Locking device, system and method providing proximity control

Abstract

Devices, systems, and methods are provided for detecting an alarm condition of a locking device at an entry point. An external force can be received at a locking device operating in a locked state and a first indicium corresponding to the received external force is determined, an indication of the external force is separately received at an accelerometer of the locking device and a second indicium corresponding to the received indication of the external force is determined, the first indicium and the second indicium are compared to determine an alarm condition, and at least one alarm operation corresponding to the determined alarm condition is selectively performed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a device for resisting movement of an object. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a mounted locking device configured to prevent a door or other entry device from opening when the locking device is in a locked state. Background Art

[0002] Traditional door locking mechanisms (such as deadbolt locks) are used to prevent or resist access to the interior of a door. Traditional deadbolt lock mechanisms are well known in the art. However, the deadbolt can often be overcome without tools and with relatively little force. This can occur because the deadbolt must be installed within the door itself and secured to the doorframe. The deadbolt installed within the door typically extends from the inner body of the door and into a small recess within the door face. To break through a door locked with a typical deadbolt mechanism, an intruder only needs to kick the door at its weakest point (the lock strike plate). Even when fully engaged, the deadbolt can only apply resistance across a small area of ​​the door and doorframe. Furthermore, traditional deadbolts are easily broken, for example by lock bumping.

[0003] Therefore, in order to increase security and to avoid the shortcomings of traditional door locking mechanisms, there is a need for an improved locking device that can provide greater strength and resilience. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to aspects of the present invention, there are provided apparatus, systems and methods for implementing intrusion detection and prevention at a premises, which therefore include a control system and a control method.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a method for detecting an alarm state of a locking device for an entry point is provided. The method includes: receiving an external force at the locking device operating in a locked state and determining a first indicia corresponding to the received external force; separately receiving an indication of the external force at an accelerometer of the locking device and determining a second indicia corresponding to the received indication of the external force; comparing the first indicia and the second indicia to determine an alarm condition; and selectively performing at least one alarm operation corresponding to the determined alarm condition.

[0006] Determining a first indicia corresponding to the received external force may include determining an amount of deflection of a lifting component of the locking device caused by the external force.The external force may be a force of a door opening inwardly into an interior space that can be secured by the locking device.

[0007] The first indicia may be determined based on a state of an electromechanical switch of the locking device.

[0008] Comparing the first indicia and the second indicia may include determining a sensitivity setting, and applying the sensitivity setting to a result of comparing the first indicia and the second indicia to determine the alarm condition.

[0009] The alarm condition may include transmitting an indication of the alarm condition to an external device. Transmitting the indication of the alarm condition may include wirelessly transmitting the indication of the alarm condition. Transmitting the indication of the alarm condition to an external device may include wirelessly transmitting the indication of the alarm condition to an electronic device associated with the locking device.

[0010] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a locking device is provided, which includes: a body; a lifting component that is capable of being connected to the body, at least a portion of the lifting component is configured to move relative to the body according to an instruction position related to a locking state, the lifting component including (i) a contact surface configured to constrain the movement of an object, and (ii) an electromechanical switch, the lifting component is configured to receive an external force; an accelerometer that is connected to the body, the accelerometer is configured to receive an indication of an external force received at the lifting component; and a control circuit that is configured to determine a first mark corresponding to the received external force at the lifting component, and determine a second mark corresponding to the indication of the receipt of the external force by the accelerometer.

[0011] The control circuitry may compare the first and second indicia to determine an alarm condition and selectively perform at least one alarm operation corresponding to the determined alarm condition. The control circuitry may determine a sensitivity setting and apply the sensitivity setting to a result of comparing the first and second indicia to determine the alarm condition.

[0012] The control circuit can determine an amount of deflection of the lifting member caused by the external force. The locking device can restrict movement of the door into an interior space that can be secured by the locking device, and wherein the external force is a force that opens the door inwardly into the interior space that can be secured by the locking device.

[0013] The locking device may comprise a transceiver, and the control circuitry may control the transceiver to transmit the indication of the determined alarm condition.The control circuitry may cause the transceiver to wirelessly transmit the indication of the determined alarm condition.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for controlling a locking device is provided. The method includes: selecting a threshold value corresponding to a force value associated with the locking device; detecting a force received at the locking device; comparing the detected force to the selected threshold value; determining a warning condition based at least in part on the comparison of the detected force to the selected threshold value; and selectively performing at least one warning operation corresponding to the determined warning condition.

[0015] Determining the warning condition may include determining a locked state of the locking device. The locked state of the locking device may be determined to be a locked state, and determining the warning condition may include providing a time delay after determining that the locking device is in the locked state. When the locking device is determined to be operating in the unlocked state after the time delay expires, the warning condition may be determined to be a no-warning state. When the locking device is determined to be operating in the locked state after the time delay expires, the warning condition may be determined to be an enabled warning state, wherein the control circuitry of the locking device transmits at least one warning state communication in response to the enabled warning state determination.

[0016] Numerous other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the following disclosure when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 is an elevational perspective view of a locking device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0018] Figure 2 is an elevational perspective view of an interior section of a power housing of a locking device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0019] Figure 3 is a top interior view of an outer housing of a locking device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0020] Figure 4 is an elevational perspective view of an interior portion of a central component of a locking device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0021] Figure 5 is a bottom view of a locking device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0022] Figure 6 is a side view of a locking device and a lifter according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0023] Figure 7 is a side view of a locking device and a connecting plate according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0024] Figure 8 is a side view of a locking device in a locked state according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0025] Figure 9 is a side view of a locking device in an unlocked state according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0026] Figure 10 FIG. 1 is a top view of a sliding door implementation of a locking device in a locked state according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0027] Figure 11A top view of a sliding door implementation of multiple locking devices in an unlocked state according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0028] Figure 12 is a side view of a mounting bracket for a locking device and a locking device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0029] Figure 13A -B respectively illustrate a locking device in a locked state and a locking device in an unlocked state according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0030] Figure 14 is a side view of a locking device with a slot-type connection point according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0031] Figure 15 Shown is a partial interior view of a central component of a locking device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0032] Figure 16 A partial bottom perspective view of a center component is shown according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0033] Figure 17 An enlarged view showing a partial interior view of a center component according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0034] Figure 18 A partial top elevation view of a center component is shown according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0035] Figure 19 A partially elevated perspective view showing an interior view of a center component according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0036] Figure 20 A top perspective view of a locking device is shown according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0037] Figure 21 A perspective view showing a partial interior view of a central component and an outer housing of a locking device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0038] Figure 22 A flow chart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a process for performing a detection process for locking a device according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 23 A partial top view of a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a locking device according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0040] Figure 24 A partial block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a control circuit according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Although the making and using of various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated that the present disclosure provides many applicable inventive concepts that can be implemented in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention.

[0042] Where the various figures may depict embodiments that share various common elements and features with other embodiments, the like elements and features are given the same reference numerals, and redundant description thereof may be omitted below.

[0043] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments described herein, a number of terms are defined below. The terms defined herein have meanings as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Terms such as "a," "an," and "the" are not intended to refer only to a single entity, but rather to a general category of which specific instances may be used for illustration. The terms herein are used to describe specific embodiments of the present invention, but their use does not define the present invention unless otherwise stated in the claims. As used herein, the phrase "in one embodiment" does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may refer to the same embodiment.

[0044] Unless otherwise specifically stated, or otherwise understood in context as used, conditional language used herein (such as, among others, "may," "might," "could," "for example," etc.) is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include certain features, elements, and / or states, while other embodiments do not. Thus, such conditional language is generally not intended to imply that one or more embodiments in any way require features, elements, and / or states, or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for determining, with or without author input or prompting, whether such features, elements, and / or states are included or will be performed in any particular embodiment.

[0045] The term "signal" as used herein may include any meaning as would be understood by one skilled in the art, including at least an electrical or magnetic representation of current, voltage, charge, temperature, data, or the state of one or more storage locations (as expressed on one or more transmission media), and is generally capable of being transmitted, received, stored, compared, combined, or otherwise manipulated in any equivalent manner.

[0046] Unless otherwise specified, the term "user interface" as used herein may include any input-output module with respect to a hosted server, including but not limited to a web portal (such as a standalone web page or those collectively defined as a hosted website), a mobile application, a desktop application, a telephone interface (such as an interactive voice response (IVR)), etc. Such an interface may be broadly defined to include pop-up windows or links to third-party websites for the purpose of further accessing and / or integrating associated materials, data, or program functionality via the hosted system and in accordance with the methods of the present invention.

[0047] As used herein, the terms "controller," "control circuitry," and "control loop" may refer to, be implemented by, or otherwise be included within a machine, such as a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof, that is designed and programmed to perform or cause the performance of the functions described herein. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, a processor may be a controller, a microcontroller, or a state machine, a combination thereof, or the like. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, for example, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.

[0048] As used herein, the term "communication medium" with respect to data communication between two or more parties or otherwise between communication network interfaces associated with two or more parties may refer to any one of a telecommunications network (whether wired, wireless, cellular, etc.), a global network (such as the Internet), a local area network, a network link, an Internet Service Provider (ISP), and intermediate communication interfaces, or a combination of any two or more thereof.

