Patent Application
20230003053
The present invention relates generally to a lever action operator and triggered bolt assembly for engaging two relatively movable components. More specifically, the present invention relates to a concealed lever mechanism for driving a magnetically-triggered bolt assembly for engaging a window or door with a strike or frame to prevent access to the interior of an enclosure.
Bolt assemblies are a well-known means for preventing access to the interior of an enclosure or structure. Known bolt assemblies comprise two components, one of which is connected to one component of an enclosure, such as a door or window frame, and the other connected to the other component, such as a door. The first component typically includes a bolt displaceable between engaged and disengaged positions, and the second component comprises a socket into which the bolt may be extended when the two components are in an appropriate position relative to each other and the bolt is moved to the engaged position. The position of the bolt may be controlled manually by manipulation of a key or by energizing an interlock circuit so as to prevent opening of the enclosure except in predetermined safe conditions.
However, known bolt assemblies have disadvantages. For example, in bolt assemblies including a key, if the key is actuated to extend the bolt in circumstances where it is presumed that the two components of the bolt assembly are interengaged by the bolt but in fact the two components are not interengaged, unsafe conditions may prevail despite the bolt being extended. In a two component bolt assembly, it is not sufficient to ensure simply that the bolt is extended, as it may be that the bolt when extended has not engaged the other component of the assembly.
Therefore, there is a need for an improved bolt assembly which ensures that the bolt will not be triggered and extended until the two components are in the appropriate position relative to each other.
Bearing in mind the problems and deficiencies of the prior art, it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved concealed lever operator for applying a tension force to one or more pliable connectors.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved concealed lever operator for a bolt assembly which utilizes a lever on a two bar linkage to drive a series of rack and pinion gears to create a mechanical advantage to retract and/or extend shoot bolts.
A further object of the invention is to provide an improved concealed lever operator for a bolt assembly which may be configured with additional mechanisms to allow locking and unlocking from the interior, operation from the exterior, locking and unlocking from the exterior, and any other combination of mechanisms.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved triggered bolt assembly for preventing access to the interior of an enclosure.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide an improved bolt assembly which ensures that the bolt is extended only after the two components are in the appropriate position relative to each other.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a magnetically-triggered bolt assembly which ensures that the bolt is extended only after the two components are in the appropriate position relative to each other.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a magnetically-triggered bolt assembly including an anti-tampering back drive prevention subassembly.
Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a magnetically-triggered bolt assembly including a collapsible or adjustable strike.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an improved bolt assembly including a support collar for absorbing and distributing load generated from the bolt as the bolt moves to the extended position through the support collar.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method for operating a magnetically-triggered bolt assembly.
Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method for assembling a lock mechanism in a door or window panel.
Still other objects and advantages of the invention will in part be obvious and will in part be apparent from the specification.
The above and other objects, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art, are achieved in the present invention which is directed, in a first aspect, to a magnetically-triggered lock mechanism for interengaging two relatively movable components. The lock mechanism comprises a bolt displaceable between extended and retracted positions, the bolt mounted within a first component and interengageable with a second component when the first and second components are in a predetermined position relative to each other and the bolt is extended, and a magnetically-releasable latch mechanism positioned to latch the bolt in a retracted position, the latch mechanism including a first magnet and mounted for movement between a biased latch engaging position and a latch releasing position in a non-common direction of movement of the bolt. The lock mechanism further comprises a second magnet positioned to displace the latch mechanism to the latch releasing position when the first component is in the predetermined position relative to the second component. The first and second magnets may be positioned to displace the latch mechanism to the latch releasing position as a result of magnetic repulsion when the first component is in the predetermined position relative to the second component.
