Abstract:
The present invention is a remote control lock device that is used with any type of rotating lock typically associated with residential homes, offices, or the like. This device is a singular unit utilized with a combination dead bolt mechanism and a key operated lock. The locking device comprises a gear assembly having an adapter coupled to the gear assembly and the conventional lock mechanism. A motor assembly is coupled to the gear assembly. Activation of the motor assembly will cause the rotation of the gear assembly. Rotation of the gear assembly will force the adapter to move, causing the conventional lock mechanism to rotate to a desired position.

Description:
[0001]    This is a Continuation-In-Part of application Ser. No. 09/182,066 filed Oct. 27, 1998. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0003]    The present invention relates generally to a remote control lock device and more particularly to a remote control lock device which can quickly and efficiently lock or unlock either a key lock, dead bolt, or a combination thereof typically associated with lock devices located in homes, offices and other application, by utilizing a hand held remote control transmitter. The unit is designed so as to be compatible with conventional locks on the market and one which will utilize a gear system for adequately engaging and disengaging the locking unit of a conventional door, while still provide for a compact, non-obtrusive and aesthetically pleasing product.  
           [0004]    2. Description of the Prior Art  
           [0005]    Over the years, incidents relating to home burglaries and theft have steadily grown. This increase has concerned the consumer and these concerns have lead them to invest in more elaborate home safety devices, including the use of dead bolts, burglar alarms, a combination thereof, or the like. Though these devices are known to work successfully, they may not offer the needed protection for some consumers. For example, some consumers do not have their keys ready for insertion into the lock and many find themselves searching through their belongings in hopes of finding their keys quickly. This pause in opening the door is a perfect invitation to a thief, robber or the like for jumping, attacking, harming and/or robbing the individual.  
           [0006]    In other situations, some may have their hands full of groceries, a child, or the like. This causes their hands to be occupied and unavailable to quickly and efficiently unlock the door. A typical, yet dangerous, scenario.  
           [0007]    As such, devices have been developed to assist the consumer and to inherently decrease the time needed to enter a home. One such device is a keyless entry dead bolt lock disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,531,086 issued to Bryant. In this patent, the dead bolt locking system includes an actuator, which is coupled to a conventional dead bolt mechanism via a connection rod. The actuator is controlled by way of a motor. This motor is electrically and mechanically connected to a receiver. In operation, a signal from a transmitter is sent to the receiver. This receiver activates the actuator, which pulls the connecting rod. This pulling of the connecting rod will inherently cause the dead bolt to rotate. Though this design will allow for the dead bolt to operate via a remote control unit, this system does suffer some shortcomings. One such shortcoming is that this configuration requires the device to extend horizontally across the door. This horizontal displacement can be obtrusive and bulky, thereby producing a product, which is not aesthetically pleasing, something undesirable by many consumers. In addition, the design and configuration of the connecting rod to the conventional dead bolt and actuator is such that after extended use, it may dislodge therefrom. This dislodgment will defeat its intended purpose. Further still, this system is solely utilized for dead bolts and does not address other locking systems typically used in a home, office or the like.  
           [0008]    Accordingly, it is seen that there exists a need for a system which can be installed and/or retrofitted easily and quickly to any existing door lock system, typically associated with homes, offices, or the like. Such a device should produce successful results without being obtrusive and bulky when installed.  
           [0009]    As shown, none of these previous efforts provide the benefits intended with the present invention as identified by the needs above. Additionally, prior techniques do not suggest the present inventive combination of component elements as disclosed and claimed herein. The present invention achieves its intended purposes, objectives and advantages over the prior art device through a new, useful and unobvious combination of component elements, which is simple to use, with the utilization of a minimum number of functioning parts, at a reasonable cost to manufacture, assemble, test and by employing only readily available material.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0010]    The present invention is a remote control lock device that is designed and configured to be used on any type of rotating lock typically associated with residential homes, offices, or the like. This device is a singular unit that is utilized with a combined dead bolt mechanism and key operated lock, generally those associated with residential homes, business or the like. In use, the system is a unit that can easily be attached to an existing door so as to provide for a kit that can be retrofitted and coupled to an existing dead bolt lock, a key operated lock, or a combination thereof, so as to provide for an aesthetically pleasing, as well as efficient system.  
