Abstract:
An apparatus holds a door closed comprising: a top panel, a left wall and a right wall. A flap is attached to the left wall opposite the top panel and folded under the apparatus. A flap is attached to the right wall opposite the top panel and folded under the apparatus. The apparatus contains a front end, a back end and an opening at the front end that has a larger cross section than a cross section of the back end thereby providing for a tapered shape of the apparatus overall, such that the apparatus is configured to fit over two hinged arms of a door closing system, preventing the arms from articulating open to prevent the door from opening.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/099,912 filed Dec. 7, 2013. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention generally relates to a door collar lock. More specifically, the invention relates to a system and method for securing a door in a closed position using a door collar locking device. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The use of door closing mechanisms having a rod and associated piston operating within a cylinder is well known. For instance, in residential applications, it is well known to connect such a mechanism between the door and its frame to act as a shock absorber or dampener against the action of a closing force such as a spring or a partial vacuum within the cylinder. 
         [0004]    It has been known to provide different types of stops in conjunction with such closing mechanisms, which allow the door to be closed only partially, thereby temporarily maintaining the door in the desired position against the closing force. One of the more common types of prior art devices consists of a stop washer mounted on the piston rod. The washer is wedged between the rod and the cylinder to prevent the rod from being drawn in to the cylinder. 
         [0005]    While different ways of temporarily keeping a door having a pneumatic piston and rod mechanism open have been contemplated and made available, few systems have focused on keeping a door with a pneumatic piston and rod closed for emergency purposes. 
         [0006]    Recent tragic events such as those at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut, Columbine High School, and other locations, have prompted discussions on ways to improve security in schools and in other venues. In some instances, due to fire code regulations, and the like, the use of door locks may be disallowed. Still, even door locks may be vulnerable to forced entry because typical door locks are easily kicked-in or pushed open by blunt and sudden force. 
         [0007]    Therefore, there is still a need for a system and method that overcomes the shortcomings of the above-mentioned prior art. The system and method described herein provides such a system and method by preventing opening of a door with a pneumatic piston and rod mechanism. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    According to a preferred embodiment, an apparatus for holding a door closed, comprising: a top panel; a left wall; a right wall; a flap attached to the left wall opposite the top panel and folded under the apparatus; a flap attached to the right wall opposite the top panel and folded under the apparatus; a front end; a back end; and an opening at the front end that has a larger cross section than a cross section of the back end thereby providing for a tapered shape of the apparatus overall, such that the apparatus is configured to fit over two hinged arms of a door closing system, preventing the arms from articulating open to prevent the door from opening. 
         [0009]    According to another preferred embodiment, a door collar lock, comprising: a top panel; a left wall; a right wall; a front end; a back end; a flap attached to the left wall opposite the top panel and folded under the apparatus; a flap attached to the right wall opposite the top panel and folded under the apparatus; and an opening at the front end that has a larger cross section than a cross section of the back end thereby providing for a tapered shape of the door collar lock overall, such that the door collar lock is configured to fit over two hinged arms of a door closing system, preventing the arms from articulating open to prevent the door from opening. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIG. 1  is a right front perspective view of a door collar lock according to one embodiment; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a top elevational view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a left perspective view of a door with a pneumatic or spring actuated arm and rod configuration, with the door collar lock installed to prevent the door from opening according to the embodiment of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a bottom right perspective view of the door collar lock according to the embodiment of  FIG. 1  installed to prevent the rods from scissoring outwardly to a more oblique angle so as to prevent opening of the door; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the door collar lock that includes wheels on small carriages configured to roll along a mount on the door frame, on the side of one of the rods and or on one of the rods itself; 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  illustrates yet another alternative embodiment of the door collar lock with one or more magnets attached to the top as a mounting mechanism; 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  illustrates yet another alternative embodiment of the door collar lock with one or more wall mounting holes located in the top; 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  illustrates yet another alternative embodiment of the door collar lock with a mounting; 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  illustrates yet another alternative embodiment of the door collar lock is shown with a knob to allow for more clearance for a hinge; 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  illustrates yet another alternative embodiment of the door collar lock with a bevel that may allow the device to be more easily tightened around smaller; 
           [0020]      FIG. 11  illustrates yet another alternative embodiment of the door collar lock with an extension or insert having a ridge configured to slide into the opening of the device to extend the length of the device for adjustment for shorter or longer arms; 
           [0021]      FIG. 12  is a bottom, front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the door collar lock; 
           [0022]      FIG. 13  is a bottom left perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 12 ; and 
           [0023]      FIG. 14  is a left perspective view of a door with a pneumatic or spring actuated arm and rod configuration, with the embodiment of  FIGS. 12 and 13  installed to prevent the door from opening. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0024]    The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims. 