[0049] To the extent the terms "comprise" or "comprising" are used in the specification or claims, they are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "consisting of," as interpreted when used as a transitional term in a claim. Furthermore, to the extent the term "or" is used (e.g., A or B), it is intended to mean "A or B or both," and when the applicant intends to indicate "only A or B but not both," the term "only A or B but not both" would be used. Thus, the use of the term "or" herein is inclusive and not exclusive. See Bryan A. Garner's Dictionary of Contemporary Legal Usage, p. 624 (2d ed. 1995). Additionally, to the extent the terms "in" or "into" are used in the specification or claims, they are intended to additionally mean "on" or "onto." Furthermore, to the extent the term “connected” is used in the specification or claims, it is intended to mean not only “directly connected to” but also “indirectly connected to” (such as connected through another component or components).

[0050] Reference Figure 1 , a locking device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is provided. The locking device 100 may include a central component 110 having a lifting component 112 and at least one stop component 114 located at an end thereof. In one embodiment, the locking device 100 may include an outer housing 120 and one or more of a power housing 130 connected thereto. The locking device 100 may be modularly formed by the central component 110 and one or more of the outer housing 120 and the power housing 130. As used herein, the term "center" may represent aspects other than or in addition to a physical location. For example, the term "center" as used herein may convey operational aspects and / or interrelationships such as applications. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the outer housing 120 and the power housing 130 may be physically located at a central location of the assembled locking device 100 without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Although described with reference to a lock or latch, it should be appreciated that the locking device 100 functionally operates as a barrier to restrict movement of an object and, therefore, should not be narrowly construed as merely a conventional lock and does not require a specific "key" or physical or electronic unlocking device to operate. Thus, the locking device 100 may take the form of a barrier device consistent with the disclosure provided herein.

[0051] In one embodiment, the overall structure of the locking device 100 may form a convex quadrilateral, such as a trapezoid. Figure 1In the exemplary embodiment shown, the center member 110 may be rectangularly shaped, while the outer housing 120 and the power housing 130 may be trapezoidally shaped. However, the shape of each of the center member 110, the outer housing 120, and the power housing 130 may vary based on the desired use, and thus the overall shape of the locking device 100 may vary.

[0052] At least a portion of the lifting member 112 of the central member 110 can be configured to elevate during operation of the locking device 100. In one exemplary embodiment described herein, at least a portion of the lifting member 112 can elevate more on the proximal side of the locking device 100 relative to the door frame than on the distal side relative to the door frame. In doing so, forces applied to the lifting member 112 by contact with the door or other object can be transferred downwardly along the lifting member 112 and into the surface on which the locking device is mounted, thereby increasing the amount of force that can be resisted by the locking device 100.

[0053] The interior portion of the lifting member 112 may include a notch, a recess, or a cam receptacle. The notch, recess, or cam receptacle may be configured to be positioned to engage with at least one cam 440 (e.g., a central member 110) Figure 4 In one embodiment, the at least one cam 440 can be placed in continuous contact with the lifting member 112 during operation. In an alternative embodiment, the at least one cam 440 can be configured to be placed in contact with the lifting member 112 only during specific operations, such as increasing the height of the lifting member 112 and / or decreasing the height of the lifting member 112.

[0054] Lifting member 112 may comprise a single structural element in one embodiment, or may comprise multiple structural elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. For example, in one embodiment, lifting member 112 may be formed from two or more structural elements that are configured to nest within one another when locking device 100 is operated in the unlocked state, and configured to expand to separate, associated heights when operated in the locked state. In one implementation, at least one of the multiple structural elements may be selected based on the desired overall height of lifting member 112 in the locked state. In separate embodiments, the multiple structural elements may be collectively arranged at a single height when in the locked position and / or may provide single or multiple contact points with a door or object to restrict movement of the door or object. When multiple nested structural elements are used for lifting member 112, the clearance distance between the contact surface of lifting member 112 and the door or object may be reduced compared to a single lifting member embodiment to restrict movement of the door or object. In addition to lifting member 112, the height of at least one stop member 114 may be manipulated within the scope of the present disclosure. This can be achieved, for example, based on a connection between the lifting component 112 and the at least one stop component 114 and / or by a connection between the at least one cam 440 and the at least one stop component 114 .

[0055] In one embodiment, the locking device 100 may include a single central component 110 without either or both of the outer housing 120 and the power housing 130 connected thereto. In another embodiment, one or more central components 110 may be connected to form a single locking device 100. In this configuration, multiple central components 110 may communicate with each other to coordinate operation and function as a single component. In an alternative embodiment, multiple central components 110 may be interconnected into separate locking devices 100, each of which operates independently of one another. Due to the modular nature of the locking device 100, the size associated with each component of the locking device 100 may vary, and the final size of the locking device 100 depends on the size and number of each central component 110, outer housing 120, and / or power housing 130 connected thereto. Each of the central component 110, outer housing 120, and / or power housing 130 may be implemented in a variety of sizes to allow for use in any intended application. For example, the center member 110 may be implemented with various widths and associated contact surface sizes, such that the center member 110 may have a width such as 10 inches, 36 inches, or any other desired size based on the implementation.

[0056] The outer housing 120 can be configured to be physically and / or electrically connected to the central component 110. For example, the outer housing 120 can be connected to the central component 110 by moving the outer housing 120 inwardly toward the at least one stop member 114. In this example, the outer housing 120 or the central component 110 can include a connection mechanism that removably connects the outer housing 120 and the central component 110 when the outer housing 120 is moved inwardly relative to the central component 110. Alternatively, or in conjunction with attachment to the central component 110, the outer housing 120 and the central component 110 can be connected via at least a portion of the at least one stop member 114.

[0057] Each of the center member 110, the outer housing 120, and / or the power housing 130 can be formed of a durable material and have a cavity formed therein. Examples of durable materials that can be used are glass-filled nylon (such as nylon 66), metal (such as aluminum, titanium, etc.), plastic, or any other material that can have sufficient structural rigidity for the operating conditions of the locking device 100. The center member 110, the outer housing 120, and the power housing 130 can each have a cavity formed therein that is configured to receive internal components.

[0058] When combined, the locking device can be configured to be arranged in an elongated structure about one or more central components 110, with the outer housing 120 and / or the power housing 130 connected at one or more of the opposing longitudinal ends of the central component 110. In various embodiments, at least one other central component 110, outer housing 120, or power housing 130 can be attached to the central component 110 at any surface of the central component 110 (e.g., at a location other than a longitudinal end) based on the desired operational configuration. Electrical connections between the internal components of the central component 110, as well as between the central component 110, the outer housing 120, and the power housing 130 can be made with the aid of conventional wiring and connectors, which are not shown in the drawings for the sake of clarity.

[0059] In one exemplary embodiment, the outer housing 120 may be configured with a locking mechanism 122 housed therein. The locking mechanism 122 may optionally be configured as a push / pull type manual release, a pressure sensitive foot pedal, or any other manually operated device capable of engaging and / or disengaging the operating state of the locking device 100. As shown, for example, in Figure 2 In the embodiment, the push-pull mechanism may include an operating arm 224, a cross member 226, and an engagement arm 228. The operating arm 224 and the engagement arm 228 may be connected to each other by means of interconnection with the cross member 226. Although the cross member 226 is Figure 222. The cross member 226 is shown connected to the operating arm 224, the engagement arm 228, and the center pivot point 227 by means of screws or bolts, but any fastening device capable of attaching the cross member 226 to the operating arm 224, the engagement arm 228, and the pivot point 227 may be used within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0060] In operation, the locking mechanism 122 can be configured to allow manual engagement or disengagement of the locking device 100. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, the locking mechanism 122 can be configured such that when the locking device 100 is operated in the locking mode, at least a portion of the operating arm 224 extends to protrude from the outer surface of the outer housing 120. If the user desires to manually disengage the locking device 100, the user can push the operating arm 224 inward toward the center member 110. Movement of the operating arm 224 can cause the cross member 226 to rotate relative to the pivot point 227 (e.g., in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction). Based on its attachment to the engagement arm 228, the rotation of the cross member 226 can cause the engagement arm 228 to move in an engagement direction. In one embodiment, the engagement direction can be a longitudinal direction associated with the center member 110. Movement in the engagement direction can activate the manual release device 420 (e.g., Figure 4 ), for manipulating the operating state of the locking device 100 in the manner described herein.

[0061] Alternatively or in addition to a push / pull type mechanism, other manual operation means are contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, a foot pedal (not shown) may be used on the exterior surface of the outer housing 120 to operate a manual release mechanism associated with the locking device 100. For example, a foot pedal 54 and associated structure as described in provisional patent application 62 / 038,393 (incorporated herein by reference in its entirety) may be implemented for manual operation.