           [0011]    The unit is specifically designed with an adjusting mechanism so as to enable the product to be acceptable to all types and style of locks, regardless of the distance between the deadbolt and turnkey. This will provide for the particular unit to be structured so as to be compact in size and dimension and to provide for a final product that is effective, successful, and non-obtrusive.  
           [0012]    The present invention is a singular unit that is designed and configured to be coupled to a deadbolt and a doorknob lock mechanism. When coupled to the door knob lock mechanism, the present invention will control the locking mechanism and not the door knob itself, so as to provide for the knob to rotate freely and not prevent normal use of the knob.  
           [0013]    In use, each lock, the dead bolt and doorknob lock mechanism will be coupled to a gear assembly. This will provide for a separate gear assembly coupled to the dead bolt and a separate gear assembly coupled to the door knob lock. Each gear assembly is controlled via a conventional motor. A linking finger couples the gear assembly to its respective lock. This linking finger provides for the rotation of the particular conventional existing lock mechanism. Thus, the linking finger will provide for the rotation of the locking mechanism of the dead bolt and the doorknob.  
           [0014]    To activate the unit a remote control is used. When it is desired to unlock or lock the conventional locks, the remote control unlock triggering mechanism is activated. During the unlocking/locking activation, the motor of each respective assembly is rotated in a desired direction. This will cause the respective gear assemblies to rotate, inherently causing the linking finger of each assembly to rotate and cause the conventional lock to turn, and subsequently unlock. Inherently cause the second gear to rotate and cause the rotation to reach the third or the control gear. Rotation of the control gear will provide for the member located within the channel to revolve, consequently causing the finger, and ultimately the lock mechanism to turn.  
           [0015]    For ceasing rotation of each assembly, conventional cams are secured to each gear assembly. Once the cam communicates with a micro-switch, the system of the present invention will be aware that the lock is in either a locked or unlocked position, and thus terminate the rotation process, by disabling the motor.  
           [0016]    Accordingly, it is the object of the present invention to provide for a remote control lock device which will overcome the deficiencies, shortcomings, and drawbacks of prior lock devices, remote control lock devices and methods thereof.  
           [0017]    Still another object of the present invention is to provide for a remote control lock device that is easy to use, successful in operation, non-obtrusive and aesthetically pleasing.  
           [0018]    Another object of the present invention is to provide for a remote control lock device that locks and unlocks any style or type of rotating lock and which will also operate independently from the remote control device.  
           [0019]    A further object of the present invention is to provide a remote control lock device that can be retrofitted and installed to existing and conventional locks, typically associated with residential homes, offices, or the like, and without marking or marring the existing door.  
           [0020]    Still a further object of the present invention, to be specifically enumerated herein, is to provide a remote control lock device in accordance with the preceding objects and which will conform to conventional forms of manufacture, be of simple construction and easy to use so as to provide a device that would be economically feasible, long lasting and relatively trouble free in operation.  
           [0021]    Although there have been some inventions related to a remote control lock device, none of the inventions utilize a rotating means nor do the inventions address key locks, typically associated with knobs of the door. The present invention is simple in design, compact in size, economically feasible, and easy to install and maintain. Installation for retrofitting the unit to an existing lock requires a minimal amount of training to successfully complete. 
       
    
    
       [0022]    The foregoing has outlined some of the more pertinent objects of the invention. These objects should be construed to be merely illustrative of some of the more prominent features and application of the intended invention. Many other beneficial results can be obtained by applying the disclosed invention in a different manner or modifying the invention within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, a fuller understanding of the invention may be had by referring to the detailed description of the preferred embodiments in addition to the scope of the invention defined by the claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.  
