Door jam safety system and method

Abstract

A door jam safety system, device, and method for use in holding open a door, preferably self-closing. The system may include a handle unit, a wedge unit slidably associated with the handle unit, and a wheel stop unit mountable to the handle unit and slidably associated with the wedge unit. The wheel stop unit includes a triangular shaped wheel stop and a shaft including a plurality of locking holes. The wedge unit includes a button that is engageable with the locking hole to lock the wheel stop in a spaced apart relationship with a wedge side of the wedge unit. The wheel stop unit is rotatable to allow insertion into the door jam, while a space between the wheel stop and the wedge side is adjustable to clamp a corner of a door frame and the door therebetween. The handle unit may include an electronic device, such as a light.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present technology relates to door jam safety or assistance systems and methods for use in connection with holding open a door, and more particularly, to holding open a door having an associated automatic closure, such as a door that includes a spring-loaded hinge or an upper spring-loaded arm attached to the door. [Background technology]

[0002] During firefighting operations, it is often necessary to move or search through a building or structure, for example, usually from an entrance and / or intended exit point. These operations may include a variety of tasks, including extinguishing the fire and / or searching for and rescuing individuals that may be found within. For example, in performing a task, a firefighter may enter a room and move through smoke in the room. When attempting to exit the room, the limited visibility and conditions make it very difficult to easily find the point of entry through which the room was entered. The room and the entire structure may be filled with a large amount of smoke. This is very dangerous for the firefighter, who must exit the burning building as quickly as possible when it becomes unsafe to remain inside. Additionally, the door through which the firefighter entered the building may be closed, thus further obscuring the exit. As a result, the firefighter may be seriously injured or lose his life while attempting to find a way out of the room of the burning structure and back.

[0003] It can be very beneficial to leave the door open once a firefighter has entered or moved through the doorway, which can prevent the firefighter from becoming trapped in the room and provide an indication of which door the firefighter entered through.

[0004] Other industries that benefit from keeping doors open include, but are not limited to, police and law enforcement agencies, postal agencies, hotel hospitality or room cleaning services, entertainment venues such as concert halls, stadiums, theaters, places of worship, banquet halls, construction sites, and the transportation industry. Law enforcement agencies can see the benefit of keeping doors open while they can carry out investigative measures throughout the building. Hotel hospitality can see the benefit of keeping doors open since they are required to keep doors open while cleaning rooms for insurance and / or liability reasons. Transportation companies can easily see the benefit while they are moving packages into or out of a building or facility.

[0005] While the above-mentioned devices meet their respective specific goals and demands, none of the above-mentioned devices or systems describe a door jam safety system and method that will hold a self-closing door open.

[0006] There is a need for a new and novel door jam safety system and method that can be used to hold open self-closing doors. In this regard, the present technology substantially meets this need. In this regard, the door jam safety system and method according to the present invention differs substantially from the conventional concepts and designs of known devices, providing an apparatus developed primarily for the goal of holding open self-closing doors. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In view of the inherent disadvantages of known types of door stoppers, jams, or hold-open devices existing in the prior art, the present technology provides a novel door jam safety system and method, overcoming one or more of the disadvantages and shortcomings of the prior art mentioned. Thus, the overall goal of the present technology, which will be described in more detail below, is to provide a new and novel door jam safety system and method, which has all of the advantages over the prior art discussed above, as well as many novel features. These features, either alone or in any combination, result in a door jam safety system and method that has not been anticipated, expressly expressed, suggested, or even implied by the prior art.

[0008] According to one aspect, the present technology can provide a door jam safety system including a handle unit, a wheel stop unit, and a wedge unit. The handle unit can include a handle housing defining a handle hollow interior and a shaft receiving member positioned inside the handle hollow interior. The wheel stop unit can include a shaft and a wheel stop positioned at a first end of the shaft. A second end of the shaft can be attached to the shaft receiving member. The shaft can include one or more holes defined therein. The wedge unit can include a body portion defining a body hollow interior, a wedge end, and a shaft receiving bore defined through the wedge end and in communication with the body hollow interior. The body portion can be configured for slidable reception in the handle hollow interior. The shaft receiving bore can be configured for slidably and rotatably receiving the shaft. A locking button can be movably associated with the wedge unit and configured for reception in one of the holes of the shaft. The spring may be configured to provide a biasing force against the wedge unit when the handle housing is moved towards the wedge unit.

[0009] According to another aspect, the present technology can provide a door jam safety system including a handle unit, a wheel stop unit, and a wedge unit. The handle unit can include a handle housing defining a handle hollow interior, a shaft receiving member positioned inside the handle hollow interior, and a second member positioned within the handle hollow interior. The second member can have a width or diameter greater than the shaft receiving member. The shaft receiving member can extend from the second member, and a free end of the shaft receiving member is positioned within the handle housing. The end cap can be attached to an end of the handle housing and can include lighting. The wheel stop unit can include a shaft and a wheel stop positioned at a first end of the shaft. The second end of the shaft can be attachable to the shaft receiving member. The shaft can include one or more holes defined therein. The wedge unit may include a body portion defining a body hollow interior, a wedge end portion including tapered wedge sides converging toward each other in a direction away from the body portion, and a shaft receiving bore defined through the wedge end portion and in communication with the body hollow interior. The body portion may be configured for slidable reception within the handle hollow interior. The shaft receiving bore may be configured for slidably and rotatably receiving the shaft. At least one pad may be mountable on each of the angled wedge sides. A spring may be configured to provide a biasing force against the wedge unit when the handle housing is moved toward the wedge unit.

