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 a door jamb safety or assistance system and method for use in connection with leaving a door open. More particularly, it relates to a door having associated automatic closing, such as a door including a spring-loaded hinge or an upper spring-loaded arm attached to the door, for leaving the door open.

Background Art

[0002] During fire fighting operations, it is often necessary to move or search through a building or structure, for example, typically from an entrance and / or an intended exit point. These operations may include various tasks, including extinguishing the fire and / or searching for and rescuing any individuals that may be found therein. For example, a firefighter may enter a room and move around through the smoke in that room during the performance of a task. When attempting to leave the room, limited visibility and conditions make it very difficult to easily find the point of entry into the room. The room and the entire structure may be filled with a large amount of smoke. This is very dangerous for firefighters who must exit a burning building as quickly as possible when the situation becomes dangerous to stay inside. Additionally, the door through which a firefighter enters a building may be closed, thus making the exit even less visible. As a result, firefighters may be seriously injured or lose their lives while attempting to find a means to exit and return from a room in a burning structure.

[0003] Once a firefighter enters or moves through an entrance / exit, it may be very beneficial to leave the door open. By doing so, the firefighter can be prevented from being trapped inside the room and a indication of which door the firefighter entered through can be provided.

[0004] It is beneficial to leave the door open for other industries, including but not limited to police and law enforcement agencies, postal services, hotel hospitality or housekeeping services, entertainment facilities such as concert halls, arenas, theaters, places of worship, banquet halls, construction sites, and the transportation industry. Law enforcement agencies recognize the benefits of leaving the door open while being able to execute search means throughout the building. Hotel hospitality can recognize the benefits of leaving the door open as it may be necessary to leave the door open during room cleaning for insurance and / or liability reasons. The benefits for transportation companies can be easily recognized during the process of transporting luggage into or out of a building or facility.

[0005] While each of the above devices meets its specific goals and requirements, the aforementioned device or system does not describe a door jam safety system and method that keeps an automatically closing door open.

[0006] There is a need for a new and novel door jam safety system and method that can be used to keep an automatically closing door open. In this regard, the present technology substantially meets this need. In this respect, the door jam safety system and method according to the present invention are substantially different from the conventional concepts and designs in known devices and provide a device mainly developed for the goal of keeping an automatically closing door open. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In view of the foregoing substantial disadvantages in known types of door stoppers, jams, or release retention devices existing in the prior art, the present technology provides a novel door jam safety system and method that overcome one or more of the disadvantages and drawbacks of the prior art mentioned above. Thus, the overall objective 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. It has all the advantages over the prior art mentioned above and many novel features. These features, either individually or in any combination, result in a door jam safety system and method that are not predicted, explicitly expressed, proposed, 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 stopper unit, and a wedge unit. The handle unit can include a handle housing defining a handle hollow interior and a shaft receiving member located inside this handle hollow interior. The wheel stopper unit can include a shaft and a wheel stopper located at a first end of this 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 can include a body portion defining a body hollow interior, a wedge end portion, and a shaft receiving bore defined through this wedge end portion and communicating with the body hollow interior. The body portion can be configured to be slidably received within the handle hollow interior. The shaft receiving bore can be configured to slidably and rotatably receive the shaft. A locking button can be movably associated with the wedge unit and configured to be receivable in one of the holes of the shaft. A spring can be configured to provide a biasing force to 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 larger than that of 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 inside the handle housing. An 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. A second end of the shaft can be made attachable 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 portion including wedge side portions with tapers converging towards each other in a direction away from the body portion, and a shaft receiving bore defined through the wedge end portion and communicating with the body hollow interior. The body portion can be configured to be slidably received within the handle hollow interior. The shaft receiving bore can be configured to slidably and rotatably receive the shaft. At least one pad can be made attachable to each of the angled wedge side portions. A spring can be configured to provide a biasing force to the wedge unit when the handle housing is moved towards the wedge unit.

[0010] According to yet another aspect, the technology can include a method of using a door jam security system, which can include inserting a stopper of a stopper unit into a door jam such that a wedge end of a wedge unit is positioned against a front portion of a door frame and a door, and a stopper of a wheel stopper unit is positioned against a back portion of the door frame and the door. Next, it can include rotating the stopper such that an angled stopper side faces a respective back side of the door frame and the door. It can include positioning an angled wedge side of the wedge unit to face a respective front side of the door frame and the door. It can include pushing a handle unit slidably associated with the wedge unit toward the wedge unit to compress a spring positioned in a handle housing of the handle unit and a body portion of the wedge unit to force the angled wedge side to contact a respective front side of the door frame and the door. It can include activating a locking button associated with the wedge unit to engage a hole defined in a shaft of the wheel stopper unit and slidably passing 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 attachable to the handle housing.

