Patent Publication Number: US-10781610-B2

Title: Remote control unlocking and locking system

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation-in-part and claims the benefit of and takes priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/327,946 filed on Jul. 10, 2014, which in turn claims the benefit of and takes priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/844,539 filed on Jul. 10, 2013 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/862,192 filed on Aug. 5, 2013, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a keyless and remote access controlled locking and unlocking system. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     Keyed entry door knobs and door levers are commonly used to restrict access to homes, businesses and other structures. These door knobs and door levers contain an internal lock mechanism which includes a keyed lock, accessible on the exterior of the door and a finger-operated rotational lock/unlock mechanism, accessible on the interior of the door. The interior finger-operated rotational lock/unlock mechanism is designed to be actuated by human fingers and is designed such that users do not need a key to lock or unlock the door knob or door lever from the interior of the door. 
     When operating a door knob or door lever from the exterior, a key is required to be inserted into the exterior lock mechanism and rotated in order to gain access to the locked area. Keys are costly to reproduce and the method of duplicating keys is often inaccurate and imprecise, resulting in keys that do not properly open the lock. Keys can be easily lost reducing the security of the device. In addition, keyed locking door knobs, door levers, and deadbolt locks allow for only one key pattern per door knob or door lever so it is not possible to offer different types of access control to different users. 
     Electronic and mechanical doorknobs containing a numerical or alphanumeric keypad currently exist which allow users to enter a password or numerical code in order to unlock the door knob locking mechanism. Additionally, systems exist which allow a door knob or door level to be controlled remotely via wireless communications and via the internet. These current designs are required to be permanently installed in the door and may be visible from the outside of the door. 
     Key lockboxes are currently in use which allow users to lock a key in a protective box in close proximity to the keyed entry doorknob. Most key lockboxes are accessed by entering a numeric or alphanumeric combination on the outside of the box structure. Some electronic lockboxes open via communication with smartphones or other electronic devices. These key lockboxes allow multiple users possessing the lockbox combination or electronic access privileges to gain access to the key inside the box. The user then takes possession of the key in order to insert it into the exterior of the door knob, door lever, or deadbolt locking mechanism in order to unlock the lock mechanism. This approach allows several users to share a single key within the lockbox but it is a cumbersome and time consuming process. In addition, security is reduced because every user with lockbox access takes possession of the physical key for a period of time. 
     Thus, it is possible for users to duplicate the key during the time they possess it. Once a user takes possession of a key, it is impossible to be certain that access has been revoked unless the key pattern of the lock is physically changed or the entire door knob or door lever is replaced. In addition, users may forget to return the key to the lockbox. 
     What is needed is a device which can be temporarily attached to the door knob, door lever or deadbolt lever on the inside of the door in order to actuate the rotational lock/unlock mechanism and which can be remotely operated from the outside of the door without the use of a key. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The instant invention, as illustrated herein, is clearly not anticipated, rendered obvious, or even present in any of the prior art mechanisms, either alone or in any combination thereof. 
     Therefore, it is an object of the instant invention to allow a standard locking door knob, door lever or deadbolt to have a system temporarily attached to it to allow for remote locking/unlocking without a key and from the outside of the locked door. This will lead to savings in time and money, more flexible access control and greater security by removing the limitations and vulnerabilities of physical keys. The temporary and tool free installation and removal adds to peace of mind of the user. Easily removing the device from the door knob, door lever, or deadbolt lever eliminates the possibility that the door lock may be accessed remotely or electronically when not installed. For example, a home owner can temporarily install the instant invention to their door to allow for package delivery to the interior of their home when they are at work but may not want the same kind of access to be possible while they are home asleep. 
     It is a further object of the instant invention to provide a temporary keyless lock/unlocking system which is not visible from the outside of the locked door. 
     It is a further object of the instant invention to provide the user a way to interact with the system either through electronic wireless data communications such as via a networked smartphone or other wireless communications device or the user may interact with the system by using their hand to knock a pattern of knocks on the outside of the door which are interpreted and compared with a knock pattern stored within the memory of the system in order to validate the knock pattern or the system may access an external application to validate the knock pattern. A combination of knock pattern recognition and wireless communication may also be used to provide two layers of security and flexibility. 