[0010] According to yet another aspect, the present technology can include a method of using a door jamb safety system, which can include inserting a chock of a chock unit into a door jamb such that a wedge end of the wedge unit is located at a front of the door frame and door and the chock is located at a back of the door frame and door. Then, the chock can be rotated so that an angled chock side faces a back side of the door frame and door, respectively. The method can include positioning the angled wedge side of the wedge unit to face a front side of the door frame and door, respectively. The method can include pushing a handle unit slidably associated with the wedge unit toward the wedge unit to compress a spring located in a handle housing of the handle unit and a body portion of the wedge unit to force the angled wedge side into contact with a front side of the door frame and door, respectively. The step may include activating a locking button associated with the wedge unit to engage a hole defined in the shaft of the wheel stop unit and slidably pass the shaft through a shaft receiving bore defined through the wedge unit.

[0011] In some or all embodiments, the handle unit can include an electronic device associated with an end cap mountable to the handle housing.

[0012] In some or all embodiments, the electronic device may be any one or any combination selected from the group consisting of a light, an audible device, a wireless receiver, a transmitter, a transceiver, and a tether.

[0013] In some or all embodiments, the handle unit can include a second member positioned within the handle hollow interior. The second member can have a width or diameter greater than the shaft receiving member. The shaft receiving member can extend from the second member, with a free end of the shaft receiving member positioned outside the handle housing.

[0014] In some or all embodiments, the wedge unit can include a shaft receiving section extending from the wedge end into the hollow body interior. The shaft receiving section can be configured to separate the shaft receiving bore and the hollow body interior.

[0015] In some or all embodiments, the springs can be located in the body hollow interior between the body portion and the shaft receiving member, and in the handle hollow interior between the handle housing and the second member.

[0016] In some or all embodiments, the handle housing can include an inner surface that defines a hollow handle interior, and the inner surface can taper converging toward the second member to create a narrow section in the hollow handle interior relative to the open end of the handle housing.

[0017] In some or all embodiments, a narrow section in the handle hollow interior can be configured to press against a section in the body of the wedge unit at a predetermined insertion distance of the body into the handle hollow interior.

[0018] In some or all embodiments, the wedge unit may further include a first channel and a second channel defined along a longitudinal axis of the wedge unit. The first and second channels may be in communication with the shaft receiving bore.

[0019] In some or all embodiments, the wedge unit can include a ridge extending into the shaft receiving bore that separates and defines the first and second channels and defines a transition opening configured to provide communication between the first channel, the second channel, and the shaft receiving bore.

[0020] In some or all embodiments, the wedge unit can include angled wedge sides that taper toward each other in a direction away from the body portion.

[0021] In some or all embodiments, the angled wedge sides can be spaced apart from one another to form an opening configured to receive at least a portion of the chock therebetween.

[0022] In some or all embodiments, the present technology can include at least one pad attachable to each of the angled wedge sides.

[0023] In some or all embodiments, the chock can include angled chock sides that are angled away from each other and toward each other in a direction toward the shaft.

[0024] In some or all embodiments, a first pair including a first angled wedge side and a first angled wheel stop side can be configured to receive a corner of a door frame therebetween, and a second pair including a second angled wedge side and a second angled wheel stop side can be configured to receive a corner of a door therebetween.

[0025] In some or all embodiments, the spring can be configured to urge the wedge unit toward the door frame and door, such that the angled wedge sides contact the door frame and door, respectively, and pull the wheel stop unit toward the door frame and door, such that the angled wheel stop sides contact the door frame and door, respectively, or urge the wedge unit toward the door frame and door, respectively.

[0026] In some or all embodiments, the wedge unit can include a button spring configured to act on a portion of the locking button.

[0027] In some or all embodiments, the wedge unit may include a button housing extending from the body portion. The button housing may define a button hollow interior configured to receive the button spring. The button housing may define a first button bore configured to slidably receive a first portion of the locking button. The body portion may define a second button bore configured to slidably receive a second portion of the locking button. The first portion of the locking button has a larger width or diameter than the second portion.

[0028] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE There has been presented a broad overview of features of the present technology in order to better understand the detailed description that follows, and to better appreciate the contributions to the art.

[0029] Numerous objectives, features and advantages of the present technology will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of the technology, by way of example only, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0030] Thus, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the concept on which this disclosure is based may be readily utilized in the design of other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out some of the purposes of the present technology, and it is therefore intended that such equivalent structures be included within the scope of the appended claims, provided they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present technology.

[0031] Thus, it is a goal of the present technology to provide a new and novel door jam safety system and method that has all of the advantages over the prior art door stoppers, jams or hold open devices, and none of the disadvantages.

[0032] Another goal of the present technology is to provide new and novel door jam safety systems and methods that can be easily and efficiently manufactured and marketed.

[0033] Yet another goal of the present technology is to provide new and novel door jam safety systems and methods that have low manufacturing costs in terms of materials and labor, thus allowing for a low selling price to the general consumer, thereby making such door jam safety systems and methods economically accessible to the general purchasing public.

[0034] It is yet another goal of the present technology to provide a new door jam safety system that offers some of the advantages over prior art devices and methods, while at the same time overcoming some of the disadvantages generally associated with the prior art.

[0035] These, together with other goals of the present technology, include various novel features that characterize the present technology, which are pointed out with particularity in the appended claims and form a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the present technology, its operating advantages, and specific goals achieved by its use, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and description in which there are exemplary embodiments of the present technology. While multiple goals of the present technology are recognized herein, it should be understood that the claimed technology is not limited to meeting most or all of the recognized goals, and that some embodiments of the present technology may meet only one goal, or none at all.

