Patent Application
20140265358
There is a multitude of rationales for securing portals such as doors, gates, windows, or other fenestrations. Whether for security, privacy, or protection against the elements, most portals possess a feature that guards against their undesired opening. This is commonly accomplished by locking the portal or by barring it shut. Current technology includes ban in, a portal by placing a bar across the movable structure, or “door” portion of the portal, and then securing the bar to the nonmovable structure, or “wall” that is on either side of the portal. As each end of the bar is attached to the nonmovable structure such that the bar crosses over the entire width of the movable structure, it is thus “cross connecting.”
An inward- or outward-opening portal such as a door or gate can be barricaded from one side because the bar prevents it from swinging in that particular direction. An upward- or downward-opening portal such as a window or garage door can be barricaded similarly, with the additional step of securing the bar to not only the nonmovable structure, but to the movable structure as well; in this manner, the bar attaches the movable structure to the nonmovable structure to preclude opening of the portal.
While a cross connecting bar has the advantage of being much stronger than a lock, there are disadvantages as well. The most salient shortcoming of a cross-connecting bar is that the portal must be barred from the inside. That is, an individual cannot enjoy the security benefits of a cross-connecting bar while the individual is away from the premises. Similarly, an individual could easily become “locked out” if another person, already inside, bars the portal. Thus, it can be said that a cross-connecting bar is a “one-way” security device.
Thus, there is a need in the art for a cross-connecting locking apparatus that attaches to both the movable and nonmovable portal structure and that is remotely operable. Such an apparatus combines the strength of a cross-connecting bar with the “two-way” accessibility of a lock.
Embodiments of the subject invention relate to a cross connecting locking apparatus for portals such as doors, gates, entryways, entrances, hatches, ingresses, garage doors, windows, fenestrations, or any other sort of passageway situated in a larger nonmovable structure. Specific embodiments are remotely operated and can be locked or unlocked under a variety of environmental and/or user-activated triggering mechanisms.
In order that a more precise understanding of the above recited invention can be obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appended drawings. It should also be understood that the drawings presented herein may not be drawn to scale and that any reference to or implication of dimensions in the drawings or the following description are specific to the embodiments disclosed. Any variations of these dimensions that will allow the subject invention to function for its intended purpose are considered to be within the scope of the subject invention. Thus, understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered as limiting in scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:
Embodiments of the subject invention relate to a cross connecting locking apparatus for portals such as doors, gates, entryways, entrances, hatches, ingresses, garage doors, windows, fenestrations, or any other sort of passageway situated in a larger nonmovable structure. Specific embodiments are remotely operated and can be locked or unlocked under a variety of environmental and/or user-activated triggering mechanisms.
The following detailed description will disclose that the subject invention is particularly useful in the field of securing and weather-proofing a structure. Specific embodiments are directed toward use of the apparatus to bar a door. However, any other applications or uses for the apparatus that are apparent to a person with skill in the art and having benefit of the subject disclosure are contemplated to be within the scope of the present invention.
In the description that follows, a number of terms related to portals in general and doorways in particular are utilized. In order to provide a clear and consistent understanding of the specification and claims, including the scope to be given such terms, the following definitions are provided.
The term “movable structure” as used herein refers to the opening-and-closing component of a portal. This can include, but is not limited to, the portion of a door that is mounted to and swings on hinges, a window that slides up and down within a window frame, the portion of a garage door that goes up and down, and/or any other portal set within a structure or vehicle that is capable of being locked or barred with the embodiments of the subject invention.
The term “nonmovable structure” as used herein refers to that which surrounds the movable structure and through which the portal provides passage. This can include, but is not limited to, the wall in which an entryway or fenestration is set.
Also, as used herein, and unless otherwise specifically stated, the terms “operable communication,” “operable connectivity,” and “operably connected” mean that the particular elements are connected in such a way that they cooperate to achieve their intended function or functions. The “connection” may be direct, indirect, physical, or remote.
In addition, references to “first,” “second,” and the like (e.g., first and second motors), as used herein, and unless otherwise specifically stated, are intended to identify a particular feature of which there can be at least two. However, these references are not intended to confer any order in time, structural orientation, or sidedness (e.g. left or right) with respect to a particular feature. Further, references to “first” do not necessarily imply that there is at least two.
