Patent Abstract:
A safety device for use with exteriorly locked doors. The safety device provides a temporary barrier between the latch and the strike plate hole to allow ingress and egress through the door while the door is in a constant locked position. The device includes a strike plate cover, a frame portion, a pull portion, and at least one magnet member.

Full Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present invention claims the benefit of co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/888,342, filed on 8 Oct. 2013. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Many doors, such as classroom doors, are keyed from only one side. Currently, to lock a typical in swinging classroom door, an adult inside the classroom must have the correct key for each classroom door. In addition, the person locking the door must be outside the room to lock the door. Thus, the person locking the door must step outside of the room and into the hallway to lock the door. During typical operation, this arrangement is problem free. However, in times of distress, for example during an emergency lock-down, the extra step of walking out of the classroom and into the hallway to lock the door from the outside may place the individual in a compromised position. Moreover, this standard locking procedure does not provide a controlled room environment when the door must be quickly locked to secure occupants inside the room during an emergency lock-down situation. Further, it is not practical to keep doors in a constantly locked position. Doors locked at all times may present other security issues. For example, if doors are in a constant lock position any children, staff members, educators, or others with authorized access to the room would first need to knock on the door to gain access. This interrupts learning. 
         [0003]    Certain solutions have been designed to remedy this situation. For example, a magnetic strip may be placed over the door strike plate and latch hole. Since the strip covers the latch hole, when the magnetic strip is in place, the door may remain in the locked position and yet freely swing open or closed. To lock the door, the magnetic strip must be removed by a staff member, student, or other approved person to thereby allow the lock to engage the latch hole. While this approach allows the door to be in a constant lock position while also providing access to the room, removal of the magnetic strip again requires opening the door and stepping into the hallway or opening the door during a dangerous lock-down situation, thereby putting the user at risk. 
         [0004]    Another product designed to keep locked doors swinging freely includes the use of a thin metal bar that may be moved between locked and unlocked position. When the bar is in a first position it prevents the locked door from closing all the way. When the bar is flipped to a second position the door is allowed to lock. Installation of the metal bar onto a door frame requires a specific amount of space between the door and door frame. Further, depending on installation height, staff and students may need chairs or stools in order to reach the metal bar to move it when required. Moreover, the product is not particularly effective for use with outward swing doors. If this product is used with an outward swing door, the user must step into the hallway, flip the bar, and then step back into the classroom, thereby creating a potential risk to both the user and the room occupants during a lock down situation. 
         [0005]    Yet another product created to lock a door in the event of an emergency is a peg and hole arrangement. A peg drops into a hole in the floor when rapid locking is required. This solution is not optimal for several reasons. First, the user must drill holes into the floor to accommodate the pegs. Second, the user must provide a way for security or administration to gain access to the room after the emergency or threat has passed. Since the door is locked by a peg from the inside, an exterior key will not allow entrance from the hallway. This may present a problem due to various laws regarding the locking of classroom doors. For example, and typically, school room doors may not be locked from the inside unless the door has a push button lock that disengages with a turn on the knob from the inside. Further, occupants are not allowed to be locked in a classroom without an accessible exit. Although children may be able to disengage the interior peg after the emergency has passed, they may not reliably do so. 
         [0006]    Therefore, a solution is needed to enable a door, such as a classroom door, to be freely opened while the door is locked, but also permit quick and facile locking in the event of an emergency lock-down. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The present invention provides a solution to the aforementioned problems and shortcomings by providing a safety device for use with exteriorly locked doors. The device may be adapted for use on both outward swing and inward swing doors. A safety device according to the present invention provides a temporary barrier between the latch and the strike plate hole while the door is in a locked condition to thereby prevent the locked door latch from engaging the strike plate hole. The present device is adapted to attach to a door frame and to provide a temporary barrier over the latch hole. While the device is in place, the door may be in the locked position at all times, while simultaneously permitting ingress and egress to the room. In the event of an emergency lock-down, room occupants may push the door closed, remove the safety device from the strike plate, and thereby allow the locked latch to engage the latch hole. These steps may be taken while the occupants remain in the room and without need to exit the room into the hallway. At the same time, students or other room occupants may transition to their required safe locations within the room. The present invention enables rooms such as classrooms to be controlled in a relatively short time while keeping the user out of the hallway or door frame. 
