Door security device

A door security device includes an elongate support bar, attachment mechanism mounted to the support bar, opposing blocking members attached to opposing ends of the support bar, and an actuation mechanism. The attachment mechanism includes a pair of generally J-shaped hooks which engage a portion of a door. The blocking members include a surface thereon which rests flush against the door frame. The actuation mechanism includes a handle assembly which is pivotally connected to the hooks. The handle assembly includes a camming surface thereon which contacts the support bar. The security device is actuated by positioning the hooks about the door and positioning the blocking members flush against the door frame. The handle is then pivoted, causing the camming surface to pivot about the support bar and pull the hooks away from the door and towards the support bar.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention relates generally to door security devices. More 
particularly, the present invention relates to devices which mechanically 
prevent a door from being opened. 
One-way doors, that is, doors that open by swinging in only one direction, 
are especially popular in commercial buildings, schools, and the like. 
They provide easy ingress and egress to and from the building. 
Out-swinging doors in schools and commercial buildings are often equipped 
with panic-bar handles. A panic-bar handle may include an elongated rod 
extending across the width of the door. By pushing against the rod, the 
door latch is released and the door may be opened. If a crowd of people 
are pushed up against the door, the weight of the crowd will depress the 
rod and the door will open. Similarly, if a person is in a hurry to open 
the door, the person need not stop to turn a conventional doorknob to 
unlatch the door. The person need only exert a force on the rod and the 
door will open. 
One-way doors are also targets for burglars. Doors which open in an outward 
fashion can often be readily opened, even if locked. A pry bar or similar 
tool can be wedged between the door and the door frame, and the door can 
be pried open. 
Thus, while the safety features of the out-swinging panic-bar door are 
desirable, the ease with which these doors may be broken into is a 
disadvantage. To reduce the threat of burglary, devices have been made 
which prevent out-swinging doors from being opened. 
Devices are known which are permanently or semi-permanently attached to the 
door or door frame. For example, a support bar may be bolted to the door, 
across the door frame, preventing the door from being opened. Such an 
arrangement is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,856,831, issued to Roden, Jr. This 
type of arrangement, however, defeats the purpose of the panic-bar handle 
arrangement. If, under exigent circumstances, the door must be quickly 
opened, the permanent security device can not be readily removed, and the 
door can not be quickly opened. 
Another drawback of known security devices is that many require additional 
hardware to be mounted to the door or door frame. This can require special 
tooling. Furthermore, it can be difficult and time consuming to mount 
these devices. Such devices may also leave permanent marks or otherwise 
deface the door once the devices have been removed. 
Known security devices are also limited in that they can typically be used 
with only a particular door. Once the necessary hardware is attached to 
the door or door frame, the security device can only be used on that 
particular door. To use the security device on another door, the hardware 
must be removed from the first door and placed on the second door. 
Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a door security 
device which is portable which prevents a door from being opened. 
Another object of the present invention is to provide a door security 
device which is easy to install and remove. 
A further object of the present invention is to provide a door security 
device which requires no special tooling to install or remove. 
Yet another object of the present invention is the provision of a door 
security device which requires no additional hardware to install or 
remove. 
A still further object of the present invention is to provide a door 
security device which can be readily used on doors equipped with panic-bar 
handles, as well as doors witch other types of handle hardware. 
These and other objects are attained in a door security device which is 
secured to the inside of an out-swinging door. The security device 
generally includes an elongate support bar having first and second ends, 
the length of which typically exceeds a width of the door. Typically, the 
security device of the present invention is positioned in a substantially 
horizontal orientation such that the first and second ends of the support 
bar are disposed adjacent opposing vertical members of the door frame. 
Attached to the first and second ends of the support bar are blocking 
members. The blocking members are designed to be positionable against the 
door frame. Each blocking member includes a surface thereon for contacting 
and resting against the door frame. Each blocking member also includes an 
adjustment mechanism which provides for adjustable positioning of the 
support bar with respect to the blocking member. In the illustrative 
embodiments shown, the adjustment mechanism includes a slot located within 
the blocking member. The slot is disposed substantially orthogonally to 
the longitudinal axis of the support bar, such that the support bar may 
translate within the slot parallel to the longitudinal axis of the slot. 