References to any particular portal species as used herein, such as a “door,” “window,” “entryway,” “gate,” or “ingress” are provided for example purposes only. Unless otherwise specifically stated, embodiments are not intended to be limited in application or scope to any particular species of portal which are apparent to a person with skill in the art and having benefit of the subject disclosure.
Finally, reference is made throughout the application to the “proximal end” and “distal end.” As used herein, the proximal end is that end nearest the center of the plate, where the master control unit is located. Conversely, the distal end of the device is that end at the outer span of the rail.
As used in the specification and in the claims, the singular for “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
In a specific embodiment, at least one mount 25 is attached to the nonmovable structure on each side of the portal where each mount 25 is configured to receive one of the bolts 15. When both bolts 15 are extended into their corresponding mounts 25, the mounts 25 keep the bolt 15 from going in a direction that would allow the movable structure to open, and the apparatus is said to be in the “locked” state. Similarly, when the bolts 15 are not extended into their respective mounts 25, the mounts 25 do no keep the bolts 15 from moving in a direction that would allow the movable structure to open. In a specific embodiment, where the bolts 15 not extended into their respective mounts 25, the bolts 15 are fully retracted into their corresponding bolt carriers 20, the apparatus is said to be in the “unlocked” state.
A specific embodiment can allow one bolt 15 at a time to be extended into the bolt's respective mount 25, such that when the bolt 15 that is on the side of a door that is not hinged to the door frame is extended into the bolt's 15 respective mount 25, the locking apparatus can provide fairly secure locking. In another embodiment where the locking apparatus is mounted on the side of a door and the door is hinged and designed to open toward the other side of the door, the locking apparatus shown in
The rail 10 can be mounted directly to the movable structure via one or more attachment mechanisms known in the art, such as via nails, screws, adhesive, and/or tape (e.g. double side tape). In another specific embodiment, the subject locking apparatus can incorporate a plate, where the plate is attached to the movable object and the rail 10 is interconnected to the plate such that the rail can, at least in one seating, be secured to the plate. In a specific embodiment, a plate and rail-plate interconnection system as taught in U.S. Pat. No. 6,932,394, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, can be incorporated with the subject locking apparatus. In a further specific embodiment, the mounts 25 taught in U.S. Pat. No. 6,932,394 can be incorporated with the subject locking apparatus.
In one embodiment, the apparatus is switched between the locked and unlocked state by a master control unit, or MCU 45, which can optionally accept input from a user. The MCU 45 controls at least one motor 30, and preferably a motor 30 for each bolt 15. The MCU 45 can control the motor via a motor control bridge 60.
In a specific embodiment, the motor is controlled by MCU 45 such that the motor can be controlled by one or more other circuits that can receive input from one or more timing devices, one or more sensors, and/or a user. The MCU 45 can serve to activate and deactivate the pair of motors 30 sequentially, in unison, or in accordance with some other activation pattern. Activation of the motor 30 can initiate either bolt extension or retraction. After the bolts 15 are extended or retracted accordingly, the MCU 45 can deactivate the motors 30. In this manner, the MCU 45 can control the duration of motor function, the distance of extension and/or retraction, and/or other parameters affecting the movement of the bolts 15. In a specific embodiment, the duration of motor activation depends on the desired distance of extension or retraction which in turn can depend on the spacing of the bolt carrier 20 from the mount 25, the spacing of the bolt carrier 20 to the non-movable structure, the relative position of the bolt 15 and bolt carriers 20, and distance the bolt 15 moves per length of time of motor activation. Some mounts 25 may be closer to the bolt carrier 20 than others and this distance is a function of the portal's particular geometry, e.g., the width of a door frame around a door, the relative position of the portion of the mount 25 that receives the bolt 15 and the base of the mount, the placement of the mount 25, and how far the distal end of the bolt carrier 20 is from the edge of the movable structure.