[0062] The outer housing 120 may also include an illumination component 129. The illumination component 129 may include a light-emitting element (such as a light-emitting diode (LED)) powered by a power source associated with the outer housing 120 (e.g., a battery or other input power), or powered by an electrical connection to the center unit 110 or the power housing 130. In one embodiment, a panel containing a logo or other item desired to be illuminated may be placed atop the illumination component 129 to provide backlighting for the panel. In one exemplary embodiment, the illumination component 129 may be configured to change illumination color based on the state of the locking device 100. For example, the illumination component 129 may display a first color when the locking device is operating in unlocked mode and a second color when the locking device is operating in locked mode. The illumination component 129 may also be configured to change color or display pattern for the purpose of conveying information to the user. For example, the illumination component may provide various colors or display patterns to convey lock status, information related to usage (e.g., battery backup power usage, etc.), device pairing status, or any other information desired to be conveyed by the locking device 100. The electrical connection(s) between the internal components of the outer housing 120 and between the outer housing 120 and the central component 110 may be made by means of conventional wiring and connectors, which are not shown in the drawings to facilitate clarity.

[0063] In one embodiment, one or more power housings 130 may be connected to the center member 110. Figure 3 As shown in FIG, the power housing 130 may include one or more of a power input 132 and a battery 134. The power input 132 may be configured to be located at an exterior surface of the power housing 130 and configured to receive input power from an external source (e.g., a power adapter or other power input device). In one embodiment, the power input 132 may be connected to the battery 134 and may be configured to provide charging power to the battery 134 when a power source is connected to the power input 132. The electrical connection(s) between the internal components of the power housing 130 and between the power housing 130 and the core 110 may be achieved by means of conventional wiring and connectors, which are not shown in the figures to promote clarity.

[0064] The battery 134 may include a lithium-ion battery, an aluminum-ion battery, a sodium nickel chloride battery, a polymer battery, or other battery design that is configured to provide sufficient power storage, durability, and / or thermal characteristics. Alternatively or in addition to the battery designs mentioned above, the battery 134 may include or contain at least one supercapacitor. In an exemplary embodiment, the battery 134 may include a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. The location and design of the battery 134 within the power housing 130 may be configured to increase the durability of the charge and prevent damage to the battery 134 (e.g., by water damage, electrical charge, or wear and tear). The battery 134 may be positioned within the cavity of the power housing 130. In one embodiment, the battery 134 may be located within an insulating compartment 136. The insulating compartment 136 may be configured to be waterproof and electrically insulate the battery 134 therein.

[0065] In one embodiment, battery backup 135 may be used as part of battery 134 or as a standalone backup. Battery backup 135 may include, for example, one or more alkaline batteries electrically connected to locking device 100. Battery backup 135 may be used to provide power to locking device 100 in the event that battery 134 has insufficient capacity or is unable to meet the power requirements of battery 134. For example, battery backup 135 may provide power in the event that battery 134 is completely discharged, operating improperly, or is low on power. In an exemplary embodiment, the one or more alkaline batteries may be selected to provide six months or more of operation of locking device 100 according to typical use. In one embodiment, battery backup 135 may include three AAA batteries.

[0066] In one exemplary embodiment, the locking device 100 can provide a notification to the user that the locking device 100 is operating on battery backup power. The locking device 100 can communicate this status to the user in a number of ways. For example, the locking device 100 can emit a noise (such as a beep) continuously or at specific intervals, a lighting feature can flash to indicate backup power, the locking device 100 can transmit and electronically communicate to convey backup power usage to the user, etc.

[0067] The power housing 130 can be configured to provide electrical power to the core member 110 (e.g., using mating connectors 138 located at the power housing 130 and the core member 110). In one exemplary embodiment, the mating connector can be located within at least one of the cavities of the power housing 130 and the core member 110. For example, the power housing 130 can include a power housing connector 138 configured to electrically connect to a corresponding connector of the core member 110. In one embodiment, the corresponding connector of the core member 110 can be associated with the stop member 114; however, the corresponding connector of the core member 110 can additionally or alternatively be associated with the core member 110 itself or an internal component therein.

[0068] Figure 4 The internal components within the cavity of the center member 110 are shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The bottom surface of the center member 110 may include a base 401 (e.g., a body). At least one opening 402 may be formed in the base 401 at a distal side of the center member 110 relative to the door frame. The at least one opening 402 may have at least one rotation-enabling member 403 to allow at least a portion of the lift member 112 to be raised during operation. The center member 110 may also include an actuator 405. The actuator 405 may be implemented in various ways to provide the lifting power required to raise and / or lower the lift member 112 during operation. In one exemplary embodiment, the actuator 405 may include a servo mechanism; however, any actuation device capable of manipulating the physical location of the lift member 112 may be used within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The actuator 405 may be mounted to the base 401 using a mount 415 attached to or formed from the base 401. The actuator 405 may include a coupler 410 for connecting to an external translation member. In one embodiment, the actuator 405 can be configured to provide outputs corresponding to a locked state and an unlocked state. For example, in one embodiment, the actuator 405 can be configured to provide a specified amount of output rotation in a specified direction corresponding to each state.

[0069] The actuator 405 may also include a manual release 420. The manual release 420 may be configured to receive input and transition the actuator 405 to a different operating state. For example, the manual release 420 may be configured to transition the actuator 405 from a locked state to an unlocked state upon receiving input from the locking mechanism 122. Alternatively, the manual release 420 may be configured to allow purely manual operation by changing the operating state of the locking device 100 upon receiving input (i.e., by switching between a currently locked state to an unlocked state or vice versa upon receiving input).

[0070] In one embodiment, the coupler 410 of the actuator 405 may be attached to the shaft 425 at a shaft coupler 430. As in Figure 4 4, the coupling 410 of the actuator 405 and the shaft coupling 430 of the shaft 425 can be implemented using matching recesses to allow for interconnection. However, the use of connecting recesses is not required to connect the actuator 405 and the shaft 425, and in one embodiment, the shaft 425 can be directly connected to the actuator 405. The shaft 425 can be connected to the base 401 of the central component 110 by means of at least one coupling 435. The at least one coupling 435 can be configured to hold the shaft 425 in place relative to the base 401, the actuator 405, and / or the lifting component 112.

[0071] At least one cam 440 may be coupled to the shaft 425. The at least one cam 440 may be configured to rotate in unison with the shaft 425 during operation and may be placed in contact with the inner surface of the lifting member 112. Figure 4 4. Although two cams 440 are shown, only one cam 440 may be used, or three or more cams 440 may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the at least one cam 440 may be positioned relative to the shaft 425 to reduce potential damage to components of the central member 110 when external forces are applied to the lifting member 112 or any other portion of the locking device 100. Furthermore, the at least one cam 440 may be configured to maintain an angle relative to the lifting member 112 such that external forces applied to the lifting member 112 or other portions of the locking device 100 will not cause the at least one cam 440 to move or the shaft 425 to rotate. In this regard, in one embodiment, the configuration of the at least one cam 440 and the shaft 425 may result in increased structural rigidity and locking integrity.

[0072] In one embodiment, the actuator 405 can cause the shaft 425 to rotate the at least one cam 440 so that the outer surface of the lifting member 112 reaches a predetermined angle relative to the surface on which the locking device 100 is mounted. The predetermined angle can be determined during manufacturing or can be configured by the user. The predetermined angle can be configured so that the contact position of the at least one cam 440 is perpendicular to the lifting member 112. The predetermined angle can vary based on the intended operation. For example, when compared to a larger distance, a smaller angle may be preferred in the case where a small distance exists between the surface on which the locking device 100 is mounted and the object whose movement is to be restored. Alternatively, a larger angle may be preferred to resist external forces pushing downward on the outer surface of the lifting member 112. In one exemplary embodiment, a predetermined angle between 15 and 20 degrees can be used. However, any angle may be used within the scope of the present disclosure for the corresponding intended purpose.

[0073] The centerpiece 110 may also include a control circuit 450. In one embodiment, the control circuit 450 may be attached to the base 401 via a circuit mount 460. In one embodiment, the control circuit 450 is configured to control power distribution within the locking device 100 and enable automatic control of the locking device 100. In one exemplary embodiment, the control circuit 450 may include a transceiver 455 for transmitting and receiving control signals. In one embodiment, the transceiver 455 may include a wired or wireless connection medium. At least a portion of the transceiver 455 may be accessible from an exterior surface of the locking device 100, or may be entirely within the cavity of the centerpiece 110. The transceiver 455 may enable communication across the communication medium using known or proprietary communication protocols. For example, the transceiver 455 may enable the use of Ethernet, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Wireless Application Protocol, IEEE 802 standards, or any other communication protocol, configuration, or implementation. It should be appreciated that, in various embodiments, the locking device 100 may be configured in a manually operated mode without the use or need for the control circuit 450.

[0074] In one exemplary embodiment, transceiver 455 may be configured to communicate with a software application running on the device. For example, transceiver 455 may be configured to send and receive messages related to a user device running the software application (e.g., via a user interface executing on the device). The software application may be configured so that a user of the software can cause control circuitry 450 to initiate various operations corresponding to the user's commands. For example, the software may enable a user to request that locking device 100 operate in a locked or unlocked state. Upon receiving the requested operation at transceiver 455, control circuitry 450 may control locking device 100 to perform the desired operation. Control circuitry 450 may enable a variety of desired automation and remote control capabilities. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, control circuitry 450 may be paired with a user device (e.g., using Bluetooth). After pairing, control circuitry 450 may be programmed to ensure that locking device 100 operates in an unlocked state whenever the paired user device is within a predetermined distance (e.g., within ten feet) of locking device 100.

