This invention relates to the reinforcement of doorways to prevent damage to and forced entry through the doorway, while facilitating the manual movement of the closure. The device is inserted in the doorway door jamb and possesses the means particularly adapted for cooperation with opening or closing movement of a door latching mechanism. The nature of the device allows for the latching and locking mechanisms to pass through the device and assist in restraining the latching and locking mechanism in the event that the bolt is forced back by extraneous means, while preventing damage to the closure. The device can also be sued to repair damaged door jambs by holding the damaged parts together while strengthening the damaged region.
The door jamb attachment specifically addresses deficiencies of prior art in the area by facilitating the latching mechanism of the door, allowing for easy installation, and not requiring disassembly of the decorative molding or destruction of existing wall structure.
The door jamb attachment was developed to counteract the growing threat of break-ins made easier by the abundant use of pre-hung entry doors with wooden jambs. Many of the jambs are built from finger-jointed wood which is not sturdy enough to withstand a forced entry blow, especially to the area in and around the latching and locking mechanism.
Several attempts have been made to develop a reinforcing mechanism for door jambs but all involve either the attachment of multiple pieces to the door jamb, the interference with the easy operation of the door's latching and locking mechanisms, or the disassembly and reassembly of the decorative molding and/or wallboard for proper installation.
In U.S. Pat. App. 20030159361, Yeremian discloses a reinforced doorjamb where two plates are used to reinforce the door. However, installation of the plates involves cutting open the wallboard to expose the interior side of the door jamb. The decorative molding and wallboard must be removed in order to attach the plates for reinforcing the door latch and bolt.
In U.S. Pat. App. 20030062731, Richmond et al. discloses an L-shaped elongated piece of steel which is secured to the door jamb area by removing the decorative molding and attaching tabs which comprise one part of the L-shaped elongated piece to the wall. The other portion of the L-shaped elongated piece protects the door jamb area that receives the latching and locking bolts.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,070,650, Anderson discloses two elongated metal plates, the first to be mounted to the door jamb latch and lock bolt receiving portion, while the second plate overlays the first plate and is also attached to the area beneath the decorative molding.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,566,509, Long discloses an elongated L-shaped piece of steel which is attached to the door jamb latch and lock bolt receiving portion of the door jamb, where the L-shaped portion is bent around the edge of the door jamb toward but not underneath the decorative molding. With this disclosure, and other L-shaped disclosures, the door is prevented from closing properly because the latching mechanism is not fed into the latch receiving portion of the door jamb as the door approaches the door jamb but instead rams against the L-shaped portion.
A door jamb enforcer for reinforcing door jambs to prevent forced entry through the doorway by strengthening the composite materials of the door jamb. The device is made of 14 gauge ASTM, A-36, Mild Steel with holes through which the latching and locking mechanisms of the door may pass, as well as smaller beveled holes into which screws attach the device to the door jamb. Further, the device is also formed so as to facilitate door latching mechanism closure. This device can also be used to assist in the repair of damaged door jambs by securing the damaged portions once they are placed back in position.
A door jamb enforcer to prevent forced entry comprising: a single piece of resistant material, front face, back, a formed edge that bends in from the plane of the rest of the face, holes to allow the attachment of the door jamb enforcer to a door jamb, and holes to allow the latching and locking mechanisms to pass through. The preferred embodiment of the door jamb enforcer, as detailed in
The door jamb enforcer is made by form pressing a piece of 14-gauge ASTM, A-36, Mild Steel of the appropriate length to shape it and create holes 6, 7 and fastening holes 8 as detailed in the preferred embodiment. Then, the door jamb enforcer is either coated with a desired color using powder-based paint or left uncoated.
The door jamb enforcer is attached to a door jamb along the latching or locking mechanism receiving side of the door jamb using threaded fasteners, typically 3 inch #8 screws (See