Patent Publication Number: US-8534103-B2

Title: Method and apparatus for securing door mechanisms

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     This application relates to a protective cover for a locking or closing device. 
     A door is a movable structure, typically on hinges, that is used to open and close an entrance to a room or dwelling. Doors at the entrance of a dwelling typically have a doorknob and a deadbolt lock. The doorknob and the deadbolt operate to prevent the door from moving or being opened. The doorknob and the deadbolt can be manipulated from both inside of the dwelling and outside of the dwelling by turning the knob or using a key in conjunction with a key mechanism of the deadbolt. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  is a graphical projection of an embodiment that accords with the disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a graphical projection of an embodiment that accords with the disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  is a graphical projection of an embodiment that accords with the disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  is a flowchart illustrating a method that accords with the disclosure. 
     
    
    
     Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not be described in the specification. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve specific goals, such as compliance-related or business-related goals, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure. 
     When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present invention, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. 
     Under certain circumstances, it is desirable to be within a dwelling and prevent others from utilizing various door mechanisms of a door to open a door to the dwelling and gain entry into the dwelling. As an example, the college roommate may wish to use a dormitory room for private activities and prevent his or her roommate from entering the dormitory room. Alternatively, an owner of an apartment may wish to prevent a tenant from entering the apartment, such as when the tenant fails to pay rent. Furthermore, most apparatus for preventing a door from opening are themselves susceptible to being picked or tampered with. 
     Embodiments of methods and apparatus that accord with the disclosure can prevent access to the doorknob and deadbolt lock, preventing unauthorized entry from lock picking or from use of an unauthorized key. Embodiments can also prevent breaking the doorknob or deadbolt to gain access through the door. Optional embodiments can also make “jimmying” a lock with a credit card or other device much more difficult. 
     Embodiments in accordance with the disclosure have a base and a cover, which combine and are designed to provide several features and benefits. Embodiments are simple in design having no moving pieces, no parts to wear out, with heavy duty construction that will not be susceptible to easy breakage or damage. The base lays flat with the door, which minimizes the likelihood of prying up. The cover encloses the doorknob, lock, or both and prevents side movement in the event of prying. In optional embodiments, the cover wraps around the side of the door further securing the device from being pried off or pulled out of the door. The part of a doorknob or deadbolt that is outside the door is fastened or screwed to the part of the doorknob or deadbolt that is on the inside of the door; screwing these two parts together compresses the base between the door frame and the outside part of the doorknob or deadbolt to provide extra strength and protection to the base against prying. The shape of the cover minimizes the ability to achieve maximum grip or torque. The base and cover can be made from any suitable material that provides desired strength and protection, including: metals such as aluminum, iron, and steel; high-strength plastics; carbon fiber; any combination thereof, and the like. Regular plastics and wood may also be used to construct the base and cover, when absolute security is less of a concern. 
     Embodiments are inexpensive to manufacturer and are easy to install only requiring a screwdriver and taking a few minutes to install or remove. Installation requires no drilling or damage to doors and may be used where no permanent attachments are allowed, such as with apartments or dormitories, and no residual damage will need to be repaired if removed. Embodiments in accordance with the disclosure secure the doorknob and deadbolt from tampering, therein protecting against doorknob or lock from damage, protecting against lock picking, protecting against entry by someone with an unauthorized key, and an inhibiting jimmying the door mechanisms. The heavy duty construction and lack of access to door mechanisms enhances the security of the occupants in the dwelling and deters criminals from attempting to enter. Any attempt to remove will create enough noise to give the occupant time call for help. 
       FIG. 1  is a graphical projection of an embodiment in accordance with the disclosure.  FIG. 1  depicts a cover  1100 , a base  1200 , and a door  1300  that has both a deadbolt  1314  and a doorknob  1308 . In this embodiment, the base  1200  and the cover  1300 , protect, and secure the deadbolt  1314 , but not the doorknob  1308 . The deadbolt  1314  operates a bolt  1312 , and the doorknob  1308  operates a latch  1310 . 