[0036] The present technology will be better understood, and other objectives than those set forth above will become apparent, when the following detailed description is considered, such description making reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0037] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view of an embodiment of a door jam safety system constructed in accordance with the principles of the present technology, with phantom lines indicating environmental structures, which do not form part of the claimed technology. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a left side view of the door jam safety system of the present technology; [Diagram 3] 1 is a perspective view of a handle unit in the door jam safety system of the present technology; FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the handle unit taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 3. [Diagram 5] 5 is a cross-sectional view of the handle unit taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wedge unit of a door jam safety system with the pad disassembled. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the wedge unit taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the wedge unit taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 6. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a triangular wheel stopper unit in a door jam safety system. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a three-figure wheel stop unit in a door jam safety system. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the fully assembled door jamb safety system taken along line 11-11 of FIG. [Figure 12] 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 2 of an assembled door jamb safety system in use with a door jamb. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the door jamb safety system with the triangular wheel stop unit in an inserted configuration and inserted into the door jamb. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the door jamb safety system inserted into the door jamb with the triangular wheel stop unit in an in-use configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0038] The same reference numbers refer to the same parts throughout the various drawings.

[0039] In the following description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, specific details are set forth, such as particular embodiments, procedures, techniques, etc., in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present technology. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present technology may be practiced in other embodiments that depart from these specific details.

[0040] Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1-14, the door jam safety system and method of the present technology is shown and generally designated by the reference numeral 10.

[0041] In FIG. 1, a new and novel door jam system 10 of the present technology for holding open a self-closing door is illustrated and described. More specifically, the door jam safety system 10 includes a handle unit 12, a wedge unit 40, and a spring-loaded triangular wheel stop unit 90. In operation, these units can provide a compact device that can be easily inserted into the door jam between the door frame and the door to secure the door in an open configuration and prevent the door from closing. In particular, the door jam safety system 10 can be utilized to prevent a self-closing door from closing, the door including an auto-closing mechanism, such as, but not limited to, a spring-loaded hinge or an upper spring arm attached to the door.

[0042] As best illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the handle unit 12 is shown slidably engaged over the body portion 42 of the wedge unit 40. The wedge unit 40 houses a spring (illustrated in Figures 11 and 12) and an elongated shaft 92 of a triangular shaped wheel stopper unit 90, which is mounted between the proximal end of the handle unit 12 and a wheel stopper 104. Note that the wheel stopper 104 is at the end of the shaft 92, which is mounted to the handle unit 12. The shaft 92 may include a number of openings or holes 94, which are for locking purposes when the locking button 68 is depressed into one of the holes 94 once the door jamb safety system 10 is engaged to the door jamb.

[0043] 1-5, the handle unit 12 can include a handle housing 14 featuring a handle hollow interior 16, which can be of any configuration that can be grasped by a user. The exterior surface of the handle housing 14 can include padding, gripping portions, texturing, etc. to aid in gripping the handle housing 14 by the user's hand. In some or all embodiments, the interior surface of the handle housing 14 that defines the handle hollow interior 16 can be tapered to converge toward an end wall 17 that provides a closed end of the handle hollow interior 16.

[0044] The shaft receiving member 18 may be coaxially positioned within the handle hollow interior 16 and may feature an open end in communication with a shaft receiving cavity 20 and one or more bores 22 in communication with the shaft receiving cavity 20. The open end may extend outwardly of the open end of the handle housing 14. The cavity 20 may be aligned with the longitudinal axis of the handle unit 12. The bores 22 may be located outwardly of the handle housing 14 and transversely to the longitudinal axis.

[0045] The second member 24 can be coaxially positioned in the handle hollow interior 16 and can include a second cavity 28. The shaft receiving member 18 can extend from an end of the second member 24. The second member 24 can have a larger width or diameter than the shaft receiving member 18, thereby creating an angle, chamfer, or curved transition section 26. The area of ​​the handle hollow interior 16 adjacent the second member 24 can be smaller than the area adjacent the shaft receiving member 18.

[0046] The end cap 30 can be attached to the handle housing 14 by screws or fasteners 32 to close the handle housing 14 and / or the second cavity 28. An electronic device 36 can be included in the end cap 30 to provide additional safety or alarm features. A battery can be associated with the electronic device 36 or received in the second cavity 28. The electronic device 36 can be any one or any combination of, but not limited to, a light, an audible device, a siren, a strobe light, a tethering line, a speaker, a microphone, a wireless receiver, a two-way communication device, a transmitter, a transceiver, a location tracking device, or any other similar device. It can be understood that the electronic device 36 can be a modular unit 34 that can be attached to and replaced with the end cap 30. A flange or stop edge of the end cap 30 may abut against a flange or lip of the modular unit 34, and tightening the end cap 30 against the end of the handle housing 14 may secure the electronic device 36 in place and / or make electrical contact with the contacts, utilizing a battery received in the second cavity 28.

[0047] It will be appreciated that the handle unit 12 may be implemented without a separate end cap 30 and / or electronic device 36. Additionally, the second cavity 28 may be utilized to store ancillary items such as, but not limited to, a tethering line, a flash light, medical supplies, a water container, and the like.

[0048] It can further be appreciated that the handle unit 12 can include an infrared (IR) alarm motion detection system (not shown). The IR alarm motion detection system can be part of or utilized with the electronic device 36 and can activate an alarm, warning, and / or indication when motion is detected. Additionally, when motion is detected, a signal can be sent from the handle unit 12 to a remote device or system. The signal can further include location information of the particular handle unit 12 that detects motion. Additionally, the IR motion detection system can activate an explosive device located on or associated with the handle unit 12. Additionally and / or in combination with any of the above, the handle unit 12 can include a laser-activated explosive device (not shown) that can activate an explosive device located on or associated with the handle unit 12 when a body or object breaks the beam. These explosive device embodiments can be utilized for military or tactical purposes.

[0049] 1, 2 and 6-8, the wedge unit 40 can include a body portion 42 slidably receivable in the handle hollow interior 16 of the handle housing 14. The body portion 42 can have a shape corresponding to and a width or diameter smaller than the handle housing 14. A body hollow interior 44 is defined within the body portion 42 in communication with a first opening in the body portion 42. A shaft receiving section 46 extends from the wedge end 70 into the body hollow interior 44, and a shaft receiving bore 48 is defined through the shaft receiving section 46 along a longitudinal axis of the wedge unit 40.