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0023]    [0023]FIG. 1 is a side view of the remote control lock device attached and used with a conventional door knob and conventional dead bolt lock, with the cover attached thereto, illustrating the cavity within the cover that maintains the power source used with the present invention.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 2 is a side view of the remote control lock device attached and used with a conventional doorknob and conventional dead bolt lock.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 3 is a top view of the remote control lock device, having the cover removed therefrom, illustrating the internal mechanism of the gear assembly of the present invention.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 4 is a top planar view partially illustrating the first gear assembly, used in the present invention, utilized to control the rotation of the lock assembly of a conventional deadbolt.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 5 is a top planar view of the first gear and second gear assembly, used in the present invention, utilized to control the rotation of the lock assembly of a conventional deadbolt.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the first gear assembly, used in the present invention, with the motor removed, which is utilized to control the rotation of the lock assembly of a conventional deadbolt.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 7 is a top planar view of a partial illustration of the components used in the first gear assembly of the present invention, utilized to control the rotation of the lock assembly of a conventional deadbolt.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 8 is a top planar view of the second gear assembly, used in the present invention, with the motor removed, which is utilized to control the rotation of the lock assembly of a conventional doorknob.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the second gear assembly, used in the present invention, utilized to control the rotation of the lock assembly of a conventional doorknob.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the motor and the remote control device used with the present invention.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the adapter secured to the conventional rotating mechanism of the conventional deadbolt assembly and used with the remote control lock device of the present invention.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the adapter secured to the conventional rotating mechanism of the conventional doorknob assembly and used with the remote control lock device of the present invention.  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the cover illustrating the housing used for maintaining the power source.  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the cover used with the present invention.  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the cover used with the present invention.  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the brackets secured to the modular of the present invention.  
     
    
       [0039]    Similar reference numerals refer to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings.  
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0040]    The present invention is a remote control lock device designed and configured to manipulate and control the lock mechanism in a conventional deadbolt and conventional doorknob lock assembly. With reference to the drawings and in particular to FIGS.  1 - 16 , there is shown the present invention, known as a remote control lock device, designated by reference numeral  10 . This particular apparatus is designed to be secured to the interior area of a conventional door so as to be coupled with the locking mechanism of the conventional doorknob and dead bolt. This will provide for an apparatus that will control the lock mechanism, yet still allow for free rotation of the conventional knob. Thus, providing for a lock assembly that solely controls the lock mechanism.  
         [0041]    As seen in these figures, the present invention is a remote control lock device  10  having a modular unit  12 . This modular unit houses all the components of the present invention. Located in the module unit  12  is a conventional receiver (R) that can receive signals from a conventional remote control unit (RC). In essence, the conventional receiver (R) receives a transmitted signal via the remote control unit RC (transmitter). Upon receiving the signal, the present invention  10  is activated and enables the locks to rotate accordingly, either in a lock position or an unlock position.  
         [0042]    The module unit  12  is designed to be coupled to the interior surface of the existing door. This will provide for the module unit  12  to be sandwich between the interior surface of the conventional door D and the interior hardware used with the conventional lock assemblies. Such an arrangement will also enable the conventional lock mechanism of the dead bolt and doorknob to extend partially through the present invention  10 .  
         [0043]    In order to attach the module unit  12  to the existing locks, this module unit  12  includes an upper section and a lower section. Secured to the rear of each section is a mounting bracket  14  (see FIG. 16). The mounting bracket  14 , for the upper section is a plate having a central channel  16  and two side channels  18 , The central channel  16  is alienable with the rotating shaft (mechanical rotation portion) of the deadbolt. The side channels  18  are configured so as to align with the existing holes (illustrated, but not labeled) of a conventional deadbolt lock assembly. Screws or the like are inserted into the channels  18  and then into the holes located in the conventional deadbolt lock assembly in order to secure the mounting bracket to the deadbolt assembly. The use of channels allows for the user to slide the module so as to accommodate the various lengths between the deadbolt and doorknob. In this configuration it is seen that the modular is not attached to the door, but rather to the lock mechanism so as to avoid marring and marking the door.  
