Patent ID: 12188272

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the making and using of various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated that the present disclosure provides many applicable inventive concepts that can be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the invention and do not delimit the scope of the invention.

Where the various figures may describe embodiments sharing various common elements and features with other embodiments, similar elements and features are given the same reference numerals and redundant description thereof may be omitted below.

To facilitate the understanding of the embodiments described herein, a number of terms are defined below. The terms defined herein have meanings as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the areas relevant to the present invention. Terms such as “a,” “an,” and “the” are not intended to refer to only a singular entity, but rather include the general class of which a specific example may be used for illustration. The terminology herein is used to describe specific embodiments of the invention, but their usage does not delimit the invention, except as set forth in the claims. The phrase “in one embodiment,” as used herein does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may.

Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or states. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or states are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without author input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or states are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.

The term “signal” as used herein may include any meanings as may be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, including at least an electric or magnetic representation of current, voltage, charge, temperature, data or a state of one or more memory locations as expressed on one or more transmission mediums, and generally capable of being transmitted, received, stored, compared, combined or otherwise manipulated in any equivalent manner.

The term “user interface” as used herein may unless otherwise stated include any input-output module with respect to the hosted server including but not limited to web portals, such as individual web pages or those collectively defining a hosted website, mobile applications, desktop applications, telephony interfaces such as interactive voice response (IVR), and the like. Such interfaces may in a broader sense include pop-ups or links to third party websites for the purpose of further accessing and/or integrating associated materials, data or program functions via the hosted system and in accordance with methods of the present invention.

The terms “controller,” “control circuit” and “control circuitry” as used herein may refer to, be embodied by or otherwise included within a machine, such as a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed and programmed to perform or cause the performance of the functions described herein. A general purpose processor can be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor can be a controller, microcontroller, or state machine, combinations of the same, or the like. A processor can also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.

The term “communications medium” as used herein with respect to data communication between two or more parties or otherwise between communications network interfaces associated with two or more parties may refer to any one of, or a combination of any two or more of, telecommunications networks (whether wired, wireless, cellular or the like), a global network such as the Internet, local networks, network links, Internet Service Providers (ISP's), and intermediate communication interfaces.

To the extent that the term “includes” or “including” is used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as that term is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. Furthermore, to the extent that the term or is employed (e.g., A or B) it is intended to mean “A or B or both.” When the applicants intend to indicate “only A or B but not both” then the term “only A or B but not both” will be employed. Thus, use of the term or herein is the inclusive, and not the exclusive use. See, Bryan A. Garner, A Dictionary of Modern Legal Usage 624 (2d. Ed. 1995). Also, to the extent that the terms “in” or “into” are used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to additionally mean “on” or “onto.” Furthermore, to the extent the term “connect” is used in the specification or claims, it is intended to mean not only “directly connected to,” but also “indirectly connected to” such as connected through another component or multiple components.

With reference toFIG.1, provided is a locking apparatus100in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Locking apparatus100may comprise a central member110having a lifting member112and at least one stop member114located at an end thereof. In one embodiment, the locking apparatus100may comprise one or more of an outer housing120and power housing130connected thereto. The locking apparatus100may be modularly formed of a central member110and one or more of outer housing120and power housing130. As used herein, the term “central” may denote aspects other than or in addition to a physical location. For example, the term “central” as used herein may convey an operational aspect and/or interrelationship as applied. In one exemplary embodiment, at least one of the outer housing120and power housing130may be physically located at a central location of an assembled locking apparatus100without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.

In one embodiment, the overall structure of the locking apparatus100may form a convex quadrilateral such as a trapezoid. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated atFIG.1, for example, the central member110may be rectangularly shaped, while the outer housing120and power housing130may be shaped as a trapezoid. However, the shape of each of the central member110, outer housing120, and power housing130may vary based upon desired usage, thus an overall shape of the locking apparatus100may vary.

At least a portion of lifting member112of central member110may be configured to elevate during operation of the locking apparatus100. In one exemplary embodiment described herein, at least a portion of the lifting member112may be elevated more at a proximal side of the locking apparatus100relative to a door frame than at a distal side relative to the door frame. In doing so, a force applied at the lifting member112by contact with a door or other object may be translated downwardly along the lifting member112and into a surface to which the locking apparatus is mounted, thereby increasing an amount of force capable of being resisted by the locking apparatus100.

An inner portion of the lifting member112may comprise notches, divots, or cam receptacles. The notches, divots, or cam receptacles may be configured to be placed in contact with at least one cam440(as illustrated atFIG.4and described herein) of the central member110. In one embodiment, the at least one cam440may be placed in constant contact with the lifting member112during operation. In an alternate embodiment, the at least one cam440may be configured to be placed in contact with the lifting member112only during particular operations, such as increasing a height of the lifting member112and/or decreasing the height of the lifting member112.

The lifting member112may comprise a single structural element in one embodiment, or may comprise a plurality of structural elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. For example, in one embodiment the lifting member112may be formed of two or more structural elements which are configured to nest within each other when the locking apparatus100operates in an unlocked state, and to expand to separate associated heights when operating in a locked state. In one implementation, at least one of the plurality of structural elements may be selected based on a desired overall height of the lifting member112in a locked state. In a separate embodiment, the plurality of structural elements may collectively be arranged at a single height when in a locked position, and/or may provide for a single or a plurality of contact points with a door or object whose movement is intended to be restricted. When a plurality of nested structural elements are used for lifting member112, a gap distance between a contact surface of the lifting member112and the door or object whose movement is intended to be restricted may be reduced as compared to a single lifting member embodiment. In addition to lifting member112, a height of the at least one stop member114may be manipulated within the scope of the present disclosure. This may be accomplished, for example, based on a connection between the lifting member112and at least one stop member114and/or by connection between at least one cam440and the at least one stop member114.

In one embodiment, locking apparatus100may comprise a single central member110without either or both of outer housing120and power housing130connected thereto. In another embodiment, one or more central members110may be connected to form a single locking apparatus100. In this configuration, the plurality of central members110may communicate with one another to coordinate operation and function as a single member. In an alternate embodiment, a plurality of central members110may be interconnected as separate locking apparatuses100, each operating independently of one another. Because of the modular nature of locking apparatus100, a size associated with each component of the locking apparatus100may vary, and the ultimate size of a locking apparatus100depends on a size and number of each central member110, outer housing120, and/or power housing130connected thereto. Each of the central member110, outer housing120, and/or power housing130may be implemented in various sizes to permit usage in any intended application. For example, a central member110may be implemented having various widths and associated contact surface size, such that a central member110may have a width such as ten inches, thirty-six inches, or any other desired size based on implementation.

Outer housing120may be configured to physically and/or electrically connect to a central member110. For example, an outer housing120may be connected to a central member110by moving the outer housing120inwardly towards the at least one stop member114. In this example, the outer housing120or central member110may comprise a connection mechanism which detachably connects the outer housing120and central member110when the outer housing120is moved inwardly relative to the central member110. Alternatively or in conjunction with attachment to the central member110, the outer housing120and central member110may connect via at least a portion of the at least one stop member114.

Each of the central member110, outer housing120, and/or power housing130may be formed of a durable material and each form a cavity therein. Examples of durable materials which may be used are glass-filled nylon such as nylon 66, metals such as aluminum, titanium, or the like, plastics, or any other material capable of structural rigidity sufficient for operating conditions of the locking apparatus100. The central member110, outer housing120, and power housing130may each have a cavity formed therein configured to house internal components.

When combined, the locking apparatus may be configured to be arranged in an elongated structure with one or more central members110, outer housings120, and/or power housings130connected at one or more of opposing longitudinal ends of a central member110. At least one other central member110, outer housing120, or power housing130may, in various embodiments, be attached to a central member110at any surface of the central member110, based on a desired operational configuration (e.g., at a location other than a longitudinal end). Electrical connection(s) between internal components of central member110and between central member110, outer housing120, and power housing130may be accomplished by means of conventional wiring and connectors, which are not illustrated in the drawings for purposes of promoting clarity.

In one exemplary embodiment, the outer housing120may be configured with a locking mechanism122housed therein. Locking mechanism122may optionally be configured as a push/pull type manual unlock, a pressure sensitive foot pedal, or any other means of manual operation capable of engaging and/or disengaging an operational status of the locking apparatus100. As illustrated, for example, inFIG.2, a push-pull type mechanism may comprise an operating arm224, crossmember226, and engagement arm228. Operating arm224and engagement arm228may be connected to each other by means of interconnection with the crossmember226. Although crossmember226is illustrated inFIG.2as being connected to operating arm224, engagement arm228, and a central pivot point227by means of screws or bolts, any fastening means capable of attaching the crossmember226to the operating arm224, engagement arm228, and pivot point227may be used within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

In operation, the locking mechanism122may be configured to permit manual engagement or disengagement of the locking apparatus100. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, the locking mechanism122may be configured such that at least a portion of operating arm224extends to protrude from an outer surface of the outer housing120when the locking apparatus100operates in a locked mode. If a user desires to manually disengage the locking apparatus100, the user may push the operating arm224inwardly towards the central member110. The movement of the operating arm224may cause the crossmember226to rotate relative to the pivot point227, for example in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. Based on its attachment to the engagement arm228, crossmember226's rotation may cause the engagement arm228to move in an engagement direction. In one embodiment, the engagement direction may be a longitudinal direction associated with the central member110. Movement in the engagement direction may activate a manual release420of actuator405(illustrated atFIG.4) to manipulate an operating status of the locking apparatus100in a manner as described herein.

Either alternatively or in addition to a push/pull type mechanism, other means of manual operation are contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, a foot pedal (not illustrated) may be used at an outer surface of the outer housing120to manipulate a manual release associated with the locking apparatus100. For example, a foot pedal54and associated structure as described in Provisional Patent Application 62/038,393 (as incorporated by reference herein in its entirety) may be implemented for manual operation.

Outer housing120may further comprise an illuminating member129. Illuminating member129may comprise a lighting element such as a light emitting diode (LED) or the like which is powered either by a power source (e.g., a battery or other input power) associated with the outer housing120, or by an electrical connection to central member110or power housing130. In one embodiment, a faceplate containing a logo or other item desired to be illuminated may be placed atop the illuminating member129to provide backlighting for the faceplate. In one exemplary embodiment, the illuminating member129may be configured to vary an illumination color based on a status of the locking apparatus100. For example, the illuminating member129may display a first color while the locking apparatus operates in an unlocked mode, while a second color may be displayed while the locking apparatus operates in a locked mode. The illuminating member129may also be configured to vary a color or display mode for purposes of conveying information to a user. For example, the illuminating member may provide various color or display patterns to convey lock status, information related to usage (e.g., battery backup power usage, etc.), device pairing status, or any other information desired to be conveyed by the locking apparatus100. Electrical connection(s) between internal components of outer housing120and between outer housing120and central member110may be accomplished by means of conventional wiring and connectors, which are not illustrated in the drawings for purposes of promoting clarity.

In one embodiment, one or more power housings130may be connected to a central member110. As illustrated inFIG.3, power housing130may comprise one or more of a power input132and battery134. Power input132may be configured to be located at an outer surface of the power housing130and to receive input power from an external source (e.g., a power adapter or other power input means). In one embodiment, the power input132may be connected to the battery134and may be configured to provide charging power to the battery134when a power source is connected to the power input132. Electrical connection(s) between internal components of power housing130and between power housing130and central member110may be accomplished by means of conventional wiring and connectors, which are not illustrated in the drawings for purposes of promoting clarity.

Battery134may comprise a lithium-ion, aluminum-ion, sodium-nickel chloride, polymer, or other battery design which is configured to provide sufficient power storage, durability, and/or thermal properties. Alternatively or in addition to the above-noted battery designs, battery134may comprise or include at least one ultracapacitor. In one exemplary embodiment, the battery134may comprise a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. The location of battery134and design within the power housing130may be configured so as to increase the longevity of holding a charge and to prevent damage to the battery134(e.g., by means of water damage, electrical charge, or wear and tear). The battery134may be positioned within the cavity of the power housing130. In one embodiment, the battery134may be located within an insulated compartment136. The insulated compartment136may be configured to be waterproof and to electrically insulate the battery134therein.

In one embodiment a battery backup135may be used either as part of battery134or as a standalone backup. The battery backup135may comprise, for example, one or more alkaline batteries electrically connected to the locking apparatus100. The battery backup135may be used to provide power to the locking apparatus100in the event that the battery134has insufficient capacity or is incapable of meeting a power demand of the battery134. For example, the battery backup135may provide power in the event that battery134is fully discharged, is not operating properly, or is low on power. In an exemplary embodiment, the one or more alkaline batteries may be selected so as to provide six months or more of operating the locking apparatus100according to ordinary usage. The battery backup135may comprise three AAA batteries in one embodiment.

In one exemplary embodiment, the locking apparatus100may provide a notice to a user that the locking apparatus100is operating on battery backup power. The locking apparatus100may communicate a status to a user in a number of ways. For example, the locking apparatus100may emit a noise such as a beep, either continuously or at a specified interval, the illuminating member may blink to indicate backup power, the locking apparatus100may transmit and electronic communication to convey backup power usage to a user, etc.

Power housing130may be configured to provide electrical power to the central member110, for example by use of matching connectors138located at the power housing130and central housing110. In one exemplary embodiment the matching connectors may be located within at least one of the cavities of the power housing130and central member110. For example, power housing130may comprise a power housing connector138configured to electrically connect to a corresponding connector of central member110. In one embodiment, the corresponding connector of central member110may be associated with a stop member114; however the corresponding connector of central member110may additionally or alternatively be associated with the central member110of itself or internal component therein.

FIG.4illustrates internal components within the cavity of central member110according to an exemplary embodiment. A bottom surface of the central member110may comprise a base401. At least one opening402may be formed in the base401at a distal side of the central member110relative to a door frame. The at least one opening402may have at least one rotation-enabling member403to permit at least a portion of lifting member112to elevate during operation. Central member110may further comprise an actuator405. Actuator405may be variously implemented to provide for lifting power necessary to raise and/or lower lifting member112during operation. In one exemplary embodiment, the actuator405may comprise a servo; however any actuating device capable of manipulating a physical location of lifting member112may be used within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The actuator405may be mounted to the base401using mount415attached to or formed by the base401. Actuator405may comprise a coupler410for connecting to an external translating member. In one embodiment, actuator405may be configured to provide an output corresponding to a locked and an unlocked state. For example, the actuator405may be configured in one embodiment to provide output rotation at a designated amount in a designated direction corresponding to each state.

Actuator405may further comprise a manual release420. Manual release420may be configured to receive an input and to transition actuator405to a different operating state. For example, the manual release420may be configured to transition actuator405to an unlocked state from a locked state when an input is received from locking mechanism122. Alternatively, the manual release420may be configured to permit purely manual operation by changing an operating state of the locking apparatus100when an input is received (i.e., by switching between a current locked state to an unlocked state or between a current unlocked state to a locked state upon receiving input).

In one embodiment, the coupler410of actuator405may attach to a shaft425at a shaft coupler430. As illustrated, for example, atFIG.4, the coupler410of actuator405and the shaft coupler430of shaft425may be implemented using matching notches to permit interconnection. However, connecting notches are not required to be used to connect the actuator405and shaft425, and in one embodiment, the shaft425may connect directly to the actuator405. The shaft425may be connected to the body401of central member110by means of at least one coupler435. The at least one coupler435may be configured to hold the shaft425in position relative to the body401, actuator405, and/or lifting member112,

At least one cam440may be connected to the shaft425. The at least one cam440may be configured to rotate in a manner consistent with shaft425during operation, and may be placed in contact with an inner surface of the lifting member112. Although two cams440are illustrated inFIG.4, only one cam440may be used, or three or more cams440may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. In one embodiment the at least one cam440may be positioned relative to the shaft425such as to reduce potential damage to components of the central member110when an external force is applied to lifting member112or any other portion of locking apparatus100. Furthermore, the at least one cam440may be configured to maintain an angle relative to the lifting member112such that an external force applied to the lifting member112or other portion of locking apparatus100will not cause the at least one cam440to move or the shaft425to rotate. As such, in one embodiment, the configuration of the at least one cam440and shaft425may be such that structural rigidity and locking integrity is increased.

In one embodiment, the actuator405may cause the shaft425to rotate the at least one cam440such that an external surface of the lifting member112attains a predetermined angle relative to a surface upon which the locking apparatus100is mounted. The predetermined angle may be determined at a time of manufacture or may be configured by a user. The predetermined angle may be configured such that a contact position of the at least one cam440is perpendicular to the lifting member112. The predetermined angle may vary based upon intended operation. For example, a smaller angle may be preferable where a small distance exists between a surface that the locking apparatus100is mounted upon and an object whose movement is to be retrieved, when compared to a greater distance. Alternatively, a larger angle may be preferable to resist an external force pushing downward upon an exterior surface of the lifting member112. In one exemplary embodiment, a predetermined angle of between 15 and 20 degrees may be used. However, any angle may be used within the scope of the present disclosure for a corresponding intended purpose.

Central member110may further comprise a control circuit450. In one embodiment, the control circuit450may be attached to the body401by means of circuit mount460. In one embodiment, control circuit450is configured to control power distribution within the locking apparatus100and to enable automated control of the locking apparatus100. In one exemplary embodiment, the control circuit450may comprise a transceiver455to send and receive control signals. In one embodiment, the transceiver455may comprise a wired or wireless connection medium. At least a portion of the transceiver455may be accessible from an outer surface of the locking apparatus100or may be wholly within the cavity of the central member110. Transceiver455may permit communications across a communication medium using known communications protocols or proprietary communication protocols. For example, the transceiver455may permit the use of Ethernet, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, a wireless application protocol, an IEEE 802 standard, or any other communications protocol, configuration, or implementation.

In one exemplary embodiment, the transceiver455may be configured to communicate with a software application running on a device. For example, the transceiver455may be configured to send and receive messages relating to a user device running the software application (e.g., by means of a user interface executed upon a device). The software application may be configured such that a user of the software may cause the control circuit450to actuate various operations corresponding to a user's command. For example, the software may enable a user to request that the locking apparatus100operate in either a locked or unlocked state. Upon receiving a requested operation at the transceiver455, the control circuit450may control the locking apparatus100to perform the desired operation. The control circuit450may permit a great variety of desired automation and remote control capabilities. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, the control circuit450may be paired with a user device (e.g., using the Bluetooth protocol). After pairing, the control circuit450may be programmed to ensure that the locking apparatus100operates in an unlocked state whenever the paired user device is within a predetermined distance of the locking apparatus100(e.g., within ten feet).

Similarly, the control circuit450may, in one embodiment, permit the locking apparatus100to detect at least one device other than a paired user device and to notify an owner of the locking apparatus of an identifier associated with the detected device and/or provide the ability to remotely transition the locking apparatus100to a locked or unlocked state. The control circuit450may further enable the locking apparatus100to be programmed to operate in a locked or unlocked state at a predetermined time or event in one embodiment.

FIG.5illustrates a bottom view of an assembled locking apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment. As illustrated, central member110may comprise a bottom surface510, outer housing120may comprise a bottom surface520, and power housing130may comprise a bottom surface530. Each of the bottom surfaces510,520, and520may be configured to include at least one mounting location550. Each mounting location550may be used to secure the locking apparatus100to a surface upon which it is intended to be mounted.

Locking apparatus100may be attached to a surface upon which it is intended to be mounted using any one of at least one bolt, at least one hook and loop fastener, an adhesive material (e.g., any double sided tape, a tape such as 3M™ VHB™, etc.), or any other means of attachment, either alone or in combination. Furthermore, the means of attaching the locking apparatus100to the surface upon which it is intended to be mounted may be located upon at least one surface of the locking apparatus100, the surface upon which it is intended to be mounted, or any combination thereof. In one exemplary embodiment, the locking apparatus100may comprise at least one opening at a bottom surface thereof which may be used to mount the locking apparatus100to an intended mounting location by placing a bolt, screw, nail, tape, or other affixing element into or through the at least one opening and into or onto the surface upon which the locking apparatus100is intended to be mounted. Optionally, the at least one opening may be provided by means of a mounting bracket configured to be placed between the locking apparatus100and mounting surface during installation.

At least one of the central member110, outer housing120, and power housing130may be placed In contact with a threshold and/or door frame to provide bracing and/or structural rigidity. The locking apparatus100may optionally be mounted to the threshold and/or door frame by means the same or similar mounting means as described herein.

In addition to use of a predetermined angle, other mechanisms for adjusting to a height between a surface upon which the locking apparatus100is mounted and a door height are contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, as illustrated atFIG.6, a riser600may be used to increase an overall height of the locking apparatus100. In one embodiment, the locking apparatus100may be mounted to the riser600. The locking apparatus100may be mounted to the riser600at mounting point610. Mounting point610may comprise any means of attaching the locking apparatus100to the riser600and/or surface620. In one embodiment, the locking apparatus100may be attached to the riser600using screws or other fastening means.

The locking apparatus100may optionally be attached to the riser600using any single element or combination of at least one bolt, at least one hook and loop fastener, an adhesive material (e.g., any double sided tape, a tape such as 3M™ VHB™, etc.), or any other means of attachment. Furthermore, the means of attaching the locking apparatus100to the riser600may be located upon at least one surface of the locking apparatus100, at least one surface of the riser600, or any combination thereof.

In an alternative exemplary embodiment, a riser600may be placed atop an upper surface of lifting member112to increase an overall height thereof. In this configuration, the riser600may be attached directly to a top surface of riser600or may be attached to any portion of the locking apparatus100where such attachment is capable of preventing movement of the riser600relative to the locking apparatus100.

In one exemplary embodiment, the riser600may be configured to conform to legal requirements for threshold height. For example, the riser600may be configured or adjusted to satisfy a one-half inch height requirement in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Because threshold height may vary widely based upon installation and indoor floor height, riser600may be used to help satisfy ADA height requirements, as well as to form an ideal contact surface between the locking apparatus100and an object whose movement is intended to be restricted. In one embodiment, the riser600may, for example, provide for at least one inch of lift and/or at least 30 degrees of elevation to the lifting member112.

In one embodiment, the locking apparatus100may be configured to attach to a connection plate700, as illustrated atFIG.7. Connection plate700may be formed of any durable and/or rigid material capable of attachment to the locking apparatus100. The connection plate700may be used in one embodiment to facilitate attachment of the locking apparatus100to the surface (e.g., surface720) upon which the locking apparatus100is intended to be mounted. For example, the connection plate may provide pre-cut screw or bolt holes, may have double sided tape provided at predetermined locations, etc.

The connection plate700may be further configured to provide additional structural integrity and/or rigidity to the locking apparatus100. In one embodiment, the connection plate may be designed for installation at a time when a door frame is installed. The connection plate700may be configured to be placed under door sill710and/or to attach to one or more surfaces of the door frame710in order to provide additional strength and rigidity. In one embodiment, the connection plate700may be connected to a sill frame and/or mounting bracket.

Connection plate700may be used either in place of or in addition to riser600as desired. For example, a thickness of the connection plate700may be adjustable or possess a thickness so as to incorporate desired features of riser600.

In one embodiment, the connection plate700may comprise a universal installation plate (UIP) configured to permit installation of a locking apparatus according to a particular desired implementation. Although the use of a UIP is not required to be installed with a locking apparatus100, use of a UIP may expand installation capability, for example to accommodate a particular floor surface, a distance of the locking apparatus100from a door frame, or a particular property makeup of a floor surface. The UIP may be configured to adjust to a plurality of door applications. A UIP may be mounted in a plurality of ways, for example, under a door threshold, between a door and a sill plate, or any other door, frame, or floor surface configuration. In one embodiment, the locking apparatus100may be configured to attach to a pressure treated main door sill plate associated with a foundation of a structure such as a building.

FIG.8illustrates a side view of an exemplary implantation of the present disclosure when the locking apparatus100is in a locked state. As illustrated inFIG.8, a locking apparatus100may be mounted upon an intended mounting surface810(e.g., an interior floor). In the embodiment illustrated atFIG.8, the locking apparatus100is mounted to the intended mounting surface810and/or threshold820using at least one fastener815. At least one surface of the locking apparatus100may be optionally placed in contact with threshold820. Door830may be configured to open inwardly toward the locking apparatus100. When door830is opened, it may contact the lifting member112of locking apparatus112at a contact surface a. As previously described, a height of the contact surface a may be manipulated using riser600, connection plate700, or a combination thereof (seeFIGS.6-7), to achieve an optimal contact surface area between the locking apparatus100and door830.

In operation, as the door830is placed in contact with the contact surface a, force associated with opening the door inwardly may be translated across the lifting member112of the locking apparatus100and through the bolts815and intended mounting surface810and/or threshold820. By doing so, door opening may be resisted or prevented, and entry may be denied. Furthermore, by providing a floor-mounted locking mechanism, existing entry prevention mechanisms may be enhanced. Because forces received at the contact surface a of locking apparatus100are translated into the intended mounting surface810and/or threshold820, forces far exceeding that needed to defeat existing door lock mechanisms may be received by the locking apparatus100without permitting entry.

FIG.9illustrates a side view of an exemplary implantation of the present disclosure where the locking apparatus100is in an unlocked state. As shown inFIG.9, when the locking apparatus100is in an unlocked state, door830is free to open inwardly without being placed in contact with contact surface a, since contact surface a is nested within the locking apparatus100when operating in the unlocked mode.

Although the present disclosure generally illustrates a floor-mounted locking mechanism, one or more locking apparatuses100in accordance with the present disclosure may be implemented at any surface upon which movement of an object to be restrained may be restricted. For example, at least one locking apparatus100may be positioned at a vertical portion of a door or window frame or sill and may operate in the same manner as previously described to restrict movement of an object whose movement is intended to be restricted.

For example,FIG.10illustrates a locking apparatus100configured to restrict movement of a sliding door1000which moves horizontally relative to a door frame1050. In this embodiment, the locking apparatus100may be positioned such that when lifting member112is in a locked state, the sliding door1000is blocked from opening by either the sliding door1000or frame1050being placed in contact with the contact surface a of the locking apparatus100. As noted inFIG.10, the locking apparatus100may be positioned at either of the sliding door1000or frame1050in this embodiment to provide a similar or same result.

FIG.11illustrates an exemplary embodiment in which sliding doors1101and1102are configured to open and close by moving along one or more tracks1120enclosed by rails1150. In this exemplary embodiment, one or more locking apparatuses100may be implemented at each of sliding doors1101and1102to restrict movement of the doors along track1120. For example, sliding doors1101and1102may be prevented from opening when lifting members112of locking apparatuses100are in a locked position, as contact between the contact surfaces a of the locking apparatuses100and the rails1150prevent the sliding doors1101and1102from moving outwardly along rails1120.

FIG.12illustrates a mounting bracket1200according to an exemplary embodiment. In one embodiment, the locking apparatus100may be attached to a mounting bracket1200. Alternatively, the locking apparatus may be attached to mounting bracket1200at time of installation and mounting to at least one of threshold820and surface1210, for example, by placing a screw, bolt, portion of double sided tape, etc. through at least one opening into which screws1250and/or1275are placed, as illustrated inFIG.12. In one embodiment, a carpet or other top surface1290may be removed to properly mount the mounting bracket1200and locking apparatus100to the surface1210. Although screw1275is not illustrated as penetrating through a portion of the locking apparatus100, it should be understood that both the mounting bracket1200and locking apparatus100may be secured to the threshold820by means of screw1275, for example by pre-forming a passage through an outer surface of the locking apparatus100, or by drilling through or otherwise penetrating an outer surface of the locking apparatus100either before installing the screw1275or at the time of installing screw1275.

In one embodiment, mounting bracket1200may be formed of metal, plastic, glass-filled nylon, or any other material capable of rigidity and durability during operation of the locking apparatus100. In one embodiment, the connection plate700may be formed, at least in part, by a mounting bracket1200. For example, the connection plate700may comprise mounting bracket1200attached to or otherwise connected with an extending portion which extends under a door frame or sill.

FIGS.13A-Billustrate a locking apparatus100in a locked state (FIG.13A) and in an unlocked state (FIG.13B) in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the at least one stop member114may be configured to elevate at a same or similar rate to that of lifting portion112, and may be configured to reach a positional height in a locked state of the lifting portion112or at least a portion thereof. Each at least one stop member114may be configured to elevate using at least one cam in a similar manner to that of lifting portion112, or may be connected to lifting portion112in a manner which permits a height of the at least one stop member114to be manipulated. Although illustrated as comprising a single surface whose height is manipulated, in one exemplary embodiment, the lifting portion may comprise a plurality of lifting sections each having respective contact surfaces with a device whose movement is intended to be restricted.

FIG.14illustrates a side view of a locking apparatus100according an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In the embodiment illustrated byFIG.14, at least one cam440may be configured with a connector1450at a surface thereof. The connector1450may be configured to be received by and connected to a slot1460located at an interior surface of the lifting portion112. In one embodiment, connection between the connector1450and slot1460may permit the at least one cam440to control both lifting and lowering of a height associated with the lifting portion112. By placing the connector1450into the slot1460, movement of the cam440may cause a position of the connector1450within the slot1460to move such that at least one of a lifting motion and a lowering motion is achieved based on movement of the cam440.

The previous detailed description has been provided for the purposes of illustration and description. Thus, although there have been described particular embodiments of the present invention of a new and useful “Improved Locking Apparatus, Locking Member, and Method of Use,” it is not intended that such references be construed as limitations upon the scope of this invention.