     The cover  1100  includes an enclosure  1102 , a first cover member  1108 , and a second cover member  1104 . When placed over the deadbolt  1314 , the cover  1100  and the enclosure  1102  prevent any tampering or picking and greatly inhibits any prying, jimmying, or damaging of the deadbolt  1314 . The enclosure  1102  prevents any access to the key mechanism of the deadbolt  1314  that is secured to the door  1300 . The enclosure  1102  may have a substantially similar footprint or profile to that of a first base member  1202  of the base  1200 . As depicted in  FIG. 1 , the enclosure  1102  is in the shape of a cylinder or cone, but maybe in any suitable shape, as desired. The enclosure  1102  prevents any contact from being made with the door mechanism within. 
     The first cover member  1108  extends from the enclosure  1102  and connects the enclosure  1102  to a first securing member  1110 , which also includes a slot  1112 . As depicted in  FIG. 1 , the first cover member  1108  allows the cover  1100  to fit onto two orthogonal faces ( 1302  and  1304 ) of the door  1300 . As depicted in  FIG. 1 , the first cover member  1108  may lay substantially flat on or just over the door  1300 , but alternative embodiments may have an analogous member of the base  1200  upon or over which the first cover member  1108  lays. Alternative embodiments may have at least one gasket (not shown) between any one or combination of the base  1200 , the cover  1100 , and the door  1300  made out of any suitable material including rubber, plastic, any combination thereof, and the like. Such a gasket would provide increased protection to the surface and finish of the door  1300  from the base  1200  and from the cover  1100 . 
     The first securing member  1110  includes a slot  1112  through which passes bolt  1312  of the deadbolt  1314 . As depicted in the  FIG. 1 , the first securing member  1110  includes a 90 degree bend to wrap around a first face  1302  and a second face  1304  of the door  1300 . When the apparatus is in place and the bolt  1312  of the deadbolt  1314  is engaged and passes through the slot  1112 , the bolt  1312  and the securing member  1110  operate to prevent the cover  1100  from being removed or pried from the door  1300 . 
     The second cover member  1104  extends from the enclosure  1102  and connects the enclosure  1102  to a first joint member  1106 . The second cover member  1104  lays flat on or just over a second base member  1204  of the base  1200 . As depicted in  FIG. 1 , the second cover member  1104  and the second base member  1204  may have substantially similar profiles. In alternative embodiments, the second cover member  1104  and the second base member  1204  may have different profiles. 
     The first joint member  1106  is curved around and up with respect to the second cover member  1104 . The first joint member  1106  comprises a tab that fits through the slot  1208  of the second joint member  1206  of the base  1200 . The first joint member  1106  and the second joint member  1206  combine to form a releasable joint. The releasable joint can align the cover  1100  with respect to the base  1200 . Optional embodiments may have the tab of first joint member  1106  be wide enough such that when it is mated within the slot  1208 , the releasable joint acts as a hinge that aligns the cover  1100  to the base  1200 , supports the weight of the cover  1100 , and allows for angular movement of the cover  1100  with respect to the base  1200 . While depicted with a curved slot and tab configuration forming a hinge, the releasable joint can be any suitable shape or type of joint. As an example, the releasable joint could be formed from a hasp and loop with the cover having a hasp or slot that fits onto a loop of the base. 
     The base  1200  includes a first base member  1202  and a second base member  1204 . The base  1200  connects the cover  1100  to the door  1300  and sits between the door  1300  and at least one of the door mechanisms protected by the enclosure  1102 . 
     The first base member  1202  includes a first hole  1210  and one or more second holes  1212 . The first base member  1202  has a profile that is similar to the footprint of the enclosure  1102 . 
     The first hole  1210  allows an operating mechanism within a door mechanism to pass through the base  1200  and into the door  1300 . As depicted in  FIG. 1 , the key mechanism of deadbolt  1314  passes through the first hole  1210  into the door  1300  so that the bolt  1312  may be operated by the key mechanism of the deadbolt  1314 . 