         [0044]    Apertures extend through the upper portion of the modular unit. These apertures correspond to the central channel and side channels respectively. Hence, when attaching the unit to the conventional lock, the screws are inserted into the apertures of the modular unit, through the channels and into the existing aperture of the conventional deadbolt.  
         [0045]    The lower portion of the modular unit includes a mounting bracket  20  having a central aperture  22  and outer side apertures  24 . The central aperture  22  is used for receiving the conventional turn shaft of the conventional doorknob and the outer apertures  24  are used for securing the lower portion of the modular unit to the lock. The outer apertures are alignable with the existing apertures of a conventional knob of a conventional door. For securement, threaded screws or the like are inserted into each side aperture  22  and extend into the aligned and existing apertures of the conventional doorknob lock assembly. Thereby, providing for the lower portion of the modular unit to be secured to the knob lock itself and not the door. This arrangement prevents marring and marking the conventional door. Optionally, the bracket can include additional apertures that are disposed. This will provide for a plurality of apertures (four) that are symmetrically disposed with respect to the central aperture. This is done so as to permit for any type of lock to be secured to the conventional door assembly. Generally, the holes are located either vertically and linearly or horizontally and linearly. The use of two sets of apertures will allow for either type of configuration (vertical and linear or horizontal and linear).  
         [0046]    Corresponding to the apertures extending through the bracket secured to the lower portion of the modular unit are apertures extending through the lower portion of the modular unit. These apertures correspond to the central aperture and side apertures respectively. Hence, when attaching the unit to the conventional doorknob lock, the screws are inserted into the apertures of the modular unit, through the apertures of the bracket and into the existing aperture of the conventional doorknob.  
         [0047]    It is noted, the mounting brackets,  14  and  20 , respectively, used in the modular unit can be eliminated. The upper portion of the modular unit will include channels that are shaped and configured substantially the same as the channels located in the bracket. The apertures in the lower portion of the modular unit would remain the same.  
         [0048]    To protect the door further, the back surface of the module unit can include spacers. These spacers will prevent the module unit from contacting the door. This will further protect the door from damage and possible marring.  
         [0049]    A first gear assembly is used for controlling the rotation of the locking shaft of the conventional deadbolt. Thus providing for the gear assembly to rotate in a first direction for unlocking the deadbolt, and rotating in an opposite direction for unlocking the door. This gear assembly as seen in FIGS.  3 - 6  comprises a first conventional motor  26   a  that is mounted to the upper modular unit  12 . To aid in securing the motor to the modular unit, the motor is encased in housing  28   a.  Secured outwardly from the housing are flanges  30   a.  Extending through the flanges are orifices (illustrated, but not labeled). Internally threaded rods  32   a  (see FIGS. 4 and 6) extend upwardly from the upper modular unit  12 . For securing the motor to the modular unit, the orifices are aligned with the internally threaded rods  32   a;  screws or the like are inserted therethrough for securement.  
         [0050]    The motor  24   a  is conventional and includes a shaft. The shaft includes an outer end that is shape as an auger  26   a  (see FIG. 10). This auger  26   a  contacts and engages a first rotating gear  28  that is fixed to the modular unit. This gear is maintained to the modular unit via a shaft  34   a.  Thus, the shaft extends centrally through the gear to provide for the gear to be secured to the modular unit, while enabling the gear to rotate freely about the fixed shaft. As seen, to stabilize the motor, a flange portion of the housing of the motor extends over and is secured to this axle. As seen, the flange portion will not contact any portion of the gear assembly, thus allow the gears to rotate freely and without obstruction.  
         [0051]    This first rotating gear  28  is coupled to a gear shaft  30  to provide for the rotating gear  28  to be located under the gear shaft  30 . Contacting and engaging the gear shaft  30  is a second gear or linking gear  32 . This linking gear is secured to the modular unit  12  via axle  34   b,  thus providing for the second gear to be secured to the modular unit and rending a gear that can rotate freely about the shaft. Secured to the linking gear is a second gear shaft  36 . This second gear shaft is coupled to a control gear  38 .  
