1. Field of the Invention
One or more embodiments of the present invention relate to a latch and lock system and, more particularly, to a latch and lock system that is mostly self-contained and incorporated within an extrusion of an enclosure (e.g., surface mounted sliding door, panels, etc.).
2. Description of Related Art
Conventional lock mechanisms are well known and have been in use for a number of years. In general, most conventional lock mechanisms are used on enclosures (e.g., doors, windows, etc.) that abut against a secondary structure (e.g., jambs, casing, headers, floor, etc.) that incorporates one, single strike portion (or a “keeper”) of the locking mechanism while the enclosure itself accommodates a latch mechanism of the locking mechanism. The strike portion or the keeper is fixed onto the secondary structure so that most types of enclosures (e.g., surface mounted doors, pocket doors, sliding doors, pivot doors, windows, etc.) that use conventional lock mechanisms are locked and unlocked at only one single position in relation to keeper of the secondary structure, which is generally a fully closed position of the enclosure to fully close access to an area.
A further drawback with conventional lock mechanisms is that the latch mechanism and the single keeper must be assembled on the respective enclosure and the secondary structure at a very close proximity to one another, which limits their use and application. For example, if an enclosure is to be locked and secured from its top, then the latch mechanism must be positioned at the top of the enclosure near the keeper so that a latching member of the latch mechanism may reach to and cooperatively engage with the keeper, and the keeper is positioned on the secondary structure near the top of the enclosure, close to and aligned with the latch mechanism so that it can receive the latching member. This physically limits and compels the positioning of the latch mechanism near the keeper, which in certain instances may not be practical, esthetically pleasing, or in some instances even legal (as not being compliant with various jurisdictional requirements such as not being compliant with American Disability Act (ADA)). Accordingly, positioning of a convention lock mechanisms with respect to the enclosure and the secondary structure is very limited, dictated by the positioning of the latch mechanism in relation to the keeper.
A further drawback with most conventional latch and lock mechanisms is that they are manufactured and used for specific types (e.g., makes/models) of enclosures and hence, lack the universal adaptability to be able to be used in different types of enclosures. As a further disadvantage, conventional latch and lock mechanisms lack the desired adjustability to allow for tolerances to accommodate variations in structures with which the latch and lock mechanisms are associated.
Accordingly, in light of the current state of the art and the drawbacks to current latching and locking mechanisms mentioned above, a need exists for a latching and locking system that would enable adjustably latching and securely locking and unlocking an enclosure at a desired position in relation to a structure. Further, a need exists for a latching and locking system that would not require physical proximity between a keeper and a latch mechanism of a latching and locking system, and would be accommodative for variations in distance between the keeper and the latch mechanism. Additionally, a need exists for a latching and locking system that would be able to be used in more than one type of enclosure (e.g., surface mounted doors, wardrobe doors, sliding doors, pocket doors, pivot doors, etc.), while allowing for tolerances for accommodating variations in structures with which the latching and locking system is associated for continued correct operations.
A non-limiting, exemplary aspect of an embodiment of the present invention provides a lock mechanism, comprising:
a latch mechanism that includes:
a remote latch actuator that is positioned remotely from a remote latch assembly and a keeper assembly, with the latch mechanism housed and accommodated within an enclosure.
These and other features or aspects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of preferred non-limiting exemplary embodiments, taken together with the drawings and the claims that follow.
It is to be understood that the drawings are to be used for the purposes of exemplary illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the invention. Throughout the disclosure, the word “exemplary” may be used to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration,” but the absence of the term “exemplary” does not denote a limiting embodiment. Any embodiment described as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. In the drawings, like reference character(s) present corresponding part(s) throughout.
FIG. 1A to 1C-2 are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations of a latch and lock system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention;
FIGS. 2A to 4L-4 are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations of a remote latch actuator of the latch and lock system shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C-2 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention;
FIGS. 8A to 8F-2 are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations of a latch and lock system that includes a handle assembly in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention; and
FIGS. 9A to 9I-5 are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations of a latch and lock system with an optional handle assembly in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.