     The second holes  1212  allow the fasteners of the door mechanism to pass through the base  1200  and into the door  1300 . As depicted in  FIG. 1 , one or more screws  1316  pass through the door  1300 , through the second holes  1212 , and into the top of the deadbolt  1314 . As such, the fasteners  1316  of the door mechanism are used to secure the base  1200  to the door  1300  and the fasteners  1316  are also used to secure the deadbolt  1314  that is protected by the cover  1100  to the door  1300 . While depicted as circular, any shape or profile of the second holes may be used. 
     The second base member  1204  extends from the first base member  1202  and connects the base  1200  to a second joint member  1206 . The second base member  1204  lays flat on the face  1302  of the door  1300 . As depicted in  FIG. 1 , the second base member  1204  and the second cover member  1104  may have substantially similar profiles. In alternative embodiments, the second base member  1204  and the second cover member  1104  may have different profiles. 
     The second joint member  1206  is curved around and up with respect to the second cover member  1204 . The second joint member  1206  comprises a slot  1208  through which fits the tab of the first joint member  1106  of the cover  1100 . The second joint member  1206  and the first joint member  1106  combine to form a releasable joint, as discussed above. 
       FIG. 2  is a graphical projection of an embodiment in accordance with the disclosure.  FIG. 2  depicts a cover  2100 , a base  2200 , and a door  2300  that has both a deadbolt  2314  and a doorknob  2308 . In this embodiment, the cover protects and secures both the deadbolt  2314  and the doorknob  2308  with the base being secured via the doorknob  2308 . The deadbolt  2314  operates a bolt  2312 , and the doorknob  2308  operates a latch  2310 . 
     The cover  2100  includes an enclosure  2102 , a first cover member  2108 , and a second cover member  2104 . When placed over the deadbolt  2314  and doorknob  2308 , the cover  2100  and the enclosure  2102  prevent any tampering or picking and greatly inhibits any prying, jimmying, or damaging of the deadbolt  2314  and doorknob  2308 . The enclosure  2102  prevents unauthorized access to the key mechanism of the deadbolt  2314  and the doorknob  2308  that are secured to the door  2300 . The enclosure  2102  may have a substantially similar footprint or profile to that of a first base member  2202  of the base  2200 . As depicted in  FIG. 2 , the enclosure  2102  is in the shape of a cube-like structure or cuboid, but maybe in any suitable shape, as desired. The enclosure  2102  prevents any contact from being made with the door mechanism within. 
     The enclosure  2102  also includes a door  2118 , hinge  2120 , and locking mechanism  2122 . The door  2118  allows authorized access to the door mechanisms protected by the cover  2100 . This is useful where external access to the dwelling is still desired, such as in the landlord tenant example, as described above. As another example, residents of a dormitory may accidentally get locked outside of their room with the cover in place. In such a case, the resident can get a key to the cover from the dormitory&#39;s front office to regain access to the deadbolt and doorknob. 
     The first cover member  2108  extends from the enclosure  2102  and connects the enclosure  2102  to a first securing member  2110 , which also includes a hasp or slot  2112 . As depicted in  FIG. 2 , the cover  2100  fits onto a single face  2302  of the door  2300 . The first cover member  2108  may lay substantially flat on or just over the door  2300 , but alternative embodiments may have an analogous member of the base  2200  upon or over which the first cover member  2108  lays. Alternative embodiments may have at least one gasket (not shown) between any one or combination of the base  2200 , the cover  2100 , and the door  2300  made out of any suitable material including rubber, plastic, any combination thereof, and the like. Such a gasket would provide increased protection to the surface and finish of the door  2300  from the base  2200  and from the cover  2100 . 
     Additional or alternative embodiments may have extension  2108  further extend (not shown) and wrap around the side of the door much like as shown in  FIG. 1 . Such an embodiment would then have two slots used for securing the cover to the base, with one slot as a part of the hasp and loop and the other slot for the bolt that slides in and out of the door. This would provide additional security and protection, and would also further prevent the cover from being removed. 
