U.S. patent application number 09/725668 was filed with the patent office on 2001-10-11 for remote control lock device.
Invention is credited to Warmack, Tod.
Application Number | 20010027669 09/725668 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22666933 |
Filed Date | 2001-10-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010027669 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Warmack, Tod |
October 11, 2001 |
Remote control lock device
Abstract
The present invention is a remote control lock device that is
used with any type of rotating lock typically associated with
residential homes, offices, or the like. This device is a singular
unit utilized with a combination dead bolt mechanism and a key
operated lock. The locking device comprises a gear assembly having
an adapter coupled to the gear assembly and the conventional lock
mechanism. A motor assembly is coupled to the gear assembly.
Activation of the motor assembly will cause the rotation of the
gear assembly. Rotation of the gear assembly will force the adapter
to move, causing the conventional lock mechanism to rotate to a
desired position.
Inventors: |
Warmack, Tod; (Tallahassee,
FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Carnes, Cona & Dixon
Innovation Park
1673 West Paul Dirac Drive
Tallahassee
FL
32310-3763
US
|
Family ID: |
22666933 |
Appl. No.: |
09/725668 |
Filed: |
November 29, 2000 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09725668 |
Nov 29, 2000 |
|
|
|
09182066 |
Oct 27, 1998 |
|
|
|
6244084 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
70/257 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E05B 63/0004 20130101;
E05B 2047/0091 20130101; Y10T 70/7113 20150401; Y10T 70/5978
20150401; E05B 15/02 20130101; Y10T 70/7068 20150401; E05B 2047/002
20130101; Y10T 292/1021 20150401; E05B 47/0012 20130101; E05B
2047/0024 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
70/257 |
International
Class: |
B60R 025/04 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A locking system to be used in combination with a conventional
lock device having a deadbolt system and a doorknob system, said
locking system comprising: a first gear assembly coupled to a first
type lock mechanism in a conventional lock device; a second gear
assembly coupled to a second type lock mechanism in a conventional
lock device; a receiver is coupled to a control unit; a remote
control device; a transmitter is located within said remote control
device; a control unit controls said first gear assembly and said
second gear assembly for enabling said first type lock mechanism to
lock or unlock and said second type lock mechanism to lock or
unlock; and said transmitter sends a signal to said receiver for
activating said control.
Description
[0001] This is a Continuation-In-Part of application Ser. No.
09/182,066 filed Oct. 27, 1998.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to a remote control
lock device and more particularly to a remote control lock device
which can quickly and efficiently lock or unlock either a key lock,
dead bolt, or a combination thereof typically associated with lock
devices located in homes, offices and other application, by
utilizing a hand held remote control transmitter. The unit is
designed so as to be compatible with conventional locks on the
market and one which will utilize a gear system for adequately
engaging and disengaging the locking unit of a conventional door,
while still provide for a compact, non-obtrusive and aesthetically
pleasing product.
[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] Over the years, incidents relating to home burglaries and
theft have steadily grown. This increase has concerned the consumer
and these concerns have lead them to invest in more elaborate home
safety devices, including the use of dead bolts, burglar alarms, a
combination thereof, or the like. Though these devices are known to
work successfully, they may not offer the needed protection for
some consumers. For example, some consumers do not have their keys
ready for insertion into the lock and many find themselves
searching through their belongings in hopes of finding their keys
quickly. This pause in opening the door is a perfect invitation to
a thief, robber or the like for jumping, attacking, harming and/or
robbing the individual.
[0006] In other situations, some may have their hands full of
groceries, a child, or the like. This causes their hands to be
occupied and unavailable to quickly and efficiently unlock the
door. A typical, yet dangerous, scenario.
[0007] As such, devices have been developed to assist the consumer
and to inherently decrease the time needed to enter a home. One
such device is a keyless entry dead bolt lock disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,531,086 issued to Bryant. In this patent, the dead bolt
locking system includes an actuator, which is coupled to a
conventional dead bolt mechanism via a connection rod. The actuator
is controlled by way of a motor. This motor is electrically and
mechanically connected to a receiver. In operation, a signal from a
transmitter is sent to the receiver. This receiver activates the
actuator, which pulls the connecting rod. This pulling of the
connecting rod will inherently cause the dead bolt to rotate.
