Door Security Device

Abstract

A door security device may restrict movement of a swinging door. The security device may include first and second door members and a connecting member. The first and second door members may be mounted to first and second door panels, respectively. The first and second door members include first and second slots, respectively. The connecting member has first end with a shape configured to mate with the first and second slots to permit the first end to slide into the first and second slots such that the connecting member extends out of the first slot and the second slot through openings in the first outer face and the second outer face.

Claims

1. A device for restricting movement of a swinging door in a door frame, the swinging door having a first panel and a second panel configured to swing independent of the first panel, the device comprising: a first door member configured to be fixedly mounted to the first panel such that the first door member has a first back face that faces toward the first panel, a first outer face that faces away from the first panel, a first end face that extends toward the first back face from one end of the first outer face, and a second end face that extends toward the first back face from an opposite end of the first outer face, the first door member including a first slot extending from the first end face to the second end face and being open at the first end face and the second end face, the first slot also being open into the first outer face; a second door member configured to be fixedly mounted to the second panel such that the second door member has a second back face that faces toward the second panel, a second outer face that faces away from the second panel, a third end face that faces the second end face of the first door member, the second door member including a second slot that is open at the third end face, the second slot also being open into the second outer face and aligned with the first slot; and a connecting member having a first end with a shape configured to mate with the first slot and the second slot to permit the first end to slide into the first slot and into the second slot such that the connecting member extends out of the first slot and the second slot through openings in the first outer face and the second outer face.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein when the connecting member is in a first position relative to the first and second door members, the first end is disposed within the first and second slots thereby preventing relative rotation between the first and second panels, and wherein the connecting member is slidable within the first and second slots to a second position wherein the connecting member is disengaged from the first and second door members thereby allowing relative rotation between the first and second panels.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein when the connecting member is in the first position relative to the first and second door members, the connecting member prevents relative rotation between the first and second panels without engaging the door frame.

4. The device of claim 2, wherein the first slot, the second slot, and the first end of the connecting member have generally T-shaped profiles.

5. The device of claim 4, further comprising a fastener, wherein the second door member includes a first bore that extends through the second door member and is located in-line with the second slot, wherein when the fastener is in a first position relative to the second door member, a first portion of the fastener extends into the first bore and a second portion of the fastener blocks the connecting member from exiting the second slot through a fourth end face of the second door member, and wherein when the fastener is in a second position, the second portion of the fastener does not block the second slot and the connecting member is permitted to slide out of the second slot through the fourth end face.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the connecting member includes an aperture.

7. The device of claim 5, wherein the first portion of the fastener includes a bolt and the second portion of the fastener includes a nut configured to threadably mate with the bolt, wherein the bolt extends through the second panel such that a head of the bolt engages a side of the second panel that is opposite the second door member and a threaded portion of the bolt extends through the first bore, and wherein when the nut is threadably engaged with the bolt, the nut blocks the second slot to prevent the connecting member from sliding out of the second slot.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the nut includes a nut surface that engages the fourth end face of the second door member to prevent rotation of the nut relative to the second door member.

9. The device of claim 7, wherein the fastener includes a threaded member and a head that engages a side of the second panel that is opposite the second door member, wherein the second portion of the fastener is a section of the threaded member.

10. The device of claim 7, wherein the fastener includes a head, a threaded member, and a spacer, the spacer being positioned between the head and a side of the second door member that is opposite the second panel, the threaded member extending through the spacer, wherein the first portion of the fastener is a section of the threaded member and the second portion of the fastener is one of the head or the spacer.

11. A device for restricting movement of a swinging door in a door frame, the device comprising: a first door member configured to be fixedly mounted to the swinging door such that the first door member has a first back face that faces toward the swinging door, a first outer face that faces away from the swinging door, a first end face that extends toward the first back face from one end of the first outer face, and a second end face that extends toward the first back face from an opposite end of the first outer face, the first door member including a first slot, wherein a first end of the first slot is open at the first end face and a second end of the first slot is open at the second end face; and a connecting member having a first end with a shape configured to mate with the first slot to permit the first end to slide into the first slot through the first end face such that the connecting member extends out of the first slot through an opening in the first outer face, wherein the first slot and the first end of the connecting member have generally T-shaped profiles.