     The first securing member  2110  includes a slot  2112  through which passes loop  2216  of the base  2200 . When the apparatus is in place with loop  2216  passing through the slot  2112 , another locking mechanism (such as a padlock  2218 ) is fitted through loop  2216  to secure the cover  2100  to the base. The loop  2216 , the padlock  2218 , and the securing member  2110  operate to prevent the cover  2100  from being removed or pried from the door  2300 . As depicted in  FIG. 2 , the cover  2100  can be installed while the door  2300  remains closed and the base  2200  can be installed with the door  2300  open. 
     The second cover member  2104  extends from the enclosure  2102  and connects the enclosure  2102  to a first joint member  2106 . The second cover member  2104  lays flat on or just over a second base member  2204  of the base  2200 . As depicted in  FIG. 2 , the second cover member  2104  and the second base member  2204  may have substantially similar profiles. In alternative embodiments, the second cover member  2104  and the second base member  2204  may have different profiles. 
     The first joint member  2106  is curved around and up with respect to the second cover member  2104 . The first joint member  2106  comprises a tab that fits through the slot  2208  of the second joint member  2206  of the base  2200 . The first joint member  2106  and the second joint member  2206  combine to form a releasable joint. The releasable joint can align the cover  2100  with respect to the base  2200 . Optional embodiments may have the tab of first joint member  2106  be wide enough such that when it is mated within the slot  2208 , the releasable joint acts as a hinge that aligns the cover  2100  to the base  2200 , supports the weight of the cover  2100 , and allows for angular movement of the cover  2100  with respect to the base  2200 . While depicted with a curved slot and tab configuration forming a hinge, the releasable joint can be any suitable shape or type of joint. As an example, the releasable joint could be formed from a hasp and loop with the cover having a hasp or slot that fits onto a loop of the base. 
     The base  2200  includes a first base member  2202 , a second base member  2204 , and a third base member  2214 . The base  2200  connects the cover  2100  to the door  2300  and sits between the door  2300  and at least one of the door mechanisms protected by the enclosure  2102 . As depicted in  FIG. 2 , the base  2200  sits between the door  2300  and the doorknob  2308 . Additional embodiments may also have a gasket, a sheet of plastic, or the like to protect the face  2302  of the door  2300  from a surface of the base. 
     The first base member  2202  includes a first hole  2210  and one or more second holes  2212 . The first base member  2202  has a profile that is similar to at least part of the footprint  2124  of the enclosure  2102 . 
     The first hole  2210  allows an operating mechanism within a door mechanism to pass through the base  2200  and into the door  2300 . As depicted in  FIG. 2 , the operating mechanism of the doorknob  2308  passes through the first hole  2210  so that the latch  2310  may be operated by the doorknob  2308 . 
     The second holes  2212  allow the fasteners of the door mechanism to pass through the base  2200  and into the door  2300 . As depicted in  FIG. 2 , one or more screws  2316  pass through the door  2300 , through the second holes  2212 , and into the doorknob  2308 . As such, the fasteners  2316  of the door mechanism are used to secure the base  2200  to the door  2300  and the fasteners  2316  are also used to secure the doorknob  2308  that is protected by the cover  2100  to the door  2300 . While depicted as circular, any shape or profile of the second holes may be used. 
     The second base member  2204  extends from the first base member  2202  and connects the base  2200  to a second joint member  2206 . The second base member  2204  lays flat on the face  2302  of the door  2300 . As depicted in  FIG. 2 , the second base member  2204  and the second cover member  2104  may have substantially similar profiles. In alternative embodiments, the second base member  2204  and the second cover member  2104  may have different profiles. 
     The second joint member  2206  is curved around and up with respect to the second cover member  2204 . The second joint member  2206  comprises a slot  2208  through which fits the tab of the first joint member  2106  of the cover  2100 . The second joint member  2206  and the first joint member  2106  combine to form a releasable joint, as discussed above. 
     The third base member  2214  extends from the first base member  2202  and includes a loop  2216 . The profile of the third base member  2214  is substantially similar to the footprint of the first cover member  2108 , this helps to properly align the cover  2100  with the base  2200 . When the cover  2100  is properly attached to the base  2200 , the loop  2216  and the slot  2112  operate to align the cover  2100  with the base  2200 , support the weight of the cover  2100  on the base  2200 , and to allow for angular movement of the cover  2100  with respect to the base  2200 . As described above, the padlock  2218  is used to secure the cover  2100  to the base  2200 . 