     It is a further object of the instant invention to provide a temporary keyless lock/unlocking system which fits over the door handle, door lever, door knob or deadbolt lever of a door while still allowing human fingers to access to the handle and internal components of the temporary keyless lock/unlocking system, such as the deadbolt lever engagement assembly. 
     It is a further object of the instant invention to provide a temporary keyless lock/unlocking system which is compact and does not hinder standard use of a door knob from the interior of a home, business, or other structure. 
     In this respect, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. 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. 
     These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty, which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a right side view of the invention mounted to a standard doorknob. 
         FIG. 2  is a left side view of the invention mounted to a standard doorknob. 
         FIG. 3  is a left side view of the invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom view of the invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a top view of the invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a person knocking on a door to interact with the invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a flow chart which illustrates the two modes of granting access in response to knock patterns. 
         FIG. 8  is an interior view of a standard keyed entry door knob typically found on the exterior doors of homes, businesses and other structures. 
         FIG. 9  is a view of the electronic components contained within the electronics container. 
         FIG. 10  is a view of an alternate embodiment of the system wherein the system is mounted on the rotational axis of the thumb turn lever on the interior of a locking deadbolt. 
         FIG. 11  is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the system wherein the system is mounted on the rotational axis of the thumbturn lever on the interior of a locking deadbolt. 
         FIG. 12  is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the system wherein the system rotates the entire doorknob in order to grant access. 
         FIG. 13  is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the system wherein the system rotates the entire door lever in order to grant access. 
         FIG. 14  is a view of an alternative embodiment of the system wherein the device is fitted to the interior lever of a deadbolt lock. 
         FIG. 15  is a view of one embodiment the fitted device looking from the perspective of the deadbolt. 
         FIG. 16  is a side view of one embodiment of the fitted deadbolt device in which the deadbolt lever engagement assembly can be seen through the holes of the outer housing. 
         FIG. 17  is a bottom view of one embodiment of the fitted deadbolt device in which the deadbolt lever engagement assembly can be seen. 
         FIG. 18  is a skewed bottom view of one embodiment of the fitted deadbolt device. 
         FIG. 19  is a bottom cut out view of an embodiment of the inner housing. 
         FIG. 20  is a view of the mounting latch and one of two ratcheting mechanisms. 
         FIGS. 21A-21B  illustrate a side view and a bottom view of one embodiment of a fitted door knob device. 
         FIG. 22  is an internal view of one embodiment of a fitted door knob device with hinged tabs. 
         FIG. 23  illustrates one embodiment of a locking/unlocking device designed to be fitted over a door lever. 
         FIG. 24  illustrates a bottom view of one embodiment of a locking/unlocking device designed to be fitted over a door lever. 
         FIG. 25  illustrates a side view of one embodiment of a locking/unlocking device designed to be fitted over a door lever. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of presently preferred embodiments of the invention and does not represent the only forms in which the present invention may be construed and/or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of the steps for producing the system and accompanying apparatus. However, it is to be understood that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments also intended to be encompassed within the scope of the invention. 
       FIGS. 1-5 and 9  depict various viewpoints of the present invention and the electronics container  12 . The present invention includes a frame  10  which allows the device to be easily and quickly attached to a standard door knob  52  or door lever. It includes an electronics container  12  for housing the electronic components such as internal memory  68 , batteries  70 , micro controller  66 , network interface device  72 , lights, audio devices and switches necessary for the device to interpret input from the user and to present audio and visual feedback to the user. Software stored within the micro controller  66  determines the behavior of the system. The electronics container  12  includes a power switch  46 , a rotational direction switch  48 , a knock validation mode switch  42 , and an audio mode switch  44 . The top surface of the electronics container  12 , contains a programming switch  50 , a programming indicator light  34 , a status indicator light  36  and a network connectivity indicator light  38  to indicate when the device is connected to LAN or WAN networks via WiFi or cellular connection. A knock sensitivity adjustment knob  40  is mounted within the top surface of the electronics container  12 . 