The adjustment mechanism also includes a threaded member which engages the 
blocking member and the support bar. The threaded member includes a knob 
or head, such that turning or actuating the knob causes the support bar to 
move within the slot relative to the blocking member. 
The door security device of the present invention also includes an 
attachment means, which allows the device to removably engage a portion of 
a door. One illustrative embodiment of the attachment means includes a 
pair of generally J-shaped hooks. The hooks include an engagement portion 
and a generally elongate stem. The stem is disposed substantially through 
the support bar, and extends substantially orthogonally therefrom. The 
engagement portion of the hook is opposite the support bar, and is 
designed to engage a portion of the door. As the handle assembly is 
actuated, the engagement portion of the hook is drawn near the support 
bar, thereby exerting a force on a portion of the door. 
The present invention also includes an actuation mechanism. In the 
illustrative embodiment shown, the actuation mechanism includes a handle 
assembly. The handle assembly includes a generally elongate rod disposed 
substantially parallel to the support bar, and spaced apart from the 
support bar. At opposite ends of the rod are elbow members which terminate 
adjacent the support bar. The elbow members are pivotally connected to the 
hooks. A pin connecting the elbow to the hook acts as a pivot point, 
allowing the elbow and thus the handle assembly to pivot with respect to 
the hook, and the support bar. 
The security device of the present invention further includes a spring 
mechanism which provides tension against the handle assembly when the 
handle is actuated. The spring mechanism includes a washer which is 
attached to the hooks and a coil spring which is disposed about the hooks 
between the washer and the support bar. 
The present invention also includes a camming surface which contacts a 
substrate to lock the device in place. Typically the substrate will be the 
support bar. In one illustrative embodiment, the camming surface pivots in 
response to actuation of the handle assembly. In this embodiment, the 
camming surface is located on the elbow member of the handle assembly. The 
point of pivotal connection between the elbows of the handle assembly and 
the hooks forms the pivot point for the camming surface. 
The camming surface includes a first surface, a second angled surface, and 
a third surface. In the illustrative embodiments shown, the first surface 
and third surface are disposed substantially orthogonal to one another, 
and the angled surface connects the first surface to the third surface. In 
the embodiments shown, the angled surface extends at an angle 
approximately 45.degree. from the horizontal. As illustratively shown, the 
distance between the pivot point and the first surface is less than the 
distance between the pivot point and the angled surface, and the distance 
between the pivot point and the angled surface is less than the distance 
between the pivot point and the third surface. Thus, as the handle 
assembly is pivoted, the camming surface pivots about the pivot point, and 
the first surface, second angled surface, and third surface, in turn, 
contact the support bar. 
In some instances, it may be desirable to coal portions or all of the 
security device. For example, it may be desirable to paint portions of the 
security device for aesthetic reasons. Also, it may be desirable to coat 
portions of the security device such that it does not scratch or cause 
damage to the door or door frame. Thus, portions of the blocking members 
and attachment means may be coated with a non-abrasive substance, so as 
not to scratch or cause damage to the door. 
Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will 
become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention 
when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
FIG. 1 shows a front view of a door security device in accordance with the 
present invention, generally indicated by the reference numeral 10. 
Security device 10 is designed to prevent a one-way door, that is, a door 
which opens in only one direction, from being opened. The device is 
positioned on the inside of an out-swinging door, and is a deterrent to 
burglars and others who may attempt to open the door without 
authorization. Security device 10 of the present invention is particularly 
compatible with a door equipped with a panic-bar handle. 
Door 12 is typically mounted within door frame 14. Panic-bar handle 
assembly 16 includes rod 18, which extends substantially horizontally 
across the width of door 12. Security device 10 of the present invention 
is particularly designed for use with this type of handle hardware. 
However, it should be well understood that the present invention can also 
be used with doors having other types of handle hardware. 
As can be seen in FIG. 2, security device 10 includes support bar 20, 
opposing blocking members 30, attachment means 50, and actuation mechanism 
70. Support bar 20 is a generally elongate, rigid body. As shown in FIG. 
2, support bar 20 may be generally rectangular in cross-section. However, 
support bar 20 may also be designed having a different cross-sectional 
configuration, and the present invention is not limited by the shape of 
the support bar. It is preferred that support bar 20 be rigid and sturdy, 
so as to withstand the forces which may be applied to the door by a 
burglar. Thus, one illustrative material from which support bar 20 may be 
constructed is steel. Support bar 20 may be substantially solid if extra 
strength is a concern, or it may be at least partially hollow, thus 
reducing the overall weight of security device 10. 
