivot shaft of a door handle or a window handle in such a way that this pivot shaft is located in the opening of the first subelement and in such a way that the longitudinal edge of the first subelement; and/or first longitudinal subedge and second longitudinal subedge are positioned substantially parallel to a frame of the door or the window and adjacent to this; iii) bending the safety device around the connecting element so that the first set of gripping means is brought close to the second set of gripping means; iv) ensuring that the first set of gripping means engages with the second set of gripping means, the safety device thereby being locked around the door handle or the window handle.

In the following, reference is made to the figures to better illustrate the present invention, Fig. 1 being a plan view showing an embodiment of a safety device according to the present invention, seen from its front.

Fig. 1 shows a safety device 100 according to the present invention. The safety device is for preventing rotation of a handle 2 for a door or a window.

The safety device 100 shown in fig. 1 comprises a first subelement 4, a second subelement 6 as well as a connecting element 8. The first subelement 4 is connected to the second subelement 6 via the connecting element 8;

It is seen that the first subelement comprises a longitudinal edge 10 extending in a longitudinal direction X. It is also seen that the second subelement 6 comprises a longitudinal edge 14 extending in a longitudinal direction X.

At the longitudinal edge 10 of the first subelement 4, an opening 12 is positioned. This opening is for receiving a handle 2 for a door or a window. It is seen that the opening 12 is in the form of a through hole, the material of the first subelement 4 completely surrounding this through hole.

The opening has an extension in the longitudinal direction X as well as in a transverse direction Y that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X. It is also shown in Fig. 1 that the first subelement 4 comprises a first set of gripping means 16, and that the second subelement 6 comprises a second set of gripping means 18.

The first set of gripping means 16 is configured to be able to engage with the second set of gripping means 18, the first subelement 4 thereby being able to be locked to the second subelement 6.

It is also shown in Fig. 1 that the safety device comprises reinforcing means 20 positioned near the opening 12 and at the ends of the first subelement 4, respectively.

The broken lines in the figures are to be perceived as imaginary lines separating the first subelement 4 and the second subelement 6 from the connecting element 8, respectively.

Fig 2a is a plan view showing an alternative embodiment of a safety device according to the present invention, seen from its front.

Fig. 2a thereby shows a safety device very similar to the device shown in Fig. 1. Flowever, the opening of the device in Fig. 2 is designed differently than in Fig. 1. It is shown in Fig. 2a that the opening 12 for receiving a handle 2 is in the form of a recess extending some distance from the longitudinal edge 10 of the first subelement 4 in a transverse direction Y towards the longitudinal edge 14 of the second subelement 6. The recess hereby divides the longitudinal edge 10 of the first subelement 4 into a first longitudinal subedge 10a and a second longitudinal subedge 10b.

Fig. 2b is a plan view showing an alternative embodiment of a safety device shown in Fig. 2a and according to the present invention, seen from its front.

The safety device 100 shown in Fig. 2b has the same type of opening 12 for receiving a handle 2. In the safety device in Fig. 2b, however, the first set of gripping means 16 is integrated with a reinforcing element 20 extending in a longitudinal direction X. In this embodiment, the first set of gripping means 16 can be designed as illustrated in Fig. 4.

To illustrate the operation of the safety device according to the first aspect of the invention, reference is now made to Fig. 8a and 8b.

Fig. 8a is a perspective drawing illustrating positioning of the safety device according to the first aspect of the invention on a handle for a window.

Fig. 8b is a perspective drawing illustrating locking of the safety device in Fig. 8a on a handle for a window.

It can be seen in Fig. 8a that the safety device 100 is positioned on a handle 2 for a window 42 mounted in a window frame 44 in such a way that the pivot shaft 40 of the handle 2 is received by the opening 12 in the first subelement 4. The longitudinal edge 10 and the longitudinal subedges 10a and 10b of the first subelement 4 are positioned substantially in vertical direction.

It can be seen in Fig. 8a that the connecting element 8 of the safety device is slightly bent. The safety device is hereby prepared for being locked around the handle 2 in such a way that the second subelement 6 of the device is locked to the first subelement 4 via the second set of gripping means 18 as well as the first set of gripping means 16.

This is illustrated in Fig. 8b. It can be seen in Fig. 8b that the safety device 100 is completely bent around the connecting element 8 so that the second subelement 6 is brought into contact with the first subelement 4. This configuration of the safety device is maintained, since the second set of gripping means 18 of the device are brought into engagement with the first set of gripping means 16.

In the configuration shown in Fig 8b, it is impossible to rotate the window handle 2 without first destroying the gripping means 16, 18. This is because the edge 10, 10a, 10b of the first subelement 4 and the edge 14 of the second subelement 6 of the safety device are adjacent to the window frame.

The safety device 100 hereby has a prophylactic effect for a craftsman tempted to open the window and, against the rules, use the window opening as pathway for building materials or tools. Fig 3 is a plan view showing an alternative embodiment of a safety device according to the present invention shown in Fig. 1. Also in Fig. 3, the safety device is seen from its front.