12. The device of claim 11, further comprising a fastener having a first portion and a second portion coupled to the first portion, wherein when the fastener is in a first position relative to the first door member, the first portion of the fastener extends into a bore in the first door member and the second portion of the fastener supports the connecting member in the first slot and blocks the connecting member from exiting the first slot through the second end face, and wherein when the fastener is in a second position, the second portion of the fastener does not block the first slot and the connecting member is permitted to slide out of the first slot through the second end face.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein the first portion of the fastener includes a bolt and the second portion of the fastener includes a nut configured to threadably mate with the bolt, wherein the bolt extends through the swinging door such that a head of the bolt engages a side of the swinging door that is opposite the first door member and a threaded portion of the bolt extends through the bore, and wherein when the nut is threadably engaged with the bolt, the nut blocks the connecting member from exiting the first slot.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein the nut includes a nut surface that engages the second end face of the first door member to prevent rotation of the nut relative to the first door member.

15. The device of claim 12, wherein the fastener includes a threaded member and a head that engages a side of the swinging door that is opposite the first door member, wherein the second portion of the fastener is a section of the threaded member.

16. The device of claim 12, wherein the fastener includes a head, a threaded member, and a spacer, the spacer being positioned between the head and a side of the first door member that is opposite the swinging door, the threaded member extending through the spacer, wherein the first portion of the fastener is a section of the threaded member and the second portion of the fastener is one of the head or the spacer.

17. The device of claim 11, further comprising a second door member that is separate and spaced apart from the first door member, wherein the second door member includes a second slot configured to receive the first end of the connecting member while the first end of the connecting member is received in the first slot of the first door member.

18. The device of claim 17, wherein the first door member is configured to be fixedly mounted to a first panel of the swinging door, wherein the second door member is configured to be fixedly mounted to a second panel of the swinging door, and wherein the first and second panels are configured to move independent of each other.

19. The device of claim 18, wherein when the connecting member is received in the first and second slots of the first and second door members, the connecting member prevents relative rotation between the first and second panels without engaging the door frame.

20. The device of claim 11, wherein the connecting member includes an aperture.

Description

DRAWINGS

[0029] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a perspective exploded view of a door security device according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0031] FIG. 2 is a front view of the door security device of FIG. 1;

[0032] FIG. 3 is a side view of the door security device of FIG. 1;

[0033] FIG. 4 is a top view of an example of a security head of a security bolt of the door security device of FIG. 1;

[0034] FIG. 5 is a front view of a portion of a door security device of a second configuration according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0035] FIG. 6 is a side view of a door security device of a third configuration according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0036] FIG. 7 is a side view of a spacer of the door security device of FIG. 6;

[0037] FIG. 8 is a side view of a door security device of a fourth configuration according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0038] FIG. 9 is a front view of the door security device of FIG. 8;

[0039] FIG. 10 is a side view of a door security device of a fifth configuration according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0040] FIG. 11 is a front view of a door security device of a sixth configuration according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0041] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the door security device of FIG. 11;

[0042] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a door security device of a seventh configuration according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0043] FIG. 14 is a front view of the door security device of FIG. 13;

[0044] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a door security device of an eighth configuration according to the principles of the present disclosure; and

[0045] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a door security device of a ninth configuration according to the principles of the present disclosure.

[0046] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0048] FIG. 1 illustrates a portion of a door 10, a portion of a door frame 14, and a door security device 18. The door security device can be constructed in a similar manner to the door security devices of U.S. Pat. No. 8,894,110, except as otherwise shown or described herein. The entire disclosure of the above patent is incorporated herein by reference.

[0049] The door frame 14 can include a door soffit. In the example provided the door soffit is a side soffit 22 extending from a floor 30, vertically upward, though other configurations can be used. The door soffit 22 can include a door stop 34.