[0075] Similarly, in one embodiment, the control circuit 450 may allow the locking device 100 to detect at least one device other than a paired user device and notify the owner of the locking device of an identifier associated with the detected device and / or provide the ability to remotely transition the locking device 100 to a locked or unlocked state. In one embodiment, the control circuit 450 may also enable the locking device 100 to be programmed to operate in a locked or unlocked state at predetermined times or events.

[0076] Figure 5A bottom view of an assembled locking device according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. As shown, center member 110 may include bottom surface 510, outer housing 120 may include bottom surface 520, and power housing 130 may include bottom surface 530. Each of bottom surfaces 510, 520, and 520 may be configured to include at least one mounting location 550. Each mounting location 550 may be used to secure locking device 100 to a surface on which it is intended to be mounted.

[0077] The locking device 100 may be secured using, alone or in combination, at least one bolt, at least one hook and loop fastener, an adhesive material (e.g., any double-sided tape, such as 3M TM VHB TM , adhesive tape, etc.), or any other attachment means to the surface on which it is intended to be mounted. Furthermore, the means for attaching the locking device 100 to the surface on which it is intended to be mounted may be located on at least one surface of the locking device 100, the surface on which it is intended to be mounted, or any combination thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the locking device 100 may include at least one opening at a bottom surface thereof, the at least one opening being operable to mount the locking device 100 to the intended installation location by placing a bolt, screw, nail, tape, or other attachment element into or through the at least one opening and into or onto the surface on which the locking device 100 is intended to be mounted. Alternatively, the at least one opening may be provided by means of a mounting bracket configured to be placed between the locking device 100 and the mounting surface during placement.

[0078] At least one of the central component 110, the outer housing 120, and the power housing 130 may be placed in contact with the door sill and / or door frame to provide support and / or structural rigidity. The locking device 100 may optionally be mounted to the door sill and / or door frame using the same or similar mounting means as described herein.

[0079] In addition to using a predetermined angle, other mechanisms are contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure for adjusting the height between the surface on which the locking device 100 is mounted and the door height. Figure 6 6, the locking device 100 can be mounted to the riser 600. The locking device 100 can be mounted to the riser 600 at a mounting point 610. The mounting point 610 can include any means for attaching the locking device 100 to the riser 600 and / or the surface 620. In one embodiment, the locking device 100 can be attached to the riser 600 using screws or other fastening means.

[0080] The locking device 100 may optionally be secured using at least one bolt, at least one hook and loop fastener, adhesive material (e.g., any double-sided tape, such as 3M TM VHB TM The locking device 100 may be attached to the lifter 600 by any single element or combination of attachment means (e.g., adhesive tape, etc.) or any other attachment means. In addition, the means for attaching the locking device 100 to the lifter 600 may be located on at least one surface of the locking device 100, at least one surface of the lifter 600, or any combination thereof.

[0081] In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the lifter 600 can be placed atop the upper surface of the lifting member 112 to increase its overall height. In this configuration, the lifter 600 can be attached directly to the top surface of the lifter 600, or can be attached to any portion of the locking device 100, wherein such attachment prevents movement of the lifter 600 relative to the locking device 100.

[0082] In one exemplary embodiment, the lifter 600 can be configured to meet legal requirements for door sill height. For example, the lifter 600 can be configured or adjusted to meet the half-inch height requirement under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Because door sill heights can vary widely based on placement and room floor height, the lifter 600 can be used to help meet ADA height requirements and create an ideal contact surface between the locking device 100 and the object whose movement is intended to be restrained. In one embodiment, the lifter 600 can, for example, provide at least one inch of lift and / or at least 30 degrees of elevation with respect to the lift member 112.

[0083] In one embodiment, the locking device 100 may be configured to be attached to the connecting plate 700, such as Figure 7 . The connecting plate 700 can be formed of any durable and / or rigid material capable of being attached to the locking device 100. In one embodiment, the connecting plate 700 can be used to facilitate attachment of the locking device 100 to a surface (e.g., surface 720) on which the locking device 100 is intended to be mounted. For example, the connecting plate can provide pre-cut screw or bolt holes, can have double-sided tape provided at predetermined locations, etc.

[0084] The connecting plate 700 can also be configured to provide additional structural integrity and / or rigidity to the locking device 100. In one embodiment, the connecting plate can be designed for placement when the door frame is installed. The connecting plate 700 can be configured to be placed under the door sill 710 and / or to be attached to one or more surfaces of the door sill 710 to provide additional strength and rigidity. In one embodiment, the connecting plate 700 can be connected to the sill frame and / or the mounting bracket.

[0085] The connecting plate 700 may be used as desired instead of the lifter 600 or in addition to the lifter 600. For example, the thickness of the connecting plate 700 may be adjustable, or the thickness may be manipulated to incorporate desired features of the lifter 600.

[0086] In one embodiment, the connecting plate 700 may include a universal placement plate (UIP) that is configured to allow the locking device to be placed according to a specific desired implementation. Although the use of the UIP does not need to be placed together with the locking device 100, the use of the UIP can expand placement capabilities, such as to adapt to a specific floor surface, the distance of the locking device 100 from the door frame, or the specific attribute composition of the floor surface. The UIP can be configured to adjust a variety of door applications. The UIP can be installed in a variety of ways, such as, under the door sill, between a door and a sill plate, or any other door, frame or floor surface structure. In one embodiment, the locking device 100 can be configured to be attached to a pressure-treated primary sill plate that is associated with the foundation of a structure (such as a building).

[0087] Figure 8 A side view of an exemplary implant of the present disclosure is shown when the locking device 100 is in a locked state. Figure 8 As shown in FIG, the locking device 100 can be mounted on a desired mounting surface 810 (e.g., an interior floor). Figure 8 In the embodiment shown at , the locking device 100 is mounted to the intended mounting surface 810 and / or door sill 820 using at least one fastener 815. At least one surface of the locking device 100 can optionally be placed in contact with the door sill 820. The door 830 can be configured to open inwardly toward the locking device 100. When the door 830 is opened, it can contact the lifting member 112 of the locking device 100 at the contact surface α. As previously described, the height of the contact surface α can be manipulated using the lifter 600, the connecting plate 700, or a combination thereof (see FIG. Figure 6-7 ) to achieve an optimal contact surface area between the locking device 100 and the door 830.

[0088] In operation, when door 830 is placed in contact with contact surface α, the force associated with inwardly opening the door can be transferred across the lifting member 112 of locking device 100 and through bolt 815 and the intended mounting surface 810 and / or threshold 820. By doing so, door opening can be resisted or prevented, and entry can be denied. Furthermore, by providing a floor-mounted locking mechanism, existing entry prevention mechanisms can be enhanced. Because the force received at contact surface α of locking device 100 is transferred to the intended mounting surface 810 and / or threshold 820, the locking device 100 can receive forces far exceeding those required to defeat existing door locking mechanisms, without permitting entry.

[0089] Figure 9A side view of an exemplary implant of the present disclosure is shown with the locking device 100 in an unlocked state. Figure 9 As shown in FIG, when the locking device 100 is in the unlocked state, the door 830 is free to open inwardly without being placed in contact with the contact surface a since the contact surface a is nested within the locking device 100 when operating in the unlocked mode.

[0090] While the present disclosure generally illustrates floor-mounted locking mechanisms, one or more locking devices 100 according to the present disclosure may be implemented at any surface upon which the movement of an object to be inhibited may be restrained. For example, at least one locking device 100 may be positioned at a vertical portion or sill of a door or window frame and may operate in the same manner as previously described to restrain the movement of an object whose movement is intended to be restrained.

[0091] For example, Figure 10 A locking device 100 is shown that is configured to restrict movement of a sliding door 1000 that moves horizontally relative to a door frame 1050. In this embodiment, the locking device 100 can be positioned so that when the lifting member 112 is in the locked state, the sliding door 1000 is prevented from opening by the sliding door 1000 or the frame 1050 being placed in contact with a contact surface α of the locking device 100. Figure 10 As mentioned in , in this embodiment, the locking device 100 can be positioned at either the sliding door 1000 or the frame 1050 to provide similar or identical results.

[0092] Figure 11 An exemplary embodiment is shown in which sliding doors 1101 and 1102 are configured to open and close by moving along one or more tracks 1120 enclosed by rails 1150. In this exemplary embodiment, one or more locking devices 100 may be implemented at each of the sliding doors 1101 and 1102 to restrict movement of the doors along the tracks 1120. For example, when the lifting member 112 of the locking device 100 is in the locked position, the sliding doors 1101 and 1102 may be prevented from opening because contact between the contact surface α of the locking device 100 and the rails 1150 prevents the sliding doors 1101 and 1102 from moving outward along the rails 1150.