[0012] In some, or all, embodiments, the electronic device can be any one or any combination selected from the group consisting of lighting, 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 a handle hollow interior. The second member can have a width or diameter larger than a shaft receiving member. The shaft receiving member can extend from the second member, and a free end of the shaft receiving member is positioned external to the handle housing.

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

[0015] In some or all embodiments, a spring can be positioned within the interior of the body cavity between the body portion and the shaft receiving member, and within the interior of the handle cavity between the handle housing and the second member.

[0016] In some or all embodiments, the handle housing can include an inner surface that defines the interior of the handle cavity. This inner surface can be tapered to converge towards the second member, creating a narrow section within the handle cavity relative to the open end of the handle housing.

[0017] In some or all embodiments, the narrow section within the handle cavity can be 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 cavity.

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

[0019] In some or all embodiments, the wedge unit can include a ridge that extends into the shaft receiving bore. This ridge defines a transition opening that separates and defines the first and second channels and is 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 with tapers that converge towards each other in a direction away from the body portion.

[0021] In some or all embodiments, an opening can be formed that is configured to receive at least a portion of the retainer between angled wedge sides that are spaced apart from each other.

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

[0023] In some or all embodiments, the retainer can include angled retainer sides that are spaced apart from each other and angled towards each other in a direction towards the shaft.

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

[0025] In some or all embodiments, the spring can be configured to push the wedge unit towards the door frame and the door. Thereby, the angled wedge sides contact the respective door frame and door, pulling the retainer unit towards the door frame and the door. Thereby, the angled retainer sides contact the respective door frame and door. Or, push the wedge unit and pull the retainer unit towards the respective door frame and door.

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

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

[0028] To better understand the following detailed description and to better evaluate the contribution to the art, the features of the technology are broadly outlined.

[0029] Many of the objectives, features, and advantages of the technology will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of the technology in the embodiments thereof, which, although illustrative, is presented with the accompanying drawings.

[0030] Thus, those skilled in the art will understand that the concepts underlying the present disclosure can be readily utilized as a basis for the design of other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out some of the objectives of the technology. Accordingly, these equivalent structures are considered to be included within the scope of the claims, provided they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the technology.

[0031] Thus, the objective of the technology is to provide a new and novel door jam safety system and method that has all the advantages of prior art door stoppers, jams, or devices for maintaining openings and has no disadvantages.

[0032] Another objective of the technology is to provide a new and novel door jam safety system and method that can be easily and efficiently manufactured and brought to market.

[0033] Yet another objective of the present technology is to provide a new and novel door jamb safety system and method that has low manufacturing costs in terms of materials and labor, and thus enables a low selling price to the general consumer, thereby making such a door jamb safety system and method economically accessible to the average purchaser.

[0034] Yet another objective of the present technology is to provide a new door jamb safety system that provides some advantages over the prior art devices and methods, while at the same time overcoming some of the disadvantages associated with the prior art as a whole.

[0035] These, together with other objectives of the present technology, are accompanied by various new features that characterize the present technology, and are pointed out together with the particulars in the appended claims, which form a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the present technology, its advantages of operation, and the specific objectives achieved by its use, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and the description of the exemplary embodiments of the present technology that exist. While a plurality of objectives of the present technology are recognized herein, it should be understood that the claimed technology is not limited to fulfilling most or all of the recognized objectives, and that some embodiments of the present technology may fulfill only one or none of the objectives.

[0036] The present technology will be better understood when considering the following detailed description, and other objectives distinct from those described above will become apparent. Such description refers to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0037]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 14

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

[0039] In the following description, for the purpose of providing a complete understanding of the present technology, specific details such as specific embodiments, procedures, techniques, etc. are described for illustrative and non-limiting purposes. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present technology can be practiced in other embodiments without these specific details.

[0040] Next, referring to the drawings, specifically FIGS. 1 - 14, a door jam safety system and method of the present technology are shown and generally designated by reference numeral 10.

