Abstract:
The present invention, and inventive system, is a new locking mechanism that prevents entry for doors, or other barriers that can use a deadbolt system, or system comparable to a deadbolt system. The present invention can be installed and works in corn unction with the existing deadbolt assembly to prevent lock, picking, a bump key, or a user&#39;s own key from being used to open the door. In the present invention, by engaging the arm latch, or arm actuator, of the present invention, over the turn knob on an existing deadbolt, the present invention prevents the free rotation movement of the turn knob, thus not allowing retraction of the deadbolt, and entry through that door or barrier.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application 61/668,288, filed Jul. 5, 2012, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
       [0002]    Not applicable 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    The present invention, and inventive system, is a new locking mechanism that prevents entry for doors, or other barriers that can be used a deadbolt system, or system comparable to a deadbolt system. The present invention can be installed and works in conjunction with the existing deadbolt assembly to prevent lock picking, bump keying, or a user&#39;s own key from being used to open the door. By engaging the arm latch, or arm actuator, of the present invention, over the turn knob on an existing deadbolt, the present invention prevents the free rotation movement of the turn knob, thus not allowing retraction of the deadbolt, and entry through, that door or barrier. U.S. Pat. No. 8,459,704 entitled “Security System for Entrance Barriers” issued on Jun. 11, 2013, to Daniels et at, discloses a flip hinge barrier lock attached to a door barrier either above, or below, an existing deadbolt assembly, the present invention, is distinguished from that prior art because the present invention utilizes a base plate that attaches behind the deadbolt face plate between the existing deadbolt faceplate and the door, and provides additional strength and ease of installation by utilizing the existing deadbolt assembly. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    In various embodiments, the present invention describes a system that reinforces an existing deadbolt assembly, or similar locking device by preventing the turn knob of the existing deadbolt assembly from rotating and thereby retracting an extended deadbolt. The present inventive system is designed to maximize a deadbolt door lock by providing a “lock out” feature at an affordable price, which can be installed easily and efficiently. 
         [0005]    By reinforcing the existing deadbolt turn knob, the present invention disables the use of any key, a bump key or lock, picking key access by a person trying to gain, entrance through the door on the side of the key entry. In one embodiment of the present, invention, the present invention is surface mounted between, the existing deadbolt lock mechanism and the door. In this embodiment the present invention, uses the deadbolt screws of the existing deadbolt to secure the invention in place and to provide strength from non-forced entries. In preferred embodiments, the invention will work on a deadbolt assembly that provides a thumb knob or knob that may be associated with rotating the deadbolt to an engage position. Once actuated the invention provides increased security of the deadbolt by immobilizing the turning of the knob and preventing rotation. The present invention can be used on any door or entry barrier with a flat surface interacting with a frame. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]    For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions to be taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings describing specific embodiments of the disclosure, wherein: 
           [0007]      FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment of the present device in an exploded view; 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  illustrates one embodiment of the present device in an exploded view as it would be attached to a door or barrier; 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  illustrates one embodiment of the present invention in an assembled view attached to a door or barrier in an open/disengaged position; and 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  illustrates an embodiment of the present invention in an assembled view attached to a door or barrier in a closed/engaged position. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0011]    In the following description, certain details are set forth such as specific quantities, sizes, etc . . . so as to provide a thorough understanding of the present embodiments disclosed herein. However, it will be evident to those of ordinary skill in the art that the present disclosure may be practiced without such specific details. In many cases, details concerning such considerations and the like have been omitted inasmuch as such details are not necessary to obtain, a complete understanding of the present disclosure and are within the skills of persons of ordinary skill in the relevant art. 
         [0012]    Referring to the drawings in general, it will be understood that the illustrations are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to be limiting thereto. Drawings are not necessarily to scale. 
         [0013]    While most of the terms used herein will be recognizable to those of ordinary skill in the art, it should be understood, however, that when not explicitly defined, terms should be interpreted as adopting a meaning presently accepted by those of ordinary skill in the art. In cases where the construction of a term would render it meaningless or essentially meaningless, the definition should be taken from Webster&#39;s Dictionary, 11th Edition, 2008. Definitions and/or interpretations should not be incorporated from other patent applications, patents, or publications, related or not unless specifically stated in this specification or if the incorporation is necessary for maintaining validity. “Deadbolt” as defined in the present disclosure refers to any locking apparatus that utilizes a bar to prevent the opening of a door or planar surface. 