[0093] Figure 12 Mounting bracket 1200 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. In one embodiment, locking device 100 can be attached to mounting bracket 1200. Alternatively, locking device 100 can be attached to mounting bracket 1200 when positioned and mounted to at least one of door sill 820 and surface 1210, for example, by placing a screw, bolt, portion of double-sided tape, etc. through at least one opening, with screws 1250 and / or 1275 placed into the at least one opening, as shown. Figure 12100. In one embodiment, the carpet or other top surface 1290 can be removed to properly mount the mounting bracket 1200 and locking device 100 to the surface 1210. Although the screws 1275 are not shown as penetrating through a portion of the locking device 100, it should be understood that both the mounting bracket 1200 and the locking device 100 can be secured to the door sill 820 with the aid of the screws 1275, for example, by pre-forming a passage through the outer surface of the locking device 100 or by drilling or otherwise penetrating the outer surface of the locking device 100 prior to or during the installation of the screws 1275.

[0094] In one embodiment, the mounting bracket 1200 can be made of metal, plastic, glass-filled nylon, or any other material that provides rigidity and durability during operation of the locking device 100. In one embodiment, the connecting plate 700 can be formed at least in part from the mounting bracket 1200. For example, the connecting plate 700 can include the mounting bracket 1200 that is attached to or otherwise connected to an extension that extends below the door frame or sill.

[0095] Figure 13A -B shows a locked state ( Figure 13A ) and unlocked state ( Figure 13B ) of the locking device 100. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the at least one stop member 114 can be configured to be raised at a rate that is the same as or similar to the rate of the lifting member 112 and can be configured to reach a position height in a locked state of the lifting member 112 or at least a portion thereof. The at least one stop member 114 can each be configured to be raised in a manner similar to that of the lifting member 112 using at least one cam, or can be connected to the lifting member 112 in a manner that allows the height of the at least one stop member 114 to be manipulated. Although shown as including a single surface whose height is manipulated, in an exemplary embodiment, the lifting portion can include multiple lifting sections, each having a corresponding contact surface with the device whose movement is intended to be constrained.

[0096] Figure 14 FIG. 1 shows a side view of a locking device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 14In the illustrated embodiment, at least one cam 440 may be configured with a connector 1450 on its surface. The connector 1450 may be configured to be received by and connected to a slot 1460 located on an inner surface of the lifting member 112. In one embodiment, the connection between the connector 1450 and the slot 1460 may allow the at least one cam 440 to control both raising and lowering the height associated with the lifting member 112. By placing the connector 1450 in the slot 1460, movement of the cam 440 may cause the position of the connector 1450 within the slot 1460 to shift, such that at least one of the raising and lowering motions is achieved based on the movement of the cam 440.

[0097] Figure 15 A partial interior view of an exemplary embodiment of a central member 1500 of a locking device is shown. At least one actuator 1505 can be coupled to a bottom portion 1501 of the central member 1500. In various embodiments, the actuator 1505 can be equivalent to the actuator 405 previously described herein. In one embodiment, the actuator 1505 is configured to be coupled to at least one lift arm 1510. The lift arm 1510 is configured to transfer a rotational movement output from the actuator 1505 to cause a rotational movement of the lift member 112 (at the center of the central member 1500) via the lift arm 1510. Figure 15 At least one of contact with a surface of the lift member 112 (not shown) and movement of the lift member 112.

[0098] At least one adjustment member 1515 (e.g., webbing 1515) may be connected to one or more contact points of the central member 1500. In one exemplary embodiment, the adjustment member 1515 may include a material capable of flexing and transferring forces received at the adjustment member 1515. The adjustment member 1515 may take the form of any substance or material capable of being placed under tension (such as, for example, nylon webbing, nylon straps, rubber materials, plastic materials, flexible textile, non-woven, or fabric compositions, etc.). In one exemplary embodiment, the adjustment member 1515 is a flexible textile or fabric webbing. However, the adjustment member 1515 can take the form of any segment, cord, or portion of material capable of receiving and / or transmitting one or more forces (e.g., a cord, string, or rope of material, a segment or portion of material, etc.) without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0099] The adjustment member may include one or more contact terminals 1517. Each contact terminal 1517 is configured to connect to at least a portion of the central member 1500. For example, one or more contact terminals 1517 may be configured to connect to a corresponding pin located at a lifting member 112 associated with the central member 1500. In one exemplary embodiment, the adjustment member 1515 and the central member 1500 are configured such that at least a portion of the adjustment member 1515 is wrapped or coiled around a portion of the contact surface of the central member. For example, Figure 15 As shown in FIG, the adjustment member 1515 can be wound through one or more apertures 1519 in the portion of the central member 1500. Figure 15 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the adjustment member 1515 is configured to connect to the lifting member 112 at two contact terminals 1517 while also being looped through one or more apertures 1519. By doing so, the adjustment member is placed under tension and can absorb and transfer forces received at one or more portions of the central member 1500.

[0100] The central component 1500 may include at least one stop 1530. In an exemplary embodiment, the stop 1530 is configured to be connected to a surface of the bottom portion 1501. The stop 1530 is rotatably coupled to a stop leg (e.g., a latch) that is configured to constrain or stop movement of the stop 1530 in at least one direction. For example, at the end of the stop 1530 opposite the end connected to the bottom portion 1501, the stop 1530 includes a contact device 1540. The contact device 1540 may variously include one or more connecting mechanisms that are configured to be placed in contact with and / or maintained in contact with a surface of the lifting component 112 during operation. For example, the contact device 1540 may take the form of a pin, roller, bearing, etc., without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, using Figure 15 As shown in FIG. 1 , the contact device 1540 may be connected to the lifting member 112 .

[0101] In one exemplary embodiment, the central member 1500 is configured such that as the lift member 112 is raised relative to the base portion 1501, the stop 1530 rotates outward relative to the base portion 1501. The stop legs of the stop 1530 can be configured to limit or restrict movement of the stop 1530 in a direction opposite to the outward direction (e.g., based on a locked position, an incremental position, etc.). In one embodiment, the stop 1530 is configured with a release portion such that the stop 1530 can be released based at least in part on manual or automatic input to allow the lift member 112 to be lowered toward the base portion 1501. The stop 1530 can be configured differently based at least in part on a desired or predetermined amount of weight or force received in a direction toward the base portion 1501 to cause the stop 1530 to release the stop legs and allow the lift member 112 to be lowered. For example, stop 1530 may be configured to release when a weight greater than the weight received by lifting member 112 at stop 1530, and may be configured to release when a weight received at stop 1530 is greater than 25 pounds, 50 pounds, 75 pounds, 100 pounds, or any other dynamically determined or predetermined standard.

[0102] The central component 1500 may also include at least one lug 1520. The lug 1520 may include at least one opening 1525. In an exemplary embodiment, the opening 1525 is configured to correspond to a pin that is configured to be received through the opening 1525. Each lug 1520 and opening 1525 is configured to correspond to at least one lug or opening of the lifting component 112, so that the central component 1500 and the lifting component 112 can be connected to each other via the pin.

[0103] The center member 1500 may also include at least one mounting point 1550. The center member 1500 may be secured to the center member 1500 using, alone or in combination, at least one bolt, at least one hook and loop fastener, adhesive material (e.g., any double-sided tape, such as 3M TM VHB TM , adhesive tape, etc.), or any other attachment means. Additionally, the means for attaching the centerpiece 1500 to a surface may be located on at least one surface of the centerpiece 1500, the surface on which it is intended to be mounted, or any combination thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the centerpiece 1500 may include at least one opening at the bottom portion 1501 that may be used to mount the centerpiece to the mounting location by placing a bolt, screw, nail, tape, or other attachment element into or through the at least one opening and into or onto the surface on which the centerpiece 1500 is to be mounted. Alternatively, the at least one opening may be provided by means of a mounting bracket that is configured to be placed between the centerpiece 1500 and the mounting surface during placement.

[0104] Figure 16 A partial bottom perspective view of a central component 1600 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. The central component 1600 includes a bottom portion 1601 and a lifting component 1612. Figure 16 In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom portion 1601 may be equivalent to the previously described bottom portion 1501, and the lifting member 1612 may be equivalent to the previously described lifting member 112. The center member 1600 may include an adjustment member 1615 configured to connect the bottom portion 1601 and the lifting member 1612. The adjustment member 1615 may be configured to pass through one or more apertures 1617 of the bottom portion 1601. At least a portion of the adjustment member 1615 may be configured to similarly pass through one or more apertures (e.g., in the form of a plurality of apertures) of the lifting member 1612. Figure 18 as shown).

[0105] The central member 1600 may include at least one stop 1630, which is similar to the stop described above with reference to the stop 1530. The lifting member 1612 may include at least one opening 1614. The opening 1614 may be configured to receive one or more pins that are configured to pass through at least a portion of the at least one opening 1614. In an exemplary embodiment, the lifting member 1612 may be configured to be connected to one or more hinges to interconnect the lifting member 1612 and the bottom portion 1601 of the central member 1600 (e.g., by Figure 19 16. The central member 1600 can include at least one stop member 1620 at an end thereof. In various embodiments, the stop member 1620 can function as previously described with reference to the stop member 114.

[0106] Figure 17 An enlarged view of a partial interior view of a center component 1700 is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. Center component 1700 includes a lifting component (e.g., lifting component 112) having an adjustment component 1715 configured in the manner previously described (e.g., with reference to adjustment components 1515, 1615). Center component 1700 may include one or more contact terminals 1517 that extend at least partially through adjustment component 1715. Each contact terminal 1517 may have a contact surface 1730 configured to be placed in contact with a conductive contact surface 1710 located at lifting component 112. Each conductive contact surface 1710 may also include at least one conductive path that connects the conductive contact surface to a control circuit, such as a printed circuit board associated with the locking device (e.g., control circuit 450). In one embodiment, one or more conductive paths may be configured to be shared between multiple conductive terminal contacts.

[0107] In operation, the control circuitry can be configured to detect a force received by the locking device by detecting a contact state between one or more contact terminals 1517 and one or more conductive contact surfaces 1710. For example, in one embodiment, the control circuitry can be configured to detect a disconnected state between the contact terminals 1517 and the conductive contact surfaces 1710. Based at least in part on the detected disconnected state, the control circuitry can determine that an attempted entry has occurred and can contact at least one of a user, homeowner, landlord, tenant, police representative, security company, or any other entity interested in the attempted entry while the locking device remains in the locked state. The lifting member 112 can be configured with one or more receiving portions 1720, each of which is configured to receive at least a portion of a contact terminal 1517 corresponding to the adjustment member 1715.

[0108] Figure 18 A partial top elevation view of a center member 1800 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. Center member 1800 includes at least one lifting member 1812 connected to a base portion (e.g., base portion 1501) via at least one passage 1830 formed in lifting member 1812. At least one shaft 1835 is configured to pass through passage 1830 and at least one lug 1520 of the base portion. In one exemplary embodiment, lifting member 1812 and base portion (e.g., base portion 1501) are connected via a hinge created by shaft 1835 passing through at least one passage 1830 of lifting member 1812 and at least one lug 1520 of the base portion.

[0109] The central member 1800 includes at least one adjustment member 1815. The adjustment member 1815 can be connected to the bottom portion (e.g., bottom portion 1501) in the manner previously described. The adjustment member 1815 can also be connected to the lifting member 1812 via one or more apertures 1860. For example, the adjustment member 1815 can be wound through a plurality of apertures 1860 located on one or more surfaces of the lifting member 1812, such as Figure 18 As shown in the examples provided.

[0110] The adjustment member 1815 may include one or more contact terminals 1817. Each contact terminal 1817 is configured to connect to at least a portion of the central member 1800. For example, one or more contact terminals 1817 may be configured to connect to a corresponding pin located at a lifting member 1812 associated with the central member 1800. In one exemplary embodiment, the adjustment member 1815 and the central member 1800 are configured such that at least a portion of the adjustment member 1815 is wrapped or coiled around a portion of the bottom portion (e.g., bottom portion 1501). For example, Figure 15As shown in FIG, the adjustment member 1515 can be wound through one or more apertures 1519 in the portion of the central member 1500. Figure 15 In the exemplary embodiment shown, adjustment member 1815 is configured to connect to lift member 1812 at two contact terminals 1817 while also being looped through one or more apertures 1519. By doing so, the adjustment member is placed under tension and can absorb and transfer forces received at one or more portions of central member 1800.

[0111] The central member 1800 can include at least one resilient member 1820 associated with the adjustment member 1815. In one embodiment, each resilient member 1820 comprises an element configured to receive, transmit, or both receive and transmit one or more forces applied to the adjustment member 1815. Each resilient member 1820 is configured to couple to at least one surface of the lifting member 1812 and to transfer the one or more forces through the resilient member 1820.

[0112] By incorporating a flexible adjustment member 1815 and a resilient member 1820, implementations consistent with the present disclosure can manipulate the angle of the lifting member 1812 relative to the contact surface of an object (such as a door, window, etc.) whose movement is intended to be obstructed or constrained. For example, an opening door maintains a circular path in the opening direction. The present disclosure provides a locking device contact surface that can be adjusted based on at least one of the flexibility of the adjustment member 1815 and at least one resilient member 1820 to maintain contact with the door throughout at least a portion of the door's opening path. Thus, whereas a non-adjustable contact surface provides a reduced contact surface, and thus increased concentrated force on both the door and the locking device at the reduced contact surface, the present disclosure allows for a more even distribution of force across the lifting member, thereby reducing the negative effects of concentrated energy on both the door and the locking device. In embodiments where the resilient member 1820 is a spring, the movement of the spring allows for rotation of the lifting member 1812, allowing the entire leading (contact) edge of the lifting member 1812 to be placed in contact with the door's contact surface for more efficient energy transfer to secure the door. Adjustment member 1815 can be configured to both manipulate the position of lifting member 1812 and focus the energy received from the object when the locking device is operating in the locked position, similar to the function of a spring. The spring motion also allows for rotation of lifting member 1812 so that the entire front edge of lifting member 1812 can be placed in contact with the contact surface of the object to more effectively transfer energy to protect the object.

[0113] In various exemplary embodiments, lift member 1812 can be configured to rotate without the use of at least one elastic member 1820. For example, lift member 1812 can be coupled to central member 1800 solely via adjustment member 1815. Adjustment member 1815 can take the form of adjustment member 1515, as previously described herein, and adjustment member 1815 can be configured to provide both energy absorption and tilting or rotation of lift member 1812 in a manner at least similar to that previously described herein.

[0114] The center member 1800 may include a selector 1870. In an exemplary embodiment, the selector 1870 includes an opening through a portion of the lifting member 1812. The selector 1870 may include a toggle switch 1875. The toggle switch 1875 may take the form of a movable portion configured to move within the opening of the selector 1870. In an exemplary embodiment, the toggle switch 1875 is configured to correspond to a manual lock mode standard. For example, the toggle switch 1875 may be defined with respect to the selector 1870 to have two positions, one position corresponding to manual operation and one position corresponding to automatic operation. The position of the toggle switch 1875 is configured to be set at the time of manufacture or may be dynamically manipulated (e.g., by an installer or purchaser) after the time of manufacture. In an exemplary mode of operation, Figure 18 A user of a locking device consistent with the embodiment shown at can use a lift selector associated with the pedal to raise the lift member 1812 to the locked position, as shown, for example, with reference to FIG. Figure 19 Descriptive.

[0115] When the toggle switch 1875 is in the manual operation mode position and input is received from a user at a pedal of the locking device, the lifting member 1812 can be raised to the locked position. The manual unlocking mechanism can be implemented differently, but in one embodiment, it can be performed by providing a downward force, pressure or weight on at least a portion of the locking device (for example, by stepping down on the raised lifting member 1812). Optionally or alternatively, a locking device consistent with the present disclosure can be transitioned from a locked state to an unlocked state by providing input to the locking device (for example, by depressing a pedal associated with the locking device). The exemplary pedal can include a single pedal for locking and unlocking the locking device, or multiple pedals can be provided, including, for example, a raising pedal and a lowering pedal, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0116] Figure 19A partially elevated perspective view of an interior view of a central component 1900 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. Central component 1900 includes at least a bottom portion 1901 and a lifting member 1912. Each of bottom portion 1901 and lifting member 1912 can take the form of the previously described bottom portions and lifting members without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0117] Central member 1900 may also include a hinge 1920. In one exemplary embodiment, hinge 1920 may include a lower portion 1922 and an upper portion 1924 connected via at least one pin 1926. Alternatively, hinge 1920 may take the form of a single-piece hinge without pin 1926. Upper portion 1924 of hinge 1920 may be configured to connect to lifting member 1912 via at least one pin 1916, wherein at least a portion of at least one pin 1916 is configured to be received in one or more apertures 1914 in lifting member 1912. In one embodiment, lower portion 1922 of hinge 1920 may be configured to connect to base portion 1901 via at least one pin 1928. In one embodiment, at least one pin 1928 may be configured to pass through at least a portion of base portion 1901 (e.g., through at least one opening 1525 of lug 1520 as previously described).

[0118] Figure 20 A top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a locking device 2000 is shown. The locking device may include one or more of a central component 2010, an outer housing 2020, and a power housing 2030. The outer housing may include a pedal 2025 for enabling manual operation (e.g., as previously described herein with reference to the push / pull type mechanism and foot pedal 54 and related structures described in provisional patent application 62 / 038,393 (incorporated herein by reference in its entirety)).

[0119] Figure 21An exemplary embodiment of a locking device is shown, illustrating a perspective view of a partial interior view of a central member 2010 and an outer housing 2020 according to the present disclosure. A pedal 2025 can be configured to contact a manually operable engagement member 2027. In one exemplary embodiment, the manually operable engagement member 2027 comprises a lever configured to adjust a physical position based on the presence or absence of contact with a surface of the pedal 2025. For example, the manually operable engagement member 2027 can be positioned relative to the pivot and the pedal 2025, wherein contact with the pedal 2025 causes at least a portion of the manually operable engagement member 2027 at an end opposite the pedal 2025 to be raised or lowered within a portion of the central member 2010. Manual operation can be prevented if a toggle switch 1875 within the selector 1870 restricts movement of the manually operable engagement member 2027. Manual operation can be achieved when the position of the toggle switch 1875 corresponds to the manual operation mode, and when the pedal 2025 is operated by the user, the movement of the manual operation joint 2027 can cause the lifting member 112 to be raised or lowered as previously described herein (for example, based at least in part on contact between the manual operation joint 2027 and the surface of the lifting member 112).