The magnetically-releasable latch mechanism may comprise a locking shuttle in communication with a trigger housing and the first magnet may be positioned within the trigger housing. The locking shuttle is adapted to move in a direction perpendicular to the movement of the trigger housing as the latch mechanism moves between the biased latch engaging position and the latch releasing position. The trigger housing may include at least one angled surface for mating with an angled surface of the locking shuttle, wherein the mating angled surfaces of the trigger housing and locking shuttle translate vertical movement of the trigger housing into horizontal movement of the locking shuttle when the first component is in the predetermined position relative to the second component and the first and second magnets are positioned to displace the latch mechanism to the latch releasing position. The locking shuttle may further comprise a projection and the bolt may further comprise an aperture for receiving the locking shuttle projection when the latch mechanism is in the biased latch engaging position.
In one embodiment, the first component may be a door or window panel, and the second component may be a frame associated with the door or window panel, and the second magnet may be at least partially located within a recess in the frame.
The bolt may be normally biased toward the extended position, and the lock mechanism may further include an outer housing comprising a channel in an inner surface thereof, wherein the bolt translates vertically within the channel as the bolt moves between extended and retracted positions.
In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a door or window assembly comprising a door or window panel moveable relative to an associated frame, and a magnetically-triggered lock mechanism for interengaging the panel and the frame. The lock mechanism comprises a bolt displaceable between extended and retracted positions, the bolt mounted within the door or window panel and interengageable with the frame when the door or window panel and frame are in a predetermined position relative to each other and the bolt is extended, and a magnetically-releasable latch mechanism positioned to latch the bolt in a retracted position, the latch mechanism including a first magnet and mounted for movement between a biased latch engaging position and a latch releasing position in a non-common direction of movement of the bolt. The lock mechanism further includes a second magnet positioned to displace the latch mechanism to the latch releasing position when the door or window panel is in the predetermined position relative to the frame. The first and second magnets may be positioned to displace the latch mechanism to the latch releasing position as a result of magnetic repulsion when the door or window panel is in the predetermined position relative to the frame.
In still another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of interengaging two relatively movable components to prevent access to an interior of an enclosure. The method comprises the steps of providing a bolt displaceable between extended and retracted positions, the bolt mounted within a first component and interengageable with a second component when the first and second components are in a predetermined position relative to each other and the bolt is extended; providing a magnetically-releasable latch mechanism positioned to latch the bolt in a retracted position, the latch mechanism including a first magnet and mounted for movement between a biased latch engaging position and a latch releasing position in a non-common direction of movement of the bolt; and providing a second magnet positioned to displace the latch mechanism to the latch releasing position when the first component is in the predetermined position relative to the second component. The method further comprises locating the first and second components in the predetermined position relative to each other; causing the latch mechanism to move to the latch releasing position as a result of magnetic interaction between the first and second magnets; and displacing the bolt to the extended position to interengage the second component. In an embodiment, the magnetic interaction between the first and second magnets may comprise magnetic repulsion. The first component may be a door or window panel, and the second component may be a frame associated with the door or window panel.
The latch mechanism may comprise a locking shuttle in communication with a trigger housing and the first magnet may be positioned within the trigger housing, and the step of causing the latch mechanism to move to the latch releasing position as a result of magnetic interaction between the first and second magnets may further comprise moving the locking shuttle in a direction perpendicular to the movement of the trigger housing as the latch mechanism moves between the biased latch engaging position and the latch releasing position.
The locking shuttle may comprise a projection and the bolt may comprise an aperture for receiving the locking shuttle projection when the latch mechanism is in the biased latch engaging position, and the step of causing the latch mechanism to move to the latch releasing position as a result of magnetic interaction between the first and second magnets may further comprise retracting the locking shuttle projection from the bolt aperture to allow the bolt to be displaced to the extended position.
The trigger housing may include at least one angled surface for mating with an angled surface of the locking shuttle, and the step of causing the latch mechanism to move to the latch releasing position as a result of magnetic interaction between the first and second magnets may further comprise translating vertical movement of the trigger housing into horizontal movement of the locking shuttle via the mating angled surfaces of the trigger housing and locking shuttle as the latch mechanism moves to the latch releasing position.
