IL184211A - System and device for enabling emergency forced entry - Google Patents

Description

A SYSTEM AND A DEVICE FOR ENABLING EMERGENCY FORCED ENTRY ΠΌΙ ns £) DN nm ro y^ INVENTORS: Binyamin Yirmiyahu and Mordechai Yirmiyahu C: 2189 412800-vl A SYSTEM AND A DEVICE FOR ENABLING EMERGENCY FORCED ENTRY FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention generally relates to the field of safety and rescue equipment involving forced-entry, and more particularly, to a system and a device for use to force open locked and/or barred entryways under emergency conditions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION There are emergency situations when it is necessary to force open locked and/or barred doors, shuttered windows, and other entryways, for example by civilian fire, police, rescue workers, security personnel, and the like; as well as in special operations by military and paramilitary forces. Prior art devices usually apply a brute-force technique, for example, using a battering ram, sledge hammer, or the like; or by blasting away the lock by use of firearms or small-detonator devices. However, such techniques are accompanied by very loud noises, unwanted blast debris and lingering odors, any of which are undesirable side-effects. Use of firearms and detonating devices is very dangerous to use in civilian, urban areas and may be hazardous to both the users and anyone found on the other side of the locked and/or barred entryway. Moreover, the equipment needed, such as a battering ram, may not be conveniently available, may require a number of people to carry it or use it, and may take a considerable period of time in order to force open the problematic entryway.

Previous inventions by the Applicants relating to this subject are described in US Patents 4,783,053 and US 5,769,394; also Israeli Patent 80536 and European Patents EP 0271207 and EP 0750922. These devices are all of a heavy construction, with a complicated mounting arrangement requiring an anchoring mechanism, and they operate differently from the present invention.

Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a system and a device for force opening of entryways, such as locked and/or barred doors, in cases of emergency and rescue operations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is a principal object of the present invention to overcome the disadvantages and limitations of prior art systems and devices, by providing a system and a device for emergency forced-entry, of locked and/or barred adjacent, entryway boundary surfaces, such as heavy-duty doors and their doorframes, and the like, and to provide a system and a device for emergency forced-entry.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a system and a device for forced-opening of locked and/or barred inward-opening entryways.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a system and a device for forced-opening of locked and/or barred outward-opening entryways.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a portable device for emergency forced-entry use on locked and/or barred adjacent entryway boundary surfaces.

Therefore there is provided a system for forcible opening of adjacent, entryway boundary surfaces, the system comprising: a hydraulically operated pump unit for providing pressure to the system; a hydraulic cylinder unit housing a piston rod; a first anvil comprising a wedge-shaped portion removably mounted on the proximal end of the piston rod, the first anvil formed with downwardly-facing friction-gripping grooves on its surface; and a second anvil comprising a pair of spaced-apart wedged-shaped prongs formed on the sides of a ring removably mounted on the hydraulic cylinder unit, the second anvil formed with upwardly facing friction-gripping grooves on its surface , such that when the wedge-shaped portion of the first anvil is seated between the wedge-shaped prongs of the second anvil so as to be aligned therewith and the first and second anvils are forcibly inserted into a seam between adjacent entryway boundary surfaces, operation of the pump unit applies pressure via the first anvil on a first boundary surface, while the second anvil applies a contrary gripping force on a second boundary surface, forcibly opening the adjacent entryway boundary surfaces.