       FIG. 3  is a graphical projection of an embodiment in accordance with the disclosure.  FIG. 3  depicts a cover  3100 , a base  3200 , and a door  3300  that has a deadbolt  3314  and a handleset  3308 . In this embodiment, the base  3200  and the cover  3100  cover, protect, and secure the handleset  3308  with a first enclosure  3102 , and optionally cover, protect, and secure the deadbolt  3314  with a second enclosure  3114 . The deadbolt  3314  operates a bolt  3312 , and a lever  3322  of the handleset  3308  operates a latch  3310 . The second enclosure  3102  is shown from a bottom perspective, with the rest of  FIG. 3  being shown from a top perspective. 
     The cover  3100  includes a first enclosure  3102 , a second enclosure  3114 , a first cover member  3108 , and a second cover member  3104 . When placed over the deadbolt  3314 , the cover  3100  and the enclosure  3102  prevent any tampering or picking and greatly inhibits any prying, jimmying, or damaging of the handleset  3308 . The enclosure  3102  prevents any access to the lever  3322  of the handleset  3308  that is secured to the door  3300 . The enclosure  3102  may have a substantially similar footprint or profile to that of a first base member  3202  of the base  3200 . As depicted in  FIG. 1 , the enclosure  3102  is in the shape of a cube-like structure or cuboid, but maybe in any suitable shape, as desired. The enclosure  3102  prevents any contact from being made with the door mechanism within. The first enclosure  3102  also includes a slot  3124  for handle  3320  of the handleset  3308 . 
     The optional second enclosure  3114  includes a flange  3116 . The second enclosure prevents any access to the deadbolt  3314  that is secured to the door  3300 . The footprint of the second enclosure  3114  is shown as the dotted-line profile  3118  on the face  3302  of the door  3300 . The optional second enclosure  3114  may sit on the first face  3302  of the door  3300 , or the first member  3202  of the base  3200  may be extended to include the profile  3118  and match the footprint of the second enclosure  3114 . This extension (not shown) may include a first hole for a key mechanism of the deadbolt  3314  and one or more second holes for fastening mechanisms, such as screws or threaded bolts, holding deadbolt  3314  to the door  3300 . Alternatively, the extension of the first base member  3202  may fit around or have a hole large enough for the deadbolt  3314  so that installation of the base would not require removing and reinstalling the deadbolt  3314 . The side of the second enclosure  3114  that mates with the side of the first enclosure  3102  and the flange  3116  operate to ensure that the second enclosure  3114  is stable and secure on the door  3300  when the cover  3100  is properly secured to the base  3200 . 
     The flange  3116  fits underneath a side of the first enclosure  3102 . When the cover  3100  is properly secured to and engaged with the base  3200  and the second enclosure  3114  has properly mated with the first enclosure  3102 , then the first enclosure  3102  and the flange  3116  operate to secure of the second enclosure  3114  over and around the deadbolt  3314 . As depicted, a side of the first enclosure  3102  is altered to allow for the flange  3116  to properly mate with and fit to the first enclosure  3102 . Alternatively, the profile of the base  3200  may be altered (not shown) to allow for the flange  3116  to fit inside of the first enclosure  3102 . 
     The first cover member  3108  extends from the enclosure  3102  and connects the enclosure  3102  to a first securing member  3110 , which also includes a slot  3112 . As depicted in  FIG. 3 , the first cover member  3108  allows the cover  3100  to fit onto two orthogonal faces ( 3302  and  3304 ) of the door  3300 . As depicted in  FIG. 3 , the first cover member  3108  may lay substantially flat on or just over the door  3300 , but alternative embodiments may have an analogous member of the base  3200  upon or over which the first cover member  3108  lays. Alternative embodiments may have at least one gasket (not shown) between any of the base  3200 , the cover  3100 , and the door  3300  made out of any suitable material including rubber, plastic, any combination thereof, and the like. Such a gasket would provide increased protection to the surface and finish of the door  3300  from the base  3200  and the cover  3100 . 
