Patent Document

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/211,738, filed Mar. 14, 2014, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Applications Ser. No. 61/782,708, filed Mar. 14, 2013; and Ser. No. 61/880,977, filed Sep. 22, 2013, both entitled ENERGY ABSORBING LATCH SYSTEMS AND METHODS, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Exterior doors of homes, office buildings, hotels, apartment buildings, etc. are typically equipped with some means (e.g., a door lock) of securing entry into the building. Interior doors of such buildings may also be equipped with some means of securing the door. Such door lock apparatuses are typically rigid and mechanical and, to some extent, easily defeated by a sudden and forceful action, such as kicking or shouldering. An average adult male is capable of generating a significant amount of force over an effective area of the door lock while using a violent swift action directed at the door lock. In instances of forced entry through the door, the more direct a strike is directed to the door lock, the more successful a perpetrator is at defeating the door lock, typically. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, a door securing device is adapted to resist significant opening of a door when set to an engaged configuration and is also adapted to allow opening of the door when set to a disengaged configuration. The door securing device includes a base member, a deformable member, a configuration joint, and a catch member. The base member includes a base end and a first joint portion. The deformable member extends along a length between a first end and a second end. The first end includes a second joint portion, and the second end includes a catching portion. The configuration joint is adapted to configure the door securing device in the engaged configuration and is also adapted to configure the door securing device in the disengaged configuration. The configuration joint includes the first joint portion of the base member and the second joint portion of the deformable member. The catch member includes a base end and a catch. The catch is adapted to engage the catching portion of the deformable member, at least when the door securing device is resisting the significant opening of the door. The deformable member is adapted to deform and thereby increase the length of the deformable member at least five percent when resisting the significant opening of the door. 
         [0004]    In certain embodiments, the base end of the base member is adapted to mount to a door frame and the base end of the catch member is adapted to mount to a door. The base end of the base member may include at least one fastener hole, and the base end of the catch member may include at least one fastener hole. The base end of the base member may be adapted to be mounted to the door frame with door frame fasteners positioned through the fastener holes of the base member. The base end of the catch member may be adapted to be mounted to the door with door fasteners positioned through the fastener holes of the catch member. 
         [0005]    In certain embodiments, the configuration joint is a rotatable joint. The rotatable joint may include at least one hole in the first joint portion of the base member, at least one hole in the second joint portion of the deformable member, and a pin positioned within the holes. The door securing device may further include a spring that urges the deformable member to rotate about an axis of the pin and thereby urges the door securing device toward the engaged configuration. The catch may include a hook. The catching portion may include a loop. 
         [0006]    In certain embodiments, the door securing device further includes a shield that is positioned at least partly around the deformable member at least when the door securing device is in the engaged configuration. The shield is adapted to resist cutting and thereby protects the deformable member from the cutting. The length of the deformable member may be free to increase with respect to the shield. The shield may or may not substantially resist the significant opening of the door. The shield may be pivotally mounted to the base member. The rotatable joint may define an axis. The shield may be pivotally mounted to the base member at a pivoting joint that is co-axial with the axis of the rotatable joint. The door securing device may further include a torsion spring that is adapted to urge the deformable member and/or the shield to rotate about the axis of the rotatable joint and thereby urge the door securing device toward the engaged configuration. In certain embodiments, the shield includes a finger pocket that is adapted to facilitate a finger to overcome the torsion spring and thereby position the door securing device in the disengaged configuration. The door securing device may further include a detent that is adapted to resist the torsion spring and thereby retain the door securing device in the disengaged configuration when the detent is engaged. 
         [0007]    In certain embodiments, the door securing device further includes a keeper that is adapted to retain the door securing device in the engaged configuration when the door is exposed to alternating loads. 
         [0008]    According to other aspects of the present disclosure, a door securing device includes a disengaged configuration, an engaged configuration, an armed configuration, a base member, a deformable member, a configuration joint, and a catch member. The disengaged configuration is adapted to allow opening of a door. The engaged configuration is adapted to resist the opening of the door beyond a predetermined opening of the door. The armed configuration is adapted to automatically transition to the engaged configuration upon the opening of the door reaching the predetermined opening, and is adapted to manually transition to the disengaged configuration upon operator manipulation. The base member includes a base end and a first joint portion. The deformable member extends along a length between a first end and a second end. The first end includes a second joint portion, and the second end includes a catching portion. The configuration joint is adapted to configure the door securing device in the disengaged configuration, is adapted to configure the door securing device in the engaged configuration, and is adapted to configure the door securing device in the armed configuration. The configuration joint includes the first joint portion of the base member and the second joint portion of the deformable member. The catch member includes a base end and a catch. The catch is adapted to engage the catching portion of the deformable member, at least when the opening of the door is beyond the predetermined opening of the door. The deformable member is adapted to hyperelastically deform and thereby increase the length of the deformable member when resisting the opening of the door beyond the predetermined opening of the door. 
         [0009]    In certain embodiments, the door securing device further includes a keeper that is adapted to retain the door securing device in the engaged configuration when the door is exposed to alternating loads. The keeper may or may not retain the door securing device in the armed configuration. The catching portion may include an end loop that may be trapped by the keeper when the door securing device automatically transitions from the armed configuration to the engaged configuration, upon the opening of the door reaching the predetermined opening. The door securing device may be manually transitioned to the disengaged configuration from the engaged configuration by the operator manipulation of the keeper. 
         [0010]    Still other aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a door securing device that is adapted to resist significant opening of a door when set to an engaged configuration and that is also adapted to allow opening of the door when set to a disengaged configuration. The door securing device includes a base member, a deformable member, a rotatable joint, and a catch member. The base member includes a base end and a first joint portion. The deformable member extends along a length between a first end and a second end. The first end includes a second joint portion, and the second end includes a catching portion. The rotatable joint is adapted to configure the door securing device in the engaged configuration, and also is adapted to configure the door securing device in the disengaged configuration. The rotatable joint includes the first joint portion of the base member and the second joint portion of the deformable member. The catch member includes a base end and a catch. The catch is adapted to engage the catching portion of the deformable member, at least when the door securing device is resisting the significant opening of the door. The deformable member is adapted to deform and thereby increase the length of the deformable member when resisting the significant opening of the door. 
         [0011]    A variety of additional aspects will be set forth in the description that follows. These aspects can relate to individual features and to combinations of features. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad concepts upon which the embodiments disclosed herein are based. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a deformable latch system according to the principles of the present disclosure; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is another perspective view of the deformable latch system of  FIG. 1 , shown in an armed configuration; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the deformable latch system of  FIG. 1 , shown in a disengaged configuration; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is another perspective view of the deformable latch system of  FIG. 1 , shown in the disengaged configuration of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a front elevation view of the deformable latch system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is an enlarged view of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a top plan view of the deformable latch system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is an enlarged view of  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is an end elevation view of the deformable latch system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  is an enlarged view of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  is an opposite end elevation view of the deformable latch system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 12  is an enlarged view of  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 13  is a partial front elevation view of the deformable latch system of  FIG. 1 , shown in the disengaged configuration of  FIG. 3  and installed on a door system; 
           [0025]      FIG. 14  is a partial cross-sectional plan view of the deformable latch system, shown in the disengaged configuration of  FIG. 3 , and the door system of  FIG. 13 , as called out at  FIG. 13 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 15  is a partial front elevation view of  FIG. 13 , but with the deformable latch system shown in the armed configuration of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 16  is a partial cross-sectional plan view of  FIG. 14 , as called out at  FIG. 15 , with the deformable latch system shown in the armed configuration of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 17  is a partial front elevation view of  FIG. 13 , but with the deformable latch system shown in an engaged configuration; 
           [0029]      FIG. 18  is a partial cross-sectional plan view of  FIG. 14 , as called out at  FIG. 17 , with the deformable latch system shown in the engaged configuration of  FIG. 17 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 19  is a partial front elevation view of  FIG. 13 , but with the deformable latch system shown in an energy absorbing configuration; 
           [0031]      FIG. 20  is a partial cross-sectional plan view of  FIG. 14 , as called out at  FIG. 19 , with the deformable latch system shown in the energy absorbing configuration of  FIG. 19 ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 21  is an exploded perspective view of the deformable latch system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 22  is a partial cross-sectional plan view of another deformable latch system according to the principles of the present disclosure; 
           [0034]      FIG. 23  is a partial front elevation view of still another deformable latch system according to the principles of the present disclosure, the deformable latch system illustrated with a covering shield in phantom line; 
           [0035]      FIG. 24  is a partial cross-sectional plan view of the deformable latch system of  FIG. 23 , as called out at  FIG. 23 ; 