[0050] The shaft receiving bore 48 is configured to slidably receive a shaft 92 of a triangular locking unit 90 therethrough. A first longitudinal channel 50 and a second longitudinal channel 52 are defined in the shaft receiving section 46, both of which communicate with the shaft receiving bore 48. A longitudinal ridge 54 extends into the shaft receiving bore 48 and separates and defines the first and second longitudinal channels 50, 52. The ridge 54 terminates short of an end of the shaft receiving bore 48 and defines a transition opening 56 that communicates between the ends of the first and second longitudinal channels 50, 52. It can be appreciated that the first and second longitudinal channels 50, 52, as well as the transition opening 56, can act as keyways and / or be configured as keyways.

[0051] The button housing 60 can extend out from a side of the body portion 42 for use with a button 68. A first bore 62 can be defined through the button housing 60 configured to slidably receive a first portion of the button 68, and a second bore 66 can be defined through the shaft-receiving section 46 configured to slidably receive a second portion of the button 68. As a result, when assembled to the button housing 60, relative movement of the button 68 moves a distal end of the second portion of the button 68 a predetermined distance into the shaft-receiving bore 48. It can be seen that the button housing 60 can define a button cavity 64 that can accommodate a button spring 69 configured to either pull the button 68 towards the button housing 60 to a predetermined locked position or to push the button 68 to a predetermined unlocked position. A user can pull the button 68 away from the button housing 60 to retract the button 68. Alternatively, the button 68 can have an extension cam under the button 68 that is held in the upper position by a small compression spring and a locking pin. The first bore 62 can have a larger width or diameter than the second bore 66, and thus a first portion of the button 68 can have a larger width or diameter than the second portion. The first bore 62 can be aligned with the second bore 66 and can be transverse to the longitudinal axis of the body portion 42.

[0052] The wedge end 70 may be provided at a second open end of the body portion 42 opposite the first open end that defines the body hollow interior 44. The wedge end 70 may include a flat and / or planar end wall 72 and a pair of wedge sides 74 located on opposite sides of the planar end wall. The end wall 72 may extend transversely beyond an end of the body portion 42 opposite the open end. The shaft receiving bore 48 is defined through the planar end wall 72 and slidably receives at least a portion of a shaft 92.

[0053] Each of the wedge sides 74 can include flat surfaces 76 that are angled / sloped toward one another. As such, the wedge sides 74 can extend over or beyond the lateral width of the end wall 72 and / or over or beyond a longitudinal distance away from the end wall 72. As a result, the configuration of the wedge sides 74 can create a notch defined by the end wall 72 and a sidewall of the wedge side 74 that is perpendicular to the end wall 72.

[0054] A pad 80 may be attached to the flat surface 76 of each of the wedge sides 74. The pad 80 may be configured with a shape corresponding to the flat surface 76. The pad 80 may include edges that transition with the edges or sides of the flat surface 76 and / or the wedge side 74 to create a smooth transition therebetween. The pad 80 may be made of a softer material than the wedge sides 74 to enhance grip or friction against the surface of the door frame and / or door during use. The material of the pad 80 may be, but is not limited to, plastic, rubber, silicone, foam, etc., and may further include texture or patterns to enhance grip. Attachment of the pad 80 to the flat surface 76 may be achieved by, but is not limited to, adhesives, mechanical fasteners, mechanical interlocking elements, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, tongue and groove joints, ratchets, tabs, etc.

[0055] 1, 2, 9, and 10, the triangular chock unit 90 can include a shaft 92 and a chock 104. The shaft 92 can include a first end section 96 and a second end section 102. The first and second end sections 96, 102 can have a smaller width or diameter than the shaft 92, and each can include one or more bores 100 defined therethrough transversely to the longitudinal axis of the shaft 92. The first and second sections 96, 102 can be of the same width, diameter, and / or shape, although it can be understood that they can be different.

[0056] The shaft 92 may include a number of openings 94 defined in or through the shaft 92 transverse to a longitudinal axis of the shaft 92. The openings 94 are each configured to receive a second portion of the button 68.

[0057] 10 , the detent 98 extends transversely from a side of the shaft 92 opposite the opening 94. The detent 98 is configured to be slidably received and move along the first and second longitudinal channels 50, 52 and / or the transition opening 56.

[0058] The first end section 96 or the second end section 102 may be configured to be received in the cavity 20 .

[0059] The chock 104 can include a flat end side 106, a pair of tapered sides 108, and a connecting end 110. The tapered sides 108 are angled to converge from the end side 106 to the connecting end 110, and each can include textures, patterns, grips, features to enhance contact with various doors, door frames, and / or building structures.

[0060] An extension 112 can extend from the connection end 110, and a cavity 114 can be defined through the extension 112 and within at least a portion of the chock 104. The cavity 114 can be configured to receive the first end section 96 or the second end section 102, such that one or more bores 116 defined through the chock 104 align with the bores 100 of the first end section 96 or the second end section 102 assembled together. The bores 116 can be defined transversely to and in communication with the cavity 114. Mechanical fasteners 122 can be inserted into the bores 116, 100 and utilized to secure the chock 104 to the shaft 92. The fasteners 122 can be, but are not limited to, rivets, screws, bolts, pins, or the like. It can be appreciated that the ring stopper 104 can be screwed onto the first end section 96 or the second end section 102 via a screw fastener associated with the cavity 114 and the first end section 96 or the second end section 102, respectively.

[0061] Recesses, notches, and / or through holes may be defined in the chock 104 to reduce weight.

[0062] 11 and 12 best illustrate the handle unit 12, wedge unit 40, and triangular wheel stop unit 90 assembled to form the door jam safety system 10. The first end section 96 or the second end section 102 of the shaft 92 can be inserted into the cavity 20 such that the bore 22 of the shaft-receiving member 18 is aligned with the respective bores 100 in the first or second end sections 96, 102. Fasteners, rivets, or pins can then be utilized with the bores 22, 100 to secure the shaft 92 to the handle housing 14 together.

