U.S. patent number RE40,193 [Application Number 11/197,725] was granted by the patent office on 2008-04-01 for keyless deadbolt lock engaging device.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Safety By Design LLC. Invention is credited to Robert D. Boehlow.
United States Patent |
RE40,193 |
Boehlow |
April 1, 2008 |
Keyless deadbolt lock engaging device
Abstract
A device allowing engagement of a conventional keyed deadbolt
lock tumbler assembly without use of a key is provided. The device
is assembled around the tumbler assembly and is fitted into a
standard:door lock cut-out. The device includes a rotatable ring
extending substantially around the periphery of the device. At rest
the rotatable ring is biased in an original starting position. Upon
overcoming the bias, the rotatable ring is moved to a second
engaging position. Upon release of the rotatable ring the ring is
biased back to the original position, while at the same time the
deadbolt remains engaged. The biasing back of the device prevents
the lock from binding or jamming.
Inventors: |
Boehlow; Robert D.
(Herculaneum, MO) |
Assignee: |
Safety By Design LLC
(Chesterfield, MO)
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Family
ID: |
24983623 |
Appl.
No.: |
11/197,725 |
Filed: |
August 4, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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08742133 |
Oct 31, 1996 |
5813261 |
|
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60007104 |
Oct 31, 1995 |
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Reissue of: |
09162562 |
Sep 29, 1998 |
06601420 |
Aug 5, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
70/379R; 70/190;
70/224; 70/381 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E05B
33/00 (20130101); E05B 55/005 (20130101); Y10T
70/5681 (20150401); Y10T 70/5832 (20150401); Y10T
70/7723 (20150401); Y10T 70/7706 (20150401) |
Current International
Class: |
E05B
9/10 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;70/379-381,129.153,190,224,DIG.31,DIG.36 ;292/347,356,357 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Barrett; Suzanne Dino
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Armstrong Teasdale, LLP
Parent Case Text
This is a continuation of Ser. No. 08/472,133 filed Oct. 31, 1996
now U.S. Pat. No. 5,813,261 which claims benefit of Ser. No.
60/007,104 filed Oct. 31, 1995.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A keyless deadbolt lock engaging apparatus for use with a
conventional deadbolt assembly, the apparatus comprising: an
actuator means to engage the deadbolt assembly; a rotatable ring
assembled with and capable of rotating against one or bearing
surfaces of a body, said rotatable ring capable of rotating from a
first position in which the actuator means is in a deadbolt
disengaged position to a second position in which the actuator
means is in a deadbolt engaged position; and a biasing means
connected with said rotatable ring to return the rotatable ring
from the second position to the first position while the actuator
means remains in the deadbolt engaged position; said actuator
means, rotatable ring, and body attached with said conventional
deadbolt assembly.
2. The keyless deadbolt lock engaging apparatus of claim 1 wherein
the biasing means is a spring mechanism.
3. The keyless deadbolt lock engaging apparatus of claim 1 wherein
the biasing means includes a torsional type spring.
4. The keyless deadbolt lock engaging apparatus of claim 1 wherein
the biasing means includes a coiled constant force type spring.
5. The keyless deadbolt lock engaging apparatus of claim 1 wherein
the biasing means includes a coiled extension type having end
loops.
6. The keyless deadbolt lock engaging apparatus of claim 1 wherein
the biasing means includes a helical coiled compression spring.
7. The keyless deadbolt lock engaging apparatus of claim 1 wherein
the actuator means is a radial actuator.
8. The keyless deadbolt lock engaging apparatus of claim 1 wherein
the actuator means is a paddle actuator.
9. The keyless deadbolt lock engaging apparatus of claim 1 wherein
the rotatable ring has a radial finger; and said biasing means has
a first end connected with said radial finger and a second end
connected with said body.
10. The keyless deadbolt lock engaging apparatus for use with a
conventional deadbolt lock assembly, the lock assembly having an
axial actuator, the apparatus comprising: a body having a center
aperture through which the lock assembly is located, the lock
assembly being secured to the body; a locator ring to secure the
apparatus to a door fitted with the conventional deadbolt lock
assembly; a radial actuator to engage the deadbolt assembly, the
radial actuator including an arm extension and a center aperture
through which the deadbolt lock assembly axial actuator is located;
a rotatable ring capable of rotating from a first position in which
the actuator means is in a deadbolt disengaged position to a second
position in which the actuator means is in a deadbolt engaged
position; and a biasing means connected with said rotatable ring to
return the rotatable ring from the second position to the first
position while the radial actuator remains in the deadbolt engaged
position.
11. The keyless deadbolt lock engaging apparatus of claim 10
wherein the biasing means is a spring mechanism.
12. The keyless deadbolt lock engaging apparatus of claim 10
wherein the biasing means includes a torsional type spring.
13. The keyless deadbolt lock engaging apparatus of claim 10
wherein the biasing means includes a coiled constant force type
spring.
14. The keyless deadbolt lock engaging apparatus of claim 10
wherein the biasing means includes a coiled extension type having
end loops.
15. The keyless deadbolt lock engaging apparatus of claim 10
wherein the biasing means includes a helical coiled compression
spring.