         [0008]    A safety device according to the present invention may preferably include a strike plate cover, a frame portion, a pull portion, and at least one magnet member. The strike plate cover is preferably sized and dimensioned to cover a strike plate of a lock set, and particularly cover the latch hole. The strike plate cover includes a first planar surface, a second planar surface, a first side edge, and second side edge. One of the side edges preferably includes a frame portion extending generally perpendicularly from the plane of the strike plate cover. The frame portion preferably includes a first frame surface and an oppositely disposed second frame surface. At least one of the frame surfaces includes at least one magnet member affixed thereto. The safety device further includes a pull portion. The pull portion extends from one of the frame surfaces, preferably the frame surface opposite the at least one magnet member. Optionally, the device may include a lanyard. When used, one of the ends of the lanyard is affixed to the pull portion, while the opposite end is adapted to be affixed to a door frame. When the safety device is pulled from the strike plate, the lanyard remains affixed to the door frame and thereby allows the device to dangle from the frame to prevent loss. The device may further and optionally include a protrusion on at least one planar surface of the strike plate cover. The protrusion provides additional friction to assist in securing the device to a strike plate while the door is closed. 
         [0009]    Another embodiment safety device according to the present invention, and specifically for use with outwardly swinging doors, preferably includes a strike plate cover, an elongated frame portion, a pull portion, and at least one magnet member. Again, the strike plate cover is preferably sized and dimensioned to cover a strike plate of a lock set, and particularly to cover the latch hole. The strike plate cover includes a first planar surface, a second planar surface, a first side edge, and second side edge. One of the side edges includes a connector portion extending generally perpendicularly from the plane of the strike plate cover. An elongated frame portion extends from the connector portion and in a plane parallel to that of the strike plate cover. The frame portion further preferably includes a first frame surface and an oppositely disposed second frame surface. At least one of the frame surfaces includes at least one magnet member affixed thereto. The safety device further includes a pull portion. The pull portion extends from one of the frame surfaces. As in the previous embodiment, the device may optionally include a lanyard to prevent loss when the safety device is removed from the strike plate. The device may also be provided with an adjustment block for use during installation and stability, as will be discussed. 
         [0010]    Another embodiment of a safety device according to the present invention, and specifically for use with doors having a crash bar type latch system, may preferably include a strike plate cover, a frame portion, a pull portion, and at least one magnet member. The strike plate cover may further be provided with a hooked end for engagement with the roller member of a crash bar latch system. The strike plate cover is preferably sized and dimensioned to cover a latching mechanism of a crash bar system, with the hooked end particularly engaging the roller member to prevent latching. The strike plate cover includes a first planar surface, a second planar surface, a first side edge, and second side edge. One of the edges includes an angled connector portion extending from the plane of the strike plate cover. A frame portion extends from the connector portion. The frame portion further preferably includes a first frame surface and an oppositely disposed second frame surface. At least one of the frame surfaces includes at least one magnet member affixed thereto. In this embodiment, the pull portion is integrated with the frame portion, as the user simply grasps the frame portion to slide the device away from the latch system to thereby engage the lock. As in previous embodiments, the device may optionally include a lanyard to prevent loss when the device is removed from the strike plate. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a safety device according to the present invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a back perspective view of the safety device illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a perspective side view of the safety device illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a front plan view of the device illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a rear plan view of the device illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a left side view of the device illustrated in  FIGS. 1-5 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is a right side view of the device illustrated in  FIGS. 1-6 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  is a top view of the device illustrated in  FIGS. 1-7 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  is a bottom view of the device illustrated in  FIGS. 1-8 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  is a view of a stamping of the device illustrated in  FIGS. 1-9  in flat form to be bent to into the shape illustrated in  FIGS. 1-9 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 11  is a perspective front view of another embodiment of a safety device according to the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 12  is a back perspective view of the device illustrated in  FIG. 11 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 13  is a front plan view of the device illustrated in  FIGS. 11 and 12 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 14  is a rear plan view of the device illustrated in  FIGS. 11-13 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 15  is a left side view of the device illustrated in  FIGS. 11-14 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 16  is a right side view of the device illustrated in  FIGS. 11-15 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 17  is a top view of the device illustrated in  FIGS. 11-16 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 18  is a bottom view of the device illustrated in  FIGS. 11-17 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 19  is a back perspective view, similar to that of  FIG. 12 , but showing an optional adjustment bar. 