It can be seen in Fig. 3 that the through hole 12 comprises a primary part 12a as well as two secondary parts 12b. Each of the two secondary parts 12b is coherent with the primary part 12a and each secondary part 12b has an extension from the primary part 12a in the longitudinal direction X.

It can be seen, that the primary part 12a of the through hole 12 has a larger extension in the transverse direction Y, compared to the extension in the transverse direction Y of each of the secondary parts 12b. A door or window handle 2 can hereby be passed through the primary part 12a of the through hole 12. The safety device 100 can then be displaced in the longitudinal direction X relative to this door or window handle 2 so that the pivot shaft 40 of the door or window handle will be housed in one of the secondary parts 12b of the through hole 12.

It is also seen in Fig. 3 that the second subelement 6 comprises two locking blocks 13 extending in a transverse direction Y. These locking blocks 13 are positioned at a position in the longitudinal direction X corresponding to the transition between a secondary part 12b and a primary part 12a of the through hole 12. The locking blocks 13 protrude some distance from the surface 22 in the Z direction and are cast together with the front 22.

When a door or window handle 2 is positioned in the through hole so that the pivot shaft 40 of the door or window handle will be housed in one of the secondary parts 12b of the through hole 12, and when the secondary subelement 6 is then bent in the connecting element 8 towards the first subelement 4 and locked thereto via the gripping means 16, 18, these locking blocks 13 will prevent the safety device 100 from being displaced relative to the handle 2 to such an extent that the pivot shaft 40 of the handle 2 will be housed in the primary part 12a of the through hole 12. The locking blocks in this configuration of the safety device 100 hereby prevent the safety device from being able to be removed from door or window handles. It should be noted that where the embodiment shown in Fig. 3 is suitable for ball- type handles, the embodiments in both Fig. 1 , 2a, 2b and 3 are suitable for traditional handles in the form of an elongated embodiment.

Fig. 4 shows a cross section of an example of the embodiment of the first set of gripping means and the second set of gripping means for a locking device according to the present invention.

Fig. 4 shows a section of the first subelement 4 and a section of the second subelement 6 of the safety device 100, respectively. The first set of gripping means 16 is positioned on the front 22 of the first subelement 4 and the second set of gripping means 18 is positioned on the front 22 of the second subelement 6.

The first set of gripping means 16 comprises primary locking elements 28, each comprising a recess 30, and wherein the second set of gripping means 18 of the device comprises one or more secondary locking elements 34, each comprising a protrusion 36 having an extension in the direction Z from a surface of the safety device. The protrusion has a larger extension some distance from the root 38 of the protrusion relative to the extension of the protrusion closer to the root 38 of the protrusion.

The recess 30 in Fig. 4 is in the form of a through hole 31 in the material of the first subelement 4 of the safety device.

When the protrusion 36 is pressed through the through hole 30, the second subelement 6 will be locked to the first subelement 4.

Fig. 5 shows a cross section of an example of an alternative embodiment of the first set of gripping means and the second set of gripping means for a locking device according to the present invention.

Also Fig. 5 shows a section of the first subelement 4 and a section of the second subelement 6 of the safety device 100, respectively. The first set of gripping means 16 is positioned on the front 22 of the first subelement 4 and the second set of gripping means 18 is positioned on the front 22 of the second subelement 6. The first set of gripping means 16 comprises a primary locking element 28, each comprising a recess 30 having an extension in a direction Z from a front surface 32 of the primary locking element, the direction Z being perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction X and the transverse direction Y of the safety device. It is seen that the recess 30 has a larger extension (in the X and/or Y direction) some distance down in the recess relative to the extension of the recess (in the X and/or Y direction) at the front surface 32.

The second set of gripping means 18 comprises secondary locking elements 34, each comprising a protrusion 36 having an extension in the direction Z from the surface 22 of the second subelement 6 of the safety device. It is seen that the protrusion has a larger extension (in the X and/or Y direction) some distance from the root 38 of the protrusion relative to the extension of the protrusion (in the X and/or Y direction) closer to the root 38 of the protrusion.

With the embodiments of the first set of gripping means 16 and the second set of gripping means 18 shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, respectively, the first subelement 4 of the safety device can be attached to the second subelement 6 of the safety device, since the protrusion 36 can be pressed down into the recess 30, and because of the geometries of these elements, the first subelement 4 can be fixed and locked to the second subelement 6. The safety device can hereby be used for locking around a handle 2 for a door or a window.

A person skilled in the art will know how to select dimensions and geometries and materials of the first set of gripping means 16 and the second set of gripping means 16, respectively, to ensure that once the first set of gripping means 16 and the second set of gripping means 18 are brought into engagement with each other, these cannot be separated without destroying the geometry and/or the dimensions of the materials forming the first set of gripping means 16 and the second set of gripping means 18, respectively.

In this way, the safety device, although it cannot ultimately prevent removal from a handle 2, can help to reveal if someone has tried to open a given door or a given window. The safety device can hereby serve as prophylaxis against opening a door or a window during construction of a building.