There is also provided a device connectable to a hydraulically operated pump unit for forcible separation of adjacent, entryway boundary surfaces, the device comprising: a hydraulic cylinder housing a piston rod; a first anvil removably comprising a wedge-shaped portion mounted on the proximal end of the piston rod, the first anvil formed with downwardly-facing friction-gripping grooves on its surface of a base having a wedge-shaped portion for insertion between the adjacent, entryway boundary surfaces to be forced apart and for applying pressure to a first boundary surface; and a second anvil comprising a pair of spaced-apart wedged-shaped prongs formed on the sides of a ring removably mounted on the hydraulic cylinder unit , the second anvil formed with upwardly-facing friction-gripping grooves on its surface; such that when the wedge-shaped portion of the first anvil is seated between the wedge-shaped prongs of the second anvil so as to be aligned therewith and the first and second anvils are forcibly inserted into a seam between adjacent entryway boundary surfaces operation of the pump unit applies pressure via the first anvil on a first boundary surface, while the seond anvil applies a contrary gripping force on a second boundary surface, forcibly opening the entryway of the adjacent boundary surfaces.

Use for opening an inward-opening door The wedge-shaped portions of anvils mounted on a hydraulic cylinder are inserted between a door frame and an inward-opening door. Activation of a hydraulic pump, either manually or by hydraulic/ electric action, drives a piston rod forward and the pressure exerted on the door by a first anvil mounted on the piston rod, while the friction-gripping grooves of a second anvil are engaged in the doorframe, forces the door inward and causes it to separate from the doorframe, thus opening the entryway.

Use for opening an outward-opening door The wedge-shaped prongs of anvils mounted on a hydraulic cylinder are inserted between an outward-opening door and a door frame. Activation of a hydraulic pump, either manually or by hydraulic/ electric action, drives a piston rod forward in the hydraulic cylinder and the pressure exerted on the doorframe by a first anvil mounted on the piston rod, while the friction-gripping grooves of a second anvil are engaged in the doorframe, forces the door outward and causes it to separate from the doorframe, thus opening the entryway.

An outside-opening or inside-opening door, including steel doors having angle irons, is forced open by unique wedge-shaped prongs formed with etched grooves that are pushed into the seam between a door and a doorframe. The wedge-shaped prongs work together to force the door open. Only a thin opening is required for insertion of the wedge-shaped prongs. Furthermore, the wedge-shaped prongs can swivel 360 degrees for quick alignment with the seam of the door and for placement along the doorframe.

The hydraulic pump unit is provided with an operating lever which works with the hand, with the foot, on the ground when mounted on a platform. Anti-skid pads are provided for preventing slippage of the platform on a smooth surface. In addition, the hydraulic pump unit is portable and easily brought to a work site by being suspended from a tool belt attached to a worker's body.

Combined Inside-Outside Tool The wedge-shaped prongs formed on the second anvil are mounted on a ring which can rotate 360 degrees about the circumference of the hydraulic cylinder and can be disassembled.

The handle, attached to a rotatable mounting collar, can be rotated 360 degrees about the circumference of the hydraulic cylinder and can also be disassembled.

A hammer point, made of malleable plastic in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disposed on the distal end of the second anvil, so as to be diametrically opposed to the side having the wedge-shaped prongs. This optionally enables the application of manual, hammer-driven force to secure the wedge-shaped prongs into the boundary between adjacent entryway surfaces, such as, by way of example, between a door and a doorframe. The plastic acts as a shock absorber.

Some additional advantages of the present invention over the prior art are: - the friction-gripping grooves have an etched radius providing for ease of insertion between adjacent boundary surfaces, for example between a door and a doorframe, yet firmly grip a contact surface - the friction-gripping grooves are slip-resistant when applied to a smooth surface, such as a polished steel door - the hydraulic cylinder is provided with a handle mounted on a rotatable collar which can be rotated 360 degrees - both anvils working together are fully rotatable 360 degrees to facilitate their rapid insertion, in any orientation, between adjacent boundary surfaces - the piston rod is rotatable 360 degrees within its housing - the hydraulic cylinder is provided with a convenient hammering point on the second anvil to assist in manual insertion of the device into narrow boundaries - the anvils together with their friction-gripping grooves (or, in another embodiment of the present invention just the friction-gripping grooves portion) are removable from the hydraulic cylinder and can be repaired or replaced if worn or broken - the penetration angle of the wedge-shaped prongs allows insertion between adjacent, entryway boundary surfaces, such as a door frame and a door, whether the door is inwardly or outwardly openable - the system and device are portable - the hydraulically operated pump unit is provided with a convenient hook attachable to a standard tool strap or belt so that it can be carried strung around a user's body - the handle attached to a collar on the hydraulic cylinder facilitates manual application of pressure for repeated forced insertion and withdrawal of the wedge portions of the anvils between adjacent, entryway boundary surfaces, such as a door and a doorframe prior to full operation of the pump unit.

