DOOR SECURITY DEVICE
20250250832 ยท 2025-08-07
Inventors
Cpc classification
E05C21/00
FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
International classification
E05C19/00
FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
Abstract
Methods, systems, and apparatus for a door security device. The device can include a first rail member having an elongated portion and a second rail member having an elongated portion. The device can also include a body member having a plurality of surfaces and a recess defined by one or more surfaces of the plurality of surfaces, where the recess is configured to interact with the first rail member and/or second rail member in a slidable arrangement. The device can also include a plate member secured to the body member. The device can also include an interactive member secured to one or more of the plate member and the body member.
Claims
1. A device to secure a door, the device comprising: a first rail member having an elongated portion and secured to a door; a second rail member having an elongated portion and secured to the door; a body member having a front surface, a back surface, a top surface, a bottom surface, and a recess (i) defined by the back surface and one or more of the top surface and the bottom surface and (ii) configured to interact with the first rail member and/or the second rail member in a slidable arrangement; a plate member secured to the body member, the plate member having a through-hole or notch configured to permit at least a portion of a bolt of a lock of the door to pass through the through-hole or the notch; and an interactive member secured to one or more of the plate member and the body member, the interactive member configured to move the plate member and the body member along the first rail member and the second rail member in response to a force applied to the interactive member having a component parallel to an axis of the body member that passes through the top surface and the bottom surface of the body member.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein: the elongated portion of the first rail member has a substantially uniform cross-section; and the elongated portion of the second rail member has a substantially uniform cross-section.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein: the elongated portions of the first and second rail members are shaped such that front surfaces of the elongated portions have a greater width than back surfaces of the elongated portions; and the back surfaces of the elongated portions are opposite the front surfaces and contact the door.
4. The device of claim 3, wherein: a cross section of the elongated portion of the first rail member is trapezoidal in shape; a cross section of the elongated portion of the second rail member is trapezoidal in shape; a cross section of the first recess of the body member is trapezoidal in shape; and a cross section of the second recess of the body member is trapezoidal in shape.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein a length of the body member from the top surface of the body member to the bottom surface of the body member is larger than a width of the body member.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein: the through-hole of the plate member is configured to permit at least a portion of a bolt of a door lock to pass through the through-hole when the body member and the plate member are positioned in a lower position such that the elongated portion of the second rail member substantially fills the second recess of the body member; and the plate member is configured to prevent any portion of a bolt of a door lock to pass through the plate member when the body member and the plate member are positioned in an upper position such that the elongated portion of the first rail member substantially fills the first recess of the body member.
7. The device of claim 1, wherein the plate portion includes a first side that contacts the front surface of the body member and a second side that contacts a side surface of the body member, wherein the first side of the plate portion is substantially perpendicular to the second side to the second side of the plate portion.
8. The device of claim 7, wherein the through-hole of the plate member is located in the second side of the plate member.
9. The device of claim 7, wherein: the plate member is formed from a single piece of material that is bent to create the first side and the second side; or the plate member is formed from two or more pieces of material where the first side is formed from a first piece of material and the second side is formed from a second piece of material.
10. The device of claim 1, wherein: at least a portion of a top surface of the plate member is substantially coplanar with a top surface of body member; and at least a portion of a bottom surface of the plate member is substantially coplanar with a bottom surface of the body member.
11. The device of claim 1, wherein the recess continues through a length of the body member such that the recess is defined by the back, top and bottom surfaces of the body member.
12. The device of claim 1, wherein the recess is a first recess defined by the back and top surfaces of the body member, further comprising a second recess defined by the back and bottom surfaces of the body member, wherein: a volume of the first recess is substantially the same as a volume of the second recess; and/or dimensions of the first recess are substantially the same as dimensions of the second recess.
13. The device of claim 1, further comprising: a first indicator to indicate that the body member and the plate member are positioned in a lower position; and a second indicator to indicate that the body member and the plate member are positioned in a second position.
14. The device of claim 13, wherein: the first indicator is (i) formed in or (ii) secured to a front surface of the elongated portion of the first rail member; and the second indicator is (i) formed in or (ii) secured to a front surface of the elongated portion of the second rail member.
15. The device of claim 13, wherein: the first indicator has a first color; and the second indicator has a second color different than the first color.
16. The device of claim 13, wherein: the first indicator includes text that indicates a door to which the device is attached is secure; and the second indicator includes text that indicates a door to which the device is attached is insecure.
17. The device of claim 1, further comprising: a microcontroller configured to generate and/or process signals; and an actuator coupled to (i) the body member and/or the plate member and (ii) electronically coupled to the microcontroller, wherein the actuator is configured to change a position of the body member and the plate member with respect to the first rail member and the second rail member in response to receiving a signal from the microcontroller.
18. The device of claim 17, further comprising: a transceiver electronically coupled to the microcontroller, wherein the transceiver is configured to receive and transmit signals, including signals generated by the microcontroller; and a sensor electronically coupled to the microcontroller configured to generate a signal in response to the body member and the plate member reaching a lower position such that the elongated portion of the second rail member substantially fills the second recess of the body member.
19. The device of claim 17, wherein the actuator includes: a motor configured to turn a shaft in response to receiving a signal from the microcontroller; a pinion torisionally coupled to the shaft of the motor; and a rack that engages the pinion, wherein the rack is mounted to the body member and/or the plate member.
20. A device to secure a door, the device comprising: one or more rail members having an elongated portion and secured to a door; a body member having multiple surfaces, and a recess (i) defined by a first set of one or more surfaces of the multiple surfaces and (ii) configured to interact with at least one of the one or more rail members in a slidable arrangement; a plate member secured to the body member, the plate member having a through-hole or a notch configured to permit at least a portion of a bolt of a lock of the door to pass by the plate member; a microcontroller configured to generate and/or process signals; and an actuator coupled to (i) the body member and/or the plate member and (ii) electronically coupled to the microprocessor, wherein the actuator is configured to change a position of the body member and the plate member with respect to the one or more rail members in response to receiving a signal from the microcontroller.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
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[0071] Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0072] A door security device is described herein. The door security device integrates with existing doors and door locks to provide an easy-to-use security system designed to quickly and securely lock doors in schools, offices, and other establishments during emergencies. For example, after installation, the door security device allows occupants to activate a locking mechanism with a single action, eliminating the need for complex or time-consuming processes. The door security device can be placed in an upper, unsecure position to allow occupants to use the door as normal. In this upper position, the existing door lock of the door is locked but the door security device blocks the latch of the door lock, allowing the door to be opened and closed as if the door were not locked. However, during an emergency or emergency drill, the door security device can be quickly and easily placed in a lower, secure position. In this position, the latch of the existing door lock is unblocked so that it is permitted to enter a corresponding opening in a strike plate installed on the door frame, thereby securing the door.
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[0075] In stage (A), a door assembly 100a is shown before the security device 110 is installed. The door assembly 100a includes a door 108a and a door frame 109. The door 108a is open and includes a lockset 102a. The lockset 102a includes (i) an interior handle 104a (e.g., lever, doorknob, etc.) installed on a first side of the door 108a facing towards an interior of a room and (ii) a latch 106. The handle 104a of the lockset 102a has a lock selector in an unlocked position, rendering the lockset 102a unlocked. As an example, the lock selector for the handle 104a may be a turn piece. The lockset 102a may also include an exterior handle (e.g., lever, doorknob, etc.) on an opposite side of the door 108a that faces away from the interior of the room. The exterior handle may include a lock selector in the form of a keyway (e.g., key cylinder) that, for example, requires use of a key to lock or unlock the lockset 102a. When in the lockset 102a is in an unlocked position as shown, a person is able to turn the door handle (e.g., the exterior door handle and/or the interior door handle 104a) to, for example, open the door 108a.
[0076] In some implementations, the lockset 102a includes a handle with a lock selector other than a turn piece. For example, the handle 104a may, like the exterior handle, include a lock selector in the form of a keyway (e.g., key cylinder). In more detail, the lockset 102a may include two, matching key cylinders, one for the exterior handle and one for the interior handle 104a. As another example, the handle 104a may include a lock selector in the form of a lock button. As another example, the handle 104 may include a lock selector in the form of a lock button with a turn piece.
[0077] In an example scenario, an example speaker 120a of a public address (PA) system for the building is mounted above the door frame in which the room is located. As an example, alerts may be played through the speaker 120a in response to different events, such as an emergency alert in response to notification of an emergency situation. The speaker 120a may also include one or more other components such as lights to guide occupants towards an exit or to provide back-up lighting (e.g., battery powered) if power to the building were lost. In stage (A), no alerts or other audio are played through the speaker 120a.
[0078] In stage (B), the door security device 110a is installed on the door assembly 100b. In more detail, the door security device 110a is installed on the open door 108a and is aligned with respect to the lockset 102b the latch 106 of the lockset 102b). After installation, the door security device 110a is initially placed in a lower position such that the latch 106 of the lockset 102b passes through an opening in a plate of the door security device 110a. With the door security device 110a in the lower position, a secure indicator 112 (e.g., a green plate or sticker) is displayed and the latch 106 is able to interact with a strike plate of the door frame 109, for example, if the door 108a were closed. The lockset 102b is in an unlocked state, with the lock selector of the interior handle 104a in an unlocked position.