The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of presently preferred embodiments of the invention and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present invention may be constructed and or utilized.
As detailed below, one or more embodiments of the present invention provide a latching and locking system that may adjustably latch and securely lock and unlock an enclosure at multiple positions in relation to a structure. Further, since the enclosure may be adjustably fixed to multiple desired positions in relation to a structure and securely latched, locked, and unlocked in multiple desired positions, the enclosures using the latching and locking system in accordance with one or more embodiments may be used and function as wall panels, separating rooms and functioning as room partitions. Further more, one or more embodiments of the present invention provide a latching and locking system that does not require physical proximity between a keeper and a latch mechanism of the latching and locking system, but is accommodative for variations in distance between the keeper and the latch mechanism. Additionally, one or more embodiments of the present invention provide a latching and locking system that is universal in that it may be used in more than one type of enclosure (e.g., surface mounted doors, wardrobe doors, sliding doors, pocket doors, etc.). Furthermore, one or more embodiments of the present invention provide a latching and locking system that allows for tolerances for accommodating variations in structures with which the latching and locking system is associated for continued correct operations.
As illustrated in FIGS. 1A to 1C-2, in this non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the enclosure is represented as a glass door 102 that is suspended from a track 104. Door 102 moves along a reciprocating path indicated by arrow 108 along track 104 to open or close access to the illustrated opening of wall 106. Track 104 may be secured onto wall 106 in a well-known manner as illustrated. As best illustrated in
As best illustrated in
As illustrated in
As further illustrated in
As further detailed below, latch actuator handle assembly 208 may be moved along reciprocating path shown by arrows 124. When latch actuator handle assembly 208 is moved along path 124 (shown by arrow 212 as “down,”), it actuates remote latch assembly 114 to unlock or release latch member 126 from keeper 122 of keeper assembly 116. More specifically and as further detailed below, when latch actuator handle assembly 208 is pushed down, a chassis 202 connected with latch actuator handle assembly 208 moves along reciprocating path shown by arrow 124 down, guided by a linear guide 206 to pull onto an actuator shaft 204 against a force of resilient member 226 pulling remote latch assembly 114. This action remotely disengages remotely positioned latch 126 of remote latch assembly 114 from keeper 122.
Chassis 202 includes a pair of locking shoulders 228a and 228b that may be compressed as indicated by arrows 234 (
Chassis 202 includes a first chassis side 250 associated with a first end 254 of an actuator shaft 204 for transmission of motion of remote latch actuator 112 to remote latch assembly 114, which, in turn, is associated with second end 248 of actuator shaft 204. Actuator shaft 204 is an elongated coupler, a non-limiting example of which may include monofilament line, or other cable lines or wires, etc. so long as they provide adjustability (e.g., can be trimmed to desired length) and provide longevity and reliable connection between remote latch actuator 112 and remote latch assembly 114.
First chassis side 250 includes a holding structure 252 to receive and secure a first end 254 of actuator shaft 204, with holding structure 252 defined by a protuberance 256 that is bulged out of first chassis side 250 and includes a primary hole 258 for insertion (or feeding) of first end 254 of actuator shaft 204. Primary hole 258 is optionally opened into a secondary, wider hole 260 (forming an opening 262 with a generally “8” silhouette configuration) for receiving a fastener 210 that frictionally maintains first end 254 of actuator shaft 204 within “8” configured opening 262 of holding structure 252 (best shown in
It should be noted that holding structure 252 (and the amount from which it protrudes or extends away from first chassis side 250) may be varied but is preferably at a span where primary hole 258 is vertical aligned directly underneath and inline with remote latch assembly 114. This arrangement maintains a linear cooperative and working relationship between remote latch actuator 112 and remote latch assembly 114. Accordingly, the position of primary hole 258 in relation to remote latch assembly 114 is to orient actuator shaft 204 vertically underneath remote latch assembly 114 and further, substantially parallel a longitudinal axis of extrusion 100. However, given the flexibility of the monofilament line (if used), the disclosed vertical alignment between primary hole 258 and remote latch assembly 114 is not mandatory, but is preferred.
As a further note, holding structure 252 itself is provided at first chassis side 250 in order to maintain the structural integrity of first chassis side 250 in terms of strength. Therefore, it is possible to move primary and secondary holes 258 and 260 of holding structure 252 within first chassis side 250, but that may weaken the overall structure of chassis 202. It should further be noted that the length of actuator shaft 204 might vary greatly commensurate with the desired distance needed between remote latch actuator 112 and remote latch assembly 114. Chassis 202 is configured as a “U” or a “C” for receiving linear-guide 206 (detailed below).
FIGS. 3A to 3C-2 are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations, detailing a linear-guide and also illustrate a non-limiting, exemplary method of assembly thereof in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. As illustrated, as part of remote latch actuator 112, linear-guide or guide 206 functions like a “bearing” in relation to chassis 202, enabling chassis 202 to glide on guide 206. Linear-guide 206 is inserted into the opening 216, oriented between extensions 236a/b of chassis 202 as shown by arrows 302 (
FIGS. 4A to 4K-2 are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations, detailing latch actuator handle assembly and progressively illustrating a non-limiting, exemplary method of assembly thereof in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. As illustrated, latch actuator handle assembly 208 are comprised of an interior facing latch actuator handle assembly 208a that faces the interior of the enclosed area or space enclosed by the enclosure 102, and an exterior facing latch actuator handle assembly 208b, which faces the exterior of the enclosed area or space that is enclosed by enclosure 102. In general, interior facing latch actuator handle assembly 208a includes the privacy latch 214 to prevent access to the interior of an area divided or enclosed by enclosure 102. Latch actuator handle assembly 208 (interior 208a or exterior 208b) includes respective frames 242a/b and covers 244a/b that when assembled, form latch actuator handle assembly 208.
More specifically, frames 242a/b include mounting grooves 402 that receive and slides over upper and lower brackets 238a/b of respective extensions 236a/b as shown by arrow 406 in
As further illustrated in FIGS. 4G to 4K-2, interior latch actuator handle assembly 208a accommodates privacy latch 214, which functions to prevent enclosure 102 from being unlatched. It should be noted that as stated above, privacy latch 214 and interior/exterior handle assembly 208a/b are reversible, which may be installed and mounted onto either the “interior” or “exterior” facing sides of the door 102. In other words, handle assembly 208a/b and privacy latch 214 may be mounted so that enclosure 102 is latched from outside of an enclosed area or from inside of an enclosure area.
Privacy latch 214a/b includes a body 412 that is accommodated within the frame 242a/b, with the body 412 in a latching position 418 (
Latch 126 of remote latch assembly 114 is preferably comprised of a substantially square profile so that it does not rotate during installation. Latch 126 includes a holding structure 604 that receives and secures a second end 248 of actuator shaft 204, with holding structure 604 defined by a primary through-hole 606 for insertion (or feeding) of second end 248 of actuator shaft 204. Primary hole 606 is optionally opened laterally into a secondary, wider hole 608 (forming an opening 610 with “8” shape configuration) for receiving a fastener 612 that frictionally maintains first end 248 of actuator shaft 204 within “8” configured opening 610 of holding structure 604 (best shown in
Cap or guide 502 (
Cap or guide 502 further includes set of interlock extensions 628a/b that are associated with support member 508 of remote latch assembly 114. Support member 508 (
It should be noted that the present latching mechanism may function with most types of structures 104 as first portion (one or more lateral supports) 132 of adapter member 128 may be configured commensurate with rail track profile configurations (best shown in
As illustrated in FIGS. 7E to 7G-2, keeper 122 includes a chamfered-guide portion 706 that progressively engages with and moves latch 126 that is biased by default to an extended position by resilient member 226 to a retracted position so that latch 126 clears walls of cavity 716 of the keeper 122, and once aligned with relief or cavity 716, latch 126 is extended to the extended default position by resilient member 226 and locked into cavity 716 of keeper 122. Keeper 122 further includes a fastener hole 708 configured to associate with fastener hole 704 of second portion 702 of adaptor member 128. That is, as best illustrated in