Additional features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the drawings and description contained herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a better understanding of the invention with regard to the embodiments thereof, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals designate corresponding elements or sections throughout and in which: Fig. 1 shows a general view of the system of the present invention in accordance with a preferred embodiment thereof; 184211/2 Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the hydraulically operated pump unit from Fig. 1 shown as a portable unit; Fig. 3 is a detailed enlargement showing the anvil arrangement at the proximal end of the device of the present invention in accordance with a preferred embodiment thereof; Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of a piston rod in a slightly extended position showing a partial cross-section view of the components of Fig. 3; Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the piston rod and anvil when extended; Fig. 6 is a view of the setup for forcing open an outward opening door in accordance with the principles of the present invention; Fig. 7 is a view of the setup for forcing open an inward opening door in accordance with the principles of the present invention; Fig. 8 is a close-up view of the proximal end of the device from Fig. 6; and Fig. 9 is a close-up view of the proximal end of the device from Fig. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS With reference to the drawings, in Fig. 1 there is illustrated a general view of the system of the present invention in accordance with a preferred embodiment thereof.

A hydraulically operated pump unit 20 is shown connected to a hydraulic cylinder 22 via a tube 24. The pump unit 20 generally contains a reservoir of oil under pressure which can be delivered to hydraulic cylinder 22 at a far greater force so as to drive a piston rod 54 (see Fig. 4). Pump unit 20 is shown with an operating lever 26a/b for operation of the system. A return spring 28 anchored to a platform 32 is connected to an extendable/retractable extension lever 26b which is slidably mounted on operating lever 26. It is understood that operating lever 26, which reciprocates in operation, can also be manually-operated or made in such a way as to be operable by an electrical or mechanical device as is known to those skilled in the art. Since such a mechanism is well-known, it will not be elaborated upon here.

Nevertheless, additional features are illustrated in Fig. 1 in regard to the pump unit 20. A handle 30 is conveniently provided and is secured by clips 35. The handle 30 enables quick removal of pump unit 20 from the clips 35 in platform 32, in order to lift out the pump unit 20 for holding it close at hand while working. Non-slip skids 34 are provided to prevent sliding of 184211/2 platform 32 when the device is operated on smooth surfaces. A carrying ring 36 is attached to handle 30 so as to allow for carrying of the pump unit 20 with its platform 32 or by itself by connecting ring 36 to a standard tool belt (not shown) which may be strung on the person of a user.

The hydraulic cylinder 22 is designed for forcibly opening a door or entryway. To this end, hydraulic cylinder 22 is provided with a separate carrying handle 42 which may also be used to apply manual pressure in forcing insertion of the device into a narrow seam between adjacent boundary surfaces, such as a door and doorframe (see Figs. 6 and 7).

A first anvil 38 is mounted on a piston rod (see Fig. 4) and acts as a force-multiplier ram, while a second anvil 39 provided with two, wedge-shaped prongs 48 spaced apart on either side of a ring 47 rotatably seated over the hydraulic cylinder 22. The first and second anvils 38, 39 provide a gripping hold in opposing directions of force when the device is inserted in the seam between adjacent entryway boundary surfaces, such as a locked and/or barred door and its doorframe, and the like. Both anvils 38, 39 are formed with friction-gripping grooves 44 and 46 (see enlargements in Figs. 3 and 4) on one surface for better grip during insertion.