     The first securing member  3110  includes a slot  3112  through which passes bolt  3312  of the deadbolt  3314 . As depicted in the  FIG. 3 , the first securing member  3110  includes a 90 degree bend to wrap around a first face  3302  and a second face  3304  of the door  3300 . When the apparatus is in place and the bolt  3312  of the deadbolt  3314  is engaged and passes through the slot  3112 , the bolt  3312  and the securing member  3110  operate to prevent the cover  3100  from being removed or pried from the door  3300 . 
     The second cover member  3104  extends from the enclosure  3102  and connects the enclosure  3102  to a first joint member  3106 . The second cover member  3104  lays flat on or just over a second base member  3204  of the base  3200 . As depicted in  FIG. 3 , the second cover member  3104  and the second base member  3204  may have substantially similar profiles. In alternative embodiments, the second cover member  3104  and the second base member  3204  may have different profiles. 
     The first joint member  3106  is curved around and up with respect to the second cover member  3104 . The first joint member  3106  comprises a tab that fits through the slot  3208  of the second joint member  3206  of the base  3200 . The first joint member  3106  and the second joint member  3206  combine to form a releasable joint. The releasable joint can align the cover  3100  with respect to the base  3200 . Optional embodiments may have the tab of first joint member  3106  be wide enough such that when it is mated within the slot  3208 , the releasable joint acts as a hinge that aligns the cover  3100  to the base  3200 , supports the weight of the cover  3100 , and allows for angular movement of the cover  3100  with respect to the base  3200 . While depicted with a curved slot and tab configuration forming a hinge, the releasable joint can be any suitable shape or type of joint. As an example, the releasable joint could be formed from a hasp and loop with the cover having a hasp or slot that fits onto a loop of the base. 
     The base  3200  includes a first base member  3202  and a second base member  3204 . The base  3200  connects the cover  3100  to the door  3300  and sits between the door  3300  and at least one of the door mechanisms protected by the enclosure  3102 . 
     The first base member  3202  includes a first hole  3210  and one or more second holes  3212 . The first base member  3202  has a profile that is similar to the footprint of the enclosure  3102 . 
     The first hole  3210  allows an operating mechanism within a door mechanism to pass through the base  3200  and into the door  3300 . As depicted in  FIG. 3 , the operating mechanism of the handleset  3308  passes through the first hole  3210  into the door  3300  so that the latch  3310  may be operated by the lever  3322  of the handleset  3308 . 
     The second holes  3212  allow the fastening mechanisms of the door mechanism to pass through the base  3200  and into the door  3300 . As depicted in  FIG. 3 , one or more screw posts  3324  are connected to the handleset  3308 , pass through the second holes  3212 , pass into the door  3300 , and are secured by screws  3316 . As such, the fastening mechanisms  3324  of the door mechanism are used to secure the base  3200  to the door  3300  and are also used to secure the handleset  3308  that is protected by the cover  3100  to the door  3300 . Also as depicted in  FIG. 3 , the second holes  3212  need not be circular and may be shaped in order to accommodate different spacings between and sizings of the fastening mechanisms of door mechanisms from different manufactures. In other words, different manufacturers may have their fastening mechanisms being spaced at different distances apart and use different sizes of parts, so that for the base to accommodate door mechanisms from different manufacturers, the second holes  3212  may be shaped so was to allow for these differences in spacing and sizing. Any shape or profile of the second holes may be used. 
     The second base member  3204  extends from the first base member  3202  and connects the base  3200  to a second joint member  3206 . The second base member  3204  lays flat on the face  3302  of the door  3300 . As depicted in  FIG. 3 , the second base member  3204  and the second cover member  3104  may have substantially similar profiles. In alternative embodiments, the second base member  3204  and the second cover member  3104  may have different profiles. 
