AU2020210307A1 - A drop bolt system - Google Patents

Abstract

A drop bolt system for a panel that has an opening therein, such as a window, door, or wall. The drop bolt system has an elongate bolt movable back and forth relative to the panel in a generally longitudinal direction of the bolt between a first position and a second position. In the first position a portion of the bolt that includes the first end extends substantially all the way across between two separated edges of the opening thereby dividing the opening into two sub-openings fully separated by the bolt. In the second position the bolt does not extend all the way across between any two separated edges of the opening such that, when the bolt is in the second position, the opening is not fully divided into two separated sub-openings by the bolt. 2/4 C), CCN CN 0 c04 CvC, C C) *C U CC C) C) CD0 c~r) LI A~~~~ ~ I *iiiiiii\------ 0i 0 0 o 4AL 0 0 C")

Description

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C") ADROP BOLTSYSTEM FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a drop bolt system. It is envisaged that the invention may find use in, although its use is not necessarily limited to, drop bolt systems for doors or windows or the like in correctional facilities (e.g. prisons).

BACKGROUND

[0002] In prisons and other similar correctional facilities, previously, when there was a need for a person (e.g. a prison guard) to enter a secure area (e.g. a prison cell) occupied by a detainee, it was sometimes necessary for multiple prison guards to first enter the secure area (cell) and restrain the detainee (for example, using handcuffs) before the person could then enter safely, or even to use tear gas or other extreme measures if the detainee was dangerous or aggressive. To help alleviate, for example, the need for multiple prison guards to enter a prison cell first to restrain a detainee, drop bolt systems have been developed which can allow a (single) guard to safely restrain a detainee before they (or another guard) enter the area (cell) where the detainee is being held.

[0003] In prisons, where the above-mentioned drop bolt systems are used, these are typically connected to, or incorporated into or as part of, a door of a secure area (cell) which is (or which can be) occupied by a detainee. With these drop bolt systems, if there is a need to enter the secure area (cell), the occupant/detainee, who is inside the secure area (cell), is generally handcuffed by a guard who is (and while the guard is) on the outside of the closed/locked secure area (cell) door, and the drop bolt system is then used by the guard to restrain the handcuffed prisoner to the door on or in which the drop bolt system is incorporated. Once the detainee is thus restrained to (and therefore unable to move away from) the door, the guard can safely enter the secure area (cell).

[0004] Some previous drop bolt systems include a mechanism on the outside of the door which requires a key to be manually inserted and turned by the guard in order for the drop bolt system to be operated (i.e. to lower, or raise, the drop bolt to thereby restrain, or release, the handcuffed prisoner relative to the door). In addition to being expensive to manufacture, such drop bolt systems that incorporate such a key mechanism can be unsafe as there is sometimes the potential for the detainee to reach through the small opening in the door and grab the keys or key chain, which may be attached to the guard's belt, e.g. while the guard is nearby or operating the drop bolt, thereby exposing the guard to possible injury. Moreover, in some previously developed drop bolt systems (including some that do not include a key mechanism), the knob or other handle used by a guard to operate (raise and lower) the drop bolt is within the reach of the detainee from within the cell if the detainee reaches through the small opening in the door, so there is the potential for the detainee to reach out from within the holding cell and raise the drop bolt, thus releasing himself/herself from the drop bolt system and the door.

[0005] It is to be clearly understood that mere reference in this specification to any previous or existing products, devices, apparatus, systems, methods, ways of doing things, practices, publications or indeed to any other information, or to any problems or issues, does not constitute an acknowledgement or admission that any of those things, whether individually or in any combination, formed part of the common general knowledge of those skilled in the field, or that they are admissible prior art.