     A servo tension arm  14  is mounted to the top surface of the electronics container  12  via a servo tension arm hinge  18 . A servo tension arm spring  26  is connected between the servo tension arm  14  and the frame  10  in order to provide pressure between the servo tension arm  14  and the door knob  52  when the frame  10  is mounted on the door knob  52 . The servo tension arm  14  is made from two sections of rigid material attached to each other by way of bolts mounted within a servo tension arm length adjustment slot  54 . This servo tension arm length adjustment slot  54  allows the relative position of the two sections to be changed causing the length of the servo tension arm  14  to be adjusted to compensate for different types and sizes of door knobs  52  and allow the end of the servo tension arm  14  to maintain proper alignment to the door knob  52 . The end of the servo tension arm  14  contains a slot to mount a servo motor  16  so that the rotational axis of the servo motor  16  aligns with the rotational axis of the finger-operated rotational lock/unlock mechanism  56  within the door knob  52 . A lock mechanism mating coupler  22  is mounted to the rotational axis of the servo motor  16 . The servo mating coupler  22  is shaped to fit the contour of the finger-operated rotational lock/unlock mechanism  56  within the door knob  52  and transfer the rotational force of the servo motor  16  to the finger operated rotational lock/unlock mechanism  56 . The servo motor  16  is connected electronically to a micro controller  66  within the electronics container  12  via servo motor wires  64 . Software within the micro controller  66  controls the behavior of the servo motor  16  as well as all other electronic components of the system. 
     A piezo tension arm  24  is mounted to the back side of the frame  10  via a piezo tension arm hinge  28 . A piezo tension arm spring  26  is mounted between the frame  10  and the piezo tension arm  24  so that the piezo tension arm  24  is kept tensioned against the door  60 . A piezo knock detector  30  is mounted to the end of the piezo tension arm  24  via a piezo tension arm hinge  28 . The piezo tension arm hinge  28  allows the piezo knock detector  30  to pivot and ensures that the maximum surface area of the piezo knock detector  30  remains in contact with the door  60 . The piezo knock detector  30  converts the vibrations resulting from knocking on the door  60  into electrical current which is transferred via piezo knock detector wires  62  to be analyzed by the micro controller  66  within the electronics container  12 . 
     A user attaches the system to a door knob  52  by pulling forward on the servo tension arm  14  and maneuvering the wide portion of the frame&#39;s  10  slotted door knob mounting hole  74  so that the door knob protrudes through the wide portion of the slotted door knob mounting hole  74 . Once the door knob is protruding through the slotted door knob mounting hole  74  in the frame  10 , the frame  10  is maneuvered downward so that the frame  10  comes to rest with the door knob stem  80  seated in the narrow slot of the slotted door knob mounting hole  74 . The servo tension arm is then allowed to spring forward so that the servo mating coupler  22  comes to rest in direct contact with the finger operated rotational lock/unlock mechanism  56  of the door knob  52 . 
     In order to use the system, a user selects the desired knock sensitivity threshold by turning the knock sensitivity adjustment knob  40 . The user then switches on the power switch  46 . Users interact with the system by knocking a pattern of knocks on the outside of the door  60  using their hand  76  or any other knocking device which will generate a vibration on the door  60 . The goal of the knock sensitivity adjustment knob  40  is to filter out background vibrations to prevent the system from interpreting background vibrations as knocks. Vibrations above the desired threshold will be interpreted as knocks. Vibrations below the desired threshold will be ignored. 