Keeper assembly 116 is therefore adjustable in a first orientation (e.g., vertically) to vary distance between latch 126 of remote latch assembly 112 and a keeper 122, and is adjustable in a second orientation (e.g., horizontal) to accommodate latching and secure locking and unlocking of an enclosure in a desired fixed position in relation to fixed structure 104. As illustrated in
FIGS. 8A to 8F-2 are non-limiting exemplary illustrations of another enclosure with the same extrusion that incorporates the same latching and locking system shown in
As illustrated in FIGS. 8A to 8F-2, the latch and lock system of the present invention may also be used with a well-known and conventional pocket door 800. As illustrated in this non-limiting, exemplary embodiment, a handle assembly 802 is provided, comprising a housing 804 that includes an opening 806 for receiving a handle 808, and lateral sides 810 and 812 that include a set of protrusions 814 and 816 that enable the housing 804 to snap within opening 818 of extrusion 100 (opposite opening 216). Housing 804 includes periphery 820 that cover over periphery 822 of opening 818. Housing 804 of handle assembly 802 also includes a set of slots 824a and 824b with hook shaped profile that enable an interlocking distal end 826 of handle 804 of the handle assembly 802 to snap into the slots 824a and 824b. A cavity 828 within housing 804 is also provided for housing a body 830 of handle 808 and grip portion 832 thereof. Handle 804 itself has commensurately configured set of interlocking member 834 that extend laterally from the interlocking distal ends 826 of handle 804, perpendicular longitudinal axis of handle 804. When installed, interlocking member 834 extends beyond slots 824a/b and periphery 822 of the opening 818, resting against interior surface of extrusion 100 (best illustrated in
It should be noted that handle 802 and housing 804 are semi-assembled together and than installed within opening 818 of extrusion 100. Handle 802 (via the front part or the grip portion 832) is maneuvered from back 836 of housing 804 through opening 838, with the combination of housing 804 and handle 802 pushed into opening 818 of extrusion 100 until housing 804 snaps into opening 818 (via the set of protrusions 814) of extrusion 100, and then snapping interlocking member 834 into the set of slots 824a/b. Because interlocking member 834 are longer than the width of housing 804, they abut against extrusion body, preventing housing 804 from being pulled out.
FIGS. 9A to 9I-5 are non-limiting exemplary illustrations of another enclosure that incorporates another embodiment of latching and locking system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. Extrusion and the latching and locking system illustrated in FIGS. 9A to 9I-5 includes similar corresponding or equivalent components, interconnections, functional, operational, and or cooperative relationships as that shown in FIGS. 1A to 8F-2, and described above. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, clarity, convenience, and to avoid duplication, the general description of FIGS. 9A to 9I-5 will not repeat every corresponding or equivalent component, interconnections, functional, operational, and or cooperative relationships that has already been described above in relation to the extrusion and the latching and locking system that is shown in FIGS. 1A to 8F-2.
As illustrated in
Remote latch actuator 902 is comprised of an interior-facing latch actuator handle assembly 904 and an exterior-facing latch actuator handle assembly 906, with the interior-facing latch actuator handle assembly 904 accommodating a privacy latch 908 to prevent access to an area divided or enclosed by enclosure 900. Interior and exterior latch actuator handle assemblies 904 and 906 include respective cover portions 912 and 922 that when installed, cover over openings 962 and 964. In general, cover portions 912 and 922 are substantially larger in size then openings 962 or 964 so that when remote latch actuator 902 is moved along path 124, cover over portions 912 and 922 would continue to cover and not expose openings 962 and 964.
The actual back-end structure of handle assemblies 904 and 906 that are inserted through openings 962/964, are smaller than openings 962 and 964 so that when the handle assemblies 904 and 906 are inserted and secured within openings, they may move the entire length of openings 962 and 964 along path 124. As detailed below, privacy latch 908 has a member 934 that when in locked position fills the void that was left for movement of handle assemblies 904 and 906 so that the handles cannot move and are latched in locked position.