           [0036]      FIG. 25  is an enlarged partial perspective view of a pin and a detent feature of a deformable latch system according to the principles of the present disclosure, the pin shown in an un-depressed configuration and the detent feature shown in an engaged configuration; 
           [0037]      FIG. 26  is an enlarged partial perspective view of  FIG. 25 , but with the pin shown in a depressed configuration and the detent feature shown in a disengaged configuration; 
           [0038]      FIG. 27  is an enlarged perspective view of a spring suitable for use in various deformable latch systems of the present disclosure; 
           [0039]      FIG. 28  is a partial front elevation view of yet another deformable latch system according to the principles of the present disclosure; 
           [0040]      FIG. 29  is a partial cross-sectional plan view of the deformable latch system of  FIG. 28 , as called out at  FIG. 28 ; 
           [0041]      FIG. 30  is a partial front elevation view of still another deformable latch system according to the principles of the present disclosure; 
           [0042]      FIG. 31  is a partial cross-sectional plan view of the deformable latch system of  FIG. 30 , as called out at  FIG. 30 ; 
           [0043]      FIG. 32  is a partial perspective view illustrating the deformable latch system of  FIG. 28  and the deformable latch system of  FIG. 30  installed on the same door system, the deformable latch systems each shown in an armed configuration; 
           [0044]      FIG. 33  is a partial perspective view of the deformable latch system of  FIG. 28  and the deformable latch system of  FIG. 30  each installed on the same door system of  FIG. 32 , the deformable latch systems each shown in a disengaged configuration; 
           [0045]      FIG. 34  is a front elevation view of the deformable latch system of  FIG. 30 , in the armed configuration of  FIG. 32 ; 
           [0046]      FIG. 35  is a front elevation view of the deformable latch system of  FIG. 28 , in the armed configuration of  FIG. 32 ; 
           [0047]      FIG. 36  is a perspective view of the deformable latch system of  FIG. 30  in the disengaged configuration of  FIG. 33 ; 
           [0048]      FIG. 37  is a perspective view of the deformable latch system of  FIG. 28  in the disengaged configuration of  FIG. 33 ; 
           [0049]      FIG. 38  is a partial cross-sectional plan view of yet another deformable latch system according to the principles of the present disclosure, the deformable latch system shown in an engaged configuration; 
           [0050]      FIG. 39  is a partial front elevation view of the deformable latch system of  FIG. 38  shown in an armed configuration, the deformable latch system illustrated with a covering shield in phantom line; 
           [0051]      FIG. 40  is a partial plan view of the deformable latch system of  FIG. 38  with the covering shield of  FIG. 39  in phantom line; 
           [0052]      FIG. 41  is a partial front elevation view of the deformable latch system of  FIG. 38  illustrated without a shielding cover; 
           [0053]      FIG. 42  is a partial cross-sectional plan view of the deformable latch system of  FIG. 38 , as called out at  FIG. 39 ; 
           [0054]      FIG. 43  is a partial front elevation view of still another deformable latch system according to the principles of the present disclosure, the deformable latch system shown in an armed configuration; 
           [0055]      FIG. 44  is a partial cross-sectional plan view of the deformable latch system of  FIG. 43 , as called out at  FIG. 43 ; 
           [0056]      FIG. 45  is a perspective view illustrating the deformable latch system of  FIG. 43  shown in the armed configuration of  FIG. 43 ; 
           [0057]      FIG. 46  is a partial cross-sectional plan view of yet another deformable latch system according to the principles of the present disclosure, the deformable latch system shown in an armed configuration; 
           [0058]      FIG. 47  is a partial front elevation view of the deformable latch system of  FIG. 46  shown in the armed configuration of  FIG. 46  and without a shielding cover; 
           [0059]      FIG. 48  is a partial cross-sectional plan view of the deformable latch system of  FIG. 46 , as called out at  FIG. 47 ; 
           [0060]      FIG. 49  is a partial perspective view illustrating the deformable latch system of  FIG. 46  shown in the armed configuration of  FIG. 46  and without a shielding cover; 
           [0061]      FIG. 50  is a partial front elevation view of still another deformable latch system according to the principles of the present disclosure, the deformable latch system shown in an armed configuration; 
           [0062]      FIG. 51  is a partial cross-sectional plan view of the deformable latch system of  FIG. 50 , as called out at  FIG. 50 ; 
           [0063]      FIG. 52  is a partial perspective view illustrating the deformable latch system of  FIG. 50  shown in the armed configuration of  FIG. 50 ; 
           [0064]      FIG. 53  is a cross-sectional plan view of the deformable latch system of  FIG. 50  shown in the armed configuration of  FIG. 50  and with a shielding cover; 
           [0065]      FIG. 54  is a partial front elevation view of yet another deformable latch system according to the principles of the present disclosure, the deformable latch system shown in an armed configuration and with a covering shield in phantom line; 
           [0066]      FIG. 55  is a partial cross-sectional plan view of the deformable latch system of  FIG. 54 , as called out at  FIG. 54 ; 
           [0067]      FIG. 56  is a partial perspective view illustrating the deformable latch system of  FIG. 54  shown in the armed configuration of  FIG. 54  and with the covering shield in phantom line; 
           [0068]      FIG. 57  is a partial front elevation view of still another deformable latch system according to the principles of the present disclosure, the deformable latch system shown in an armed configuration; 
           [0069]      FIG. 58  is a partial cross-sectional plan view of the deformable latch system of  FIG. 57 , as called out at  FIG. 57 ; 
           [0070]      FIG. 59  is a partial perspective view illustrating the deformable latch system of  FIG. 57  shown in the armed configuration of  FIG. 57 ; 
           [0071]      FIG. 60  is a partial cross-sectional plan view of the deformable latch system of  FIG. 57  shown in the armed configuration of  FIG. 57  and with a shielding cover; 
           [0072]      FIG. 61  is a partial front elevation view of yet another deformable latch system according to the principles of the present disclosure, the deformable latch system shown in an armed configuration and with a covering shield in phantom line; 
           [0073]      FIG. 62  is a partial cross-sectional plan view of the deformable latch system of  FIG. 61 , as called out at  FIG. 61 ; 
           [0074]      FIG. 63  is a partial perspective view illustrating the deformable latch system of  FIG. 61  shown in the armed configuration of  FIG. 61  and with the covering shield in phantom line; 
           [0075]      FIG. 64  is an elevation view of a spring assembly adapted for use with the deformable latch system of  FIG. 43 ; 
           [0076]      FIG. 65  is a bottom plan view of the spring assembly of  FIG. 64 ; 
           [0077]      FIG. 66  is a side elevation view of the spring assembly of  FIG. 64 ; 
           [0078]      FIG. 67  is a perspective view of the spring assembly of  FIG. 64 ; 
           [0079]      FIG. 68  is another front elevation view of the deformable latch system of  FIG. 1  illustrating a detent in a disengaged configuration and a button head of a pin depressed, the deformable latch system shown in the armed configuration of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0080]      FIG. 69  is a cross-sectional bottom plan view of the deformable latch system of  FIG. 1 , as called out at  FIG. 68 , illustrating a male member of the detent of  FIG. 68  withdrawn from a female member of the detent; 
           [0081]      FIG. 70  is a cross-sectional end elevation view of the deformable latch system of  FIG. 1 , as called out at  FIG. 68 , illustrating the male member of the detent of  FIG. 68  withdrawn from the female member of the detent; 
           [0082]      FIG. 71  is the front elevation view of  FIG. 68 , but with the detent in an engaged configuration and the button head of the pin un-depressed, the deformable latch system shown in the disengaged configuration of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0083]      FIG. 72  is the cross-sectional bottom plan view of  FIG. 69 , as called out at  FIG. 71 , but illustrating the male member of  FIG. 69  caught in the female member of  FIG. 69 ; 
           [0084]      FIG. 73  is a cross-sectional view, similar to the cross-sectional end elevation view of  FIG. 70 , as called out at  FIG. 71 , but illustrating the male member of  FIG. 69  caught in the female member of  FIG. 69 ; 
           [0085]      FIG. 74  is an end elevation view of a base of the deformable latch system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0086]      FIG. 75  is a front elevation view of the base of  FIG. 74 ; 
           [0087]      FIG. 76  is a cross-sectional bottom plan view of the base of  FIG. 74 , as called out at  FIG. 75 ; 
           [0088]      FIG. 77  is a cross-sectional end elevation view of the base of  FIG. 74 , as called out at  FIG. 75 ; 
           [0089]      FIG. 78  is a top plan view of the base of  FIG. 74 ; 
           [0090]      FIG. 79  is a bottom plan view of the base of  FIG. 74 ; 
           [0091]      FIG. 80  is a perspective view of the base of  FIG. 74 ; 
           [0092]      FIG. 81  is a side elevation view of the pin of  FIG. 68 ; 
           [0093]      FIG. 82  is an enlarged portion of  FIG. 81 , as called out at  FIG. 81 ; 
           [0094]      FIG. 83  is a bottom plan view of the pin of  FIG. 81 ; 
           [0095]      FIG. 84  is a perspective view of the pin of  FIG. 81 ; 
           [0096]      FIG. 85  is a rotated front elevation view of a deformable member of the deformable latch system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0097]      FIG. 86  is a cross-sectional plan view of the deformable member of  FIG. 85 , as called out at  FIG. 85 ; 
           [0098]      FIG. 87  is a rotated plan view of the deformable member of  FIG. 85 ; 
           [0099]      FIG. 88  is a rotated end view of the deformable member of  FIG. 85 ; 
           [0100]      FIG. 89  is a perspective view of the deformable member of  FIG. 85 ; 
           [0101]      FIG. 90  is a plan view of a covering shield of the deformable latch system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0102]      FIG. 91  is a rotated end elevation view of the covering shield of  FIG. 90 ; 
           [0103]      FIG. 92  is a rear elevation view of the covering shield of  FIG. 90 ; 
           [0104]      FIG. 93  is a front elevation view of the covering shield of  FIG. 90 ; 
           [0105]      FIG. 94  is an opposite plan view of the covering shield of  FIG. 90 ; 
           [0106]      FIG. 95  is an enlarged cross-sectional end view of the covering shield of  FIG. 90 , as called out at  FIG. 90 ; 
           [0107]      FIG. 96  is an enlarged perspective view of the covering shield of  FIG. 90 ; 
           [0108]      FIG. 97  is another enlarged perspective view of the covering shield of  FIG. 90 ; 
           [0109]      FIG. 98  is a plan view of a catch member of the deformable latch system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0110]      FIG. 99  is a perspective view of the catch member of  FIG. 98 ; 
           [0111]      FIG. 100  is a perspective view of a catch member adapted for use with the deformable latch system of  FIG. 1  according to the principles of the present disclosure; 
           [0112]      FIG. 101  is a plan view of the catch member of  FIG. 100 ; 
           [0113]      FIG. 102  is a front elevation view of the catch member of  FIG. 100 ; and 
           [0114]      FIG. 103  is an end view of the catch member of  FIG. 100 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0115]    According to the principles of the present disclosure a deformable latch system  100 , and in particular, a system including an energy absorbing member  140  (e.g., an energy absorbing loop) is effective at preventing entry through a door  200  by dynamic action that is applied to the door  200 . Such dynamic action may include kicking with a foot, shouldering with a shoulder, and ramming with a police-style battering ram. In contrast, typical conventional latch systems and typical conventional bolt-style lock systems are susceptible to failure from application of such dynamic action, thereby allowing entry through the door. 