[0041] In FIG. 1, a novel door jam system 10 of the present technology for keeping an automatic closing door open is illustrated and described. More specifically, the door jam safety system 10 includes a handle unit 12, a wedge unit 40, and a spring - retained triangular wheel stopper 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, fixing the door in an open configuration and preventing the door from closing. In particular, the door jam safety system 10 can be utilized to prevent an automatic closing door from closing, and the door includes an automatic 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 FIGS. 1 and 2, the handle unit 12 is shown slidably engaged covering the body portion 42 of the wedge unit 40. The wedge unit 40 houses a spring (illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12) and an elongated shaft 92 of the triangular wheel stopper unit 90 mounted between the proximal end of the handle unit 12 and the wheel stopper 104. Note that the wheel stopper 104 is at the end of the shaft 92 and the shaft 92 is mounted to the handle unit 12. The shaft 92 can include a plurality of openings or holes 94. These are for locking purposes when the locking button 68 is pushed down into one of the holes 94 once the door jam safety system 10 is engaged with the door jam.

[0043] Referring to FIGS. 1-5, the handle unit 12 can include a handle housing 14 characterized by a handle hollow interior 16, and the handle housing 14 can be of any configuration graspable by a user. The outer surface of the handle housing 14 can include pads, grips, textures, etc. to assist the user's hand in gripping the handle housing 14. In some or all embodiments, the inner surface of the handle housing 14 that defines the handle hollow interior 16 can be tapered to converge towards an end wall 17, which provides a closed end of the handle hollow interior 16.

[0044] The shaft receiving member 18 can be coaxially positioned inside the handle hollow interior 16 and is characterized by an open end communicating with a shaft receiving cavity 20 and one or more bores 22 communicating with the shaft receiving cavity 20. This open end can extend outside the open end of the handle housing 14. The cavity 20 can be along the longitudinal axis of the handle unit 12. The bores 22 can be located outside the handle housing 14 and be transverse to the longitudinal axis.

[0045] The second member 24 can be coaxially positioned within 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 greater width or diameter than the shaft receiving member 18, thereby creating an angle, chamfer, or curved transition section 26. Thereby, the region of the handle hollow interior 16 adjacent to the second member 24 can be made smaller than the region adjacent to the shaft receiving member 18.

[0046] The end cap 30 can be attached to the handle housing 14 by screwing or a fastener 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 warning functions. A battery can be associated with the electronic device 36 or received in the second cavity 28. The electronic device 36 can be, but is not limited to, any one of lighting, audible devices, sirens, strobe lights, tethering lines, speakers, microphones, wireless receivers, two-way communication devices, transmitters, transceivers, position tracking devices, or any other similar devices, or any combination thereof. It can be understood that the electronic device 36 can be a modular unit 34 that is attachable to and replaceable with the end cap 30. The flange or stop edge of the end cap 30 can abut against the flange or lip of the modular unit 34, and by tightening the end cap 30 against the end of the handle housing 14, the electronic device 36 can be fixed in place and / or brought into electrical contact with the contact portion using the battery received in the second cavity 28.

[0047] It can be understood that the handle unit 12 can be realized without the separate end cap 30 and / or the electronic device 36. Further, the second cavity 28 can be used to store auxiliary items such as, but not limited to, tethering lines, flash lighting, medical supplies, water containers, etc.

[0048] It can be further understood that the handle unit 12 can include an infrared (IR) motion detection system for alarms (not shown). The IR motion detection system for alarms can be part of or used with the electronic device 36, and can activate an alarm, a warning, and / or a display when motion is detected. Further, a signal can be transmitted from the handle unit 12 to a remote device or system when motion is detected. This signal can further include the location information of the specific handle unit 12 that detected the motion. Further, the IR motion detection system can activate an explosive device located in or associated with the handle unit 12. Further, and / or in combination with any of the above, the handle unit 12 can include a laser-activated explosive device (not shown), which can activate an explosive device located in or associated with the handle unit 12 when a body or an object blocks the beam. Embodiments of these explosive devices can be used for military or tactical purposes.

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

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

[0051] The button housing 60 can extend outward from the side of the main body 42 for use with the 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, the relative movement of the button 68 moves the distal end of the second portion of the button 68 into the shaft receiving bore 48 by a predetermined distance. The button housing 60 can define a button cavity 64 that can accommodate a button spring 69 configured to pull the button 68 toward the button housing 60 to a defined locked position or push the button 68 to a defined unlocked position. The 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 an upper position by a small compression spring and a locking pin. The first bore 62 can have a greater width or diameter than the second bore 66, and thus the first portion of the button 68 can have a greater 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 main body 42.