Though this design will allow for the dead bolt to operate via a
remote control unit, this system does suffer some shortcomings. One
such shortcoming is that this configuration requires the device to
extend horizontally across the door. This horizontal displacement
can be obtrusive and bulky, thereby producing a product, which is
not aesthetically pleasing, something undesirable by many
consumers. In addition, the design and configuration of the
connecting rod to the conventional dead bolt and actuator is such
that after extended use, it may dislodge therefrom. This
dislodgment will defeat its intended purpose. Further still, this
system is solely utilized for dead bolts and does not address other
locking systems typically used in a home, office or the like.
[0008] Accordingly, it is seen that there exists a need for a
system which can be installed and/or retrofitted easily and quickly
to any existing door lock system, typically associated with homes,
offices, or the like. Such a device should produce successful
results without being obtrusive and bulky when installed.
[0009] As shown, none of these previous efforts provide the
benefits intended with the present invention as identified by the
needs above. Additionally, prior techniques do not suggest the
present inventive combination of component elements as disclosed
and claimed herein. The present invention achieves its intended
purposes, objectives and advantages over the prior art device
through a new, useful and unobvious combination of component
elements, which is simple to use, with the utilization of a minimum
number of functioning parts, at a reasonable cost to manufacture,
assemble, test and by employing only readily available
material.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention is a remote control lock device that
is designed and configured to be used on any type of rotating lock
typically associated with residential homes, offices, or the like.
This device is a singular unit that is utilized with a combined
dead bolt mechanism and key operated lock, generally those
associated with residential homes, business or the like. In use,
the system is a unit that can easily be attached to an existing
door so as to provide for a kit that can be retrofitted and coupled
to an existing dead bolt lock, a key operated lock, or a
combination thereof, so as to provide for an aesthetically
pleasing, as well as efficient system.
[0011] The unit is specifically designed with an adjusting
mechanism so as to enable the product to be acceptable to all types
and style of locks, regardless of the distance between the deadbolt
and turnkey. This will provide for the particular unit to be
structured so as to be compact in size and dimension and to provide
for a final product that is effective, successful, and
non-obtrusive.
[0012] The present invention is a singular unit that is designed
and configured to be coupled to a deadbolt and a doorknob lock
mechanism. When coupled to the door knob lock mechanism, the
present invention will control the locking mechanism and not the
door knob itself, so as to provide for the knob to rotate freely
and not prevent normal use of the knob.
[0013] In use, each lock, the dead bolt and doorknob lock mechanism
will be coupled to a gear assembly. This will provide for a
separate gear assembly coupled to the dead bolt and a separate gear
assembly coupled to the door knob lock. Each gear assembly is
controlled via a conventional motor. A linking finger couples the
gear assembly to its respective lock. This linking finger provides
for the rotation of the particular conventional existing lock
mechanism. Thus, the linking finger will provide for the rotation
of the locking mechanism of the dead bolt and the doorknob.
[0014] To activate the unit a remote control is used. When it is
desired to unlock or lock the conventional locks, the remote
control unlock triggering mechanism is activated. During the
unlocking/locking activation, the motor of each respective assembly
is rotated in a desired direction. This will cause the respective
gear assemblies to rotate, inherently causing the linking finger of
each assembly to rotate and cause the conventional lock to turn,
and subsequently unlock. Inherently cause the second gear to rotate
and cause the rotation to reach the third or the control gear.
Rotation of the control gear will provide for the member located
within the channel to revolve, consequently causing the finger, and
ultimately the lock mechanism to turn.
[0015] For ceasing rotation of each assembly, conventional cams are
secured to each gear assembly. Once the cam communicates with a
micro-switch, the system of the present invention will be aware
that the lock is in either a locked or unlocked position, and thus
terminate the rotation process, by disabling the motor.
[0016] Accordingly, it is the object of the present invention to
provide for a remote control lock device which will overcome the
deficiencies, shortcomings, and drawbacks of prior lock devices,
remote control lock devices and methods thereof.
[0017] Still another object of the present invention is to provide
for a remote control lock device that is easy to use, successful in
operation, non-obtrusive and aesthetically pleasing.
[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide for a
remote control lock device that locks and unlocks any style or type
of rotating lock and which will also operate independently from the
remote control device.
[0019] A further object of the present invention is to provide a
remote control lock device that can be retrofitted and installed to
existing and conventional locks, typically associated with
residential homes, offices, or the like, and without marking or
marring the existing door.