Security device 10 includes two blocking members 30, one attached to each 
end of support bar 20. Blocking members 30 are designed to abut and rest 
flush against door frame 14, and thus it is desired that blocking members 
30 be longitudinally spaced along support bar 20 by a distance equal to 
the width of door frame 14. Each blocking member 30 includes blocking 
surface 32 thereon. In the illustrative embodiments shown, blocking 
surface 32 is a substantially flat, planar surface. Blocking surface 32 is 
designed to abut and rest flush against door frame 14 when security device 
10 has been mounted. Blocking members 30 insure that security device 10 is 
securely positioned against door frame 14, substantially perpendicular to 
the door frame. The dimensions of blocking member 30 and blocking surface 
32 may be varied to create more or less bearing surface between the 
blocking member and the door frame. Blocking member 30 may be made from 
any suitable material, such as wood, plastic or the like. 
Each blocking member 30 also includes a receiving means which receives an 
end of support bar 20. In the illustrative embodiment shown, the receiving 
means includes slot 34 therein. Slot 34 is substantially coplanar with and 
orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of support bar 20. Thus, support bar 
20 may translate within slot 34 in a direction substantially orthogonal to 
the longitudinal axis of the bar. 
Each end of support bar 20 is receivable within slot 34 in the receiving 
means. This secures blocking member 30 to support bar 20. A variable 
adjustment mechanism, such as threaded bolt 36, is housed within the 
receiving means. Threaded bolt 36 engages threaded portion 38 of support 
bar 20. Bolt 36 is axially fixed within slot 34 to plate 40, but is free 
to rotate. Bolt 36 includes knob 42 thereon, such that by turning knob 42 
bolt 36 rotates, causing support bar 20 to translate within slot 34. This 
mechanism allows support bar 20 to be adjustably positioned relative to 
blocking member 30, within slot 34. This mechanism can been seen in FIG. 
3. 
Intermediate the opposite ends of support bar 20, security device 10 
includes attachment means 50. Attachment means 50 provides the means by 
which the security device is removably attached to door 12. Attachment 
means 50 includes at least one hook 52, which is mounted to support bar 20 
intermediate the ends of the support bar. The number of hooks 52 utilized 
may vary; the illustrative embodiments shown include two hooks 52 mounted 
to support bar 20. The present invention is not limited by the number of 
hooks 52 used, nor by the relative positioning of the hooks longitudinally 
on support bar 20. 
Each hook 52 is generally J-shaped, and includes stem 54 and engagement 
portion 56. Stem 54 is substantially elongate and straight. The end of 
stem 54 opposite engagement portion 56 is disposed in an opening which 
extends through support bar 20, such that the hook extends substantially 
orthogonally from bar 20 toward door 12. 
Engagement portion 56 physically engages a portion of door 12 when security 
device 10 is mounted thereto, in one illustrative embodiment, engagement 
portion 56 includes curve 58. Curve 58 transitions from stem 54 to form 
the generally J-shaped body. Curve 58 is positioned such that the "open" 
portion of the curve faces generally upward. This can be seen in FIG. 4. 
As noted previously security device 10 also includes an actuation mechanism 
70. In the illustrative embodiment shown, the actuation mechanism 70 
includes handle assembly 71. Handle assembly 71 includes a generally 
elongate bar 72 which is disposed substantially parallel to support bar 
20. At its opposite ends, bar 72 includes elbows 74 attached thereto. Each 
elbow 74 terminates adjacent support bar 20. 
The end of elbow 74 which terminates adjacent support bar 20 is pivotally 
connected to attachment means 50. In the illustrative embodiment shown in 
FIG. 5, stem 54 of hook 52 extends substantially through support bar 20, 
and slightly outside of the support bar on the opposite side. Pin 80 is 
disposed substantially orthogonally through stem 54, and elbow 74 is 
connected to pin 80, such that elbow 74 may pivot or rotate about pin 80. 
This also allows elbow 74, and thus bar 72, to pivot with respect to 
support bar 20. 