         [0116]    In various embodiments, the energy absorbing member  140  may be made of various energy absorbing materials and/or deformable materials. The energy absorbing materials and/or the deformable materials may include energy absorbing plastics (e.g., polycarbonate, PVC, etc.), energy absorbing rubbers (neoprene, isoprene, etc.), energy absorbing composites, etc. In one embodiment, the energy absorbing member  140  includes 40 durometer EPDM. In another embodiment, the energy absorbing member  140  includes 50 durometer EPDM. In still another embodiment, the energy absorbing member  140  includes 55 durometer natural rubber. 
         [0117]    The typical latch systems and the typical bolt-style lock systems are substantially inflexible and have minimal energy absorption qualities. Energy that is applied to the door by the dynamic action is concentrated upon a connection between a latch and a catch in the case of the typical latch system, and is concentrated upon a connection between a deadbolt and strikeplate in the case of the typical bolt-style lock system. The typical latch system and the typical bolt-style lock system may be included on the same door and offer a modest amount of improvement in preventing entry as the dynamic action causes failure of both the typical latch system and the typical bolt-style lock system. The failure of the typical latch system and/or the typical bolt-style lock system may or may not occur from failure of the deadbolt and/or the strikeplate, in the case of the typical bolt-style lock system, and/or failure of the latch and/or the catch, in the case of the typical latch system. The failure of the typical latch system and/or the typical bolt-style lock system may or may not occur from failure of connecting structure (e.g. the door, a connection between the door and the bolt-style lock system, a door frame, a connection between the door frame and the bolt-style lock system, a connection between the door and the latch system, a connection between the door frame and the latch system, etc.). As the typical latch system and the typical bolt-style lock system are substantially inflexible, the energy delivered by the dynamic action may result in impact of relatively short time duration and relatively high force levels. The high force levels may cause high stresses to develop in the above-mentioned parts and the high stresses may cause the failure. 
         [0118]    In contrast, according to the principles of the present disclosure, the deformable latch system  100  includes the deformable member  140  that is substantially flexible. The energy delivered by the dynamic action may result in impact of relatively long time duration and relatively low force levels. The relatively low force levels may result in lower stresses developing in corresponding parts and the lower stresses may be below a failure point. In addition, the deformable member  140  absorbs the energy delivered by the dynamic action and may dissipate the energy as heat. 
         [0119]    The deformable latch system  100  is therefore a device designed to absorb and thwart the concentrated energy of an attempted forced entry through the door  200  or a similar access point. When a perpetrator places a sudden force onto the door, the substantially rigid mechanisms of the typical latch system and/or the typical bolt-style lock system designs often fail due to their inability to absorb the energy. The deformable latch system  100  will, in most cases, absorb the energy and return the door  200  to its original position. In cases where there are only substantially rigid mechanisms, repeated blows often weaken (e.g., fatigue, cause crack initiation and crack growth, etc.) the lock/latch assemblies and the door/door frame until a point of failure is reached. The deformable latch system  100 &#39;s energy absorption qualities continue to function after repeated blows. 
         [0120]    Extensible material is used in the deformable member  140 . In certain embodiments, the extensible material is neoprene and/or isoprene. As depicted, the extensible material may be formed into a loop  148  at a distal end  144  of the deformable member  140  (see  FIG. 21 ). A proximal end  142  of the extensible material may be molded (e.g., solidly molded) to a metal (e.g., a steel) pivoting pin  190  secured by a base assembly or a single piece base  191  (e.g., a solid base) including two hinge components  192  (e.g., steel hinge components) that are located on opposing ends  190 A,  190 B of the pin  190 . In certain embodiments, the pivoting pin  190  and the deformable member  140  may rotate and/or translate freely with respect to each other about an axis A (see  FIG. 21 ). A spring  180  may be attached between the hinge components  192  and the deformable member  140  and thereby urge the loop  148  of the deformable member  140  to maintain contact with a catch assembly or a catch member  220  (e.g., a single piece catch) in a closed configuration  40  (i.e., a closed position, an armed configuration, etc.). 
         [0121]    The catch member  220  is separate from a latch assembly  110  that contains the deformable member  140 . The catch member  220  may be a single piece (e.g., a steel piece, a formed piece, a forged piece, and/or a solid piece, etc.) that includes a shaped catch  226 . The catch member  220  may be secured directly to the door  200 . The catch member  220  may be secured directly to the door  200  at a point close to an edge  202  (i.e., an end) of the door  200  and/or may be immediately adjacent to the latch assembly  110 . The catch  226  may contain an area that is open in a shape of a hook and may be adapted to catch the loop  148  as the door  200  is forced open while the latch assembly  110  is in place. As a force F (see  FIGS. 18 and 20 ) is exerted outward from the latch assembly  110 , the flexible loop  148  makes contact with the catch  226  as the door  200  is attempted to be forced open. The energy from the sudden blow is expended, absorbed, and/or dissipated as the deformable material of the deformable member  140  is stretched. The stretching of the deformable material of the deformable member  140  may cause a recoiling effect and urge and/or force the door  200  back to its original position. 
         [0122]    A clip  260  (e.g., a thin metal spring clip) may be included on the catch member  220 . A function of the clip  260  begins once a first breach attempt occurs and the latch assembly  110  is engaged. The distal end  144  of the loop  148  of the deformable member  140  engages and is secured in the catch  226 , and the clip  260  will not allow the loop  148  to be released from the catch  226  until an operator manually releases it. A purpose of retaining the loop  148  in the catch  226  is to thwart perpetrators who repeatedly apply dynamic action after the first breach attempt. The clip  260  allows the system  100  to remain in a securing position (i.e., configuration) and allows full engagement after the first breach attempt. 
         [0123]    The deformable member  140  may be enclosed in a housing  280  (e.g. a metal housing, a steel housing, a tempered steel housing, etc.) that protects the deformable member  140  from being cut as the door  200  is forced open. If a perpetrator forces the deformable member  140  of the deformable latch system  100  to stretch and thereby creates a gap G (see  FIG. 20 ) between the door  200  and a door frame  300 , the housing  280  (i.e., the shield) will thwart efforts by the perpetrator to cut the deformable member  140  (e.g., with a cutting tool inserted through the gap G). 
         [0124]    Turning now to  FIGS. 21 and 85-89 , the energy absorbing member  140  will be described in detail. The energy absorbing member  140  extends between the proximal end  142  and the distal end  144 . A hole  146  may be included at or adjacent the proximal end  142 . The hole  146  may pivotally mount on the pivoting pin  190  in certain embodiments. In other embodiments, the proximal end  142  may be molded directly over the pivoting pin  190 . The hole  146  and/or the pivoting pin  190  define the axis A about which the energy absorbing member  140  may pivot. As depicted, the energy absorbing member  140  includes a pair of stretch elements  150 . As depicted, a first stretch element  150 A is at a first side  162  of the deformable member  140 , and a second stretch element  150 B is at a second side  164  of the deformable member  140 . The stretch elements  150 ,  150 A,  150 B extend between the proximal end  142  and the distal end  144 . At the distal end  144 , the stretch elements  150 ,  150 A,  150 B may transition to the loop  148 . As depicted, a pair of the stretch elements  150 ,  150 A,  150 B connect the proximal end  142  to the loop  148 . In other embodiments, a single stretch element  150  may be used. In still other embodiments, more than two of the stretch elements  150  may connect the proximal end  142  to the loop  148  or an equivalent structure adapted to engage the catch member  220 . 
         [0125]    As depicted, the energy absorbing member  140  is made of a molded piece of energy absorbing material. The energy absorbing material of the energy absorbing member  140  may be seamless and/or continuous and/or monolithic. As depicted, the energy absorbing material of the energy absorbing member  140  is molded about the proximal end  142 , the stretch elements  150 , and the loop  148 . In other embodiments, the energy absorbing material of the energy absorbing member  140  may be in the stretch elements  150  and may be distinct from the loop  148  and/or the proximal end  142 . In still other embodiments, the energy absorbing material of the energy absorbing member  140  may be in the loop  148 , and the loop  148  may connect to the proximal end  142  either directly or via connecting elements. In yet other embodiments, the energy absorbing material of the energy absorbing member  140  may be distinctly positioned at the proximal end  142 . As depicted, the stretch elements  150 A and  150 B are positioned on opposite sides of an opening  149 . The loop  148  may bound the opening  149  at a distal end of the opening  149 . The opening  149  is adapted to be positioned over the catch  226  of the catch member  220  and thereby allow the energy absorbing member  140  to be freely placed in the closed configuration  40  (i.e., the armed configuration), thereby readying the loop  148  for engagement with the catch  226  of the catch member  220 . The energy absorbing member  140  is further bound by a third side  166  and a fourth side  168 . As depicted, the third side  166  and the fourth side  168  are substantially parallel to each other. As depicted, an enlarged area  170  may be included around the hole  146 . As depicted, the enlarged area  170  is substantially cylindrical and concentric with the hole  146  and/or the pivoting pin  190 . 
