The present disclosure relates generally to an adapter for use with locks having interchangeable cores. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an adapter for allowing a lock having a Large Format Interchangeable Core (LFIC) Cavity to accept a Small Format Interchangeable Core (SFIC).
Locks utilizing a LFIC and/or SFIC are commonly used for various applications to restrict access. As used herein, “lock” is intended to include the housing that contains the bolt, latch or cam that is used to secure a door, drawer, etc. As such, the “locks,” as used herein, are configured for insertion within a particular LFIC or SFIC. For example, such locks are typically used on doors, showcases, display cases, etc. and are unlockable via a first mechanical key (an “operating key”; as used herein, “key” is intended to include a mechanical key and/or an access card). Additionally, locks having interchangeable cores typically accept a second key (a “control key”) which enables the entire lock core to be removed from its housing (e.g., in a door handle). The control key generally operates a locking lug that is configured to selectively engage an opening within the housing of the lock. When engaged with the opening, the lug physically prevents the core from being removed from the housing.
The main difference between LFICs and SFICs is the size. An LFIC is commonly defined as an interchangeable core that is too large to fit into an SFIC housing. Likewise, while an SFIC can physically fit into the housing of an LFIC, the fit is a very loose fit, and thus not functional. Accordingly, if a door handle, for example, includes an LFIC lock, it is necessary to replace the entire door handle to enable the door handle to be operated by an SFIC lock and associated keys.
The present disclosure relates to an interchangeable core lock adapter. The interchangeable core lock adapter comprises a body portion including an outer wall and an inner wall. The outer wall is configured and dimensioned for operable engagement within a large format interchangeable core housing. The inner wall configured is and dimensioned for operable reception of a small format interchangeable core lock.
In disclosed embodiments, the body portion includes a finger disposed in moveable relation therewith. The finger is configured to be moved into engagement with a portion of a large format interchangeable core housing.
In disclosed embodiments, the body portion includes a length and an elongated slot extending along a portion of the length. The elongated slot is configured to engage a latch of a small format interchangeable core lock.
In disclosed embodiments, the elongated slot includes a proximal edge configured to prevent proximal translation of a latch of a small format interchangeable core lock engaged therewith.
In disclosed embodiments, the body portion forms a figure eight-like shape.
In disclosed embodiments, the finger is moveable from a first position where the finger is in substantial alignment with the figure eight-like shape, to a second position where the finger is out of alignment with the figure eight-like shape.
The present disclosure also relates to a method of enabling a large format interchangeable core cavity to accept a small format interchangeable core lock. The method comprises the steps of:
In disclosed embodiments of the method, the body portion includes a length and an elongated slot extending along a portion of the length. The elongated slot is configured to engage a latch of a small format interchangeable core lock.
In disclosed embodiments of the method, the elongated slot includes a proximal edge configured to prevent proximal translation of a latch of a small format interchangeable core lock engaged therewith.
In disclosed embodiments of the method, the body portion forms a figure eight-like shape.
In disclosed embodiments of the method, the step of moving the finger is further defined by moving the finger from a first position where the finger is in substantial alignment with the figure eight-like shape, to a second position where the finger is out of alignment with the figure eight-like shape.
Embodiments of the present disclosure are described hereinbelow with reference to the drawings wherein:
Embodiments of the presently disclosed interchangeable core adapter are described in detail with reference to the drawings wherein like numerals designate identical or corresponding elements in each of the several views. As is common in the art, the term “proximal” refers to that part or component closer to the user, while the term “distal” refers to that part or component farther away from the user.
In combination with the accompanying
Referring now to
While the illustrated embodiments show finger 130 disposed at one location on adapter 100, it is envisioned that finger 130 may be disposed at any other suitable location, e.g., to substantially align with a corresponding groove/lip (or other structure) of LFIC housing 200. It is also envisioned that adapter 100 includes multiple fingers 130 such that adapter 100 can operably engage a variety of LFIC housings.
With reference to
An elongated slot 140 extends along a portion of length “L.” As shown in
Therefore, as can be appreciated, adapter 100 allows an assembly (e.g., a door handle assembly) that includes an LFIC housing 200 the ability to accept an SFIC lock 300, including SFIC locks configured to be operated by a mechanical key (not shown).
It is envisioned that adapter 100 can be made of any suitable material including brass, zinc, aluminum, steel, plastic, etc., or any combination thereof.
The present disclosure also relates to methods of enabling a relatively large lock cavity (e.g., configured for a large format interchangeable core or LFIC) to accept a relatively small lock (e.g., a small format interchangeable core lock or SFIC lock). A disclosed method includes the steps of providing an interchangeable core lock adapter 100, such as that described above; positioning adapter 100 within a LFIC cavity or housing 200 such that outer wall 110 of adapter 100 engages an inner wall 202 of LFIC cavity 200, and such that inner wall 120 of adapter 100 is configured and dimensioned to accept a SFIC lock 300; and moving finger 130 of adapter 100 into engagement with groove 202 of LFIC cavity 200.
It is also envisioned that an adapter 100′ (not shown) of the present disclosure is made from a spring steel-type material. Here, adapter 100′ is compressible from a first, expanded state, to a second compressed state, and is biased towards its expanded state. The size of LFIC cavity 200 is between the dimensions of adapter 100′ in its first, expanded state, and its second compressed state. Thus, adapter 100′ can be compressed (e.g., squeezed by hand or a tool), and slid into LFIC cavity 200. Due to the nature of its material, adapter 100′ would then expand towards, and into contact with inner walls of LFIC cavity 200, thus resulting in a frictional fit arrangement therebetween. As can be appreciated, in such an embodiment, finger 130 would not be necessary.
While the above description contains many specifics, these specifics should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the present disclosure, but merely as illustrations of various embodiments thereof. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of various embodiments.
Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.
The present application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/087,839 filed on Aug. 11, 2008, the entire contents of which being herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
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61087839 | Aug 2008 | US |