[0063] A biasing element or spring 120 may be inserted into the handle hollow interior 16 in the handle housing 14 such that an end of the biasing element or spring 120 contacts the end wall 17 .

[0064] The open end of the body portion 42 of the wedge unit 40 can then be inserted into the handle hollow interior 16 of the handle housing 14 such that the shaft 92 is received through the shaft receiving bore 48 and the spring 120 is positioned in the body hollow interior 44 of the body portion 42 between the body portion and the shaft receiving section 46. It can be appreciated that the button 68 is preferably in a retracted position such that the second portion of the button 68 does not contact the shaft 92 through the shaft receiving bore 48 and does not impede movement of the shaft 92. It can further be appreciated that the shaft 92 is preferably oriented such that the detent 98 is received in either the first or second channel 50, 52.

[0065] In this assembled configuration, movement of the handle unit 12 and the wedge unit 40 towards one another compresses the spring 120, providing a biasing force thereagainst. Additionally, this movement moves the open end of the body portion 42 further towards the end wall 17, thereby contacting the converging interior side of the handle housing 14. It can be seen that further movement of the wedge unit 40 towards the handle unit 12 increases the frictional holding force of the tapered interior side of the handle housing 14 against the exterior side of the body portion 42. This frictional force can be used to hold the handle unit 12 and the wedge unit 40 in a compressed configuration.

[0066] With the wedge unit 40 assembled with the handle unit 12, the chock 104 can be assembled with the free end sections 96, 102 of the shaft 92. This can be accomplished by seating the cavity 114 of the chock 104 to receive either of the free end sections 96, 102 of the shaft 92, such that the bore 116 of the chock 104 is aligned with the bore 100 of the free end sections 96, 102 of the shaft 92. A fastener or rivet 122 can then be utilized to secure the two pieces together.

[0067] In this assembled configuration, the tapered side 108 of the wheel stop 104 and the pad 80 or angled flat surface 76 face one another in a spaced apart relationship. As best illustrated in FIG. 12, the assembled door jamb safety system 10 can then be inserted into an open door jamb, whereby one of these spaced apart relationships is configured to receive a corner of the door frame 2 and the other of the spaced apart relationships is configured to receive a corner of the door 4.

[0068] The handle unit 12 can then be pressed towards the wedge unit 40, causing the pad 80 to contact the respective surfaces of the door frame 2 and the door 4, thereby forcing two adjacent surfaces forming a corner of the door frame 2 between one of the tapered sides 108 and one of the pads 80, and forcing two adjacent surfaces forming a corner of the door 4 between the other of the tapered sides 108 and the other of the pads 80.

[0069] When a suitable depression force is applied, the button 68 can be depressed such that the second end of the button 68 is received in one of the holes 94 in the shaft 92, thereby locking the door jam safety system 10 in an operative configuration that prevents the door 4 from pivoting to the closed position.

[0070] The first and second channels 50, 52 can be configured to provide the triangular chock unit 90 with two or more different rotational orientations. For example, the first rotational orientation can rotate the chock 104 90 degrees relative to the wedge side 74 to insert the chock 104 through the door jamb. In an example, the first rotational orientation can include the detent 98 of the shaft 92 being received in the first channel 50. The door jamb safety system 10 can then be rotated so that the tapered side 108 is flush with and in contact with the door frame 2 surface and the door 4 surface, respectively. The wedge unit 40 can then be moved to move along the first channel 50 until the detent 98 can enter the transition opening 56. The wedge unit 40 can then be rotated so that the detent 98 moves past the transition opening 56 and the detent 98 can then enter the second channel 52. This rotation of the wedge unit 40 places the door jam safety system 10 in a second rotational orientation where the pads 80 are flush with and in contact with the door frame 2 and door 4 surfaces, respectively.

[0071] In response to pushing the handle unit 12 towards the chock 104, the spring 120 is compressed, causing the shaft 92, which terminates in the chock 104, to extend outwardly from the wedge end 70. As the handle unit 12 is rotated, the chock 104 rotates to a lateral position relative to the wedge end 70.

[0072] In the retracted position, the chock 104 driven by the handle unit 12 cannot rotate relative to the wedge end 70. The detent 98 of the shaft 92 is aligned with the first or second channel 50, 52, thereby covering the body portion 42 of the wedge unit 40 compressing the spring 120, allowing the handle unit 12 to move fully. When extended, the detent 98 slides in the first channel 50, while the transition opening 86 allows the handle unit 12 and the shaft 92 attached to the chock 104 to rotate. Rotation of the handle unit 12, and therefore of the shaft 92, moves the detent 98 out of the way. When the handle unit 12 is released, the detent 98 engages to set the wedge unit 40 in a locked position, which prevents the chock 104 from re-extending and stops rotation. In this manner, the wedge unit 40 is secured such that any tension applied to the wedge unit 40 from pulling forces in the handle unit 12 does not cause the spring 120 to compress and the chock 104 to rotate, maintaining a tight connection.

[0073] The handle unit 12, the wedge unit 40, and / or the triangular chock unit 90 may be made of any fire-resistant or heat-insulating material.

[0074] In an example of use best illustrated in Figures 13 and 14, it can be seen that the door jam safety system 10 can be utilized to hold the door 4 open even if the door 4 includes an automatic closing mechanism. Additionally, the angle of the flat surface 76 and the tapered sides 108 provide an angle at which the door 4 will be held open. Once the door 4 is open to the 90° position, a user can push the door jam safety system 10 from waist height until it advances into the gap in the hinged door jam area. The wedge end 70 of the wedge unit 40 will fill this gap and contact both the door frame 2 and the edge of the door 4 on each side of the wedge end 70.