[0050] With continued reference to FIG. 1 and additional reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the door security device 18 can include a door plate 38, a connecting member 42, a first fastener assembly 46 and a second fastener assembly 50. The door plate 38 can be an orthogonal member that includes a pair of first opposing horizontal edges 54a, 54b, a pair of second opposing horizontal edges 58a, 58b, and a pair of opposing vertical edges 62a, 62b. In an alternate embodiment, the door plate 38 may have a different geometry, such as a circular shape for example. The door plate 38 can also include a generally planar first front face 66, a generally planar second front face 70 offset from the first front face 766 by a thickness T1 and a generally planar back face 74 offset from the second front face 70 by a thickness T2. The perimeter of the edges 54a, 54b, 58a, 58b, 62a, 62b and the faces 66, 70, 74 may be chamfered and/or include fillets. In the example shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the edge 58a is chamfered and the edges 62a, 62b are filleted to smoothly transition into the front face 66, though other configurations can be used.

[0051] A slot 78 can be located on the first front face 66 of the door plate 38. The slot 78 may be a T-slot for example, extending between the pair of second opposing horizontal edges 58a, 58b along a first direction D1 for example and at least partially into the thickness T1 of the door plate 38. The slot 78 can be open at the top side and the bottom side of the door plate 38. In an alternate embodiment, the slot 78 may be a different type of slot, such as, for example, a circular slot. In an alternative embodiment, the slot 78 may be an asymmetrical shape such that the connecting member can only be inserted into the slot in one orientation (as described below). At least one bore 82a, 82b can extend through the thickness T2 of the door plate 38 along a second direction D2 for example, and each bore 82a, 82b can receive a portion of a corresponding one of the first or second fastener assemblies 46, 50 therein to fixedly mount the door plate 38 to the door 10, as will be described further below. In the example provided, the bore 82a is located proximate to the top of the door plate 38 (e.g., above the slot 78) and the bore 82b is located proximate to the bottom of the door plate 38 (e.g., below and generally aligned with the slot 78).

[0052] In the example provided, the first fastener assembly 46 is an architect bolt assembly including a male member 110 and a female member 114. The male member 110 includes an externally threaded shaft 118 and a head 122. The shaft 118 can be received through the bore 82a and the head 122 can be counter sunk or counter bored in the bore 82a to be flush or recessed in from the front face 70 of the door plate 38. The female member 114 can include a boss or tubular portion 126 and a head 130. The tubular portion 126 can be internally threaded to mate with the external threads of the shaft 118. The tubular portion 126 can be received in a bore formed in the door 10 and coaxial with the bore 82a. In the example provided, the tubular portion 126 includes a plurality of splines or is knurled to prevent the female member 114 from rotating relative to the door. The head 130 of the female member 114 can extend radially outward to engage a surface of the door 10 on the outside side of the door 10.

[0053] In the example provided, the second fastener assembly 50 includes a bolt 134 and a nut 138. The bolt 134 can be inserted through a bore in the door that is coaxial with the bore 82b such that a head 142 of the bolt 134 is on the opposite side of the door 10 as the door plate 38 (i.e., the outside side of the door 10). The nut 138 can be positioned coaxial with the bore 82b and the bolt 134 can be threaded into the nut 138 to fixedly secure the door plate 38 to the door 10. In the example provided, the nut 138 is a square shape, such that a flat side 146 of the nut 138 abuts and engages a flat bottom side 150 of the edge 58b of the door plate 38 to prevent the nut 138 from turning when the bolt 134 is turned. The bore 82a can be directly below and aligned with the slot 78 such that the nut blocks the bottom of the slot 78 when the bolt 134 extends through the door 10 and bore 82b and is mated with the nut 138.

[0054] With specific reference to FIG. 4, an example of the head 142 of the bolt 134 is illustrated. The head 142 can be a security head that includes a security feature 154 configured such that traditional tools (e.g., typical screw drivers or wrenches) cannot be used to turn the bolt 134. Instead, only a specially designed or uncommon tool (not shown) can be used to turn the bolt. In the example provided, the head 142 includes two spaced apertures or recesses such that only a tool (not shown) having two mating prongs (e.g., a spanner) can be used to turn the bolt 134. The example of a security head shown in FIG. 4 is merely one example and those of skill in the art will understand that other types of security heads corresponding with other specialty security tools can be used.

[0055] Returning to FIGS. 1-3, the connecting member 42 can be an L-shaped member that includes a first leg 158, a second leg 162, and a middle section 166. The first leg 158 can have a rectangular cross-section extending along the second direction D2 for example, and should be of a predetermined length to bridge structural obstacles during use of the door security device 18, such as, the soffit of a double rabbet door frame. At a distal end, the first leg 158 can include a first mating feature 178. In the example provided, the first mating feature 178 can have a T-shape for example, operable to slidably engage the T-shaped slot 78 of the door plate 38. In an alternate embodiment, the first mating feature 178 may have a different shape, such as a circular shape or a mating asymmetrical shape for example, to slidably engage a matching shape of the slot in the door plate.

[0056] The second leg 162 of the connecting member 42 can have a rectangular cross-section extending in a third direction D3 for example. The third direction D3 can be perpendicular to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, though other orientations can also be used. At the distal end of the second leg 162, the second leg 162 can include a second mating feature 182 that can have a rectangular shape for example. The second leg 162 can be of a predetermined length such that during use of the door security device 18 the second mating feature 182 can contact and engage a portion of the door soffit 22, such as the door stop 34 for example. In some embodiments, the second mating feature 182 may optionally include a protrusion extending therefrom.

[0057] The middle section 166 of the connecting member 42 can be located at the intersection of the proximate ends of the first and second legs 158, 162 and may be used for handling the connecting member 42. The first leg 158, second leg 162, and middle section 166 are fixedly coupled to each other such that they cannot move relative to one another. In the example provided, the first leg 158, second leg 162, and middle section 166 can be unitarily formed from a single piece of material. Those of skill in the art would appreciate that the first leg 158, second leg 162, and middle section 166 may be separately formed and then connected together, such as by welding or other known fastening means of sufficient strength.

[0058] Installation and operation of the door security device 18 will now be described. The back face 74 of the door plate 38 can be placed against an inside surface of the door 10, near an open edge (e.g., non-hinged side) of the door 10 and located above the floor 30 such that a distance between the floor 30 and the open bottom of the slot 78 is greater than a length of the first mating feature 178 in the first direction D1. The first fastener assembly 46 and the second fastener assembly 50 can then be used to fasten the door plate 38 to the inside surface of the door 10.

[0059] A user may grip the middle section 166 of the connecting member 42 and position the first leg 158 of the connecting member 42 above the second horizontal edge 58a of the door plate 38 such that the first mating feature 178 of the connecting member engages the slot 78. The connecting member 42 can then be moved in a downward direction along the first direction D1 towards the opposite horizontal edge 58b of the door plate 38 thereby allowing the first mating feature 178 to be slidably received in and slidably engage the slot 78. Since the nut 138 is aligned with and directly below the slot 78, the nut 138 can prevent the first mating feature 178 from exiting the bottom of the slot 78. Thus, the nut 138 supports the connecting member 42 in the slot 78.

[0060] The door plate 38 can be oriented such that the horizontal edges 58a, 58b are arranged generally parallel to the floor 30 and the second mating feature 182 of the connecting member 42 makes contact with and engages the soffit 22 (e.g., the door stop 34) of the door frame 14. The door stop 34 may optionally include a protrusion (not shown) for the protrusion of the second mating feature 182 to “hook onto” and engage the door stop 34. If the second leg 162 does not include the protrusion, the second mating feature 182 can be a flat face that makes contact with and engages the soffit 22 (e.g., the door stop 34). Shims or spacers may also be inserted between the back face 74 of the door plate 38 and the inside surface of the door 10 if the second mating feature 182 is “short” and is not able to clear the soffit 22 and make contact with and engage the door stop 34.

[0061] With the door plate 38 fixedly mounted to the door 10 and the first and second mating features 178, 182 of the connecting member 42 engaged and retained within the slot 78 in the door plate 38 and the door stop 34 of the door frame 14, respectively, the door security device 18 is in a locked position. In the locked position, the door 10 is restricted from opening as it is prevented in rotating in one rotational direction directly by the door stop 34 and is prevented from rotating in the opposite rotational direction by the door security device 18.

[0062] To place the door security device 18 in an unlocked position, a user can disengage and remove the first mating feature 178 of the connecting member 42 from within the slot 78 in the door plate 38 by gripping the middle section 166 of the connecting member 42 and drawing the connecting member 42 upwards along the first direction D1 and away from the floor 30 and disengaging the second mating feature 182 from the door stop 34. In the unlocked position, the door 10 is no longer restricted from opening.

[0063] Alternatively, an authorized user who has access to the special tool (not shown) that mates with the security head of the bolt 134, can unscrew the bolt 134 from the outside side of the door 10. Since the nut 138 is prevented from rotating by its engagement with the door plate 38, the bolt 134 can be unscrewed from the nut 138 and removed from the door 10. Once the bolt 134 is unscrewed from the nut 138, the nut 138 is free to fall to the floor 30, leaving the slot 78 open and permitting the first mating feature 178 to slide out of the bottom of the slot 78. Thus, the connecting member 42 can slide downward until disengaged from the door plate 38.

[0064] With additional reference to FIG. 5, a portion of a door security device 510 of a second construction is illustrated. The door security device 510 can be similar to the door security device 18, except as otherwise shown or described herein. In the example provided in FIG. 5, the nut 138 can be another shape besides square, such as hexagonal for example, and the bottom of the door plate 38 can include a shape or surface 514 configured to engage the nut 138 to prevent rotation of the nut 138 relative to the door plate 38. While the example illustrated in FIG. 5 is a hexagonal nut 138 and mating surface 514, other configurations can be used.

[0065] With additional reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, a door security device 710 of a third construction is illustrated. The door security device 710 can be similar to the door security device 18 (FIGS. 1-5) except as otherwise shown or described herein. In the example provided, the second fastener assembly 50 is an architect bolt assembly including a male member 714 and a female member 718, similar to the male member 110 and female member 114 of the first fastener assembly 46 except that when assembled, the head of the male member 714 can block the bottom of the slot 78. Thus, the head of the male member 714 can retain the first mating feature 178 in the slot 78. In one configuration, not specifically shown, the bore 82b is not counter sunk and/or the head of the male member 714 is sufficiently long such that it can engage the door plate 38 to secure the door plate 38 to the door 10 while still blocking the slot 78.

[0066] In the example provided, the bore 82b is counter sunk, similar to bore 82a, and the second fastener assembly 50 also includes a spacer 722. The spacer 722 can be a generally cylindrical or frusto-conical shape having a central bore through which the shaft of the male member 714 can extend. The spacer 722 can position the head of the male member 714 such that the head blocks the first mating feature 178 from exiting the bottom of the slot 78.

[0067] With additional reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, a door security device 910 of a fourth construction is illustrated. The door security device 910 can be similar to the door security device 18 (FIGS. 1-5) except as otherwise shown or described herein. In the example provided, the second fastener assembly 50 includes a bolt 914 and a plurality of internal mating threads defined by the bore 82b. In other words, instead of the nut 138 (FIGS. 1-3 and 5), the bore 82b can be threaded to mate with the external threads of the bolt 914. The bolt 914 can be similar to the bolt 134 (FIGS. 1-5) and can include a security head similar to the bolt 134 (FIGS. 1-5). The bolt 914 can be long enough that when fully assembled with its head engaging the door, the opposite end of the bolt 914 extends into the slot 78 to block the slot 78 and prevent the first mating feature 178 from sliding out the bottom of the slot 78. The bolt 914 can be removed from the outside side of the door using the special tool (not shown) to permit the first mating feature 178 to slide out the bottom of the slot 78.

[0068] In an alternative configuration, the bolt 914 can be replaced with a screw having a security head and the bore 82b need not be threaded. Instead, the screw can screw into and through the door 10 to threadably engage the door 10 directly, while extending into the slot 78 to block the bottom of the slot 78.

[0069] With additional reference to FIG. 10, a door security device 1110 of a fifth construction is illustrated. The door security device 1110 can be similar to the door security device 910 (FIGS. 8 and 9) except as otherwise shown or described herein. In the example provided, the door plate 38 includes a bore 82c that can be similar to the bore 82a. A third fastener assembly 1118, that can be similar to the first fastener assembly 46, can fixedly mount the bottom of the door plate 38 to the door 10. The head of the male member of the third fastener assembly 1118 can be countersunk in the bore 82c such that the third fastener assembly 1118 does not block the slot 78 or downward path of the connecting member 42. In this way, the bolt or screw of the second fastener assembly 50 can be removed without loosening the bottom of the door plate 38 from the door 10. Thus, the second fastener assembly 50 can merely act as a release feature of the door security device 1110 to allow an authorized user to release the connecting member 42 from outside the door 10. Thus, in the configuration wherein the bolt 914 is replaced with a screw, the second fastener assembly 50 can be such that it does not positively hold the door plate 38 to the door 10.

[0070] With additional reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, a door security device 1210 of a sixth construction is illustrated. The door security device 1210 can be similar to the door security devices 18, 710, 910, 1110 (FIGS. 1-10) except as otherwise shown or described herein. In the example provided, the door security device 1210 includes a first door plate 38a, a second door plate 38b, and a connecting member 42. The first and second door plates 38a, 38b can be similar to the door plates 38 (FIGS. 1-10) and the connecting member 42 can be similar to the connecting members 42 of FIGS. 1-10, except as otherwise shown or described herein. The first door plate 38a can be mounted to a first door 1226 of a set of swinging double doors, proximate to a second door 1230 of the swinging double doors. The second door plate 38b can be mounted to the second door 1230 proximate to the first door 1226.

[0071] The first and second door plates 38a, 38b can be mounted proximate to the top of the doors 1226, 1230 and aligned such that the slot 78a of the first door plate 38a and the slot 78b of the second door plate 38b can align with each other. In the example provided, the slots 78a, 78b can extend in a first direction D1 that can be parallel to a top soffit 1234 of the door frame 14 (i.e., the soffit that extends longitudinally along the top of the door frame 14 generally above the doors 1226, 1230). The first mating feature 178 can be a length such that it can be slidably received through one of the slots 78a or 78b until the first mating feature 178 is disposed within both slots 78a, 78b at the same time. The second leg 162 of the connecting member 42 can be of a predetermined length such when the first mating feature 178 is received in the slots 78a, 78b, the second mating feature 182 can contact and engage a portion of the top door soffit 1234, such as the door stop 34 for example, in a similar manner as described above with reference to the side soffit 22 (FIGS. 1-11). Thus, the door security device 1210 can prevent the doors 1226, 1230 from being opened by utilizing the single connecting member 42 to connect the doors 1226, 1230 together and also provide the added security of engaging the top soffit 1234. Furthermore, since the door security device 1210 connects the doors 1226, 1230, the door security device 1210 can prevent the doors 1226, 1230 from being opened in both swinging directions (i.e., inward or outward).

[0072] In the example shown in FIG. 11, the first mating feature 178 extends continuously from between the slots 78a, 78b. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the first mating feature 178 has two sections, 178a and 178b that are spaced apart along the first direction D1 such that the first mating feature is discontinuous between the slots 78a and 78b, though either configuration can be used.

