Abstract: A sliding door locking device is used to lock a sliding door, such as an overhead sliding door used in garages, storage trailers and the like. The sliding door locking device includes a door mounting member that is positioned over an edge or top portion of the sliding door and a movement restricting member that locks to the door mounting member and abuts a structural support to restrict movement of the sliding door. One example of the door mounting member includes a locking pin and a locking ring. The movement restricting member includes a locking slot for receiving and locking with the locking pin and a hasp having an aperture for receiving the locking ring. A padlock or other locking mechanism is inserted through the locking ring to lock the movement restricting member to the door mounting member. The sliding door locking device thus provides a secondary lock that locks the sliding door from the outside without having to be permanently mounted to the door or other structure.

Abstract: A sliding window locking device is provided including a strip having a planar rectangular configuration. The strip is defined by a first side face, a second side face, and a periphery formed therebetween. Such periphery is formed of an elongated linear top edge, an elongated linear bottom edge, and a pair of short linear end edges. A handle portion is integrally formed on the top edge of the strip and extends upwardly therefrom for being gripped by a user. The strip is adapted to be positioned within a groove of a lower portion of a frame of a vehicular window assembly for maintaining a sliding window pane in a closed orientation.

Abstract: An assembly is provided for keeping a garbage can cover in close proximity to the garbage can. The device includes an elongate elastic cord having first and second ends. An eye-bolt is slidably disposed along the cord between the ends. The first end of the cord includes a permanent engagement structure, such as a loop. A hook or other releasable engagement is securely mounted to the second end of the cord. The device is used by securing the permanent engagement at the first end of the elastic cord to a first handle of the garbage can. The eye-bolt then is secured to the cover, and the hook at the second end of the cord is used to releasably engage the second handle. The contents of the garbage can can be accessed by removing the hook or other such releasable engagement from the second handle. The cover may then be dropped, but will remain in close proximity to the garbage can due to the attachment of the first end of the elastic cord to the can and the attachment of the eye-bolt to the cover.

Abstract: A portable anti-theft door lock includes a lock body, a positioning bar, and an alarm device. The lock body is comprised of upper and lower casings having end threaded portions. Urging nuts are fitted over the end threaded portions, one being adjustable, the other being provided with an elastomeric element. One of the end threaded portions accommodates an alarm device provided with a switch having a trigger shaft. A press rod is also disposed inside the threaded portions with its press portion projecting from a side hole. An end of the press rod engages a recess of a slide block. The slide block is provided with a projection as well. The projection engages a fastening hole of the positioning bar having a circular end. The positioning bar passes through a central open slot of the lock body.

Abstract: A locking apparatus for dual adjacent doors and for a hasp. The locking apparatus of the invention includes a first locking bar connected by a hinge to a second locking bar, the first and second locking bar each having a pair of longitudinally spaced openings therein, the pair of openings in the first locking bar being aligned with the pair of openings on the second locking bar when the first locking bar is pivoted to contact the second locking bar, the first locking bar and the second locking bar being secured to each other by a lock located at the ends of the locking bars opposite the ends of the locking bars at which the hinge is located.

Abstract: A guard for a door having a connection body with a hollow trough formed on an underside thereof. The connection body having a front wall with an inverted U-shaped trough. A fixed member is formed with two block pieces connected by a pillar at the center thereof. The two block pieces have an interval therebetween which fits into the inverted U-shaped trough. A suction cup is connected to each of the block pieces.

Abstract: The door stop comprises a stop block. One of the surfaces of the stop block has an angular recess therein with angular faces positioned at an acute angle with respect to the stop block surfaces. The stop block is configured to insert into the jamb when the door is opened and the angular faces engaged over the top corner of the hinge edge stile of the door to hold the door open. A handle is attached to the stop block so that it may be easily inserted and removed.

Abstract: An anti-theft device is constituted by an elongated rod of a width less than the gap between a window glass pane and a facing inner edge of a window sill for an automobile door interior panel. A shield plate is fixed to and extends radially outward to one side of the rod at a distal end, and a wedge is fixed to and extends alongside the rod adjacent the proximate end, with the wedge having a thickness greater than the width of the gap and tapering over its length to a tapered leading edge facing the trailing edge of the shield plate. By inserting the shield plate into the interior of the door within the gap and twisting the rod about the axis, the wedge is forced into frictional locking position between the inside of the window glass pane and the window sill, with the shield plate covering the door mechanism actuating lever.

Abstract: A portable public restroom stall door holding device for holding a stall door closed when the lock is broken or inoperative. The device is an elongated C-shaped member which has a pair of gripping edges which may be placed over the top of the stall door and the top or edges of the door post so that the user may temporarily keep the door closed. The device is retained by the user.

Abstract: A portable lock for locking a door has a lock bar for insertion and retention between a door jamb and the latch side of a door. A housing is movable along the lock bar between a retracted position enabling pivoting movement of the door about its hinge between closed and open positions and a forward position engageable with the door in the closed position. A lever arm locking mechanism is movable between first and second positions for locking the housing in the forward position to prevent movement of the door from the closed position to the open position.

Abstract: An entertainment cabinet door locking apparatus is provided including a front extent having a planar configuration with a front face, a rear face, and a periphery formed therebetween. Also included is a rear extent including at least one plate coupled at a top edge thereof to a top edge of the front extent in parallel relationship therewith.

Abstract: A portable door lock assembly for locking a door in a partially open attitude has an elongated base member with a length greater than the width of a standard door frame. First and second hollow members are secured to opposite ends of the base member. A pair of central hollow members are secured to the base member between the first and second hollow members. An elongated cup mount member is provided. The cup mount member has a cup for receiving the bottom of a door pivotally secured to one end. Its other end has an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the first, second and central hollow members so the first, second and central hollow members can telescopingly receive the cup mount member. The cup mount member is telescopingly secured in the particular hollow member depending on the type of entryway and which side of the door is hinged to the frame. At no time during use does the door lock have to be bolted, screwed or otherwise fastened to the wall, door, or frame.

Abstract: A removable door locking device having a strong, flexible, resilient, elastic loop capable of absorbing instantaneous force applied to the door. One end of the loop fits tightly around the door knob and the other end of the loop has multiple attachment points to a wall member for adjustment of tightness.

Abstract: A holding device (10) for a door (12) on hinges (14) in a doorway (16) of a room (18) in a building (20) comprising a plate (22). A facility (24) is for mounting the plate (22) over one of the hinges (14) of the door (12). The door (12) will be kept ajar, to allow pets, small children and crawling babies to enter and exit through the doorway (16) in a safe manner. The holding device (10) will also keep a basement door ajar to allow cats freedom to use their litter boxes when needed.

Abstract: A door locking device is provided for positionally constraining an outwardly opening door against a stop of a cooperating door frame. The door locking device includes a door engaging member attached to the free-end of the door (i.e., the unhinged-end of the door), a threaded shaft having a first end pivotably mounted to the door engaging member and a second end opposite the first end for manual pivotal movement between an unlocked position (i.e., a position wherein the threaded shaft forms an acute angle with respect to the door) and an locked position (i.e., a position wherein the threaded shaft forms an obtuse angle with respect to the door), a wedge member slidably mounted on the threaded shaft, and a retaining nut disposed on the threaded shaft for axial movement thereon.

Abstract: A door locking system is provided including a pair of doors of a vehicle adapted to pivot outward for allowing access to a cab. Each door has a slot for receiving a sliding window therein. A pair of hollow rigid tubes of a common length include a first tube and a second tube. In use, a first end of the first tube is slidably situated within a first end of the second tube. A locking mechanism is connected between the tubes for selectively fixing a combined length thereof. As such, the tubes are extended such that second ends of the tubes are connected to the doors and further the locking mechanism is used to secure the same therebetween to preclude the doors from being opened.

Abstract: An anti-theft door lock for vehicles includes a base plate for straddling the vehicle door and the door frame when the vehicle door is closed, a cover plate for securement over the base plate, a slender locking cable for fitting between the vehicle door and the door frame and including a loop for reception over the striker which holds the vehicle door closed, a portion of the locking cable being captured between the base plate and the cover plate when the cover plate is closed over the base plate, with the locking cable securing the base plate to the vehicle, and a lock for locking the cover plate in place over the base plate and precluding unauthorized access to the captured portion of the locking cable.

Abstract: A portable door lock for use in holding closed a door that swings on hinges from an open position to a closed position wherein an edge of the door, opposite its hinged edge, is adjacent to a closure surface with a clearance gap therebetween. The portable door lock comprises a strap secured at one end to an anchor and to an opposite end to a locking member. The strap is positioned with the clearance gap such that the anchor abuts one side of the hinged door and one side of the closure surface. Simultaneously, the locking member is adjustably coupled to the strap at a particular point such that the locking member abuts an opposite side of the hinged door and an opposite side of the closure surface. In such a configuration, the door is held from motion with respect to the adjacent closure surface.

Abstract: A portable door lock includes an interior member and an exterior member which are connected to each other by a strap. The interior member is slideable along the strap and the strap is provided with a selectively engageable mechanism for restricting movement of the interior member along the strap away from the exterior member.

Abstract: Paddle handle locks for securing push-pull, paddle-style door latches. In a first preferred embodiment the paddle handle lock is characterized by a handle lock having a frame with parallel side plates separated by spacers and fitted with a clamp arm pivotally attached to one of the spacers. Registering frame pilot holes and clamp arm pilot holes facilitate locking the clamp within the frame, such that the respective spacers prevent movement of the paddle door handle upon which the handle lock device is mounted. The padlock can be removed to allow pivotal extension of the clamp arm and manipulation of the door handle or removal of the handle lock from the door handle, to render the door latch operable. In another preferred embodiment a lockset handle lock is provided which includes a cylinder lock mounted in a lock housing and fitted with a pivoting clamp arm, one end of which clamp arm extends into the lock housing and engages a conventional cylinder bolt on the lock cylinder.

Abstract: An elastic, jawed tether for securing a lid to an associated container, such as a garbage can. The tether comprises an elongated strap terminating at each end in a jawed clamp. The clamp has a self-locking device, such as a cam arrangement, and a screw for closing and locking the jaws in place. A swivel bearing connects each clamp to the strap, so that the clamps have no tendency to twist the strap.

Abstract: A door stop for mounting on a door hinge has an inverted U-shaped support and a base aligned substantially perpendicularly to the support. The can have at least three sides with an opening in the center for easy and confident handling. The door stop can be comprised of a single length of metal rod formed into the support and base portions. The base can be triangular in shape having three integrally connected sides. The sides can form a closed triangular base or can form a narrow resiliently expandable gap through which a carrying means can be urged into the opening of the base. A free end of the support portion extends below the base to improve balance when the door stop is mounted on a hinge and to incline the base when the door stop is placed on a floor surface for engagement with a lower portion of a door.

Abstract: A security device for double doors having adjacent handles which comprises a lateral bracing segment which extends across the two handles, a short depending segment connected to the lateral bracing segment by a first loop encompassing the neck of the first handle, and a depending bracing segment connected to the lateral bracing segment by a second loop encompassing the neck of the second handle, where the depending bracing segment extends back across the juncture between the double doors.

Abstract: The device is used for security by e.g the occupier of a hotel room. A toggle-type self-gripping mechanism is provided with thin jaw-blades. The blades are entered into the slot or gap between a door and a door jamb. The jaws engage the door-bolt, and the device enables a heavy gripping clamp to be applied to the bolt. The thin jaws do not buckle under the heavy clamping because they are constrained against buckling by the slot. A screw-clamp may be substituted for the toggle-clamp.

Abstract: A method and device are provided to secure a lid to a teapot or other food and beverage container and to prevent dripping therefrom. The device for use with a teapot includes a loop of elastic cord, with a hook and a sponge attached to the cord. The sponge is positioned under the spout of the teapot so that it will absorb drips from the spout. The loop is stretched over the lid of the teapot and the hook is attached to the teapot handle. Two sliding retainers are located around the loop between the sponge and the hook, and may be positioned around a knob on the top of the lid. Sliding the retainers adjusts the tension on the loop. The retainers are decorative, and may also be adorned with standard button covers. Different food and beverage containers may require modifications, such as using a cord with two hooks instead of a hook and a sponge.

Abstract: A portable door locking device including an attachment plate dimensioned for coupling with an existing striker plate on an existing door jamb. The attachment plate has a central aperture therethrough. A locking bar is threadable through the central aperture of the attachment plate to preclude inward opening of an existing door.

Abstract: A home security device comprising a first attachment device, mounted on a distal end of a first rigid arm, adapted to be removably secured to a door or window, a second attachment device, mounted on a distal end of a second rigid arm, adapted to be removably secured to a floor or wall adjacent to the door or window, proximal ends of the first and second rigid arms positioned end to end forming a substantially straight line, and a fastening device, releasably holding the proximal ends in position, adapted to remain secure against force exerted at the distal ends of the rigid arms and to release the proximal ends from position in response to force exerted near the proximal ends and substantially perpendicular to the axis of the rigid arms.

Abstract: A portable, adjustable door lock device and method of use therefore, which provides a device having a first and second blade member which are pivotably pinned together, thus, forming substantially a "V-shaped member" having two pointed ends, with the ends being insertable and adjustably positionable between the edge of a door and the striker plate affixed to a door frame, so as to frictionally capture the reciprocable bolt therein, thus, preventing opening of the door from the exterior side.

Abstract: A safety device (10) for securing dual adjacent cabinet doors, each having a door handle or door knob. The safety device (10) is made of a single rigid rod (10a) made of substantially inflexible, durable material, forming an elongated arm (11) with perpendicularly depending legs (12, 13) with tip ends (12b, 13b) covered by resilient enlargements (14, 15).

Abstract: A portable lock for preventing a door from being opened from the outside. The portable lock has a body formed from two symmetric covers with two spring-biased pivoting handles and a slidable adjustment rod protruding from the assembled body. The adjustment rod has a plurality of holes along its length and an engagement member at an outer end. The engagement member is adapted to engage the strike of a door jamb. The length of the rod is adjusted so as to position the body of the portable door lock firmly against an inner side of the door and jamb. The handles are operated by a user to adjust the length of, and to lockingly engage the adjustment rod with protuberances provided at an inner end of the handles. The portable door lock can be adjusted to different door thicknesses. The handles can be additionally secured against pivoting by the insertion of a U-shaped member into the body of the portable lock.

Abstract: A door stopping device comprises a bottom or base element, which when in use, rests stably on a floor and a cover or top element connected to the aforesaid base element and sliding coaxially up and down over it along a substantially vertical axis; the said top element has an integral flat ring protruding at right angles from its bottom edge and designed to engage the bottom edge of a door; elastic means apply a force in an upward direction between the base element and the top element which tends to draw the two elements apart and which, when an external force is applied along the same axis but in the direction opposite to that applied by the elastic means, defines at least one limit position of minimum extension where the said base element is completely covered by the said top element in such a way as to enable the said flat ring to be inserted under the bottom edge of the door; permanent latching means are provided to establish a reciprocal link between the aforesaid base and top elements and defining the po

Abstract: The new tie down has a triangular link which can be removably attached to a trunk lock latch in place of the trunk lock strike, has cinch rings encircled through the link, has a strap adjustably attached through the cinch rings, and has a hook attached to the strap and removably attachable to the trunk lock strike so that the trunk lid can be easily and reliably tied down while carrying an oversize load.

Abstract: A non-destructible, multi-position hinge lock to be coupled to the existing hinge assembly of a door so as to be capable of reliably retaining the door in either an opened or closed position relative to a doorway. The hinge lock has a hollow interior in which to receive the hinge pin of the existing hinge assembly of the door. A first longitudinal channel is formed in the hinge lock in which to receive the pair of hinge plates of the existing hinge assembly when the door is rotated to a closed position and the hinge plates are correspondingly rotated into face-to-face alignment with one another. The hinge lock includes second and third longitudinal channels formed therein in which to receive respective ones of the hinge plates when the door is rotated to a first opened position and the hinge plates are correspondingly rotated to form an angle of 90 degrees.

Abstract: A two-way locking system and method wherein a pair of entryway members which are moveable relative to each other may be separately accessed by separate locks from each side. A strap passes between the confronting edges of each entryway member, and a first separate lock is associated with the strap on one face of one of the entryway members and a second separate lock is associated with the strap on a face of the other entryway member on the other side of the boundary formed by the entryway member pair. A person on a first side of the boundary cannot gain access to the lock on the other side of the boundary until the person releases the lock on the first side of the boundary.

Abstract: A door security device which includes a support bar having first and second ends, at least one blocking means disposed between the ends of the support bar, attaching means mounted to the support bar for removably securing the support bar in position adjacent a structure, and an actuator connected to the attaching means and operable to actuate the attaching means to secure the support bar adjacent the structure. The use of one blocking means allows the device to be used to secure two doors which close against a common mullion. The use of two blocking means allows the device to be used to secure two doors which close against each other. The door security device can also be used to secure windows and single doors.

Abstract: A locking assembly secures sliding windows disposed in a common track in the closed condition. One substantially inelastic strap is permanently fixed at at one end to one sliding window and has one component of a coupling device connected at its other end. Another substantially inelastic strap is permanently fixed at one end to the other sliding window and has another component of the coupling device connected at its other end. The components of the coupling device are selectively matable and separable for respectively connecting and disconnecting the straps. The straps have a combined length such that, when the windows are in the closed condition and the coupling components are mated, the straps are tautly extended between the windows.

Abstract: A lock and alarm device includes: a lock body held on a window and door rail at a lower position of the door or window for an easier concealment, a vise having two jaw members telescopically mounted in a bottom of the lock body to be firmly tensioned or retained on the rail as driven by a knob for retarding a sliding opening of the window and door, and an alarm mounted on the lock body and operatively actuated for sensitively detecting an unexpected opening of the window and door for enhancing security when the opening of the window or door triggers a touch-on switch of an alarm circuit, or when the vibrations caused by the opening of the window or door actuates a vibration sensor of the alarm circuit.

Abstract: A door latch assembly having open and closed positions comprises a door latch and a locking clip removably mounted upon it. The door latch has a bracket mounted on a door and an elongated bolt with a shank slidably and rotatably seated in the bracket. The bolt includes a shank with a handle at one end and a locking arm at the other end extending substantially perpendicularly to the shank. The bolt is rotatable at least 90.degree. about its axis to move the arm between a first position to a second position, and is also reciprocable axially in the bracket to move the arm portion from a first position spaced from the bracket to a second position adjacent to the bracket. The locking clip is removably mounted upon the shank of the bolt between the locking arm of the bolt and the bracket in the first axial position of the bolt, so that, when the clip is mounted upon the bolt, the clip restricts the axial movement of the bolt from the first position by its abutment against the bracket.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle access preventive device for use with a vehicle having a door closable against a door frame, includes a hook member adapted to engage a post on the inner surface of the door frame, and an outer module adapted to abut against an outer surface of the door. A strap is attached between the hook member and the outer module and is adapted to lie in a space between the door and the door frame. A locking bar, used in a four-door vehicle for example, includes a hook end for engaging with a rear wheel skirt of the vehicle and an opposite end connectable with the outer module. The outer module includes a roller rotatably mounted therein, with one end of the strap attached to the roller and wound thereabout, and a spring rotationally biasing the roller to wind the strap such that the strap can be tightened between the outer module and the hook member, and a restraining assembly for releasably restraining the roller to prevent loosening of the strap.

Abstract: A door stabilizer clip for use to hold a vehicle door in a spaced relationship from the vehicle body frame comprising a clamp body and a locking lever pivotally connected by a pivot pin. The clamp body has a C-shaped configuration with a cantilever extending thereof. The cantilever extension provides for opposing lips to define a channel for securing a door window frame and the C-shaped body defines a cavity for securing a vehicle frame. The opposing lips maintain the door window frame and the vehicle frame in a predetermined space relationship. The locker lever rotates about the pivot pin and C-shaped body to selectively lock and release the door stabilizer clip with respect to the vehicle frame.

Abstract: A device is provided for the locking of one or more doors. In particular, the device comprises a strap, a door engaging member, and a frame. The strap has a first end which includes an outwardly extending projection for engagement with a door latch recess. The strap has a second end which is curved away from the first, and includes a stop mounted thereon. The frame is slidably located on the strap, allowing it to be moved towards and away from a door. Further, a door engaging member in the form of an adjustable bolt is provided on the frame. The frame includes slots in the walls thereof which are engageable with notches and tabs on the strap, preventing movement of the frame along the strap when the door engaging member is used to engage and lock a door.

Abstract: An inexpensive and easy to install and use door security apparatus which comprises a bar extending, in a first position, across the width of the inner side of the door and having end portions which extend beyond the door edges respectively. Brackets attached to the frame portions hold the end portions against the respective frame portions to counteract a force applied to the outer side of the door during an attempted forced entry. A handle is attached to the bar for pivoting it to another position clear of the door so that the door can be opened. The handle extends through the respective frame portion so that it may be operated from the outer side of a door and is lockingly secured to prevent unauthorized persons from operating the handle. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, at least two locking assemblies are provided with at least one locking assembly provided along each vertical edge of the door.

Abstract: A system is configured to hold a pivotable hatch of a vehicle in a partially open position and to close a switch indicating that the pivotable hatch is open. The system includes a one piece latch extender including a base configured to engage a locking mechanism of the vehicle and coupling member formed on the latch extender. The coupling member is configured to apply a spring force to a hasp on the hatch of the vehicle to couple the latch extender to the hasp and to position the base a predetermined distance from the hasp so that the pivotable hatch remains in a partially open position upon engagement of the base with the locking mechanism. The system also includes an auxiliary post configured to be attached to a post coupled to the hatch of the vehicle to engage and close the switch when the pivotable hatch is in the partially open position.

Abstract: A device for temporarily locking a door which has an extension arm having one end secured perpendicularly to a channel straddling an edge of the door and extending away from the channel and a retainer arm telescoped onto the retainer arm that can be oriented either vertically or horizontally for engagement with the wall so that the locking device can be positioned at any location on either the top or vertical unhinged edge of the door. A bar may also be attached to the retaining arm when the retaining arm is oriented in the horizontal position. The means for securing the device to the door is also provided with an adjustable spacer means for attachment to a door having one of a range of thicknesses.

Abstract: A door stopper device comprising a central post having an upper component and a lower component formed of a rigid material, the lower extent of the upper component being linear and of a reduced diameter and the upper extent of the lower component being linear and of an enlarged diameter to receive the lower extent of the upper component; a U-shaped fork formed in the upper extent of the upper component, the fork being positioned vertically with respect to the door to be maintained closed with the adjacent component formed at an obtuse angle with respect thereto; a vertical foot formed at the lower end of the lower component; and spring-urged locking components coupling the area of overlap between upper and lower components.

Abstract: A portable door stop comprising a pair of door engaging elements connected to one another by parallel links. A spring extends between the elements to draw them together against opposite faces of a door. A floor or ground engaging element is pivotally mounted to one of the elements so that when it is in place, movement of the door causes the elements to more tightly engage the door. The portable door stop may be used for doors which close in either direction.

Abstract: A portable privacy lock is disclosed for use in securing a door that swings on hinges from an open position to a closed position in which the edge of the door opposite its hinged side is adjacent to a closure surface with a clearance gap therebetween. The lock includes a flexible webbing which has a first end and a second end, and which is provided with a plurality of holes between said first and second ends. The lock also includes a first securing plate that is attached to the first end of the webbing and a second securing plate that is attached to the webbing at an intermediate position between the first and second ends thereof. The second plate is also provided with a hole that is aligned with one of the holes in the webbing. The lock also includes a latch that is adapted to receive a drawstring and to releasably engage it from motion with respect thereto, and a drawstring, one end of which is attached to the first plate or to the first end of the webbing.

Abstract: A device for deterring automobile vandalism includes two telescopically engaged elongate members each of which has a plain end and an arcuate, blade shaped, window channel engaging end. The blade shaped ends are arcuate to displace the elongate body of the device away from the window pane so the device can be used whether the window is open or closed. A bushing is attached over the plain end of the first elongate member and includes an inner sidewall telescopically received in the plain end of the first member to add rigidity to the device and to fix the length of the device as desired. The inner and outer sidewalls of the bushing each have aligned holes through which a threaded stud having a thumb screw on one end can be screwed until the other end of the stud engages the sidewall of the second member.

Abstract: A security lock (10) including an arm (14) and a mounting member (12) is provided for use with a dead bolt lock assembly having a lock actuator on a first side (34) of a door (32) and a turn piece (36) on a second side (38) of the door (32). When the security lock (10) is in an engaged position (42), abutting surfaces (22a, 22b) of the arm (14) are positioned immediately adjacent the turn piece (36) to abut and restrict rotation of the turn piece (36).

Abstract: A block generally in the form of a right, isosceles triangular prism has a hook attached to the block to extend beyond the apex of the prism so that the hook can be hung over a door hinge leaf next to the hinge barrel on the right or left side to brace the door open, the hook being attached to the block so that the hook can be retracted into the block when the door block is not in use.