In a specific embodiment, the MCU 45 is enclosed in a case 50 that has a “lock” and “unlock” button on the exterior for operating the apparatus. Additional embodiments may include a case 50 that additionally encloses the motors 30, linear actuators 35, power source 40, bolt carriers 20, and/or the rail 10. A key fob, as shown in
In another embodiment, the apparatus is equipped with a sensor that is capable of counting the number of rotations of the linear actuator 35. The linear actuator's 35 rotation count mathematically corresponds to the length of extension or retraction of the bolts 15. This sensor reports this information back to the MCU 45, which during extension or retraction compares the rotation count against a predetermined number. This predetermined number is the number of rotations that correspond to the desired extension or retraction distance, and once the rotation count reaches this number, the MCU 45 shuts off the motors 30. In a specific embodiment, the sensor is a radial Hall effect sensor 53 and the MCU 45 can have a motor Hall effect counter 54.
The MCU 45 is located inside the locking bar apparatus. The MCU 45 can process, and perform all tasks required for the locking apparatus.
The two motor control bridge half-blocks 60 are responsible for controlling the direction of the bolt 15 movements.
The two motor control monitor half-blocks 63 provide the unit with information regarding the electrical current being drawn by either motor. These blocks can monitor motor health, status, as well as provide the unit with the ability to sense bolt 15 obstructions. These blocks can restore the bolts 15 to the door open state, thus allowing for the removal of the obstruction. This feature enhances the user's safety.
The motor position monitoring logic block 65 allows for the MCU 45 to have knowledge regarding the bolt 15 location at any given time. Coupled with the linear 52 and radial 53 Hall effect sensors, this block provides position information for the MCU. The input voltage monitoring block 67 allows the MCU 45 to monitor the battery state of charge. This also allows the MCU 45 to retract the bolts 15 in the event that the battery state of charge drops below a preset voltage, thus enhancing safety.
The USB port 70 allows the unit to connect to a computer during the set up process. The MCU 802.15.4 transceiver 56 is a wireless communications block for the locking apparatus. This allows the MCU 45 to take direction from the key fob 43.
A key pad input port 73 and key pad 74 can be used to access the door via a preset key code. This is a hardwired element that can ensure that the user can access their home even if they have lost or damaged the key fob 43.
The external key pad 74 allows the user to actuate the lock by entering a numeric code from the key pad 74 if the key fob is lost, damaged, or not conveniently available. In another embodiment, each bolt 15 houses a magnet that interacts with a linear Hall effect sensor 52 to detect the degree of extension of the bolt 15. In a further embodiment, there is both a linear Hall effect sensor 52 and a radial Hall effect sensor 53 that together enable accurate extension and retraction of the bolt 15.
In a specific embodiment, the power source 40 that can be used to drive the motors 30 is a rechargeable battery. The battery can have a charger that charges the battery while positioning the locking apparatus, or the battery can be removed to be charged. Specific embodiments can have an AC plug for power or an AC/DC converter that provides DC current from the output of an AC outlet. In a further embodiment, the MCU 45 is capable of detecting a low battery. When a low battery is detected, a signal can be provided, such as a beep. In a specific embodiment, when a low battery is detected the MCU 45 can activate unlocking the apparatus in response, thereby preventing a drained battery from rendering the device in an unresponsive locked state. In a specific embodiment, the locking apparatus can remain unlocked until the battery is above a second predetermined threshold of charge, even if the lock command is reversed. In a further specific embodiment, detection of low battery can trigger unlocking of the apparatus only when the device is in a certain state, such as “away from home”, but not trigger unlocking the device when in another state such as “at home”. In this way the user can avoid being locked out due to a drained battery, but can elect to have the door remain locked when home. The user can use a manual opening mechanism of the apparatus when home even if the battery is low or dead. Such a manual opening mechanism can incorporate an emergency spring-loaded release that pulls the entire motor 30, gearbox, and bolt 15 into an unlocked position with one quick hand release. In a specific embodiment, the manual opening mechanism is a center-mounted button that has an internal spring to apply constant outward force. The button separates two spring-loaded motors 30, which are restrained by a lip. Once the button is pressed, the lip holding the two spring-loaded motors 30 releases and the two motors 30 are forced inward toward one another, which assures that the bolts 15 are pulled out of the wall mounts 25 so that the door may be opened. In an embodiment, such a release complies with the National Fire Protection Life Safety Code for door hardware. In specific embodiments, the apparatus may be equipped with a battery charge level indicator that provides a helpful visual or auditory reference to the user as to the battery's current level of charge. A visual battery charge level indicator may include a four-bar style display, where each bar roughly corresponds to one quarter of the battery's capacity. A specific embodiment displays a digital value that represents the battery's current charge as a percentage of its total charge capacity. Specific embodiments employ an auditory cue, visual cue, text, phone call, email message, and/or a signal sent to a remote device, to alert the user to a low battery.
