| |
| United States Patent
|
5,819,561 |
| Blehi, III |
October 13, 1998 |
Security door-locking system
Abstract
A security door-locking system is described for locking closed
doors of tractor cabs on truck tractors, for example, of the type
used to pull over-the-road common truck trailers, and vehicles,
etc., with similar pre-existing door latching systems. A flat rigid
bar has a hole near one end for fitting over the striker pin on the
door jamb; and the other end of the bar may be attached to a lock
outside the tractor cab after the door is closed. A retainer between
the lock and the door/door-jamb provides a secure locking
arrangement. And a system like a ratchet provides for attaching the
lock to the bar in a tight position with the door.
| Inventors: |
Blehi, III; Andrew
(Salome, AZ) |
| Appl. No.:
|
08/775,720 |
| Filed: |
December 20, 1996 |
| Current U.S.
Class: |
70/14 ;
292/289; 292/295; 292/296; 70/102; 70/34 |
| Current
International Class: |
E05B
67/00 (20060101); E05C 19/00 (20060101); E05C
19/18 (20060101); E05B 67/36 (20060101); E05C 019/18 () |
| Field of
Search: |
70/14,2,6,34,101,102 292/258,288-298 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent
Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
751628 |
|
Jan., 1967 |
|
CA |
|
58842 |
|
Apr., 1954 |
|
FR |
|
1185078 |
|
Mar., 1970 |
|
GB |
|
Primary Examiner: Gall; Lloyd A.
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Stoneman; Martin L.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A security door-locking system for locking an opening
incorporating a hinged door, with a hinged side and an
opening-outward side, and, adjacent said opening-outward side of
said door, a door-jamb portion incorporating a striker pin adapted
to be latched by a latch on said door, said system comprising:
a. a lock; and
b. bar means for rigid extension between said striker pin and said
lock, said bar means being substantially flat and having first and
second ends and comprising
i. holding means adjacent said first end of said bar means for
securely holding said first end of said bar means in place abutting
said striker pin, and
ii. lock attachment means adjacent said second end of said bar means
for aiding attachment of said lock on said bar means;
c. said lock, when a said door is closed, being selectively
attachable, outward of a said opening, to said bar means adjacent
said second end of said bar means; and
d. said lock being selectively lockable, outward of a said opening,
to said bar means;
e. wherein said system is constructed and arranged in such manner
that said door may be held securely shut when said lock is attached
on said bar means and said lock is in a locked condition.
2. A security door-locking system according to claim 1 further
comprising:
a. a rigid retainer constructed and arranged for force transmission
between said lock and said door when said lock is attached on said
bar means and said lock is in a locked condition.
3. A security door-locking system according to claim 2 further
comprising:
a. a protective pad means for protecting said door from being
scratched by said rigid retainer when placed between said rigid
retainer and said door.
4. A security door-locking system according to claim 2 wherein:
a. said rigid retainer is constructed and arranged in such manner
that, when said lock is attached on said bar means and said lock is
in a locked condition, said rigid retainer abuts both a portion of
said opening-outward side of said door, exterior to said opening,
and an adjoining portion of said door-jamb portion, exterior to said
opening.
5. A security door-locking system according to claim 4 further
comprising:
a. a protective pad means for protecting said door and said
adjoining portion of said door-jamb portion from being scratched by
said rigid retainer when placed between said rigid retainer and said
door and between said retainer and said adjoining portion of said
door-jamb portion.
6. A security door-locking system according to claim 2 wherein:
a. said lock and said rigid retainer are formed as a unitary member.
7. A security door-locking system according to claim 1 wherein:
a. said bar means comprises a unitary substantially-flat bar member.
8. A security door-locking system according to claim 7 wherein:
a. said lock comprises slot means for receiving said second end of
said bar member.
9. A security door-locking system according to claim 7 further
comprising:
a. first hook-and-loop attachment means on said bar member for
aligning said bar member approximately horizontally, in such manner
that said second end of said bar member is exterior to said opening,
said first hook-and-loop attachment means being constructed and
arranged for attachment to a second hook-and-loop attachment means
on said door-jamb portion.