       FIGS. 2 and 3  depict side views of the system wherein a user may select two modes on the knock validation mode switch  42 . The two modes are “memory” or “external”. In “memory” mode, the micro controller  66  within the system will compare a user&#39;s submitted knock pattern with a knock pattern stored within the system&#39;s internal memory  68 . If the knock pattern input by the user matches the pattern stored within internal memory  68 , the knock pattern is considered valid and the servo motor  16  will turn the servo mating coupler  22  which will turn the finger operated rotational lock/unlock mechanism  56  and the door knob  52  will be unlocked and access will be granted to the user. If the knock validation mode switch  42  is set to “external”, prior to the validation of the user&#39;s knock pattern against the knock pattern stored within internal memory  68 , the system will initiate an HTTP request to an external application  78  to determine if access has been authorized via the external application  78 . Software contained within the micro controller  66  will interpret the HTTP response from the external application  78  to determine if access has been authorized from within the external application  78 . If access is authorized from the external application  78 , the micro controller  66  will initiate a rotation of the servo motor  16  to turn the servo mating coupler  22  which will turn the finger operated rotational lock/unlock mechanism  56  and the door knob  52  will be unlocked. If the content of the HTTP response does not include authorization from the external application  78 , the knock is not validated and the access does not proceed. 
     An external application  78  could be any application capable of responding to HTTP requests from a client. External applications  78  would be expected to be built with robust security and user authentication features with the ability to allow users of the external application  78  to manage access rules and user roles related to users&#39; devices. The rules regarding how, when, and if validation should occur would be managed within the external application  78 . An external application  78  could allow users to manage access for multiple users and multiple devices. 
     The network connectivity indicator light  38  indicates the status of the network connection when the knock validation mode switch  42  is set to “external”. If a useable network connection is detected, the network connectivity indicator light  38  illuminates. If no connection is present the network connectivity indicator light  38  will not illuminate. If there are errors with the network connection, the network connectivity indicator light  38  may blink a pattern to indicate the type of error. 
     The audio mode switch  44  controls whether the system generates audio tones to communicate failed or successful access attempts. If the audio mode switch  44  is on, audio tones will be generated to provide audio feedback for successful knock validation and failed knock validation. 
     The status indicator light  36  indicates different statuses of the system depending on blink patterns. 
     The programming switch  50  allows a user to input and store a new knock pattern into the internal memory  68 . When the programming switch  50  is switched on, the programming indicator light  34  will illuminate. The user may then knock a pattern of knocks. The user&#39;s knock pattern will be interpreted by the piezo knock detector  30  and transferred to the micro controller  66  via the piezo knock detector wires  62 . The micro controller  66  will store the new knock pattern within the internal memory  68  as the user knocks on the door  60  with their hand as long as the programming switch  50  remains in the on position. When the programming switch  50  is released, the new knock pattern is stored to internal memory  68  and the programming indicator light  34  is turned off. 
       FIG. 4  depicts a USB port  58  mounted within the bottom surface of the electronics container  12  to allow for software updates via an external computer. 
       FIG. 6  depicts a mode of operation wherein one may use a hand  76  or other means to provide pressure to a structure, such as a door  60  to provide pressure to the piezo knock detector  30 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates the logical flow of behavior when a user knocks a sequential pattern of knocks on the door  60 . The knock vibrations are detected individually by the piezo knock detector  30  and are converted into electrical energy and transferred via the piezo knock detector wires  62  to the micro controller  66  within the electronics container  12 . The time durations between knocks are analyzed to define a knock pattern. If the time between knocks exceeds a pre-defined value, it is assumed that the user has completed inputting their knock pattern and the preceding sequence of knocks is considered a pattern submitted by the user. If the knock validation mode switch  42  is set to “external”, a network interface device  72  is utilized to generate an HTTP request to an external application  78  for validation. Software contained within the micro controller  66  will interpret the HTTP response from the external application  78  to determine if access has been authorized within the external application. If the HTTP response indicates that the access is authorized, the knock is considered validated regardless of the knock pattern input by the user. 
     In this instance, the external application  78  is being relied upon to provide security. If the knock validation mode switch  42  is set to “memory” no HTTP request is generated. Instead, software within the micro controller  66  analyzes the user&#39;s knock pattern and compares the pattern against the pattern stored within internal memory  68  for validation. In “memory” mode, if the user&#39;s submitted knock pattern matches the pattern stored within internal memory, the knock is considered validated. Once a knock is validated, the micro controller  66  commands the servo motor  16  to turn the servo mating coupler  22  thereby turning the finger operated rotational lock/unlock mechanism  56  on the door knob  52 . 