         [0014]    In general, the apparatus, systems and methods of the present disclosure are distinguished from, and advantageous over, other deadbolt locks, and enhancements, that are conventional in the art, because the systems and methods of the present disclosure use a new and novel locking system that utilizes a lock out system that prevents actuating the deadbolt lock even through use of the correct deadbolt lock key. 
         [0015]    One or more illustrative embodiments incorporating the invention disclosed, herein are presented below. Applicants have created a revolutionary security system that may be used in conjunction with the existing door lock that consists of a manual turn knob. For example, Applicants have created an improved, security system for an entrance barrier, such as, but not limited to a door, barrier, or door-like structure that contains a manual turn knob. In one embodiment of the present invention, the present invention preferably comprises a security member that is sizable enough to fit behind the turn knob plate, a circular base with a section cut out for easy installation, a hinge mechanism to house the latch arm, an actuating arm for folding over the turn knob to prevent any free movement of the lock turn knob. 
         [0016]      FIG. 1  illustrates, one embodiment of the present invention in an exploded view. As illustrated, the novel and inventive system  1  preferably comprises elements that are sized to be used with, a standard turn knob plate  10  for a deadbolt assembly  14 . The deadbolt assembly  14 , is preferably one of ordinary use in the industry, however; the inventive system  1  can be modified for use with specialized deadbolt assemblies. The materials for constructing the present inventive system  1  can be metals, industrial plastics, or other materials that have sufficient strength to prevent rotation of the deadbolt knob  11 , when the actuator arm  6  engages the deadbolt knob  11 . In many of the embodiments of the present invention, the individual pieces of the inventive system  1  can be composed of different materials than the other pieces. By way of example, in one embodiment of the present invention, the actuator arm  6  could be composed of brass, whereas the hinge pin  8  could be comprised of steel, however numerous other material combinations are available. As illustrated, the inventive system  1  preferably contains a base plate  4 . Base plate  4  is preferably constructed with a flat surface, which in many embodiments is substantially C shaped. However, it is envisioned that different geometric shapes of the base plate  4  can be used with the present invention, including, but not limited to, ovals, triangles, squares and other geometric shapes with an orifice in the center. It is also preferable that base plate  4  Is substantially designed for ease of installation, and removal behind the turn knob plate  10  when the device is installed on a door  12  ( FIG. 2 ). In one embodiment of the present invention, the base plate  4  is preferably designed to have a hinge bracket  204  and a actuating arm receiver  104  located preferably distal to each other on the base plate  4 . 
         [0017]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , base plate  4 , is attached through releasable mechanical attachment to the actuating arm  6 . In one embodiment of the present Invention, the base plate  4  is preferably designed to have a hinge bracket  204  and a actuating arm receiver  104  located preferably distal to each other on the base plate  4 , however the arm receiver  104  and the hinge bracket  204  could be located on various areas of the base plate  4  depending on the location of the deadbolt knob  11 , In one embodiment of the present invention, the hinge bracket  204  is preferably constructed to have two orifices  206  running through each arm of the hinge bracket.  204 . These orifices  206  are preferably designed to allow for a hinge pin  8  to pass through them, but be in releasable communication with the hinge bracket  204 , when the improved system  1  is assembled. 
         [0018]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , in one embodiments of the present invention, base plate  4  is attached to the actuator arm  6  through a hinge bracket  204  with a hinge pin  8  running through the hinge bracket  204  and also the bracket attachment extension  9 . Actuator arm  6  is preferably comprised of a bracket attachment extension  9 , arm prongs  7  and arm base  16 . As illustrated, in one embodiment of the present invention, the bracket attachment extension  9  and the arm prongs  7  are preferably located distal from each other on the actuating arm  6 . Bracket attachment extension  9 , is preferable constructed to be of solid material and to extend from the arm base  16  as preferably as solid mass. In one embodiment of the present invention, bracket attachment extension  9  has an orifice  306  running through it, which can, when the improved system  1  is assembled house a hinge pin  8  in releasable communication within bracket attachment extension  9 . It is also preferable that bracket attachment extension  9  is of sufficient length from arm base  16  as to allow for deadbolt turn knob plate  10  to fit between the base plate  4  and the arm base  16  when assembled and engaged, such that the rotational alignment of the hinge of hinge bracket  204  and the bracket attachment extension  9 , will operate to move the actuator arm  6  over the dead bolt turn knob  11  without mechanical interference from the knob turn plate  10 . 
