Abstract:
A door locking apparatus for use on a door and an associated door jamb is provided. The door locking apparatus includes a custom striker plate and a U-shaped element or U-Bar. The U-shaped element has two arm portions and the custom striker plate has two arm receiving apertures for receiving the arm portions of the U-shaped element. The U-shaped element partially encircles the shank of a door knob assembly and the two arm portions fit into the two arm receiving apertures to lock the door. A device for keeping the U-shaped element in a locked position is built into the U-shaped element. A preferred embodiment utilizes a notch on the U-shaped element to keep the device in a locked position.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/346,659 filed on Jan. 8, 2001 which for purposes of disclosure is incorporated herein by specific reference. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    This invention relates to devices that are attachable to doors that prevent that door from being opened.  
         PRIOR ART  
         [0003]    Most hinged doors have a door knob assembly which includes a door knob on both sides of the door with a shank running through the door connecting the two knobs. The door knob assembly also includes a tumbler mechanism and a bolt that interacts with the door jamb to keep the door closed. A striker plate is usually mounted on the face of the door jamb designed to interact with the bolt. The striker plate has an aperture which holds the bolt when the door is in the closed position. Some times a locking mechanism is incorporated into the door knob assembly. Some times a locking mechanism is not incorporated into the door knob assembly.  
           [0004]    Most exterior doors include one or more of a variety of key operated locks to prevent unauthorized entry. Some interior doors have some type of locks.  
           [0005]    There are a wide variety of designs of door locks.  
           [0006]    There are locks that can be built into the doors and door jambs. An example of this type of lock would be a lock associated with the door knobs. Deadbolts are also built into doors and door jambs.  
           [0007]    There are also locking mechanisms that would be considered “add on devices” or auxiliary door locks. Some of the add on devices would be considered permanent features of the doors. This type would be chain locks and slider locks that could be installed on the inside of a door.  
           [0008]    There are also “add on” locking mechanisms or locks devices would not necessarily be considered permanent features of the doors. These locking devices could be easily removed if so desired.  
           [0009]    Other auxiliary door locks would be actually be a portable locking device. Some could be used when traveling for example in hotel or motel rooms to provide extra security.  
           [0010]    It should be understood that these door locking devices could be used individually and in various combinations.  
           [0011]    The “Door Lock” described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,605,251 awarded to Flinlay is similar to the device disclosed herein however the U.S. Pat. No. 4,605,251 has several shortcomings. The Finley device would be rather awkward to use. It appears that every time the device is placed into the locked position the “keepers” have to be moved one way or the other. The keepers supposedly keep the two ends of the U-bolt from slipping out of the apertures of the striker plate when an unauthorized entry is attempted. There are numerous problems that would be associated with the disclosed “keepers.” It would be very difficult to provide the correct fit between the keepers and the shank of the “U-bolt”. If the fit is too tight, it may be almost impossible to move them along the shank. Also, if the fit is too loose the keepers would fall off. Additionally, if the keepers were made of plastic material the plastic may shrink and make them almost impossible to move. Also plastic properties change over time which may cause them to crack or deteriorate. Additionally, plastic properties change with different environmental conditions. Changes in temperature and humidity may cause plastic keepers to perform different than intended. The plastic keepers would expand and contract at a different rate than the metal u-bolt which definitely would affect the fit between the keepers and the shank. Additionally, having to deal with the keepers every time the U.S. Pat. No. 4,605,251 device were used to lock a door could be very time consuming. This could cause dangerous time delays if the door must be locked or unlocked in an emergency situation. Additionally, the keepers would ad extra cost for materials and assembly that would have to be factored into the selling price when the U.S. Pat. No. 4,605,251 device is marketed. If the strike plate with 4 screw holes and 4 screws were sold as shown in the U.S. Pat. No. 4,605,251 disclosure, four new holes would have to be drilled into the door jamb. This would be very labor intensive. This would require a drill which many consumers may not own. Also the ability to use a drill properly may be beyond the skills of many consumers. Some one may have to be hired to install the U.S. Pat. No. 4,605,251 strike plate properly. This would add additional cost for anyone that may want to install and use that locking device.  
         DOOR LOCK HAVING U-BAR AND CUSTOM STRIKER PLATE SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION  
         [0012]    It is an object of this invention to provide a door lock device which would eliminate and/or limit unauthorized or forcible entries through that door.  
           [0013]    It is an object of this invention to provide a door locking device that could be easily added to a door that already has a lock thereby giving extra security and preventing that door from being opened.  
           [0014]    It is an object of this invention to provide a door locking device that could be easily added to a door that does not have any lock thereby giving that door security and preventing that door from being opened.  
           [0015]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a door lock that is easy to understand and easy to operate.  
           [0016]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a door lock that operates without a key.  
           [0017]    A further object of the present invention is to provide a door lock that could be quickly placed into the locked position in the case of an emergency.  
           [0018]    A further object of the present invention is to provide a door lock that could be quickly removed from the locked position in the case of an emergency.  