[0079] In stage (B), no alerts or other audio are played through the speaker 120a.
[0080]
[0081] In stage (C), the door security device 110a is moved from a lower position to an upper position. A person may turn the interior handle 104b of the lockset 102c to bring the latch 106 at least partially into the door 108a of the door assembly 100c such that the latch 106 no longer passes through an opening in the plate of the door security device 110a and the plate of the door security device 110a is clear of the latch 106. After the latch is brought at least partially into the door 108a such that the plate of the door security device 110a is clear of the latch 106, the person lifts the door security device 110a (e.g., through an interactive member such as a knob) to move the door security device 110a into its upper position. The act of moving the door security device 110a from its lower position to its upper position hides the secure indicator 112 (e.g., green plate) and reveals an unsecure indicator 114 (e.g., red plate or sticker) as described in more detail below.
[0082] As an example, no alerts or other audio are played through the speaker 120a in stage (C).
[0083] In stage (D), the lockset 102d is locked while the door security device 110b is in the upper position to prime the door security device 110b. With the door security device 110b in the upper position, the unsecure indicator 114 (e.g., red plate or sticker) is displayed and the plate of the door security device 110b blocks the latch 106 of the lockset 102d. In this arrangement, the latch 106 is kept at least partially within the door 108a of the door assembly 100d and is prevented from interacting with a strike plate of the door frame 109, for example, if the door 108a were closed.
[0084] A person may interact with the interior handle 104c to lock the lockset 102d. For example, a person may interact with the lock selector to move it from an unlocked position to a locked position to lock the lockset 102d. In some implementations, the person turns a turn piece of the interior handle 104c from an unlocked position to a locked position to lock the lockset 102d. In some implementations, the person guides a key into a keyway of the interior handle 104c and turns the key to lock the lockset 102d. In some implementations, a person pushes a lock button of the interior handle 104c to lock the lockset 102d. In some implementations, the person pushes a lock button with a turn piece of the interior handle 104c and/or turns the turn piece of the lock button to lock the lockset 102d.
[0085] With the door security device 110b primed such that the door security device 110b is placed in its upper position and the lockset 102d is locked, persons are able to interact with the door 108a to open and close the door 108a as if it were unlocked. The unsecure indicator 114 is displayed to communicate to occupants of the room that the door assembly 100d is not secure. In addition, with the door security device 110b primed such that the door security device 110b is placed in its upper position and the lockset 102d is locked, an occupant of the room may quickly activate the door security device 110b by closing the door 108a and moving the door security device 110b to the lower position.
[0086] In some implementations, the lockset 102 includes a keyway on both an exterior handle and the interior handle 104. As an example, this may help to prevent tampering by a person (e.g., student) within the room whose rational thinking may be impaired during an emergency event. In more detail, after lockset 102 is locked using a key with the door security device 110b in its upper position to the prime the door security device 110b, the door security device 110b can be activated, as described in more detail below. For example, the door security device 110b can be activated by lowering the door security device 110b to permit the latch 106 of the lockset 102 to pass through the door security device 110b and into the door frame 109. Having a lockset 102 that requires a key to unlock can help prevent tampering as a person then requires a key to unlock the lockset 102, turn the interior handle 104, and open the door 108 after the door security device 110b has been activated.
[0087] In some implementations, the door security device 110b is held in its upper position through one or more forces exerted by the spring-loaded latch 106 of the lockset 102d on a portion of the door security device 110b that blocks the latch (e.g., a plate member of the door security device 110b that is described in more detail below with respect to
[0088] Additionally or alternatively, in some implementations, the door security device 110b is held in its upper position using a snap-fit. For example, the body member of the door security device 110b may have one or more tabs (e.g., flexible plastic tab, tensioned and flexible metal tab, spring-loaded tab, etc.) that contact a portion of the one or more rail members of the door security device and are in a compressed state when the door security device 110b is moved from its lower position to its upper position. When the door security device 110b reaches its upper position, the one or more tabs may enter one or more corresponding recesses formed in the one or more rail members such that the compression of the one or more tabs is reduced or eliminated.
[0089] In some implementations, the one or more tabs and one or more corresponding recesses may be configured such that the one or more tabs may be re-compressed when sufficient force is applied to the door security device 110b (e.g., sufficient downward force) so that the one or more tabs exit the one or more corresponding recesses. That is, in this example, the door security device 110b is not locked or permanently locked in its upper position such that the door security device 110b can still be activated (e.g., placed in its lower position) after the one or more tabs have entered the one or more corresponding recesses.
[0090] In some implementations, the one or more tabs are one or more detents and the one or more recesses are one more cavities that mate to the one or more detents. As an example, the one or more detents may include a spring-loaded ball or bump that mate to one or more corresponding semi-spherical shaped cavities. In more detail, the one or more detents and the one or corresponding cavities can include a ball catch.
[0091] As an example, no alerts or other audio are played through the speaker 120a in stage (D).
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[0093] In stage (E), the door security device 110b is activated to secure the door assembly 100e. As an example, in response to a lockdown alert output through the speaker 120b, a person (e.g., occupant of the room) closes the door 108b if not already closed and, after the door 108b is closed such that the door 108b is moved into the door frame 109 (e.g., door frame 109 encases the door 108b), moves the door security device 110b from an upper position to a lower position. In more detail, the person may pull down on an interactive member (e.g., knob) of the door security device 110b to move the door security device 110b from the upper position to the lower position, which hides the unsecure indicator 114 (e.g., red plate or sticker) and reveals the secure indicator 112 (e.g., green plate or sticker).
[0094] After the door security device 110b is primed (e.g., as shown in stage (E)), a person is not required to interact with the interior door handle 104c of the lockset 102e to activate the door security device 110b and secure the door assembly 100e.
[0095] In stage (F), the door assembly 100f is secured with the door security device 110a having been activated. The door security device 110a is in the lower position such that the secure indicator 112 (e.g., green plate or sticker) is displayed. With the door 108b closed and the door security device 110a in the lower position, the latch 106 of the locked lockset 102f is unblocked such that the latch 106 passes through the opening of the plate of the door security device 110a and enters an opening in the strike plate of the door frame 109, which secures the door 108b to the door frame 109 and, thereby, secures the door assembly 100f.
[0096] As an example, the speaker 120b outputs a lockdown alert which communicates to occupants that it is not safe to leave the room in stage (F). The display of the secure indicator 112 (e.g., green plate or sticker) communicates to the occupants the door assembly 100f is secure and that no occupants need to put themselves at risk by approaching the door 108b.
[0097] In some implementations, the door security device 110b is held in its lower position through gravity alone or gravity in combination with one or more friction forces.
[0098] In some implementations, the door security device 110b is held in its lower position through gravity and a snap-fit. The snap-fit may help to give a user, who is in the process of activating the door security device 110b, additional feedback that the door security device 110b has been successfully placed in its lower position. For example, the body member of the door security device 110b may have one or more tabs (e.g., flexible plastic tab, tensioned and flexible metal tab, spring-loaded tab, etc.) that contact a portion of the one or more rail members of the door security device and are in a compressed state when the door security device 110b is moved from its upper position to its lower position. When the door security device 110b reaches its lower position, the one or more tabs may enter one or more corresponding recesses formed in the one or more rail members such that the compression of the one or more tabs is reduced or eliminated.
[0099] In some implementations, the one or more tabs and one or more corresponding recesses may be configured such that the one or more tabs may be re-compressed when sufficient force is applied to the door security device 110b (e.g., sufficient upward force) so that the one or more tabs exit the one or more corresponding recesses. That is, in this example, the door security device 110b is not locked or permanently locked in its lower position such that the door security device 110b can be reset after the end of an emergency event.
[0100] In some implementations, the one or more tabs are one or more detents and the one or more recesses are one more cavities that mate to the one or more detents. As an example, the one or more detents may include a spring-loaded ball or bump that mate to one or more corresponding semi-spherical shaped cavities. In more detail, the one or more detents and the one or corresponding cavities can include a ball catch.
[0101] As will be discussed in more detail with respect to
[0102] For example, the security lock device 110 may communicate with one or more computing devices over a wireless network for the building. Over the wireless network, the security lock device 110 can receive and process instructions. For example, the security lock device 110 may receive an instruction to move into a locked position and, in response, activate a motor to drive a belt assembly of the security lock device 110 to move the security lock device from an upper position, such as that shown in stage (E) of
[0103] As another example, the security lock device 110 may communicate with the speaker 120 over a wired or wireless connection, such as a Bluetooth connection or an NFC connection. In more detail, in response to the speaker receiving an instruction from the building's PA system to output a lockdown alert (e.g., as opposed to a fire alarm or some other type of alert or alarm that would communicate instructions for occupants to exit the building), the speaker 120 would transmit over the wired or wireless connection instructions to the security lock device 110 to move the security lock device from an upper position, such as that shown in stage (E) of
[0104]
[0105] To install the door security device 110a, each of the rail members 202-204 can be secured (e.g., mounted) to a door. For example, the rail members 202-204 may be mounted to the door 108 shown in
[0106] In some implementations, the rail members 202-204 are mounted to a door using fasteners other than screws or bolts. For example, the rail members 202-204 may be mounted to a door using rivets or clips.