     The servo motor&#39;s  16  direction of rotation is controlled by the rotational direction switch  48  which controls whether the servo motor&#39;s  16  rotation is clockwise or counter clockwise. Different door knob  52  lock mechanisms currently on the market will require either a clockwise or counter clockwise rotational direction to unlock. Depending on the position of the audio mode switch  44 , an audio tone may accompany the rotation of the servo motor  16  in order to communicate a successful validation. After a pre-defined period of time after rotating the servo motor  16  to unlock, the servo motor  16  will turn in the opposite direction to re-lock the finger operated lock/unlock mechanism  56  to restrict further access. 
     If a knock pattern is not validated, the servo motor  16  will not rotate and access is not granted. Depending on the position of the audio mode switch  44 , an audio tone may accompany the failed validation in order to indicate a failed access attempt. 
     In an alternate embodiment an LCD screen and additional buttons and user interface devices may be attached to the system to allow users to configure the device. 
     In an alternate embodiment, other knock detection devices may be used in addition to the piezo knock detector described. 
     In an alternate embodiment the system would include features to record successful or failed access attempts and communicate these to users via external applications, phone calls, text messages, emails, Tweets, social media updates. 
     In an alternate embodiment the system would include features to restrict or grant access by time of day or depending on the state of other types of communication with external applications. 
     An alternate embodiment of the system is illustrated in  FIGS. 10 and 11 . These illustrations display the system attached to a locking deadbolt. The device is attached to the deadbolt thumb turn axle  86 . The deadbolt thumb turn lever  98  extends through the narrow portion of the slotted deadbolt mounting hole  92  so that the top of the narrow portion of the slotted deadbolt mounting hole  92  rests on the deadbolt thumb turn axle  86 . The servo deadbolt mating coupler  82  is tensioned against the deadbolt thumb turn lever  98  via the servo tension arm  14  and servo tension arm spring  26 . The servo deadbolt mating coupler  82  is shaped to conform to the shape of the deadbolt thumb turn lever  98  and to grasp the deadbolt thumb turn lever  98  snugly when tensioned against it via the servo tension arm  14  and servo tension arm spring  20 . The servo deadbolt mating coupler  82  may be adjustable in size to accommodate different sized deadbolt thumb turn levers  98  and it may include a clamping mechanism to securely attach to the deadbolt thumb turn lever  98 . The servo deadbolt mating coupler  82  transfers the rotational force of the servo motor  16  to rotate the deadbolt thumb turn lever  98  and unlock the deadbolt assembly to grant access. 
     An alternate embodiment is illustrated in  FIG. 12 . This illustration shows how a servo door knob mating coupler  84  replaces the servo mating coupler  22 . Instead of rotating only the finger operated rotational lock/unlock mechanism  56 , the system utilizing the servo door knob mating coupler  84  will rotate the entire door knob  52  subsequent to a knock validated process. The servo door knob mating coupler  84  is tensioned against the door knob  52  via the servo tension arm  14  and servo tension arm spring  20 . The surface of the servo door knob mating coupler  84  which contacts the door knob  52  is shaped to fit the contour of the door knob  52  and is made of a non slip material so that the rotational forces of the servo motor  16  are transferred to the door knob  52  to rotate the door knob  52  to grant access. An alternate embodiment of the servo door knob mating coupler  84  would include a clamping mechanism to provide an additional mechanical connection between the servo door knob mating coupler  84  and the door knob  52 . 
     An alternate embodiment is illustrated in  FIG. 13 . This illustration demonstrates how a servo door lever rotator arm  90  replaces the servo mating coupler  22 . Instead of rotating only the finger operated rotational lock/unlock mechanism  56 , the system utilizing the servo door level rotating arm  90  will rotate the entire door lever  96  after a knock is validated. The servo door lever rotator arm  90  is tensioned against the rotational axis of the door lever  96  via the servo tension arm  14  and servo tension arm spring  20 . The rotational axis of the servo door lever rotator arm  90  is aligned with the rotational axis of the door lever  96 . 