         [0025]    Various inventive features are described below that can each be used independently of one another or in combination with other features. 
         [0026]    Broadly, embodiments of the present invention generally provide a door collar lock that can be easily installed over the rods of a pneumatic door mechanism to prevent entry. With reference to  FIG. 1 , a right front perspective view of a door collar lock  10  is shown according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, the door collar lock  10  may comprise a front end  8 , a back end  9 , a left wall  4  (having an inner wall  2 ), and a right wall  3  (having an inner wall  1 ). The front end  8  may comprise an opening  5 , which may have a planar area that may be smaller than the cross section of the front end  9 , providing for a tapered shape of the door collar lock  10  overall. 
         [0027]    The relative triangular shapes of a top panel  6  of the door collar lock  10 , and a bottom panel  7  illustrate the tapering from back to front of the door collar lock  10 , as also illustrated in the partial view of the inner wall  11  of the bottom panel  7 . 
         [0028]    With reference to  FIG. 2 , a top elevational view of the door collar lock  10  of  FIG. 1  is shown. The tapered shape of the door collar lock  10  is illustrated in  FIG. 2 , more specifically as illustrated by the shape of the top panel  6 . 
         [0029]    With reference to  FIG. 3 , a left perspective view of a door  30  with a pneumatic or spring actuated arm and rod configuration is shown, with the door collar lock  10  installed to prevent the door  30  from opening according to the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . The rod or elbow  22   a  and  22   b  may consist of two articulating elongated members  22   a  and  22   b  over which the door collar  10  may be fitted by insertion over the elongated members  22   a  and  22   b.  Normally, the two elongated members  22   a  and  22   b  are free to articulate as allowed or caused by the pneumatic, hydraulic, or spring piston  20 . While the piston  20  may bias the elongated members  22   a  and  22   b  to push the door  30  into the closed position with respect to the door frame  32 , such a bias toward closing does not function as a lock. A person of average or low strength may still push the door open with little or no effort, as designed. However, in an emergency situation, it may be desirable to push the door collar lock  10  over the arms  22   a  and  22   b.    
         [0030]    With reference to  FIG. 4 , a bottom right perspective view of the door collar lock  10  installed to prevent the rods  22   a  and  22   b  from scissoring outwardly to a more oblique angle α so as to prevent opening of the door  30  is shown. The rods  22   a  and  22   b  are shown in phantom for the portion covered by the door collar lock  10 , and the hinge  26  between the rods  22   a  and  22   b  is further illustrated in phantom. The door collar lock  10  functions to keep the rods  22   a  and  22   b  at a relatively more acute angle β rather than when the door  30  is in the open position with respect to the frame  32 . In one embodiment, the angle β comprises an angle by which the door  30  is substantially in a closed position with respect to the door frame  32 , so as to prevent entry by a potential wrong doer in an emergency. In one embodiment, the angle α comprises a wider angle than angle β, so as to prevent or deter a wrong doer from entry in an emergency. 
         [0031]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , the elongated design of the sides  3  and  4  of the door collar lock  10  functions to provide a distributed pressure along some or most of the length of the rods  22   a  and  22   b  when there is attempt to force the door  30  open. Having this elongated length and pressure along the rods  22   a  and  22   b,  as opposed to just one small portion of the rods  22   a  and  22   b,  makes for a more rigid stoppage of the door  30  from opening. The larger area of distribution of the pressure along the sides  3  and  4 , and the planar surface areas of the top ( 6  in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) and bottom  7  of the door collar lock  10  further provides more rigidity. 
         [0032]    Put another way, the left wall  3  and the wall  4  are configured at an angle with respect to each other so as to contact a relative substantial part of side surface areas of the arms  22   a  and  22   b  for increased distribution of force placed by the arms on the apparatus  10  as opening force is placed on the door  30 . In this respect, the top  6  and bottom  7  comprise solid substantially triangular plates so as to further distribute the force placed on the apparatus  10  by the arms  22   a  and  22   b  as opening force is placed on the door  30 . 