16. The keyless deadbolt lock engaging apparatus for use in
combination with a conventional deadbolt lock tumbler assembly
having an axial actuator, the apparatus comprising: a locator ring
to secure the apparatus to a door to be fitted with the
conventional deadbolt lock assembly; a body to substantially house
the lock assembly; a rotatable ring, the rotatable ring including a
radial finger; a return spring mechanism connected with said radial
finger of said rotatable ring; and a radial actuator having a
projecting arm, the arm being located adjacent to and moveable by
the rotatable ring radial finger, the radial actuator further
including a center aperture through which the lock tumbler axial
actuator is located; whereby upon turning the rotatable ring from a
first position to a second position the radial finger pushes the
radial actuator from a deadbolt disengaged position to a deadbolt
engaged position, and further whereby upon release of the rotatable
ring the return spring mechanism causes the rotatable ring to
rotate back to the first position while allowing the radial
actuator to remain in the deadbolt engaged position.
17. The keyless deadbolt lock engaging apparatus of claim 16 herein
the locator ring further includes a projection having an outer
shoulder projection of decreased diameter; wherein the body
includes a channel portion, the channel portion including shoulder
grooves, the body further including step projections extending into
the center of the body, the step projections preventing the body
from rotating about the tumbler assembly, the portion of the body
adjacent the locator ring being a shoulder of a decreased diameter,
the body shoulder and locator ring shoulder forming a radial
channel; wherein the rotatable ring is located within and is
rotatable about the radial channel formed by the body and locator
ring, the rotatable ring including a radial finger extending
inward, the radial finger having a notch; wherein the return spring
mechanism includes a spring ring including a spring stop, a grooved
portion and an end stop, the spring ring being located within the
body channel, the grooved portion being located within the
rotatable ring finger notch; and a return helical coiled
compression return spring coiled about the spring ring, the return
spring being located between the spring ring spring stop and the
body shoulder groove; whereby upon turning the rotatable ring from
an original position the radial finger pushes the radial actuator
from a deadbolt disengaged position to a deadbolt engaged position,
the radial finger further pushing the spring ring by the grooved
portion thereby causing the return spring to be compressed between
the body shoulder groove and the spring ring spring stop, and
further whereby upon release of the rotatable ring the return
spring causes the rotatable ring to rotate back to the original
position while allowing the radial actuator to remain in the
deadbolt engaged position.
18. The keyless deadbolt lock engaging apparatus of claim 16
wherein the body includes a body slot; the rotatable ring radial
finger includes a radial finger slot; the spring mechanism includes
a torsional type spring having a first and a second elongated
member being joined at a coiled member, the first elongated member
being connected to the radial finger slot, the second elongated
member being connected to the body slot; whereby upon turning the
rotatable ring from an original position pushes the radial actuator
from a deadbolt disengaged position to a deadbolt engaged position,
the radial finger further pulling the first elongated member as the
second elongated member remains connected to the body slot to
increase the torsional force on the coiled member, and further
whereby upon release of the rotatable ring the coiled member forces
the rotatable ring back to the original position through the first
elongated member while allowing the radial actuator to remain in
the deadbolt engaged position.
19. The keyless deadbolt lock engaging apparatus of claim 16
wherein the body includes a body slot; the rotatable ring radial
finger includes a radial finger slot; the spring mechanism includes
a coiled constant force type spring having a first and a second
spring end, the first spring end being connected to the radial
finger slot, the second spring end being connected to the body
slot; whereby upon turning the rotatable ring from an original
position pushes the radial actuator from a deadbolt disengaged
position to a deadbolt engaged position, the radial finger further
pulling the first spring end as the second spring end remains
connected to the body slot to increase the torsional force on the
spring, and further whereby upon release of the rotatable ring the
spring forces the rotatable; ring back to the original position
through the first spring end allowing the radial actuator to remain
in the deadbolt engaged position.
20. The keyless deadbolt lock engaging apparatus of claim 16
wherein body includes a body slot; the rotatable ring radial finger
includes a radial finger slot; the spring mechanism includes a
coiled extension type spring having a first and a second end loop,
the first end loop being connected to the radial finger slot, the
second end loop being connected to the body slot; whereby upon
turning the rotatable ring from an original position pushes the
radial actuator from a deadbolt disengaged position to a deadbolt
engaged position, the radial finger further pulling the first end
loop as the second end loop remains connected to the body slot to
increase the tension on the spring, and further whereby upon
release of the rotatable ring the spring forces the rotatable ring
back to the original position through the first end loop allowing
the radial actuator to remain in the deadbolt engaged position.
21. The keyless deadbolt lock engaging apparatus of claim 16
wherein the locator ring further includes a projection having an
outer shoulder projection of decreased diameter; wherein the body
includes a channel portion, the channel portion including shoulder
grooves, the body further including step projections extending into
the center of the body, the step projections preventing the body
from rotating about the tumbler assembly, the portion of the body
adjacent the locator ring being a shoulder of a decreased diameter,
the body shoulder and locator ring shoulder forming a radial
channel; wherein the rotatable ring is located within and is
rotatable about the radial channel formed by the body and locator
ring, the rotatable ring including a radial finger extending
inward, the radial finger having a notch; wherein the return spring
mechanism includes a spring ring including a spring stop, a grooved
portion and an end stop, the spring ring being located within the
body channel, the grooved portion being located within the
rotatable ring finger notch, and a return helical coiled
compression return spring coiled about the spring ring, the return
spring being located between the spring ring spring step and the
body shoulder groove, whereby upon turning the rotatable ring from
an original position the radial finger pushes the radial actuator
from a deadbolt disengaged position to a deadbolt engaged position,
the radial finger further pulling the spring ring by the grooved
portion thereby causing the return spring to be compressed between
the body shoulder groove and the spring ring spring stop, and
further whereby upon release of the rotatable ring the return
spring causes the rotatable ring to rotate back to the original
position while allowing the radial actuator to remain in the
deadbolt engaged position.
22. The keyless deadbolt lock engaging apparatus of claim 16
wherein the body includes a base portion and a face portion,
thereby forming an L-shaped cross-sectional lock assembly housing,
the face portion including at lease one semi-circular aperture; the
rotatable ring has a base portion and a face portion thereby
forming an L-shaped crosssection sized to rotate within and against
the body base portion and the body face portions, the rotatable
ring further including at lease one rotator projection extending
from the face portion of the rotatable ring through the
semi-circular aperture of the face portion of the body, whereby the
rotatable ring is encased by the body, but can be rotated from the
exterior of the apparatus.
23. The keyless deadbolt lock engaging apparatus of claim 16
wherein the body includes a channeled shoulder portion along the
body center aperture, the body further including an outer aperture
of about 180 degrees or less; and the rotatable ring is fitted to
rotate within and against the body shoulder, the rotatable ring
further including a rotator projection extending from the rotatable
ring through the outer aperture, whereby the rotatable ring is
encased by the body, but can be rotated from the exterior of the
apparatus.
24. The keyless deadbolt lock engaging apparatus of claim 16
wherein the radial actuator is a bolt actuator having a paddle
shaped surface; whereby the rotatable ring radial finger pushes
against the paddle surface to engage the deadbolt.
25. A keyless deadbolt lock engaging apparatus for use in
combination with a conventional deadbolt lock tumbler assembly
having an axial actuator, the apparatus comprising: a locator ring
to secure the apparatus to a door fitted with the conventional
deadbolt lock assembly, the ring including a projection having an
outer shoulder projection of decreased diameter; a body including a
channel portion, the channel portion including shoulder grooves,
the body further including step projections extending into the
center of the body, the step projections preventing the body from
rotating about the tumbler assembly, the portion of the body
adjacent the locator ring being a shoulder of a decreased diameter,
the body shoulder and locator ring shoulder forming a radial
channel; a rotatable ring located within and being rotatable about
the radial channel formed by the body and locator ring, the
rotatable ring including a radial finger extending inward, the
radial finger having a notch; a spring ring including a spring
stop, a grooved portion and an end stop, the spring ring being
located within the body channel, the grooved portion being located
within the rotatable ring finger notch; a return helical coiled
compression return spring coiled about the spring ring, the spring
being located between the spring ring spring stop and the body
channel shoulder; and a radial actuator having a projecting arm,
the arm being located adjacent to and moveable by the rotatable
ring finger, the radial actuator further including a center
aperture through which the tumbler actuator is located; whereby
upon turning the rotatable ring from an original position the
radial finger pushes the radial actuator from a deadbolt disengaged
position to a deadbolt engaged position, the radial finger further
pulling the spring ring by the grooved portion thereby causing the
return spring to be compressed between the body shoulder groove and
the spring ring spring stop, and further whereby release of the
rotatable ring the return spring causes the rotatable ring to
rotate back to the original position while allowing the radial
actuator to remain in the deadbolt engaged position.
.Iadd.26. A keyless deadbolt lock engaging apparatus for use with a
deadbolt assembly, the apparatus comprising: an actuator to engage
the deadbolt assembly; a rotatable ring capable of rotating from a
first position in which the actuator is in a deadbolt disengaged
position to a second position in which the actuator is in a
deadbolt engaged position; a body having at least one bearing
surface, the ring being rotatable relative to the body and against
said at least one bearing surface upon rotation of the ring between
its first and second positions; and a biasing member operatively
connected to the rotatable ring and free from operative connection
to the actuator to return the rotatable ring from its second
position to its first position while the actuator remains in the
deadbolt engaged position..Iaddend.
.Iadd.27. The apparatus set forth in claim 26 wherein the biasing
member is connected to the ring..Iaddend.
.Iadd.28. A keyless deadbolt lock engaging apparatus for use with a
deadbolt assembly, the apparatus comprising: an actuator to engage
the deadbolt assembly; a ring rotatable between a first position of
the ring and a second position thereof, the ring and actuator being
arranged relative to each other such that upon rotation of the ring
from its first position to its second position the ring operatively
engages the actuator to move the actuator from a deadbolt
disengaged position to a deadbolt engaged position; and a biasing
member operatively connected to the rotatable ring and free from
operative connection to the actuator to return the rotatable ring
from its second position to its first position while the actuator
remains in the deadbolt engaged position..Iaddend.
.Iadd.29. The apparatus set forth in claim 28 further comprising a
body for supporting the ring, said body having at least one bearing
surface, the ring being rotatable relative to the body and against
said at least one bearing surface upon rotation of the ring between
its first and second positions..Iaddend.
.Iadd.30. A keyless deadbolt lock engaging apparatus for a deadbolt
assembly, said deadbolt assembly being mountable on a door and
having a deadbolt for locking the door, said deadbolt assembly
being selectively moveable between a disengaged position in which
the door is not locked by the deadbolt and an engaged position in
which the door is locked by the deadbolt, said apparatus
comprising: an actuator operatively connected to the deadbolt
assembly for conjoint movement therewith, said actuator being
positionable between a first position corresponding to the
disengaged position of the deadbolt assembly and a second position
corresponding to the engaged position of the deadbolt assembly; a
rotating member rotatable between a first angular position and a
second angular position of the rotating member, said rotating
member being configured and arranged for operatively engaging the
actuator upon rotation of the rotating member from its first
angular position to its second angular position to move said
actuator from its first position corresponding to the disengaged
position of the deadbolt assembly to said second position of the
actuator corresponding to the engaged position of the deadbolt
assembly; and a biasing member operatively connected to the
rotating member and free from operative connection to the actuator
for biasing the rotating member toward its first angular position
away from operative engagement with the actuator in the second
position of said actuator corresponding to the engaged position of
the deadbolt assembly..Iaddend.
.Iadd.31. The apparatus set forth in claim 30 wherein the rotating
member is accessible for digitally manipulating the rotating member
to rotate from its first position to its second
position..Iaddend.
.Iadd.32. The apparatus set forth in claim 31 wherein the actuator
is shielded at least in part by the rotating member against digital
manipulation between the first and second positions of the
actuator..Iaddend.
.Iadd.33. A keyless deadbolt lock engaging apparatus for use with a
deadbolt assembly, the apparatus comprising: an actuator
operatively connected to the deadbolt assembly for conjoint
movement therewith, said actuator being positionable between a
first position corresponding to the disengaged position of the
deadbolt assembly and a second position corresponding to the
engaged position of the deadbolt assembly; a rotating member
rotatable between a first angular position and a second angular
position of the rotating member, said rotating member being
configured and arranged for operatively engaging the actuator upon
rotation of the rotating member from its first angular position to
its second angular position to move said actuator from its first
position corresponding to the disengaged position of the deadbolt
assembly to said second position of the actuator corresponding to
the engaged position of the deadbolt assembly; a stationary
component capable of assembly together with the actuator and
rotating member, the rotating member being rotatable between its
first and second angular positions relative to said stationary
component, the stationary component remaining stationary upon
rotation of the rotating member; and a biasing member operatively
connected to the rotating member and to the stationary component,
the biasing member being configured in the second angular position
of the rotating member to urge the rotating member to rotate
relative to the stationary member from the second angular position
of the rotating member back to its first angular position while the
actuator remains in its second position corresponding to the
engaged position of the deadbolt assembly..Iaddend.
.Iadd.34. The apparatus set forth in claim 26 wherein the biasing
member comprises a spring operatively connected to the rotatable
ring and to a stationary member of said apparatus, said spring
being configured in the second position of the rotatable ring to
urge the ring to rotate relative to the stationary member from the
second position of the rotatable ring back to first
position..Iaddend.
.Iadd.35. The apparatus set forth in claim 34 wherein the
stationary member is connected to the ring..Iaddend.
.Iadd.36. The apparatus set forth in claim 26 wherein the biasing
member comprises a spring..Iaddend.
.Iadd.37. The apparatus set forth in claim 28 wherein the biasing
member comprises a spring..Iaddend.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates in general to a keyless deadbolt lock
engaging device for use in combination with a conventional deadbolt
lock tumbler assembly, and pertains more particularly to a keyless
engaging device which is biased to return to a position in which
the device does not interfere with disengagement of the deadbolt by
a key. The keyless engaging device of the present invention is an
improvement over known locking devices as the biasing prevents the
lock from binding up and thereby making disengagement of the
deadbolt difficult.
Deadbolt locks have become common because of the added security
which they provide. However, deadbolts have not become as
convenient as other types of locks, for example automobile door
locks and tubular style entryway door locks. These types of locks
can be locked from the inside while exiting, thereby making it
unnecessary to have the key in hand.
Several devices have been developed in an attempt to overcome the
need for a key when engaging the deadbolt. However, each prior
device has included one or more of the following design
problems.
One of the most serious problems with prior deadbolt engaging
devices is the tendency of the device to cause "binding" of the
lock. Binding of the lock assembly not only makes disengagement of
the lock becomes jammed. A lock could become jammed while someone
is on the opposite side of the door from the device, therefor
unable to manually manipulate the mechanism free. In addition, the
force necessary to overcome binding of the lock accelerates wear of
the internal mechanism.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,539,548 to Kendrick discloses a lock with a
rotatable exterior ring. The ring is rotated to project the
deadbolt, but cannot be retracted by a reverse rotation until the
deadbolt is disengaged. Upon attempting to disengage the deadbolt
with a key, the user would be hampered by the rotatable ring, which
would bind up the deadbolt assembly.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,010,749 to Lin is another example of a device which
creates a binding effect in the lock assembly. Further, as the Lin
'749 design allows the rotatable ring to move freely in either
direction, the user could become confused and unsure as to whether
the bolt has been fully engaged.
A similar design in U.S. Pat. No. 5,186,030 to Lin has other
disadvantages in addition to lock binding. First, the device is not
reversible to accommodate both right and left handed doors.
Supplying duplicate mirror image parts therefore becomes
necessary.
Second, the Lin '030 device would allow water to enter and be
trapped within the device, leading to corrosion and/or freezing of
the mechanism.
Another disadvantage of prior devices is that some designs are
dependent on the projection speed imparted by the user. In these
designs, the deadbolt is often not fully projected, leaving the
lock easily retracted without a key.