In a specific embodiment, the MCU 45 is configured to transmit and/or receive data with a remote device. In one embodiment, this remote device may be a sound speaker that emits a noise upon occurrence of a condition, such as the apparatus locking or unlocking, or the battery reaching a certain charge level. More advanced embodiments include a remote device that communicates with the MCU 45. Such devices may communicate wiredly or wirelessly, and include cell phones, key fobs, PDAs, computers, tablets, and other wired or wireless devices. Such a remote device can send one or more of the following commands: unlock, lock, check battery, switch to or out of “away from home” state, “at home” state, or other state, enable the locking apparatus to detect smoke alarms or not, or other signals. In a specific embodiment, the locking apparatus can be unlocked or locked after receiving specific voice commands, or can receive commands over the internet or by phone. This list of remote devices is not intended to be comprehensive and other remote devices which are apparent to a person with skill in the art are contemplated to be within the scope of the present invention. In other embodiments, the remote device issues to the user some sort of alert upon occurrence of a certain condition, such as the MCU 45 detecting a low battery charge level, or unlocking or locking of the apparatus. In a further embodiment, the user may remotely lock and unlock the apparatus with the remote device. If the remote device is lost or broken, a new remote device can be synchronized with the MCU 45 by having the new remote device signal the MCU 45, for example, by holding down a button on the MCU 45, or remote device, or both, to initiate passing of an identification address from the remote device to the MCU 45 and/or from the MCU 45 to the remote device. In this way, a user can re-key a new remote device to the same locking apparatus in case of loss or disablement of the old remote device, or desire for a duplicate or additional remote device.
In another embodiment, the motor 30 and linear actuator 35 achieve bolt 15 extension with a force that is limited in magnitude such that the pressure applied by the bolt 15 to an object, such as a users' finger, will not seriously injure the user's finger if the user's finger is placed in the gap between the bolt 15 and the mount 25. In a specific embodiment, such force results in a pressure at the tip of the bolt 15 of less than 5 lb/in2, less than 4.5 lb/in2, less than 4.0 lb/in2, less than 3.5 lb/in2, and/or less than 3.0 lb/in2. This safety feature is not to be limited to the user; non-users and animals are also contemplated, as is anything else apparent to a person with skill in the art. A specific embodiment incorporates a force sensor or an accelerometer 57 that detects, for example, tampering with the device and/or attempts at forceful entry and communicates this to the MCU 45. Upon receipt of such an indication by the force sensor or accelerometer 57, the MCU 45 can trigger an alert to the user, such as, an alarm (e.g., visual, audible and/or electronic message such as a text, email phone call) at the apparatus, at one or more other locations, and/or transmitted to the remote device or other electronic device.
Another safety-minded embodiment has a sound sensor capable of sensing an audible alarm issuing from an alarm device, such as a fire alarm, personal whistle, user's voice, fog horn, or other sound producing device that the sound sensor is configured to detect. When the audible alarm sounds, the sensor detects the audible alarm and communicates this to the MCU 45, which can unlock the apparatus, lock the apparatus, or lock or unlock the apparatus depending on the current lock status, apparatus mode or other setting, and/or the type of alarm. In a specific embodiment, the sensor is configured to detect the sound of a fire alarm inside of the dwelling in which the apparatus is positioned, and unlock the apparatus in the event that a fire alarm sound is detected. In further embodiments, the sensor can be configured to detect a fire alarm sound from a fire alarm outside of the dwelling, such as a hallway, and again unlock the apparatus so users in the dwelling can exit. Types of alarm devices include fire alarms, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and radon detectors, but other audible alarms that would be apparent to a person skilled in the art are also contemplated.
