Patent Application
20190264465
The present invention pertains to the field of digital lock systems, and more specifically to the field of digital lock systems specially designed for a home's front and back doors and containing a built-in receiving unit that is operated by a corresponding remote control transmitter.
Ever since its first appearance nearly eighty years ago, wireless remote technology has continuously evolved to make many aspects of everyday life more convenient e first machines to be operated by remote control were used mainly for military purposes. Radio-controlled motorboats, developed by the German navy, were used to ram enemy ships in World War I. Twenty years later, radio controlled bombs and other remote control weapons were used in World War II. Once the wars were over, United States scientists began experimenting to find nonmilitary uses for the remote control. In the late 1940's automatic garage door openers were invented, and in the 1950's the first TV remote controls were used. Today, remote keyless entry is a standard option on most new automobiles. Whether changing television channels from the comforts of the couch, adjusting the volume on the stereo while lying in bed, or unlocking the car door while ten feet away from the vehicle, consumers have fully embraced, and have come to depend, on the remote control.
The prior art has put forth several designs for digital lock systems. Among these are:
U.S. Pat. No. 5,678,436 to Curtis Earl Alexander describes a remote control door lock system connectable to a door about a deadbolt lock for remotely unlocking or locking the deadbolt is provided. The remote control door lock system comprises: a housing mountable to a door about a deadbolt lock; an electric motor having a motor shaft mounted within the housing, the motor shaft being directed toward the deadbolt lock; a key frame rigidly connected to the motor shaft, the key frame is adapted for holding a deadbolt key, the key is operationally insertable into the deadbolt lock; a receiver switch mechanism in connection with the electric motor for selectively operating the electric motor; a power source in connection with the switching mechanism and t he electric motor; and a remote transmitter adapted to send a signal to the receiver switch for selectively operating the motor in a direction turning the key frame and the key in a direction to operate tie deadbolt lock.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,005,306 to Andrew M. Pickard describes a wireless remote control lock system for residential and commercial building pedestrian doors includes an electrically powered striker plate assembly having a striker plate member moveable between positions for engagement and disengagement with a door latch member. The striker assembly is adapted to be connected to a control unit which supplies low voltage DC power to the striker assembly and includes a radio frequency range signal receiver and a circuit responsive to receiving signals from an operator controlled radio transmitter to effect indefinite or momentary operation of the striker assembly to unlock a door. The control unit circuit includes a first self-latching relay, a selector switch and a second relay for selecting an operating mode of the system wherein the door may be unlatched momentarily (for about 3.5 seconds, for example) or indefinitely until a second signal is transmitted by the transmitter to the receiver.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,035,676 to Chad W. Hudspeth describes a system for remote operation of a deadbolt lock locks or unlocks a deadbolt associated with a door with a remotely-operated actuator that is operationally coupled to deadbolt. The system can convert an existing manually operated deadbolt into a remotely operated deadbolt by replacing an existing turnpiece associated with the manually operated deadbolt with a remotely operated actuator. Alternatively, the system can lock door of building by mounting system on or in either door or building. System can cooperate with other security systems in the building, including a siren or a window sensor.
None of these prior art references describe the present invention.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic lock system specially designed for a home's front and back doors and containing a built-in receiving unit that is operated by a corresponding remote control transmitter.
Please refer to the drawings.
As described in
The present invention is an Electronic Deadbolt and Key Fob specially designed for a home's front and back doors and containing a built-in receiving unit that is operated by a corresponding remote control transmitter. Sized to fit the standard cutouts on most doors, the deadbolt can be made of one-inch hardened steel, for example, and feature a combination of wood and plastic housing. A receiver circuit, along with a tuned frequency, is encased within the lockset's sturdy housing. In addition, a flashing, red light emitting diode (LED) can be incorporated into the design of the lockset to offer an indicator that the lock has been activated or disengaged. The key fob serves as the transmitter for the remote control and can be any suitable geometric configuration, such as rectangular in shape and resemble the standard keychain variety remote control devices common to automobiles, measuring approximately two and one half inches (2 ½″) in length and one and one quarter inches (1 ¼″) in width.