         [0052]    This control gear  38  is centrally located around the conventional axle of the deadbolt unit, via the central opening illustrated, but not labeled, but is not coupled to the conventional axle of the deadbolt unit. Rather, the gear is maintained to the modular unit so as to be centrally located in respect to the deadbolt assembly. As seen in the drawings, outward flanges from the central aperture maintain the gear to the modular unit. Thereby providing for the control gear to be fixed to modular, yet still be free to rotate above the central point of the conventional locking mechanism. The control gear further includes a channel  40   a.  This channel  40   a  receives an adapter or finger, which is coupled to the rotating lock mechanism of the conventional deadbolt. Upon rotation of the control gear, the channel moves the adapter or finger, which will consequently forces the lock mechanism to turn to a desired direction. This adapted is illustrated and discussed in further detail in FIG. 12.  
         [0053]    The control gear  38  controls the direction of rotation by having a plurality of cams  42   a  and  42   b  located thereon. Each cam represents a lock or unlock status. Thus, a lock cam is located on one side ( 42   a  or  42   b,  dependent on the type and style of deadbolt being utilized) while an unlock cam ( 42   a  or  42   b,  dependent on the type and style of deadbolt being utilized) is located on the opposite side of the control gear. A micro-switch  44   a  is located in proximity to the control gear and is in engageable contact with each cam. Accordingly, in operation, rotation of the gear will cease upon the contact between the particular cam and the micro-switch. For example, if the deadbolt is in an unlock position and the user wants to lock the unit, the motor will run and continue to run until the micro-switch engages the lock cam. Once contact is made, the control gear ceases rotation. It is noted that a second micro-switch  44   b  can be provided for accommodating various styles of locks and rotation pattern.  
         [0054]    Extending through the control gear is a pair of apertures  46 . These apertures are alignable with the apertures that extend through the modular unit  12  and the channels that extend through the mounting bracket  14 .  
         [0055]    For controlling rotation of the locking mechanism of the conventional doorknob, a doorknob gear assembly is utilized. Thus providing for the gear assembly to rotate in a first direction for unlocking the deadbolt, and rotating in an opposite direction for unlocking the door. This door knob gear assembly as seen in FIGS. 3, 5,  7 - 9  comprises a second conventional motor  26   b  that is mounted to the lower modular unit  12 , in a similar fashion and configuration as the motor of the first gear assembly. Accordingly, to aid in securing the second motor  26   b  to the modular unit, the motor is encased in a second housing  28   b.  Secured outwardly from the housing are flanges  30   b.  Extending through the flanges are orifices (illustrated, but not labeled). Internally threaded rods  32   b  extend upwardly from the upper modular unit  12 . For securing the motor to the modular unit, the orifices are aligned with the internally threaded rods  32   b;  screws or the like are inserted therethrough.  
         [0056]    In the second gear assembly, secured to the axle of the second conventional motor  26   b  is an auger. This auger is in communication with a first gear  48 . This first rotating gear  48  is fixed to the modular unit via an axle  50 . Thus the axle extends centrally through the gear to provide for the fixed status, yet allowing the gear to rotate freely about this axle. As seen, to stabilize the second motor  26   b,  a flange portion of the housing of the second motor extends over and is secured to this axle. As seen, the flange portion will not contact any portion of the gear assembly, thus allow the gears to rotate freely and without obstruction.  
         [0057]    The first gear  48  includes a gear shaft  50 . This will provide for the gear shaft to be located above the first gear. The gear shaft  50  is coupled to the main gear or control  52 .  