[0120] Figure 22 A flow chart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a process for performing a detection process for a locking device according to aspects of the present disclosure is provided. Process 2200 begins at operation 2202, where a control system for the locking device is activated. In various embodiments, the control system may be executed in whole or in part by at least one component of control circuitry 450. The control system may be manually activated by a user at the locking device or remotely from the locking device. Additionally or alternatively, at least one operation of the control system may be automatically or otherwise initiated based at least in part on one or more actions not associated with the user.

[0121] The process continues to operation 2204, where the state of one or more detection devices is determined. The one or more detection devices may include an accelerometer, an electromechanical switch, or any other sensing element configured to measure and / or determine the state of movement, intrusion, abnormal activity, notification events, or any other form of detectable or determinable information related to the locking device described herein. The control circuit 450 may be configured to receive multiple inputs from the one or more detection devices. In an exemplary embodiment, the control circuit 450 is configured to receive at least one input corresponding to an accelerometer and at least one input from an electromechanical switch, although more or fewer detection devices and / or inputs may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0122] The process may continue to operation 2206, where a determination is made as to whether an impact, contact, or motion (e.g., an event) was detected via at least one detection device (e.g., an accelerometer, an electromechanical switch, a motion sensor, a glass break detector, or any other form of detection device). The impact, contact, or motion may be determined, for example, using control circuitry 450, by detecting a break in contact with an electromechanical switch, observations from an accelerometer, data sets or detection information from one or more detection devices, or a combination thereof. If no impact, contact, or motion is detected at operation 2206, the process may return to operation 2204. If an impact, contact, or motion is detected at operation 2206, the process may continue by selectively performing an impact, contact, or motion verification operation. The verification operation may include comparing one or more values ​​measured or determinable from information from the one or more detection devices. In various embodiments, one or more thresholds, values, or ranges may be associated with the one or more detection devices. For example, a value measured or determinable from information associated with an accelerometer may be compared to a value measured or determined from information associated with the electromechanical switch. Each of the accelerometer and the electromechanical switch can optionally have one or more data values ​​and / or value ranges associated with at least one of impact, contact, or motion. The one or more data values ​​and / or value ranges can be compared to each other to verify the impact, contact, or motion associated with the locking device.

[0123] Systems and methods consistent with the present disclosure may include the ability for the control circuitry 450, a backend server, and / or a user device to be communicatively coupled to the locking device 100 to comparatively and / or iteratively determine alert criteria associated with an impact, contact, or motion event associated with the locking device 100. For example, if a measurement at an accelerometer indicates an impact, contact, or motion event, one or more values ​​associated with another detection device may be observed or obtained to determine whether a similar impact, contact, or motion event was measured or can be determined (e.g., using one or more values ​​or ranges of values ​​associated with one or more detection devices). One or more settings or weights may be applied to the measurements or observations from the detection devices. For example, using a user interface provided by the user's electronic device, a user may select one or more event settings. In various embodiments, the event settings may relate to event alert sensitivity. For example, a user may statically or dynamically adjust detection sensitivity settings for one or more detection devices, alert criteria for event verification, such as across multiple detection devices, the order in which event verification is performed, or any other operational or functional settings associated with the locking device 100, the detection devices, user settings, and / or combinations thereof.

[0124] The process may continue at operation 2210, where an event alert may optionally be generated. The event alert may be selectively determined based, at least in part, on one or more event settings. The one or more event settings may include default settings that do not require user intervention. At operation 2212, at least one event alert may be selectively transmitted from control circuit 450, for example, via wireless communication from transceiver 455, such as via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Z-wave, or any other wireless communication protocol and / or network. The at least one event alert may additionally or alternatively be transmitted from transceiver 455 via wired communication. In various embodiments, a user associated with locking device 100 may receive the at least one event alert or notification at an electronic device associated with the user, such as a smartphone, computer, smartwatch, or any other electronic device capable of receiving communications and conveying messages or message indications to its user. The process may then end or may optionally return to operation 2204.

[0125] Figure 23 A partial top view of a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a locking device according to aspects of the present disclosure. Figure 23 The illustrated system 2300 may include a locking device 100 having a webbing 1515 coupled between a webbing coupler 2310 attached to the body of the locking device 100 and a conductor 2320 coupled at an opposite end of the webbing 1515. At least one section of the webbing 1515 may be coupled to at least a portion of the locking device 100 and / or may be capable of being placed in contact with at least a portion of the locking device 100 (e.g., at a lifting member and / or its body). An electromechanical switch 2330 may be removably coupled to the conductor 2320. During operation of the locking device 100, such as when an impact or force is received by the lifting member of the locking device 100, a gap G may form between the electromechanical switch 2330 and the conductor 2320. The gap G may be associated with an open switch setting of the electromechanical switch 2330. When in a locked state, the electromechanical switch 2330 and the conductor 2320 may be coupled together to form a closed setting of the electromechanical switch 2330. One or more of the conductors 2320 and the electromechanical switches 2330 may be coupled to the control circuit 450 , for example, via at least one bus 2340 .

[0126] The locking device 100 may include a body and a lifting component capable of being connected to the body, and at least a portion of the lifting component may be configured to move relative to the body according to a command position related to the locking state of the locking device. In an exemplary embodiment, the lifting component may include (i) a contact surface configured to constrain the movement of an object, and (ii) an electromechanical switch, and the lifting component is configured to receive an external force. An accelerometer may be connected to the body of the locking device. The accelerometer may receive an indication of an external force received at the lifting component. The locking device may also include a control circuit that is configured to determine a first mark corresponding to the received external force at the lifting component and determine a second mark corresponding to the indication of the receipt of the external force by the accelerometer.

[0127] Figure 24 4 shows a partial block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a control circuit 450 according to aspects of the present disclosure. The control circuit 450 may include a microprocessor 2410, an accelerometer 2420, a memory 2430, a display unit 2440, and / or a transceiver 455. Although shown as a physical part of the control circuit 450, it should be appreciated that Figure 24 One or more components of the control circuit 450 may be physically and / or logically remote from the body of the control circuit 450. As used herein, the microprocessor 2410 may be, in whole or in part, a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof, designed and programmed to perform or cause the performance of the functions described herein. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in alternative embodiments, the processor may be a controller, a microcontroller or a state machine, a combination thereof, or the like. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, for example, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors together with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.

[0128] The accelerometer 2420 may be part of the control circuit 450 or may be communicatively coupled to the control circuit 450 in other ways. The accelerometer 2420 may be a capacitive microelectromechanical system (MEMS) type, a piezoresistive type, a piezoelectric type accelerometer, or any other device capable of detecting motion or impact and generating and / or providing a signal as an output corresponding thereto. The accelerometer 2420 may be configured to detect motion associated with the accelerometer 2420 and generate at least one signal corresponding thereto. One or more output signals of the accelerometer 2420 may be provided to the control circuit 450 to implement the operations described herein.

[0129] The memory 2430 can be configured as a volatile and / or non-volatile storage element configured to store at least one set of information used by or associated with the locking device 100. This includes, for example, control logic, operating parameters, or any other set(s) of related data. The control circuit 450 can include or be otherwise coupled to a display unit 2440. The display unit 2440 can be configured to, for example, visually convey at least one set of control and / or operating information (e.g., regarding status, event conditions, etc.) to a user of the locking device 100. Figure 24 The transceiver 455 of the locking device 100 may be configured to operate in the manner previously described herein.

[0130] During operation, forced entry may be attempted, which causes the webbing 1515 of the locking device 100, along with the lifting member coupled thereto, to flex. The lifting member may be configured to flex along its contact surface to satisfy an openable object placed in contact with it, either through attempted intrusion or other contact between the openable object and the contact surface of the lifting member. The locking device 100 may be configured to detect forces associated therewith, including accelerometer-based forces, electromechanical forces, or a combination of these. The locking device 100 may be configured to send notifications to another system and / or directly to a user device using a communication link, which may include, but is not limited to, hardwired signaling, Wi-Fi, Z-wave, Zigbee, Bluetooth, cellular, or any other wireless or wired method. In practice, an openable object may traverse the gap between the lifting member and the openable object to be placed in contact with the lifting member. The locking device 100 may detect contact with the openable object at the lifting member and, via the control circuit 450, determine an alarm event, such as an attempted entry. The locking apparatus 100 may transmit a notification regarding the alarm event to another system and / or a user device via a communication link.

[0131] Using the communication channel, the user can be allowed to remotely set the device sensitivity setting. This can place settings related to the accelerometer that change the force required to trigger an entry alarm back to the system (e.g., a back-end system or a user device). For example, the sensitivity setting can be set to "light force" so that any movement around the door triggers a notification, or it can be set to "heavy force," which requires a considerable amount of force to send a notification. The sensitivity setting can have a fixed type and amount (e.g., light, medium, or heavy), or can be dynamically selected in whole or in part using a slider or toggle switch.