In still yet another aspect, the present invention is directed to a magnetically-triggered lock mechanism including a back drive prevention subassembly. The lock mechanism comprises a bolt displaceable between extended and retracted positions, the bolt mounted to a first component and interengageable with a second component when the first and second components are in a predetermined position relative to each other and the bolt is extended; a rack disposed on the first component; a pawl or pinion gear connected to and rotatable relative to the bolt, the pawl or pinion gear engaging the rack and rotatable to permit the bolt to move between the extended and retracted positions; and a slack block connected to the bolt and movable relative to the pawl or pinion gear between a first position permitting rotation of the pawl or pinion gear and a second position preventing rotation of the pawl or pinion gear, wherein when the first and second components are in the predetermined position the bolt may be moved to the extended position to engage the second component, and wherein when the slack block is moved from the first position to the second position the pawl or pinion gear is prevented from rotation with respect to the rack and the bolt is prevented from movement from the extended position to the retracted position, whereby the first component may not move from the predetermined position relative to the second component.
In an embodiment, the lock mechanism may further include a second gear moveable with the pawl or pinion gear, and the slack block may include a pawl engageable with the second gear when the slack block is in the second position to prevent movement of the pawl or pinion gear and the bolt. The pawl or pinion gear and the second gear may be disposed on a rotatable shaft, and the second gear may include non-symmetric teeth to permit the pawl to slide along the tooth surface in one direction of rotation of the pawl or pinion gear, and in the other direction to permit the pawl to engage the opposite side of the tooth surface and prevent rotation of the pawl or pinion gear. The lock mechanism may further include a spring biasing the slack block toward the second position preventing rotation of the pawl or pinion gear. The spring may bias the bolt toward the extended position engaging with the second component. The slack block may be slideable with respect to the bolt between the second and first positions in the same direction as movement of the bolt, and may be moveable by operation of a cable between the second position and the first position. The cable may extend within the first component to the slack block, and the cable may be pulled to effect movement of the slack block from the second position to the first position permitting rotation of the pawl or pinion gear. Subsequent to the cable being pulled to effect movement of the slack block from the second position to the first position permitting rotation of the pawl or pinion gear, the slack block may engage the bolt to effect movement of the bolt from the extended position to the retracted position as the cable is continued to be pulled. The first component may be a door or window panel, and the second component may be a frame associated with the door or window panel. The slack block may include a fastener for connecting the cable to the slack block.
In yet another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of interengaging two relatively movable components to prevent access to an interior of an enclosure, comprising the steps of: providing a lock mechanism having a bolt displaceable between extended and retracted positions, the bolt mounted to a first component and interengageable with a second component when the first and second components are in a predetermined position relative to each other and the bolt is extended; a rack disposed on the first component; a pawl or pinion gear connected to and rotatable relative to the bolt, the pawl or pinion gear engaging the rack and rotatable to permit the bolt to move between the extended and retracted positions; and a slack block connected to the bolt and movable relative to the pawl or pinion gear between a first position permitting rotation of the pawl or pinion gear and a second position preventing rotation of the pawl or pinion gear, moving the first and second components to the predetermined position; moving the bolt to the extended position to engage the second component; and moving the slack block from the first position to the second position to prevent the pawl or pinion gear from rotation with respect to the rack and preventing the bolt from movement from the extended position to the retracted position, whereby the first component may not move from the predetermined position relative to the second component.
In an embodiment, the method may further include a second gear moveable with the pawl or pinion gear, and a pawl on the slack block engageable with the second gear, and further including engaging the slack block pawl with the second gear when the slack block is moved to the second position to prevent movement of the pinion gear and the bolt. The pawl or pinion gear and the second gear may be disposed on a rotatable shaft, and the second gear may include non-symmetric teeth to permit the pawl to slide along the tooth surface in one direction of rotation of the pawl or pinion gear, and in the other direction to permit the pawl to engage the opposite side of tooth surface and prevent rotation of the pawl or pinion gear. The method may further include using a spring to move the slack block toward the second position preventing rotation of the pawl or pinion gear. The method may still further include using a spring to move the bolt toward the extended position engaging with the second component. The slack block may be slideable with respect to the bolt between the second and first positions in the same direction as movement of the bolt, and may include a cable extending within the first component and connected to the slack block, and may still further include pulling the cable to move the slack block from the second position to the first position permitting rotation of the pawl or pinion gear. Subsequent to the cable being pulled to effect movement of the slack block from the second position to the first position permitting rotation of the pawl or pinion gear, the method may include continuing to pull the cable to engage the slack block with the bolt and move the bolt from the extended position to the retracted position. The first component may be a door or window panel, and the second component is a frame associated with the door or window panel.