     The outer end of servo door lever rotator arm  90  extends at a ninety degree angle inward towards the door  60  to contact either the top or bottom surface of the door lever handle  88 . When a knock is validated, rotation of the servo door lever rotator arm  90  transfers the rotational movement of the servo motor  16  to the servo door lever rotator arm  90  to rotate the door lever  96  and grant access. As in other embodiments described, the direction of rotation can be controlled by the rotational direction switch  48 . Based on the desired rotation direction, the user may choose to initially mount the servo door level rotator arm  90  so that it makes contact with either the top or bottom surface of the door lever handle  88 . 
     An alternate embodiment allows for two instances of the system to communicate with each other in order to share the lock validation features of one of the devices. This would be useful in a configuration where two instances of the system are connected simultaneously to both a door knob  52  or door lever  96  and a deadbolt assembly  94  attached to the same door  60 . In such a configuration, the two systems could communicate via wired or wireless communication. In this configuration, a user would select which instance of the system would be responsible for knock validation as the “primary device” and which instance should be considered the “secondary device”. The secondary device would not provide any knock validation, it would rely on the primary device to determine knock validation. The secondary device would take commands from the primary device and actuate the lock/unlock process based on commands from the primary device. 
     In an alternate embodiment, the system would be configured to so that the servo motors to unlock both a locking deadbolt and a door knob or door lever would be attached to a single system. This would allow a single system to unlock both a door knob or door lever and a locking deadbolt. In such a configuration, two servos may be mounted to a single servo tension arm or two separate servo tension arms may be used to provide the tension and positioning for the servo motor and the servo mating coupler, servo deadbolt mating coupler, or servo door knob mating coupler. 
       FIG. 14  illustrates one embodiment of a device  100  configured preferably for use with a deadbolt wherein the device  100  is securely fitted to an interior rotating lever of a deadbolt lock  152 . In one embodiment, the device  100  contains an outer housing  110  and an inner housing  112 . In this embodiment, the outer housing  110  is substantially cylindrical, but other shapes which correspond to doorknobs, door levers and deadbolts, or any other similar alternative door handles/locking mechanisms may be imagined. The outer housing  110  contains and houses a set of internal components of the deadbolt lock mechanism  100  and contains a plurality of holes  116  which are large enough to allow a user to access the internal components of the device  100  with their fingers. The plurality of holes  116  allow access to a deadbolt lever engagement assembly  122 . The deadbolt lever engagement assembly  122  is secured to the rotating lever of the deadbolt  152  on the interior of a door (not shown). The outer housing  110  further comprises at least two ends, a door contact end  170 A (see  FIG. 15 ) which is placed in contact with the door utilizing the device  100  is used and a control end  170 B which is fitted over an outer surface of a door knob. A non-slip rubber coating may be applied to the door contact end  170 A to keep the device  100  held against the door. In other embodiments, other non-slip materials or magnets could be substituted for the non-slip rubber, or used in combination with the non-slip rubber, to keep the device  100  securely in place on the door. The inner housing  112  fits inside the outer housing  110 . The inner housing  112  is able to slide within the outer housing  110 . The inner housing  112  contains the batteries, electronics, and motor (see  FIG. 19 ) to rotate a lever rotation axle  128  (see  FIG. 15 ) and the deadbolt level engagement assembly  122 . The lever rotation axle  128  is configured to pass through the inner housing  112  to be in communication with a mounting latch  114 . 