[0107] In some implementations, the rail members 202-204 are mounted to a door using a combination of different types of fasteners. For example, the rail members 202-204 may be mounted to a door using a combination of screws and clips.
[0108] In some implementations, the rail members 202-204 are mounted to a door without the user of fasteners. For example, the rail members 202-204 may be secured to the door through magnetic effects, adhesive, or a combination thereof. The rail members may not include any openings. For example, the upper rail member 202 may not include the openings 212 and the lower rail member 204 may not include the openings 214.
[0109] As an example, the rail members 202-204 may be mounted to a door using magnetic effects. For example, the rail members 202-204 may be made from a magnetized metal (e.g., magnetized cast steel) that attracts a dooror portion of a doormade from a ferromagnetic material (e.g., steel, certain types of stainless steel, etc.). As an example, the rail members 202-204 may be permanent magnets. As another example, the rail members 202-204 may be electromagnets powered by a battery onboard the door security device 110a or powered through a wired connection to an external power source.
[0110] As an example, the rail members 202-204 may be mounted to a door using an adhesive. For example, the rail members 202-204 may be made mounted to a door using an epoxy adhesive, a polyurethane adhesive, a polyimide adhesive, a silicone adhesive, an adhesive paste, a liquid adhesive, an adhesive film, adhesive pellets that are melted, hot melt adhesive, a reactive hot melt adhesive, a thermosetting adhesive, a pressure sensitive adhesive, a contact adhesive, a structure adhesive, a semi-structure adhesive, or a combination thereof. The adhesive may be applied to a backside of the rail members 202-204 and then the rail members 202-204 may be placed against an interior surface of a door such that the back side of the rail members 202-204 with the adhesive contacts the interior surface of the door.
[0111] In some implementations, the rail members 202-204 are mounted to a door using a combination of fasteners and magnetic effects. For example, the rail members 202-204 may produce a magnetic field and be mounted to a steel door using machine screwsthe ends of which pass through the openings 212 and 214 respectivelyand through magnetic effects that includes attraction between rail members 202-204 and the steel door.
[0112] In some implementations, the rail members 202-204 are mounted to a door using a combination of fasteners and adhesive. For example, the rail members 202-204 may be mounted to a wood door using wood screwsthe ends of which pass through the openings 212 and 214 respectivelyand adhesive applied to a backside of the rail members 202-204.
[0113] In some implementations, the elongated portions of the rail members 202-204 are shaped such that a front surface of the elongated portions is wider than a back surface of the elongated portions Such a shape would allow the body member 220 to catch or hook the elongated portions of the rail members 202-204 to secure the body member 220 to the door that the rail members 202-204 have been secured to.
[0114] For example, the elongated portions of the rail members 202-204 may be trapezoidal in shape. In more detail, the elongated portion of the rail member 202 may be trapezoidal in shape and able to enter a similarly shaped recess in an upper portion of the body member 220, and the elongated portion of the rail member 204 may be trapezoidal in shape and able to enter a similarly shaped recess in a lower portion of the body member 220. The trapezoidal shape of the elongated portions of the rail members 202-204 may help to keep the body member 220 and, thereby, the plate member 206, and the interactive member 210 secured to a door by, for example, allowing the body member 220 to catch or hook the elongated portions of the rail members 202-204.
[0115] As an example, installing the door security device 110a on a door may include performing the following steps in the following order: securing an lower rail member 204 to the door, positioning an entrance to a recess in a lower portion of the body member 220 near an end of the elongated portion of the rail member 204, lowering the body member 220 such that the end portion of the elongated portion of the rail member 204 enters the recess in the lower portion of the body member 220 (e.g., elongated portion of the rail member 204 fully enters the recess in the lower portion of the body member 220), positioning an end of the elongated portion of the rail member 202 near a recess in an upper portion of the body member 220, lowering the rail member 202 such that the end of the elongated portion of the rail member 202 enters the recess in the upper portion of the body member 220 (e.g., elongated portion of the rail member 202 partially enters the recess in the upper portion of the body member 220), and securing the rail member 202 to the door.
[0116] As an example, installing the door security device 110a on a door may include performing the following steps in the following order: securing an upper rail member 202 to the door, positioning an entrance to a recess in an upper portion of the body member 220 near an end of the elongated portion of the rail member 202, sliding the body member 220 upwards such that the end portion of the elongated portion of the rail member 202 enters the recess in the upper portion of the body member 220 (e.g., elongated portion of the rail member 202 fully enters the recess in the upper portion of the body member 220), positioning an end of the elongated portion of the rail member 204 near a recess in a lower portion of the body member 220, sliding the rail member 204 upwards such that the end of the elongated portion of the rail member 204 enters the recess in the lower portion of the body member 220 (e.g., elongated portion of the rail member 204 partially enters the recess in the lower portion of the body member 220), and securing the rail member 204 to the door.
[0117] The rail member 202 may include the secure indicator 112. The secure indicator 112 is displayed on at least a portion of the elongated portion of the rail member 202 such that the secure indicator 112 is visible when the door security device 110 is in its lower position (e.g., door security device 110a) and not visible or substantially not visible when the door security device 110 is in its upper position (e.g., door security device 110b as described above with respect to
[0118] As another example, the secure indicator 112 is paint (e.g., colored and/or reflective paint) that covers at least a portion of the elongated portion of the rail member 202. In more detail, the secure indicator 112 may be reflective, green paint that is painted on the elongated portion of the rail member 202. The elongated portion of the rail member 202 may have a slight recess or cavity to accept the paint and account for the thickness of the paint.
[0119] As another example, the secure indicator 112 is tape (e.g., colored and/or reflective tape) that covers at least a portion of the elongated portion of the rail member 202. In more detail, the secure indicator 112 may be reflective, green tape that is placed on the elongated portion of the rail member 202. The elongated portion of the rail member 202 may have a slight recess or cavity to accept the tape and account for the thickness of the tape.
[0120] The rail member 204 may include the unsecure indicator 114 as described above with respect to
[0121] As another example, the unsecure indicator 114 is paint (e.g., colored and/or reflective paint) that covers at least a portion of the elongated portion of the rail member 204. In more detail, the unsecure indicator 114 may be reflective, red paint that is painted on the elongated portion of the rail member 204. The elongated portion of the rail member 204 may have a slight recess or cavity to accept the paint and account for the thickness of the paint.
[0122] As another example, the unsecure indicator 114 is tape (e.g., colored and/or reflective tape) that covers at least a portion of the elongated portion of the rail member 204. In more detail, the unsecure indicator 114 may be reflective, red tape that is placed on the elongated portion of the rail member 204. The elongated portion of the rail member 204 may have a slight recess or cavity to accept the tape and account for the thickness of the tape.
[0123] In some implementation, the body member 220 is made from a polymer. For example, the body member 220 is made from a plastic.
[0124] A person may interact with an interactive member 210 to move the body member 220 and the plate member 206 vertically up or down along the rail members 202-204. As an example, the interactive member 210 is a knob. As another example, the interactive member 210 is a handle. As another example, the interactive member 210 is a strap.
[0125] The interactive member 210 may be secured to the plate member 206 and/or the body member 220 using a fastener. For example, the interactive member 210 may be secured to the plate member 206 and the body member 220 using a fastener (e.g., screw, bolt, etc.), the end of which passes through a through-hole 218 in the body member 220, a through-hole in the plate member 206, and into a recess 211 of the interactive member 210. The fastener, thereby, couples the body member 220 to the plate member 206 and the interactive member 210 to the plate member 206. The body member 220 and the plate member 206 may be more securely coupled through one or more additional fasteners, such as (i) a fastener (e.g., rivet, screw, bolt, etc.) that enters the through-hole 216a of the plate member 206 and the recess 217a of the body member 220 and (ii) a fastener (e.g., rivet, screw, bolt, etc.) that enters the through-hole 216b of the plate member 206 and the recess 217b of the body member 220.
[0126] The through-hole 218 may include a larger first area configured to receive a head of a fastener such as a screw or bolt and a smaller second area configured to allow an end of the fastener to pass through the body member 220. The transition from the first area to the second area may be configured to catch the head of the fastener to prevent the head of the fastener from passing entirely through the body member 220.