           [0030]      FIG. 20  is a front perspective view of the device illustrated in  FIG. 19  and showing use of the adjustment bar. 
           [0031]      FIG. 21  is a rear perspective view of the device, similar to that of  FIG. 12 , but showing an alternative magnet placement. 
           [0032]      FIG. 22  is a perspective front view of another embodiment of a safety device according to the present invention. 
           [0033]      FIG. 23  is a front plan view of the device illustrated in  FIG. 22 . 
           [0034]      FIG. 24  is a bottom view of the device illustrated in  FIGS. 22-23 . 
           [0035]      FIG. 25  is a rear plan view of the device illustrated in  FIGS. 22-24 . 
           [0036]      FIG. 26  is a top view of the device illustrated in  FIGS. 22-25 . 
           [0037]      FIG. 27  is a left side view of the device illustrated in  FIGS. 22-26 . 
           [0038]      FIG. 28  is a right side view of the device illustrated in  FIGS. 22-27 . 
           [0039]      FIG. 29  is a view of the device illustrated in  FIGS. 1-10  in place on a door frame and strike plate during use. 
           [0040]      FIG. 30  is a fragmentary view similar to that of  FIG. 29  but showing the door in the open position. 
           [0041]      FIG. 31A  is a fragmentary view similar to that of  FIG. 30  but showing the door in the closed position and prior to device removal. 
           [0042]      FIG. 31B  is a cross sectional view of the device illustrated in  FIGS. 1-10  in place with lock components positioned as in  FIG. 31A , and taken along lines  31 B- 31 B thereof. 
           [0043]      FIG. 32A  is a fragmentary view similar to that of  FIG. 31A  and showing the door in the closed position during device removal. 
           [0044]      FIG. 32B  is a cross sectional view of the device with lock components positioned as in  FIG. 32A  during device removal, and taken along lines  32 B- 32 B thereof. 
           [0045]      FIG. 33  is a fragmentary view, similar to that of  FIGS. 31A and 32A  but showing the device removed and hanging from a lanyard. 
           [0046]      FIG. 34A  is a view of the device illustrated in  FIGS. 11-18  in place on a door frame and strike plate during use on an outward swing door. 
           [0047]      FIG. 34B  is a cross sectional view of the device in place with lock components positioned as shown in  FIG. 34A  and taken along lines  34 B- 34 B thereof. 
           [0048]      FIG. 35  is a fragmentary enlarged view of the device illustrated in  FIGS. 34A ,  34 B but with the door in the open position. 
           [0049]      FIG. 36  is a fragmentary view, similar to that of  FIG. 34A , but showing the device during disengagement. 
           [0050]      FIG. 37A  is a view of the device illustrated in  FIGS. 22-28  in place during use on a door frame and door having a crash bar latch system. 
           [0051]      FIG. 37B  is a cross sectional view of the device in place and with latching mechanism positioned as in  FIG. 37A , and taken along lines  37 B- 37 B thereof. 
           [0052]      FIG. 38  is a view similar to that of  FIG. 37A , but showing the device during disengagement. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0053]    Although the disclosure hereof is detailed and exact to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the physical embodiments herein disclosed merely exemplify the invention which may be embodied in other specific structures. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims. 
         [0054]    With attention to  FIGS. 1-10 , an embodiment of a safety device  10  according to the present invention may be seen. As shown, the device  10  preferably includes a strike plate cover  12 , a frame portion  14 , a pull portion  16 , and at least one magnet member  18 . The strike plate cover  12  is preferably sized and dimensioned to cover a strike plate  20  (see  FIGS. 31B-33 ) of a lock set, and particularly to cover the latch hole  22  (see  FIG. 31B ). The strike plate cover  12  preferably includes a first planar surface  24 , a second planar surface  26 , a first side edge  28 , and second side edge  30 . One of the side edges  28 ,  30  preferably includes a frame portion  14  extending generally perpendicularly from a plane of the strike plate cover  12 . The frame portion  14  preferably includes a first frame surface  32  and an oppositely disposed second frame surface  34 . At least one of the frame surfaces  32 ,  34  includes at least one magnet member  18  affixed thereto. The magnet member  18  may be affixed by any fastening means that is satisfactory to affix the magnet  18  to the device  10  and resist removal during use, such as the rivet  36  shown. Moreover, a magnet member  18  for use with the present invention is preferably of a type being strong enough to affix the device  10  to a magnetically attractive ferrous material. 
