External doorknob locking shroud

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of security equipment, and more specifically relates to a locking shroud device for doorknobs which is configured to sufficiently cover the entirety of a doorknob of a door such that the knob may not be turned without first unlocking and removing the locking shroud device.

[0002] Many doorknobs are conventionally equipped with a locking mechanism configured to prevent the turning of the doorknob such that the door may not be opened until unlocked. However, this security mechanism has inherent limitations, and can easily be circumvented. Further, nothing protects the keyhole of the doorknob from being picked.

[0003] If there were a way in which the doorknob itself could be covered with an external shroud, the doorknob would not be able to turn without removal of the shroud. If the shroud were equipped with an integrated lock, the security of the door would be enhanced.

[0004] Thus, there is a need for a locking doorknob shroud configured to encompass a doorknob to securely prevent access to the doorknob and integrated doorknob lock (if present). Such a device is preferably configured to lock closed around the entirety of the doorknob, only to be opened with a unique key. An internal spring mechanism allows the shroud to pop open when unlocked with the key, expediting warranted access to the doorknob when needed.

[0005] The present invention is a locking doorknob shroud configured to encompass a doorknob of a door to prevent access to a keyhole of the doorknob, as well as the doorknob itself, enhancing the security of the door.

[0006] The following brief and detailed descriptions of the drawings are provided to explain possible embodiments of the present invention but are not provided to limit the scope of the present invention as expressed herein this summary section.

[0013] The present specification discloses one or more embodiments that incorporate the features of the invention. The disclosed embodiment(s) merely exemplify the invention. The scope of the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiment(s).

[0014] References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment, Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

[0015] The present invention is a locking doorknob shroud (10) configured to prevent unauthorized access to a doorknob. The preferred embodiment of the present invention is equipped with a shroud (10) having a first half (20) and a second half (30). The first half (20) and second half (30) are joined together via at least one hinge (40). At, or adjacent to, the at least one hinge (40), a gap (50) is present for the passage of a shaft of the doorknob assembly to extend out of the shroud (10) while the present invention is closed and in use. The first half (20) and second half (30) are configured to clasp closed around the doorknob of a door. The closure of the halves are reinforced via a latch (60) equipped with a lock which may only be unlocked via a key (70). The latch (60) is preferably present on an end of the shroud (10) opposite from the hinge (40). The lock may be a padlock, combination lock, or similar conventional locking mechanism. The external lock (padlock, combination lock, etc.) may be disposed separately from the primary lock disposed within the latch (60) of the present invention. Further, the external lock may be an optional component supplied by the end user.

[0016] A spring assembly (80) disposed in communication with the at least one hinge (40) is configured to facilitate the closure of the first half (20) and second half (30) together, forming an oblong cylindrical shape. However, alternate embodiments of the present invention may exhibit other three-dimensional shapes as desired. Upon turning the key (70), the latch (60) is opened, and the spring assembly (80) releases tension, causing the first half (20) and second half (30) to separate apart, providing access to the doorknob.

[0017] As depicted in FIG. 3, the process of use of the apparatus of the present invention is preferably as follows:

• • [0018] 1. First the user purchases the apparatus of the present invention from a retailer or authorized e-retailer. (100)
  • [0019] 2. Next, the user opens the packaging and ensures all components are present. (110)
  • [0020] 3. Then, the user locates a doorknob onto which they wish to install the doorknob shroud. (120)
  • [0021] 4. Then, the user unlatches the latch, opening the doorknob shroud such that the first half separates from the second half about the hinge. (130)
  • [0022] 5. Next, the user positions the semi-circle (present on both the first half and second half) such that it partially surrounds the doorknob stem of the doorknob. (140)
  • [0023] 6. Next, the user closes the doorknob shroud by bringing the first half in contact with the second half, pivoting about the hinge. (150)
  • [0024] 7. The doorknob shroud locking closed by the latch connecting the first half to the second half. (160)
  • [0025] 8. The user installing a padlock to the latch, securing the latch in a closed position until the padlock is opened with a key. (170)
  • [0026] 9. The doorknob shroud preventing usable access to the doorknob until it is manually removed. (180)
  • [0027] 10. The user unlocking the padlock and opening the latch, thereby separating the first half from the second half about the hinge to access the doorknob. (190)
  • [0028] 11. The spring assembly exerting pressure on the first half and the second half once the latch is relieved, helping the doorknob shroud to open easily for access to the doorknob. (200)

[0029] It should be noted that in some alternate embodiments of the present invention, the shroud (10) may be a fabric enclosure, such as Kevlar™ or a similar heavy-duty material. Further, in some alternate embodiments, the enclosure of the shroud (10) may be equipped with a zipper for additional security. Additionally, it should be noted that the spring assembly (80) of the present invention may exhibit multiple springs disposed around or within the at least one hinge (40). The latch (60) of the present invention may be equipped with an internal locking mechanism, which may be released with the key (70) in lieu of, or in addition to, the use of a padlock.

[0030] Having illustrated the present invention, it should be understood that various adjustments and versions might be implemented without venturing away from the essence of the present invention. Further, it should be understood that the present invention is not solely limited to the invention as described in the embodiments above, but further comprises any and all embodiments within the scope of this application.

[0031] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.