       FIG. 15  illustrates one embodiment of a front view of the fitted deadbolt device  100 . Enclosed within the outer housing  110  is the lever rotation axle  128  and deadbolt lever engagement assembly  122 . The lever rotation axle  128  is comprised of an outer tube  180  and an inner rod  182 . The inner rod  182  extends through the outer tube  180 . The inner rod  182  connects to the mounting latch  114  such that when the mounting latch  114  is engaged, a clamping force is applied to a pivot point  190  where the lever rotation axle  128  engages with both sides of the deadbolt lever engagement assembly  122 . The clamping effect allows the pivot point  190  of the deadbolt lever engagement assembly  122  to be positioned to match the pivot point of the deadbolt lever on the door. Once the clamping force is applied, the lever rotation axle  128  is secured at the pivot point. Some deadbolt levers have an offset pivot point where the length of the lever is not symmetrical on either side of the axis of rotation. Adjusting and securing the lever rotation axle at the matching pivot point allows the device to be used on both deadbolt levers with either symmetrical or asymmetrical lever lengths. The deadbolt lever engagement assembly  122  is comprised of a first engagement component  120  and a second engagement component  124 , wherein the first engagement component  120  can be slid into the second engagement component  124  such that the overall length and positioning of the deadbolt lever engagement assembly  122  may be adjusted. The first and second engagement components  120 ,  124  are pulled together by at least one spring  126 , with one end of the spring  126 A being positioned on the first engagement component  120  while the opposite end of the spring  126 B is positioned on the second engagement component  124 . 
       FIG. 16  illustrates a view of the deadbolt lever engagement assembly  122  inside the outer hosing  110 . The deadbolt lever engagement assembly  122  may be accessed and adjusted by a user inserting his or her fingers through one or more of the plurality of holes  116  of the outer housing  110 . On an upper side  192  of the first engagement component and the second engagement component each contain a channel  130 ,  134 . The channel  130  of the first engagement component  120  lines up with the channel  134  of the second engagement component  124 , such that the channels  130 ,  134  run through the combined deadbolt lever engagement assembly  122 . The channels  130 ,  134  allow the deadbolt lever engagement assembly  122  to be positioned on the lever rotation axle  128  such that the lever rotation axle  128  corresponds to the pivot point of the deadbolt rotation. In operation, a user secures the first and second engagement components  120 ,  124  around the deadbolt lever. Next, the user positions the deadbolt lever engagement assembly relative to the lever rotation axle such that the pivot point of the device corresponds to the pivot point of deadbolt lever. Once the lever engagement assembly is secured around the deadbolt lever and positioned such that the pivot point of the device corresponds to the pivot point of the deadbolt lever, the mounting latch is engaged. Once engaged, the latching mechanism of the mounting latch clamps the lever rotation axle in place and prevents the first and second engagement components of the deadbolt lever engagement assembly from separating or becoming unsecured from the deadbolt lever. 
       FIG. 17  illustrates a bottom or door end view of the fitted deadbolt device. The first  120  and second  124  engagement component of the deadbolt lever engagement assembly  122  are shown with at least one spring  126  on each lateral side of the first and second engagement component  120 ,  124 . The spring  126  pull the first engagement component  120  into the second engagement  124  component to define the length of the deadbolt lever engagement assembly  122 . The spring  126  may be extended or compressed to accommodate deadbolt levers of various lengths. The lever rotation axle  128  extends through the channels  130 ,  134  of the first and second engagement components  120 ,  124  of the deadbolt lever engagement assembly  122 . The deadbolt lever engagement assembly  122  is positioned around the lever rotation axle  128  such that the pivot point of the device  100  corresponds to the pivot point of the deadbolt lever. Once the mounting latch  114  is engaged, the first and second engagement components  120 ,  124  of the deadbolt lever engagement assembly  122  are clamped together securely around the deadbolt lever. This clamping force fixes the lever rotation axle  128  in place in the channels  130 ,  134  of the first and second engagement component  120 ,  124  of the deadbolt lever engagement assembly  122 . 
       FIG. 18  illustrates a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of the doorknob fitted device  100  wherein the first and second lever engagement components  120 ,  124  are visible as well as the lever rotation axle  128 . 
       FIG. 19  illustrates a cut out perspective view of an embodiment of the inner housing  112 . Enclosed in the inner housing  112  are a set of batteries  200 , a set of electronic components  202 , and a motor  204  to rotate the lever rotation axle  128  which rotates the deadbolt. In this embodiment, the set of electronic components  202  include a position sensor for the lever rotation axle  128 , vibration sensors, radio antennas to communicate via wireless standards such as Bluetooth and WiFi. The mounting latch  114  is positioned on the top of the inner housing  112 . The lever rotation axle  128  passes through the inner housing  112  to connect to the mounting latch  114 . 