[0020] Still a further object of the present invention, to be
specifically enumerated herein, is to provide a remote control lock
device in accordance with the preceding objects and which will
conform to conventional forms of manufacture, be of simple
construction and easy to use so as to provide a device that would
be economically feasible, long lasting and relatively trouble free
in operation.
[0021] Although there have been some inventions related to a remote
control lock device, none of the inventions utilize a rotating
means nor do the inventions address key locks, typically associated
with knobs of the door. The present invention is simple in design,
compact in size, economically feasible, and easy to install and
maintain. Installation for retrofitting the unit to an existing
lock requires a minimal amount of training to successfully
complete.
[0022] The foregoing has outlined some of the more pertinent
objects of the invention. These objects should be construed to be
merely illustrative of some of the more prominent features and
application of the intended invention. Many other beneficial
results can be obtained by applying the disclosed invention in a
different manner or modifying the invention within the scope of the
disclosure. Accordingly, a fuller understanding of the invention
may be had by referring to the detailed description of the
preferred embodiments in addition to the scope of the invention
defined by the claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] FIG. 1 is a side view of the remote control lock device
attached and used with a conventional door knob and conventional
dead bolt lock, with the cover attached thereto, illustrating the
cavity within the cover that maintains the power source used with
the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 2 is a side view of the remote control lock device
attached and used with a conventional doorknob and conventional
dead bolt lock.
[0025] FIG. 3 is a top view of the remote control lock device,
having the cover removed therefrom, illustrating the internal
mechanism of the gear assembly of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 4 is a top planar view partially illustrating the first
gear assembly, used in the present invention, utilized to control
the rotation of the lock assembly of a conventional deadbolt.
[0027] FIG. 5 is a top planar view of the first gear and second
gear assembly, used in the present invention, utilized to control
the rotation of the lock assembly of a conventional deadbolt.
[0028] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the first gear assembly,
used in the present invention, with the motor removed, which is
utilized to control the rotation of the lock assembly of a
conventional deadbolt.
[0029] FIG. 7 is a top planar view of a partial illustration of the
components used in the first gear assembly of the present
invention, utilized to control the rotation of the lock assembly of
a conventional deadbolt.
[0030] FIG. 8 is a top planar view of the second gear assembly,
used in the present invention, with the motor removed, which is
utilized to control the rotation of the lock assembly of a
conventional doorknob.
[0031] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the second gear assembly,
used in the present invention, utilized to control the rotation of
the lock assembly of a conventional doorknob.
[0032] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the motor and the remote
control device used with the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the adapter secured to the
conventional rotating mechanism of the conventional deadbolt
assembly and used with the remote control lock device of the
present invention.
[0034] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the adapter secured to the
conventional rotating mechanism of the conventional doorknob
assembly and used with the remote control lock device of the
present invention.
[0035] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the cover illustrating the
housing used for maintaining the power source.
[0036] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the cover used with the
present invention.
[0037] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the cover used with the
present invention.
[0038] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the brackets secured to the
modular of the present invention.
[0039] Similar reference numerals refer to similar parts throughout
the several views of the drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0040] The present invention is a remote control lock device
designed and configured to manipulate and control the lock
mechanism in a conventional deadbolt and conventional doorknob lock
assembly. With reference to the drawings and in particular to FIGS.
1-16, there is shown the present invention, known as a remote
control lock device, designated by reference numeral 10. This
particular apparatus is designed to be secured to the interior area
of a conventional door so as to be coupled with the locking
mechanism of the conventional doorknob and dead bolt. This will
provide for an apparatus that will control the lock mechanism, yet
still allow for free rotation of the conventional knob. Thus,
providing for a lock assembly that solely controls the lock
mechanism.
[0041] As seen in these figures, the present invention is a remote
control lock device 10 having a modular unit 12. This modular unit
houses all the components of the present invention. Located in the
module unit 12 is a conventional receiver (R) that can receive
signals from a conventional remote control unit (RC). In essence,
the conventional receiver (R) receives a transmitted signal via the
remote control unit RC (transmitter). Upon receiving the signal,
the present invention 10 is activated and enables the locks to
rotate accordingly, either in a lock position or an unlock
position.