     The second joint member  3206  is curved around and up with respect to the second cover member  3204 . The second joint member  3206  comprises a slot  3208  through which fits the tab of the first joint member  3106  of the cover  3100 . The second joint member  3206  and the first joint member  3106  combine to form a releasable joint, as discussed above. 
       FIG. 4  is a flowchart illustrating a method that accords with the disclosure. The method involves using an apparatus with a base and a cover to secure a door from unauthorized access or tampering. 
     At  4002 , the cover protects at least one of the door mechanisms. Door mechanisms include handlesets, doorknobs, deadbolts, springbolts, and the like. Embodiments may have a cover designed to protect a single door mechanism, multiple door mechanisms, or a variable number of door mechanisms. Alternative embodiments of the apparatus may have the enclosure comprising a slot through which passes a non-moving portion of the door mechanism, such as a door handle of a handleset. In such embodiments, the slot allows for a portion of the door mechanism to be outside of the enclosure, in other words, not all of the door mechanism needs be contained by the enclosure. 
     At  4004 , an enclosure of the cover is fitted over the at least one of the door mechanisms. The enclosure may also include an optional door that allows, via the optional door and a locking mechanism of the enclosure, access to the at least one of the door mechanisms protected by the cover to provide authorized access to the door mechanisms protected by the cover. 
     At  4006 , a first cover member of the cover connects the enclosure to a first securing member. The first cover member extends from the enclosure and optionally wraps around two orthogonal faces of the door via a bend in the cover. 
     At  4008 , the first securing member is includes a slot through which a second securing member passes. As an example, the second securing member may be the bolt of a deadbolt so that the slot and the deadbolt operate to prevent prying the apparatus from the door. Alternatively, the second securing member may be a loop on the base through which a padlock may be fitted. 
     At  4010 , a second cover member of the cover connects the enclosure to a first joint member. The first joint member and a second joint member combine to form a releasable joint. The releasable joint can align the cover with respect to the base. Additional embodiments may have that the releasable joint, created by the combination of the first joint member and the second joint member, acts as a hinge that aligns the cover to the base, can support the weight of the cover, and allows for angular movement of the cover with respect to the base. In such an embodiment, the releasable joint allows the base to support the cover prior to engaging the first securing member with the second securing member. The releasable joint can be any suitable shape or type of joint. As an example, the releasable joint could be formed from a hasp and loop with the cover having a hasp or slot that fits onto a loop of the base. 
     At  4012 , the base connects the cover to the door. The base is between the door and at least one of the door mechanisms protected by the cover. Alternative embodiments may have at least one gasket (not shown) between any combination of the base, the cover, and the door made out of any suitable material including rubber, plastic, any combination thereof, and the like. Such a gasket would provide increased protection to the surface and finish of the door from the base and the cover. 
     At  4014 , a first base member mates the enclosure to the door. The enclosure and the first base member may have substantially similar profiles. 
     At  4016 , working parts of the at least one of the door mechanisms protected by the cover are extended through a first hole of the base. As an example, the key mechanism of a deadbolt lock may extend through the first hole to allow the key mechanism to operate the bolt of the deadbolt. 
     At  4018 , one or more fasteners of the at least one of the door mechanisms protected by the cover are extended through one or more second holes. The fasteners may be of any suitable type, such as one or more screws or bolts. The fasteners are used to secure the base to the door and are also used to secure the door mechanism that is protected by the cover to the door. The fasteners, or fastening mechanisms, are the ones used to secure the door mechanism and can be the ones supplied by the manufacturer of the door mechanism. As such, installing the base and cover to a door would utilize the existing fastening mechanisms, screws, threaded bolts, and the like, of the door mechanism previously installed on the door. 
     At  4020 , a second base member connects the first base member to a second joint member. The second base member and the second cover member may have substantially similar profiles. In alternative embodiments, the second base member and the second cover member may have different profiles. 
     At  4022 , a releasable joint aligns the cover with respect to the base. The releasable joint is formed by the first joint member of the cover and the second joint member of the base. As an example, a tab of a curved portion of the second base member may be fitted into a slot of a curved portion of the second cover member to form the releasable joint as a hinge. 
     This written description uses examples to disclose the invention and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.