[0132] Metal contacts (such as conductor 2320 and electromechanical switch 2330) can function as a normally closed electromechanical switch. When force is applied to the lifting member by contact with an openable object, the force is transferred to a textile (e.g., fabric) webbing 1515. Webbing 1515 can be tightened under the force and pull the metal plates apart, thereby opening the switch. Control circuit 450 can be used to detect the now-open switch, which changes state under the applied force and thus generates an electrical signal representing the force. One or more control schemes can then be implemented in a manner consistent with the previous disclosure herein.

[0133] Further consistent with an implementation of the present disclosure, a method for detecting an alarm state of a locking device at an entry point is provided. The method includes receiving an external force at a locking device operating in a locked state and determining a first indicia corresponding to the received external force, separately receiving an indication of the external force at an accelerometer of the locking device and determining a second indicia corresponding to the received indication of the external force, comparing the first indicia and the second indicia to determine an alarm condition, and selectively performing at least one alarm operation corresponding to the determined alarm condition. Determining the first indicia corresponding to the received external force may include determining an amount of deflection of a lifting member of the locking device 100 caused by the external force. The external force may be a force that opens an openable object (e.g., a door) inwardly into an interior space that can be secured by the locking device 100. The first indicia may be determined based on a state of an electromechanical switch 2330 of the locking device 100.

[0134] Comparing the first and second indicia may include determining a sensitivity setting, and applying the sensitivity setting to the result of comparing the first and second indicia to determine the alarm condition. The indication of the alarm condition may be transmitted to an external device, such as a backend server and / or a user device. Transmitting the indication of the alarm condition may include wirelessly transmitting the indication of the alarm condition. Transmitting the indication of the alarm condition to the external device may include wirelessly transmitting the indication of the alarm condition to an electronic device associated with the locking device.

[0135] According to aspects of the present disclosure, during operation, the acceleration detection system of the locking device 100 may utilize an accelerometer 2420 (e.g., such as a multi-axis accelerometer or other form of accelerometer or detection element) to monitor the environment for movement and / or force in any direction. The accelerometer 2420 may be configured to receive or otherwise measure one or more forces exerted on the locking device 100, for example, by transferring motion and / or acceleration into the accelerometer 2420. In various embodiments, at least a portion of the accelerometer 2420 may be mounted to the locking device 100 to permit such measurements by the accelerometer 2420. At least one selectable threshold value may be implemented in association with the measured motion and / or acceleration. For example, the accelerometer 2420 may be associated with a selectable threshold value ranging from a low force to a substantial impact on the locking device 100. The at least one selectable threshold value may be set by the end user of the locking device 100 (e.g., using an application or other interface or portal associated with the end user and / or the locking device 100). Additionally or alternatively, allowing the use of selectable thresholds may allow acceleration and / or force detection to be tuned at any time, calibrated with respect to the door, device, and / or other environmental condition(s) associated with the location of the locking device 100 .

[0136] When the accelerometer 2420 detects a force, the magnitude of the detected force can be compared to an associated, selectable threshold. If the force measurement exceeds a configured threshold, a signal can be sent from the accelerometer 2420 to the control circuit 450 (e.g., via an interrupt on the communication bus). The control circuit 450 can process the event (e.g., immediately upon receipt) and can optionally filter the alert before forwarding it to the alarm system. If the locking device 100 is in the unlocked position, the control circuit 450 can be configured to filter and optionally ignore force event triggers from the accelerometer 2420. This situation may be desirable because the unlocked position means no alert is needed. However, logic (such as general motion detection) can be implemented consistent with the present disclosure (e.g., by sending one or more alerts even when the lock is in the unlocked position), which may indicate an interaction worth tracking in some way.

[0137] However, if the lock is in the locked position and the accelerometer 2420 sends a force event trigger, the system may enter a short wait state (such as a delay). The wait state timing may be, for example, a fraction of a second, a low single-digit second, or any other applicable timing without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Once the wait time expires, the control circuit 450 may check the lock state using a sensor (such as an accelerometer) or other mechanism that can detect the lock state (such as locked or unlocked). In various exemplary embodiments, a Hall effect sensor (e.g., a permanent magnet) is configured to move with the locking mechanism of the locking device 100 and convert the lock state into a digital signal, which the control circuit 450 may query or otherwise obtain information about at any time.

[0138] If the control circuit 450 queries the lock state and the locking device 100 is operating in the unlocked position, the control circuit 450 can ignore the event because the event is likely triggered by manual unlocking by the user (e.g., using a foot pedal). This logic can be used to distinguish motion events that originate from manual unlocking from those that are not characterized and therefore can be legitimate motion alerts. However, if the control circuit 450 queries the lock state and the locking device 100 remains in the locked position, the control circuit 450 can register the event with the downstream system to handle the warning condition or alarm. If the detected force or motion generates a legitimate warning condition, the alarm message can be sent via a wired or wireless protocol to a device that can further process the event (such as, for example, by generating an audible and / or visual alarm, sending an alarm to one or more mobile devices, notifying a cloud-connected service, and / or issuing an alarm to other panels, readers, or systems, etc.)

[0139] The foregoing detailed description is provided for purposes of illustration and description.Thus, while specific embodiments of the invention are described that provide new and useful locking devices, systems, and methods for access control, it is not intended that such references be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A method of detecting an alarm state of a locking device for an entry point, comprising: receiving an external force at a locking device operating in a locked state, and determining a first indicia corresponding to the received external force; separately receiving an indication of the external force at an accelerometer of the locking device and determining a second indicia corresponding to the received indication of the external force; comparing the first indicia and the second indicia to determine an alarm condition; and selectively performing at least one alarm action corresponding to the determined alarm condition, wherein the first mark is determined according to a state of an electromechanical switch of the locking device; and Therein, one or more settings or weights can be applied to measurements or observations from the electromechanical switch and / or the accelerometer.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein Determining the first indicia corresponding to the received external force includes determining an amount of deflection of a lifting component of a locking device caused by the external force.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein: The external force is a force that opens the door inwardly into the interior space that can be secured by the locking device.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein Comparing the first and second indicia includes determining a sensitivity setting, and applying the sensitivity setting to a result of comparing the first and second indicia to determine the alarm condition.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein The alarm condition includes transmitting an indication of the alarm condition to an external device.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein: Transmitting the indication of the alarm condition includes wirelessly transmitting the indication of the alarm condition.

7. The method according to claim 5, wherein: Transmitting the indication of the alarm condition to the external device includes wirelessly transmitting the indication of the alarm condition to an electronic device associated with the locking apparatus.

8. A locking device comprising: ontology; a lifting member capable of being coupled to the body, at least a portion of the lifting member being configured to move relative to the body according to a command position associated with a locked state, the lifting member comprising (i) a contact surface configured to constrain movement of an object, and (ii) an electromechanical switch, the lifting member being configured to receive an external force; an accelerometer coupled to the body, the accelerometer configured to receive an indication of the external force received at the lifting member; as well as a control circuit configured to determine a first indicia corresponding to a received external force at the lifting component and to determine a second indicia corresponding to an indication of receipt of the external force by the accelerometer, Therein, one or more settings or weights can be applied to measurements or observations from the electromechanical switch and / or the accelerometer.

9. The locking device according to claim 8, wherein The control circuit is further configured to compare the first and second indicia to determine an alarm condition; and to selectively perform at least one alarm operation corresponding to the determined alarm condition.

10. The locking device according to claim 9, wherein The control circuit is configured such that comparing the first and second signatures includes determining a sensitivity setting, and applying the sensitivity setting to a result of comparing the first and second signatures to determine the alarm condition.

11. The locking device according to claim 8, wherein The control circuit is configured such that determining the first indicia corresponding to the received external force includes determining an amount of deflection of the lifting member caused by the external force.

12. The locking device according to claim 11, wherein The locking device is configured to restrict movement of a door into an interior space that can be secured by the locking device, and wherein the external force is a force that opens the door inwardly into the interior space that can be secured by the locking device.

13. The locking device of claim 9, further comprising a transceiver, the control circuit being configured to control the transceiver to transmit a representation of the determined alarm condition.

14. The locking device according to claim 13, wherein The control circuit is configured to cause the transceiver to wirelessly transmit the representation of the determined alarm condition.

15. A method of controlling a locking device according to any one of claims 8 to 14, comprising: selecting a threshold value corresponding to a force value associated with the locking device; detecting a force received at the locking device; The detected force is compared to a selected threshold; determining a warning condition based at least in part on a comparison of the detected force to the selected threshold; and At least one warning operation corresponding to the determined warning condition state is selectively performed.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein Determining the warning condition status includes determining a lock status of the locking device.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein The locked state of the locking device is a locked state, and wherein determining the warning condition status includes providing a time delay after determining that the locking device is in the locked state.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein When the locking device is determined to be operating in the unlocked state after the time delay has expired, the warning condition status is determined to be a no-warning state.

19. The method according to claim 17, wherein When the locking device is determined to be operating in the locked state after expiration of the time delay, the warning condition state is determined to be an enabled warning state, wherein control circuitry of the locking device transmits at least one warning state communication in response to the enabled warning state determination.

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