Interior and exterior latch actuator handle assemblies 904 and 906 further include a pair of locking tabs or flanges 966a/b that are positioned along lateral sides 968a/b of assemblies 904 and 906. When latch actuator handle assemblies 904 and 906 are installed, pair of locking tabs or flanges 966a/b engage periphery edges 970a/b of openings 962 and 964, and are compressed passed periphery edges 970a/b and snapped wide within hallow interior 118 of extrusion 100 (best shown in
Exterior-facing latch actuator handle assembly 906 includes a holding structure 972 to receive and secure a first end 254 of actuator shaft 204, with holding structure 972 including a primary hole for insertion (or feeding) of first end 254 of actuator shaft 204, a secondary, wider hole (forming an opening with “8” shape silhouette) for receiving a fastener 210 that frictionally maintains first end 254 of actuator shaft 204 within “8” configured opening of holding structure 972, similar to holding structure 252. As further illustrated, holding structure 972 includes a slot 990 that receives and secures excess length of actuator shaft 204, enabling installers to trim the excess portion to form first end 254 of actuator shaft 204. Exterior-facing latch actuator handle assembly 906 further includes flanges 976 and 978 that receives an “I” beam inter-engagement member 924 of interior-facing latch actuator handle assembly 904 (best illustrated in
Interior-facing latch actuator handle assembly 904 includes privacy latch opening 918 for receiving privacy latch 908. Privacy latch opening 918 is defined by a lower extended member 926 having an retainer opening 928 for receiving retaining member 940 of privacy latch 908, and an upper member 914 with a cavity 944 for receiving member 942 of privacy latch 908. Cavity 944 of upper member 914 includes a protrusion 946 that rests within grooves (stop guides) 974a and 974b of member 942 of privacy latch 908 to maintain privacy latch 908 in one of a lock or unlocked positions. Privacy latch 908 includes member 934 that when installed and rotated to a locked position, engages a periphery edge 980a or 980b of opening 962 or 964, to thereby block moving of 902 along path 124. The end portion indicated by reference 916 of member 934 is cut at a slight angle, providing a chamfered surface to facilitate engagement of member 934 with periphery edge 980a or 980b.
As further illustrated, privacy latch 908 further includes a handle or grip portion 936 that aids moving privacy latch 908 to one of a lock or unlock position. A cutout section 938 is provided to facilitate unlocking a locked privacy latch 908 from outside of an enclosed area. As best illustrated in
As illustrated in
Although the invention has been described in considerable detail in language specific to structural features and or method acts, it is to be understood that the invention defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as exemplary preferred forms of implementing the claimed invention. Stated otherwise, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein, as well as the abstract, are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Further, the specification is not confined to the disclosed embodiments. Therefore, while exemplary illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described, numerous variations and alternative embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. Such variations and alternate embodiments are contemplated, and can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
It should further be noted that throughout the entire disclosure, the labels such as left, right, front, back, top, bottom, forward, reverse, clockwise, counter clockwise, up, down, or other similar terms such as upper, lower, aft, fore, vertical, horizontal, oblique, proximal, distal, parallel, perpendicular, transverse, longitudinal, etc. have been used for convenience purposes only and are not intended to imply any particular fixed direction or orientation. Instead, they are used to reflect relative locations and/or directions/orientations between various portions of an object.
In addition, reference to “first,” “second,” “third,” and etc. members throughout the disclosure (and in particular, claims) is not used to show a serial or numerical limitation but instead is used to distinguish or identify the various members of the group.
In addition, any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specific function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. Section 112, Paragraph 6. In particular, the use of “step of,” “act of,” “operation of,” or “operational act of” in the claims herein is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, Paragraph 6.
This Application is Non-Provisional application that claims the benefit of priority of the co-pending U.S. Provisional Utility Patent Application 61/939,216 with a filing date 12 Feb. 2014, the entire disclosures which is expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety herein. It should be noted that where a definition or use of a term in the incorporated patent application is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the incorporated patent application does not apply.
Number | Date | Country | |
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61939216 | Feb 2014 | US |