[0075] In its normal position, the triangular chock unit 90 can be slid through the gap to the back of the door frame 2 and door 4 by pushing the spring loaded handle unit 12 into the gap of the door frame. This pushing motion will extend the chock 104 outward, past the back of the door frame 2 and door 5. The user can then rotate the handle unit 12 90° to the right, which will rotate the chock 104 90° behind the door frame 2 and door 4, so that the chock 104 is now in the locked position, with the tapered sides 108 perpendicular to the floor, and the triangular wedge edges between the door frame 2 and door 4 locking the door jam safety system 10 in place.

[0076] The door 4 may tend to close a short amount due to the spring in the handle unit 12 exerting pressure on the closing mechanism of the door 4 against the door jam safety system 10. One way to stop this from happening is for a user to hold the door 4 in a full 90° or greater open position, then press the lock button 68, and then jerk the door 4 open until the button 68 is pushed down into one of the holes 94 in the shaft 92. The user can then hold the button 68 down to release the door 4, and the tension of the door from trying to close will apply tension to the button 68, preventing it from popping out and releasing the door 4.

[0077] Once the door jam safety system 10 is locked to the door jamb, the door 4 will be held in the open position until the user releases the button 68 and rotates the wheel stop 104 away from the door jamb. While in place, the user can activate the light 36 on the rear of the handle unit 12. This can be accomplished by rotating the end cap 30 until there is contact between the end cap 30 and the handle housing 14, or by pressing / tapping the button on the end cap 30. For example, the user can tap once for a red light, tap twice for a yellow light, or tap three times for a flashing green light. Different colored lights can be used to communicate the risk of danger before entering a room, which can be utilized by first responders, firefighters, or police officers. Pressing the button a fourth time can turn off the light 36. In the alternative, if the light 36 is a solid color that does not flash, this can communicate that the battery only has energy left for a predetermined amount of time, for example, two hours of charge / energy remaining.

[0078] It is understood that the battery is rechargeable and may utilize a recharge port associated with the handle housing 14, the end cap 30, or the light 36. The light 36 may include a printed circuit board or controller unit configured or configurable to control the operation of the light 36.

[0079] To remove the doorjamb safety system 10 from the doorjamb, the user can slightly push the door 4 open, thereby removing pressure from the button 68, which will cause the button spring to pop out of the hole 94 and release itself from the shaft hole 94. The user can then reverse the setup steps above, but from the doorjamb. This can be accomplished by rotating the doorjamb safety system 10 so that the wheel chocks 104 are aligned with the open doorjamb. The user can then simply pull the doorjamb safety system 10 away from the doorjamb, thereby retracting the rotated wheel chocks 104 back out through the open doorjamb.

[0080] According to one aspect, the present technology can provide a door jam safety system 10 including a handle unit 12, a wheel stop unit 90, and a wedge unit 40. The handle unit 12 can include a handle housing 14 defining a handle hollow interior 16, and a shaft receiving member 18 positioned inside the handle hollow interior 16. The wheel stop unit 90 can include a shaft 92 and a wheel stop 104 positioned at a first end 96 of the shaft 92, the second end 102 of the shaft 92 being mountable to the shaft receiving member 18. The shaft 92 can include one or more holes 94 defined therein. The wedge unit 40 can include a body portion 42 defining a hollow interior 44 in the body, a wedge end 70, and a shaft receiving bore 48 defined through the wedge end 70 and in communication with the body hollow interior 44. The body portion 42 can be configured for slidable reception in the handle hollow interior 16. The shaft-receiving bore 48 may be configured to slidably and rotatably receive the shaft 92. The locking button 68 may be movably associated with the wedge unit 40 and may be configured to be receivable in one of the holes 94 in the shaft 92. The spring 120 may be configured to provide a biasing force against the wedge unit 40 when the handle housing 14 is moved towards the wedge unit 40.

[0081] According to another aspect, the present technology can provide a door jam safety system 10 including a handle unit 12, a wheel stop unit 90, and a wedge unit 40. The handle unit 12 can include a handle housing 14 defining a handle hollow interior 16, a shaft receiving member 18 positioned inside the handle hollow interior 16, and a second member 24 positioned in the handle hollow interior 16. The second member 24 can have a width or diameter greater than the shaft receiving member 18. The shaft receiving member 18 can extend from the second member 24, and a free end of the shaft receiving member 18 is positioned outside the handle housing 14. The end cap 30 can be attached to an end of the handle housing 14 and can include a light 36. The wheel stop unit 90 can include a shaft 92 and a wheel stop 104 positioned at a first end 96 of the shaft 92. A second end 102 of the shaft 92 can be attachable to the shaft receiving member 18. The shaft 92 may include one or more holes 94 defined therein. The wedge unit 40 may include a body portion 42 defining a body hollow interior 44, a wedge end 70 including tapered wedge sides 74 converging toward one another in a direction away from the body portion 42, and a shaft receiving bore 48 defined through the wedge end 70 and in communication with the body hollow interior 44. The body portion 42 may be configured for slidable reception in the handle hollow interior 16. The shaft receiving bore 48 may be configured for slidably and rotatably receiving the shaft 92. At least one pad 80 may be mountable on each of the angled wedge sides 74. A spring 120 may be configured to provide a biasing force against the wedge unit 40 when the handle housing 14 is moved toward the wedge unit 40.

[0082] According to yet another aspect, the present technology can include a method of using the door jamb safety system 10, which can include inserting the wheel chock 104 of the wheel chock unit 90 into the door jamb such that the wedge end 70 of the wedge unit 40 is located at the front of the door frame 2 and the door 4 and the wheel chock 104 is located at the back of the door frame 2 and the door 4. Then, the step of rotating the wheel chock 104 so that the angled wheel chock side 108 faces the back side of the door frame 2 and the door 4, respectively. The step of positioning the angled wedge side 74 of the wedge unit 40 faces the front side of the door frame 2 and the door 4, respectively. The method may include the steps of: pushing a handle unit 12 slidably associated therewith toward the wedge unit 40 to compress a spring 120 located in a handle housing 14 of the handle unit 12 and a body portion 42 of the wedge unit 40 to force an angled wedge side portion 74 into contact with a front side of each of the door frame 2 and the door 4. The method may include activating a lock button 68 associated with the wedge unit 40 to engage a hole 94 defined in a shaft 92 of the wheel stop unit 90 and slidably pass the shaft 92 through a shaft receiving bore 48 defined through the wedge unit 40.