Fig. 6 is a plan view showing the embodiment of the safety device from Fig. 1 or 2, seen from the side.

Fig. 6 shows the safety device 100 comprising a front 22 and a back 24. The connecting element 8 connects the first subelement 4 to the second subelement 6. It is seen that the first set of gripping means 16 and the second set of gripping means 18 are positioned on the front 22 of the device. On the back 24 of the device, there is a ridge 26 extending in a direction that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal X direction. The ridge 26 defines an area of reduced thickness of the connecting element 8 relative to the thickness of a surrounding area of the connecting element 8. This hereby makes it easier to bend the connecting element 8 itself.

Fig. 7a is a perspective view of a typical embodiment of a door or window handle.

Fig. 7a is a in perspective view of a typical embodiment of a traditional handle for a door or a window.

In Fig. 7a and 7b it is seen that the handle 2 comprises a pivot shaft 40.

Fig. 9a, 9b and 9c is a cross section of an alternative embodiment of the first set of gripping means and the second set of gripping means.

These embodiments are designed so that the first set of gripping means 16 can be brought into engagement with the second set of gripping means 18 in an indirect manner as a third set of gripping means is used.

Fig. 9a thereby shows a part of the safety device 100, wherein the first set of gripping means 16 comprises a number of through holes 46 in the first subelement 4, and wherein the second set of gripping means 18 comprises a number of through holes 48 in the second subelement 6. The safety device 100 also comprises a third set of gripping means 50 in the form of a machine bolt 52 with associated nut 54. It is seen that the bolt 52 engages with the first set of gripping means 16 as well as a second set of gripping means 18 and that the nut 54 locks the bolt 52 in this position. This embodiment is designed so that the third set of gripping means 50 indirectly brings the first set of gripping means 16 into engagement with the second set of gripping means 18.

In the present description and in the attached claims, it is to be understood that the expression “the first set of gripping means is configured to be able to engage with the second set of gripping means, the first subelement thereby being able to be locked to the second subelement” can mean both that the first subelement can be locked directly to the second subelement, and that the first subelement can be locked indirectly to the second subelement, the third set of gripping means providing for this engagement and thereby also this locking of the two subelements to each other.

Fig. 9c shows another embodiment of the third set of gripping means 50 comprising a locking strip 58, the locking strip being of the type comprising an elongated element with a head in one end, the elongated element on one side comprising a serrated track, and the head comprising a through opening, the through opening in the head comprising a locking latch that can engage with the serrated track so that the elongated element can only be passed through the through opening of the head in one direction.

Fig. 9b shows another alternative embodiment, wherein a third set of gripping means 50 is used.

It is seen that the hole of the first set of gripping means 16 is a non-through hole 46 in the first subelement 4 and that the hole 48 of the second set of gripping means 18 is a through hole in the second subelement 6.

It is also seen that the extension, in the XY plane, of the non-through hole 46 is smaller than the extension, in the XY plane, of the through hole 48.

In Fig. 9c, the third set of gripping means 50 is in the form of a wood screw 56 that is screwed through the through hole 48 and down into the non-through hole 46, whereby the wood screw 50,56 can lock the first subelement 4 to the second subelement 6. It is to be understood that all features and achievements, indicated above and in the attached patent claims regarding one aspect of the present invention and the embodiments thereof, also apply to the other aspects of the invention as well as embodiments thereof. Figure 10 discloses a particular preferred embodiment, where the safety device 100 comprises a first subelement 4, a second subelement 6, a connecting element 8, and two contact surfaces 60A, 60B. The first subelement 4 is configured for being locked to the second subelement 6, or vice versa, and is, in both the open and closed states of the safety device 100, is connected to the second subelement 6 via the connecting element 8. The connecting element 8 is configured for covering the entire handle, as better seen in Figure 11, thereby reminding a worker that the handle is not to be turned and makes it very difficult to grasp the handle. Thus, the shown safety device 100 is adapted for being attached around the handle 2 (Figure 11 ) and for covering the entire handle 2. The connecting element 8 is flexible, thereby allowing a user to connect or fasten the first subelement 4 to the second subelement 6. The contact surfaces 60 are adapted for being held or positioned between a) a door element and the corresponding door frame and b) a window element 44 and the corresponding window casing and/or window sill 43. Flere, a first contact surface 60A is attached to the first subelement 4 and a second contact surface 60B is attached to the second subelement 6. A single contact surface will though generally be enough. Almost identical embodiments are shown in Figures 12, 13, and 16, where the safety device in Figure 12 is for doors or windows that open inwards, and the safety device in in Figure 13 is for doors or windows that open outwards. In Figure 16, the second subelement 6 is also shaped as an L-profile but where the L-profile is positioned perpendicular to the connecting element 8 as compared to Figures 12-13, where the L-profile is positioned in parallel to the connecting element 8. All L-profiles are here shaped as an extension of the connecting element 8.

Similar examples of embodiments may be seen in Figures 14 and 15. The major difference is here that it is the first subelement 4 and/or the second subelement 6 that is adapted for covering the entire handle 2.