         [0019]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , in one embodiments of the present invention, actuator arm  6  is also comprised of arm base  16 . As illustrated, arm base  16  is preferably constructed two parallel solid bar sides  108  exuding from an arm face plate  116 . In one embodiment of the present invention, the arm face plate  116  may be constructed as a solid material piece, or, as illustrated, have an orifice carved out of the face plate  116 , such that edges  106  are visible. In one embodiment of the present invention, the orifice allows a user to actually see the deadbolt turn knob  11  in between the solid bar sides  108 , when the improved system  1  is in operation and engaged. In several embodiments of the present invention, users could place decorative materials, such as design patterns, team logos, stencils, or any other ornamental materials behind the arm face plate  116  so that they would be visible behind the face plate  116  through the orifice. In several embodiments of the present invention, solid color materials could be used behind the face plate  116  such that on one side of a material a color like red, could indicate that the deadbolt turn knob  11  is not covered, and therefore the inventive device  1  is not engaged, and on the other side, a color such as green, would indicate that the inventive device  1  is engaged as the green portion would show when the solid bar sides  108  are fully encompassing the deadbolt knob  11 . 
         [0020]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , In one embodiment of the present invention, arm base  16 , is preferably constructed two parallel solid bar sides  108  exuding from and behind arm face plate  116 . The solid bar sides  108  are preferably constructed to be parallel and be spaced apart a distance such that the solid bar sides  108  would lit snugly over a deadbolt turn knob  11 , when the inventive system  1  is operation and a user wishes to engage the deadbolt turn knob  11  to prevent it from rotating. Exuding from the solid bar sides  108  and preferably distal from attachment extension  9  are the arm prongs  7 . Ann prongs  7  are preferably of the same width as the solid bar sides  108  and are preferably designed to mechanically and releasably interact with the actuating aim receiver  104  on the base plate  4  when the inventive device is in operation. In one embodiment of the present invention a user can push on the arm prongs  7  in a manner that rotates them in a circular motion downward to move and mechanically interact over the actuating arm receiver  104  therein entrapping the deadbolt knob  11  in order to release the deadbolt turn knob  11  from, entrapment the user need only pull the arm prongs  7  off of the actuating arm receiver  104  and move them in the counter circular pattern about the hinge pin  8  until the deadbolt turn knob  11  can rotate. 
         [0021]    It is envisioned that other methods and attachment apparatus can be used to attach the actuator arm  6  to the base plate  4 , other than a pin and hinge mechanism, these would include but are not limited to swivels and other rotational hinges. 
         [0022]      FIG. 2  illustrates, one embodiment of the present invention in exploded view being attached within a deadbolt assembly  14  to a door  12 . For ease of illustration.  FIG. 2  does not show the tail piece commonly used with, a deadbolt assembly  14 , although the tail piece is commonly known and used In the industry. As illustrated, the novel and improved system  1  is attached directly into the deadbolt assembly  14  behind the key entry mechanism  112  and behind the face of the door  12  adjacent to the key entry mechanism  112 . As shown, the base plate  4  is preferably installed behind the turn knob plate  10 . It is preferable that the base plate  4  is installed such that the arm receiver  104  is closest to the floor and the bracket attachment extension  9  is furthest from the floor (which, as in most deadbolt assemblies, means that when, the deadbolt is engaged the deadbolt rum knob is usually perpendicular to the floor). However, in several embodiments, the arm receiver  104  and the bracket attachment extension  9  can be installed in a myriad of positions such that the improved system  1  can be actuated to cover the deadbolt turn knob  11  and prevent the deadbolt knobs rotation at a user&#39;s discretion, regardless of the engaged orientation of the deadbolt knob  11 . In some embodiments of the present invention it is preferable that the base plate  4  is installed such that the arm receiver  104  is furthest from the floor and the bracket attachment extension  9  is nearest to the floor. Also illustrated, are standard bolts  13  for a deadbolt assembly  14  which are used to attach the inventive system  1  into a standard deadbolt assembly  14 , As shown, in one embodiment, the base plate  4  is thin enough in width on the “C” portion to allow the bolts  13  to pass through the center of the base plate  4  without any base plate  4  interaction. Longer bolts  13  can be used depending on the actual thickness of the base plate  4 . In some embodiments of the present invention the base plate  4  may have one or more orifices to allow for “C” portion to have increased width from the base plate  4  outer edge, but also allow for the bolts  13  to pass through the orifices when the inventive system  1  is assembled with the deadbolt assembly  14 . 
         [0023]      FIG. 3  illustrates, one embodiment of the present invention in assembled view having been attached with a deadbolt assembly  14  to a door  12 . As illustrated, the actuator arm  6  is in the upright position, which allows for the deadbolt turn knob  11  to be rotated in the manner that is customary for a deadbolt assembly  14 . As shown the actuator arm  6  is not engaging the deadbolt knob  11 , and although illustrated in the position in which the actuator arm  6  is flush to the door  12 , the actuator arm  6  need not be positioned flush with the door  12  when not in use and can be in a variety of positions relative to the axis of the hinge pin  8 . 
         [0024]      FIG. 4  illustrates, one embodiment of the present invention in assembled view having been attached with a deadbolt assembly  14  to a door  12 . As illustrated, the actuator arm  6  is in the engaged position, which prevents the deadbolt turn knob  11  from being rotated in the manner that is customary for a deadbolt assembly  14 . When engaged the arm prongs  7  are moved to a position around the arm receiver  104  such that the two are mechanically, but releasably engaged with each other. In the engaged position of the inventive system  1 , the solid bar sides  108  from a reinforced side barrier to the deadbolt turn knob  11  preventing the deadbolt turn knob from being rotated either clockwise or counterclockwise. The barrier caused by the solid bar sides  108  is preferably so strong as to prevent the rotation of the deadbolt turn knob  11  even when the correct key is used in the key entry mechanism  112 . 
         [0025]    In one embodiment of the present invention, the present invention is assembled as follows: the base plate  4  is attached to the actuator arm  6  by lining up the actuator arm  6  via the bracket attachment extension  9  such that the orifice of the hinge bracket  204  lines up with the orifice  306  of the bracket attachment extension  9 . At this point, the hinge pin  8  is inserted into the orifice  206  and through the orifice  306  into the other corresponding orifice  206  on the other side of the bracket attachment extension  9 , therein securing the actuator arm  6  to the base plate  4 . 
         [0026]    In one embodiment of the present invention, the present invention is assembled with an existing door or barrier as follows: the deadbolt assembly  14  is disassembled by, preferably removing or loosening bolts  13 . The deadbolt turn knob plate  10  and deadbolt turn knob  11  are either fully pulled away from door  12  or partially pulled away. The base plate  4  of the inventive system  1  is then placed behind the deadbolt turn knob plate  10 , between the deadbolt turn knob plate  10  and the door  12 . It is preferable that the actuator arm  6  is in a position at this time in which It is not interfering with the deadbolt turn knob plate  10  being reattached to the rest of the deadbolt assembly  14 . It is also preferable that the base plate  4  is lined up with the deadbolt turn knob plate  10  such that when the deadbolt turn knob  11  is in the position that the deadbolt is fully extended into the door frame, that the bottom of the deadbolt turn knob  11  would be parallel to the solid bar sides  108  so as to prevent deadbolt turn knob  11  rotation when the inventive system  1  is engaged by a user. Once the base plate  4  is property aligned, the used can then reassemble the deadbolt assembly  14  be retightening or inserting and tightening bolt  13  through the deadbolt turn knob plate  10  and into the key entry mechanism  112 , with the base plate  4  assembled behind the deadbolt turn knob plate  10 . In another embodiment of the present invention, the invention is installed by loosening the two bolts  13  by roughly 50% or enough so the base plate  4  can slide into place between the turn knob plate  10  and the door  12  on the existing deadbolt assembly  14 . The inventive system  1  is then placed directly behind the turn knob plate  10  and centered to fit so that the actuator arm  6  can securely fasten the deadbolt turn knob  11  into place. Once the invention is in place, it may be secured by re-tightening the two bolts  13  on the turn knob plate  10 . 
         [0027]    In one embodiment of the present invention the present invention operates in the following manner; if a user want to prevent unwanted entry through the door  12  on which the inventive system  1  is installed, the user need, only extend the deadbolt by rotating the deadbolt knob  11 , then the user need move the actuator arm  6  into position, over the deadbolt turn knob  11  such that the deadbolt turn knob  11  is between the solid bar sides  108  so as to prevent deadbolt turn knob  11  rotation and therein retraction of the deadbolt from the door frame. In order to insure that the solid bar sides  108  are properly in place when engaged, the arm prongs  7  should be in releasable mechanical communication with the arm receiver  104  such that the end of the arm receiver  104  distal to the base  4 , should touch the back of the face plate  116 . In order to disengage the present inventive device the user should pull the actuator arm  6  such that the arm prongs  7  disengage the arm receiver  104  thereby removing the solid bar sides  108  which form the barrier to the rotation of the turn knob  11 . 
         [0028]    Although several preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail herein, the invention is not limited hereto. It will be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art that various modifications can be made without materially departing from the novel and advantageous teachings of the invention. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed herein are by way of example. It is to be understood that the scope of the invention is not to be limited thereby.