Located on the front panel of the key fob unit, two (2) buttons positioned side by side activate the system's lock/unlock capabilities. With a range of three (3) meters, the interior of the remote control components are comprised of a frequency generator. amplifier, internal antenna, and the required electrical/electronic components and circuitry, all encased within the key fob's durable plastic housing. For added convenience, the remote control key fob boasts a brilliant light emitting diode (LED) to serve as a handy flashlight. Both the receiver and transmitter are powered by a coin-cell type battery, and feature a red LED to indicate a low battery state.
Use of the Electronic Deadbolt and Key Fob is very simple and straightforward. First, fallowing package instructions, the user replaces existing door hardware with this product's deadbolt lock/receiver system. Once the lockset has been installed, the Electronic Deadbolt and Key Fob is ready for use. On the way out, the user presses the “Lock” button on the remote control to lock the door, ensuring no unwanted visitors enter while away. The companion receiving unit, or the lock itself, is tuned to the specific frequency generated by the transmitter unit. Upon reception of the signal generated by the transmitter, the circuitry in the receiver generates an ‘enable’ signal to a logic device (an ‘AND’ integrated circuit chip or comparable) which applies a voltage level to the deadbolt, causing the lock to fully engage. Upon returning home, the user unbolts the door from the driveway by pressing the “Unlock” button. In a manner similar to that described above, the lock disengages, granting quick and easy ingress to the home.
In a primary embodiment, shown in
As shown in
As shown in
In the primary embodiment, when lock button 38 of battery-powered key fob 20 is depressed, frequency generator 48 generates a unique frequency. This unique frequency is amplified by amplifier 52. The amplified frequency is transmitted by antenna 54. Receiver 18 of battery-powered deadbolt 10 receives this frequency, and triggers electronic lock cylinder 22 to extend or retract deadbolt 32 by any suitable means, such as magnetic or spring release. Additionally, battery-powered deadbolt 10 can be operated like a typical deadbolt, wherein the appropriate key is inserted into key cylinder 14 to engage a standard tumbler, cam bar, and shaft array to extend and retract dead bolt 32 to lock or unlock the door. Similarly, manual thumb turn 28 can be turned in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction to extend or retract deadbolt 32. When battery 24 is depleted to a certain percentage of its charge, low battery light 16 is illuminated to alert the user to this fact. Additionally, in low light conditions, light button 74 of battery-powered key fob 20 may be depressed to illuminate light emitting diode 36 and supply light for enhanced security.
Electronic Deadbolt and Key Fob offers consumers the ultimate combination of convenience and security for their homes. By providing an automatic, keyless means of locking and unlocking their front and back doors, Electronic Deadbolt and Key Fob fosters peace of mind in homeowners while allowing them to access and secure their homes with the simple press of a button, making it ideal for occasions when it is impractical or unsafe to fruitlessly fumble for a set of keys—whether in the dead of night, in inclement weather, or when at risk of mugging or attack.
There are several significant benefits and advantages associated with the Electronic Deadbolt and Key Fob. Foremost, the Electronic Deadbolt and Key Fob provides users with an automatic, keyless means of locking and unlocking their front and back doors. Combining the security of a deadbolt with the convenience of a remote control, the Electronic Deadbolt and Key Fob fosters peace of mind in homeowners while allowing them to both access and secure their homes with the simple pressing of buttons. In this manner, this product is ideal for occasions when it is not practical, or safe, to fruitlessly fumble for a set of keys. Whether coming home in a blinding snowstorm, the pouring rain, the dead of night, or even loaded down with grocery bags, the Electronic Deadbolt and Key Fob provides an expedient means of entering the house with barely a pause. Since no wiring is needed, this handy product can be easily installed with standard household tools. While the Electronic Deadbolt and Key Fob was primarily conceived with households in mind, businesses also appreciate the versatility of this product. Made of durable, high quality materials and components, the Electronic Deadbolt and Key Fob will withstand years of continued use.
Although this invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto and various modifications which will become apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.
This patent application claims priority under 35 USC 119 (e) (1) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/462,824 filed Feb. 23, 2017, of common inventorship herewith entitled, “Digi Lock,” which is incorporated herein by reference as though the same were set forth in its entirety.