[0127] The plate member 206 includes an opening 208. The opening 208 may be rectangular in shape. The opening 208 may be configured to permit one or more latches of a door lockset to (i) pass through the opening 208 when the door security device 110 is in the lower position (e.g., door security device 110a) and (ii) interact with a strike plate of a door frame (e.g., to enter one or more corresponding openings of a strike plate to secure the door in the door frame). The opening 208 may be positioned such that (i) one or more latches of a door lockset pass through the opening 208 when the door security device 110 is in the lower position (e.g., door security device 110a) and (ii) the one or more latches of a door lockset are blocked by a portion of the plate member 206 below the opening 208 when the door security device 110 is in the upper position (e.g., door security device 110b described above with respect to
[0128] In some implementations, the plate member 206 includes a notch instead of the opening 208. For example, the notch in the plate member 206 may have a sufficient thickness and length to permit one or more latches of a door lockset to (i) pass through the notch and by the plate member 206 when the door security device 110 is in the lower position (e.g., door security device 110a) and (ii) interact with a strike plate of a door frame (e.g., to enter one or more corresponding openings of a strike plate to secure the door in the door frame). The notch may be positioned such that (i) one or more latches of a door lockset pass through the notch and by the plate member 206 when the door security device 110 is in the lower position (e.g., door security device 110a) and (ii) the one or more latches of a door lockset are blocked by a portion of the plate member 206 below the notch when the door security device 110 is in the upper position (e.g., door security device 110b described above with respect to
[0129] In some implementations, different plate members may be swapped to customize the door security device 110. For example, a first plate member 206 having an opening 208 of a first size and shape may be used to accommodate a latch of a first door lockset, and a second plate member 206 having an opening 208 of a second size and shape may be used to accommodate a different latch of a second door lockset. In more detail, the latch of the first door lockset may be larger than the latch of the second door lockset. As another example, a first plate member 206 having a first thickness may be used to accommodate a first distance between a door and door frame, and a second plate member 206 having a second thickness may be used to accommodate a second distance between a door and door frame. In more detail, the first thickness and the first distance may be larger than the second thickness and the second distance.
[0130] In some implementations, the plate member 206 of the door security device 110a may be made from a metal. For example, the plate member 206 may be made from aluminum, steel such as stainless steel, magnesium, or the like.
[0131] In some implementations, the plate member 206 is magnetized. For example, the plate member 206 may be permanent magnet or may be magnetized with an electric current. With the plate member 206 magnetized, the plate member 206 may help to keep a door shut through the magnetic attraction between the plate member 206 and (i) a strike plate of a door frame for the door and/or (ii) a metal door frame. This is particularly helpful when the door security device 110 is placed in its upper position (e.g., the door security device 110b as described above with respect to
[0132] The plate member 206 may be manufactured by cutting, from a flat sheet of metal, a first outline that corresponds to the outer edge of the plate member 206 and then a second outline that corresponds to the edge of the opening 208. One or more cutting techniques may be used, such as laser cutting, plasma cutting, water jet cutting, milling, etc. After cutting, the resulting sheet can be bent at approximately a 90 angle. After or as part of cutting, one or more holes may be drilled or otherwise formed, such as the through-hole 216a, the through-hole 216b, and the through-hole for attaching the interactive member 210.
[0133] In some implementations, the plate member 206 is bent at an angle other than a 90 angle. For example, the plate member 206 can be bent at a 91 angle, a 92 angle, a 93 angle, or another angle between 91 and 95. With a bend greater than 90, the plate member 206 can be configured with the rest of the door security device 110 and/or the door security device 110 can be mounted on a door at a particular position such that the plate member 206 acts as a shim to hold the door closed inside a door frame. In more detail, with a bend greater than 90, an edge of the plate member 206 closest to and facing the exterior side of the door can easily enter the door frame and/or pass by a strike plate mounted to the door frame when the door is being closed. However, while the door continues to be closed the angle of plate member causes the plate member to contact the door frame and/or the strike plate and to exert greater force on the door frame and/or the strike plate the closer the door is moved to a closed position. In this way, the plate member 206 may act as a shim to hold the door in the door frame while a latch of a lockset is blocked by the plate member 206.
[0134] Additionally or alternatively, in some implementations, at least a portion of the plate member 206 may be manufactured or modified to provide a surface that provides significantly greater friction than another portion of the plate member 206. For example, the surface of the face of the plate member that includes the opening 208 may be coated with an abrasive or sticky coating (e.g., a polyurethane coating, a polyurea coating, a hybrid coating made from polyurethane and polyurea, etc.) that contacts a door frame and/or a strike plate mounted on the door frame when a door, that the door security device 110 is mounted to, is closed. This abrasive or sticky coating helps hold the door in the door frame without the assistance of a latch of a lockset that is blocked by the plate member 206 when the door security device 110 is placed in its upper position.
[0135] As another example, the surface of the face of the plate member that includes the opening 208 may manufactured or modified to provide an abrasive surface that would come into contact with a door frame and/or a strike plate mounted on the door frame when a door, that the door security device 110 is mounted to, is closed. This abrasive surface helps hold the door in the door frame without the assistance of a latch of a lockset that is blocked by the plate member 206 when the door security device 110 is placed in its upper position. In more detail, the surface may be etched to leave an abrasive surface (e.g., through cutting, material blasting, etc.). The resulting surface may have, for example, pyramid shaped structures, a lattice structure, volcano shaped structures, etc.
[0136] As another example, the surface of the face of the plate member that includes the opening 208 may manufactured or modified to provide an abrasive surface that would come into contact with a door frame and/or a strike plate mounted on the door frame when a door, that the door security device 110 is mounted to, is closed. This abrasive surface helps hold the door in the door frame without the assistance of a latch of a lockset that is blocked by the plate member 206 when the door security device 110 is placed in its upper position. In more detail, the surface may be etched to leave an abrasive surface (e.g., through cutting, material blasting, etc.). The resulting surface may have, for example, pyramid shaped structures, a lattice structure, volcano shaped structures, etc.
[0137] As another example, the surface of the face of the plate member that includes the opening 208 may be covered with a film or sheet that is secured to the plate member and would come into contact with a door frame and/or a strike plate mounted on the door frame when a door, that the door security device 110 is mounted to, is closed. The film or sheet may be a rubber film or sheet that provides a surface with a higher friction coefficient than the surface of the face of the plate member that includes the opening 208. The film or sheet may be secured to the plate member through an adhesive.
[0138] In some implementations, the techniques described above with respect to the plate member 206 may also be applied to a strike plate and/or a door frame that comes into contact with the plate member 206 when a door, that the door security device 110 is mounted to, is closed. For example, the strike plate may be coated with an abrasive or sticky coating to hold or help hold the door closed within the door frame after the door has been shut. As another example, one or more rubber pieces may be coupled to the door frame using an adhesive, where the one or more rubber pieces hold or help to hold the door closed within the door frame after the door has been shut.
[0139] In some implementations, the door that the door security device 110a and/or door frame for the door are modified to improve opening and closing of the door without the use of a door latch. As an example, one or more detents may be installed in the door and one or more corresponding cavities that mate to the one or more detents may be installed in the door frame. The one or more detents may be spring-loaded, backed by a compressible and rigid material (e.g., an elastomer), or the like. In more detail, the one or more detents and corresponding one or more cavities can include a ball catch with a spring-loaded ball.
[0140] As another example, one or more detents may be installed in the doorframe and one or more corresponding cavities that mate to the one or more detents may be installed in the door. The one or more detents may be spring-loaded, backed by a compressible and rigid material (e.g., an elastomer), or the like. In more detail, the one or more detents and corresponding one or more cavities can include a ball catch with a spring-loaded ball.
[0141] In some implementations, one or more magnetic inserts are embedded in the door security device 110 to hold the door in the door frame. As an example, one or more magnetic inserts may be integrated into a cast structure of a portion of the door security device 110 (e.g., the body member 220), to mimic the feel of a traditional latching door by enabling the door security device 110 to adhere magnetically to metal door frames. This magnetic interaction creates a sensation similar to a door securely latching, providing a more intuitive and reassuring user experience. This innovative approach replaces the conventional faux latch mechanism, simplifying the design while maintaining the sense of a secure, solid closure. This magnetic solution not only enhances the tactile feedback for users but also increases the durability of the device by eliminating the need for mechanical parts in the latching process.
[0142] In some implementations, the door security device 110a includes a single rail member. The body member 220 may be able to move vertically up and down along the single rail member. As an example, the single rail member may include a track which is configured to receive one or more corresponding pieces of the body member 220. The body member 220 may be secured to the single rail member when the track of the rail member receives the one or more corresponding pieces of the body member 220.
[0143] As another example, the body member 220 may be formed from two pieces, (i) a first piece that includes a recess configured to receive and contact an edge of the left side of an elongated, middle portion of the single rail member and (ii) a second piece that includes a recess configured to receive and contact an edge of the right side of the elongated, middle portion of the single rail member. In more detail, in installing the door security device 110a, the single rail member is first secured to the door using, for example, one or more fasteners. Then a right piece of the body member 220 may be fitted over the right side of the elongated, middle portion of the single rail member before a left piece of the body member 220 may be fitted over the right side of the elongated, middle portion of the single rail member. The right piece and the left piece may snap together during installation to form the body member 220. As another example, the right piece and the left piece may be secured to one another through one or more fasteners, through the plate member 206, using an adhesive, or a combination thereof.
[0144] As another example, a cart or sled may be coupled to the single rail member that is able to move vertically up and down along an elongated, middle portion of the single rail member. During installation of the door security device 110a, the body member 220 may be secured to the cart or sled with one or more fasteners (e.g., clips, screws, bolts, etc.), using an adhesive, or the like.
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[0162] In some implementations, the end of a fastener that enters the recess 211 is secured to the interactive member 210 using adhesive. For example, the recess 211 may be filled with adhesive prior to the end of the fastener entering the recess 211.
[0163] In some implementations, the recess includes a first section and a second section that is narrower than the first section. As an example, the first section may be configured to receive an end of a screw. The screw may then by secured to the interactive member 210 by turning the screw which causes the screw to enter the second, narrower section of the recess 211 and creates corresponding threads in the second section, securing the screw to the interactive member 210.
[0164] In some implementations, the recess 211 receives an insert that is configured to accept an end of a fastener. For example, an insert with a thread type for a particular screw may be inserted into the recess 211 and secured to the interactive member 210 with adhesive placed within the recess 211 and/or on an outer surface of the insert.
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[0167] In some implementations, the door security device 110 includes additional components. For example, the door security device 110 may also include one or more door shims. For example, installing the door security device 110 may also include installing one or more door shims that provide friction between a door and/or the door security device 110 and a door frame when the door security device 110 is an upper, unsecured position. The friction that the door shims provide may help to prevent the door from swinging open after it is closed since the door latch is not able to do so, having been blocked by the door security device 110.
[0168] In some implementations, different sized door shims are used for different door assemblies. For example, a first, thinner door shim may be selected over a second, thicker door shim when installing the door security device 110 when the gap between a door and a door frame of a door assembly is less than a particular length.
[0169] In some implementations, two or more door shims can be stacked on top of one another to provide better fit and/or provide greater control over the desired amount of friction.
[0170] In some implementations, the shims are or otherwise include magnetic material. The shims, in this case, may be installed along with the door security device 110 by simply placing them against the side of a metal door and/or along an inside surface of a door frame.
[0171] In some implementations, the shims are secured to a door and/or door frame using one or more fasteners. For example, a shim may be secured to a door and/or door frame using two screws.
[0172] In some implementations, the shims are secured to a door and/or door frame using an adhesive. For example, a shim may be secured to a door and/or a door frame using a silicone sealant.
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[0174] In some implementations, the door security device 810 is the door security device 900 described below with respect to
[0175] In some implementations, the system 800 is or includes a public address (PA) system for one or more buildings. For example, the computing system 802 may be PA system for a building in which the door security device 810 is located. In more detail, the computing system 802 may be PA system for a school that includes multiple classrooms where a door security device 810 is installed on at least one door of each of the classrooms. The computing system 802 may communicate with each door security device 810 installed in the school.
[0176] The network 830 may include wired and/or wireless connections. The network 830 may include one or more local networks. For example, the network 830 may be a local network established for a school. The network 830 may include one or more wide-area networks. For example, the network 830 may be the Internet. The network 830 may include a cellular network. For example, the network 830 may be a 5G or 4G LTE network.
[0177] The computing system 802 may include one or more computing devices. As an example, the computing system 802 may be or include a server system. The computing system 802 may be an on-premises computing system. For example, the computing system 802 may be a server system located on the premises of a school. The computing system 802 may be a cloud-computing system. For example, the computing system 802 may be provided through one or more cloud computing service providers (e.g., Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure, etc.).
[0178] The computing system 802 may communicate with the security device 810 over the network 830. For example, the computing system 802 may communicate with security device 810 wirelessly over the network 830.
[0179] The computing system 802 may communicate with the security device 810 over a network other than the network 830. For example, the computing system 802 may communicate with the security device 810 over a private and/or secure network. In more detail, the network over which the computing system 802 communicates with the security device 810 is an encrypted network. As another example, security device 810 and the computing system 802 may communicate over a Bluetooth network, an NFC network, or the like. In more detail, the security device 810 may communicate with computing system 802 over a node network where the security device 810 communicates with a particular node through a Bluetooth network, an NFC network, or the like. The computing system 802 may store a status of each door in the building (or set of buildings) that the door security device 810 is installed on. The status information for each door may be continually or continuously updated as status information is requested and/or received (e.g., as part of a feedback loop).
[0180] The computer 804a may be an on-premises computer. For example, the computer 804a may a computer located in the same building as where the security device 810 is installed and accessible to persons with certain security permissions. In more detail, the desktop computer 804a may a computer located by a classroom and accessible by one or more teachers who teach in that classroom. As will be discussed in more detail below, a user of the desktop computer 804a may be able to notify the computing system 802 of an emergency event such as a lockdown event (e.g., potential shooter).
[0181] As an example, the computer 804a is a desktop computer. As another example, the computer 804a is a laptop computer.
[0182] The mobile device 804b may a mobile device of person having certain security permissions. For example, the mobile device 804b may be a mobile device of an employee of a school. The mobile device 804b may run a particular application for the school that, for example, permits a user of the mobile device 804b to the computing system 802 of an emergency event such as a lockdown event (e.g., potential shooter).
[0183] As an example, the mobile device 804b is one of the following: a cell phone, a smart phone, a tablet computing device, a PDA, or the like.
[0184] The external server 804c may be a server system or computing system that is remote with respect to the computing system 802 or with respect to the building in which the security device 810 is located. The external server 804c may be able to notify the computing system 802 of an emergency event such as a lockdown event (e.g., potential shooter), for example, in response to a notification of the same provided through a client device of the external server 804c.
[0185] The external server 804c may be a computing system for one or more of a police department, an emergency medical services (EMS) provider, or a fire department.
[0186] The door security device 810 includes a transceiver 812 that enables the security device 810 to wirelessly receive and transmit information, a microcontroller 814 that enables the security device 810 to process information into instructions for one or more actuators 818, the one or more actuators 818 to move the security device 810 from an upper position (e.g., the security device 810a) as shown in the view of a door's lockset 820a to a lower position (e.g., the security device 810b) as shown in the view of the door's lockset 820b, and one or more sensors 816 to indicate when the security device 810 has reached the lower position. The microcontroller 814 may be electrically coupled to the transceiver 812, the one or more actuators 818, and the one or more sensors 816.
[0187] In some implementations, the microcontroller 814 is, includes, and/or is replaced with a microprocessor. The door security device 810 may include a memory that is electronically coupled to the microprocessor, such as a RAM or hard drive.
[0188] In some implementations, communication between the computing system 802 and the door security device 810 is facilitated through the use of the MQTT Server protocol. This protocol ensures a secure and exclusive connection, allowing only pre-approved devices to publish or receive information on a designated channel. This choice is not only a measure of security but also serves to optimize system performance and balance the load, ensuring that all data is accurately processed and stored. The architecture of the system 800 is described in more detail below with respect to
[0189] As an example, the microcontroller 814 establishes a connection with the computing system 802 of the building, enabling a streamlined and centralized management of security protocols.
[0190] In some implementations, a feedback loop is established between the computing system 802 and the door security device 810. For example, the microcontroller 814 of the door security device 810 may establish a continuous feedback loop with the computing system 802 to ensure that the status (e.g., secured or unsecured) of the doors security device 810 is consistently relayed back to the central control point. This real-time status update may be made accessible via a secure HTML interface or through other API formats over the network 830, providing users of the computing devices 804 (e.g., first responders, police, system administrators, etc.) with immediate and accurate information regarding the lock status of each door equipped with a door security device 810.
[0191] The one or more actuators 818 may include, for example, one or more of the following: a stepper motor, a servo motor, a DC motor, a linear actuator (e.g., rack and pinion), or a combination thereof. In more detail, the one or more actuators 818 may include a rack and pinion linear actuator (e.g., the rack 938 and pinion 936 shown in
[0192] In some implementations where the one or more actuators 818 include a rack and pinion linear actuator, the rack replaces both the upper and lower rail members shown in some implementations as described above. For example, the rack may replace the rail members 202 and 204 of the door security device 110 as described above with respect to
[0193] In some implementations where the one or more actuators 818 include a rack and pinion linear actuator, the rack replaces either the upper rail member or the lower rail member of the door security device. For example, the rack may replace the upper rail member 202 or the lower rail member 204 of the door security device 110 as described above with respect to
[0194] In some implementations where the one or more actuators 818 include a rack and pinion linear actuator, the rack does not replace any rail members. For example, the rack may not replace any of the rail members 202 and 204 of the door security device 110 as described above with respect to
[0195] In some implementations, the security device 810 includes a drive that is part of and/or is mechanically coupled to the one or more actuators 818. As an example, the security device 810 may include a rack and pinion where the pinion is driven by an electrical motor. As an example, the security device 810 may include a belt drive that is mechanically connected (e.g., rotatably connected) to a motor to move the security device 810 to its lower, secure position (e.g., such that a body member, a plate member, and an interactive member of the security device 810 are moved to their lowest position). As another example, the security device 810 may include a gear drive (e.g., other than a rack and pinion linear actuator) that is mechanically connected (e.g., rotatably connected) to a motor to move the security device 810 to its lower, secure position (e.g., such that a body member, a plate member, and an interactive member of the security device 810 are moved to their lowest position). In more detail, the gear drive may include one or more gear racks (e.g., installed on or between rail members of the door security device 810, formed from portions of elongated members of the rail members of the door security device 810, etc.). A gear driven by the one or more actuators 818 may be connected to a body member of the door security device 810 and move the door security device 810 downward to its lower position.
[0196] In some implementations, the one or more actuators 818 are configured to release a locking mechanism to drop part of the door security device 810 to place the door security device 810 in its lower, secure position. As an example, the one or more actuators 818 may include a linear actuator configured to release a clip to drop a body member, a plate member, and an interactive member of the door security device 810 to place the door security device 810 in its lower, secure position. The movement of the door security device 810 from its upper, unsecure position to its lower, secure position may be aided through, for example, one or more elastic bands or springs that pull the body member, the plate member, and/or the interactive member of the door security device 810 downward.