In yet another aspect, the present invention is directed to a magnetically-triggered lock mechanism including a collapsible or adjustable strike. The lock mechanism comprises: a bolt displaceable between extended and retracted positions, the bolt mounted within a first component and interengageable with a second component when the first and second components are in a predetermined position relative to each other and the bolt is extended; a magnetically-releasable latch mechanism positioned to latch the bolt in a retracted position, the latch mechanism including a first magnet and mounted for movement between a biased latch engaging position and a latch releasing position; an adjustable strike having a top portion and a base portion, the adjustable strike adapted to permit vertical translation of the top portion to adjust and maintain it within close proximity of the latch mechanism; and a second magnet positioned in the adjustable strike top portion to displace the latch mechanism to the latch releasing position when the first component is in the predetermined position relative to the second component.
In an embodiment, the first and second magnets may be positioned to displace the latch mechanism to the latch releasing position as a result of magnetic repulsion when the first component is in the predetermined position relative to the second component. The adjustable strike may further include a spring disposed between the adjustable strike top portion and base portion to bias the top portion away from the base portion. The adjustable strike may still further include an adjustment screw and nut extending through the top portion, a central axis of the spring, and the base portion, the adjustable screw and nut limiting the height of the adjustable strike. Rotation of the adjustment screw and nut may permit the vertical translation of the top portion towards or away from the base portion. The first component may be a door or window panel, and the second component may be a frame associated with the door or window panel. The bolt may normally be biased toward the extended position. The lock mechanism may further include an outer housing comprising a channel in an inner surface thereof, and wherein the bolt translates vertically within the channel as the bolt moves between extended and retracted positions.
In yet another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of adjusting a strike for a magnetically-triggered lock mechanism for interengaging two relatively movable components, comprising: providing a bolt displaceable between extended and retracted positions, the bolt mounted within a first component and interengageable with a second component when the first and second components are in a predetermined position relative to each other and the bolt is extended; providing a magnetically-releasable latch mechanism positioned to latch the bolt in a retracted position, the latch mechanism including a first magnet and mounted for movement between a biased latch engaging position and a latch releasing position; providing an adjustable strike having a top portion and a base portion, the adjustable strike adapted to permit vertical translation of the top portion to adjust and maintain it within close proximity of the latch mechanism; providing a second magnet positioned in the adjustable strike top portion to displace the latch mechanism to the latch releasing position when the first component is in the predetermined position relative to the second component; and translating vertically the adjustable strike top portion towards or away from the base portion to position the second magnet in close proximity with the first magnet when the first component is in the predetermined position relative to the second component.
In an embodiment, the method may further include: providing a spring disposed between the adjustable strike top portion and base portion to bias the top portion away from the base portion. The adjustment screw and nut may further extend through the adjustable strike top portion, a central axis of the spring, and the bottom portion. The method may still further include: providing an adjustment screw and nut for limiting the height of the adjustable strike, the adjustment screw extending through the adjustable strike top portion and the base portion.
In yet another aspect, the present invention is directed to a magnetically-triggered lock mechanism including a load-bearing support collar. The lock mechanism comprises: a bolt displaceable between extended and retracted positions, the bolt mounted within a first component made of a first material and interengageable with a second component when the first and second components are in a predetermined position relative to each other and the bolt is extended; a magnetically-releasable latch mechanism positioned to latch the bolt in a retracted position, the latch mechanism including a first magnet and mounted for movement between a biased latch engaging position and a latch releasing position; a support collar composed of a second material having higher strength than that of the first material of the first component, the support collar disposed around the bolt mounted within the first component, the support collar further being spaced from the bolt to allow for sliding movement of the bolt through the support collar; and a second magnet positioned to displace the latch mechanism to the latch releasing position when the first component is in the predetermined position relative to the second component.