         [0055]    With further attention to  FIGS. 1-10  and  31 A- 33 , the safety device  10  may be seen to include a pull portion  16 . The pull portion  16  extends generally perpendicularly from one of the frame surfaces  32 ,  34 , preferably the frame surface  32 ,  34  opposite the magnet member  18 , seen as frame surface  32  in these views. The pull portion  16  may optionally include a flanged end  38  for ease in gripping when the device  10  is removed, as will be discussed. Optionally, the device  10  may also include a lanyard  40  having a first end  42  and a second end  44 . In use, one the ends  42 ,  44  of the lanyard  40  is affixed to the pull portion  16 , while the opposite end  42 ,  44  is adapted to be affixed to a door frame  46 . An end  42 ,  44  of the lanyard  40  may be affixed to the pull portion  16  by any suitable fastener, such as the rivet  36  shown, while the opposite end  42 ,  44  is attached to a door frame  46  in the same manner as by a rivet  36 , screw, or other acceptable fastener (not seen in these views). When the safety device  10  is pulled from the strike plate  20 , the lanyard  40  remains affixed to the door frame  46  to thereby allow the device  10  to dangle from the frame  46  and prevent loss of the device  10 . The device  10  may be made of any suitably rigid and wear resistant material, such as a metal. When formed of metal, the device  10  may be formed from a metal stamping such as that shown in  FIG. 10  and bent to the preferred configuration. 
         [0056]    The device  10  may further and optionally include a protrusion  48  on at least one planar surface  24 ,  26  of the strike plate cover  12 . The protrusion  48  provides additional friction to assist in securing the device  10  to a strike plate  20  while the door  50  is closed. 
         [0057]    With specific attention now to  FIGS. 29-33 , use of the device  10  may be seen. As shown, the device  10  may be normally installed on a door frame  46 , with the strike plate cover  12  placed adjacent and over the strike plate  20  and latch hole  22  of a door  50 . The door frame  46  is of a magnetically attractive ferrous material such that the magnet member  18  on the frame portion  14  is attracted to and holds the device  10  against the door frame  46 . When the device  10  is installed as is shown in  FIGS. 29-31B , the door  50  may be in a constant locked position, with the strike plate cover  12  preventing the latch  52  from engaging in the latch hole  22  and locking the door  50 . In this manner, the device  10  may remain in place and the door  50  will open freely despite it being in a locked position. When quick locking of the door  50  is desired, as for example, during an emergency lockdown, an authorized user may simply grasp the pull portion  16 , as is seen in  FIGS. 32A ,  32 B, and move the device  10  in the direction of arrow A. With the device  10  and its strike plate cover  12  removed, the latch  52  is able to engage the latch hole  22 , and the door  50  is locked. As is seen in  FIG. 33 , the device  10 , when provided with a lanyard  40 , dangles from the door frame  46 . 
