Locks – Operating mechanism – Key
Reexamination Certificate
1998-12-23
2001-02-06
Gall, Lloyd A. (Department: 3627)
Locks
Operating mechanism
Key
C070S430000, C292S258000, C292S288000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06182485
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to latch and lock means, and more specifically to a portable strap for securing the deadbolt lock handle from within an occupied room. The present attachment comprises several embodiments of straps having various means of attaching around the deadbolt handle and around the shank or shaft of the adjacent doorknob.
2. Description of the Related Art
Exterior doors of homes, offices, and similar structures, as well as interior doors in hotel and apartment buildings and the like, are almost universally equipped with some form of locking means which generally immobilizes the rotating mechanism normally actuated by the doorknob to withdraw the tapered bolt from the striker plate. However, in many cases, such a lock system has been found to be insufficient, and an additional separate deadbolt lock has been added adjacent to the conventional locking doorknob latch assembly. Such deadbolts do not use tapered bolts, but rather are squared off, in order to be impossible to open by inserting a card between the edge of the door and the jamb, and working the tapered bolt back.
Such deadbolts are conventionally provided with a keyhole or the like on the exterior, so persons may access the conventional cylinder and pin type lock typically used in such deadbolt mechanisms. However, such deadbolt mechanisms are almost universally provided with a latch handle or similar means to lock and unlock the deadbolt from the interior of the structure, in order that persons within the structure can quickly evacuate the structure in an emergency, without having to locate a key for the deadbolt lock. Such deadbolts provide a significant increase in security, but nevertheless can still be opened by unauthorized persons, who may have a stolen key, or using an unauthorized master key, etc. The conventional cylinder and pin type lock mechanisms may also be vulnerable to picking without a key by skilled persons.
By definition, if the room or building is vacant of personnel, then there is no way to deter the unauthorized entrance of such a person into the area by picking or otherwise opening the deadbolt lock from the outside. However, typically such deadbolt locks are thought to add sufficient additional security, that typically no significant additional protection is provided for persons within the room or structure which has been locked from the inside by the deadbolt. Thus, a person sleeping in the room, or located in an area of the structure which is far removed from the bolted door, may not be aware of another person seeking unauthorized entry to the room or structure.
Accordingly, a need arises for an easy and economical means of securing a deadbolt handle from the interior of the door, in order to preclude unauthorized entry by other persons. The deadbolt security means must be completely portable so as to be conveniently carried by the user for use on any suitable door and lock assembly to which it is adapted. The device must provide a completely pick-proof means of assuring that the internal latch handle cannot move physically, thereby completely obviating any attempts to enter the area by picking the deadbolt lock or using a key in the lock. The present deadbolt security attachment secures between the shank or shaft of a doorknob near the deadbolt mechanism on the inside of the door, and completely prevents any movement of the deadbolt latch handle, which is positively connected to the deadbolt itself. It is significant to note that the present invention security device strap secures to the outer end of a deadbolt handle, thus changing the leverage point of the deadbolt handle from the center to an end of the handle; this provides maximum holding power with less force or pull being exerted by the user to place the security strap in the locking position. Even a key or picking instruments cannot provide sufficient torque or leverage to overcome the grip of the present security device when it is secured to the deadbolt latch handle.
A discussion of the related art known to the present inventor, and its differences and distinctions from the present invention, is provided below.
U.S. Pat. No. 619,035 issued on Feb. 7, 1899 to Thomas Craddock describes a Key Fastener for holding a key for a tumbler type lock in a generally horizontal position within the lock, to preclude turning the key and thus withdrawing the latch bolt. The device must secure through the open handle end of the key, rather than around a deadbolt latch handle, as with the present invention. The present security device is formed of a flexible strap devoid of rigid components, unlike the Craddock fastener.
U.S. Pat. No. 1,074,359 issued on Sep. 30, 1913 to Arthur M. Heimbaugh describes an Attachment For Keys, comprising a spring or band which is removably securable about the shank of a doorknob and a chain which is attachable to the cylindrical shaft of a key. The device does nothing to prevent the key from being turned within the lock or from being pushed from the lock. The sole function of the device is to secure the key adjacent to the lock, to prevent loss of the key.
U.S. Pat. No. 1,384,497 issued on Jul. 12, 1921 to Edwin F. Symons describes a Key Holder which is structurally and functionally similar to the device of the Heimbaugh patent discussed immediately above. As in the case of the Heimbaugh device, the Symons device does nothing to prevent the key from being turned in the lock or from being pushed from the lock.
U.S. Pat. No. 1,700,045 issued on Jan. 22, 1929 to Charles W. Hampton describes a Key Protector, comprising a thin metal strap which functions similarly to the Heimbaugh and Symons devices discussed above. Again, no means of preventing the key from being turned in the lock, or from being pushed from the lock from the opposite side, is provided by the Hampton device.
U.S. Pat. No. 1,955,430 issued on Apr. 17, 1934 to Isaac F. Lumb et al. describes a Key Fastener which connects between a key inserted in a tumbler lock and the shank of an adjacent doorknob. The device applies tensile force to the eye of the key handle. However, it appears that the device would rotate the key to a vertical, removable position, rather than precluding its turning.
U.S. Pat. No. 1,956,542 issued on Apr. 24, 1934 to Louis P. Wilson describes a Key Fastener comprising a hook formed of sheet metal, which hooks around the shank of a doorknob. The end of the hook is extended to fit through the eye of the handle end of a key, in the manner of the Craddock and Lumb et al. devices discussed above. The relatively rigid extension precludes the turning of the key relative to the doorknob shank above, to which the hook is secured to preclude turning the device itself. As in the case of the Craddock and Lumb et al. devices discussed above, the Wilson device is also inoperable in securing a deadbolt latch handle, as no means is provided for securing the device to the solid deadbolt handle to prevent its rotation.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,463,195 issued on Mar. 1, 1949 to Paul F. Mungan describes a Locking Device comprising a hasp type lock, similar to a bicycle lock, with a lockable but removable key operated locking mechanism which adjustably locks to the hasps. The opposite end is adapted to fit over a specifically sized and shaped deadbolt latch handle, to cover it completely. When the hasp and lock portion are secured over the shank of a doorknob, the deadbolt latch handle is completely protected and cannot be turned. The Mungan device is well adapted to preclude a person with access to the deadbolt latch handle from operating the handle and opening the door, e. g., by breaking a panel of the door and reaching through to operate the deadbolt latch. However, the Mungan device would preclude rapid exit from the room or structure in an emergency, whereas the present invention may be removed rapidly.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,641,812 issued on Jun. 16, 1953 to Charles Boudreau describes a Belt Fastener comprising a plate with one or more pins projecting therefrom, which plate is secure
Gall Lloyd A.
Litman Richard C.
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