[0197] As an example, the one or more sensors 816 may indicate when the door security device 810 has been successfully placed in its secured, lower position. The one or more sensors 816 may include one or more of the following: a light sensor, a contact sensor, a position sensor, a switch, or the like. The one or more sensors 816 can additionally or alternatively include other types of sensors, such as microphones. Microphones may be useful to pinpoint events within the buildings, such as emergencies (e.g., based on a sound profile corresponding to a gun shot, based on a sound profile corresponding to screaming or yelling, etc.).
[0198] As an example, the one or more sensors 816 can include a limit switch (e.g., the limit switch 934 shown in
[0199] Continuing the example, activation of the limit switch may signal the computing system 802 (e.g., the lock confirmation 808), prompting an update of the door's status on the computing system 802.
[0200] For example, in response to receiving an electrical signal from a limit switch, the microcontroller 814 may stop driving a motor of the actuator(s) 818. As another example, in response to receiving an electrical signal from a limit switch, the microcontroller 814 continues to drive a motor of the actuator(s) 818 for a specific amount of time before the microcontroller 814 stops driving the motor. As another example, in response to receiving an electrical signal from a limit switch, the microcontroller 814 continue to drive a stepper motor of the actuator(s) 818 for a specific number of steps before the microcontroller 814 stops driving the stepper motor.
[0201] In some implementations, the one or more sensors 816 are part of the one or more actuators 818 and/or directly monitor the one or more actuators 818. For example, the one or more sensors 816 may include a motor rotation sensor to measure how many rotations a motor of the one or more actuators 818 have turned. In turn, this measurement can be used to determine the position of the door security device 810, such as whether it is in its upper position, its lower position, or a position between its upper and lower position.
[0202] In some implementations, the door security device 810 does not include the sensor(s) 816. For example, the door security device 810 may track its position using a timer and the time that a motor is driven for and/or tracking the steps that a stepper motor is turned.
[0203] In some implementations, the door security device 810 includes a memory to store information. The memory may be part of the microcontroller 814 or may be a separate element of the door security device that is electronically coupled to the microcontroller 814, such as through a bus (e.g., data bus). The memory may include one or more of ROM, RAM, SRAM, DRAM, storage (e.g., hard drive), or the like.
[0204] As an example, the door security device 810 may store a current status of the door security device 810 that identifies whether the door security device 810 is in its upper, unsecured position or lower, secured position. The microcontroller 814 may update the stored state of the door security device 810 in response to one or more signals received from the sensor(s) 816. For example, a limit switch (e.g., the limit switch 934 shown in
[0205] Various other values may be stored in a memory of the door security device 810. For example, one or more instructions received from the computing system 802 may be stored, at least temporarily, in a memory of the door security device 810. The memory may also store values indicating how long or how many steps that the microcontroller 814 should drive a motor of the actuators 818, e.g., in response to the lock instruction 806 and/or an electrical signal from the one or more sensors 816.
[0206] For example, the memory may store a first value of 5 referenced by the microcontroller 814 in response to receiving the lock instruction 806 where the value indicates that the motor should be driven for five seconds to move the door security device 810 from its upper position to its lower position. The memory may also store a second value of 1.5 referenced by the microcontroller 814 in response to receiving an electronic signal from a limit switch of the door security device 810 providing that the motor should now be driven for 1.5 seconds-regardless of how much time is left from the original timerto finish placing the door security device 810 in its lower position. Larger differences (e.g., difference greater than 10%, difference greater than 15%, difference greater than 20%, etc.) between the remaining time of the original timer and the second value looked up may be noted by the microprocessor as an error and an indication of the error may be stored in memory. This error may indicate, for example, a failing motor. In response to determining that an error occurred, the microcontroller 814 may generated and transmit a notification using the transceiver 812 to the computing system 802. The notification may include an indication of the error that occurred. Alternatively, the difference in value may be used for calibration. For example, the microcontroller 814 and/or the computing system 802 may use the difference in value to update the first value stored and referenced by the microcontroller 814 to move the door security device 810 from its upper position to its lower position.
[0207] As another example, the memory may store lookup tables and/or values for formulas that the microcontroller 814 uses to lookup or calculated variable values. For example, after looking up the first value of 5 in response to receiving the lock instruction 806 where the value indicates that the motor should be driven for five seconds to move the door security device 810 from its upper position to its lower position, the microcontroller 814 may store in memory a value of the time remaining when it receives the electrical signal from the limit switch. This stored value may then be used by the microcontroller 814 to lookup a second value from a lookup table stored in the memory or to calculate a second value based on a formula. In more detail, if there are 2.1 seconds left when the microcontroller 814 receives an electrical signal from the limit switch (e.g., indicating that the motor is moving the security device 810 to its lower position faster than expected), the microcontroller 814 may reference a second value of 1.3 in a stored lookup table and continue to drive a motor for 1.3 more seconds to place the security device 810 in its lower position. However, if there are 1.1 seconds left when the microcontroller 814 receives an electrical signal from the limit switch (e.g., indicating that the motor is moving the security device 810 to its lower position slower than expected), the microcontroller 814 may reference a different value of 1.8 in a stored lookup table and continue to drive a motor for 1.8 more seconds to place the security device 810 in its lower position.
[0208] In some implementations, the security device 810 includes a battery that powers the one or more actuators 818 and/or the one or more sensors 816. For example, the security device 810 may include a lithium-ion battery positioned within a recess of the body member of the security device 810. As another example, the door security device 810 may include a nickel-metal hydride battery positioned within a housing for a motor of the actuator(s) 818 of the door security device 810 (e.g., the motor housing 930 shown in
[0209] In some implementations, the security device 810 includes a wired connection to a power source. For example, the security device 810 may be powered through an connection to an AC wall outlet.
[0210] In the example of
[0211] The transceiver 812 of the security device 810 receives the lock instruction 806. The lock instruction 806 is transmitted to the microcontroller 814 that is electrically coupled to the transceiver 812. The microcontroller 814 may process the lock instruction 806 and output commands for the one or more actuators 818 that is/are electrically coupled to the microcontroller 814. In response to these commands, the one or more actuators 818 drive the door security device 810 from an upper, unsecure position (e.g., door security device 810a) to a lower, secure position (e.g., door security device 810b).
[0212] The one or more sensors 816 may detect once the door security device 810 has reached its lower, secure position and, in response, produce a signal indicating the detection. The detection signal is received by the microcontroller 814 that is electrically coupled to the one or more sensors 816. In response to receiving the detection signal, the microcontroller 814 generates a lock confirmation signal 808 that is then provided to the transceiver 812 for transmission. The lock confirmation signal 808 may include information that identifies the particular door security device 810, the room that the door security device 810 is installed in, and/or the particular door the door security device 810 is installed on.
[0213] In some implementations, in response to receiving the lock confirmation 808, the computing system 802 generates and transmits notifications to one or more of the computing devices 804. As an example, the notification may read Classroom C of School A was successfully secured.
[0214] In some implementations, the system 800 incorporates an audio monitoring component. For example, the system 800 may include one or more microphones designed to record ambient decibel levels within the building. This audio data may improve the system 800's security matrix. As an example, each of the door security devices 810 may include a microphone as part of the sensor(s) 816.
[0215] An example method for setting up the system 800 with an audio monitoring component is described below. In the setup phase of setting up the system 800 in a building, a detailed floor plan of the building may be uploaded to an online configuration tool. Each door security device 810 is then virtually positioned within this plan, allowing the computing system 802 to localize and interlink all of the door security devices 810. This setup facilitates the triangulation of sound sources, utilizing the distance between the door security devices 810 and their respective decibel readings to pinpoint the origin of significant noises, such as potential gunshots. This acoustic triangulation data is further analyzed, for example, by a machine learning algorithm, which is trained to estimate the location of gunshot sounds on the floor plan. This critical information is then conveyed to the computing system 802 and, ideally, to local law enforcement agencies through the external server 804c. By cross-referencing this data with the building's schedules (e.g., class schedules) and the current status of each door, the computing system 802 can potentially identify rooms at risk, thereby aiding law enforcement in rapidly focusing their response efforts on the most critical areas.
[0216] In some implementations, the door security device 810 does not include an interactive member (e.g., such as the interactive member 210 shown in
[0217] In some implementations, the device 810 includes an interactive member and one or more actuators. For example, in implementations, where the device 810 includes a motor, a rack, a pinion, and a battery to power the motor, the device 810 may also include an interactive member to allow users to move the device from an unsecured, upper position to a secured, lower position, or to move the device from a lower position to an upper position (e.g., to prime the device 810). An example, of such as device is described in more detail below with respect to
[0218]
[0219] The motor housing 930 of the door security device 900 may house a motor, such as a DC motor, an AC motor, a stepper motor, or the like. A rotatable end of the motor may be mechanically coupled to the pinion 936 such that the pinion 936 turns when the motor is driven. The motor housing 930 also houses a limit switch 934 that is triggered when the door security device 900 is moved to its lower position and/or when the door security device 900 is moved to its upper position. The motor housing 930 may house other electronics, such as the microcontroller 814 described about with respect to
[0220] In some implementations, the motor housing 930 and the upper rail member 902 are a single piece. The piece may be made out of aluminum (e.g., billet), steel, or another metal through a reductive or additive process. The piece may alternatively be made out of a plastic, such as an injection molded plastic. The motor housing 930 and the upper rail member 902 may be made from multiple sub-components that are coupled together through mechanical or chemical means (e.g., before the door security device 900 is installed).