[0042] The module unit 12 is designed to be coupled to the interior
surface of the existing door. This will provide for the module unit
12 to be sandwich between the interior surface of the conventional
door D and the interior hardware used with the conventional lock
assemblies. Such an arrangement will also enable the conventional
lock mechanism of the dead bolt and doorknob to extend partially
through the present invention 10.
[0043] In order to attach the module unit 12 to the existing locks,
this module unit 12 includes an upper section and a lower section.
Secured to the rear of each section is a mounting bracket 14 (see
FIG. 16). The mounting bracket 14, for the upper section is a plate
having a central channel 16 and two side channels 18, The central
channel 16 is alienable with the rotating shaft (mechanical
rotation portion) of the deadbolt. The side channels 18 are
configured so as to align with the existing holes (illustrated, but
not labeled) of a conventional deadbolt lock assembly. Screws or
the like are inserted into the channels 18 and then into the holes
located in the conventional deadbolt lock assembly in order to
secure the mounting bracket to the deadbolt assembly. The use of
channels allows for the user to slide the module so as to
accommodate the various lengths between the deadbolt and doorknob.
In this configuration it is seen that the modular is not attached
to the door, but rather to the lock mechanism so as to avoid
marring and marking the door.
[0044] Apertures extend through the upper portion of the modular
unit. These apertures correspond to the central channel and side
channels respectively. Hence, when attaching the unit to the
conventional lock, the screws are inserted into the apertures of
the modular unit, through the channels and into the existing
aperture of the conventional deadbolt.
[0045] The lower portion of the modular unit includes a mounting
bracket 20 having a central aperture 22 and outer side apertures
24. The central aperture 22 is used for receiving the conventional
turn shaft of the conventional doorknob and the outer apertures 24
are used for securing the lower portion of the modular unit to the
lock. The outer apertures are alignable with the existing apertures
of a conventional knob of a conventional door. For securement,
threaded screws or the like are inserted into each side aperture 22
and extend into the aligned and existing apertures of the
conventional doorknob lock assembly. Thereby, providing for the
lower portion of the modular unit to be secured to the knob lock
itself and not the door. This arrangement prevents marring and
marking the conventional door. Optionally, the bracket can include
additional apertures that are disposed. This will provide for a
plurality of apertures (four) that are symmetrically disposed with
respect to the central aperture. This is done so as to permit for
any type of lock to be secured to the conventional door assembly.
Generally, the holes are located either vertically and linearly or
horizontally and linearly. The use of two sets of apertures will
allow for either type of configuration (vertical and linear or
horizontal and linear).
[0046] Corresponding to the apertures extending through the bracket
secured to the lower portion of the modular unit are apertures
extending through the lower portion of the modular unit. These
apertures correspond to the central aperture and side apertures
respectively. Hence, when attaching the unit to the conventional
doorknob lock, the screws are inserted into the apertures of the
modular unit, through the apertures of the bracket and into the
existing aperture of the conventional doorknob.
[0047] It is noted, the mounting brackets, 14 and 20, respectively,
used in the modular unit can be eliminated. The upper portion of
the modular unit will include channels that are shaped and
configured substantially the same as the channels located in the
bracket. The apertures in the lower portion of the modular unit
would remain the same.
[0048] To protect the door further, the back surface of the module
unit can include spacers. These spacers will prevent the module
unit from contacting the door. This will further protect the door
from damage and possible marring.
[0049] A first gear assembly is used for controlling the rotation
of the locking shaft of the conventional deadbolt. Thus providing
for the gear assembly to rotate in a first direction for unlocking
the deadbolt, and rotating in an opposite direction for unlocking
the door. This gear assembly as seen in FIGS. 3-6 comprises a first
conventional motor 26a that is mounted to the upper modular unit
12. To aid in securing the motor to the modular unit, the motor is
encased in housing 28a. Secured outwardly from the housing are
flanges 30a. Extending through the flanges are orifices
(illustrated, but not labeled). Internally threaded rods 32a (see
FIGS. 4 and 6) extend upwardly from the upper modular unit 12. For
securing the motor to the modular unit, the orifices are aligned
with the internally threaded rods 32a; screws or the like are
inserted therethrough for securement.
[0050] The motor 24a is conventional and includes a shaft. The
shaft includes an outer end that is shape as an auger 26a (see FIG.
10). This auger 26a contacts and engages a first rotating gear 28
that is fixed to the modular unit. This gear is maintained to the
modular unit via a shaft 34a. Thus, the shaft extends centrally
through the gear to provide for the gear to be secured to the
modular unit, while enabling the gear to rotate freely about the
fixed shaft. As seen, to stabilize the motor, a flange portion of
the housing of the motor extends over and is secured to this axle.
As seen, the flange portion will not contact any portion of the
gear assembly, thus allow the gears to rotate freely and without
obstruction.
[0051] This first rotating gear 28 is coupled to a gear shaft 30 to
provide for the rotating gear 28 to be located under the gear shaft
30. Contacting and engaging the gear shaft 30 is a second gear or
linking gear 32. This linking gear is secured to the modular unit
12 via axle 34b, thus providing for the second gear to be secured
to the modular unit and rending a gear that can rotate freely about
the shaft. Secured to the linking gear is a second gear shaft 36.
This second gear shaft is coupled to a control gear 38.
[0052] This control gear 38 is centrally located around the
conventional axle of the deadbolt unit, via the central opening
illustrated, but not labeled, but is not coupled to the
conventional axle of the deadbolt unit. Rather, the gear is
maintained to the modular unit so as to be centrally located in
respect to the deadbolt assembly. As seen in the drawings, outward
flanges from the central aperture maintain the gear to the modular
unit. Thereby providing for the control gear to be fixed to
modular, yet still be free to rotate above the central point of the
conventional locking mechanism. The control gear further includes a
channel 40a. This channel 40a receives an adapter or finger, which
is coupled to the rotating lock mechanism of the conventional
deadbolt. Upon rotation of the control gear, the channel moves the
adapter or finger, which will consequently forces the lock
mechanism to turn to a desired direction. This adapted is
illustrated and discussed in further detail in FIG. 12.
[0053] The control gear 38 controls the direction of rotation by
having a plurality of cams 42a and 42b located thereon. Each cam
represents a lock or unlock status. Thus, a lock cam is located on
one side (42a or 42b, dependent on the type and style of deadbolt
being utilized) while an unlock cam (42a or 42b, dependent on the
type and style of deadbolt being utilized) is located on the
opposite side of the control gear. A micro-switch 44a is located in
proximity to the control gear and is in engageable contact with
each cam. Accordingly, in operation, rotation of the gear will
cease upon the contact between the particular cam and the
micro-switch. For example, if the deadbolt is in an unlock position
and the user wants to lock the unit, the motor will run and
continue to run until the micro-switch engages the lock cam. Once
contact is made, the control gear ceases rotation. It is noted that
a second micro-switch 44b can be provided for accommodating various
styles of locks and rotation pattern.
[0054] Extending through the control gear is a pair of apertures
46. These apertures are alignable with the apertures that extend
through the modular unit 12 and the channels that extend through
the mounting bracket 14.
[0055] For controlling rotation of the locking mechanism of the
conventional doorknob, a doorknob gear assembly is utilized. Thus
providing for the gear assembly to rotate in a first direction for
unlocking the deadbolt, and rotating in an opposite direction for
unlocking the door. This door knob gear assembly as seen in FIGS.
3, 5, 7-9 comprises a second conventional motor 26b that is mounted
to the lower modular unit 12, in a similar fashion and
configuration as the motor of the first gear assembly. Accordingly,
to aid in securing the second motor 26b to the modular unit, the
motor is encased in a second housing 28b. Secured outwardly from
the housing are flanges 30b. Extending through the flanges are
orifices (illustrated, but not labeled). Internally threaded rods
32b extend upwardly from the upper modular unit 12. For securing
the motor to the modular unit, the orifices are aligned with the
internally threaded rods 32b; screws or the like are inserted
therethrough.
[0056] In the second gear assembly, secured to the axle of the
second conventional motor 26b is an auger. This auger is in
communication with a first gear 48. This first rotating gear 48 is
fixed to the modular unit via an axle 50. Thus the axle extends
centrally through the gear to provide for the fixed status, yet
allowing the gear to rotate freely about this axle. As seen, to
stabilize the second motor 26b, a flange portion of the housing of
the second motor extends over and is secured to this axle. As seen,
the flange portion will not contact any portion of the gear
assembly, thus allow the gears to rotate freely and without
obstruction.
[0057] The first gear 48 includes a gear shaft 50. This will
provide for the gear shaft to be located above the first gear. The
gear shaft 50 is coupled to the main gear or control 52.
[0058] The control gear 52 is centrally located around the
conventional axle of the doorknob unit via the central opening
illustrated, but not labeled, and is not coupled to the
conventional axle of the doorknob unit. Rather, the gear is secured
so as to be centrally located in respect to the doorknob assembly.
As seen in the drawings, outward flanges from the central aperture
secure the control gear 52 to the modular unit. Thereby providing
for the control gear to be maintained to modular unit, yet still be
free to rotate above the central point of the conventional locking
mechanism, by providing rotation about the outward flanges. The
control gear further includes a first channel 54a and a second
channel 54b. An adapter or finger will extend into the first
channel or second channel. The location of the finger into the
appropriate channel is dependent upon the type and style of lock
current installed on the door, such as locks made by SCHLAGE, TITAN
and KWIKSET. The channels 54a and 54b receive the adapter or finger
that is coupled to the rotating lock mechanism of the conventional
doorknob. Upon rotation of the control gear, the channel forces the
adapter or finger to rotate. Upon rotation of the adapter, the lock
mechanism will inherently turn to the desired direction. This
adapter is illustrated and discussed in further detail in FIG.
11.
[0059] Grooves 56 are also located within the control gear and are
located in proximity to the channels. These grooves 56 are for
exposing the plurality of apertures that extend through the module
unit and second bracket. These grooves will enable the second
support brace to be secured to the conventional doorknob lock
assembly and yet provide for the screws inserted therein to be
located under the gear, so as to be non-obtrusive. During
activation, the motor will cause the gear shaft to rotate. The
rotation of the gear shaft will provide for the first gear to
rotate. The rotation of the first gear causes the gear shaft to
revolve, intrinsically causing the linking/activation gear to
rotate. Rotation of the control gear will commence once the second
shaft gear rotates. Rotation does cease via conventional means.
[0060] As seen in the figures, secured in proximity to the control
gear 52 controls the direction of rotation by having two sets of
cams 58a and 58b, located thereon. Each set of cams represents a
lock or unlock status, dependent upon which channel is utilized.
Thus, a lock cam from one set is located on one side (dependent on
the type and style of doorknob lock device being utilized) while an
unlock cam (dependent on the type and style of doorknob lock being
utilized) is located on the opposite side of the control gear. A
micro-switch 60a and 60b is located in proximity to the control
gear and is in engageable contact with each set of cams.
Accordingly, in operation, rotation of the gear will cease upon the
contact between the particular cam of a particular set and the
particular micro-switch. For example, if the doorknob lock device
is in an unlock position and the user wants to lock the unit, the
motor will run and continue to run until the micro-switch engages
the lock cam. Once contact is made, the control gear ceases
rotation.
[0061] It is noted that the gear assembled that is coupled to the
doorknob lock device controls the lock assembly and not the
doorknob itself. Thus the gear assembly operates separately and
independently from the doorknob system.
[0062] In the first and second assemblies, gear shaft are used as a
way of saving space. This will provide for gears to overlap each
other while avoidance contact therebetween. Thus, the use of gear
shaft enhances the final product by enabling the product to be
reduce in over size and shape so as to provide for a non-obtrusive
assembly.
[0063] Adapters and/or fingers are used to enable the locking
mechanism of the conventional door locks to turn and rotate. These
adapters are coupled to the control gear of each gear assembly and
to the locking mechanism of each conventional door lock.
[0064] FIG. 11 illustrates the adapter, which is used with the
conventional deadbolt lock of the present invention. As shown, the
adapter 62a is a hollow tubular structure having a first side 64, a
second side 66, and a center portion 68. Extending through the
adapter 62a is a center core 70 that is substantially the same
shape as the conventional locking shaft (mechanism) of a
conventional deadbolt. An L-shape member or finger 72 extends
outwardly and downwardly from the center portion 68 of the adapter
62a. This L-shape member or finger 72 is received within the
channel of the control gear 68. The first end 74 of the adapter 62a
will receive the conventional lock shaft of the conventional
deadbolt lock. The second end 76 will receive the interior door
components (turn knob mechanism). This arrangement will provide for
the adapter 62a to be sandwich between and coupled to the lock
mechanism and the interior hardware of the conventional
deadbolt.