         [0033]      FIGS. 5-9  illustrate various embodiments that provide for various storage solutions for the door collar lock  10 . Storage at or in the general area of the door collar lock  10  may prevent, for example, a teacher in a classroom, or manager in an office, from having to search for the door collar lock  10  in an extreme panic during an emergency. For example, with specific reference to  FIG. 5 , an alternative embodiment of the door collar lock  10  includes wheels  50  on small carriages configured to roll along a mount on the door frame  32 , on the side of one of the rods  22   a  and  22   b,  or on one of the rods  22   a  itself. The door collar lock  10  can then be stored to the side of the rods  22   a  and  22   b  when not in use, but then rolled into position when the door  30  is closed, over both of the rods  22   a  and  22   b,  during an emergency when in use, as shown in position in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0034]    With reference to  FIG. 6 , yet another alternative embodiment of the door collar lock  10  is shown with one or more magnets  60  attached to the top  6  as a mounting mechanism. In this embodiment, the door collar lock  10  may be magnetically attached to a steal structure, such as the door  30  or door frame  32  when not in use, but remain easily accessible during an emergency. 
         [0035]    With reference to  FIG. 7 , yet another alternative embodiment of the door collar lock  10  is shown with one or more wall mounting holes  70  located in the top  6  as a mounting mechanism. As with the magnets  60  in  FIG. 6 , the wall mounting holes  70  allow the door collar lock  10  to be position mounted in proximity to the door  30  by means of one or more nails or mounting brackets in the door  30  or wall near the door. 
         [0036]    With reference to  FIG. 8 , yet another alternative embodiment of the door collar lock  10  is shown with a mounting hook  64  located in the top  6  as a mounting mechanism. The wall-mounting hook  64  allows the door collar lock  10  to be position mounted in proximity to the door  30  by means of a nail or mounting bracket in the door  30  or wall near the door. 
         [0037]    With reference to  FIG. 9 , yet another alternative embodiment of the door collar lock  10  is shown with a knob  66  to allow for more clearance for the hinge  26  within the device  10  when mounted on the elbows or arms  22   a  and  22   b.    
         [0038]    With reference to  FIG. 10 , yet another alternative embodiment of the door collar lock  10  is shown with a bevel  70  that may allow the device  10  to be more easily tightened around smaller sized arms  22   a  and  22   b.    
         [0039]    With reference to  FIG. 11 , yet another alternative embodiment of the door collar lock  10  is shown with an extension or insert  16  having a ridge configured to slide into the opening  5  of the device  10  to extend the length of the device  10  for adjustment for shorter or longer arms  22   a  and  22   b.  After the extension  16  is inserted into the opening  5 , the arms  22   a  and  22   b  are fit through the extension&#39;s opening  15 . 
         [0040]    With reference to  FIG. 12 , a bottom, front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the door collar lock  10  is shown. The embodiment of  FIG. 12  may comprise an embodiment that eliminates any need for welding of the door collar lock  10 . Instead of a having a solid bottom panel  7  as in the embodiments of  FIGS. 1-11 , the embodiment of  FIG. 12  has a portion of the bottom panel cut out, with instead, two flaps  50  that extend from the sides  3  and  4  of the lock  10 , bent into the bottom of the lock  10 . 
         [0041]    With reference to  FIG. 13 , a bottom left perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 12  is shown. The top  9  of the door collar lock  10  may comprise an end cap  52  that is extended from the bottom panel  7 , and which may not be directly connected to the sides  3  and  4  of the lock  10  for ease of manufacturing, which may result in slits  60  down the sides of the end cap  54  between the sides  3  and  4  and the end cap  54 . Optionally, the end cap  54  may be attached, welded, or glued to the sides  3  and  4  after shaping of the lock  10  during manufacturing. 
         [0042]    The embodiment of  FIGS. 12 and 13  may allow the door collar lock  10  to be made by brake-pressing it. The whole pattern can be laid flat (from one geometric shape) and cut by a laser. Next, a brake machine may make five brakes to fold the finished brake press lock  10 . There may be, for example, one brake for the end cap  54 , and another brake for each side  3  and  4 , and another two breaks to fold the flaps  52  that form the open channel on the bottom. This embodiment may cut down significantly on costs of manufacturing, without compromising strength. In this respect, in one embodiment, it may be advantageous to use a gauge of steel of sufficient thickness for the rigidity to cause toe creases or brakes in the lock  10  to remain substantially permanent during use to hold when the lock  10  is put under duress. 
         [0043]    With reference to  FIG. 14 , a left perspective view of a door with a pneumatic or spring actuated arm and rod configuration, with the embodiment of  FIGS. 12 and 13  installed to prevent the door from opening is shown. As shown in  FIG. 14 , even in the absence of a solid bottom  7  as with the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , the flaps  52  still provide enough force over the arms  22   a  and  22   b  to prevent a person from pushing the door open when the embodiment of  FIG. 14  is installed over the arms  22   a  and  22   b,  functioning in the same way as the embodiment of  FIG. 3 . 
         [0044]    It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.