[0006] It is thought that it would be desirable if a drop bolt system could be provided which overcomes or ameliorates one or more of the disadvantages or problems described above, or which at least provides a useful alternative to existing designs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In oneform, although not necessarilythe only or broadest form, the invention resides in a drop bolt system for a panel (such as e.g. a door, window or the like) that has an opening therein, the drop bolt system comprising: an elongate bolt having a first end and a second end wherein, when the bolt system is installed on, in, or relative to the panel for use, the first end of the bolt is located nearer to the opening and the second end is located further from the opening, and the bolt is movable back and forth relative to the panel in a generally longitudinal direction of the bolt between a first position and a second position, wherein: - in the first position a portion of the bolt that includes the first end extends substantially all the way across between two separated edges (or two separated edge portions) of the opening thereby dividing the opening into two sub-openings fully separated (or effectively fully separated) by the bolt (these sub-openings need not necessarily be of equal size or shape), and - in the second position the bolt does not extend all the way across between any two separated edges (or any two separated edge portions) of the opening such that, when the bolt is in the second position, the opening is not fully divided into two separated sub openings by the bolt; and an actuating member for a user to move the bolt between the first and second positions, wherein the actuating member is connected (directly or indirectly) to the bolt, located at or near the second end of the bolt, and moves with the bolt; and wherein, the length of the bolt is greater than the distance the bolt moves between the first and second positions such that, even when the bolt is in the first position, the actuating member remains located a distance from the opening.

[0008] The drop bolt system may comprise a cover plate that is secured to the surface of the panel.

[0009] The drop bolt system may comprise a slide mechanism that is housed inside the panel. The bolt may operate with the assistance of the slide mechanism. The slide gear mechanism is preferably configured to retain vertical movement of the elongate bolt such that if the bolt is released at any point between the first position and the second position the slide mechanism retains the bolt to prevent it falling freely (e.g. under gravity).

[0010] The actuating member may be a user-graspable knob. The knob may have knurled portion. The knob may have a convex or waisted middle portion. The actuating member may comprise alarger diameter outer portion, a smaller diameter inner portion and a spring release coupling mechanism coupling the outer portion to the inner portion. The slide mechanism may comprise a biased holding mechanism. The biased holding mechanism may comprise a spring. The biased holding mechanism may comprise a threaded member to adjust tension of the spring. The elongate bolt may have a threaded recess to receive the threaded member. The elongate bolt may have a thread locker to prevent the threaded member from loosening in the threaded recess.

[0011] The outer portion of the actuating member may be grasped by a user to move the bolt. The inner portion of the actuating member may be connected to the second end of the bolt and extend out through an elongate slot in the cover plate.

[0012] The elongate slot may have an enlarged rounded portion at each end. The enlarged rounded portion may be in the form of a keyhole. The enlarged rounded portion may have a visual indicator. The visual indicator preferably assists with readily identifying when the knob is correctly seated in the enlarged rounded portion of the slot. The visual indicator may comprise a contrasting coloured paint or application. The visual indicator may be concealed by the knob when it is correctly seated in the enlarged rounded portion of the slot.

[0013] The outer portion of the actuating member may have a cone or cylinder shape on its inner end which fits into the enlarged rounded portions of the elongate slot.

[0014] When the bolt is in the second position, the outer portion of the actuating member may be grasped and pulled by the user to disengage the cone or cylindrical inner end portion thereof from the rounded portion of the slot and to move the actuating member downward towards the other rounded portion of the slot.

[0015] When the bolt is in the first position, the outer portion of the actuating member may be grasped and pulled by the user to disengage the cone or cylindrical inner end portion thereof from the other rounded portion of the slot and to move the actuating member upwards towards the rounded portion of the slot.

[0016] The opening may be rectangular in shape. The opening may extend all the way through from one side of the panel to the other.

[0017] The opening may comprise a hatch door installed therein. The hatch door may be pivotably mounted to a lower horizontal edge of the opening.

[0018] The hatch door may be able to move from a closed position where the opening is completely blocked by the hatch door to an open position where the opening is substantially unobstructed. In the closed position, the hatch door is general flush with an outer surface of the panel. In the open position, the hatch door is approximately level with the lower horizontal edge of the opening.

[0019] The hatch door may be locked in the closed position. A key may be used to unlock the hatch door and to move it to the open position.