         [0058]    With attention now to  FIGS. 11-21  and  34 A- 36 , another embodiment of a safety device  100 ,  100 A,  100 B according to the present invention may be seen. The device  100 ,  100 A,  100 B illustrated in these Figures is for use with outwardly swinging doors  50 . As shown, and similar to the previously described device  10 , the device  100 ,  100 A,  100 B shown in these views preferably includes a strike plate cover  12 , an elongated frame portion  14 A, a pull portion  16 , and at least one magnet member  18 . The strike plate cover  12  is preferably sized and dimensioned to cover a strike plate  20  (see  FIGS. 34B and 35 ) of a lock set, and particularly to cover the latch hole  22  (see  FIG. 34B ). The strike plate cover  12  preferably includes a first planar surface  24 , a second planar surface  26 , a first side edge  28 , and second side edge  30 . One of the side edges  28 ,  30  preferably includes a connector portion  54  extending generally perpendicularly from a plane of the strike plate cover  12 . An elongated frame portion  14 A extends generally perpendicularly from the connector portion  54  and in a plane parallel to that of the strike plate cover  12 . The frame portion  14 A further preferably includes a first frame surface  32  and an oppositely disposed second frame surface  34 . At least one of the frame surfaces  32 ,  34  (seen as surface  34  in these views) includes at least one magnet member  18  affixed thereto. The magnet member  18  may be affixed by any fastening means that is satisfactory to affix the magnet  18  to the device  100 ,  100 A,  100 B and resist removal during use, such as the rivet  36  shown, although other fastening means may be envisioned without departing from the invention. Moreover, a magnet member  18  for use with the present invention is preferably of a type being strong enough to affix the device  100 ,  100 A,  100 B to a magnetically attractive ferrous material, such as a door frame  46 . 
         [0059]    With further attention to  FIGS. 11-21  and  34 A- 36 , the safety device  100 ,  100 A,  100 B may be seen to include a pull portion  16 . The pull portion  16  extends generally perpendicularly from one of the frame surfaces  32 ,  34 , preferably the frame surface  32 ,  34  adjacent the magnet member  18 , seen as surface  34  in these views. As in the previous embodiment, the device  100 ,  100 A,  100 B may optionally include a lanyard  40  having a first end  42  and a second end  44 . In use, one of the ends  42 ,  44  of the lanyard  40  is affixed to the frame portion  14 A, while the opposite end  42 ,  44  is adapted to be affixed to a door frame  46 . An end  42 ,  44  of the lanyard  40  may be affixed to the frame portion  14 A by any suitable fastener, such as the rivet  36  shown, while the opposite end  42 ,  44  is attached to a door frame  46  in the same manner as by a rivet  36 , screw, or other acceptable fastener. When the safety device  100 ,  100 A,  100 B is removed from the strike plate  20  when not in use, the lanyard  40  remains affixed to the door frame  46  to thereby allow the device  100 ,  100 A,  100 B to dangle from the frame  46  to prevent loss of the device  100 ,  100 A,  100 B. 
         [0060]    With attention now to  FIGS. 19 and 20 , the device  100 A may be provided with at least one adjustment block  56  for use during installation and stability. As is shown, the frame portion  14 A may include a plurality of adjustment slots  58 . The adjustment slots  58  are arranged to slidingly accept screws  60  or other fasteners for the adjustment block  56 . In use, the adjustment block  56  may be moved along the slots  58  in the direction of arrow B (see  FIG. 20 ) to thereby locate the block  56  adjacent a door frame  46 . Once the block  56  is snug against a door frame  46 , and the device  100 A is located properly against the strike plate  20 , the screws  60  may be tightened to prevent further movement. 
         [0061]      FIG. 21  illustrates an alternative magnet member  18  arrangement, wherein a single magnet  18  may be used. It is to be understood that any number or configuration of magnet members  18  may be used without departing from the invention. 
         [0062]    With specific attention now to  FIGS. 34A-36 , use of the device  100 ,  100 A,  100 B may be seen. As shown, the device  100 ,  100 A,  100 B may be normally installed on a door frame  46 , of an outward swing door  50  with the strike plate cover  12  placed adjacent and over the strike plate  20  and latch hole  22  of a door  50 . The door frame  46  is of a magnetically attractive ferrous material such that the magnet member  18  on the frame portion  14 A is attracted to and holds the device  100 ,  100 A,  100 B against the door frame  46 . When the device  100 ,  100 A,  100 B is installed as is shown in  FIGS. 34A-35 , the door  50  may be in a constant locked position, with the strike plate cover  12  preventing the latch  52  from engaging in the latch hole  22  and locking the door  50 . In this manner, the device  100 ,  100 A,  100 B may remain in place and the door  50  will open freely despite it being in a locked position. When quick locking of the door  50  is desired as for example, during an emergency lockdown, an authorized user may simply grasp the pull portion  16  as is seen in  FIG. 36 , and move the device  100 ,  100 A,  100 B in the direction of arrow C. With the device  100 ,  100 A,  100 B and its strike plate cover  12  removed, the latch  52  is able to engage the latch hole  22  and the door  50  is locked. When the device  100 ,  100 A,  100 B is optionally provided with a lanyard  40 , the device  100 ,  100 A,  100 B will dangle from the door frame  46  when not in use, as is shown in  FIG. 33 . 