Still another disadvantage of prior devices is the complexity of
the devices. The use of a large number of intricate parts makes
these devices extremely complex and difficult to assemble,
expensive to manufacture, and may require specialized tools. These
locks may also require extensive hole cutting on the door to be
fitted with the lock and device.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a
keyless deadbolt lock engagement device which is biased to return
the device to an original position to prevent binding of the
lock.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a deadbolt
engaging device from being jammed by incorrect rotation, and
possibly trapping a person.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a
deadbolt engaging device whose keyless operation has the same feel
to the user as when using a key, without an odd or binding
feeling.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
deadbolt engaging device which will not allow moisture to become
trapped within the device, thereby preventing corrosion or freezing
of the mechanism.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a
deadbolt engaging device which does not depend on the rotation or
projection speed by the user, thereby assuring complete engagement
of the deadbolt at each use.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a design
which is less susceptible to a blow from a hammer, a twisting force
from a wrench or similar tool, or drilling of the lock, thereby
increasing security.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a
device which fits in the standard deadbolt door cutout.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a device
which has the basic appearance of a conventional lock.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a
device which is of simple construction, is relatively inexpensive,
and has long lasting reliability.
It is another object of the present invention is to provide a
device which is obvious in its operation, requires only one handed
operation, and which has a positive stop to transmit to the
operator that the bolt is fully projected.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
To accomplish the foregoing and other objects of this invention
there is provided a keyless device for engagement of the deadbolt
of a conventional lock assembly.
The device of the present invention allows simple one handed
engagement of the deadbolt lock without the use of a key. The
keyless engagement device is assembled around the conventional
deadbolt lock tumbler assembly, and is fitted into the standard
door cutout. The keyless device includes a rotatable ring extending
substantially around the periphery of the device. At rest the
rotatable ring is biased in an original starting position. Upon
overcoming the bias, the rotatable ring is moved to a second or
engaging position in which the deadbolt is projected into an
engaged position. Upon release of the rotatable ring the ring is
biased back to the original position, while at the same time the
deadbolt remains engaged. The biasing back of the device prevents
the lock from binding or jamming.
The device of the present invention accommodates doors that open in
either direction, as the parts can be inserted into the lock as a
whole in one of two possible directions.
These and other objects of the present invention will be better
understood and appreciated from the following detailed description
of the embodiments selected for purposes of illustration and shown
in the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the present
invention. The embodiment illustrated utilizes a coiled spring and
spring retaining ring as the biasing mechanism.
FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view along line 2--2 of the invention
illustrated in FIG. 3, the device being in the deadbolt disengaged
position.
FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view along line 3--3 of the invention
illustrated in FIG. 2, the device being in the deadbolt disengaged
position.
FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view along line 4--4 of the invention
illustrated in FIG. 5, the device being in the deadbolt engaged
position.
FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view along line 5--5 of the invention
illustrated in FIG. 4, the device being in the deadbolt engaged
position.
FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view along line 6--6 of another
preferred embodiment of the rotatable ring :of the present
invention in the deadbolt disengaged position shown in FIG. 7. The
biasing means is not illustrated.
FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view along line 7--7 of the preferred
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, in the deadbolt disengaged
position. The biasing means is not illustrated.
FIG. 8 is a front view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6.
FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view along line 9--9 of the preferred
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, in the deadbolt engaged
position. The biasing means is not illustrated.
FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view along line 10--10 of the
preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, in the deadbolt engaged
position. The biasing means is not illustrated.
FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view along line 11--11 of another
preferred embodiment of the rotatable ring of the present invention
in the deadbolt disengaged position shown in FIG. 12. The biasing
means is not illustrated.
FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view along line 12--12 of the
preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11, in the deadbolt
disengaged position. The biasing means is not illustrated.
FIG. 13 is a front view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG.
11.
FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view along line 14--14 of the
preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 15, in the deadbolt
engaged position. The biasing means is not illustrated.
FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view along line 15--15 of the
preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14, in the deadbolt
engaged position. The biasing means is not illustrated.
FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view of another preferred embodiment
of the rotatable ring of the present invention in the deadbolt
disengaged position. The biasing means is not illustrated.
FIG. 17 is a cross sectional view along line 17--17 of the
preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 16, in the deadbolt
disengaged position. The biasing means is not illustrated.
FIG. 18 is a cross sectional view of another preferred embodiment
of the biasing means of the present invention.
FIG. 19 is a cross sectional view of another preferred embodiment
of the biasing means of the present invention.
FIG. 20 is a cross sectional view of another preferred embodiment
of the biasing means of the present invention.
FIG. 21 is a cross sectional view of another preferred embodiment
of the biasing means of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring now to the drawings there is shown a preferred embodiment
for the keyless deadbolt lock engaging device of the present
invention. Unless otherwise noted, the term "inside" refers to that
part nearest the door when assembled, the term "outside" refers to
that part furthest from the door when assembled.
The device 10 shown in FIGS. 1-5 is constructed to be assembled
about a conventional deadbolt lock tumbler assembly 12 having a
face plate 14, threaded holes 16, 18 and an axial actuator 20.
A body 22, preferably constructed of zinc by a die casting process,
includes an aperture 26 into which the tumbler assembly 12 is
inserted, and an inner surface 24. Body ring 22 further includes
step projections 28 which may be integral to the body 22. Step
projections 28 prevent the lock tumbler from rotating within the
present invention. A channel portion 36 includes shoulder grooves
32, 34. A shoulder or rim 38 of a decreased diameter and outer ring
surface 40 form bearing surfaces, shoulder 38 further including
inner body surface 30.