10. A security door-locking system according to claim 8 wherein:
a. said holding means comprises a hole through said bar member
constructed and arranged in such manner that a said striker pin may
pass into said hole.
11. A security door-locking system according to claim 8 wherein:
a. said holding means comprises
i. a slot in said bar member constructed and arranged in such manner
that a said striker pin, at a smallest-diameter portion of said
striker pin, may pass into said slot, and
ii. a receiving means in said bar member for holding said
smallest-diameter portion of a said striker pin after said striker
pin passes into said slot.
12. A security door-locking system according to claim 8 wherein:
a. said lock attachment means comprises a horizontal series of holes
in said bar member, each said hole being constructed and arranged to
receive a lock pin at a user-selected location.
13. A security door-locking system according to claim 8 wherein:
a. said lock attachment means comprises tooth means for assisting
attachment in ratchet fashion of said bar member to said lock at a
user-selected location.
14. A security door-locking system for locking a tractor cab having
a tractor-cab door and a tractor-cab door-jamb portion incorporating
a striker pin adapted to be latched by a latch on said door, said
system comprising:
a. a lock; and
b. bar means for rigid extension between said striker pin and said
lock, said bar means being substantially flat and having first and
second ends and comprising
i. holding means adjacent said first end of said bar means for
securely holding said first end of said bar means in place abutting
said striker pin, and
ii. lock attachment means adjacent said second end of said bar means
for aiding attachment of said lock on said bar means;
c. said lock, when said tractor-cab door is closed, being
selectively attachable exterior to said tractor-cab door to said bar
means adjacent said second end of said bar means; and
d. said lock being selectively lockable exterior to said tractor-cab
door to said bar means;
e. wherein said system is constructed and arranged in such manner
that said tractor-cab door may be held securely shut when said lock
is attached on said bar means and said lock is in a locked
condition.
15. A security door-locking system according to claim 14 further
comprising:
a. a said tractor-cab door;
b. a said tractor-cab door-jamb portion incorporating a striker pin
adapted to be latched by a latch on said door; and
c. a rigid retainer, between said lock and said tractor-cab door,
constructed and arranged for force transmission between said lock
and said tractor-cab door when said lock is attached on said bar
means and said lock is in a locked condition.
16. A security door-locking system according to claim 15 wherein:
a. said rigid retainer is constructed and arranged in such manner
that, when said lock is attached on said bar means and said lock is
in a locked condition, said rigid retainer abuts both a portion of
said door and an adjoining exterior portion of said door-jamb
portion.
17. A security door-locking system according to claim 16 further
comprising:
a. a protective pad means for protecting said door and said
adjoining portion of said door-jamb portion from being scratched by
said rigid retainer when placed between said rigid retainer and said
door and between said rigid retainer and said adjoining portion of
said door-jamb portion.
18. A security door-locking system according to claim 15 further
comprising:
a. alignment means for aligning said bar means approximately
horizontally, in such manner that said second end of said bar means
is exterior to said tractor cab.
19. A security door-locking system according to claim 18 wherein:
a. said tractor door comprises hole means for permitting said second
end of said bar means to pass through said hole means when said
tractor door is being closed.
20. A security door-locking system for locking a tractor cab having
a tractor-cab door and a tractor-cab door-jamb portion incorporating
a striker pin adapted to be latched by a latch on said door, said
system comprising the steps of:
a. with said tractor cab door open, capturing said striker pin with
a first end of a substantially-flat rigid bar in such manner as to
prevent outward movement of said first end of said rigid bar;
b. aligning said bar approximately horizontally in such manner that
a second end of said bar is exterior to said tractor cab;
c. closing said tractor-cab door in such manner that said second end
of said bar remains extended from said tractor cab;
d. providing a lock constructed and arranged to lock onto said bar
adjacent said second end at a selected location;
e. moving said lock adjacent said second end of said bar into a
lockable location in such manner as to provide a restriction to an
opening of said tractor-cab door; and
f. locking said lock onto said bar.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a security door-locking system, as for
vehicle doors. More particularly, this invention concerns a security
door-locking system for locking closed doors of tractor cabs on
truck tractors, for example, of the type used to pull over-the-road
common truck trailers, and vehicles with similar pre-existing door
latching systems.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Typically, especially in over-the-road trucking, unwanted and
unlawful entry into the cab's interior may be gained either by
breaking a door lock or breaking in through a window and then
opening a door. Wind wing windows, if incorporated, are especially
vulnerable to jimmying open so that one can reach in and unlatch the
door. Additionally, an intruder, with a relatively small assortment
of keys which a particular manufacturer uses, may be able to unlock
the door to gain entry to many truck cabs. Over-the road tractors
with sleeping compartments (frequently with husband-wife teams)
usually contain many valuables, e.g., tv, microwave, refrigerator,
clothing, etc. These and other valuables make an appealing target
for the would-be thief. Thus, although needed, the prior art has not
provided a simple and easy-to-use security door-locking system.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
A primary object of the present invention is to fulfill the
above-mentioned need by the provision of a security door-locking
system. A further primary object of the present invention is to
provide such a system which is efficient, inexpensive, and handy. In
addition, it is a primary object of this invention to provide such a
system in connection with truck tractor cabs, to prevent the
unwanted unlocking and opening of cab doors as previously mentioned.
A further primary object of the present invention is to prevent the
cab door from being unlocked from either the inside or outside until
the security locking system is unlocked. Other objects of this
invention will become apparent with reference to the following
invention descriptions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, this
invention provides a security door-locking system for locking an
opening incorporating a hinged door, with a hinged side and an
opening-outward side, and, adjacent such opening-outward side of
such door, a door-jamb portion incorporating a striker pin adapted
to be latched by a latch on such door, such system comprising: a
lock; and bar means for rigid extension between such striker pin and
such lock, such bar means having first and second ends and
comprising holding means adjacent such first end of such bar means
for securely holding such first end of such bar means in place
abutting such striker pin, and lock attachment means adjacent such
second end of such bar means for aiding attachment of such lock on
such bar means; such lock, when a such door is closed, being
selectively attachable outward of a such opening to such bar means
adjacent such second end of such bar means; and such lock being
selectively lockable outward of a such opening to such bar means;
wherein such system is constructed and arranged in such manner that
such door may be held securely shut when such lock is attached on
such bar means and such lock is in a locked condition.
Further, this invention provides such a security door-locking system
further comprising a rigid retainer constructed and arranged for
force transmission between such lock and such door when such lock is
attached on such bar means and such lock is in a locked condition.
And it provides such a security door-locking system further
comprising a protective pad means for protecting such door from
being scratched by such rigid retainer when placed between such
rigid retainer and such door; and, further, wherein such rigid
retainer is constructed and arranged in such manner that, when such
lock is attached on such bar means and such lock is in a locked
condition, such rigid retainer abuts both a portion of such
opening-outward side of such door, exterior to such opening, and an
adjoining portion of such door jamb portion, exterior to such
opening. It also provides such a security door-locking system
further comprising a protective pad means for protecting such door
and such adjoining portion of such door jamb portion from being
scratched by such rigid retainer when placed between such rigid
retainer and such door and between such retainer and such adjoining
portion of such door jamb portion.
Additionally, this invention provides such a security door-locking
system wherein such lock and such rigid retainer are formed as a
unitary member; and, further, wherein such bar means comprises a
unitary substantially-flat bar member; and, further, wherein such
lock comprises slot means for receiving such second end of such bar
member. And it provides such a security door-locking system further
comprising first hook-and-loop attachment means on such bar member
for aligning such bar member approximately horizontally, in such
manner that such second end of such bar member is exterior to such
tractor cab, such first hook-and-loop attachment means being
constructed and arranged for attachment to a second hook-and-loop
attachment means on such door-jamb portion. It also provides such a
security door-locking system wherein such holding means comprises a
hole through such bar member constructed and arranged in such manner
that a such striker pin may pass into such hole; and, further,
wherein such holding means comprises a slot in such bar member
constructed and arranged in such manner that a such striker pin, at
a smallest-diameter portion of such striker pin, may pass into such
slot, and a receiving means in such bar member for holding such
smallest-diameter portion of a such striker pin after such striker
pin passes into such slot; and, further, wherein such lock
attachment means comprises a horizontal series of holes in such bar
member, each such hole being constructed and arranged to receive a
lock pin at a user-selected location; and, further, wherein such
lock attachment means comprises tooth means for assisting attachment
in ratchet fashion of such bar member to such lock at a
user-selected location.
Even further, according to a preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides a security door-locking system for locking a
tractor cab having a tractor-cab door and a tractor-cab door-jamb
portion incorporating a striker pin adapted to be latched by a latch
on such door, such system comprising: a lock; and bar means for
rigid extension between such striker pin and such lock, such bar
means having first and second ends and comprising holding means
adjacent such first end of such bar means for securely holding such
first end of such bar means in place abutting such striker pin, and
lock attachment means adjacent such second end of such bar means for
aiding attachment of such lock on such bar means; such lock, when
such tractor-cab door is closed, being selectively attachable
exterior to such tractor-cab door to such bar means adjacent such
second end of such bar means; and such lock being selectively
lockable exterior to such tractor-cab door to such bar means;
wherein such system is constructed and arranged in such manner that
such tractor-cab door may be held securely shut when such lock is
attached on such bar means and such lock is in a locked condition.
Yet further, this invention provides such a security door-locking
system further comprising: a such tractor-cab door; a such
tractor-cab door-jamb portion incorporating a striker pin adapted to
be latched by a latch on such door; and a rigid retainer, between
such lock and such tractor-cab door, constructed and arranged for
force transmission between such lock and such tractor-cab door when
such lock is attached on such bar means and such lock is in a locked
condition; and, further, wherein such rigid retainer is constructed
and arranged in such manner that, when such lock is attached on such
bar means and such lock is in a locked condition, such rigid
retainer abuts both a portion of such door and an adjoining exterior
portion of such door jamb portion. And it provides such a security
door-locking system further comprising a protective pad means for
protecting such door and such adjoining portion of such door jamb
portion from being scratched by such rigid retainer when placed
between such rigid retainer and such door and between such rigid
retainer and such adjoining portion of such door jamb portion. It
also provides such a security door-locking further comprising
alignment means for aligning such bar means approximately
horizontally, in such manner that such second end of such bar means
is exterior to such tractor cab; and, further, wherein such tractor
door comprises hole means for permitting such second end of such bar
means to pass through such hole means when such tractor door is
being closed.
Yet additionally, according to a preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides a security door-locking system for locking a
tractor cab having a tractor-cab door and a tractor-cab door-jamb
portion incorporating a striker pin adapted to be latched by a latch
on such door, such system comprising the steps of: with such tractor
cab door open, capturing such striker pin with a first end of a
rigid bar in such manner as to prevent outward movement of such
first end of such rigid bar; aligning such bar approximately
horizontally in such manner that a second end of such bar is
exterior to such tractor cab; closing such tractor-cab door in such
manner that such second end of such bar remains extended from such
tractor cab; providing a lock constructed and arranged to lock onto
such bar adjacent such second end at a selected location; moving
such lock adjacent such second end of such bar into a lockable
location in such manner as to provide a restriction to an opening of
such tractor-cab door; and locking such lock onto such bar.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of an over-the-road type semi truck
tractor with the tractor cab incorporating the preferred embodiment
of the security door-locking system of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the tractor
cab with the door-locking system installed.
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the components of the
door-locking system and of a portion of the cab's door jamb.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the bar member of the door-locking
system installed on the cab door jamb.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional plan view of the door-locking system
installed on the cab.
FIG. 6 is an elevation view of the door-locking system installed on
the cab.
FIG. 7 is an elevation view of a holding-end portion of a bar member
illustrating an alternate preferred embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of the
lock attachment end of the door-locking system.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating an alternate preferred
embodiment of the lock attachment end of the bar member and of the
lock member.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a preferred modification,
where needed or desired, to the cab door.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT AND THE BEST MODE OF
PRACTICE
Shown in an elevation view in FIG. 1 is a semi truck tractor 20 with
tractor cab 21. The tractor cab 21 is shown utilizing a door-locking
system 22 installed, as shown, at the opening-outward side 23 of
door 24 and the adjoining door jamb portion 25. The door-locking
system 22 is shown on the near (left) side of the tractor cab 21,
and an identical door-locking system 22 would additionally be
installed on the far (right) side, thus securing the two doors 24 of
the tractor cab 21. Completely independent of standard equipment
door latches, locks, and handles 26, the door-locking system 22
prevents either door 24 from opening. Although a thief may jimmy
open a wind-wing window 31, or enter into the cab through an opened
door window 32, opening of the door 24 is prevented. The awkwardness
and attention-drawing act of climbing through a window generally
would deter a thief from entering the tractor cab 21. As the sleeper
compartment 33 may only be entered into through the tractor cab 21,
it and its contents are likewise protected by the door-locking
system 22. The area of the tractor cab 21 where the door-locking
system 22 is installed is encircled with a dotted line in FIG. 1 and
is shown in an enlarged perspective view in FIG. 2.
FIG. 2 illustrates the door-locking system 22 installed at the joint
gap 34 between the opening-outward side 23 of door 24 and the door
jamb portion 25 of tractor cab 21. The door-locking system 22 is
installed at the location of the striker pin 35 as shown in FIG. 3
and other drawings. Thus, the system of the present invention is a
security door-locking system for locking an opening incorporating a
hinged door, with a hinged side and an opening-outward side, and,
adjacent such opening-outward side of such door, a door-jamb portion
incorporating a striker pin adapted to be latched by a latch on such
door. Attached to the striker pin (not shown in FIG. 2) of the door
jamb portion 25 and protruding from joint gap 34 is bar member 36 of
the door-locking system 22; and to it is secured the lock member 37.
The unitary (one-piece construction) substantially-flat bar member
36 embodies the bar means of this invention for rigid extension
between striker pin 35 and lock member 37.
Lock member 37 includes a keyed lock 40, ratchet mechanism 41, and
rigid retainer member 42, embodying herein a rigid retainer
constructed and arranged for force transmission between such lock
member and such door when such lock member is attached on such bar
means and such lock member is in a locked condition. Rigid retainer
member 42 has a protective pad 43 on its inward face 44, which
protective pad 43 embodies herein a protective pad means for
protecting such door from being scratched by such rigid retainer
when placed between such rigid retainer and such door. The ratchet
mechanism 41 of lock member 37 engages the tooth means for assisting
attachment in ratchet fashion of such bar member to such lock at a
user-selected location, the tooth means being embodied herein by the
toothed edge 45 of bar member 36; and the lock member 37 may only be
removed from the bar member 36 by unlocking the keyed lock 40, which
in turn releases the ratchet of the ratchet mechanism 41.
In use, with the door 24 closed, the lock member 37 is moved
adjacent the outside end of bar member 36 into a lockable location
in such manner as to provide a restriction to an opening of
tractor-cab door 24. Thus, the lock member 37 is adjustably secured
to the bar member 36 which is strongly affixed to the door jamb
portion 25 and protrudes from joint gap 34. As the lock member 37 is
installed onto bar member 36, it is pushed into contact against the
door 24 and door jamb portion 25 by the inward-only ratcheting
motion. As the lock member 37 is pushed inward past each ratchet
tooth of toothed edge 45 it may not be pulled outward until the
keyed lock 40 is unlocked. The rigid retainer member 42 of the lock
member 37 overlaps a portion of the outside of both the door 24 and
the door jamb portion 25 so that the rigid retainer member 42
restrains and prevents the opening-outward side 23 of the door 24
from opening outward, thus securing the door. The portion of the
rigid retainer member 42 which projects over the door jamb portion
25 prevents a force from extreme opening of door 24 from bending the
bar member 36 and disabling the door-locking system 22. The soft
cushioning of the protective pad 43 prevents the door 24 or door
jamb portion 25 of the tractor cab 21 from being scratched or
otherwise marred. With the door-locking system 22 installed on the
tractor cab 21, the door may be opened only after unlocking the
keyed lock 40 and sliding the lock member 37 off of the bar member
36. When the door-locking system 22 is not in use, the projecting
bar member 36 may be either removed from the door jamb portion 25 or
left in place for future use.
FIG. 3 is a perspective exploded view of the door-locking system 22
and its components and of the location on the tractor cab 21 where
the door-locking system 22 is used. Located on the edge of the door
jamb portion 25, facing toward the opening-outward side 23 (the side
opposite the hinged side) of the tractor-cab door (not shown), is
the striker pin 35. The striker pin 35 is the stationary portion of
the truck's conventional door latch system, and is positioned to
mate with the door latch mechanism (shown in FIG. 5) located on the
door edge. The striker pin 35 is round, with an enlarged flanged
head 46, and is the member to which the door-locking system 22 is
attached. The bar member 36 of the door-locking system 22 is
preferably a flat steel plate, approximately 1/16 thick and
approximately 11/8" wide, generally rectangular in shape (shaped as
shown), with a toothed extension 47 extending from one end, which is
the outer end 51. The toothed extension 47 has a toothed edge 45
consisting of a plurality of inward facing teeth 48 for engagement
by the lock member 37 in a well-known manner. As an example of the
construction of lock member 37, reference is made to the Display
Case Key Lock commercially available from Safety 1st Inc. of
Chestnut Hill, Mass.
Centrally located on the bar member 36, near its inner end 52, is a
round hole 53 which is sized in diameter slightly larger than the
diameter of the flanged head 46 of the striker pin 35, so that it
may be placed over striker pin 35. This arrangement embodies herein
a holding means adjacent a first end of such bar means for securely
holding such first end of such bar means in place abutting such
striker pin. Affixed to the back side (the door jamb portion 25
side) of the bar member 36, near the extending toothed extension 47,
as shown, is a small Velcro.TM. loop pad 54, embodying herein a
first hook-and-loop attachment means on such bar member for aligning
such bar member approximately horizontally, in such manner that the
end of such bar member to be attached to the lock is exterior to the
tractor cab, such first hook-and-loop attachment means being
constructed and arranged for attachment to a second hook-and-loop
attachment means on such door-jamb portion. When installing the
door-locking system 22, the hole 53 of the bar member 36 is
positioned over the flanged head 46 of the striker pin 35, with the
outer end 51 of bar member 36 extending outward horizontally from
the striker pin 35. The bar member 36 is held in place, against the
door jamb portion 25, by engaging the Velcro.TM. loop pad 54 of the
bar member 36 to a Velcro.TM. hook pad 55 which is permanently
affixed to the door jamb portion 25, with adhesive, at the
corresponding location, as shown, this arrangement embodying herein
the alignment means of this invention for aligning such bar means
approximately horizontally, in such manner that the second end of
such bar means is exterior to the tractor cab. This use of mating
Velcro.TM. loop pad 54 and hook pad 55 allow the bar member 36 to be
installed or removed at will, yet provide an affixed location for
proper alignment and rattle free retention. Completing the
door-locking system 22 is the lock member 37 which is comprised of a
keyed lock 40, ratchet mechanism 41, rigid retainer member 42, and a
protective pad 43 on its inward face 44. The lock member 37
incorporates a through slot 56, through the protective pad 43, rigid
retainer member 42 and the ratchet mechanism 41, for installing the
lock member 37 on the toothed extension 47 of the bar member 36,
such slot 56 embodying herein slot means for receiving such second
(outside) end of such bar member. The ratchet mechanism 41 allows
the lock member 37 to freely slide inward on the toothed extension
47, yet ratcheting interaction with each tooth 48 of the toothed
edge 45 prevents the lock member 37 from sliding, or being pulled,
from the toothed extension 47 until the keyed lock 40 is unlocked.
The keyed lock 40 incorporates a standard barrel with tumblers, for
actuation only with the appropriately mated key 57, and when
actuated, disables the ratchet mechanism 41. Lock member 37 embodies
the lock of this invention, when a such door is closed, being
selectively attachable outward of the opening (the tractor door
opening in the described embodiment) to such bar means adjacent the
second end of such bar means, and such lock being selectively
lockable outward of a such opening to such bar means. The protective
pad 43, affixed with adhesive to the rigid retainer member 42, is a
soft, non-abrading material, e.g., a Velcro.TM. loop pad. The bar
member 36 and the lock plate 37 are preferably manufactured from a
high-tensile-strength or hardened steel, either non-corrosive or
plated for protection and appearance.
In FIG. 4 is shown a perspective view of the bar member 36 of the
door-locking system 22, installed on the door jamb portion 25 of the
tractor cab 21, as described in FIG. 3. The bar member 36 is shown
extending outwardly horizontally from the striker pin 35 on which it
is located. The Velcro.TM. loop pad 54 of the bar member 36 is
engaged with the Velcro.TM. hook pad 55 of the door jamb portion 25,
holding the bar member 36 in proper horizontal position. The toothed
extension 47, embodying herein the lock attachment means of this
invention adjacent a second end of such bar means for aiding
attachment of such lock on such bar means, extends outward from the
door jamb portion 25, ready for the closing of the door and for
installation of the lock member 37 when the door is to be secured.
The door-locking system 22 is operable with the toothed edge 45 of
the bar member 36 facing either upward or downward, allowing for the
option of the door-locking system 22 for both the left side door (as
shown), and the right side door being identical.
FIG. 5 shows a cross-section view of the door 24 and the door jamb
portion 25 at the location of the door-locking system 22 through
section 5--5 of FIG. 2. In this illustration, the door 24 is shown
closed and latched to the door jamb portion 25, and for security,
the door is restrained from being opened by the door-locking system
22. Bar member 36 is mounted to the striker pin 35 and engaged with
the Velcro.TM. hook-and-loop attachment at 55, securing the bar
member 36 to the door jamb portion 25. The bar member 36 extends
outward through the joint gap 34, between the door 24 and the door
jamb portion 25, and has the lock member 37 (not shown in
cross-section) installed against the door 24 and the door jamb
portion 25. Also shown is the original equipment door latch 60,
which remains undisturbed and functional as it is engaged with the
striker pin 35. The protective pad 43 adhered to the inward face 44
of the rigid retainer member 42 prevents the painted surfaces of the
door 24 and door jamb portion 25 from being scratched by the rigid
retainer member 42 of the lock member 37.
The door-locking system 22 is illustrated attached to the door jamb
portion 25 in the elevation view of FIG. 6. Since the hole 53 of the
bar member 36 is slightly larger than the flanged head 46 (shown by
dotted line) of the striker pin 35, when installing the bar member
36 to the door jamb portion 25, it is advantageous to pull the bar
member 36 outward in contact with the striker pin 35 when
positioning and attaching to the location at 55. This properly
positions bar member 36 and also reduces possible rattling of the
bar member 36. Once installed, the lock member 37 is secured to the
toothed extension 47 of the bar member 36 by the ratchet mechanism
41 engagement with the inward facing teeth 48. The lock member 37
may only be removed by disabling the ratchet mechanism 41 with the
keyed lock 40.
FIG. 7 is an elevation view of a holding-end portion of a bar member
illustrating an alternate preferred embodiment. A modified form of
the bar member 36 incorporates a slot system 61 in lieu of the hole
53 of the preferred embodiment. A vertical entry slot 62 provides an
opening from the bottom edge of the bar member 36 and interconnects
with a horizontal slot 63 which extends from the entry slot 61
towards the inner end 52 of the bar member 36. This slot system 61
allows the bar member 36 to be installed onto the striker pin 35
without requiring an enlarged hole for fitting over the flanged head
46 (shown by dotted line) of the striker pin 35. This feature is
particularly advantageous if the flanged head 46 is significantly
larger than the diameter of the striker pin 35 and would require a
relatively large hole 53 in the bar member 36. This arrangement
embodies a holding means of this invention which comprises a slot in
such bar member constructed and arranged in such manner that a such
striker pin, at smallest-diameter portion of such striker pin, may
pass into such slot, and a receiving means in such bar member for
holding such smallest-diameter portion of a such striker pin after
such striker pin passes into such slot.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of the
lock attachment end of the door-locking system. One preferred
embodiment of the lock member 37 incorporates the keyed lock 40,
ratchet mechanism 41 and rigid retainer member 42 integrated into a
one piece unit; but the preferred embodiment of FIG. 8 provides a
ratchet/lock mechanism 64 separate from the rigid retainer member
42. A ratchet/lock mechanism 64 of this style is commonly found in
hardware stores (an example part source having been herein earlier
given). In this embodiment of the door-locking system 22, the rigid
retainer member 42 and the ratchet/lock mechanism 64 are installed
separately on the bar member 36. Also shown is the protective pad 43
prior to bonding to the rigid retainer member 42.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating an alternate preferred
embodiment of the lock attachment end of the bar member and of the
lock member. In lieu of the teeth 48 on the toothed edge 45 of the
bar member 36, this embodiment instead incorporates a series of
holes 65 positioned in a straight line longitudinally and extending
to the outer end 51 of the bar member 36. A sliding pin lock 66 is
then attached to the selected hole 65 which provides for the best
positioning of a separate rigid retainer member 42 (not shown) to
the door 24 and door jamb portion 25. A sliding pin lock 66 of the
type required incorporates a lock pin 67 which extends and retracts
as a function of the keyed lock 40 operation. When the lock pin 67
is retracted, a slot 68 in the sliding pin lock 66 allows
positioning of the sliding pin lock 66 to the appropriate hole 65 of
the bar member 36. When locked, the lock pin 67 extends through the
selected hole 65 and into a support socket 69 in the opposing wall
of the slot 68. This arrangement embodies the lock attachment means
of the present invention comprising a horizontal series of holes in
such bar member, each such hole being constructed and arranged to
receive a lock pin at a user-selected location.
Door 24 and door jamb portion 25 construction differing from that
previously described, may necessitate the modification shown in
perspective in FIG. 10. If the door 24 overlaps the door jamb
portion 25, not allowing the bar member 36 to extend through the
joint gap 34, a modification to the door 24 is required. A notch 70
is cut in the door 24 to expose the joint gap 34 and provide a
clearance opening for the bar member 36. Information describing the
size and shape of the notch 70 could be provided to the individual
performing the modification by the door-locking system 22 supplier
in the form of a template or pattern. Additionally, a trim piece 71,
of rubber, plastic, or chromed molding would be furnished to cover
the raw edge of the cut notch 70. This arrangement embodies the
tractor door of this invention comprising hole means for permitting
the second end of the bar means to pass through such hole means when
such tractor door is being closed.
From the above description, it is seen that the security door-lock
system of this invention, for locking a tractor cab having a
tractor-cab door and a tractor-cab door-jamb portion incorporating a
striker pin adapted to be latched by a latch on such door, comprises
the steps of: with such tractor cab door open, capturing such
striker pin with a first end of a rigid bar in such manner as to
prevent outward movement of such first end of such rigid bar;
aligning such bar approximately horizontally in such manner that a
second end of such bar is exterior to such tractor cab; closing such
tractor-cab door in such manner that such second end of such bar
remains extended from such tractor cab; providing a lock constructed
and arranged to lock onto such bar adjacent such second end at a
selected location; moving such lock adjacent such second end of such
bar into a lockable location in such manner as to provide a
restriction to an opening of such tractor-cab door; and locking such
lock onto such bar.
Although applicant has described applicant's preferred embodiments
of this invention, it will be understood that the broadest scope of
this invention includes such modifications as diverse shapes and
sizes and materials. Such scope is limited only by the below claims
as read in connection with the above specification.
Further, many other advantages of applicant's invention will be
apparent to those skilled in the art from the above descriptions and
the below claims.
* * * * *
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