IMPROVEMENTS IN WINDOWS AND DOORS

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the field of doors and/or windows.

Background of the Invention

A typical door arrangement consists of a door frame which defines an opening in a wall, a door jamb disposed along an inner periphery of the door frame, and a door which is hingedly mounted to the door frame so as to allow it to swing relative to the door frame on one side of the frame. When the door is swung into a closed position relative to the door frame, an edge of the door will generally abut flush against the jamb such that the jamb impedes further movement of the door past the door frame to the other side of the door frame. Thus, swinging movement of the door is effectively confined to one side of the door frame by the presence of jamb.

In an emergency situation, problems may tend to arise with conventional door arrangements. For instance, if a person were slumped unconscious in a bathroom against the door, and, the door is ordinarily opened by swinging it inwardly of the bathroom, then it may be extremely difficult to push the door open in order to administer urgent medical attention to the unconscious person due to the protruding jamb.

There are also problems associated with certain prior art windows which tend to swing only in an outward direction from the building. For instance, the outward- facing surface of a window pane on the prior art window is generally not easily accessible for cleaning from within a building as a person situated within the building must precariously lean out of the window in order to reach the entire outward-facing surface of the window pane to properly effect cleaning. This is

particularly dangerous where the window is located on the higher levels of a high- rise building as it is hazardous for a cleaner to extend any part of their body out of the window since there is an increased risk that the person may inadvertently fall out.

Certain attempts at addressing this problem have involved the use of improved cleaning implements fitted with extendible handles so as to permit a cleaner to reach the entire outward surface of a window pane whilst alleviating the extent to which he or she must lean out of the window. However, the use of such cleaning implements in this manner is also dangerous in that, if accidentally dropped, a person situated below may be injured by a falling implement.

Professional window cleaners have also been employed to clean the windows of buildings from the outside using scaffolding or abseiling equipment. However, the cost of employing such professionals and equipment in this manner is neither practical nor cost-effective where only a small number of windows on a building need to be cleaned.

Conventional door arrangements also exhibit other deficiencies in operation. For instance, cold draughts are able to enter a household via a gap between the door frame and the door edge when the door is in a closed position. In other cases, where the door is used as a toilet door, bad smells may emanate out of the toilet via the air-gap between the door and the door frame when the door is closed.

Often, the house occupants will attempt to "plug up" the gap in the door by positioning a door "snake" (eg. a snake-like cloth bag typically filled with sand or cotton stuffing) at the base of the door to prevent the cold or smelly air from passing through. However, such an approach is deficient in effectively addressing the problem in that it tends to block only a limited section of the air-gap - that is, the gap between a bottom edge of the door and the floor.

Also, such measures may be inconvenient in that the door "snake" generally has to be removed whenever the door is opened. Moreover, such makeshift door "snakes" often are poorly suited to block the air from getting in due to the materials used, or the shape of the door "snake".

Another problem associated with conventional door systems involves the difficulty associated with installing the door. Typically, it is necessary to hold the door edge in close proximity to the door frame before hinges are screwed into place to hold the door firmly against the door frame. Where a relatively heavy door is being installed, this can be quite a tedious and labour-intensive exercise particularly for an elderly or physically-challenged individual. Moreover, it can be particularly difficult to hold the door in alignment with the door frame as the hinges are screwed into place.

Yet a further problem associated with conventional door arrangements relates to the relative vulnerability of the door access to unauthorised persons when the door is locked. For instance, many conventional doors are secured to the door frame with "pin" hinges. In order to gain access through a doorway, an unauthorised person may simply dislodge a pin of the hinge so as to releasably detach the door from the door frame. The ease with which this occurs is made easier because the pin hinge is generally disposed in a position that is accessible by the unauthorised person.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention seeks to alleviate at least one of the problems described above in relation to the prior art.

The present invention involves several different broad forms. Embodiments of the invention may include one or any combination of the different broad forms herein described.

