Closure fasteners – Bolts – Swinging
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-29
2001-06-12
Estremsky, Gary W. (Department: 3627)
Closure fasteners
Bolts
Swinging
C292S342000, C292S251500, C016S082000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06244636
ABSTRACT:
This invention relates to a door latch apparatus. More particularly, this invention relates to a door latch apparatus capable of being pivoted or moved between locking and non-locking positions.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Various apparatuses have been known to secure an inwardly swinging door in a closed position when an occupant of a room/dwelling is within the room/dwelling. Devices of this type include a slide bolt mounted on the inner surface of the door having an end which slides into a keeper mounted on the door frame. Also, conventional chain locks have been employed in apartments, hotel rooms, and the like. Such chain locks typically extend between the door and the adjacent door frame.
Unfortunately, conventional chain lock devices may be overcome by intruders who have access to or are carrying bolt cutters, chain cutters, or the like. Thus, hotel rooms and apartments including such chain locks have been susceptible to undesirable entry.
Another conventional apparatus typically utilized in hotel rooms comprises a latch swingable between locking and non-locking positions. Unfortunately, such devices suffer from numerous problems. For example, when one leaves a hotel room to get ice or a soda, one may often open the door, swing the latch into the doorway, and then allow the door to swing toward a closed position so that the latch keeps the door open while one is outside of the room. Such use can lead to door damage, intruders entering the room, latch damage, and the like.
Other door securing devices are set forth in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,027,908; 4,575,140; 5,360,245; and 5,462,319, the disclosures of which are all hereby incorporated herein by reference.
It is apparent from the above that there exists a need in the art for a door latch apparatus which is efficiently movable between locking and non-locking positions. There also exists a need in the art for a door latch device which cannot readily be used to prop open a door when the occupant leaves the room. Still further, there exists a need in the art for a door latch device which is efficient, simple, and/or not costly to manufacture.
It is a purpose of this invention to fulfill any or all of the above-described needs in the art, as well as other needs which will become apparent to the skilled artisan from the following detailed description of this invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of this invention is to provide a door latch apparatus which is easily moved between locking and non-locking positions.
Another object of this invention is to provide a door latch apparatus which is efficient and not particularly costly to manufacture.
Another object of this invention is to provide a door latch apparatus which is not easily useable to prop open hotel or apartment doors when the occupant is outside of the room/dwelling.
Another object of this invention is to provide a door latch apparatus which effectively locks a door against unwanted entry when the occupant is within the hotel or dwelling.
Another object of this invention is to provide a door latch which prevents the door from fully opening, yet still allows the door to be opened a crack so as to allow one within a hotel room or the like to talk to someone outside the door without letting them enter the room.
Another object of this invention is to provide a door latch which will retract out of the door opening when someone tries to use it to hold the door open.
Another object of this invention is to provide a special tool for unlocking such a door latch from outside of the room, in emergency situations when necessary.
Another object of this invention is to fulfill any and/or all of the above-listed objects.
This invention will now be described with respect to certain embodiments thereof, along with reference to the accompanying illustrations.
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Estremsky Gary W.
Nixon & Vanderhye P.C.
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