[0221] In some implementations, the motor housing 930 and the upper rail member 902 are separate pieces. For example, an upper portion of the motor housing 930 may include a recess on a back side of the motor housing 930 that faces the door that is configured to receive an end portion of a rail member such that the right opening of the openings 932 of the motor housing 930 aligns with a top opening of the rail member. In this example, the rail member 902 may be the same design as the rail member 904. In more detail, both the upper rail member 902 and the lower rail member 904 may be identical pieces such as the rail member 1000 described in more detail below with respect to
[0222] With the door security device 900a in the lower position as shown in
[0223] With the door security device 900b in the upper position as shown in
[0224] The motor housing 930 may include a first opening to allow a portion of a motor to engage with the pinion 936. The motor housing 930 may also include a second opening to allow a portion of the limit switch 934 to swing in and out of as the door security device 900 is moved between its upper and lower position.
[0225]
[0226]
[0227]
[0228] As an example, the description of the body member 220 described above with respect to
[0229] As an example, the description of the plate member 206 and its opening 208 described above with respect to
[0230] As an example, the description of the interactive member 210 described above with respect to
[0231]
[0232] As an example, the cross-section of the elongated portion 1004 has a polygon shape that has larger width at front side of the rail member (e.g., facing away from a door when the rail member 1000a is installed on a door) than a width at a back side of the rail member (e.g., facing and/or contacting a door when the rail member 1000a is installed on a door). Having a larger width on the front side than on the back side allows the rail member 1000a to hold a body member of a door security device (e.g., the body member 920 of the door security device 900 described above with respect to
[0233] As an example, the cross-section of the elongated portion 1004 and one or more corresponding recesses of a body member of a door security device (e.g., the body member 920 of the door security device 900 described above with respect to
[0234] As an example, the cross-section of the end portion 1002 has a polygon shape different from that of the cross-section of the elongated portion 1004. For example, the cross-section of the end portion 1002 may be rectangular. The different cross-section shape of the end portion 1002 may be configured to prevent the end portion of the rail member 1000a from entering a corresponding recess of a body member of a door security device (e.g., the body member 920 of the door security device 900 described above with respect to
[0235] As an example, the rail member 1000a may replace the lower rail member 204 of the door security device 110 described above with respect to
[0236] As an example, the rail member 1000a includes two openings 1006. The openings 1006 allow the rail member 1000a to be secured to a door using one or more fasteners, such as screws, pins, nails, bolts, or the like. The openings 1006 may have a conical or partially conical shape such that an opening at the front side of the rail member 1000a has a larger diameter than at the back side of the rail member 1000a. This feature may allow the openings 1006 to catch a head of the fastener while allowing the head of the fastener to sit flush or substantially flush with the front side of the rail member 1000a, thereby preventing the fasteners from undesirably interacting with other components of the door security device such as the body member 920 of the door security device 900 described above with respect to
[0237] As an example, the rail member 1000a includes a shallow (e.g., less than 3 mm deep, less than 2 mm deep, less than 1 mm deep, less than 0.5 mm deep, etc.) recess 1008 that is configured to receive an indicator. The indicator may be a sticker, plate, paint, or the like is used to indicate whether the door security device that uses one or more of the rail members 1000a is in its upper or lower position. For example, the indicator may be a green sticker that is placed in the recess 1008 when the rail member 1000a is used as an upper rail member of a door security device to indicate that the door security device is in its secured, lower position. As another example, the indicator may be a red sticker that is placed in the recess 1008 when the rail member 1000a is used as a lower rail member of a door security device to indicate that the door security device is in its unsecured, upper position. Various types of indicators may be placed in the recess 1008.
[0238] In some implementations, the indicator that is placed in the recess 1008 is the indicator 922 described above with respect to
[0239] In some implementations, the indicator that is placed in the recess 1008 is the indicator 924 described above with respect to
[0240] In some implementations, the indicator that is placed in the recess 1008 is the indicator 112 described above with respect to
[0241] In some implementations, the indicator that is placed in the recess 1008 is the indicator 114 described above with respect to
[0242] As an example, the description of the indicators 112 and 114 described above with respect to
[0243] As an example, the description of the indicators 922 and 924 described above with respect to
[0244]
[0245]
[0246]
[0247] In some implementations, the upper rail member 902 of the motorized door security device 900 described above with respect to
[0248] In some implementations, the lower rail member 904 of the motorized door security device 900 described above with respect to
[0249] In some implementations, one or more of the upper and lower rail members 202-204 of the door security device 110 described above with respect to
[0250] In some implementations, the upper and lower rail members 202-204 of the door security device 110 described above with respect to
[0251]
[0252] As an example, the component 1100a includes a motor housing portion 1102 that would house electrical components of a motorized door security device. For example, the motor housing portion 1102 may house a motor (e.g., DC motor, stepper motor, etc.) and one or more sensors (e.g., limit switch, microphone, etc.). The motor housing portion 1102 may also house other electrical components, such as a transceiver, a microcontroller or microprocessor, a battery, or the like.
[0253] As an example, there is an opening 1108 in the motor housing portion 1102 that allows components housed by the motor housing portion 1102 to interact with other components of a motorized door security device. For example, the opening 1108 may have a larger part that allows a motor to drive a pinion of a rack and pinion actuator. The opening 1108 may also have a smaller part that allows a switch such as a limit switch to swing out of the motor housing portion 1102 (undepressed) or pushed into the motor housing portion 1102 (depressed).
[0254] As an example, the component 1100a includes an upper rail member portion 1104 configure to enter a recess of a body member of a motorized door security device. For example, the upper rail member portion 1104 may be shaped and sized such that it fits into a corresponding recess formed in top surface and back surface of the body member 920 of the door security device 900 described above with respect to
[0255] As an example, the component 1100a includes multiple openings 1106 to secure the component 1100a to a door using fasteners. The fasteners may enter the openings 1106. These fasteners may include screws, nails, pins, bolts, or the like. The width or diameter of the openings 1106 may be larger on a front side of the component 1100a than on a backside of the component 1100a to catch a head of the fasteners and to permit the heads of the fasteners to sit flush or substantially flush with a front side (e.g., the front surfaces) of the component 1100a.
[0256]
[0257]
[0258]
[0259] The process 1200 includes initiating a lockdown (1202). For example, a front office of the building may trigger the lockdown protocol, which is likely a response to a recognized threat or intruder. This is done through a button system that is connected to the Network and is non-reliant on grid power.
[0260] The process 1200 includes transmitting a lock-command to the central computer (1204). A command is sent to the central computer system (e.g., the computing system 802) to initiate the lockdown process. The command may be sent by a computing device, such as one of the computing devices 804 described above with respect to
[0261] The process 1200 includes checking time and referencing a schedule (1206). The system checks the current time and references it against a schedule (e.g., class schedule) to determine if the lockdown should proceed. Schedules are set during the setup process of the door security device system (e.g., DoorBully System) on site.
[0262] The process 1200 includes a determination of whether the time is within a threshold of transition (1208). The threshold may be, for example, two minutes, one minute, etc. For example, the computing system 802 evaluates if the current time is within two minutes of a class transition period. This is done to determine if it is in the best interest of the Facility and Students to initiate a lockdown command.
[0263] The process 1200 includes Lock Will Not Initiate; Message Displayed (1210). If the time is within a transition period, the lockdown will not initiate to avoid disruption, and a message is displayed to inform the relevant parties and on the Central Computer.
[0264] The process 1200 includes commanding DoorStatus from all doors (1212). A command is issued to all doors on the network through the DoorStatus channel to begin sending information. Used to ensure the monitoring feature still functions, despite the doors not automatically locking down.
[0265] The process 1200 includes pulling a web client page (1214). Here, the system (e.g., the computing system 802) pulls and starts Web Serve Page in a secure manner. This is done to, for example, allow for JavaScript to publish to this page later and ensure adequate time for the webpage to startup.
[0266] The process 1200 includes launching a software batch file (1216). For example, the computing system 802 may run a series of pre-programmed tasks or scripts as part of the lockdown procedure. This may be initiated once Lockdown Button pressed (1202). This may prime all door security devices and helps to retain battery life on mobile door security devices (e.g., DoorBully devices).
[0267] The process 1200 includes pulling a web client page (1218). For example, the computing system 802 pulls and starts Web Serve Page in a secure manner. This may be done to allow for JavaScript to publish to this page later and ensure adequate time for the webpage to startup.