- A -

In a first broad form, the present invention provides a latch system for use with a door which is pivotably coupled to a door frame, the door being pivotable from an opened position on either side of the door frame into a closed position with the door frame, the system including: a latch member which is adapted for mounting to an edge of the door wherein the latch member is adjustably movable between at least an extended and a retracted position relative to the door edge; and a latch plate having a curved surface, wherein the latch plate is adapted for mounting to the door frame; wherein, the curved surface of the latch plate is adapted to abut against the latch member arranged in the extended position when the door is swung towards the closed position from opened positions on both sides of the door frame whereby the latch member is deflected inwardly of the door edge into the retracted position, so that the door is able to freely move across the curved surface and into the closed position.

Typically, the latch member includes at least one of a metallic, plastic and nylon material.

Preferably, the latch member includes a bell-shaped or dome-shaped cross- section. Alternatively, the latch member may include a triangular-shaped cross- section. Also typically, the latch member may include a substantially symmetrical cross-sectional shape. Advantageously, by having a sloping and/or curved characteristic on both sides of the latch member, this may assist the latch member in being deflected as it abuts against the curved surface of the latch plate during movement of the door into the closed position from both sides of the door frame. Advantageously, by having a sloping and/or curved characteristic on both sides of the latch member, this may assist the latch member in being deflected as it abuts against the curved surface of the latch plate during movement of the door into the closed position from both sides of the door frame.

Preferably, the latch member may be biased into the extended position when mounted to the door edge.

Preferably, the door frame includes a recess which may be adapted for receiving the extended latch member when the door is arranged into the closed position relative to the door frame whereby the door is able to be held secured to the door frame.

Preferably, the curved surface of the latch plate includes a first and second curved end of the latch plate. Typically the first and second curved ends are disposed at opposite ends of a substantially flat centre-portion. Typically the centre portion includes an opening such that, when the latch plate is mounted to the door frame, the opening is able to overlay on top of the door frame recess. Therefore, preferably, the dimensions of the opening may be selected by a person skilled in the art such that the latch member may be able to pass through it unhindered. Advantageously, by having a curved characteristic on both sides of the latch plate, this may assist the latch member in being deflected as it abuts against the latch plate during movement of the door into the closed position from both sides of the door frame.

In certain embodiments, it may be envisaged that the first and second curved ends may be provided separately and may be mounted to the door frame separately. For instance, the first and second curved ends may be formed from separate metal plates.

Preferably, the first and second curved ends curve towards a first side of the latch plate. Also preferably, the first and second curved ends may include substantially symmetrical configurations.

Preferably, the latch plate includes at least one mounting aperture disposed on the centre portion to allow the latch plate to be mounted to the door frame with a

screw or a nail. Typically the latch plate includes four mounting apertures which may be spaced evenly about the opening in the centre portion such that when nails or screws are driven into them to mount the plate to the frame, the frame may be held securely in place. Preferably, the plate may be mounted to the door frame in such a manner that the first and second curved ends curve away from the direction of the door edge. In such an arrangement, the latch member may readily deflect inwardly of the door edge when the latch member comes into contact with, and is slid across the curved ends as the door is swung toward the closed position.

In a second broad form, the present invention provides a door system including: a door which is pivotably coupled to a door frame, the door being pivotable from an opened position on either sides of the door frame into a closed position with the door frame; and a latch member which is mounted to an edge of the door wherein it is adjustably extendable and retractable relative to the door edge; and a latch plate having a curved surface, the latch plate being mounted to the door frame; wherein, the curved surface of the latch plate is adapted to abut against the latch member arranged in the extended position when the door is swung towards the closed position from opened positions on both sides of the door frame whereby the latch member is deflected inwardly of the door edge into the retracted position, so that the door is able to freely move across the curved surface and into the closed position.