         [0126]    Turning now to  FIGS. 21 and 74-80 , the base  191  will be described in detail. The base  191  includes a mounting flange  193  adapted to interface with a portion of the door frame  300  upon which the base  191  is mounted. As depicted, the mounting flange  193  includes fastener holes  194  adapted to receive fasteners that secure the base  191  to the portion of the door frame  300 . As depicted, the mounting flange  193  includes a central portion  193 C between the pair of hinge components  192  (i.e., mounting members). The mounting flange  193  further includes a first extension  193 A and a second extension  193 B that extend beyond the hinge components  192 . As depicted, a fastener hole  194  is included in the central portion  193 C. A fastener hole  194  is also included on the extensions  193 A and  193 B of the mounting flange  193 . The fastener holes  194  are staggered to provide structural stability to the base  191  and to distribute loads from the base  191  to the portion of the door frame  300 . 
         [0127]    The central portion  193 C of the mounting flange  193  and the pair of hinge support components  192  may define a channel  195 . The channel  195  may be adapted to receive the proximal end  142  of the energy absorbing member  140 . In particular, the first side  162  of the energy absorbing member  140  may engage a first side  192 A of the hinge components  192 , and a second side  192 B of the hinge components  192  may engage the second side  164  of the energy absorbing member  140 . As depicted, the channel  195  contains the energy absorbing member  140  between the first side  162  and the second side  164 . Additional room may be provided between the first hinge component  192 A and the second hinge component  192 B to allow mounting of the spring  180 , mounting of the housing  280 , and/or operation of a detent  187  (described in detail below). 
         [0128]    The base  191  further includes pivoting holes  196 . In particular, a pair of the pivoting holes  196  are provided, with a first pivoting hole  196  on the first hinge component  192 A and a second pivoting hole  196  positioned on the second hinge component  192 B. The pair of the pivoting holes  196  are substantially coaxial with each other and coaxial with the axis A, when the latch assembly  110  is assembled. As depicted, the pivoting pin  190  mounts within the pivoting holes  196 . In certain embodiments, the pivoting pin  190  may rotate within the pivoting holes  196 . In other embodiments, the pivoting pin  190  may be substantially rotationally fixed within the pivoting holes  196  and may instead rotate within the hole  146  of the energy absorbing member  140 . In certain embodiments, the pivoting pin  190  may translate relative to the pivoting holes  196  about the axis A. In certain embodiments, the pivoting holes  196  may be substantially the same size. In other embodiments, the pivoting holes  196  may be of different sizes. For example,  FIGS. 70 and 80  illustrate an embodiment where the first side  192 A of the hinge components  192  includes a larger hole  196 L as the hole  196 , and where the second side  192 B of the hinge components  192  includes a smaller hole  196 S as the hole  196 . 
         [0129]    As depicted, the hinge components  192  include a contour  197  opposite the mounting flange  193 . The contour  197  may be provided for stylizing the deformable latch system  100 . The contour  197  may further evenly distribute loads from the pivoting holes  196  to the mounting flange  193 . The contour  197  may also serve to reduce snagging that may otherwise occur if someone&#39;s clothes brush up against the base  191 . The extensions  193 A,  193 B may include a contour  198  and thereby define sides of the base  191 . The contour  198  may promote even distribution of loads within the base  191 . The base  191  may extend between a first station  92  and a second station  94 . The first station  92  may thereby define a first end of the base  191  and the second station  94  may thereby define a second end of the base  191 . As illustrated at  FIG. 17 , the station  94  of the base  191  may be positioned adjacent an edge  302  of the door frame  300 . The station  92  of the base  191  may be positioned away from the edge  302  of the door frame  300 . 
         [0130]    Turning now to  FIGS. 4, 21, and 90-97 , the housing  280  will be described in detail. The housing  280  extends between a proximal end  282  and a distal end  284 . A passage  286  extends between the proximal end  282  and the distal end  284  of the housing  280 . The passage  286  may be adapted to allow a substantial portion of the energy absorbing member  140  to reside therein. The passage  286  allows the energy absorbing member  140  to deform and/or stretch therein. The housing  280  further defines a first side  288  and a second side  290  that may generally extend between the proximal end  282  and the distal end  284 . The housing  280  further includes a third side  292  and a fourth side  294  that also generally extend between the proximal end  282  and the distal end  284 . The first side  288  generally defines a first wall  289 . The second side  290  generally defines a second wall  291 . The third side  292  generally defines a third wall  293 . And, the fourth side  294  generally defines a fourth wall  295 . The passage  286  is formed by the walls  289 ,  291 ,  293 , and  295 . The walls  289 ,  291 ,  293 ,  295  may be seamlessly formed into a tubular structure. As depicted at  FIGS. 21, 91, 92, and 95-97 , a seam may be included at one or more of the walls  289 ,  291 ,  293 ,  295  (e.g., the wall  291 , as shown). By including a seam, the housing  280  may be formed of sheet material (e.g., sheet metal). The seam may be left free or may be welded to form the tubular structure. 
         [0131]    The first wall  289  may include a finger catch  296 . The finger catch  296  may allow an operator&#39;s finger to lift the housing  280  and thereby rotate the housing  280  about the axis A. By rotating the housing  280  about the axis A, the energy absorbing member  140  may also rotate about the axis A. As illustrated at  FIGS. 4 and 92 , the second wall  291  includes a relief  297  (e.g., a slot  281 , an opening, etc.). The relief  297  may allow access to the loop  148  of the energy absorbing member  140  and thereby allow the catch  226  to engage the loop  148  as the energy absorbing member  140  and the housing  280  are rotated together from an open configuration  70  (i.e., a disengaged configuration) to the closed configuration  40  (i.e., the armed configuration). The relief  297  may smoothly blend with the distal end  284  and thereby minimize potential for snagging. In addition, a funnel  283  (e.g., a chamfer, a round, a taper, etc.) may be included between the distal end  284  and the relief  297 . As illustrated at  FIG. 92 , the funnel  283  may include a first part  283 A and a second part  283 B positioned opposite the relief  297  from each other. The first part  283 A may smoothly transition to a first side  281 A of the slot  281 , and the second part  283 B may smoothly transition to a second side  281 B of the slot  281 . The slot  281  and/or the relief  297  may include a bottom  285  opposite the funnel  283 . The bottom  285  may include a semi-circular shape. The funnel  283  may serve to guide the catch  226  back into the relief  297  after an intrusion load F temporarily stretches the loop  148  such that the catch  226 , or a portion of the catch  226 , becomes positioned outside of the relief  297 . The funnel  283  thereby prevents the catch  226  from becoming caught on the distal end  284  of the housing  280  or on other surfaces of the housing  280  (see  FIG. 20 ). 
         [0132]    As depicted at  FIGS. 16, 18, 22, 24, 38, 40, 42, 46, 53, 55, 60, 62, and 69 , a portion of the catch  226 / 3226  (e.g., a portion of a hook  228 / 6228 ) may be positioned within a portion of the finger catch  296 , at least when the deformable latch system  100  is set to the closed configuration  40 . The portion of the catch  226  may rest upon the portion of the finger catch  296  when the latch assembly  110  is in the closed configuration  40 . The spring  180  may urge the portion of the catch  226  to rest upon the portion of the finger catch  296 . The portions of the catch  226  and the finger catch  296  that interface with each other may be arc shaped and may define a radius. When the latch assembly  110  is moved from the closed configuration  40  (see  FIG. 16 ) to the engaged configuration  50  (see  FIG. 18 ) by the intrusion load F or other load, the portion of the catch  226  may actuate the portion of the finger catch  296  and thereby move the latch assembly  110  from the closed configuration  40  toward the engaged configuration  50 . 
         [0133]    As illustrated at  FIGS. 21, 90, and 94-97 , holes  298  are included at the third wall  293  and the fourth wall  295 . The holes  298  are generally aligned with the axis A. A spring attachment  299  is further provided on the housing  280 . The spring attachment  299  may engage the spring  180  and thereby connect the spring  180  to the housing  280 . As depicted, the spring attachment  299  is positioned at the fourth side  294  on the fourth wall  295  adjacent the first wall  289 . As depicted at  FIGS. 68-70, 72, 73, 91, and 94-97 , a pair of protrusions  189 ′ (e.g., latches) are positioned at the third wall  293 . In the depicted embodiment, the pair of protrusions  189 ′ are positioned opposite the hole  298  from each other and oriented transverse to the passage  286 . In certain embodiments, the pair of protrusions  189 ′ may serve as portions of the detent  187  (described in detail below). 
         [0134]    To assemble the latch assembly  110 , the energy absorbing member  140  may be positioned within the passage  286  of the housing  280 . In particular, the distal end  144  may be inserted within the passage  286  at the proximal end  282  of the housing  280 . The energy absorbing member  140  may then be slid through the passage  286  until the hole  146  of the energy absorbing member  140  aligns with the holes  298  of the housing  280 . The housing  280 , with the energy absorbing member  140  within, may then be positioned within the channel  195  of the base  191 . The spring  180  may further be positioned alongside the fourth side  294  of the housing  280  and adjacent the second hinge component  192 B of the base  191 . A first end  182  of the spring  180  may be engaged with the spring attachment  299  (see  FIGS. 21, 90, 93, 96, and 97 ) and a second end  184  of the spring  180  may be engaged with a spring attachment  199  (see  FIGS. 77, 79, and 80 ) of the base  191 . A passage  186  through the spring  180  may be aligned with the axis A. Upon alignment and positioning of the energy absorbing member  140 , the housing  280 , and the base  191 , the pivoting pin  190  may be inserted through the pivoting holes  196  of the base  191 , the passage  186  of the spring  180 , and the hole  146  of the energy absorbing member  140 . The pivoting pin  190  may be slid through the holes  196 ,  186 ,  298  until a head  130  at the first end  190 A of the pivoting pin  190  abuts the first hinge component  192 A of the base  191 . The pivoting pin  190  may then be secured to the latch assembly  110  by a retaining ring  139  (e.g., a snap ring, a circlip, etc.). In the embodiment depicted at  FIGS. 21 and 81-84 , the pivoting pin  190  includes a retaining groove  136  that may hold the retaining ring  139 . 