         [0063]      FIGS. 22-28  and  37 A- 38  illustrate another embodiment of a safety device  200  according to the present invention, and specifically for use with doors  50  having a crash bar type latch system. As in the previously described embodiments, the device  200  illustrated in these views may preferably include a strike plate cover  12 A, a frame portion  14 , a pull portion  16 , and at least one magnet member  18 . As seen, the strike plate cover  12 A may further be provided with a hooked end  62  for engagement with a roller member  64  of a crash bar latch system (see  FIG. 37B ). The strike plate cover  12 A is preferably sized and dimensioned to cover a catch mechanism  66  of a crash bar system, with the hooked end  62  particularly engaging the roller member  64  to prevent latching. The strike plate cover  12 A preferably includes a first planar surface  24 , a second planar surface  26 , a first side edge  28 , and second side edge  30 . One of the edges  28 ,  30  terminates in an angled connector portion  54 A extending from the plane of the strike plate cover  12 A. A frame portion  14  extends from the connector portion  54 A. The frame portion  14  further preferably includes a first frame surface  32  and an oppositely disposed second frame surface  34 . At least one of the frame surfaces  32 ,  34  includes at least one magnet member  18  affixed thereto. As in the previous embodiments, the magnet member  18  may be affixed by any fastening means that is satisfactory to affix the magnet  18  to the device  200  and resist removal during use, such as the rivet  36  shown. Moreover, a magnet member  18  for use with the present invention is preferably of a type being strong enough to affix the device  200  to a magnetically attractive ferrous material. 
         [0064]    As may be further seen in the views of  FIGS. 22-28 , and  37 A- 38 , the pull portion  16  discussed with regard to the previous embodiments is integrated with the frame portion  14 . With specific reference to  FIG. 38 , the user simply grasps the frame portion  14  and slides the device  200  in the direction of arrow D, away from the latch system, to thereby allow the catch  66  to engage with the roller member  64 . As in the previous embodiments, the device  200  may optionally include a lanyard  40  having a first end  42  and a second end  44 . When used, one the ends  42 ,  44  of the lanyard  40  is affixed to the frame portion  14 , while the opposite end  42 ,  44  is adapted to be affixed to a door frame  46 . An end  42 ,  44  of the lanyard  40  may be affixed to the frame portion  14  by any suitable fastener, such as the rivet  36  shown, while the opposite end  42 ,  44  is attached to a door frame  46  in the same manner as by a rivet  36 , screw, or other acceptable fastener. When the safety device  200  is removed from the strike plate  20 , the lanyard  40  remains affixed to the door frame  46  to thereby allow the device  200  to dangle from the frame. 
         [0065]      FIGS. 37A-38  illustrate use of the device  200 . As shown, the device  200  may be normally installed on a door frame  46 , of an outward swing door  50  having a crash bar locking system. When installed, the strike plate cover  12  is placed adjacent to and over the roller member  64  and catch  66  of a door  50  having a crash bar locking system. The door frame  46  is of a magnetically attractive ferrous material such that the magnet member  18  on the frame portion  14  is attracted to and holds the device  200  against the door frame  46 . When the device  200  is installed as shown in  FIGS. 37A-38 , the door  50  may be in a constant locked position, with the strike plate cover  12  preventing the catch  66  from engaging the roller member  64  and locking the door  50 . In this manner, the device  200  may remain in place and the door  50  will open freely despite it being in a locked position. When quick locking of the door  50  is desired, as for example during an emergency lockdown, an authorized user may simply grasp the frame portion  14  as is seen in  FIG. 38 , and move the device  200  in the direction of arrow D. With the device  200  and its strike plate cover  12  removed, the catch  66  is able to engage the roller member  64  and the door  50  is locked. As in the previous embodiments, if the device  200  is provided with a lanyard  40 , it will dangle from the door frame  46  when not in use. 
         [0066]    The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Furthermore, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 4