A hammer point 40 is provided for hammering on anvil 39 for forced insertion of the device in a narrow crevice between surfaces to be forced open. Hammer point 40 is made of malleable plastic and acts like a shock absorber, in a preferred emodiment of the present invention, although it may be made of any suitable material known to those skilled in the art.

Fig. 2 is a view of hydraulic pump unit 20 separated from platform 32 (as in Fig. 1) for portability and provided with an operating lever 26a/b. Lever 26a/b may be operated by foot or manually in order to pump hydraulic fluid from the reservoir in pump unit 20 through a tube 24 (see Fig. 1) to hydraulic cylinder 22 (see Fig. 1) where the piston rod 54 (see Figs. 4 and 5) is made to extend or retract and thus applying pressure to a boundary surface, such as a locked and/or barred door, to force it open. A lever extension 26b is attachable to a return spring 28 anchored on platform 32 (see Fig. 1) and lever extension 26b is extendable to compensate for length of the platform 32 (see Fig. 1).

Fig. 3 is a detailed enlargement showing the anvil arrangement at the proximal end of the device of the present invention in accordance with a preferred embodiment. 184211/2 In Fig. 3, first anvil 38 and second anvil 39 are shown in an intial position of congruent alignment for simultaneous insertion into a seam between adjacent entryway boundary surfaces. The enlarged view shows the friction-gripping grooves 46 on the wedge-shaped prongs 48 of second anvil 39 which are spaced apart on either side of ring 47 rotatably seated over hydraulic cylinder 22. Also shown are the friction-gripping grooves 44 which cover a relatively larger area on the first anvil 38 which acts as a ramming tool to force open, for example, a locked and/or barred door using the wedge-shaped portion 45 for initial insertion. Other features illustrated include a rotatable collar 35 with handle 42 attached for carrying the device; and a hammer point 40 mounted on second anvil 39 for exerting manual pressure on the part while inserting into a boundary seam, for example, the seam between a door and its doorframe.

Handle 42 is provided to carry hydraulic cylinder 22 in a portable manner. Handle 42 is mounted on a rotatable collar 35 which can be turned 360 degrees in alignment with anvils 38, 39 if it becomes necessary to adjust their angle of penetration.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of a piston rod in a slightly extended position showing a partial cross-section view of the components of Fig. 3.

Piston rod 54 is shown partially extended from hydraulic cylinder 22 and acts to drive first anvil 38, which is mounted on piston rod 54, against a boundary surface when the device is operated. Note that first anvil 38 can only be retracted to the stopper ring 55 formed on the proximal end of hydraulic cylinder 22 so as to align the wedge-shaped portion 45 with the wedge-shaped prongs 48 formed in second anvil 39 when piston rod 54 is in a retracted position. The alignment is achieved when a shoulder 53 formed in ring 47 abuts the stopper ring 55.

The pressure is transferred across the friction-gripping grooves 44 comprising a broad base for first anvil 38 which is capable of gripping even the smoothest surfaces, such as a heavy-duty, stainless steel door which is then forced open. These grooves 44 are etched into the base in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, although other known methods of forming sharp, friction-gripping grooves 44 may be used. The grooved portions of the two anvils 38, 39 are disposed in mirror-image fashion so as to grip opposing surfaces.

First anvil 38 is mounted on the proximal end of piston rod 54 and secured with a removable attachment means 43, which may be a bolt, or like removable fastener, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a view of the hydraulic cylinder 22 as a portable unit showing details of the disposition of the two anvils 38, 39 and other features. Note that hydraulic cylinder 22 is shown with a piston rod 54 extended as when the device is activated and pressure is transferred to hydraulic cylinder 22 via tube 24 from hydraulic pump unit 20 (see Fig. 1).

