Patent ID: 6857672

Claim:
A dead bolt reinforcing plate comprising: a central portion including a width extending across a framing stud disposed adjacent a door frame, said central portion having a slot formed therein and for selectively receiving a dead bolt therethrough so that same is able to pass through a door frame and partially pass through a framing stud, said central portion further including a centrally disposed longitudinal axis, said central portion including a female portion including an edge portion having a slot formed therein and extending substantially parallel to the axis, and a male portion including an edge portion selectively positionable within the slot of said female portion so that the width of said central portion can be adjusted to fit a variety of framing studs, the width of said central portion being adjustable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis, said male and female portions having substantially symmetrical shapes wherein said central portion slot is formed within said female portion, said edge portion slot being isolated from said central portion slot such that said central portion slot maintains a fixed shape when said male and female portions are slidably engaged; a plurality of opposed sidewalls integral with said central portion and spaced equally apart from the axis, said plurality of sidewalls extending substantially parallel to the axis and along a length of said central portion, said plurality of sidewalls having a plurality of holes spaced therealong respectively, said plurality of sidewalls extending substantially perpendicularly from said central portion; and a plurality of fastening members removably insertable into said plurality of holes and for securing said plate to a framing stud adjacent a door frame.