         [0058]    The control gear  52  is centrally located around the conventional axle of the doorknob unit via the central opening illustrated, but not labeled, and is not coupled to the conventional axle of the doorknob unit. Rather, the gear is secured so as to be centrally located in respect to the doorknob assembly. As seen in the drawings, outward flanges from the central aperture secure the control gear  52  to the modular unit. Thereby providing for the control gear to be maintained to modular unit, yet still be free to rotate above the central point of the conventional locking mechanism, by providing rotation about the outward flanges. The control gear further includes a first channel  54   a  and a second channel  54   b.  An adapter or finger will extend into the first channel or second channel. The location of the finger into the appropriate channel is dependent upon the type and style of lock current installed on the door, such as locks made by SCHLAGE, TITAN and KWIKSET. The channels  54   a  and  54   b  receive the adapter or finger that is coupled to the rotating lock mechanism of the conventional doorknob. Upon rotation of the control gear, the channel forces the adapter or finger to rotate. Upon rotation of the adapter, the lock mechanism will inherently turn to the desired direction. This adapter is illustrated and discussed in further detail in FIG. 11.  
         [0059]    Grooves  56  are also located within the control gear and are located in proximity to the channels. These grooves  56  are for exposing the plurality of apertures that extend through the module unit and second bracket. These grooves will enable the second support brace to be secured to the conventional doorknob lock assembly and yet provide for the screws inserted therein to be located under the gear, so as to be non-obtrusive. During activation, the motor will cause the gear shaft to rotate. The rotation of the gear shaft will provide for the first gear to rotate. The rotation of the first gear causes the gear shaft to revolve, intrinsically causing the linking/activation gear to rotate. Rotation of the control gear will commence once the second shaft gear rotates. Rotation does cease via conventional means.  
         [0060]    As seen in the figures, secured in proximity to the control gear  52  controls the direction of rotation by having two sets of cams  58   a  and  58   b,  located thereon. Each set of cams represents a lock or unlock status, dependent upon which channel is utilized. Thus, a lock cam from one set is located on one side (dependent on the type and style of doorknob lock device being utilized) while an unlock cam (dependent on the type and style of doorknob lock being utilized) is located on the opposite side of the control gear. A micro-switch  60   a  and  60   b  is located in proximity to the control gear and is in engageable contact with each set of cams. Accordingly, in operation, rotation of the gear will cease upon the contact between the particular cam of a particular set and the particular micro-switch. For example, if the doorknob lock device is in an unlock position and the user wants to lock the unit, the motor will run and continue to run until the micro-switch engages the lock cam. Once contact is made, the control gear ceases rotation.  
         [0061]    It is noted that the gear assembled that is coupled to the doorknob lock device controls the lock assembly and not the doorknob itself. Thus the gear assembly operates separately and independently from the doorknob system.  
         [0062]    In the first and second assemblies, gear shaft are used as a way of saving space. This will provide for gears to overlap each other while avoidance contact therebetween. Thus, the use of gear shaft enhances the final product by enabling the product to be reduce in over size and shape so as to provide for a non-obtrusive assembly.  
         [0063]    Adapters and/or fingers are used to enable the locking mechanism of the conventional door locks to turn and rotate. These adapters are coupled to the control gear of each gear assembly and to the locking mechanism of each conventional door lock.  
         [0064]    [0064]FIG. 11 illustrates the adapter, which is used with the conventional deadbolt lock of the present invention. As shown, the adapter  62   a  is a hollow tubular structure having a first side  64 , a second side  66 , and a center portion  68 . Extending through the adapter  62   a  is a center core  70  that is substantially the same shape as the conventional locking shaft (mechanism) of a conventional deadbolt. An L-shape member or finger  72  extends outwardly and downwardly from the center portion  68  of the adapter  62   a.  This L-shape member or finger  72  is received within the channel of the control gear  68 . The first end  74  of the adapter  62   a  will receive the conventional lock shaft of the conventional deadbolt lock. The second end  76  will receive the interior door components (turn knob mechanism). This arrangement will provide for the adapter  62   a  to be sandwich between and coupled to the lock mechanism and the interior hardware of the conventional deadbolt.  
         [0065]    The doorknob adapter  62   b  is illustrated in FIG. 12 and includes two elements, the interior portion  78   a  and an exterior portion  78   b.  It is noted that the interior portion and the exterior portion can be coupled to each other for forming a singular and integral structure. The interior portion  78   a  is used for coupling the lock mechanism to the interior hardware of the conventional doorknob. The exterior portion  78   b  is designed so as to prevent the knob from turning, when activating the present invention, so as to solely render rotation of the lock mechanism.  