       FIG. 20  illustrates the mounting latch  114  and one of two ratcheting mechanisms  206 . The ratcheting mechanism  206  exists within either side of the outer housing  110 . The ratcheting mechanism  206  consists of a spring loaded hinged plane  210  on the outer housing  110 . One end of the hinged plane  210  connects with a ridged surface of teeth lined up longitudinally on the outer surface of the inner housing  112  to create a ratcheting effect between this surface of teeth on the inner housing  112  and the hinged plane  210  on the outer housing  110 . The ratcheting mechanisms  206  allow the user to pull the inner housing  112  so that it slides within the outer housing  110  away from the surface of the door while the outer housing  110  maintains pressed against the door. As the user pulls the inner housing  112  away from the door and slides the inner housing  112  within the outer housing  100 , the ratcheting mechanisms  206  locks the position of the inner housing  112  relative to the outer housing  100 . The tension created between the deadbolt on the door, deadbolt lever engagement assembly  122 , lever rotation axle  128 , inner housing  112 , and the outer housing  110 , holds the device  100  tightly against the door&#39;s surface. To remove this tension, the user pushes on the side of the hinged plane  210  opposite the side which interacts with the ridged teeth surface of the inner housing  112 . Removing the tension allows the inner housing  112  to slide back towards the door to facilitate removal of the device  100  from the door. The mounting latch  114  comprises a clamping mechanism which clamps the first and second engagement components  120 ,  124  of the deadbolt lever engagement assembly  122  such that the deadbolt lever engagement assembly  122  remains fixed to the deadbolt lever. 
       FIGS. 21A and 21B  illustrate a side view and a bottom view of one embodiment of a fitted door knob device  100  which is secure on the doorknob without being in contact with the door. The housing  220  comprises the batteries, electronics, and a motor which is capable of turning the lock via a mating coupler  222  which contacts the rotating lock mechanism of a locking door knob. A rotational actuator  224  is located on the top surface of the outer housing. The rotational actuator  224  may be actuated by the motor to unlock the door and may be actuated manually to lock or unlock the door. 
       FIG. 22  illustrates an internal view of the fitted door knob device of  FIG. 21 . A set of magnets  254  are located on the inner surface of the outer housing to help hold the device in place against the door knob. Additionally, at least one hinged tab  250  with at least one spring are located on the outer housing to assist in holding the device in place on the door knob. 
     The device comprises at least two hinged tabs which can be pressed inward to secure the device onto a doorknob. Additionally, magnets are located on the inner surface of the outer housing to secure the device to the door knob. A mating coupler exists in the center of the housing. The mating coupler connects the rotating lock mechanism of a door knob with a motor contained in the housing to allow the motor to rotate the locking mechanism of the door knob. 
       FIG. 23  illustrates an embodiment of a locking and unlocking system which fits around a door lever. The fitted door lever device comprises a housing  310  which is designed to fit around the door lever. The housing comprises a turning knob  352  which is designed to correspond with the lock button or lever on the door lever handle. 
       FIG. 24  illustrates a bottom view of one embodiment of the fitted door lever device. The bottom of the housing  354  is magnetic to hold the device onto the door lever. Additionally, a hinged tab with a spring  350  is also provided to secure the device on the door knob. 
       FIG. 25  illustrates the side view of the fitted door lever device, the device comprising a housing  310 , a turning knob  352 , and a hinged tab  350  with a lockable spring. The turning knob can be actuated by a motor to unlock the door, additionally, the knob can be actuated manually to lock the door from the interior of the home, building, or other structure. 
     In an alternative embodiment the system may be attached to a door knob or door lever in a different manner from what has been described. Additionally, the system may be shaped to accommodate door knobs, levers, door lock, deadbolts, or other types of door handles used for the purposes of opening doors which are not explicitly disclosed. 
     In conclusion, herein is presented a remote control locking and unlocking system. The invention is illustrated by example in the flow diagrams and figures, and throughout the written description. It should be understood that numerous variations are possible, while adhering to the inventive concept. Such variations are contemplated as being a part of the present invention.