[0020] In the first position, the lower portion of the bolt, including the first end of the bolt, may extend through and across the opening such that the first end of the bolt comes into contact with the inner surface of the hatch door. The inner surface of the hatch door may comprise a recess. Preferably the recess is configured to receive an end of the bolt. The end of the bolt may comprise a protrusion. Preferably the protrusion is shaped to correspond with, and be received by, the recess. In an alternative form, the inner surface of the hatch door may comprise a protrusion and the end of the bolt may comprise a recess.

[0021] When the actuating member is engaged with the lower enlarged portion of the recess, the bolt may be mechanically restrained and cannot be moved.

[0022] The panel may be installed in a door or window.

[0023] In another form the invention resides in a drop bolt system for a panel (such as e.g. a door, window or the like) that has an opening therein, the drop bolt system comprising: an elongate bolt having a first end and a second end wherein, when the bolt system is installed on, in or relative to the panel for use, the first end of the bolt is located nearer to the opening and the second end is located further from the opening, and the bolt is movable back and forth relative to the panel in a generally longitudinal direction of the bolt between a first position and a second position, wherein - in the first position, a portion of the bolt that includes the first end extends between two separated edges (or two separated edge portions) of the opening thereby dividing the opening into two sub openings fully separated (or effectively fully separated) by the bolt (these sub-openings need not necessarily be of equal size or shape), and - in the second position the bolt does not fully divide the opening into two separated sub-openings; and an actuating member for a user to move the bolt between the first and second positions, wherein the actuating member is connected (directly or indirectly) to the bolt, located at or near the second end of the bolt, and moves with the bolt; and wherein, the length of the bolt is greater than the distance the bolt moves between the first and second positions such that, even when the bolt is in the first position, the actuating member remains located a distance from the opening.

[0024] In another form the invention resides in a method for restraining a person to a panel (such as e.g. a door, window or the like) with a drop bolt system installed therein, the method including: opening a hatch door of an opening located in the panel, wherein the opening is located nearer to a first end of an elongate bolt located in the panel and further from a second end of the elongate bolt; moving the elongate bolt from a second position to a first position, wherein - in the first position a portion of the bolt that includes the first end extends substantially all the way across between two separated edges (or two separated edge portions) of the opening thereby dividing the opening into two sub-openings fully separated (or effectively fully separated) by the bolt (these sub-openings need not necessarily be of equal size or shape), and - in the second position the bolt does not extend all the way across between any two separated edges (or any two separated edge portions) of the opening such that, when the bolt is in the second position, the opening is not fully divided into two separated sub openings by the bolt; and restraining the hands of the person, such that the person is restrained to the panel with one hand in each sub-opening.

[0025] The opening of the hatch door may include unlocking the hatch door.

[0026] The moving of the bolt from the second position to the first position may include grasping and pulling an actuating member located at the second end of the bolt.

[0027] The length of the bolt may also be greater than the distance the bolt moves between the first and second positions such that, even when the bolt is in the first position, the actuating member remains located a distance from the opening.

[0028] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] By way of example only, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein:

Figure la is a top view of a drop bolt system according to an embodiment of the invention with the bolt in a raised (second) position;

Figure 1b is a front view of the drop bolt system in Figure 1a;

Figure 2a is a top view of the same drop bolt system as shown in Figures 1a and 1b but with the bolt in a lowered (first) position;

Figure 2b is a front view of the drop bolt system in Figure 2a;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the drop bolt system shown in Figures 1a and 1b (i.e. with the bolt in a raised (second) position);

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the drop bolt system shown in Figures 2a and 2b (i.e. with the bolt in a lowered (first) position);

Figure 5 is a close-up cross-sectional view of a portion of a drop bolt system according to an embodiment of the invention with the bolt in a lowered (first) position;

Figure 6 is an exploded view of a bolt sub-assembly according to an embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 7 is an exploded view of drop bolt system according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figures 1-4 illustrate a drop bolt system 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. The drop bolt system 10 comprises a bolt subassembly 100, which in this embodiment is installed in or incorporated into a panel 300, and the panel 300 has an opening 200. In this embodiment, the drop bolt system 10 is manually actuated by a user. However, in other embodiments, the drop bolt system could possibly be actuated by other means, say, electronically, hydraulically or pneumatically (in such alternative embodiments the switch(es), button(s) or other control(s) which a user operates to actuate the drop bolt system, whether electronically, hydraulically or pneumatically, should be located a distance from the opening in the panel, for reasons that will be made apparent).

[0031] In the present embodiment, the panel 300 is designed to be retrofitted to (i.e. attached to or installed into) an existing door or window to thereby incorporate the drop bolt system 10 into that door or window. However, in other embodiments, the panel used (instead of panel 300) may be a door or window itself (or a portion of the door or window) such that the door or window is made from new with the drop bolt system integrated into it, as opposed to having the drop bolt system added subsequently as a retrofit.

[0032] In the present embodiment, all components are formed from a metal, as is conventional. However, any material conventionally used, or any material which is suitable, for the manufacture of e.g. security locks, prison doors (or parts thereof) or other similar devices may be used, and in any case the materials used are not critical to the invention.

[0033] As shown in the figures, in this embodiment, bolt subassembly 100 includes a bolt 170 and a cover plate 180. When the bolt subassembly 100 is installed in the panel 300, the bolt 170 (along with certain other components of the subassembly - see below) is first located inside the hollow panel 300, and the cover plate 180 (which is considered part of the subassembly) is secured to the surface of panel 300 to thereby cover the opening (not shown) through which the bolt (etc) is inserted into the inside of the panel. The bolt subassembly 100 is elongate in overall shape and has a first end 110 and a second end 130. The bolt 170 itself also has a corresponding first end 171 (toward the first end 110 of the subassembly) and a second end 173 (toward the second end 130 of the subassembly). The first end 110 of the bolt subassembly, and likewise the first end 171 of the bolt, are both located adjacent/proximal to the top of the opening 200 in the panel. The second end 130 of the bolt subassembly and the second end 173 of the bolt are located distal to (i.e. a considerable distance vertically above and away from) the top of the opening 200.

[0034] The opening 200 in this embodiment is rectangular and has an openable and closable hatch door 210 installed therein. The hatch door 210 is pivotably/hingedly mounted to the lower, straight horizontal edge of the opening 200, and it opens outwards. In Figures 1b and 3, the hatch door 210 is shown closed. When it is closed as shown in Figures 1b and 3, most of the outside of the hatch door 210 is generally flush with the outer surface of the panel 300, and the hatch door 210 fills the opening 200. In Figures 2b and 4, the hatch door 210 is shown fully open, and it can be seen that when the hatch door 210 is fully open, the inner surface 212 of the hatch door 210 is approximately level with the lower, straight horizontal edge of the opening 200, and the hatch door 210 is oriented roughly perpendicular to the plane of the panel 300, such that the opening 200 is open and unobstructed by the hatch door 210.

[0035] The bolt 170 extends for most of the length of the bolt subassembly 100 (i.e. for at least most of the length of the cover plate 180). In this embodiment, there is an actuating member, in the form of a user-graspable knob 132, located generally at the second end 130 of the bolt subassembly 100. This knob 132 is connected to the second end 173 of the bolt 170. A user can grasp the knob 132 thereby enabling the user to move the bolt 170 from the raised (second) position shown in Figures 1 and 3 to the lowered (first) position shown in Figures 2 and 4, and vice versa. In typical use the raised (second) position is an unlocked or unsecured position and the lowered (first) position is a locked or secured position.

[0036] The bolt subassembly 100 also incorporates a slide gear mechanism (not shown - like the bolt, this is housed inside the hollow panel

300 and is inserted into the panel before the cover plate 180 is installed), and the bolt 170 operates/moves within, and with the assistance of, this slide gear mechanism (i.e. the slide gear mechanism helps to maintain the correct alignment of the bolt 170 in both the first and second positions and as it moves therebetween). As can be seen, when in the raised (second) position (Figures lb and 3), the bolt 170 is (in this embodiment, although this is not essential in all embodiment) fully retracted into the panel 300 beneath the cover plate 180. In contrast, when in the lowered (first) position, a lower portion of the bolt 170 including the first end 171 of the bolt projects out from within the panel, and out from beneath the cover plate 180, and extends all the way across to the opposite (lower) side of the opening 200 thereby dividing the opening 200 into two sub-openings 200a and 200b.

[0037] Referring now to the knob 132 in more detail, the knob 132 comprises a larger diameter outer portion, a smaller diameter inner portion, and a spring release coupling mechanism (see figure 6) coupling the outer portion to the inner portion. The larger diameter outer portion is preferably knurled and part of the knob 132 that a user can grasp to operate/move the bolt 170. The inner portion connects to the second end of the bolt 173 inside the panel 300 (beneath the cover plate 180) and it extends out through an elongate slot 134 in the cover plate. The spring release coupling mechanism couples the outer portion of the knob to the inner portion of the knob in a manner that enables the graspable outer portion to be pulled outwards relative to the inner portion in a direction perpendicular to (and away from) the plane of the cover plate 180. The reason for this function can be understood by first noting again that the inner portion of the knob extends from the inside of the panel 300 to the outside through the elongate slot 134 in the cover plate 180. In fact, the inner portion of the knob 132 also slides up and down within the elongate slot 134 (which is located generally towards the second end 130 of the bolt subassembly 100) when the bolt 170 is moved. The slot 134 also has an enlarged (wider) rounded portion 136 at each end which preferably has a visual indicator, such as a high contrast/visibility paint or application applied to the periphery of the rounded portion 136, to assist with readily identifying when the knob 132 is correctly seater therein. The outer graspable portion of the knob 132 has a cone or cylinder shape on its inner end (see figure 6), which fits into these wider, rounded portions 136 at each end of the slot 134 but which is wider than the parallel sides of the slot 134 in between the rounded ends 136. Consequently, when the bolt 170 is in e.g. the raised (second) position shown in Figures 1b and 3 and it is desired to move the bolt 170 downwards, the outer portion of the knob must first be grasped and pulled outwards by the user so as to disengage the inward-pointing cone or cylindrical portion thereof from the rounded end 136 of the slot 134. Once the cone or cylindrical end portion of the knob's outer portion is withdrawn from the rounded end 136 of the slot 134, the bolt can be moved downward (with the narrower inner portion of the knob 132 being narrow enough to fit and slide in between the parallel sides in the middle portion of the slot 134). Equally, when the bolt 170 is in the lowered (first) position shown in Figures 2b and 4 and it is desired to move the bolt 170 upwards, the outer portion of the knob must first be pulled outwards by the user so as to disengage the cone or cylindrical portion thereof from the rounded end 136 of the slot 134. Once the cone or cylindrical end portion of the knob's outer portion is withdrawn from the rounded end 136 of the slot, the bolt can be moved upward. Once the bolt reaches the fully lowered (first) position, or the fully raised (second) position, whichever one it is being moved into, the user can release their grasp of the outer portion of the knob, whereupon the spring release coupling mechanism then draws the outer graspable portion of the knob back in towards the plane of the panel 300 thereby re-engaging the cone or cylindrical portion of the outer portion of the knob with the rounded 136, end portion of the slot 134 securing the bolt 170 in the relevant position.

[0038] The opening 200 is located below the first end 110 of the bolt subassembly 100 and extends all the way through from one side of the panel 300 to the other. The opening 200 is in the form of a substantially rectangular hatch which, in the context of prison doors and the like, can also be used for passing through meals and other items (i.e. for passing items into, and out of, the cell without the need to open the cell door). However, in other embodiments, the opening 200 may be shaped differently; for example, the opening may be square or circular in shape. The opening 200 can be closed by the hatch door 210 which, as explained above, is able to move from a closed position where the opening is completely blocked by the hatch door 210 to an open position where the opening is substantially unobstructed. The hatch door 210 can be locked in the closed position such that a key is required to unlock the hatch door 210 to move it to the open position. However, in further embodiments, the hatch door may operate and/or be unlocked electronically.

[0039] As mentioned above, when the bolt 170 is moved to the lowered (first) position with the inner part of the larger outer portion of the knob 132 engaged with the lower enlarged, rounded portion 136 of the recess 134, the lower portion including the first end 171 of the bolt 170 extends through and across the opening 200 such that the first end 171 of the bolt 170 comes into contact with the inner surface 212 of the hatch door 210. The bolt 170 is maintained in the vertical orientation shown by the slide gear mechanism, and it is also made from a strong, rigid material (e.g. stainless steel, preferably having a 10-40mm diameter, even more preferably a diameter of approximately 20mm), so when the bolt is in the lowered position, it cannot be moved or flexed or manipulated. Also, as mentioned above, when the knob 132 is engaged with the lower enlarged portion of the recess 134, the bolt 170 is mechanically restrained and cannot be moved upward unless a user (e.g. a guard on the outside of the door) grasps the outer portion of the knob and pulls it outwards before sliding the knob upwards.

[0040] As shown in figure 5, which is a close-up cross-sectional view of the first end 171 of bolt 170 abutting the inner surface 212 of the hatch door 210 in the lowered (first) position, the inner surface 212 of the hatch door 210 has a recess 213 in the form of an aperture. The recess 213 is sized and shaped to correspond with a protrusion in the form of a protruding tip 172 of the first end 171 of the bolt 170. In the illustrated embodiment, the diameter of the protruding tip 172 (preferably around 8mm) is less than the diameter of the first end 171 of the bolt 170 (preferably around 20mm). However, it should be appreciated that the recess 213 could be sized and shaped to receive the entire first end 171 of bolt 170 (such that a protruding tip 172 is not necessary). The mating engagement of the first end 171 of the bolt 170 (as illustrated in figure 5, of just the protrusion 172) inside recess 213 provides a secure connection between the bolt 170 and hatch door 210 to provide additional lateral strength and resistance to allowing passage of articles underneath the bolt 210 when in the locked position.

[0041] Figure 6 illustrates an exploded view of a preferred bolt sub assembly 100, clearly showing the bolt 170, bolt carriage 160, and knob 132. In this embodiment, the knob 132 is connected to the bolt 170 via a threaded member 1322 operatively engaging with a correspondingly threaded portion 174 at the second end 173 of the bolt 170. In the illustrated embodiment the threaded member 1322 is a male member (e.g. a screw) and the threaded portion 174 of the bolt 170 is a female threaded recess. Additionally, a biasing member in the form of a spring 1324 is provided to prevent the drop bolt falling during operation. Without external force being applied the spring 1324 effectively holds the knob 132 against the carriage 160 with sufficient friction to prevent the bolt from falling under gravity. The threaded depth of the threaded portion 174 of the bolt 170 is set to provide a correct level of tension to be provided by the spring 1324. The bolt 170 also has a thread locker applied to prevent loosening of the threaded member 1322 over time.

[0042] As seen in figure 7, the panel 300 of the drop bolt system 10 comprises a frame 330, reinforcing members 332, and a hosing comprising a front panel 310 and a rear panel 320. The reinforcing members 332 are configured to be received in openings of the frame 330 above the opening 200.

[0043] To restrain a detainee to the prison door using the bolt drop system , the hatch door 210 is first unlocked by a guard from the outside and moved to the open position. When the hatch door 210 is in the open position and the opening 200 is unobstructed, a pulling force is applied to the graspable portion of the knob 132 by the guard, which allows the guard to slide the knob 132 along the slot 134 from the upper enlarged portion to the lower enlarged portion (as described above). When the outer portion of the knob 132 becomes securely located in the lower enlarged portion of the slot 134, the bolt 170 is in the lowered (first) position and extends across the opening 200 with the distal first end 171 of the bolt 170 in contact with the hatch door 210 in its open position. Hence, the bolt 170 divides the opening 200 into two sub-openings 200a and 200b that are fully separated by the bolt. However, in further embodiments, the bolt 170 may divide the opening 200 into two sub-openings, that are fully separated, even when the bolt 170 extends only partially across the opening. For example, the opening 200 may include a protrusion or a further bolt that extends upwardly from a side of the opening that is opposite to the first end of the bolt sub assembly 100 such that the protrusion or the further bolt is in contact with the bolt 170 after it has been lowered. The detainee (who is on the inside of the door) can then extend their hands through the opening 200, with one hand on either side of the bolt 170 (i.e. the detainee extends one hand through the sub-opening 200a and the other hand through sub-opening 200b). The guard (who is on the outside of the door) can then apply handcuffs (or other restraints) to the detainee's wrists on the outside of the door (on the outside of the panel), thereby causing the detainee to become restrained to the drop bolt system 10 (and hence to the door).. Once the detainee has been thus restrained to the door, he/she is unable to move away from the door unless the handcuffs or restraining means are removed or the bolt 170 it is raised. Thus, provided neither of these is done, the guard can safely enter into the area (cell) where the detainee is detained e.g. to fit further restraints on the detainee, or do whatever else is required to be done in the cell, without the risk of being attacked by the detainee. If the detainee is to be moved out of the cell, then once the detainee has been completely restrained, the guard can move the bolt 170 back to the raised positing by applying a pulling force to the knob 132 and sliding it up along the slot 134 from the lowered portion to the raised portion, whereupon the detainee can draw their (still handcuffed) hands back into the inside of the cell (all back through to the inside of the door).

[0044] The location of the knob 132 (by virtue of the location of the slot 134) at the second (upper) end 130 of the bolt subassembly 100 creates a distance between the knob 132 and the opening 200. Thus, even when the knob 132 is engaged in the lower enlarged portion of the slot 134, it can still only be operated by the guard standing externally of the holding cell - the knob 132 being located at a height which is too high and out of reach for the detainee from within the holding cell.

[0045] Moreover, the spring release coupling design of the knob 132, and the way the knob can securely engage in the rounded ends 136 of the slot 134 in the raised and lowered positions, eliminates the need for a separate key locking mechanism to operate the knob 132.

[0046] In this specification, adjectives such as first and second, open and closed, upper and lower, proximal and distal, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one element or action from another element or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order. Where the context permits, reference to an integer or a component or step (or the like) is not to be interpreted as being limited to only one of that integer, component, or step, but rather could be one or more of that integer, component, or step etc.

[0047] The above description of various embodiments of the present invention is provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment. As mentioned above, numerous alternatives and variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. The invention is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications, and variations of the present invention that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the above described invention.

[0048] In this specification, the terms 'comprises', 'comprising', 'includes', 'including', or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a method, system or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include those elements solely, but may well include other elements not listed.

Claims (18)

CLAIMS:

1. A drop bolt system for a panel that has an opening therein, the drop bolt system comprising: an elongate bolt having a first end and a second end wherein, when the bolt system is installed on, in, or relative to the panel for use, the first end of the bolt is located nearer to the opening and the second end is located further from the opening, and the bolt is movable back and forth relative to the panel in a generally longitudinal direction of the bolt between a first position and a second position, wherein: in the first position a portion of the bolt that includes the first end extends substantially all the way across between two separated edges of the opening thereby dividing the opening into two sub-openings fully separated by the bolt, and in the second position the bolt does not extend all the way across between any two separated edges of the opening such that, when the bolt is in the second position, the opening is not fully divided into two separated sub openings by the bolt; and an actuating member for a user to move the bolt between the first and second positions, wherein the actuating member is connected to the bolt, located at or near the second end of the bolt, and moves with the bolt; and wherein, the length of the bolt is greater than the distance the bolt moves between the first and second positions such that, even when the bolt is in the first position, the actuating member remains located a distance from the opening.

2. The drop bolt system of claim 1, further comprising a cover plate that is secured to the surface of the panel.

3. The drop bolt system of claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a slide mechanism.

4. The drop bold system of claim 3, wherein the slide mechanism comprises a biased holding mechanism.

5. The drop bolt system of claim 3 or 4, wherein the biased holding mechanism comprises a spring and a threaded member configured to tension the spring.

6. The drop bolt system of any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the elongate bolt has a threaded recess to receive the threaded member and a thread locker to prevent the threaded member from loosening in the threaded recess.

7. The drop bolt system of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the actuating member comprises a user-graspable knob.

8. The drop bolt system of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the actuating member moves in an elongate slot that has enlarged rounded portions at each end.

9. The drop bolt system of claim 7, wherein the enlarged rounded portions have a visual indicator configured to assist with readily identifying when at least a portion of the actuating member is correctly seated in the enlarged rounded portion of the elongate slot.

10. The drop bolt system of claim 7 or 8, wherein the actuating member has a cone or cylinder shape on its inner end which fits into the enlarged rounded portions of the elongate slot.

11. The drop bolt system of any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a hatch door pivotally mounted to a horizontal edge of the opening.

12. The drop bolt system of claim 10, wherein the hatch door is configured to move between a closed position where the opening is completely blocked by the hatch door and an open position where the opening is substantially unobstructed.

13. The drop bolt system of claim 9 or 11, wherein an inner surface of the hatch door comprises a recess configured to receive an end of the bolt.

14. A drop bolt system for a panel that has an opening therein, the drop bolt system comprising: an elongate bolt having a first end and a second end wherein, when the bolt system is installed on, in or relative to the panel for use, the first end of the bolt is located nearer to the opening and the second end is located further from the opening, and the bolt is movable back and forth relative to the panel in a generally longitudinal direction of the bolt between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position, a portion of the bolt that includes the first end extends between two separated edges (or two separated edge portions) of the opening thereby dividing the opening into two sub-openings fully separated (or effectively fully separated) by the bolt (these sub-openings need not necessarily be of equal size or shape), and in the second position the bolt does not fully divide the opening into two separated sub-openings; and an actuating member for a user to move the bolt between the first and second positions, wherein the actuating member is connected (directly or indirectly) to the bolt, located at or near the second end of the bolt, and moves with the bolt; and wherein, the length of the bolt is greater than the distance the bolt moves between the first and second positions such that, even when the bolt is in the first position, the actuating member remains located a distance from the opening.

15. A method for restraining a person to a panel with a drop bolt system installed therein, the method including: opening a hatch door of an opening located in the panel, wherein the opening is located nearer to a first end of an elongate bolt located in the panel and further from a second end of the elongate bolt; moving the elongate bolt from a second position to a first position, wherein: in the first position a portion of the bolt that includes the first end extends substantially all the way across between two separated edges (or two separated edge portions) of the opening thereby dividing the opening into two sub-openings fully separated (or effectively fully separated) by the bolt (these sub-openings need not necessarily be of equal size or shape), and in the second position the bolt does not extend all the way across between any two separated edges (or any two separated edge portions) of the opening such that, when the bolt is in the second position, the opening is not fully divided into two separated sub-openings by the bolt; and restraining the hands of the person, such that the person is restrained to the panel with one hand in each sub-opening.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the opening of the hatch door includes unlocking the hatch door.

17. The method of claim 14 or 15, wherein the moving of the bolt from the second position to the first position includes grasping and pulling an actuating member located at the second end of the bolt.

18. The method of any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the length of the bolt is greater than the distance the bolt moves between the first and second positions such that, even when the bolt is in the first position, the actuating member remains located a distance from the opening.

300 FIGURE 1A 132 210

FIGURE 2A 10

134

100 130 100 132

300 134 300 1/4

180 180 110

200 170 200b 200a 210

171

FIGURE 1B FIGURE 2B

100 130

132 300 134 134

300 2/4

180

110 100

200 180

200a 170

171

200b

210 212

FIGURE 3 FIGURE 4

213 212

171

172 3/4

FIGURE 5

132 330 320

1322 332 310 1324 160

100

160 180 200

134 4/4

173 200 174 136

200

170

100 10 210 171

FIGURE 6 FIGURE 7