[0052] The wedge end 70 can be provided at a second opening end of the main body portion 42 opposite the first opening end that defines the main body hollow interior 44. The wedge end 70 can 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 can extend transversely beyond the end of the main body portion 42 on the opposite side of the opening end. The shaft receiving bore 48 is defined through the planar end wall 72 and slidably receives at least a portion of the shaft 92.

[0053] Each of the wedge side portions 74 can include a flat surface 76 provided with an angle / inclination in a direction facing each other. In this way, the wedge side portion 74 can extend over the width of the end wall 72 or beyond the width of the end wall 72, and / or away from the end wall 72, over a longitudinal distance or beyond a longitudinal distance. As a result, the configuration of the wedge side portion 74 can create a notch defined by the end wall 72 and the side wall of the wedge side portion 74 that is perpendicular to the end wall 72.

[0054] The pad 80 can be attached to each flat surface 76 of the wedge side portion 74. The pad 80 can be configured in a shape corresponding to the flat surface 76. The pad 80 includes an edge that transitions with the flat surface 76 and / or the edge or side of the wedge side portion 74, creating a smooth transition therebetween. The pad 80 can be made of a material that is more flexible than the wedge side portion 74 and enhances the gripping force or frictional force against the surface of the door frame and / or the door during use. The material of the pad 80 can be, but is not limited to, plastic, rubber, silicon, foam, etc., and can further include texturing or patterns to improve the gripping force. The attachment of the pad 80 to the flat surface 76 can be realized by, but is not limited to, adhesives, mechanical fasteners, mechanical coupling elements, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, dovetail joints, latches, tabs, etc.

[0055] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 9, and 10, the triangular stop unit 90 can include a shaft 92 and a stop 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 width or diameter smaller than that of the shaft 92, and each can include one or more bores 100 defined by penetrating transversely through the longitudinal axis of the shaft 92. It can be understood that the first and second sections 96, 102 can have the same width, diameter, and / or shape, but can also be different.

[0056] The shaft 92 can include a plurality of openings 94 that transverse the longitudinal axis of the shaft 92 and are defined within or through the shaft 92. The openings 94 are each configured to receive a second portion of the button 68.

[0057] As best illustrated in FIG. 10, the detent 98 extends transversely from a side of the shaft 92 on an opposite side of the opening 94. The detent 98 is configured to be slidably received along 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 can be configured to be received within the cavity 20.

[0059] The wheel stopper 104 can include a flat end side 106, a pair of tapered side portions 108, and a connecting end 110. The tapered side portions 108 are angled to converge from the end side 106 to the connecting end 110, and each can include a texture, pattern, gripping portion, various forms for enhancing contact with doors, door frames, and / or building structures.

[0060] The extension portion 112 can extend from the connection end portion 110, and the cavity 114 can be defined through the extension portion 112 and within at least a portion of the retainer 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 retainer 104 align with the bores 100 of the first end section 96 or the second end section 102 assembled together. The bore 116 can be defined transverse to and in communication with the cavity 114. A mechanical fastener 122 can be inserted into the bores 116, 100 for use in securing the retainer 104 to the shaft 92. The fastener 122 can be, but is not limited to, a rivet, screw, bolt, pin, etc. It can be understood that the retainer 104 can be screwed onto the first end section 96 or the second end section 102 by means of screwing associated with the cavity 114 and each of the first end section 96 or the second end section 102.

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

[0062] FIGS. 11 and 12 best illustrate the handle unit 12, the wedge unit 40, and the triangular retainer 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 aligns with the respective bores 100 in the first or second end sections 96, 102. Next, a fastener, rivet, or pin can 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 can be inserted into the handle hollow interior 16 in the handle housing 14 such that its end contacts the end wall 17.

[0064] Thereafter, the open end portion of the main body 42 of the wedge unit 40 can be inserted into the handle hollow interior 16 of the handle housing 14, whereby the shaft 92 is received through the shaft receiving bore 48, and the spring 120 is positioned in the main body hollow interior 44 of the main body 42 between the main body and the shaft receiving section 46. It can be understood that it is desirable for the button 68 to be in the retracted position so that the second portion of the button 68 does not contact the shaft 92 through the shaft receiving bore 48 and does not impede the movement of the shaft 92. It can further be understood that it is desirable to orient the shaft 92 so that the detent 98 is received in either the first or second channel 50, 52.

[0065] In this assembled configuration, the relative movement of the handle unit 12 and the wedge unit 40 compresses the spring 120 and provides a biasing force thereagainst. Additionally, this movement further moves the open end portion of the main body 42 towards the end wall 17, resulting in contact with the converging inner side of the handle housing 14. It can be understood that further movement of the wedge unit 40 towards the handle unit 12 increases the frictional holding force of the tapered inner side of the handle housing 14 against the outer side of the main body 42. This frictional force can be utilized to hold the handle unit 12 and the wedge unit 40 in the compressed configuration.

[0066] Using the wedge unit 40 assembled with the handle unit 12, the wheel stopper 104 can be assembled together with the free end sections 96, 102 of the shaft 92. This can be achieved by installing the cavity 114 of the wheel stopper 104 to be received in either of the free end sections 96, 102 of the shaft 92, whereby the bore 116 of the wheel stopper 104 is aligned with the bores 100 of the free end sections 96, 102 of the shaft 92. Next, a fastener or rivet 122 can be utilized to fix the two parts together.

[0067] In this assembled configuration, the tapered side portion 108 of the wheel stop 104 and the pad 80 or the angled flat surface 76 face each other in a spaced relationship. Next, as best illustrated in FIG. 12, the assembled door jam safety system 10 can be inserted into the open door jam such that one of these spaced relationships is configured to receive the corner of the door frame 2 and the other of the spaced relationships is configured to receive the corner of the door 4.

[0068] Next, the handle unit 12 can be pushed toward the wedge unit 40 such that the pad 80 contacts the respective surfaces of the door frame 2 and the door 4. Thereby, two adjacent surfaces forming the corner of the door frame 2 are pushed in between one of the tapered side portions 108 and one of the pads 80, and two adjacent surfaces forming the corner of the door 4 are pushed in between the other of the tapered side portions 108 and the other of the pads 8.

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

[0070] The first and second channels 50, 52 can be configured to bring the triangular stop unit 90 in two or more different rotational directions. For example, in the first rotational direction, the stop 104 can be rotated 90° with respect to the wedge side portion 74 to insert the stop 104 through the door jamb. In the example, the first rotational direction can include a detent 98 of the shaft 92 received in the first channel 50. Next, the door jamb safety system 10 can be rotated such that the tapered side portion 108 is flush with and in contact with each of the door frame 2 surface and the door 4 surface. Thereafter, the wedge unit 40 can be moved along the first channel 50 until the detent 98 can enter the transition opening 56. Next, the wedge unit 40 can be rotated such that the detent 98 moves past the transition opening 56 and then the detent 98 can enter the second channel 52. This rotation of the wedge unit 40 positions the door jamb safety system 10 in the second rotational direction. At this time, the pad 80 is flush with and in contact with each of the door frame 2 surface and the door 4 surface.

[0071] In response to pushing the handle unit 12 in the direction of the stop 104, the spring 120 is compressed and extends the shaft 92 terminating at the stop 104 outward from the wedge end 70. When the handle unit 12 is rotated, the stop 104 rotates to a lateral position with respect to the wedge end 70.

[0072] In the retracted position, the wheel stop 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 that has compressed the spring 120 and allowing the handle unit 12 to move completely. When extending, the detent 98 slides in the first channel 50, while the transition opening 86 allows the rotation of the handle unit 12 and the shaft 92 attached to the wheel stop 104. The rotation of the handle unit 12, and thus the rotation of the shaft 92, moves to remove the detent 98. When the handle unit 12 is released, the detent 98 engages to set the wedge unit 40 in the locking position, which prevents the wheel stop 104 from extending again and stops the rotation. In this way, the wedge unit 40 is fixed, so that any tension applied to the wedge unit 40 from the tensile force in the handle unit 12 does not compress the spring 120 and does not cause the wheel stop 104 to rotate, maintaining a firm connection.

[0073] The handle unit 12, the wedge unit 40, and / or the triangular wheel stop unit 90 can be made of any refractory or heat-insulating material.

[0074] In the usage example best illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, it can be understood that the door jam safety system 10 can be used to keep the door 4 open even when the door 4 includes an automatic closing mechanism. Further, the angles of the flat surface 76 and the tapered side portion 108 result in an angle at which the door 4 holds the open position. When the door 4 is opened to the 90° position, the user can push the door jam safety system 10 until advancing into the gap in the door jam area where the hinge is mounted, from waist height. The wedge end 70 of the wedge unit 40 fills this gap and will contact both the edge of the door frame 2 and the edge of the door 4 on each side of the wedge end 70.