[0065] The doorknob adapter 62b is illustrated in FIG. 12 and
includes two elements, the interior portion 78a and an exterior
portion 78b. It is noted that the interior portion and the exterior
portion can be coupled to each other for forming a singular and
integral structure. The interior portion 78a is used for coupling
the lock mechanism to the interior hardware of the conventional
doorknob. The exterior portion 78b is designed so as to prevent the
knob from turning, when activating the present invention, so as to
solely render rotation of the lock mechanism.
[0066] As such, the interior portion 78a is an elongated member
having a first end 80 and a second end 82. The second end is a
solid shaft for receiving the core of the conventional doorknob
lock assembly. The first end 80 is hollow and receives the lock
mechanism of the conventional doorknob. Located between the first
end and the second end is a "h" shape member or finger 72 which
will be received within the particular channel of the control gear
for the doorknob lock assembly.
[0067] The exterior portion 78b includes a hollow tubular member 84
having a central core 86. This center core 86 will receive the
interior portion 78a. Extending outwardly from the interior area of
the central core 86 is a C-shape flange 88. Extending outwardly
from the opposite side of tubular member 84, exteriorly from the
core, is a second C-shape flange, illustrated, but not labeled,
which is substantially shorter in length than the first flange
member.
[0068] When the interior portion 78a is located within the core 86,
the finger 72 will extend outwardly from the second C-shape flange
90. The first C-shape flange is used as a stop, and is located
oppositely from the turning mechanism of the conventional doorknob.
This first C-shape flange 88 will prevent the knob mechanism from
turning, yet, the interior portion 78a will still be free to rotate
within the center core 86 of the exterior portion 78a.
[0069] It is noted that the interior portion can be eliminated
dependent on the lock being utilized.
[0070] Centrally located on the module unit 12 is a removable
housing 92. This housing is designed and configured to house and
maintain batteries for powering the electrical components of the
present invention. A control unit 94 is located above the housing
and is non-removable. This control unit 94 comprises a circuit
board that houses the electrical components and circuitry for
adequately operating the present invention.
[0071] A remote control unit RC is used to send a signal to the
receiver R. Once a signal is receive, the receiver will cause the
control unit to activate the motors simultaneously. Optionally, the
remote control unit RC and control unit can include options for
controlling which lock to operate. Activation of the control unit
will cause the locks to unlock or lock, as desired by the user.
[0072] For protection the components, a cover C, as seen in FIGS.
14-15, is provided and is placed over the side walls of the modular
unit 12. The cover is slidably and securely mounted to the modular
unit once it is assembled. This cover will protect and conceal the
components of the assembly to provide for an aesthetically pleasing
product. As seen, the cover includes an upper section 96 and a
lower section. The upper section includes an opening 98a for
receiving the interior elements of the conventional deadbolt
assembly. Though not illustrated, a brace or the like can extend
across the opening for providing a means of securing the interior
components of the deadbolt to the cover or housing C. This brace
would be integral with the housing and will include threaded
apertures for threadably securing the conventional element to the
cover.
[0073] The lower portion includes an additional opening 98b for
receiving the interior elements of the conventional doorknob
assembly. Though not illustrated, a brace or the like, can extend
across the opening for providing a means of securing the interior
components of the doorknob to the cover or housing C. This brace
would be integral with the housing and will include threaded
apertures for threadably securing the conventional element to the
cover.
[0074] Since the first portion is slideably secured to the second
portion, an inherent adjusting length is provided. This inherent
adjusting length provides the user to attach the cover regardless
of the distance between the deadbolt and doorknob.
[0075] Located at the lower end of the cover is openings 100 for
receiving and maintain the receiver R. The cover further includes a
groove 102 for slideably receiving the housing that maintains the
batteries.
[0076] The system of the present invention as defined in FIGS. 1-16
can be installed as a kit or can be retrofitted onto an existing
door lock system as desired.
[0077] The unique design and configuration of the system of the
present invention provides for a system that enables the unit to
work via a remote control unit as well as be manually workable. In
addition, the structure of the device when used with a doorknob
provides a system that operates independently from the doorknob.
All that rotates is the locking mechanism. This rotation occurs by
way of the motor as described above.
[0078] While the invention has been particularly shown and
described with reference to an embodiment thereof, it will be
understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form
and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope
of the invention.
* * * * *