First anvil 38 is removably mounted on piston rod 54 and applies pressure to a first boundary surface (not shown), such as a door. Second anvil 39 remains in place to provide a counteracting force to separate and open locked and/or barred adjacent entryway boundary surfaces, such as a door and a doorframe. Handle 42 may be used not only to carry hydraulic cylinder 22 or lift it into place against a surface, but also to manually apply pressure to a seam to force insertion of the device. Repeated insertion and withdrawal acts to pry surfaces further apart for maximum penetration of the anvils 38, 39 and increases efficiency in operation. The proximal end of piston rod 54 acts as a ram member. First anvil 38 is removable for replacement or repair if worn or damaged.

Fig. 6 is a view of the setup for forcing open an outward opening door in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

The hydraulic pump unit 20 is placed near outward opening door 57 and the anvils 38, 39 of hydraulic cylinder 22 are forcefully inserted into a seam between door 57 and doorframe 56, so that anvil 38 on piston rod 54 (not visible) acts against the adjoining wall or doorframe 56. Operation of the pump unit 20 forces the door 57 to open outward.

Fig. 7 is a view of the setup for forcing open an inward opening door in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

A hydraulic pump unit 20 (not shown) is placed near inward opening door 60 and the anvils 38, 39 of hydraulic cylinder 22 are forcefully inserted into a seam between door 60 and doorframe 58, so that anvil 38 on piston rod 54 (not visible) acts against door 60. Operation of the pump unit 20 forces the door 60 to open inward.

Fig. 8 is a close-up view of the proximal end of the hydraulic cylinder 22 from Fig. 6. Note that first anvil 38 acts as a ram against the doorframe 56 while second anvil 39 pulls door 57 outwards using the wedge-shaped prongs 48.

Fig. 9 is a close-up view of the proximal end of the hydraulic cylinder 22 from Fig. 7.

Note that second anvil 39 grips the doorframe 58 in counteraction to the operation of first anvil 38 which forces door 60 to open inwards. If necessary, a user may hammer on hammering point 40 for tighter initial insertion of anvils 38, 39 into the seam formed between door 60 and doorframe 58 before operation of the pump unit 20 (see Fig. 1) and also use handle 42 to manually and forcely insert the device into the door seam.

It is understood that the hydraulic cylinder described herein is driven by a hydraulic force-multiplying device in order to force open an entryway that is locked and/or barred. Other types of force-multiplying devices may be used, for example, mechanical devices such as screws, ratchet mechanisms, and the like, as is known to be used in various types of mechanical jacks.

It will therefore be appreciated that the device described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings is set forth merely for purposes of example and that many other variations, modifications, and applications of the present invention may be made.

Having described the present invention with regard to certain specific embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that the description is not meant as a limitation, since further modifications may now become apparent to those skilled in the art, and it is intended to cover such modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (25)

1. sur ace, w e sa secon anv app es a contrary gr pp ng counter orce on a secon adjacent boundary surface, forcibly opening said entryway by separation of said adjacent boundary surfaces.

2. A device connectable to a hydraulically operated pump unit for forcible opening of an entryway by applying pressure to adjacent boundary surfaces, said device comprising: a hydraulic cylinder housing a piston rod; a first anvil comprising a narrow wedge-shaped portion removably and rotatably mounted on the proximal end of said piston rod, said first anvil formed with downwardly-facing friction-gripping grooves on its surface; and a second anvil comprising a pair of narrow, spaced-apart wedged-shaped prongs formed on the sides of a rotatable ring removably mounted on said hydraulic cylinder unit, said second anvil formed with upwardly facing friction-gripping grooves on its surface; such that when the wedge-shaped portion of said first anvil is seated between the wedge-shaped prongs of said second anvil so as to be aligned therewith and said first and second anvils are forcibly inserted into a seam between adjacent entryway boundary surfaces, operation of said pump unit applies pressure via said first anvil on a first boundary surface, while said second anvil applies a contrary gripping counterforce on a second boundary surface, forcibly opening said entry way by separation of said adjacent boundary surfaces.