         [0135]    The pivoting pin  190  and the associated holes  146 ,  196 ,  186 ,  298  may define a configuration joint  90 . The configuration joint  90  may configure the deformable latch system  100  in the closed configuration  40  (i.e., the armed configuration) and the open configuration  70  (i.e., the disengaged configuration). The closed configuration  40  is illustrated at  FIGS. 15 and 16 , and the open configuration  70  is illustrated at  FIGS. 13 and 14 . When the deformable latch system  100  is set to the closed configuration  40  (i.e., the armed configuration) and an attempt is made to open the door  200 , the configuration joint  90  may automatically configure the deformable latch system  100  at an engaged configuration  50  (see  FIGS. 17 and 18 ) by allowing rotation across the configuration joint  90 . The engaged configuration  50  resists opening of the door  200  beyond a predetermined amount. Furthermore, the configuration joint  90  may allow rotation across the configuration joint  90  as the energy absorbing member  140  stretches into an energy absorbing configuration  60  (see  FIGS. 19 and 20 ). The spring  180  may urge the latch assembly  110  toward the engaged configuration  50  and/or the closed configuration  40  (i.e., the armed configuration). 
         [0136]    Turning now to  FIGS. 21, 98, and 99 , the catch member  220  will be described in detail. The catch member  220  includes a base  230  that is adapted to be mounted to the door  200 . The base  230  extends between a first station  96  and a second station  98 . As depicted at  FIG. 17 , the first station  96  is adjacent or at the edge  202  of the door  200 . The second station  98  is spaced away from the edge  202  of the door  200 . As depicted, the station  96  defines a first end of the base  230 , and the second station  98  defines a second end of the base  230 . As depicted, the first station  96  and the second station  98  are substantially parallel to each other. The base  230  may extend between a first side  232  and a second side  234 . The base  230  may include a plurality of mounting holes  236 . Fasteners may be inserted through the mounting holes  236  and thereby attach the catch member  220  to the door  200 . As depicted, the holes  236  are spaced from each other at four corners of the base  230  and thereby provide structural stability to the catch member  220 . 
         [0137]    The catch  226  extends from the base  230  at or near a center of the base  230  between the first side  232  and the second side  234 . As depicted, the catch  226  includes a hook  228  adapted to engage the loop  148  of the energy absorbing member  140 . As depicted, the catch  226  extends from a first end  227 , integral with the base  230 , to a second end  229 . The hook  228  may open inwardly toward the second station  98 . As the hook  228  extends from the first end  227 , the hook  228  may arch over and beyond the first station  96 . In certain embodiments, the hook  228  arches around an angle of about 180 degrees. The hook  228  may thereby include a shape of a semi-circle. As illustrated at  FIG. 98 , the hook  228  may extend back inwardly beyond a central axis of the hook  228  (e.g., beyond 180 degrees of wrap) by an angle a. The angle a may be greater than about 5 degrees, in certain embodiments. In other embodiments, the angle a may be greater than about 1 degree. 
         [0138]    As mentioned above, the catch member  220  may further include a clip  260 . As illustrated at  FIG. 21 , the clip  260  extends between a first end  262 , mounted to the base  230 , and a second end  264 . The second end  264  may slightly overlap the end  229  of the hook  228 , in certain embodiments. In other embodiments, the second end  264  may be spaced from the end  229  of the hook  228  (see  FIG. 98 ). The clip  260  may be made of a spring material (e.g., a spring steel). The clip  260  may apply a slight preload between the end  264  of the clip  260  and the end  229  of the catch  226 . The catch  226  and/or the clip  260  may extend across a width narrower than the opening  149  of the energy absorbing member  140 . As described above, when the loop  148  moves toward the engaged configuration  50 , the clip  260  is depressed to an open position  260   o  and thereby allows the loop  148  to enter the hook  228  (see  FIGS. 98 and 99 ). Upon entering the hook  228 , the energy absorbing member  140  may transfer tensile loads between the base  191  and the catch member  220 . In transferring the tensile loads, the energy absorbing member  140  stretches along a length  141  of the energy absorbing member  140  and thereby absorbs energy (see  FIG. 21 ). Upon entrance of the energy absorbing member  140  into the hook  228 , the clip  260  may return to a closed position  260   c  (i.e., a blocking position), with the end  264  of the clip  260  abutting or adjacent to the end  229  of the hook  228 . By returning, the clip  260  may trap the loop  148  and thereby prevent unhooking of the loop  148  from the hook  228  until an operator depresses (i.e., manipulates) the clip  260 . 
         [0139]    Turning now to  FIGS. 100-103 , a catch assembly  220 ′ is illustrated according to the principles of the present disclosure. The catch assembly  220 ′ is similar to the catch member  220  (i.e., the catch assembly  220 ) described in detail above. As with the catch member  220 , the catch assembly  220 ′ may be secured directly to the door  200  by inserting fasteners through mounting holes  236  at a base  230 ′ of the catch assembly  220 ′. The catch assembly  220 ′ similarly includes a catch  226 ′ that is adapted to catch the loop  148  of the deformable member  140 . The catch assembly  220 ′ may be used with the deformable latch systems  100 ,  600 ,  1200 ,  1400 ,  1500 ,  1600 ,  1700 ,  1800 , and  1900 , described herein. As described above, with regard to the catch member  220 , the catch assembly  220 ′ extends between a first station  96  and a second station  98  at the base  230 ′. Likewise, the catch  226 ′ may extend beyond the first station  96 . In the depicted embodiments, the catch assembly  220 ′ mounts on the door  200 , and the latch assembly  110  mounts on the door frame  300 . In alternative embodiments, the catch assembly  220 ′ may mount on the door frame  300 , and the latch assembly  110  may mount on the door  200 . As with the catch  226  of the catch member  220 , a portion of the catch  226 ′ may be positioned in the finger catch  296  of the housing  280 , when the deformable latch system  100  is set to the closed configuration  40  (see  FIG. 16 ). 
         [0140]    As depicted at  FIG. 103 , the catch assembly  220 ′ defines a T shape  244 ′. The T shape  244 ′ is formed by an intersection of a catch leg  246 ′ of the catch assembly  220 ′ with the base  230 ′. The base  230 ′ is thereby divided by the catch leg  246 ′. The base  230 ′ thereby includes a first extension  230 A′ and a second extension  230 B′. As depicted, the extensions  230 A′,  230 B′ are substantially symmetric to each other about the catch leg  246 ′. As depicted, a pair of the mounting holes  236  is positioned at the first extension  230 A′ and another pair of the mounting holes  236  is positioned at the second extension  230 B′. Fillets may be included between the catch leg  246 ′ and the extensions  230 A′,  230 B′ for added strength and aesthetics. 
         [0141]    The catch leg  246 ′ substantially defines the catch  226 ′. The catch leg  246 ′ and the catch  226 ′ define a width Wc. The width Wc is sized to fit within the opening  149  of the energy absorbing member  140 . Turning now to  FIG. 101 , the catch  226 ′ includes an end  229 ′. The end  229 ′ terminates an extension portion  226   e ′ of the catch  226 ′. As depicted, the extension portion  226   e ′ extends substantially parallel to the base  230 ′. As will be described hereinafter, the extension portion  226   e ′ allows additional movement of the loop  148  when captured by the catch assembly  220 ′. As depicted, the extension portion  226   e ′ tangentially blends with a hook portion  226   h ′ of the catch  226 ′. The hook portion  226   h ′ is similar to the hook  228  of the catch  226 , described above. As depicted, the hook portion  226   h ′ may extend around a center of the hook portion  226   h ′ about an arc of approximately 180 degrees. In the depicted embodiment, the arc is approximately 5 to 10 degrees less than 180 degrees. The hook portion  226   h ′ tangentially blends with a base portion  226   b ′ of the catch  226 ′. The base portion  226   b ′ includes a gently curved portion that tangentially blends with an interior of the hook portion  226   h ′. The base portion  226   b ′ extends above the base  230 ′ and thereby provides the base  230 ′ with a stiffening spine. The base portion  226   b ′ further smoothly transfers loads applied to the hook portion  226   h ′ to the base  230 ′. The smooth transitioning between the hook portion  226   h ′, the base portion  226   b ′, and the base  230 ′ relieves certain stress concentrations that would otherwise develop and/or allows for efficient use of material giving a sleek and aesthetic look. Opposite the hook portion  226   h ′, the base portion  226   b ′ continues and tangentially blends with a tail portion  226   t ′. The tail portion  226   t ′ extends substantially above the base  230 ′. In the depicted embodiment, the tail portion  226   t ′ extends beyond the center of the hook portion  226   h ′ above the base  230 ′. As depicted, the base portion  226   b ′ and the tail portion  226   t ′ form an integral connection  227 ′ with the base  230 ′. As depicted, the hook portion  226   h ′ is integrally joined to and continues from the base portion  226   b ′. As depicted, the catch  226 ′, including the base portion  226   b ′, the extension portion  226   e ′, the hook portion  226   h ′, and the tail portion  226   t ′, are formed of a single monolithic piece of material. In other embodiments, one or more of the base portion  226   b ′, the extension portion  226   e ′, the hook portion  226   h ′, and/or the tail portion  226   t ′ may be formed of separate piece(s). The material used in the catch  226 ′ may be steel, brass, stainless steel, aluminum, composite, plastic, and/or other suitably strong material. 