[0073] With additional reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, a door security device 1310 of a seventh construction is illustrated. The door security device 1310 can be similar to the door security device 1210 (FIGS. 11 and 12) except as otherwise shown or described herein. In the example provided, the door security device 1310 includes a first door plate 38a, a second door plate 38b, and a connecting member 42. The first and second door plates 38a, 38b can be similar to the door plates 38, 38a and 38b of FIGS. 1-3 and 5-12 and the connecting member 42 can be similar to the connecting members 42 of FIGS. 1-3 and 5-12, except as otherwise shown or described herein. The first door plate 38a can be mounted to a first or upper section 1326 of a split, swinging door 1330, proximate to a second or lower section 1334 of the door 1330. The second door plate 38b can be mounted to the lower section 1334 proximate to the upper section 1326.

[0074] The first and second door plates 38a, 38b can be mounted proximate to the non-hinged side of the door 1330 and aligned such that the slot 78a of the first door plate 38a and the slot 78b of the second door plate 38b can align with each other. In the example provided, the slots 78a, 78b can extend in a first direction D1 that can be parallel to the side soffit 22 of the door frame 14. The first mating feature 178 can be a length such that it can be slidably received through the slot 78a until the first mating feature 178 is disposed within both slots 78a, 78b at the same time.

[0075] The second leg 162 of the connecting member 42 can be of a predetermined length such that when the first mating feature 178 is received in the slots 78a, 78b, the second mating feature 182 can contact and engage a portion of the soffit 22, such as the door stop 34 for example, in a similar manner as described above with reference to FIGS. 1-10. Thus, the door security device 1310 can prevent the door 1330 from being opened by utilizing the single connecting member 42 to connect the upper and lower sections 1326, 1334 together and engage the soffit 22.

[0076] Furthermore, the door plate 38a (i.e., the top door plate) can be such that the fasteners that attach the door plate 38a to the door 1330 do not block the slot 78a and permit the first mating feature 178 to extend through the bottom of the slot 78a (e.g., similar to the first fastener assembly 46). In contrast, the door plate 38b (i.e., the bottom door plate) can be similar to the door plates 38 (FIGS. 1-10) such that the bottom of the slot 78b can be blocked by the second fastener assembly 50 (FIGS. 1-10), which can be configured to be removable with the special tool (not shown) as described above to allow an authorized person to disconnect the second fastener assembly 50 (FIGS. 1-10) to allow the connecting member 42 to drop down through the slots 78a, 78b until disengaged from the door plates 38a, 38b.

[0077] With additional reference to FIG. 15, a door security device 1510 of an eighth construction is illustrated. The door security device 1510 can be similar to the door security device 1310 (FIGS. 13 and 14) except as otherwise shown or described herein. In the example provided, the connecting member 42 does not include the middle section 166 or the second leg 162 (FIGS. 1-3, and 7-14). Instead, the first leg 158 extends outward from the slots 78a, 78b. In the example provided, the door security device 1510 only locks the upper section 1326 and the lower section 1334 of the door 1330 together and does not engage the soffit 22. Thus, the door security device 1510 can be positioned apart from the side soffit 22 (FIGS. 1, 13, and 14), such as near the middle of the door 1330. The first leg 158 can optionally include one or more apertures 1514 that can extend through the first leg 158 to allow a user to easily grip the connecting member 42 while sliding the first mating feature 178 into the slots 78a, 78b.

[0078] With additional reference to FIG. 16, a door security device 1610 of a ninth construction is illustrated. The door security device 1610 can be similar to the door security device 1210 and 1510 (FIGS. 11, 12, and 15) except as otherwise shown or described herein. In the example provided, the connecting member 42 does not include the middle section 166 or the second leg 162 (FIGS. 1-3, and 7-14). Instead, the first leg 158 extends outward from the slots 78a, 78b. In the example provided, the door security device 1610 only locks the first door 1226 to the second door 1230 of the swinging double door and does not engage the soffit 1234. Thus, the door security device 1610 can be positioned apart from the top soffit 1234 (FIGS. 11 and 12), such as near the bottom or middle of the doors 1226, 1230. The first leg 158 can optionally include one or more apertures 1614 that can extend through the first leg 158 to allow a user to easily grip the connecting member while sliding the first mating feature 178 into the slots 78a, 78b.

[0079] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

[0080] Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.

[0081] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0082] When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0083] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

[0084] Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.