[0083] In some or all embodiments, the handle unit 12 can include an electronic device 36 associated with an end cap 30 mountable to the handle housing 14 .

[0084] In some or all embodiments, electronic device 36 may be any one or any combination selected from the group consisting of a light, an audible device, a wireless receiver, a transmitter, a transceiver, and a tether.

[0085] In some or all embodiments, the handle unit 12 can include a second member 24 positioned in the handle hollow interior 16. The second member 24 can have a larger width or diameter than the shaft receiving member 18. The shaft receiving member 18 can extend from the second member 24, with a free end of the shaft receiving member 18 positioned outside the handle housing 14.

[0086] In some or all embodiments, the wedge unit 40 may include a shaft-receiving section 46 that extends from the wedge end 70 into the hollow body interior 44. The shaft-receiving section 46 may be configured to separate the shaft-receiving bore 48 and the hollow body interior 44.

[0087] In some or all embodiments, the spring 120 can be located in the body hollow interior 44 between the body portion 42 and the shaft receiving member 18, and in the handle hollow interior 16 between the handle housing 14 and the second member 24.

[0088] In some or all embodiments, the handle housing 14 can include an inner surface that defines the handle hollow interior 16. The inner surface can taper converging toward the second member 24 to create a narrow section in the handle hollow interior 16 relative to the open end of the handle housing 14.

[0089] In some or all embodiments, a narrow section in the handle hollow interior 16 can be configured to press against a section in the body portion 42 of the wedge unit 40 at a predetermined insertion distance of the body portion 42 into the handle hollow interior 16.

[0090] In some or all embodiments, the wedge unit 40 may further include a first channel 50 and a second channel 52 defined along a longitudinal axis of the wedge unit 40. The first and second channels 50, 52 may be in communication with the shaft receiving bore 48.

[0091] In some or all embodiments, the wedge unit 40 may include a ridge 54 extending into the shaft receiving bore 48, the ridge 54 defining a transition opening 56 separating and defining the first and second channels 50, 52 and configured to provide communication between the first channel 50, the second channel 52, and the shaft receiving bore 48.

[0092] In some or all embodiments, the wedge unit 40 can include tapered, angled wedge sides 74 that converge toward each other in a direction away from the body portion 42 .

[0093] In some or all embodiments, the angled wedge sides 74 can be spaced apart from one another to form an opening configured to receive at least a portion of the chock 104 therebetween.

[0094] In some or all embodiments, the present technology can include at least one pad 80 attachable to each of the angled wedge sides 74 .

[0095] In some or all embodiments, the chock 104 can include angled chock sides 108 that are angled away from each other and toward each other in a direction toward the shaft 92.

[0096] In some or all embodiments, a first pair including the first angled wedge side 74 and the first angled wheel stop side 108 can be configured to receive a corner of the door frame 2 therebetween. A second pair including the second angled wedge side 74 and the second angled wheel stop side 104 can be configured to receive a corner of the door 4 therebetween.

[0097] In some or all embodiments, the spring 120 can be configured to urge the wedge unit 40 toward the door frame 2 and the door 4 such that the angled wedge side 74 contacts the door frame 2 and the door 4, respectively, and pulls the wheel stop unit 90 toward the door frame 2 and the door 4. The angled wheel stop side 104 can then contact the door frame 2 and the door 4, respectively, or urge the wedge unit 40 and pull the wheel stop unit 90 toward the door frame 2 and the door 4, respectively.

[0098] In some or all embodiments, the wedge unit 40 may include a button spring 69 configured to act on a portion of the locking button 68 .

[0099] In some or all embodiments, the wedge unit 40 may include a button housing 60 extending from the body portion 42. The button housing 60 may define a button hollow interior 64 configured to receive a button spring 69. The button housing 60 may define a first button bore 62 configured to slidably receive a first portion of a locking button 68. The body portion 42 may define a second button bore 66 configured to slidably receive a second portion of the locking button 68. The first portion of the locking button 68 has a larger width or diameter than the second portion.

[0100] Although the door jam safety system and method have been described in detail, it is clear that modifications and variations thereto are possible, all of which fall within the spirit and scope of the present technology. It will be recognized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the components of the present technology, including various sizes, materials, shapes, forms, functions and methods of operation, assembly, and use, will be readily apparent and obvious to those skilled in the art in response to the above description. All equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described herein are intended to be encompassed by the present technology. For example, any suitable and sturdy material may be substituted for those described above. Although described as holding open a self-closing door, it should be understood that the door jam safety system and method herein may also be suitable for fastening or anchoring the handle unit to a building structure, board, panel, or wall.

[0101] As such, the foregoing is considered as merely illustrative of the principles of the technology. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the technology to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and therefore, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the technology.

Claims

1. 1. A door jam safety system comprising: a handle unit including a handle housing defining a handle hollow interior and a shaft receiving member positioned inside the handle hollow interior; a wheel stopper unit including a shaft and a wheel stopper located on a first end of the shaft, a second end of the shaft being mountable to the shaft receiving member, the shaft including one or more holes therein; a wedge unit including a body portion defining a body hollow interior, a wedge end, and a shaft receiving bore defined through the wedge end and in communication with the body hollow interior, the body portion configured for slidable reception within the handle hollow interior, and the shaft receiving bore configured for slidably and rotatably receiving the shaft; a locking button movably associated with the wedge unit and configured to be received in one of the holes in the shaft, the locking button configured to allow a user to selectively unlock and lock the shaft relative to the wedge unit; a spring configured to provide a biasing force against the wedge unit when the handle housing is moved towards the wedge unit; A door jam safety system.