[0075] The triangular door stop unit 90 can slide through the gap to the back sides of the door frame 2 and the door 4 by pushing the spring-biased handle unit 12 into the gap between the door frames in its normal position. This pushing movement will extend the door stop 104 beyond the back sides of the door frame 2 and the door 5. Next, the user can rotate the handle unit 12 90° to the right, which will rotate the door stop 104 90° behind the door frame 2 and the door 4. Thereby, at that time the door stop 104 is in the locked position, the tapered side portion 108 is perpendicular to the floor, and the edge of the triangular wedge portion between the door frame 2 and the door 4 locks the door jam safety system 10 in place.

[0076] The door 4 may tend to close by a small amount because the spring of the handle unit 12 applies pressure to the closing mechanism of the door 4 against the door jam safety system 10. One way to prevent this from happening is for the user to hold the door 4 in a fully open position of more than 90°, then press the locking button 68, and then release the door 4 in small increments until the button 68 is pushed down into one of the holes 94 in the shaft 92. Next, the user can hold the button 68 down and release the door 4, and the tension of the door trying to close will be applied to the button 68, preventing the button 68 from popping out and releasing the door 4.

[0077] When the door jam safety system 10 is latched to the door jam, the door 4 is held in the open position until the user releases the button 68 and rotates the detent 104 to disengage from the door jam. While in a predetermined position, the user can activate the illumination 36 at the rear of the handle unit 12. This can be achieved by rotating the end cap 30 until contact is made 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 to turn on the red light, tap twice to turn on the yellow light, or tap three times to turn on the green blinking light. Using various colors of illumination can convey a danger warning before entering the room, which can be utilized by first responders, firefighters, or police officers. Pressing the button four times can turn off the illumination 36. Alternatively, if the illumination 36 is a solid color that does not blink, this can indicate that the battery has only enough energy for a predetermined time, for example, 2 hours of charge / energy remaining.

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

[0079] To remove the door jam safety system 10 from the door jam, the user can slightly push the door 4 to open it, thereby removing the pressure on the button 68, which will release itself from the shaft hole 94 by the button spring protruding from the hole 94. Then the user can reverse the above setup steps from the door jam. This can be achieved by rotating the door jam safety system 10 so that the detent 104 aligns with the open door jam. Next, the user can simply pull the door jam safety system 10 away from the door jam, thereby retracting and exiting the rotated detent 104 through the open door jam.

[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, and a second end 102 of the shaft 92 can be attachable 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 communicating with the body hollow interior 44. The body portion 42 can be configured to be slidably received in the handle hollow interior 16. The shaft receiving bore 48 can be configured to slidably and rotatably receive the shaft 92. A locking button 68 can be movably associated with the wedge unit 40 and configured to be receivable in one of the holes 94 of the shaft 92. A spring 120 can be configured to provide a biasing force to the wedge unit 40 when the handle housing 14 is moved toward the wedge unit 40.

[0081] According to another aspect, the present technology can provide a door jamb safety system 10 that includes a handle unit 12, a wheel stop unit 90, and a wedge unit 40. The handle unit 12 can include a handle housing 14 that defines a handle hollow interior 16, a shaft receiving member 18 located inside the handle hollow interior 16, and a second member 24 located in the handle hollow interior 16. The second member 24 can have a width or diameter greater than that of the shaft receiving member 18. The shaft receiving member 18 can extend from the second member 24, and the free end of the shaft receiving member 18 is located outside the handle housing 14. An end cap 30 can be attached to the end of the handle housing 14 and can include lighting 36. The wheel stop unit 90 can include a shaft 92 and a wheel stop 104 located at a first end 96 of the shaft 92. The second end 102 of the shaft 92 can be configured to be attachable 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 that defines a body hollow interior 44, a wedge end portion 70 that includes wedge side portions 74 with tapers that converge towards each other in a direction away from the body portion 42, and a shaft receiving bore 48 defined through the wedge end portion 70 and in communication with the body hollow interior 44. The body portion 42 can be configured to be slidably received within the handle hollow interior 16. The shaft receiving bore 48 can be configured to slidably and rotatably receive the shaft 92. At least one pad 80 can be configured to be attachable to each of the angled wedge side portions 74. A spring 120 can be configured to provide a biasing force to the wedge unit 40 when the handle housing 14 is moved towards the wedge unit 40.