           [0019]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide a door locking device which is of durable and reliable construction and would be rugged. It would be rather difficult to break the parts during an attempted forced entry.  
           [0020]    It is an object of this invention to provide a door lock device that would even prevent an intruder with a master key from gaining unauthorized entry through the door.  
           [0021]    It is an object of this invention to provide a door lock device that will create a sound that could be heard if a forced entry is attempted; thereby alerting the person inside the room.  
           [0022]    It is an object of this invention to provide a door locking device that could be installed easily by almost anyone.  
           [0023]    It is an object of this invention to provide a door locking device that requires no special tools for installation. All that would be required would be a screwdriver.  
           [0024]    It is an object of this invention to provide a door lock device that does not structurally alter the door or door jam when installed. Renters would not need special permission to install the device.  
           [0025]    Still another object of the present invention is to provide a door lock that renters could take along when they move and install the lock at their new apartment.  
           [0026]    It is a further object of this invention to provide a door lock device which is simple in design, has a minimum of parts, and would be inexpensive to manufacture.  
           [0027]    It is still another object of the present invention is to provide a door lock utilizing a u-bolt and a special strike plate that has a safety catch built into the u-bolt. This keeps the u-bolt in the locked position and prevents the u-bolt from falling off.  
           [0028]    It is an additional object of the present invention is to provide a door lock utilizing a u-bolt and a special strike plate that has a safety catch built into the u-bolt that is very simple and dependable. Gravity will cause the notch of the u-bolt to catch in the special apertures of the strike plate. This keeps the u-bolt in the locked position and prevents the u-bolt from falling off.  
           [0029]    It is a further object of this invention to provide a door lock device which would be inexpensive to manufacture, thus, could be sold to consumers for a relatively low price making the lock affordable to almost anyone.  
           [0030]    It is a further object of this invention to provide a door lock device that utilizes a “u-shaped element” that could be manufactured using a variety of different materials and different manufacturing techniques.  
           [0031]    It is a further object of this invention to provide a door lock device that utilizes a U-shaped element that has a coating that provides a cushion.  
           [0032]    It is a further object of this invention to provide a door lock device that utilizes a U-shaped element that has a means for keeping the U-shaped element in a locked position built into the U-shaped element. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0033]    In order that the manner in which the above and other objects of the invention are obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying annexed drawings wherein:  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 1 is a drawing showing the of the u-bolt striker lock positioned over a door knob along with the companion striker plate showing how the striker plate would be mounted on a door jamb.  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the of the u-bolt striker lock positioned over a door knob along with the companion striker plate mounted on a door jamb. The door is closed and the u-bolt has been inserted into the special striker plate openings. This shows the device in the locked position.  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 3 is a front view of one version of the special striker plate showing openings for the u-bolt as well as for standard screw holes and the door latch.  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 4 a edge view of one version of the special striker plate showing a contoured lip on the leading edge of the striker plate.  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 5 is a front view of a second version of the special striker plate showing openings for the u-bolt as well as the openings for standard screw holes and the opening for the door latch. This version has the leading edge contour lip shown also.  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 6 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the special the u-bolt showing the special notches that will interact with the special striker plate and also shows a special rubber coating which functions as a bumper cushion and sound dampening feature. 
     
    
       [0040]    The objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent when the drawings are studied in conjunction with reading the following description and the claims.  
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0041]    In keeping with the requirements of Patent Laws there is described herein below the best mode of the invention that is currently known to the applicants. For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.  
         [0042]    With reference now to the drawings, and in particular, to FIGS.  1 - 6  thereof, the preferred embodiment of the new and improved door locking device embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention and generally designated by the reference number  6  will be described.  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of the new door u-bar lock with striker plate shown generally at  2 . The custom striker plate  6  has two screw holes  11 , a striker plate latch hole  15  and two u-bar arm holes  19 . The custom striker plate  6  would be mounted on a door jamb  20  by removing an existing striker plate and then installing the custom striker plate in the same spot by using the same screws  21  from the original striker plate. Most door lock manufacturers have standard size striker plates. Of course, screws could be included with the new striker plate if so desired. If slightly longer screws were included with custom striker plate  6  they could be screwed into the existing holes without much extra effort and would provide extra strength to hold the custom striker plate onto the door jamb  20 . The door knob assembly includes a door knob  23 , a shank  24  and a tumbler assembly (not shown). The tumbler assembly would have a bolt (not shown) that would be lodged in the bolt aperture  15  when the door  25  is in a closed position. The door knob assembly would also have a door knob on the opposite side of door  25  (not shown.)  
         [0044]    The u-bolt  27  of the locking device is “u” shaped with a contour  28  located on one end and two arms extending toward arm ends  30 . The u-bolt is designed and manufactured so that the distance between the arms is larger than the shank  24  and smaller than the diameter of the door knob  23 . The u-bolt  27  has notches  29  near the arm ends  30 .  
         [0045]    The u-bolt in general could be made of various metals such as steel or brass or bronze. The u-bolt could also be made of other materials such as a high strength plastic alloy. The u-bolt made of plastic could then be manufactured by an injection molding process which would make the u-bolt very inexpensive to manufacture when compared to making the bolt of metal. There are some plastic alloys that are as strong and rugged as steel. The U-bolt would pop out of the injection mold with the bend  28  and the notches  29  molded into the device.  
         [0046]    A u-bolt made of steel or other metal would generally be very rugged and strong. One way to make the u-bolt would be from a rod or bar stock, cutting it and bending it to shape and then grinding the notches  29 . The u-bold could be painted or coated with various materials. Another possible manufacturing method for the u-bolt  27  could using metal casting. A high strength bronze alloy might be used as the metal and the U-bolt  27  would have the contour  28  and the notches  29  cast into the device.  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 2 shows the new door locking device with the u-bolt in the “locked” position. The custom striker plate  6  is mounted onto the door jamb  20 . The contoured end  28  of the u-bolt is positioned around the shank  24  of the door knob assembly. The two arms  30  of the u-bolt are positioned into the u-bar apertures  19 . In this locked position it should be obvious that device should provide a simple rugged locking device with broad appeal. This drawing shows that if the u-bar did manage to move in a direction away from the door jam  20  and toward the door knob  23 , the notches  29  in the-bolt would keep the u-bolt  27  from slipping out of the apertures  19  and keep the device in the locked position.  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 3 is a front view of an alternate design custom striker plate  17  with the bolt aperture  15  the screw apertures  11  and the special u-bolt apertures  18 . The u-bolt apertures  18  have a contoured top and a flat bottom. To install the custom striker plate  17 , the existing striker plate that is mounted on the door jamb is removed and the new custom striker plate  17  is installed in the same spot as the old striker plate. The custom striker plate  17  is designed to fit in the same notch that an existing striker had been mounted. The custom striker plate  17  The existing striker plate screws can be used to mount the custom striker plate in the existing screw holes. Most lock manufacturing brands have similar design and size striker plates which generally have dimensions of 2½ inches high and 2¼ inches wide. The distance between the mounting screw holes on most striker plates is generally 1¾ inches between centers.  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 4 is a end view of a custom striker plate  6  showing a lip  32  on the inside edge of the striker plate  6 .  
         [0050]    [0050]FIG. 5 is a front view of the custom striker plate  6  with the bolt aperture  15  the screw apertures  11  and the special u-bolt apertures  19  and also showing the lip  32  in the inside edge of the striker plate.  
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 6 is a side view of the custom u-bolt  27  showing the contoured end  28  and the special notches  29 . A rubber coating  34  on the arms of the u-bolt function as a bumper and cushion if the door is ever opened when the u-bolt is in the “locked position.” FIG. 2 shows the U-bolt  27  in the locked position and if the rubber coating  34  shown in FIG. 6 were included on that U-bolt, the door  25  would be cushioned by the coating  34  if the door were opened. The rubber coating will also prevent any “clanging sounds” when the U-bolt is stored on the door knob when the device is in an “unlocked” position. A wide variety of rubber or cushioning type coatings could be applied to a u-bolt.  
         [0052]    It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description that this door locking device is a very simple and effective device that will prevent unauthorized passage or forcible entries into a room if this invention is used properly. It is also very apparent that this invention will provide a door locking device that could be easily added to a door that has no lock or a door that already has a lock thereby giving extra security and preventing that door from being opened. It is very evident that what is provided is a door lock that is easy to understand and easy to operate and operates without a key. Additionally, the device provides a door lock that could be quickly placed into the locked position in the case of an emergency and also could be quickly removed from the locked position in the case of an emergency.  
         [0053]    This clearly provides a door locking device that is durable and reliable rugged. It would be rather difficult to break the parts during an attempted forced entry. Additionally, this device that would even prevent an intruder with a master key from gaining unauthorized entry through the door and also would create a sound that could be heard if a forced entry is attempted; thereby alerting the person inside the room.  
         [0054]    Another very positive feature of this door locking device is that it can be installed easily by almost anyone and would require no special tools for installation. All that would be required would be a screwdriver. And, the lock installation would not structurally alter the door or door jam when installed. Therefore renters would not need special permission to install the device, and they could take the lock along when they move and install the lock at their new apartment.  
         [0055]    Another attractive aspect of this door locking device is that it is simple in design, has a minimum of parts, and would be inexpensive to manufacture. Therefore, the lock could be sold to consumers for a relatively low price, making the lock affordable to almost anyone. And, as pointed out, the lock could be manufactured using a variety of different materials and different manufacturing techniques and have coatings if so desired.  
         [0056]    This invention having been described in its presently contemplated best mode, it is clear that it is susceptible to numerous, variations, modifications, modes and embodiments within the ability of those skilled in the art and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts or principles of this invention. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. It should be understood that the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is defined by the scope of the following claims.