Patent Application
20090134635
This invention relates to door bolt assemblies, more particularly, a door bolt assembly having a locking block which prevents loosening of an extension bolt located within the door bolt system.
Currently, door bolt assemblies, also known as extension bolts, are commonly used in doors to add an additional level of security, be it from outside intruders, severe weather conditions, etc., to one's home and/or business. The door bolt assemblies include a slidable extension bolt wherein a user manipulates a lever, which is commonly located at the top and/or at the bottom of a door, to extend the extension bolt through the door and partially into the frame surrounding the door. The use of such extension bolts reduces and/or eliminates the flexing of the “sail area” of the door, that is, the area of the door located between the door handle, the uppermost portion of an uppermost door hinge and the top of the door. Although the use of such door bolt assemblies adds an extra layer of security, there exists room for improvement.
For instance, most door bolt assemblies are faulty in that, over the course of time and use, the extension bolt to lever attachment becomes loose, thereby requiring repair, and possibly even replacement, of the door bolt assembly.
In addition, because most door bolt assemblies are only located at the top or bottom of a door, the integrity of the door lock itself is minimized as the door lock is unsupported.
Thus, a need exists for a durable door bolt assembly that safely secures a door in a closed, locked position while reducing and/or eliminating flexing of the sail area of the door.
The relevant prior art includes the following patents:
The primary object of the present invention is to provide a door bolt assembly that securely retains a door in a closed position under excessive force.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a door bolt assembly that reduces and/or eliminates the flexing of the sail area of the door.
An even further object of the present invention is to provide a door bolt assembly that is durable.
An even further object of the present invention is to provide a door bolt assembly that is easy to use.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a do or bolt assembly that provides additional support to a door top and a door lock.
The present invention fulfills the above and other objects by providing a door bolt assembly comprised of an actuating lever operably connected to a slidable housing, a locking block attached to the slidable housing and an extension bolt. The extension bolt, which may include at least one extension support tip attached thereto, extends a predetermined distance into the locking block and terminates within the locking block. The locking block, in turn, is attached to the slidable housing via a locking means, such as a bolt, and is held in a predetermined position by securing the locking means to the slidable housing.
To use the present invention, a person mounts the slidable bolt assembly at a predetermined location on the door, preferably above the door handle. Then, the person engages the bolt assembly by sliding actuating lever in a downward direction or disengages the bolt assembly by sliding the actuating lever in an upward direction. Because the extension bolt with or without the extension support tips, extends a predetermined distance from the door lock into the door frame, the integrity of the door lock is increased. In addition, because the extension bolt is secured within the locking block and the locking block is secured to the slidable housing via the locking means, rotation and movement of the locking block, and thus extension bolt, is prevented.
The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention should become even more readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings wherein there is shown and described illustrative embodiments of the invention.
In the following detailed description, reference will be made to the attached drawings in which:
For purposes of describing the preferred embodiment, the terminology used in reference to the numbered components in the drawings is as follows:
With reference to
Next,
A locking block 12 is secured to the slidable housing 11 via a locking means 15, which is preferably a bolt 16. The bolt 16, which has a head 17, extends through the locking block 12, through the first arm 13 and into the second arm 14 so as to maintain the locking block 12 in connection with the slidable housing 11.
The extension rod 6 is connected to the locking block 12 such that the extension rod 6 is operable in an upward and downward motion relative to the door 2 by moving the actuating lever 5. At least one extension support tip 7 may be attached to the extension rod 6 so as to provide an even greater reinforcement structure as compared to utilizing the extension rod 6 alone, as well as extending the length of the extension rod 6. Moreover, at least one extension support tip housing 8 may be utilized to provide even more support by surrounding the extension support tip 7.
The mounting plate 9 preferably includes at least one finger recess 18 located adjacent to the actuating lever 5 to permit a user to quickly and easily rotate the actuating lever 5 in an upward or downward motion.
With respect to
Next,
The extension rod 6 is secured within the extension rod retaining means 20 of the locking block 12, which is preferably a locking block recess 22. Because the extension rod 6 does not pass through the locking block 12 but rather terminates within the locking block 12, the pressure applied on the extension rod 6 will not cause the extension rod 6 to become loose over time as is the common occurrence with most door bolt assemblies. Rather, the extension rod 6 applies pressure on the locking block 12, and, because the extension rod cannot rotate further into the locking block 12, the extension rod 6 maintains its original position within the locking block 12.
The locking block 12 is secured to the slidable housing 11 via the locking means 15, which is preferably a bolt 16, that is inserted through a bolt retaining means 21, which is preferably a locking block aperture 23, into and through the first arm aperture 27 into a second arm recess 28. Although the bolt 16 is shown to extend into the second arm recess 28, the bolt 16 may terminate a predetermined distance above the second arm 14 (not shown).
Finally,
The use of the present invention will permit a user to safely secure a door in a closed, locked position while reducing and/or eliminating flexing of the sail area of the door.
It is to be understood that while a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement of parts herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and drawings.