[0082] According to yet another aspect, the technology can include a method of using the door jam security system 10, which can include inserting the stopper 104 of the stopper unit 90 into the door jam such that the wedge end 70 of the wedge unit 40 is positioned against the front of the door frame 2 and the door 4, and the stopper 104 is positioned against the back of the door frame 2 and the door 4. Next, it can include rotating the stopper 104 such that the angled stopper side 108 faces the respective back sides of the door frame 2 and the door 4. It can include positioning the angled wedge side 74 of the wedge unit 40 to face the respective front sides of the door frame 2 and the door 4. Pushing the handle unit 12 slidably associated with the wedge unit 40 towards the wedge unit 40 to compress a spring 120 located in the handle housing 14 of the handle unit 12 and the body portion 42 of the wedge unit 40, and forcing the angled wedge side 74 to contact the respective front sides of the door frame 2 and the door 4. Actuating a locking button 68 associated with the wedge unit 40 to engage a hole 94 defined in the shaft 92 of the stopper unit 90 and slidably passing 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 attachable to the handle housing 14.

[0084] In some, or all, embodiments, the electronic device 36 can be any one or any combination selected from the group consisting of lighting, 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 located within the handle hollow interior 16. The second member 24 can have a greater width or diameter than the shaft receiving member 18. The shaft receiving member 18 can extend from the second member 24, and the free end of the shaft receiving member 18 is located outside the handle housing 14.

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

[0087] In some or all embodiments, the spring 120 can be positioned within the body hollow interior 44 between the body portion 42 and the shaft receiving member 18, and within 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. This inner surface can be tapered to converge towards 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, the narrow section in the handle hollow interior 16 can be configured to press against a section of the body portion 42 of the wedge unit 40 at a predetermined insertion distance of the body portion 42 inserted into the handle hollow interior 16.

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

[0091] In some or all embodiments, the wedge unit 40 can include a ridge 54 extending into the shaft receiving bore 48, the ridge 54 defining and separating the first and second channels 50, 52 and defining a transition opening 56 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 angled wedge sides 74 that taper and converge towards each other in a direction away from the body portion 42.

[0093] In some or all embodiments, an opening can be formed to space the angled wedge sides 74 apart from each other and receive at least a portion of the retainer 104 therebetween.

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

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

[0096] In some or all embodiments, the first pair, including the beveled side portion 74 with a first angle and the stop side portion 108 with a first angle, can be configured to receive the corner of the door frame 2 therebetween. The second pair, including the beveled side portion 74 with a second angle and the stop side portion 104 with a second angle, can be configured to receive the corner of the door 4 therebetween.

[0097] In some or all embodiments, the spring 120 can be configured to push the wedge unit 40 towards the door frame 2 and the door 4. Thereby, the beveled side portion 74 contacts each of the door frame 2 and the door 4, and pulls the stop unit 90 towards the door frame 2 and the door 4. Thereby, the beveled stop side portion 104 contacts each of the door frame 2 and the door 4. Alternatively, push the wedge unit 40 and pull the stop unit 90 towards each of the door frame 2 and the door 4.

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

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

[0100] While the door jam safety systems and methods have been described in detail, modifications and variations are possible and it is clear that all such modifications and variations fall within the spirit and scope of the technology. It will be recognized that for the parts of the technology, optimal dimensional relationships, including various sizes, materials, shapes, forms, functions and methods of operation, assembly, and use, will be readily apparent and obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art. All equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described herein are intended to be encompassed by the technology. For example, any suitable and durable material may be used in place of those described above. Although the automatic closing door has been described as being left open, it should be understood that the door jam safety systems and methods herein may also be adapted for fastening or securing a handle unit to a building structure, board, panel, or wall.

[0101] Accordingly, the foregoing is considered only as an illustration of the principles of the technology. Further, since many modifications and variations will readily occur to those of ordinary skill in the art, the technology is not to be limited to the exact structures and operations shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be classified as falling within the scope of the technology.

Claims

1. A door jam safety system, comprising a handle unit including a handle housing defining a hollow interior of the handle and a shaft receiving member positioned inside the hollow interior of the handle, a detent unit including a shaft and a detent positioned at a first end of the shaft, wherein a second end of the shaft is attachable to the shaft receiving member, and the shaft includes one or more holes therein, a wedge unit including a body portion defining a hollow interior of the body, a wedge end portion, and a shaft receiving bore defined through the wedge end portion and communicating with the hollow interior of the body, wherein the body portion is configured to be slidably received within the hollow interior of the handle, and the shaft receiving bore is configured to slidably and rotatably receive the shaft, a locking button movably associated with the wedge unit and configured to be received within one of the holes of the shaft, the locking button being configured such that a user can selectively unlock and lock the shaft relative to the wedge unit, a spring configured to provide a biasing force to the wedge unit when the handle housing is moved toward the wedge unit, a door jam safety system comprising the above.