In a third broad form, the present invention provides a door system including a door for use with a door frame, wherein the door is adapted for hinged coupling with the door frame so as to be movable between at least an opened and a closed position, the door including: a front and back surface, and an edge periphery of the door separating the front and back surface; and

a strip of material which extends from at least one of:

(a) the edge periphery of the door; and

(b) the door frame; wherein, when the door is arranged into the closed position, the strip of material is positioned to provide a barrier to air-flow via a gap between the edge periphery of the door and the door frame.

Preferably, the strip of material is releasably attachable to at least one of the

(a) the edge periphery of the door; and (b) the door frame.

Preferably, the strip of material may include at least one of:

• a resiliency deformable material;

• a substantially air-tight material; and • a thermally-insulative material.

Typically, and by way of example only, the strip of material may include at least one of:

• a felt material; • a cotton layer;

• a rubber material; and

• plastic.

Preferably, the dimensions of the strip of material may be selected by a person skilled in the art such that it may snugly fit within the gap between the door frame and the door edge when the door is closed. Typically, the strip of material may include an elongate rectangular-shaped strip.

Typically, the door frame includes a first side and a second side. Preferably, when the strip of material is attached to the edge periphery and the door is swung into the closed position, the strip of material provides a barrier to air-flow from the first

side of the door frame to the second side of the door frame via the gap between the edge periphery of the door and the door frame.

Preferably, the edge periphery of the door may include a track. Typically, the track may be integrally formed from the same material as the door. For instance, where the door is made of wood, the track may be carved in to the edge periphery of the wooden door. Alternatively, in certain embodiments, the track may be formed separately from the door and is bonded to the edge periphery of the door.

Preferably, the track includes a T-shaped cross-section along its length. Typically, the track also includes an opening running along its length.

Also preferably, the track may be adapted to releasably receive a track insert. Preferably, the track insert may include a strip of plastic, metal or the like. Preferably the track insert may be slidingly received within the track. Typically, the strip of material may be bonded to the track insert wherein, when the track insert is received within the track, the strip of material may project outwardly of the track opening. Preferably, when the strip of material projects out of the track opening, it projects outwardly away from the door edge periphery.

Preferably, the track insert may include cross-sectional dimensions which allow it to substantially complement the cross-sectional dimensions of the track whereby the track insert may be relatively snugly-fitted within the track. Therefore typically, the track insert may include a T-shaped cross-section. Typically, the track insert may be held in place within its corresponding track by frictional engagement. However, in certain embodiments an additional securing means such as a latch or a stopper may be used to fasten each track insert in place within its respective track.

Typically, the edge periphery of the door includes at least one of: • a top edge;

• a first and second side edge, one of which may include an ariss; and

• a bottom edge.

More preferably, each of the top edge, first and second side edges, and the bottom edge include a separate track which may be adapted to slidingly receive a track insert to which a strip of material may be attached. Advantageously, by having a strip of material attached to each of the top edge, first and second side edges and the bottom edge, this may assist in enhancing the barrier to air-flow through the gap between the door edge and the door frame.

In alternative embodiments, it would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the strip of material may be coupled to the edge periphery without the use of a track. For instance, the strip of material may be either directly or indirectly coupled to the edge periphery using a bonding means such as hook-and-loop type fastening strips, magnetic strips, an adhesive, or any other suitable bonding means.

Advantageously, the ability to selectively detach the strip of material from the edge periphery is convenient in that when maintenance is to be carried out on the door (for instance, when the door is to be painted, or, the door edge is to be planed), the track insert to which the strip of material is attached, may be relatively easily slid out of the track in the door edge so as to alleviate the risk of the strip of material being inadvertently painted over, or otherwise damaged during the course of maintenance being carried out on the door. Conversely, when the maintenance being carried out on the door has been completed, the track insert may again be relatively easily slid into the track located on the edge periphery. Furthermore, after the strip of material has become worn out, it may be relatively easily to change the worn out strip of material with a new strip of material as the need arises.

26

- 10 -

Typically, the door frame includes a door jamb, and, where the strip of material is releasably attachable to the door frame, it may typically be releasably attachable to the door jamb.

It would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that where the strip of material is releasably attached to the door frame, this may be achieved using similar arrangements described above where the strip of material is releasably attached to the edge periphery of the door. For instance, the strip of material may be releasably attachable to the door frame by way of a track and corresponding track insert arrangement wherein the track and track insert may be interchangeably disposed on the strip of material and door frame. Alternatively, an adhesive means, or, a hook-and-loop type fastening means may be used to releasably attach the strip of material to the door frame.

In a fourth broad form, the present invention provides a door adapted for use in accordance with the third broad form of the present invention.

In a fifth broad form, the present invention provides a door frame adapted for use in accordance with the third broad form of the present invention.

In a sixth broad form, the present invention provides a hinge system including a first hinge for use in pivotably coupling a bottom corner of a door to a door frame, the first hinge including: a first section for mounting the first hinge to the door frame; and a second section including: a pivot pin adapted for pivotably engaging with a bottom edge periphery of the door whereby the door is able to pivot relative to the door frame; and a means of bracing the second section against an adjacent support surface so that the weight of the door resting upon the second section is able to be supported.

Typically the second section of the first hinge includes a bush. Typically the bush may include a nylon material.

Typically, the adjacent support surface includes a ground surface, or, a bottom section of the door frame.

Preferably, the first and second sections include substantially planer plate members which may extend relative to each other substantially at a right angle so as to resemble an L-shaped structure. Typically the first and second sections may include a metallic material, and more preferably, may be formed from a single sheet of metal.

Typically, the pivot pin extends substantially in perpendicular fashion from a first side of the second section. Preferably, the pivot pin includes a hollow core and an opening at its base. Typically, the second section may include an opening passing through it so as to enable access to the hollow core of the pivot pin via the opening in the base of the pivot pin. Typically, the hollow core of the pivot pin may include a threaded inner wall adapted to receive a threaded-screw or the like via the opening in the base of the pivot pin.

Preferably, the means of bracing the second section against an adjacent support surface may be adjustable. Typically this may include a jacking pin which may be retractable and extendable relative to a second side of the second section of the first hinge.

Typically, the jacking pin extends in substantially perpendicular fashion from the second side of the second section.

Preferably, the jacking pin may include a screw thread whereby the jacking pin may be able to retract inwardly and extend outwardly of the hollow core of the pivot pin via the opening disposed in the second section. Typically, the jacking pin

may include a screw. Advantageously, when the first hinge is not in use, the jacking pin may be stowed into the pivot pin for relatively compact storage by screwing the jacking pin upwardly through the second section and into the hollow core of the pivot pin.

Preferably, the present invention includes a second hinge adapted for pivotably coupling the door frame with a top corner of the door. The second hinge may also include a substantially L-shaped arrangement having a first surface adapted for engaging with the edge periphery of the door in use, and a second surface which pivotably engages with the door frame in use.

Preferably, the second hinge includes a second pivot pin disposed on the second surface of the second hinge. When the second hinge is coupled with the top- corner of the door, the second pivot pin is adapted to be received within a corresponding recess disposed in a top section of the door frame. More preferably, the second pivot pin is received within a bush which is disposed inside the recess of the top section of the door frame. Thus, when the first hinge and the second hinge of the present invention are in use, the door is able to be pivotably coupled to the door frame such that the door swings about relative to the door frame around the first and second pivot pins of the respective first and second hinges.

Preferably, the first surface of the second hinge includes at least one locating lug which may be adapted to engage with a corresponding recess or opening disposed on an edge periphery of the door. For instance, the locating lug may be adapted to slidingly engage with a portion of the track disposed on the edge periphery of the door as described in accordance with the other broad forms of the present invention. Advantageously, the locating lugs on the second hinge may enable a user to slide the second hinge into engagement with the top corner of the door with greater ease when the door is being mounted to the door frame. Thus, the top comer of the door may be manoeuvred into arrangement with the lugs of

the second hinge by feel without the user having to visually observe the engagement of the second hinge with the top corner of the door during installation. In a seventh broad form, the present invention provides a method of pivotably coupling a bottom comer of a door to a door frame using the first hinge as described in accordance with the sixth broad form of the present invention, the method including steps of:

(i) mounting the first section of the first hinge to the door frame; and (ii) pivotably coupling the second section of the first hinge to a bottom edge periphery of the door whereby the door is able to pivot relative to the door frame; and

(iii) adjustably bracing the second section of the first hinge against an adjacent support surface so that the weight of the door resting upon the second section is able to be supported.

In an eighth broad form, the present invention provides a method of pivotably coupling a top corner of a door to a door frame using the second hinge as described in accordance with the sixth broad form of the present invention, the method including steps of:

(i) pivotably mounting the second surface of the second hinge to a bush located in a top region of the door frame; and

(ii) mounting the first surface of the second hinge to a top edge of the door.

In a ninth broad form, the present invention includes an apparatus for use in selectively restricting movement of a door relative to a door frame to which it is mounted, the apparatus including: a housing arranged on an inner periphery of the door-frame; and a tongue which is rotatably coupled to the housing so as to be movable relative to the housing between at least a first position in which the tongue is rotatably extended outwardly of the housing so as to impede movement of the door from swinging through the door frame, and, a second position in which the

tongue is rotatably retracted inwardly of the housing so as to allow unimpeded movement of the door through the door frame.

Typically, the housing may include a recess formed in the inner periphery of the door frame itself. Also typically, the housing includes a curved surface such as a partial circular-shape.

Typically, the tongue may include a wedge shape having an apex and a base. Typically, the base include a curved edge. Typically, when the tongue is rotated relatively inwardly of the housing, the curved edge is adapted to complement the curved surface of the housing.

Typically, an engagement pin rotatably couples the tongue to the housing. Typically, the engagement pin passes through an aperture disposed substantially at the apex of the tongue.

Preferably, the present invention also includes a stopper disposed within a lower region of the housing such that when the tongue is rotated over the engagement pin into the retracted position, the stopper prevents the tongue from being rotated a full revolution around the engagement pin. Thus, in the retracted position, the tongue is able to rest against the stopper within the housing until a user pushes the tongue in a reverse direction around the engagement pin such that it rotates outwardly of the housing once more. Conversely, when the tongue is rotated into the extended position relative to the housing, the stopper may impede the tongue from completing a full-revolution in the reverse direction. Again, the tongue may come to rest against the stopper until the user again rotates the tongue back into the housing.

It would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the field of doors and may be applicable to the field of windows as

well. Thus, in reading this specification it would be understood by a person skilled in the art that the term door may be interchanged with the term window.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The present invention will become more fully understood from the following detailed description of a preferred but non-limiting embodiment thereof, described in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

- Figure 1 depicts a top view of a first embodiment latch member having a dome-shaped cross-section;

Figure 2 depicts a perspective view of the latch member shown in Fig. 1 ;

Figure 3 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a latch plate adapted for use with the latch member depicted in Figs. 1 and 2;

- Figure 4 depicts a side view of a the latch plate depicted in Fig. 3;

Figures 5a to 5c depict the interaction of the latch member and latch plate embodiments shown in Figs. 1 to 4 in use as they are mounted to a door and door frame respectively.

Figure 6 depicts a top view of a further embodiment of the present invention including a sectional-view of a door edge and a removable insert which is adapted to releasably engage with a track disposed in the door edge;

Figure 7 depicts a front view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 6;

Figure 8 depicts a perspective view of a further embodiment of the present invention including hinge adapted for pivotably coupling a bottom corner of a door to an adjacent door frame;

- Figure 9 depicts a side view of the hinge shown in Fig. 8;

Figure 10 depicts a perspective view of a corresponding hinge adapted for use with the hinge shown in Figs. 8 and 9 wherein the corresponding hinge is adapted to engage with a corresponding top corner of the door;

Figure 11 depicts a side view of the corresponding hinge shown in Fig. 10.

- Figure 12 shows a front transparent view of a door pivotably coupled to an adjacent door frame using the hinge and corresponding hinge shown in Figs. 8 to 11.

Figure 13 shows a side cut-away view of a further embodiment of the present invention including a stopper for selectively restricting swinging movement of a door relative to a door frame to which it is mounted.

Modes for Carrying out the Invention

Figures 1 to 5 depict various aspects of a first embodiment of the present invention. The first embodiment includes a door (34) that is pivotably coupled to a door frame (35) whereby it is pivotably movable relative to the door frame (35) from either side of the door frame (35) into a closed position with the door frame (35).

The first embodiment also includes a metallic latch member (1) which is mounted to an edge (34a) of the door (34). The latch member (1) is adjustably movable between at least an extended and a retracted position relative to the door edge (34a). The latch member (1) is biased into the extended position when mounted to the door edge (34a) and includes a substantially symmetrical dome-shaped end (4). The door frame (35) includes a recess (35a) which is adapted for receiving the extended latch member (1) when the door (34) is arranged into the closed position relative to the door frame (35) whereby the door (34) is able to be held secured to the door frame (35).

The first embodiment also includes a latch plate (2) which has first and second curved ends (3a, 3b) which are disposed at opposite ends of a flat centre-portion (5). The centre portion (5) includes an opening (6) which is adapted to overlay on top of the door frame recess (35a) when the latch plate (2) is mounted to the door frame (35). The dimensions of the opening (6) in the latch plate (2) are selected such that the latch member (1 ) may be able to pass through it unhindered.

The first and second curved ends (3a, 3b) curve towards a first side (7) of the latch plate (2) and when the latch plate (2) is mounted to the door frame (35), the curved ends (3a, 3b) curve away from the door edge (34a) as can be seen from Figs. 5a to 5c.

The latch plate (2) includes four mounting apertures (8) disposed on the centre portion (5) which allow for it to be mounted to the door frame (35) by use of screws or nails.

Turning now to Figs. 5a to 5c, the first embodiment is shown in various stages of operation. It will be appreciated that whilst Figs. 5a to 5c depict the interaction of the latch member (1) and latch plate (2) as the door (34) is being closed from a first direction to the door frame (35), the following description is similarly applicable when the door (35) is swung closed from the opposite side of the door frame (35).

In Fig. 5c, the door (34) is shown being swung towards the closed position. The latch member (1) has yet to abut against a first curved end (3a) of the latch plate (2). The latch member (1) is still extended outwardly of the door edge (34a) due to the biasing of the latch member (1) into the extended position.

Fig. 5b shows the latch member (1) just after a sloped side of the dome-shaped end (4) has abutted against the first curved end (3a) of the latch plate (2) wherein the latch member (1) is caused to deflect inwardly of the door edge (34a). The latch member (1) is also able to be readily deflected inwardly of the door edge (34a) when the door (34) is swung from the opposite side of the door frame (35) into the closed position as the other sloped-side of the dome-shaped end (4) of the latch member (1) abuts with the second curved end (3b) of the latch plate (2).

Fig. 5a shows the door (34) when it is in the closed position and the latch member (1) has extended outwardly of the door edge (34a) due to its biasing so as to be received into the door frame recess (35a) via the opening (6) in the latch plate (2).

Figs. 6 and 7 show a further embodiment of the present invention including a wooden door (9) for use with a door frame (10) wherein the door (9) is adapted for hinged coupling with the door frame (10) so as to be movable between at least an opened and a closed position. The door (9) includes a front (9a) and back surface

(9b), and an edge periphery (11) running around the door (9) separating the front and back surfaces (9a, 9b). The door (9) also includes a strip of felt (13) which is releasably attachable to the edge periphery (11), wherein, when the strip of felt

(13) is attached to the edge periphery (11) and the door (9) is swung into the closed position, the strip of felt (13) provides a barrier to air-flow via a gap (15) between the edge periphery (11) of the door and the door frame (10) as shown in

Fig. 7.

The dimensions of the strip of felt (13) are selected such that it snugly fits within the gap (15) between the door frame (10) and the door edge (11) when the door (9) is closed. The strip of felt (13) includes an elongate rectangular-shaped strip.

Also as shown in Fig. 7, the edge periphery (11) of the door includes:

• a top edge (15a);

• a first and second side edge (15b, 15c); and

• a bottom edge (15d).

Each of the above sections of the edge periphery (11) include a track (16). The tracks (16) are carved into the respective sections of the door edge periphery (11). The tracks (16) include T-shaped cross-sections along their lengths. The tracks (16) also include openings running along their lengths.

The tracks (16) are adapted to releasably receive a corresponding track insert (17). The track inserts (17) include rigid strips of plastic, metal or the like. The track inserts (17) are able to be slidingly received within the respective tracks (16). the strips of felt (13) are glued to each track insert (17) wherein, when the track inserts (17) are received within the respective tracks (16), the strips of felt (13) are able to project outwardly of respective track openings. Preferably, when the strips of felt (13) project outwardly of each track opening, they project outwardly away from the door edge periphery (15).

The track inserts (17) also include cross-sectional dimensions which allow them to substantially complement the cross-sectional dimensions of their respective tracks (16) whereby the track inserts (17) may be relatively snugly-fitted within their respective tracks (16). Therefore typically, the track inserts (17) include T-shaped cross-sections.

In use, the track inserts (17) with the felt strips (13) attached are able to be selectively inserted into respective tracks (16) disposed around the door edge periphery (11), or alternatively, removed from their respective tracks (16) as required. For instance, the track inserts (17) are able to be conveniently removed when the door (9) is being painted or otherwise worked upon, thereby alleviating the risk of damage being caused to the felt strips (13).

In certain embodiments, the tracks (16) may be incorporated into the door frame (10) allowing the door periphery (11) to remain in a smooth ex factory condition. In a further embodiment, a first hinge (18) is provided for use in pivotably coupling a bottom corner of a door (36) to a door frame (37). As shown in Figs. 8 and 9, the first hinge (18) includes a first section (18a) for mounting the first hinge (18) to the door frame (37), and, a second section (18b) having a pivot pin (19) adapted for pivotably engaging with a bottom edge periphery (36a) of the door (36) via a nylon bush whereby the door (36) is able to pivot relative to the door frame (37). The second section (18b) also includes a means of bracing the second section (20) against an adjacent support surface (38) such as the ground so that the weight of the door (36) resting upon the second section (18b) is able to be supported.

The first and second sections (18a, 18b) are formed from a single-piece of metal so as to form an L-shaped configuration.

The pivot pin (19) is rigidly fixed to, and extends substantially perpendicularly from, a first side (21) of the second section (18b). The pivot pin (19) includes a hollow core (19a) and an opening at its base. The second section (18b) includes an opening passing through it so as to enable access to the hollow core (19a) of the pivot pin (19) via the opening in the base of the pivot pin (19). The hollow core (19a) of the pivot pin (19) includes a threaded inner wall adapted to receive a threaded-screw or the like via the opening in the base of the pivot pin (19).

The means of bracing the second section (18b) against an adjacent support surface (38) is adjustable. In this embodiment a jacking pin (20) is used wherein the jacking pin (20) is retractable and extendable relative to a second side (22) of the second section (18b) of the first hinge (18).

The jacking pin (20) extends in substantially perpendicular fashion from the second side (22) of the second section (18b).

The jacking pin (20) is able to retract inwardly and extend outwardly of the hollow core (19a) of the pivot pin (19) via the opening disposed in the second section (18b). This enables the jacking pin (20) to be at least partially stowed within the hollow core (19a) of the pivot pin (19) when the first hinge (18) is not in use.

The present embodiment also includes a second hinge (23) adapted for pivotably coupling the door frame (37) with a top comer of the door. The second hinge (23) is also an L-shaped structure made from metal and has a first surface (23a) adapted for engaging with the edge periphery (36a) of the door (36) in use, and a second surface (23b) which pivotably engages with the door frame (37) in use.

The second hinge (23) includes a second pivot pin (24) disposed on the second surface (23b) of the second hinge (23). When the second hinge (23) is coupled with the top-corner of the door, the second pivot pin (24) is received within a corresponding recess disposed in a top section (37a) of the door frame (37). The second pivot pin (24) is received within a nylon bush which is disposed inside the recess of the top section of the door frame. Thus, when the first hinge (18) and the second hinge (23) are in use, the door (36) is able to be pivotably coupled to the door frame (37) such that the door (36) swings about relative to the door frame (37) in either direction around the first and second pivot pins (19,24) of the respective first and second hinges (18,23).

The first surface (23a) of the second hinge (23) includes a plurality of locating lugs (25) disposed along its surface which are adapted for slidingly engage with a corresponding recess or opening disposed in an edge periphery (36a) of the door (36). For instance, the locating lugs (25) may be adapted to slidingly engage with a portion of the track disposed on the edge periphery of the door as described in accordance with the other embodiments of the present invention.

Figures. 13a and 13b depict a further embodiment of the present invention disposed in two operational states. The apparatus (26) is adapted for use in

selectively restricting movement of a door relative to a door frame to which it is mounted. The apparatus (26) includes a housing (27) arranged on a periphery (28a) of the door-frame (28), and, a tongue (29) which is rotatably coupled to the housing (27) so as to be movable relative to the housing (27) between at least a first position (as shown in Fig. 13a) in which the tongue is rotatably extended outwardly of the housing so as to impede movement of the door from swinging through the door frame, and, a second position (as shown in Fig. 13b) in which the tongue (29) is rotatably retracted inwardly of the housing (27) so as to allow unimpeded movement of the door through the door frame (28).

The housing (27) includes a recess formed in the periphery (28) of the door frame (28) itself. The housing (27) has a curved internal surface (27a) resembling a partial circular-shape.

The tongue (29) includes a wedge-shaped configuration having an apex (29a) and a curved base (30). When the tongue (29) is rotated relatively inwardly of the housing (27), the curved base (30) is adapted to complement the curved surface (27a) of the housing (27).

An engagement pin (31) is mounted within the housing so as to extend from a first point to a second point within the housing (27). The engagement pin (31) passes through an aperture (32) disposed in the apex (29a) of the tongue (29) so as to rotatably couple the tongue (29) to the housing (27).

A stopper (33) is disposed within a lower region of the housing (27) such that when the tongue (29) is rotated over the engagement pin (31) into the retracted position, the stopper (33) prevents the tongue (29) from being rotated a full revolution around the engagement pin (31). The tongue (29) rests against the stopper (33) within the housing (27) until a user pushes the tongue (29) in a reverse direction around the engagement pin (31) such that it rotates outwardly of the housing (27) once more. Conversely, when the tongue (29) is rotated into the

extended position relative to the housing (27), the stopper (33) prevents the tongue (29) from completing a full-revolution in the reverse direction. Again, the tongue (29) will come to rest against the stopper (33) when the tongue (29) is pivoted into the extended position until the user again rotates the tongue (29) back into the housing (27).

The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates".

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described without departing from the scope of the invention. All such variations and modification which become apparent to persons skilled in the art, should be considered to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as broadly hereinbefore described. It is to be understood that the invention includes all such variations and modifications. The invention also includes all of the steps and features, referred or indicated in the specification, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of any two or more of said steps or features.