3. The device of claim 2 further comprising: a platform for securing said hydraulically operated pump unit in a stable position for operation; an operating lever with an extendable arm, said extendable arm being connectable to a return spring mounted on said platform; and a carrying means for attachment of said hydraulically operated pump unit onto the body of a user.

4. The device of claim 2 wherein said hydraulic cylinder has formed thereon at a proximal end thereof a stopper ring which abuts a shoulder formed in said second anvil ring, thereby insuring said alignment between said first and second anvil.

5. The device of claim 3 wherein said platform is provided with foot-pads to prevent skidding.

6. The device of claim 3 wherein said platform is provided with at least two clips to secure said hydraulically operated pump unit when placed onto said platform.

7. The device of claim 3 wherein said carrying means comprises a tool-belt ring.

8. The device of claim 2 wherein said friction-gripping grooves are formed on said first and second anvils by etching.

9. The device of claim 2 wherein said friction-gripping grooves are formed so as to be insertable between adjacent, entryway boundary surfaces.

10. The device of claim 2 wherein said wedge-shaped prongs are formed so as to be insertable at a penetration angle between adjacent, entryway boundary surfaces where one of said entryway boundary surfaces is constructed to be inwardly opening.

11. The device of claim 2 wherein said wedge-shaped prongs are formed so as to be insertable at a penetration angle between adjacent, entry way boundary surfaces where one of said entryway boundary surfaces is constructed to be outwardly opening.

12. The device of claim 2 wherein said friction-gripping grooves are slip-resistant when applied to a smooth surface.

13. The device of claim 2 wherein said first and second anvils are rotatable 360 degrees.

14. The device of claim 2 wherein said second anvil is provided with a hammer point.

15. The device of claim 14 wherein said hammer point is made of malleable plastic.

16. The device of claim 2 wherein said piston rod is rotatable a full 360 degrees within said hydraulic cylinder comprising a housing for said piston rod.

17. The device of claim 2 wherein said friction-gripping grooves are formed so as to be removable from said first and second anvils.

18. The device of claim 2 wherein said hydraulic cylinder is provided with a carrying handle.

19. The device of claim 2 wherein said handle is fixedly attached to a rotatable collar which is rotatable 360 degrees on said hydraulic cylinder.

20. The device of claim 2 wherein said hydraulically operated pump unit is provided with a carrying means for portable transportation.

21. The device of claim 20 wherein said carrying means comprises at least one hook attachable to a tool belt.

22. The system of claim 1 wherein said hydraulically operated pump unit has an operating lever provided with an extendable-retractable lever extension for connection to a return spring.

23. A method for forcible opening of an entryway by applying pressure to adjacent, boundary surfaces, said method comprising: providing a hydraulically operated pump unit for providing pressure to the system; providing a hydraulic cylinder unit housing a piston rod; providing a first anvil comprising a narrow wedge-shaped portion removably and rotatably mounted on the proximal end of said piston rod, said first anvil formed with downwardly-facing friction-gripping grooves on its surface; and providing a second anvil comprising a pair of narrow, spaced-apart wedged-shaped prongs formed on the sides of a rotatable ring removably mounted on said hydraulic cylinder unit, said second anvil formed with upwardly facing friction-gripping grooves on its surface, such that when the wedge-shaped portion of said first anvil is seated between the wedge-shaped prongs of said second anvil so as to be aligned therewith and said first and second anvils are forcibly inserted in a seam between adjacent entryway boundary surfaces, operating the pump unit applies pressure via said first anvil on a first boundary surface, while said second anvil applies a contrary gripping counterforce on a second boundary surface, forcibly opening said entryway by separation of said adjacent boundary surfaces.

24. A system for forcible opening of an entryway in adjacent, boundary surfaces, as described herein by way of example and with reference to the drawings.

25. A method for forcible opening of an entryway in adjacent, boundary surfaces, as described herein by way of example and with reference to the drawings. For^therApplicants: