IP Library › Granted Patent US 12680337
Granted Patent B2
US 12680337 · App. 18/363,519 · Granted Jul 14, 2026

External doorknob locking shroud

Inventor: Robert James Stutelberg (Hastings, MN)
E05B13/001E05B1/0061
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12680337
App. No.
18/363,519
Granted
Jul 14, 2026
Kind
B2
Abstract

A locking doorknob shroud, configured to be placed over a doorknob, padlock, or similar closing mechanism. The shroud is equipped with two halves which interlock together and seal firmly with a latch. A keyhole, present at a junction of the two halves within the latch, is configured to accept a key, which when turns, unlocks the latch. Alternately, or in addition, a padlock may be used to further secure the latch. A spring assembly disposed in communication with at least one hinge enables the two halves to open about the at least one hinge, providing access to the doorknob when permitted.

Claims (35)

1 . A lockable shroud for a doorknob and doorknob stem comprising:

a shroud body, said shroud body having a first half and a second half;

wherein said first half has an outer curvature for a first 180 degrees around, terminating in a first flat surface;

wherein said second half has an outer curvature for a second 180 degrees around, terminating in a second flat surface, said second flat surface configure to mate flush with said first flat surface;

wherein said shroud body is of a unibody design without any removable components;

wherein said first half is permanently connected to said second half at a hinge;

wherein said first half and said second half, when closed together such that said first half mirrors said second half, a circular gap is present;

wherein said first half and said second half, when closed together, cover the entirety of the doorknob, including a keyhole of the doorknob;

a latch, said latch configured to lock said first half to said second half;

a spring assembly, said spring assembly disposed in communication with said hinge;

wherein said latch is configured to maintain a seal between said first half and said second half when latched;

wherein said latch is configured accept a padlock;

wherein said padlock only opens via a key;

wherein upon release of said latch, said spring assembly releases tension, causing said first half to separate from said second half about said hinge, permitting access to the doorknob;

wherein said gap is configured to permit passage of the doorknob stem when latched;

wherein said hinge is disposed inside of said shroud body, thereby preventing tampering when said latch is latched; and

wherein said shroud body is composed of fabric.

2 . A lockable shroud for a doorknob and doorknob stem comprising:

a shroud body, said shroud body having a first half and a second half;

wherein said first half has an outer curvature for a first 180 degrees around, terminating in a first flat surface;

wherein said second half has an outer curvature for a second 180 degrees around, terminating in a second flat surface, said second flat surface configure to mate flush with said first flat surface;

wherein said shroud body is of a unibody design without any removable components;

wherein said first half is permanently connected to said second half at a hinge;

wherein said first half and said second half, when closed together such that said first half mirrors said second half, a circular gap is present;

wherein said first half and said second half, when closed together, cover the entirety of the doorknob, including a keyhole of the doorknob;

a latch, said latch configured to lock said first half to said second half;

a spring assembly, said spring assembly disposed in communication with said hinge;

wherein said latch is configured to maintain a seal between said first half and said second half when latched;

wherein said latch is configured accept a padlock;

wherein said padlock only opens via a key;

wherein upon release of said latch, said spring assembly releases tension, causing said first half to separate from said second half about said hinge, permitting access to the doorknob;

wherein said gap is configured to permit passage of the doorknob stem when latched;

wherein said hinge is disposed inside of said shroud body, thereby preventing tampering when said latch is latched;

wherein said shroud body is composed of fabric; and

wherein said fabric is Kevlar™.