         [0142]    As illustrated at  FIGS. 100 and 101 , the catch assembly  220 ′ further includes a clip  260 ′. The clip  260 ′ extends between a first end  262 ′ and a second end  264 ′. As depicted, the first end  262 ′ of the clip  260 ′ is attached to an elevated portion of the tail portion  226   t ′ of the catch  226 ′. The clip  260 ′ extends as a cantilever from the first end  262 ′ to the second end  264 ′. As depicted, the second end  264 ′ of the clip  260 ′ contacts the extension portion  226   e ′ of the catch  226 ′ at or near the end  229 ′ of the catch  226 ′. As depicted, the second end  264 ′ of the clip  260 ′ is positioned at an inside of the extension portion  226   e ′. The second end  264 ′ of the clip  260 ′ therefore receives bearing support from the catch  226 ′ when loaded outwardly. In certain embodiments, the bearing support may keep the clip  260 ′ from bending out of the catch  226 ′. As depicted, the clip  260 ′ is made of a thin material that allows the second end  264 ′ of the clip  260 ′ to be elastically deformed toward the base portion  226   b ′ of the catch  226 ′. As the clip  260 ′ is elastically deformed, removing the deforming load from the clip  260 ′ restores the clip  260 ′ to a closed position  260   c ′, illustrated at  FIG. 101 . In certain embodiments, the second end  264 ′ of the clip  260 ′ may preload against the extension portion  226   e ′ of the catch  226 ′. 
         [0143]    The catch assembly  220 ′ forms a closed loop  240 ′ when the second end  264 ′ of the clip  260 ′ contacts the extension portion  226   e ′. The closed loop  240 ′ may capture the loop  148  of the energy absorbing member  140 . The loop  148  may enter the closed loop  240 ′ when the second end  264 ′ of the clip  260 ′ is bent downwardly toward the base portion  226   b ′ thereby opening the closed loop  240 ′. Likewise, the loop  148  may be removed from the closed loop  240 ′ by bending the second end  264 ′ downwardly. 
         [0144]    Operation of the catch assembly  220 ′ will now be described in the context of the catch member  220  and the clip  260 . In particular,  FIGS. 13-20  show a sequence of configurations of the door  200 , the catch member  220 , the clip  260 , the latch assembly  110 , and the door frame  300 . In the description that follows, the catch member  220  and the clip  260  are replaced by the catch assembly  220 ′. The open configuration  70  (i.e., the disengaged configuration) is illustrated at  FIGS. 13 and 14 . In this configuration, the deformable latch system  100  does not interfere with conventional operation of the door  200 . As further described below, the detent  187  may hold the latch assembly  110  at the open configuration  70 . Holding the latch assembly  110  at the open configuration  70  prevents the door  200  from closing on top of the latch assembly  110  by keeping the latch assembly  110  out of an opening of the door frame  300 . 
         [0145]    Upon desiring the door  200  to remain securely closed, an occupant may depress the head  130  of the pin  190  and thereby release the detent  187 . The occupant may also release the detent  187  by other means. Upon the detent  187  being released, the latch assembly  110  is automatically reconfigured to the closed configuration  40  (i.e., the armed configuration) as illustrated at  FIGS. 15 and 16 . The spring  180  rotates the energy absorbing member  140  about the axis A and thereby positions the extension portion  226   e ′ and the hook portion  226   h ′ through the opening  149  of the energy absorbing member  140 . As depicted, the spring  180  may be sized such that as the loop  148  rotates toward the door  200 , the loop  148  overpowers the clip  260 ′ and thereby allows the loop  148  to enter the catch  226 ′. As illustrated at  FIG. 16 , the clip  260  is bent toward the door  200  by the loop  148  powered by the spring  180 . Likewise, the clip  260 ′ and, in particular, the second end  264 ′ of the clip  260 ′ may be moved toward the door  200  and thereby allow the latch assembly  110  to be configured in the armed configuration  40 . If no opening of the door  200  subsequently occurs, the latch assembly  110  may be reconfigured from the armed configuration  40  to the open configuration  70  of  FIG. 14  by merely rotating the housing  280  into position and thereby allowing the detent  187  to reengage. The finger catch  296  may be used to rotate the housing  280  and thereby position the latch assembly  110  at the open configuration  70 . 
         [0146]    However, if an attempt is made to open the door  200  with the latch assembly  110  in the armed configuration  40 , the latch assembly  110  moves to the engaged configuration  50 , as illustrated at  FIGS. 17 and 18 . By moving to the engaged configuration  50 , the clip  260 / 260 ′ may move away from the door  200  and sit on top of the loop  148 . Likewise, upon the latch assembly  110  moving to the engaged configuration  50 , the loop  148  is pulled deep into the hook portion  226   h ′ of the catch assembly  220 ′. The loop  148  is thereby moved out of the way of the second end  264 ′ of the clip  260 ′, and the clip  260 ′ moves away from the door  200  with the second end  264 ′ of the clip  260 ′ contacting the extension portion  226   e ′ of the catch  226 ′. Thus, in the engaged configuration  50 , the closed loop  240 ′ is formed with the loop  148  of the energy absorbing member  140  trapped inside. 
         [0147]    A perpetrator may attempt to untrap the loop  148  from the loop  240 ′ by repeatedly shaking the door  200 . However, this merely results in the latch assembly  110  staying in the engaged configuration  50  with the clip  260 ′ continuing to trap the loop  148  within the closed loop  240 ′. If the intrusion load F is applied to the door  200 , the latch assembly  110  may move to the energy absorbing configuration  60 , as illustrated at  FIGS. 19 and 20 . However, the energy absorbing configuration  60  and the engaged configuration  50  are related in that the loop  148  continues to be trapped within the closed loop  240 ′. The energy absorbing configuration  60  may be a subset of the engaged configuration  50 . If the door  200  is brought into contact with the door frame  300  (i.e., if the door  200  is closed), the loop  148  merely moves between the hook portion  226   h ′ and the tail portion  226   t ′ of the catch  226 ′ with the clip  260 ′ blocking removal of the loop  148  from the catch  226 ′. 
         [0148]    Upon the intrusion attack on the door  200  ceasing, or upon inadvertent opening of the door  200  with the latch assembly  110  set to the armed configuration  40 , the latch assembly  110  may be returned to the open configuration  70  by the occupant manually releasing the loop  148  from the closed loop  240 ′. In particular, the door  200  may be opened slightly to the engaged configuration  50 , as illustrated at  FIG. 18 . This positions the loop  148  into contact with the hook portion  226   h ′. As the loop  148  is deep within the hook portion  226   h ′ and the extension portion  226   e ′, the clip  260 ′ may be bent toward the door  200  forming an opening between the second end  264 ′ of the clip  260 ′ and the end  229 ′ of the catch  226 ′. By closing the door  200  while continuing to depress the clip  260 ′, the loop  148  will exit the opening and may further exit the catch  226 ′. The occupant may further fully rotate the latch assembly  110  toward the open configuration  70  and allow the detent  187  to maintain that position. The occupant may manipulate the clip  260 ′ by pressing a finger on a medial portion of the clip  260 ′ between the first end  262 ′ and the second end  264 ′ of the clip  260 ′. 
         [0149]    Turning now to  FIG. 22 , another embodiment of a deformable latch system  1200  is illustrated according to the principles of the present disclosure. The deformable latch system  1200  is substantially similar to the deformable latch system  100 , described above. However, an alternative cover  2280  (i.e., an alternative housing) replaces the housing  280  of the deformable latch system  100 . Thus, deformable latch systems, according to the principles of the present disclosure, may include a variety of styles. The variety of styles may include ornamental differences to match various decors. 
         [0150]    Turning now to  FIGS. 23 and 24 , another embodiment of a deformable latch system  1300  is illustrated according to the principles of the present disclosure. The deformable latch system  1300  also includes many elements and features similar to the deformable latch system  100 . However, a catch  3226  replaces the catch  226  of the deformable latch system  100 . As illustrated, the catch  3226  includes a ball structure  3228  that traps a loop  3148 . In addition, clipping features  3260  are included on an energy absorbing member  3140  that may retain the energy absorbing member  3140  on the catch member  3220 . The clipping members  3260  may resist disengagement of the catch member  3220  and the energy absorbing member  3140  when the door  200  is shaken or otherwise cyclically loaded. 
         [0151]    Turning now to  FIGS. 25, 26, and 68-73 , the deformable latch system  100  (i.e., the door securing device) may further include the detent  187  that is adapted to resist the spring  180  (e.g., the torsion spring) and thereby retain the deformable latch system  100  in the open configuration  70  (i.e., the disengaged configuration) when the detent  187  is engaged (e.g., in a latched configuration  52 ).  FIGS. 25 and 71-73  illustrate the detent  187  engaged and in the latched configuration  52  (with the deformable latch system  100  in the open configuration  70 ), and  FIGS. 26 and 68-70  illustrate the detent  187  disengaged in an unlatched configuration  42  (with the deformable latch system  100  in the closed configuration  40 ). In the depicted embodiment of  FIGS. 25 and 26 , the base  191  includes a catch  188 , and the housing  280  includes a latch  189 . In the depicted embodiment of  FIGS. 68-73 , the base  191  includes a catch  188 ′ (e.g., a pair of holes), and the housing  280  includes the latch  189 ′. The catch  188 ′ may be oriented relative to the mounting flange  193  by an angle β (see  FIG. 78 ) and thereby retain the deformable latch system  100  at a desired rotational orientation when at the open configuration  70 . 
         [0152]    The deformable latch system  100  may include stop features to locate the housing  280  and the energy absorbing member  140  when the deformable latch system  100  is at the open configuration  70 . The stop features may position the housing  280  about the axis A at or near a rotational position that aligns the latch  189 / 189 ′ and the catch  188 / 188 ′. The stop features may thereby aid the engagement of the detent  187 . In the depicted embodiment, the base  191  includes a stop  185  with a stop surface  185   s  (see  FIGS. 69, 72, 74-77, and 80 ). The stop surface  185   s  is spaced from the axis A by a distance Ds (see  FIG. 76 ). The stop surface  185   s  may be substantially perpendicular to the angle β (see  FIG. 78 ) as defined by the catch  188 ′. The stop surface  185   s  may be substantially perpendicular to the catch  188 / 188 ′. The stop  185  may be joined to the first side  192 A of the hinge components  192  and to the mounting flange  193 . As the housing  280  is rotated about the axis A as the deformable latch system  100  is moved toward the open configuration  70 , the stop surface  185   s  contacts a portion of the first wall  289  of the housing  280  and stops further movement. 
         [0153]    The spring  180  may urge the latch  189 / 189 ′ toward the catch  188 / 188 ′ along a direction parallel to the axis A (see  FIG. 21 ). The spring  180  may carry a compression load that urges the latch  189 / 189 ′ toward the catch  188 / 188 ′. When the latch  189 / 189 ′ and the catch  188 / 188 ′ align (e.g., when the deformable latch system  100  is manually moved to the open configuration  70 ), the spring  180  may move and/or hold the latch  189 / 189 ′ into the catch  188 / 188 ′. The latch  189 / 189 ′ may be moved out of the catch  188 ,  188 ′ by overpowering the spring  180 . When the deformable latch system  100  is held in the open configuration  70  by the detent  187 , the deformable latch system  100  may be deactivated (i.e., may not secure the door  200  until reactivate by releasing the detent  187 ). 
         [0154]    In the depicted embodiments, the detent  187  may be released and the deformable latch system  100  may be reactivated by pressing the head  130  (i.e., a button) of the pin  190 . In particular, the head  130  of the pin  190  is at the first end  190 A of the pin  190 . By pressing the head  130 , the latch  189 / 189 ′ may be moved away from and disengaged from the catch  188 / 188 ′. Upon the latch  189 / 189 ′ disengaging the catch  188 / 188 ′, the spring  180  may rotationally move the deformable latch system  100  from the open configuration  70  to the closed configuration  40 . 
         [0155]    In the depicted embodiments, the head  130  is button shaped and extends from an outer surface  131  to an inner surface  132  (see  FIGS. 81 and 82 ). As depicted, a first diameter portion  133  of the pin  190  may extend from the inner surface  132  of the head  130  to a shoulder  134  of the pin  190 . The first diameter portion  133  may be sized for the hole  196 L. As depicted, a second diameter portion  135  of the pin  190  may extend from the shoulder  134  to the retaining groove  136  of the pin  190  and again from the retaining groove  136  to an alignment chamfer  137  at the second end  190 B of the pin  190 . The second diameter portion  135  may be sized for the hole  196 S. 
         [0156]    In the depicted embodiments, the spring  180  is in compression and thereby urges the fourth wall  295  away from the second side  192 B of the hinge components  192 . The urging of the fourth wall  295  away from the second side  192 B correspondingly urges the third wall  293  toward the first side  192 A of the hinge components  192 . As the latch  189 / 189 ′ is positioned at the third wall  293  and the catch  188 / 188 ′ is positioned at the first side  192 A, the urging together of the third wall  293  toward the first side  192 A also urges together the latch  189 / 189 ′ and the catch  188 / 188 ′. The protrusion of the latch  189 / 189 ′ may rest against the first side  192 A when not engaged with the catch  188 / 188 ′. Upon the latch  189 / 189 ′ and the catch  188 / 188 ′ aligning (see  FIGS. 72 and 73 ), the spring  180  extends, the latch  189 / 189 ′ enters the catch  188 / 188 ′, and the third wall  293  moves toward the first side  192 A. Thus, when the operator rotationally moves the deformable latch system  100  to the open configuration  70 , the detent  187  automatically engages and holds the deformable latch system  100  at the open configuration  70 . 
         [0157]    As depicted, the shoulder  134  of the pin  190  bears against the third wall  293 . Thus, when the spring  180  extends, the shoulder  134  (and thereby the pin  190 ) may also move with the third wall  293 . As illustrated at  FIGS. 71 and 73 , with the spring  180  extended and the latch  189 / 189 ′ positioned within the catch  188 / 188 ′, the head  130  of the pin  190  is spaced away from the first side  192 A. 
         [0158]    By pressing the head  130  of the pin  190  toward the first side  192 A, the spring  180  may be overpowered in compression and the detent  187  released. In particular, pressing the pin  190  toward the first side  192 A causes the shoulder  134  of the pin  190  to press against the third wall  293 . The fourth wall  295  correspondingly compresses the spring  180  against the second side  192 B of the hinge components  192 . By pressing the head  130  of the pin  190  toward the first side  192 A, the third wall  293  is moved away from the first side  192 A, and the latch  189 / 189 ′ disengages from the catch  188 / 188 ′. As the spring  180  is in torsion, the spring  180  urges the deformable latch system  100  from the open configuration  70  to the closed configuration  40 . Thus, when the operator presses the head  130  of the pin  190  toward the first side  192 A, the deformable latch system  100  automatically moves from the open configuration  70  to the closed configuration  40 . 
         [0159]    In the depicted embodiment, the spring  180  both biases the housing  280  and/or the latch assembly  110  toward the closed configuration  40  and toward the catch  188 / 188 ′. The spring  180  biases the housing  280  and/or the latch assembly  110  linearly along the axis A (see  FIG. 21 ) toward the catch  188 / 188 ′. The housing  280  and/or the latch assembly  110  may linearly slide on the pin  190  along the axis A to and from the catch  188 / 188 ′. The spring  180  may be overpowered by manually urging the housing  280  and/or the latch assembly  110  away from the catch  188 / 188 ′ (e.g., linearly away from the catch  188 / 188 ′). The spring  180  may therefore both urge the latch assembly  110  and/or the housing  280  toward the engaged configuration  50  and/or the closed configuration  40  (e.g., rotationally) and the latch  189 / 189 ′ toward the catch  188 / 188 ′ (e.g., linearly). In other embodiments, separate springs may be used to urge the latch assembly  110  and/or the housing  280  toward the engaged configuration  50  and/or the closed configuration  40  (e.g., rotationally) and the latch  189 / 189 ′ toward the catch  188 / 188 ′ (e.g., linearly). 
         [0160]    The detent  187  and/or a similar detent may be implemented with the various latch systems  100 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600 ,  1200 ,  1300 ,  1400 ,  1500 ,  1600 ,  1700 ,  1800 ,  1900  described herein. 
         [0161]    Turning now to  FIGS. 28 and 29 , still another embodiment of a deformable latch system  400  according to the principles of the present disclosure is illustrated. The deformable latch system  400  is similar to the deformable latch system  100 . However, the housing  280  is replaced with a slide rail  4280  that guides and protects an energy absorbing member  4140 . The deformable latch system  400  further includes a ball engagement structure similar to the ball structure  3228  of the deformable latch system  1300 .  FIGS. 32 and 33  illustrate the deformable latch system  400  in the closed configuration  40  and in the open configuration  70 . As the rail  4280  is rotated between the closed configuration  40  and the open configuration  70 , the energy absorbing member  4140  is also moved about the pivoting pin  190 . Upon an intrusion load F being placed upon the door  200 , a distal end  4144  slides along the rail  4280  and is guided by the rail  4280 . Energy is absorbed as the deformable member  4140  is stretched. The rail  4280  may further provide protection from cutting of the energy absorbing member  4140 . 
         [0162]    Turning now to  FIGS. 30 and 31 , yet another embodiment of a deformable latch system  500  is illustrated according to the principles of the present disclosure. The deformable latch system  500  is similar to the deformable latch system  400  except that a distal end  5144  of an energy absorbing member  5140  includes guiding features that are external to a rail  5280 . The rail  5280  therefor may omit internal guiding features found on the rail  4280 . 
         [0163]    Turning now to  FIGS. 38-42 , still another embodiment of a deformable latch system  600  is illustrated according to the principles of the present disclosure. The deformable latch system  600  is similar to the deformable latch system  100 . However, the energy absorbing member  6140  further includes a gripping portion  6160  at a distal end  6144  of the energy absorbing member  6140 . The gripping portion  6160  may be used to assist in removing the energy absorbing member  6140  from the catch member  220 . A hook  6228  of the deformable latch system  600  may extend around an angle greater than 180 degrees and thereby form a cusp that traps a loop  6148  within the hook  6228 . An operator may release the loop  6148  from the cusp of the hook  6228  by pulling on the grip  6160 . In addition, a housing  6280  (i.e., a cover) may include a slot that allows the hook  6228  to protrude through the cover  6280 . 
         [0164]    The energy absorbing members  140 ,  3140 ,  4140 ,  5140 ,  6140  may further include the following materials, either alone or in combination with other material or materials: 
         [0165]    Viton Extreme from DuPont; 
         [0166]    Tetrafluoroethylene Propylene, FEPM; 
         [0167]    Silicone Rubber, VMQ/PVMQ; 
         [0168]    Polyurethane Elastomer, AU or EU; 
         [0169]    Polysulphide Rubber, TR; 
         [0170]    Perfluoroelastomer, FFKM—known as the DuPont product Kalrez; 
         [0171]    Hydrogenated Nitrile Rubber, HNBR; 
         [0172]    Nitrile Butadiene Rubber, NBR; 
         [0173]    Fluorosilicone, FVMQ; 
         [0174]    Fluorelastomere, FKM/FPM, also known as Viton Elastomer by DuPont; 
         [0175]    Ethylene Propylene Copolymer EPM or EPDM; 
         [0176]    Epichlorhydrin (CO); 
         [0177]    Chlorosulphonated Polyethylene (CSM); 
         [0178]    Chloronated Polyethylene (CPE); 
         [0179]    Ethylene Acrylic, AEM; 
         [0180]    Alkyl Acrylic copolymer, ACM; 
         [0181]    Polychloroprene, CR; 
         [0182]    Chlorobutyl Rubber (CIIR); 
         [0183]    Isobutylene-isopropene copolymere (IIR); 
         [0184]    Polybutadiene (BR); 
         [0185]    Stryrene Butadiene (SBR); 
         [0186]    Synthetic cis-polyisoprene (IR); and 
         [0187]    Natural Cis-Polyisoprene (NR). 
         [0188]    In the embodiments described above, a spring material (e.g., spring steel, spring wire, etc.) may be embedded in the deformable members  140 ,  3140 ,  4140 ,  5140 ,  6140 . In certain embodiments, the spring material may be a wireform. In certain embodiments, the spring material may be a coil spring. In certain embodiments, the coil spring may operate as a tension coil spring when the intrusion load F is placed upon the door  200 . In certain embodiments, the coil spring may operate as a compression coil spring when the intrusion load F is placed upon the door  200 . By encapsulating (i.e., embedding) the spring material within the deformable members  140 ,  3140 ,  4140 ,  5140 ,  6140 , the deformable members  140 ,  3140 ,  4140 ,  5140 ,  6140  may provide a smooth and/or aesthetically pleasing appearance, at least when in normal use. Upon the intrusion load F being placed upon the door  200 , the spring material may serve as a reinforcing material to the deformable members  140 ,  3140 ,  4140 ,  5140 ,  6140 . In certain embodiments and/or under certain levels of the intrusion load F, the spring material may remain encapsulated in the deformable members  140 ,  3140 ,  4140 ,  5140 ,  6140 . In other embodiments, the intrusion load F may result in separation of the spring material from the deformable members  140 ,  3140 ,  4140 ,  5140 ,  6140  and energy may be absorbed by the action of the spring material separating from the deformable members  140 ,  3140 ,  4140 ,  5140 ,  6140 . 
         [0189]      FIGS. 43-67  illustrate additional embodiments of a deformable latch system  1400 / 1500 / 1600 / 1700 / 1800 / 1900  that are further described below. The deformable latch systems  1400 ,  1500 ,  1600 ,  1700 ,  1800 ,  1900  are suitable for encapsulation in the various materials listed above. 
         [0190]    Turning now to  FIGS. 43-45 , the deformable latch system  1400  will be described in detail. The deformable latch system  1400  includes a catch member  220 , a base  191 , and a spring assembly  1440 . The catch member  220  and/or the base  191  may be similar to and/or the same as the catch members and/or the bases described above. As mentioned above, the spring assembly  1440  may be encapsulated in one or more of the materials listed above. In other embodiments, the spring assembly  1440  may be used without encapsulation and/or without a housing (e.g., the housing  280 ). 
         [0191]    As depicted, the spring assembly  1440  is a compression spring assembly and is further illustrated at  FIGS. 64-67 . By being a compression spring assembly, the spring assembly  1440  places a compression spring  1450  in compression when the intrusion load F is placed upon the door  200 . In certain embodiments, the compression spring  1450  may bottom out upon a certain extension of the spring assembly  1440  being reached. In certain embodiments, the compression spring  1450  includes a substantially linear spring rate over a range of motion. In other embodiments, the compression spring  1450  may include a variable spring rate as the compression spring  1450  is moved about the range of motion. In certain embodiments, the spring rate of the compression spring  1450  may increase as the spring assembly  1440  is stretched by the intrusion load F being placed upon the door  200 . In certain embodiments, the compression spring  1450  may be preloaded (i.e., may include an initial pre-load) when the spring assembly  1440  is at an unloaded (i.e., a minimum extension length) configuration. 
         [0192]    As depicted at  FIGS. 64-67 , the spring assembly  1440  extends between a first end  1442  and a second end  1444 . At the first end  1442 , the spring assembly  1440  may define a pin-like structure  1446 . The pin structure  1446  may function similar to the pivoting pin  190 , described above, in relation to the base  191 . The second end  1444  of the spring assembly  1440  may define a loop  1448 . In certain embodiments, the loop  1448  may be open and thereby have a form of a hook. The loop  1448  may function similar to or the same as the loop  148  and/or the opening  149  of the energy absorbing member  140 , described above, in relation to the catch member  220 . 
         [0193]    The compression spring  1450  extends between a first end  1452  and a second end  1454 . In the depicted embodiment, the spring  1450  includes an opening  1456  that extends between the first end  1452  and the second end  1454 . 
         [0194]    The spring assembly  1440  further includes a base member  1460  and a loop member  1480 . As depicted, the base member  1460  includes the pin  1446  of the spring assembly  1440 , and the loop member  1480  includes the loop  1448  of the spring assembly  1440 . In the depicted embodiment, the base member  1460  and the loop member  1480  each reach through the opening  1456  of the spring  1450  and thereby attach to opposite ends  1452 ,  1454  of the spring  1450 . In particular, the base member  1460  includes a first end  1462  that corresponds with the first end  1442  of the spring assembly  1440 . The base member  1460  further includes a second end  1464  that attaches to the second end  1454  of the spring  1450 . The loop member  1480  extends between a first end  1482  and a second end  1484 . The second end  1484  of the loop member  1480  corresponds with the second end  1444  of the spring assembly  1440 . The first end  1482  of the loop member  1480  attaches to the first end  1452  of the spring  1450 . As depicted, the base member  1460  and/or the loop member  1480  may be made of a wireform. As depicted, the base member  1460  may include a pair of wireforms. 
         [0195]    Turning now to  FIGS. 46-49 , the deformable latch system  1500  will be described. The deformable latch system  1500  is similar to the deformable latch system  1400 , described above, in that it includes the catch member  220  and the base  191 . In addition, the deformable latch system  1500  further includes the pivoting pin  190 , the spring  180 , and a spring  1540 . In certain embodiments, the spring  180  and the pivoting pin  190  may also be included on the deformable latch system  1400 . The spring  180  and the pivoting pin  190  are described above and serve a similar purpose in the deformable latch system  1500 . The deformable latch system  1500  may further include the housing  280 , described above. In certain embodiments, the deformable latch system  1400  may also include the housing  280 . The housing  280  may serve a similar purpose in the deformable latch systems  1400 ,  1500 , as that described above. In addition, the housing  280  may serve as a guide to the spring  1540  and/or the spring  1450  or the spring assembly  1440 . 
         [0196]    As depicted, the spring  1540  extends between a first end  1542  and a second end  1544 . The first end  1542  of the spring  1540  may define an attachment  1546  to the pivoting pin  190 , and the second end  1544  may define a loop  1548 . As depicted, the spring  1540  is a tension spring. As the spring  1540  is a tension spring, the spring  1540  stretches (i.e., extends) when the intrusion load F is placed upon the door  200 . As depicted, the spring  1540  includes two coils joined by the loop  1548 . The spring  1540  may be formed of a single wire wireform. 
         [0197]    Turning now to  FIGS. 50-53 , the deformable latch system  1600  will be described. The deformable latch system  1600  is similar to the deformable latch system  1500 . However, the deformable latch system  1600  includes a spring  1640  with differences from the spring  1540 . In particular, the spring  1640  extends between a first end  1642  and a second end  1644 . The second end  1644  includes a loop  1648  with an open hook. The spring  1640  is illustrated with a single coil. 
         [0198]    Turning now to  FIGS. 54-56 , the deformable latch system  1700  is illustrated. The deformable latch system  1700  is similar to the deformable latch system  1600  but further includes the spring  180  and the housing  280 . 
         [0199]    Turning now to  FIGS. 57-60 , the deformable latch system  1800  is illustrated. The deformable latch system  1800  is similar to the deformable latch system  1600 . However, the deformable latch system  1800  includes a spring  1840  that is different from the spring  1640 . In particular, the spring  1840  includes a rectangular coil. 
         [0200]    Turning now to  FIGS. 61-63 , the deformable latch system  1900  will be described. The deformable latch system  1900  is similar to the deformable latch system  1800 . However, the deformable latch system  1900  further includes the housing  280  and the spring  180 . 
         [0201]    This application is related to U.S. Pat. No. 9,206,622, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The subject matter of U.S. Pat. No. 9,206,622 and the subject matter of the present patent application may be used on the same door  200  and/or door frame  300 . 
         [0202]    Features of the various embodiments disclosed herein may be mixed and/or matched to form new embodiments according to the principles of the present disclosure, where appropriate. It is understood that doors come in right hand and left hand varieties. Likewise, the deformable latch systems disclosed herein may be configured for right hand or left hand doors. In certain embodiments, the deformable latch systems may be dedicated to work with either a right hand door or a left hand door. In other embodiments, the deformable latch systems may be reconfigurable for use with a right hand door or a left hand door. 
         [0203]    Various modifications and alterations of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure, and it should be understood that the scope of this disclosure is not to be unduly limited to the illustrative embodiments set forth herein.

Technology Category: y