         [0066]    As such, the interior portion  78   a  is an elongated member having a first end  80  and a second end  82 . The second end is a solid shaft for receiving the core of the conventional doorknob lock assembly. The first end  80  is hollow and receives the lock mechanism of the conventional doorknob. Located between the first end and the second end is a “h” shape member or finger  72  which will be received within the particular channel of the control gear for the doorknob lock assembly.  
         [0067]    The exterior portion  78   b  includes a hollow tubular member  84  having a central core  86 . This center core  86  will receive the interior portion  78   a.  Extending outwardly from the interior area of the central core  86  is a C-shape flange  88 . Extending outwardly from the opposite side of tubular member  84 , exteriorly from the core, is a second C-shape flange, illustrated, but not labeled, which is substantially shorter in length than the first flange member.  
         [0068]    When the interior portion  78   a  is located within the core  86 , the finger  72  will extend outwardly from the second C-shape flange  90 . The first C-shape flange is used as a stop, and is located oppositely from the turning mechanism of the conventional doorknob. This first C-shape flange  88  will prevent the knob mechanism from turning, yet, the interior portion  78   a  will still be free to rotate within the center core  86  of the exterior portion  78   a.    
         [0069]    It is noted that the interior portion can be eliminated dependent on the lock being utilized.  
         [0070]    Centrally located on the module unit  12  is a removable housing  92 . This housing is designed and configured to house and maintain batteries for powering the electrical components of the present invention. A control unit  94  is located above the housing and is non-removable. This control unit  94  comprises a circuit board that houses the electrical components and circuitry for adequately operating the present invention.  
         [0071]    A remote control unit RC is used to send a signal to the receiver R. Once a signal is receive, the receiver will cause the control unit to activate the motors simultaneously. Optionally, the remote control unit RC and control unit can include options for controlling which lock to operate. Activation of the control unit will cause the locks to unlock or lock, as desired by the user.  
         [0072]    For protection the components, a cover C, as seen in FIGS.  14 - 15 , is provided and is placed over the side walls of the modular unit  12 . The cover is slidably and securely mounted to the modular unit once it is assembled. This cover will protect and conceal the components of the assembly to provide for an aesthetically pleasing product. As seen, the cover includes an upper section  96  and a lower section. The upper section includes an opening  98   a  for receiving the interior elements of the conventional deadbolt assembly. Though not illustrated, a brace or the like can extend across the opening for providing a means of securing the interior components of the deadbolt to the cover or housing C. This brace would be integral with the housing and will include threaded apertures for threadably securing the conventional element to the cover.  
         [0073]    The lower portion includes an additional opening  98   b  for receiving the interior elements of the conventional doorknob assembly. Though not illustrated, a brace or the like, can extend across the opening for providing a means of securing the interior components of the doorknob to the cover or housing C. This brace would be integral with the housing and will include threaded apertures for threadably securing the conventional element to the cover.  
         [0074]    Since the first portion is slideably secured to the second portion, an inherent adjusting length is provided. This inherent adjusting length provides the user to attach the cover regardless of the distance between the deadbolt and doorknob.  
         [0075]    Located at the lower end of the cover is openings  100  for receiving and maintain the receiver R. The cover further includes a groove  102  for slideably receiving the housing that maintains the batteries.  
         [0076]    The system of the present invention as defined in FIGS.  1 - 16  can be installed as a kit or can be retrofitted onto an existing door lock system as desired.  
         [0077]    The unique design and configuration of the system of the present invention provides for a system that enables the unit to work via a remote control unit as well as be manually workable. In addition, the structure of the device when used with a doorknob provides a system that operates independently from the doorknob. All that rotates is the locking mechanism. This rotation occurs by way of the motor as described above.  
         [0078]    While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to an embodiment thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.