Elbow 74 includes a camming surface 76 thereon. Camming surface 76 contacts 
support bar 20 as bar 72 is pivoted with respect to bar 20. Camming 
surface 76 may be generally of any shape, including a rounded shape, an 
elliptical shape, or a multi-step shape. In the embodiments shown, camming 
surface 76 includes three discrete surfaces. Camming surface 76 generally 
includes first surface 82, angled second surface 84 and third surface 86. 
First surface 82 and third surface 86 are substantially orthogonal to one 
another, and are connected by angled surface 84. When security device 10 
is in a rest position, prior to actuation, first surface 82 is 
substantially vertical and third surface 86 is substantially horizontal. 
Angled surface 84 extends generally at an angle of 45.degree. from both 
the horizontal and vertical. However, the angles at which first surface 
82, angled surface 84 and third surface 86 are oriented are illustrative, 
and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Camming 
surface 76 is shown in detail in FIG. 5. 
FIG. 5 also shows the spatial relationship of pin 80 to camming surface 76. 
Pin 80 acts as a pivot point for camming surface 76. The perpendicular 
distance between pin 80 and each of the three surfaces on camming surface 
76 is fixed; that is, the distance between pin 80 and first surface 82 is 
fixed, and may be represented by the letter "X," the distance between pin 
80 and angled surface 84 may be represented by "Y," and the distance 
between pin 80 and third surface 86 may be represented by "Z." In the 
illustrative embodiments shown, X&lt;Y&lt;Z. 
Security device 10 also includes spring mechanism Spring mechanism 90 
includes washer 92, coil spring 94 and casing 96. Coil spring 94 is 
positioned about stem 54 of hock 52, adjacent support bar 20, such that 
the coil spring substantially surrounds stem 54. Washer 92 is secured to 
stem 54 adjacent one end of spring 94. The opposite end of coil spring 94 
abuts support bar 20. Casing 96 surrounds coil spring 94, and prevents 
dirt or other debris from interfering with the workings of spring 94. 
Casing 96 is preferably flexible, such that it may contract and expand 
with coil spring 94. 
Spring mechanism 90 acts as an aid to the release of security device 10 
from an actuated position to a rest position. When security device 10 is 
actuated, coil spring 94 is compressed, exerting a force on support bar 20 
and on washer 92. The force on washer 92 is directed substantially away 
from support bar 20, thus tending to push hook 52 away from the support 
bar, to a pre-actuation state. When a user releases handle assembly 70 of 
the present invention, the user is assisted in pushing bar 72 toward door 
12 by the tension created by coil spring 94 against washer 92. 
Security device 10 can be used in conjunction with door 12 having various 
types of handle hardware. For example, the present invention is compatible 
for use with door 12 having panic-bar handle 16 as a handle. The present 
invention is also compatible with doors having other types of handle 
hardware, such as a conventional door knob. When used with this type of 
door, the present invention also includes receiving means 60. Receiving 
means 60 is mounted to door 12, and engagingly receives attachment means 
50 mounted on support bar 12. For illustrative purposes, receiving means 
60 may include eyelets 62. In this embodiment, it is preferred that door 
12 be equipped with an eyelet 62 to correspond to each hook 52 mounted on 
support bar 20. This embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 6. 
Portions or all of security device 10 may be coated with various coatings. 
For example, portions or all of security device 10 may be painted to make 
the device more aesthetically pleasing. Also, other coatings may be 
applied to portions or all of the security device, such that the device 
does not scratch or otherwise harm door 12. Such coatings may be any 
non-abrasive coating or substance 95, as illustratively shown in FIG. 2, 
which deters or limits scratching or other effects caused by the rubbing 
of two surfaces together. 
Directing attention now to FIG. 7, the ease with which security device 10 
may be installed and removed can be easily appreciated. When it is desired 
to prevent door 12 from being opened, security device 10 may be used. In 
door 12 having panic-bar handle 16, security device 10 is positioned about 
handle 16 such that blocking surface 32 of blocking member 30 is adjacent 
door frame 14. This allows hook 52 to clear rod 18 of the panic-bar, and 
allows engagement portion 56 to receive rod 18 therein. Once the panic bar 
is received within hook 52, knob 42 may be turned, thereby adjusting the 
relative position of support bar 20 with respect to blocking member 30. At 
this point, security device 10 is prepared to be actuated. This is shown 
in FIG. 7c. 
Security device 10 is actuated by pivoting handle assembly 71. A user may 
pivot bar 72 by grasping bar 72 and pulling it substantially away from 
door 12. As bar 72 is pivoting, the various surfaces of camming surface 76 
on elbow 74 contact support bar 20. In the pre-actuation position, shown 
in FIG. 7c, first surface 82 rests substantially flush against support bar 
20. As bar 72 is rotated, first surface 82 rotates away from the support 
bar and angled second surface 84 rotates into engagement, such that it 
rests substantially flush against support bar 20. This can be seen in FIG. 
7d. When bar 72 is fully actuated, and pulled away from door 12 into a 
fully-operative position, third surface 86 rests substantially flush 
against support bar 20. This is shown in FIG. 7e. When security device 10 
is in a fully-operative position, the positioning of handle 72 is easily 
viewable. Thus, a quick visual inspection insures that security device 10 
is in position. 
As bar 72 is actuated, and the various surfaces of camming surface 76 of 
elbow 74 rotate against support bar 20, hook 52 is drawn substantially 
away from door 12, toward support bar 20. This pulling action is 
effectively caused by increasing the distance between pin 80 and support 
bar 20. In the pre-actuation state, pin 80 is spaced from support bar 20 
by a distance X, representing the distance between pin 80 and first 
surface 82. As bar 72 is rotated, the distance between pin 80 and support 
bar 20 is increased first to a distance Y, and finally to a distance Z, 
that distance between pin 80 and third surface 86. In this position, 
engagement portion 56 of hook 52 is pulled toward support bar 20 by a 
distance equal to the difference between X and Z. 
Along with engagement portion 56, washer 92 is also pulled toward support 
bar 20. This exerts a force onto coil spring 94, and thus the spring is in 
a contracted position. The spring mechanism thus serves to tension the 
security device in place. 
As engagement portion 56 of hook 52 is drawn toward support bar 20, rod 18 
of panic bar handle 16 is pivoted slightly upward. This removes any 
mechanical slack which may be present in panic bar handle 16. Once this 
slack is removed, panic bar handle 16 is drawn towards support bar 20 by 
engagement portion 56 of hook 52. This pulling action also draws door 12 
towards support bar 20. This pulling action draws door 12 snug against 
door frame 14, compressing against any weather stripping, mechanical slack 
or other spacing between door 12 and frame 14. This secures the door, such 
that there is little or no play or give between door 12 and frame 14. 
Security device 10 is removed from engagement with door 12 by reversing the 
preceding steps of installation. A user grasping bar 72 can push the 
handle toward door 12, thus releasing third surface 86 from its flush 
alignment with support bar 20. The tension exerted on support bar 20 and 
washer 92 by coil spring 94 assists the user in pushing support bar 20 
towards door 12. Camming surface 76 on elbow 74 transitions through angled 
second surface 84 and first surface 82, until the first surface rests 
substantially flush against support bar 20. In this position, the tension 
on coil spring 94 is released and security device 10 may be quickly and 
easily removed from engagement with the door hardware. In practice, only a 
small force need be applied to bar 72 to release security device 10. Once 
released, security device 10 will fall to the floor if not otherwise held 
during removal. Thus, security device 10 can be quickly and easily removed 
from its locked position in case of a panic situation. 
Security device 10 of the present invention can be installed and removed in 
a similar manner when used on doors 12 having a knob handle or other 
handle hardware. In these instances, eyelets 62 are secured to the door, 
and act as a receiving mechanism for hooks 52. When security device 10 is 
to be mounted on such a door, hooks 52 are positioned such that engagement 
portion 56 is inserted through eyelets 62, and the eyelets are secured 
adjacent curve 58 of hook 52. Security device 10 is then positioned and 
actuated as recited above. 
From the preceding description of the illustrative embodiments of the 
invention, it is evident that the objects of the invention have been 
attained. Although this invention has been described and illustrated in 
detail, it is to be clearly understood that the same is by way of 
illustration and example only and is not to be taken by way of limitation. 
Therefore, the spirit and scope of this invention are to be limited only 
by the terms of the appended claims.