[0268] The process 1200 includes publishing the lock command through MQTT (1520). For example, the central computer (e.g., the computing system 802 described above with respect to
[0269] The process 1200 includes the system receiving a message (1222). For example, each door security device (e.g., the door security device 810 described above with respect to
[0270] The process 1200 includes the door security device(s) processing a data command (1224). For example, before the door security device(s) (e.g., the door security device 810 described above with respect to
[0271] The process 1200 includes the door security device(s) initiate door lock (1226). For example, after processing the data command to verify the command, the door security device(s) (e.g., the door security device 810 described above with respect to
[0272] The process 1200 includes a switch triggering (1228). For example, a limit switch may be triggered after it is undepressed when a door security device (e.g., the door security device 810 described above with respect to
[0273] The process 1200 includes the door security device(s) starting recording through microphone (1230). For example, the door security device(s) (e.g., the door security device 810 described above with respect to
[0274] The process 1200 includes the door security device(s) publishing their door status (1232). For example, each of the door security devices may package information from both the limit switch and the decibel readings into a singular packet to send back on the DoorStatus Topic (e.g., as part of the lock confirmation 808 described above with respect to
[0275] The process 1200 includes a central computer collecting door status information (1234). For example, the computing system 802 described above with respect to
[0276] The process 1200 includes parsing information on the central computer (1236). For example, the computing system 802 described above with respect to
[0277] The process 1200 includes filling a door status database (1238). For example, the computing system 802 described above with respect to
[0278] The process 1200 includes beginning server-side data processing (1240). For example, a server may begin processing the data received as part of the lockdown protocol. This begins the process of all server-side calculations. The system 800 may include one or more servers to perform this step and/or to perform server-side calculations. Alternatively, this step and/or calculations may be performed by the computing system 802 which may or may not include one or more servers.
[0279] The process 1200 includes requesting data for triangulation (1242). For example, the computing system 802 described above with respect to
[0280] The process 1200 includes referencing a door location database (1244). For example, the computing system 802 described above with respect to
[0281] The process 1200 includes referencing a hallway location database (1246). For example, the computing system 802 described above with respect to
[0282] The process 1200 includes referencing a door schedule database (1248). For example, the computing system 802 described above with respect to
[0283] The process 1200 includes pulling, from the client end, data from one or more databases (1250). For example, the one or more of the computing devices 804 described above with respect to
[0284] The process 1200 includes populating a floorplan from the client end (1252). For example, a user of the one or more of the computing devices 804 described above with respect to
[0285] The process 1200 includes populating a door schedule database (1254). For example, a user of the one or more of the computing devices 804 described above with respect to
[0286] The process 1200 includes preliminary publishing to a client accessible web page (1256). As an example, the web page may not be fully populated with visualization at this point as the triangulation is not complete. However, a preliminary version is updated for first responders and local facility.
[0287] The process 1200 includes computing triangulation through weight-based calculations (1258). As an example, the computing system 802 described above with respect to
[0288] The process 1200 includes performing setup during installation of full system (1260). For example, all information, including door location information (e.g., from a DoorLocation SQL database), hallway location (e.g., from a HallwayLoc. SQL database), and door schedule (e.g., from a DoorSchedule SQL database) information, is setup during installation of the door security device system (e.g., the system 800 described above with respect to
[0289] The process 1200 includes sending information to client end for processing (1262). For example, the computing system 802 described above with respect to
[0290] The process 1200 includes highlighting caution areas in the building (1264). For example, after the JavaScript identifies a hallway that is possible danger exist within the building, the JavaScript will highlight the area and this information will be pushed to the client end (e.g., to the computing devices 804 described above with respect to
[0291] The process 1200 includes pulling, from the client end, updated door status information (1266). For example, one or more of the computing devices 804 may pull updated DoorStatus information that is used to update the JavaScript to ensure that the client end has the most up-to-date information. The one or more computing devices 804 may request updated information at a set interval, such as every five seconds or every three seconds during the entire lockdown procedure.
[0292] The process 1200 includes publishing all information to a web page (1268). For example, one or more of the computing devices 804 may publish the most up-to-date information to a webpage and/or the computing system 802 may publish the most up-to-date information to a webpage that is accessible by the computing devices 804. This allows those who require the information to have the most up-to-date information as possible.
[0293]
[0294] The process 1300 includes receiving a lock command (1302). For example, the door security device 810 described above with respect to
[0295] The process 1300 includes subscribing to a door status topic (1304). For example, the door security device 810 described above with respect to
[0296] The process 1300 includes authenticating a door lock command (1306). For example, the door security device 810 and/or the computing system 802 described above with respect to
[0297] The process 1300 includes signaling motor to spin to a lock position (1308). For example, the microcontroller 814 of the door security device 810 as described above with respect to
[0298] The process 1300 includes checking internal system for proper locking (1310). For example, the door security device 810 as described above with respect to
[0299] The process 1300 includes determining whether a limit switch is undepressed (1312). For example, determining whether proper locking has occurred, the door security device 810 may check the status of a limit switch that is depressed if the door is not fully locked. The signals from the limit switch may indicate that the door was properly locked (e.g., yes), the door was not properly locked (e.g., no), or are indeterminate (e.g., indeterminate/fail).
[0300] The process 1300 includes deeming the door status locked (1314). For example, based on signals from a limit switch of the door security device 810 described above with respect to
[0301] The process 1300 includes generating a package containing relevant information (1316). For example, the door security device 810 described above with respect to
[0302] The process 1300 includes deeming the door status unattainable and unlocked (1318). As an example, after the door security device 810 described above with respect to
[0303] The process 1300 includes arresting all further door locking attempts (1320). For example, at this stage after the door status (e.g., DoorStatus) has been deemed unattainable, the microcontroller 814 of the door security device 810 as described above with respect to
[0304] The process 1300 includes publishing a package on the door status topic (1322). For example, after the information package (e.g., the lock confirmation 808) is prepared by the door security device 810, the door security device 810 uses its transceiver 812 to transmit the information package to a central computer (e.g., the computing system 802).
[0305] The process 1300 includes pulling the decibel and/or door status at set intervals (1324). For example, the computing system 802 described above with respect to
[0306] The process 1300 includes republishing the package on door status topic with updated information (1326). For example, the door security device 810 described above with respect to
[0307] The process 1300 includes capturing decibel readings using microphone (1328). For example, the door security device 810 described above with respect to
[0308]
[0309] The process 1400 includes turning a handle of a door to retract a latch of a lockset of the door (1402). For example, with respect to
[0310] The process 1400 includes, with the latch retracted, moving a security device from a lower position to an upper position such that the latch is blocked by the security device (1404). For example, with respect to
[0311] The process 1400 includes interacting with a locking mechanism of the lockset to lock the lockset (1406). For example, with respect to
[0312] The process 1400 includes, in response to an emergency event and with the door closed, moving the security device from the upper position to the lower position such that the latch is unblocked (1408). For example, with respect to
[0313] A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. For example, various forms of the flows shown above may be used, with steps re-ordered, added, or removed.
[0314] While this specification contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments of the invention. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.
[0315] Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the embodiments described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products.
[0316] Particular embodiments of the invention have been described. Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. For example, the steps recited in the claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results. As one example, the processes depicted in the accompanying figures do not necessarily require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. In some cases, multitasking and parallel performance or processing may be advantageous.
[0317] The steps of a method or algorithm described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two. A software module may reside in one or more RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or another form of computer-readable storage medium. An exemplary storage medium may be coupled to the processor such the processor can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium may be integral to the processor. The processor and the storage medium may reside in an ASIC. The ASIC may reside in a user terminal. In the alternative, the processor and the storage medium may reside as discrete components in a user terminal.
[0318] All of the processes described above may be embodied in, and fully automated via, software code modules executed by one or more general purpose or special purpose computers or processors. The code modules may be stored on one or more of any type of computer-readable medium or other computer storage device or collection of storage devices. Some or all of the methods may alternatively be embodied in specialized computer hardware.
[0319] All of the methods and tasks described herein may be performed and fully automated by a computer system. The computer system may, in some cases, include single or multiple distinct computers or computing devices (e.g., physical servers, workstations, storage arrays, etc.) that may communicate and interoperate over a network to perform the described functions. Each such computing device typically includes a processor (or multiple processors or circuitry or collection of circuits, e.g. a module) that executes program instructions or modules stored in a memory or other non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The various functions disclosed herein may be embodied in such program instructions, although some or all of the disclosed functions may alternatively be implemented in application-specific circuitry (e.g., ASICs or FPGAs) of the computer system. Where the computer system includes multiple computing devices, these devices may, but need not, be co-located. The results of the disclosed methods and tasks may be persistently stored by transforming physical storage devices, such as solid state memory chips and/or magnetic disks, into a different state. Specifically, any of the functions of manipulating or processing audio or video information described as being performed by camera devices can be performed by other hardware computing devices.
[0320] The present disclosure is not to be limited in scope by the specific embodiments described herein. Indeed, other various embodiments of and modifications to the present disclosure, in addition to those described herein, will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the foregoing description and accompanying drawings. Thus, such other embodiments and modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Further, although the present disclosure has been described herein in the context of at least one particular implementation in at least one particular environment for at least one particular purpose, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that its usefulness is not limited thereto and that the present disclosure may be beneficially implemented in any number of environments for any number of purposes. Accordingly, the claims set forth below should be construed in view of the full breadth and spirit of the present disclosure as described herein.