Encased within channel 36 is a spring ring 42, preferably
constructed of a nylon material by plastic injection molding,
having a spring stop 44, a cut or slice 46 and a notch 48.
A return spring 50 is coiled about spring ring 42, the return
spring 50 being fitted onto spring ring 42 by way of cut 46. A
helical coiled compression spring illustrated in FIGS. 1-5. The
return spring 50 is located between the notched portion 48 and the
spring stop 44.
The spring ring 42, return spring 50 assembly is held in position
by the shoulder grooves 32, 34, as seen in FIG. 2. Return spring 50
is compressed at one end by shoulder groove 32, while the
compression of the return spring 50 forces stop 44 against shoulder
groove 34. Surface 30 of rim 38 provides a contact surface for the
section of spring ring 42 which is not sheathed by return spring
50.
A rotatable ring 52, preferably constructed of zinc by a die
casting process, includes an inwardly projecting center projection
54, which is assembled to rotate against the bearing surfaces 38,
40 of body 22. The ring 52 includes an inwardly extending radial
finger 56 which is restricted axially by inner rim 38 and
rotationally by grooves 32, 34. Radial finger 56 has projecting
portions 58 and a catch 60 which fits notch 48 of spring ring
50.
A radial actuator 62, preferably cut from sheet steel, includes a
center aperture or cutout 66 and an arm 64. The aperture 62 accepts
the lock tumbler axial actuator 20. Arm 64 contacts the radial
finger 56 of rotatable ring 52.
A locator ring 70, preferably constructed of zinc by a die casting
process, includes a shoulder portion 72 which is accepted into the
door lock hole. Outer ring surface 76 and a surface 78 act as
bearing surfaces for rotatable ring 52. The surface 78 of locator
ring 70 fits against inner surface 24 of the body 22. The entire
assembly is clamped together with the locator ring 70 secured in
the door cutout by two screws (not shown) on the door interior and
tightened into two threaded holes 16, 18 of lock tumbler 12. The
body 22 and locator ring 70 together sandwich loosely the rotatable
ring 52, the radial actuator 62 and the spring ring 42, return
spring 50 assembly.
FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate the deadbolt (not shown) in the unlocked
or disengaged position. Radial finger 56 rests against shoulder
groove 32. The return spring 50 is under light compression and
forced into an arc by spring ring 42 through its center and both
are held stationary. Rotatable ring 52 is held in a stationery
position as the radial finger 56 is connected to spring ring 42 by
notch 48 and catch 60. The rotatable ring 52 is freely rotatable
between body 22 and locator ring 70, but is constrained to rotate
between shoulder grooves 32, 34 by radial finger 56. The radial
actuator 62 is in contact with radial finger 56, and is also shown
in the bolt retracted or disengaged position.
In order to engage the deadbolt, the user must rotate the rotatable
ring 52 clockwise to overcome the bias of the spring ring 42 return
spring 50 assembly, to reach the position as shown in FIGS. 4 and
5. As the rotatable ring 52 is turned, the radial finger 56 forces
the radial actuator 62 to rotate the tumbler axial actuator 20,
thereby projecting the deadbolt into the locked, engaged position.
The radial finger 56 pulls the spring ring 42, through the
interaction of catch 48 and notch 60, around a circular path. The
rotation causes the spring stop 44 to compress the return spring
50. This causes the user to feel increasing resistance, or bias,
through the rotatable ring 52. Rotation of the rotatable ring 52 is
limited to the position shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 by shoulder groove
34, which acts as a stop for the movement of radial finger 56.
Further, the user will "feel" that the tumbler mechanism 12 has
projected the bolt, as is felt when using a key.
Upon release of the rotatable ring 52, the compressed return spring
50 will force the spring ring 42 to rotate counter clockwise and
pull rotatable ring 52 and radial finger 56 back to the original
position (shown in FIGS. 2 and 3) against shoulder groove 32. The
radial actuator 62 and tumbler axial actuator 20 remain in the bolt
projected position. The biasing of the radial finger 56 away from
the radial actuator 62 leaves the lock in position for
disengagement of the bolt by a key without any contact or resulting
binding effect from the device of the present invention.
The operation of the present invention is very similar to that of a
conventional deadbolt lock, whether the lock is a double cylinder
lock or of the type with a thumb turn on the interior. In either
lock, a key must be utilized to open or lock the door from the
outside. However, the present invention allows the door to be
locked from the outside without use of a key. A fractional rotation
of the rotatable ring 52 projects the bolt into engagement, after
which the biasing resulting from the spring ring 42/return spring
50 assembly causes the rotatable ring 52 to return to its original
position.
Another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in a
deadbolt disengaged position, FIGS. 6-8, and a deadbolt engaged
position, FIGS. 9-10. The body 122 includes a base portion 128 and
a face portion 130, the body 122 completely covering and loosely
surrounding the rotatable ring 152. The inner surfaces 132, 134 of
the body 122 form bearing surfaces for the outer surfaces 142, 144
of the rotatable ring 152.
The rotatable ring 152 is loosely constrained in the axial
direction by the body 122 and the locator ring 170. The body 122 is
clamped to and located by the locator ring 170 by two screws (not
shown) in the lock tumbler assembly 112 as described for the
embodiment disclosed above.
The body 122 includes two openings or apertures 146, 148 on the
face portion 130, through which two "ears" or rotator projections
150 of the rotatable ring 152 extend. The user grasps the
projections 150 with a thumb and forefinger and turns. The arm 164
engages radial finger 156, which is constructed and operates as
disclosed above. Arm 164 and finger 156 act so as to force radial
actuator 162 to engage, through axial actuator 120 of tumbler
assembly 112, the deadbolt. The deadbolt remains engaged, and
cannot be disengaged by movement of the rotatable ring 152.
The method of biasing to return the rotatable ring 152 is not
illustrated in FIGS. 6-10 for purposes of clarity, however, any of
the methods disclosed herein can be applied to this embodiment. The
material and methods used to construct the various components of
this embodiment are identical to those disclosed above in the first
preferred embodiment.
Another preferred embodiment of the present invention is
illustrated in the deadbolt disengaged position in FIGS. 11-13 and
in the deadbolt engaged position in FIGS. 14 and 15.
The body 222 includes a channeled shoulder portion 238 which
substantially surrounds and provides bearing surfaces for rotatable
ring. 252. The rotatable ring 252 is also loosely constrained in
the axial direction by the body 222 and locator ring 270. The body
222 includes an opening or aperture 246 where the body 222 and the
locator ring 270 join. The body 222 is clamped to and located by
the locator ring by two outside screws (not shown) in the threaded
holes 216, 218 of the lock tumbler 212.
The rotatable ring 252 includes an "ear" or projection 250 which
extends through aperture 246, the aperture 246 limiting the
movement of the projection 250 to 180 degrees or less. The user
pushes the projection 250 which turns the rotatable ring 252. The
radial finger 256, which is constructed and operates as disclosed
above, forces radial actuator 262, in combination with the axial
actuator 220, to engage the deadbolt. The deadbolt remains engaged,
and cannot be disengaged by movement of the rotatable ring 252.
The method of biasing to return the rotatable ring 252 is not
illustrated in FIGS. 11-15 for purposes of clarity, however, any of
the methods disclosed herein can be applied to this embodiment. The
material and methods used to construct the various components of
this embodiment are identical to those disclosed above in the first
preferred embodiment.
Another preferred embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 16, and 17,
which shows the deadbolt in a semi-projected, half locked state. In
this embodiment, the body 322 and the locator ring 370 are
constructed and operate in the same manner as described for the
first preferred embodiment. The radial finger 356 of rotatable ring
352 interacts with bolt actuator 362 which has a paddle shaped
surface 364. The bolt actuator 362 is directly manipulated by one
way contact with an axial extension 358 from the radial finger
356.
The bolt actuator 362 fits in the bolt assembly 312 and accepts
axial actuator 320 as is common practice in the industry. This
configuration, as well as the other embodiments described herein,
is fully reversible to work with right or left handed doors.
The method of biasing to return the rotatable ring 352 is not
illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17 for purposes of clarity, however,
any of the methods disclosed herein can be applied to this
embodiment. The material and methods used to construct the various
components of this embodiment are identical to those disclosed
above in the first preferred embodiment.
FIG. 18 illustrates an alternative preferred embodiment for the
biased rotatable ring return mechanism, the device being shown in
the deadbolt engaged position. The body 422, rotatable ring 452,
radial actuator 462, return spring 450, as well as the locator ring
(not shown) operate as described and illustrated for the first
preferred embodiment. The spring ring 442 is designed as described
for the first preferred embodiment, however, the spring ring 442 is
assembled within the device as follows.
The return spring 450 is fitted onto the spring ring 442, and fits
and cooperates within the body 422 and rotatable ring 452 as
described for the first preferred embodiment. However, the spring
ring 442 is pushed by the radial finger 456 around a circular path,
the rotation compressing return spring 450 between shoulder groove
432 and spring stop 444. Upon release of the rotatable ring 452,
the return spring 450 rotates the rotatable ring 452 back to the
original position. The deadbolt remains projected and cannot be
disengaged by rotation of the rotatable ring 452. The material and
methods used to construct the various components of this embodiment
are identical to those disclosed above in the first preferred
embodiment.
FIG. 19 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the biased
rotatable ring return mechanism. The body 522, constructed as in
the first preferred embodiment, further includes a body slot 546.
(Body slot 546' is provided to allow the lock to be used with
either a right or left handed door.) The radial finger 558 of
rotatable ring 552 includes a radial finger slot 548, and is
adjacent to radial actuator 562.
The return spring 450 is a torsional type and has two elongated
members 542, 544. One elongated member 544 extends down and is held
in place from rotating by the body slot 546. The other elongated
member 542 extends at an angle and has a means to connect into
radial finger slot 548. The two elongated members 542, 544 join at
a coiled member 540 that is generally held around axial actuator
520. When the rotatable ring 552 is rotated to project the bolt,
the radial finger slot 548 forces one elongated member 542 of
return spring 550 to rotate and provide a torsional counter force
while the other elongated member 544 remains stationery.
Upon release of the rotatable ring 552, the return spring 550
rotates the rotatable ring 552 back to the original position. The
deadbolt remains projected and cannot be disengaged by rotation of
the rotatable ring 552. The material and methods used to construct
the various components of this embodiment are identical to those
disclosed above in the first preferred embodiment.
FIG. 20 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the biased
rotatable ring return mechanism. The device is shown in the
deadbolt retracted, disengaged state. The rotatable ring 652 is
constructed substantially around and in cooperating relation to the
body 622 in the same way as described for the first preferred
embodiment. The rotatable ring 652 includes a radial finger 658
extending inward and being adjacent to radial actuator 662, the
radial finger 658 having a radial finger slot 648. The return
spring 650 is of the coiled constant force type, as is known in the
art is wound to a tension proper for the particular application. A
spring wind retainer 646 is provided and has a means to wrap around
a portion of the return spring 650 where tangs 642, 644 protrude to
prevent it from unwinding. This allows removal and reinsertion into
the body 622 without loss of tension, easily accommodating right
and left handed doors.
Location blocks 632 are provided to locate, guide and support the
return spring 650 into body 622. Tang 642 is located in contact
with location block 634 and tang 642 fits immovably into radial
finger slot 648. When rotatable ring 652 is rotated to engage the
bolt, tang 642 is pulled in a circular direction with a constant
force until the bolt is projected.
Upon release of the rotatable ring 652, the return spring 650
rotates the rotatable ring 652 back to the original position. The
deadbolt remains projected and cannot be disengaged by rotation of
the rotatable ring 652. The material and methods used to construct
the various components of this embodiment are identical to those
disclosed above in the first preferred embodiment.
FIG. 21 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the biased
rotatable ring return mechanism, the device being shown with the
deadbolt in a semi-projected position. The rotatable ring 752 is
constructed substantially around and in cooperating relation to the
body 722 in the same way as described for the first preferred
embodiment. The rotatable ring 752 includes a radial finger 758
extending inward in contact with radial actuator 762.
A return spring 750 is of the coiled extension type with end loops
742, 744, as is known to those skilled in the art. Loop 742 of the
return spring 750 is connected and held by a means around radial
finger 758. The other loop 744 is held in place by slot 746. The
coils of the return spring are held against and ride around a
circular path on slide 748 by the tension of the return spring 750.
The slide 748 may be an integral part of body 722 or can be an
additional part made of plastic, metal or any suitable material.
The slide 748 could be held rigidly or loosely within the body in a
slot or by other means.
When rotating the rotatable ring 752 to project the bolt, the
radial finger 758 elongates return spring 750 with increasing
tension until the bolt is projected. Upon release of the rotatable
ring 752, the return spring 750 pulls the rotatable ring 752 around
to the original position. As in the other embodiments, this
embodiment can be reversed for use with either right or left handed
doors.
The material and methods used to construct the various components
of this embodiment are identical to those disclosed above in the
first preferred embodiment.
From the foregoing description those skilled in the art will
appreciate that all of the objects of the present invention are
realized.
The rotatable ring adds material thickness around the periphery of
the device to greatly hinder efforts to access the mechanism by
drilling. Further, the construction of the rotatable ring radial
finger resists tampering of a twisting type, as the radial finger
would tend to deform or break off, leaving the rotatable ring
useless, as it would spin freely about the device and lock
mechanism. In addition, the rotatable ring provides a moisture
barrier which prevents corrosion or freezing of the assembly.
The device of the present invention further provides a spring
ring/return spring assembly which functions to return the rotatable
ring to its original resting position after the deadbolt is
engaged. Returning the rotatable ring to its original position
prevents any binding of the lock mechanism, as the radial finger is
no longer in any contact with the radial actuator.
Any contact between the radial ringer and radial actuator would
cause considerable binding of the radial finger along the extending
arm. This is due to the offset rotation points of these two
compenents. The radial actuator rotates about an axis considerably
lower than the axis of rotation of the rotatable ring. The
mechanical advantage gained by the radial finger from the rotatable
ring acting on the extending arm makes this movement unnoticeable
when projecting the bolt. If there is contact between the radial
finger and the extending arm when a key is used to retract the
bolt, then the great mechanical disadvantage from the key to this
contact point makes the binding very pronounced and detrimental to
the unlocking attempt.
Upon using a key to disengage the deadbolt, the lock will "behave"
exactly as if the device of the present invention were not being
used.
There is provided a body which houses and protects the lock
tumbler. Additionally, the body houses and guides the movement of
the spring ring/return spring assembly, and the radial actuator.
The body provides bearing surfaces for the rotatable ring to ride
on, and further inhibits lateral and axial motion of the rotatable
ring. The thickness of the body makes it extremely difficult to
drill through, and the profile of the body resists grasping the
device with a wrench or other tool, thereby increasing
security.
While specific embodiments have been shown and described, many
variations are possible. The body, rotatable and locator rings may
be constructed of any ferrous or non-ferrous metal, plastic,
ceramic, composite or any other appropriately solid and strong
material. These rings may be produced by other methods including
other types of casting, injection molding, machining or any other
appropriate method.
The spring ring can be constructed of another plastic material, or
any of the materials and by any of the processes listed above. The
radial actuator may be constructed of sheet steel by die cutting,
laser cutting or other method, but may also be of a plastic
material by injection or other molding, or any of the materials and
by any of the processes listed above.
The return spring can be made of music wire, stainless steel or any
other spring material and can be used in plated or unplated
form.
While a preferred spring ring/return spring assembly has been
illustrated to provide a means to return the rotatable ring to its
original position, several modifications may be made. The spring
ring could be constructed as only a partial circle of a cross
section and fit inside the return spring. The spring ring could
also be held rigidly or loosely by some other portion of the
rotatable ring, or some portion of the base ring.
Having described the invention in detail, those skilled in the art
will appreciate that modifications may be made of the invention
without departing from its spirit. Therefore, it is not intended
that the scope of the invention be limited to the specific
embodiment illustrated and described. Rather, it is intended that
the scope of this invention be determined by the appended claims
and their equivalents.
* * * * *