2. The handle unit includes an electronic device associated with an end cap attachable to the handle housing, wherein the electronic device is any one or any combination selected from the group consisting of lighting, an audible device, a wireless receiver, a transmitter, and a transceiver. The door jam safety system according to Claim 1.

3. The handle unit further includes an end cap attachable to the handle housing, and the end cap includes a tether. The door jam safety system according to Claim 1.

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

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

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

7. The handle housing includes an inner surface defining the hollow interior of the handle, the inner surface being tapered to converge towards the second member, creating a narrow section of the hollow interior of the handle relative to the open end of the handle housing, the door jam safety system according to claim 4.

8. The narrow section of the hollow interior of the handle 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 hollow interior of the handle, the door jam safety system according to claim 7.

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

10. The raised portion extends into the shaft receiving bore, defines and separates 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, the door jam safety system according to claim 9.

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

12. The angled wedge sides are spaced apart from each other and form an opening configured to receive at least a portion of the wheel stop, the door jam safety system according to claim 11.

13. The door jam safety system according to claim 11 further includes at least one pad attachable to each of the angled wedge sides.

14. The wheel stopper includes a wheel stopper side portion with an angle, and the wheel stopper side portions are separated from each other and are angled toward each other in a direction toward the shaft, for the door jam safety system according to claim 13.

15. The first pair of the angled wedge side portion and the angled wheel stopper side portion is configured to receive a corner portion of a door frame therebetween, and the second pair of the angled wedge side portion and the angled wheel stopper side portion is configured to receive a corner portion of a door therebetween, for the door jam safety system according to claim 14.

16. The spring is configured such that by pushing the wedge unit toward the door frame and the door, the angled wedge side portion contacts each of the door frame and the door, or by pulling the wheel stopper unit toward the door frame and the door, the angled wheel stopper side portion contacts each of the door frame and the door, or is configured to push the wedge unit toward each of the door frame and the door and to pull the wheel stopper unit toward each of the door frame and the door, for the door jam safety system according to claim 15.

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

18. The wedge unit includes a button housing extending from the main body portion, the button housing defines a button hollow interior configured to receive the button spring, the button housing defines a first button bore configured to slidably receive a first portion of the locking button, the main body portion defines a second button bore configured to slidably receive a second portion of the locking button, and the first portion of the locking button has a greater width or diameter than the second portion, for the door jam safety system according to claim 17.

19. A door jam safety system, A handle unit including a handle housing that defines a hollow interior of the handle, a shaft receiving member positioned inside the hollow interior of the handle, and a second member positioned inside the hollow interior of the handle, wherein the second member has a greater width or diameter than the shaft receiving member, the shaft receiving member extends from the second member, and a free end of the shaft receiving member is positioned outside the handle housing. An end cap attached to an end of the handle housing. A detent unit including a shaft and a detent positioned at a first end of the shaft, wherein a second end of the shaft is attachable to the shaft receiving member, and the shaft includes one or more holes defined therein. A wedge unit including a body portion that defines a hollow interior of the body, a wedge end portion including angled wedge sides that taper and converge towards 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 hollow interior of the body, wherein the body portion is configured to be slidably received inside the hollow interior of the handle, and the shaft receiving bore is configured to slidably and rotatably receive 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 improve gripping force or frictional force when engaged with a contact surface during use. A spring configured to provide a biasing force to the wedge unit when the handle housing is moved towards the wedge unit. A door jam safety system comprising the above. **Claim 20**: The handle unit includes an electronic device associated with an end cap attachable to the handle housing, and the electronic device is selected from the group consisting of lighting, audible devices, wireless receivers, transmitters, transceivers, and tethers, and is any one or any combination thereof. The handle housing includes an inner surface that defines the hollow interior of the handle, the inner surface being tapered so as to converge towards the second member, creating a narrow section of the handle hollow interior relative to the open end of the handle housing, the narrow section of the handle hollow interior being 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. The wedge unit further includes first and second channels defined along the longitudinal axis of the wedge unit, the first and second channels being in communication with the shaft receiving bore. The door jam safety system according to claim 19, further comprising a locking button that is movably associated with the wedge unit and configured to be receivable in one of the holes of the shaft.

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