2. the handle unit includes an electronic device associated with an end cap mountable to the handle housing; The electronic device is any one or any combination selected from the group consisting of a lighting device, an audio device, a wireless receiver, a transmitter, and a transceiver.

2. The door jam safety system of claim 1.

3. The door jam safety system of claim 1, wherein the handle unit further includes an end cap attachable to the handle housing, the end cap including a tether.

4. 2. The door jam safety system of claim 1, wherein the handle unit includes a second member positioned within the handle hollow interior, the second member having a width or diameter greater than the shaft receiving member, the shaft receiving member extending from the second member, and a free end of the shaft receiving member positioned outside the handle housing.

5. 5. The door jam safety system of claim 4, wherein the wedge unit includes a shaft receiving section extending from the wedge end into the body hollow interior, the shaft receiving section configured to separate the shaft receiving bore and the body hollow interior.

6. 6. The door jam safety system of claim 5, wherein the spring can be located in the body hollow interior between the body portion and the shaft receiving section, and in the handle hollow interior between the handle housing and the second member.

7. 5. The door jam safety system of claim 4, wherein the handle housing includes an inner surface defining the handle hollow interior, the inner surface tapering to converge toward the second member to create a narrow section of the handle hollow interior relative to an open end of the handle housing.

8. 8. The door jam safety system of claim 7, wherein the narrow section of the handle hollow interior is configured to press against a section of the body portion of the wedge unit at a predetermined insertion distance of the body portion inserted into the handle hollow interior.

9. 5. The door jam safety system of claim 4, wherein the wedge unit further includes a first channel and a second channel defined along a longitudinal axis of the wedge unit, the first and second channels communicating with the shaft receiving bore.

10. 10. The door jam safety system of claim 9, wherein a ridge extends into the shaft receiving bore, separating and defining the first and second channels, and defining a transition opening configured to provide communication between the first channel, the second channel, and the shaft receiving bore.

11. 2. The door jam safety system of claim 1, wherein the wedge unit includes wedge sides that are tapered and angled to converge toward each other in a direction away from the body portion.

12. 12. The door jam safety system of claim 11, wherein the angled wedge sides are spaced apart from one another to form an opening configured to receive at least a portion of the wheel chock therebetween.

13. 12. The door jam safety system of claim 11, further comprising at least one pad attachable to each of said angled wedge sides.

14. 14. The door jam safety system of claim 13, wherein the wheel chock comprises angled wheel chock sides, the wheel chock sides being angled away from each other and toward each other in a direction toward the shaft.

15. 15. The door jam safety system of claim 14, wherein a first pair of the angled wedge sides and the angled wheel stop sides are configured to receive a corner of a door frame therebetween, and a second pair of the angled wedge sides and the angled wheel stop sides are configured to receive a corner of a door therebetween.

16. 16. The door jam safety system of claim 15, wherein the spring is configured to push the wedge unit toward the door frame and the door so that the angled wedge side contacts the door frame and the door, respectively, or to pull the wheel stop unit toward the door frame and the door so that the angled wheel stop side contacts the door frame and the door, respectively, or to push the wedge unit toward the door frame and the door, respectively, and pull the wheel stop unit toward the door frame and the door, respectively.

17. The door jam safety system of claim 1 , wherein the wedge unit includes a button spring configured to act on a portion of the locking button.

18. 18. The door jam safety system of claim 17, wherein the wedge unit includes a button housing extending from the body portion, the button housing defining a button hollow interior configured to receive the button spring, the button housing defining a first button bore configured to slidably receive a first portion of the locking button, and the body portion defining a second button bore configured to slidably receive a second portion of the locking button, the first portion of the locking button having a larger width or diameter than the second portion.

19. 1. A door jam safety system comprising: a handle unit including a handle housing defining a handle hollow interior, a shaft receiving member located inside the handle hollow interior, and a second member located in the handle hollow interior, the second member having a width or diameter greater than the shaft receiving member, the shaft receiving member extending from the second member, a free end of the shaft receiving member located outside the handle housing; an end cap attached to an end of the handle housing; a chock unit including a shaft and a chock located on a first end of the shaft, a second end of the shaft being mountable to the shaft receiving member, the shaft including one or more holes defined therein; a wedge unit including a body portion defining a body hollow interior, a wedge end portion including angled wedge sides tapered toward each other in a direction away from the body portion, and a shaft receiving bore defined through the wedge end portion and in communication with the body hollow interior, wherein the body portion is configured for slidable reception within the handle hollow interior and the shaft receiving bore is configured for slidably and rotatably receiving the shaft; at least one pad attachable to each of the angled wedge sides, the at least one pad being made of a material configured to enhance grip or friction when engaged with an abutment surface during use; a spring configured to provide a biasing force against the wedge unit when the handle housing is moved towards the wedge unit; A door jam safety system.

20. The handle unit includes an electronic device associated with an end cap attachable to the handle housing, the electronic device being any one or any combination selected from the group consisting of lighting, audio devices, wireless receivers, transmitters, transceivers, and tethers; the handle housing includes an inner surface defining the handle hollow interior, the inner surface tapering to converge toward the second member to create a narrow section of the handle hollow interior relative to an open end of the handle housing, the narrow section of the handle hollow interior configured to press against a section of the body portion of the wedge unit at a predetermined insertion distance of the body portion into the handle hollow interior; the wedge unit further includes first and second channels defined along a longitudinal axis of the wedge unit, the first and second channels communicating with the shaft receiving bore; 20. The door jam safety system of claim 19, further comprising a locking button movably associated with the wedge unit and configured to be receivable in one of the shaft holes.

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