In an embodiment, the support collar absorbs and distributes a load generated from the bolt as it extends through the support collar when interengaging with the second component through the first component. The first component may further include an inner casing and an outer casing for housing the bolt, the support collar disposed between the inner casing and outer casing. The support collar may be attached between the inner casing and outer casing by at least one fastener.
In a further aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of absorbing and distributing a load generated by a magnetically-triggered lock mechanism for interengaging two relatively movable components, comprising: providing a bolt displaceable between extended and retracted positions, the bolt mounted within a first component made of a first material and interengageable with a second component when the first and second components are in a predetermined position relative to each other and the bolt is extended; providing a magnetically-releasable latch mechanism positioned to latch the bolt in a retracted position, the latch mechanism including a first magnet and mounted for movement between a biased latch engaging position and a latch releasing position; providing a support collar composed of a second material having higher strength than that of the first material of the first component, the support collar disposed around the bolt mounted within the first component, the support collar further being spaced from the bolt to allow for sliding movement of the bolt through the support collar; providing a second magnet positioned to displace the latch mechanism to the latch releasing position when the first component is in the predetermined position relative to the second component; moving the first and second components to the predetermined position; displacing the bolt to its extended position through the support collar; and absorbing and distributing a load generated from the bolt as it extends through the support collar when interengaging with the second component through the first component.
In an embodiment, the method may further include: providing an inner casing and an outer casing for housing the bolt; and disposing the support collar between the inner casing and outer casing. The support collar may be attached between the inner casing and outer casing by at least one fastener.
In yet another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of assembling a lock mechanism in a door or window panel, comprising: providing a door or window panel having an opening for a lock mechanism for moving a bolt therein between a retracted position within the panel and an extended position engaging a frame associated with the door or window panel, an opening for an actuator for causing the bolt in the lock mechanism to move from the extended to the retracted position, and a cavity within the panel between the lock mechanism opening and the actuator opening; passing a cable through the cavity between the lock mechanism opening and the actuator opening; installing the actuator into the actuator opening; installing the lock mechanism into the lock mechanism opening; connecting the cable to one of the actuator or the lock mechanism; applying tension to the cable; connecting the cable to the other of the actuator or the lock mechanism; if necessary, trimming an excess cable length; and operating the actuator to move the bolt in the lock mechanism by movement of the cable therebetween.
In an embodiment, the method may further include providing a fastener for connecting the cable to the lock mechanism, and tightening the fastener to connect the cable to the lock mechanism.
In still yet another aspect, the present invention is directed to a concealed lever operator for applying a tension force to one or more pliable connectors. The lever operator comprises: a casing; first and second sliders disposed within the casing, the first and second sliders translatable between first and second relative positions; at least one linkage coupling the first slider to the second slider, such that translation of the first slider in a first direction causes the second slider to move in a second direction different than the first direction; a linkage arm pivotally attached at one end to the casing at a first pivot point, and pivotally attached at the other end to a lever or handle at a second pivot point; the lever or handle in pivotal communication with the first slider at a point proximate one end of the lever or handle at a third pivot point, and in pivotal communication with the linkage arm at an intermediate point on the lever or handle at the second pivot point; and one or more pliable connectors attached at one end to the second slider. An opposite end of the one or more pliable connectors may be attached to a lock mechanism, such as a shootbolt assembly. When the lever or handle is rotated from a first position to a second position, the linkage arm pivots about the first and second pivot points causing the first and second sliders to translate between the first and second relative positions, the second slider applying a tension force to the one or more pliable connectors as the second slider translates to the second relative position.
In an embodiment, the lever operator may further include a spring normally biasing the second slider towards the first relative position, the second slider compressing the spring as the lever or handle is rotated to the second position, wherein expansion of the spring after release of the lever or handle causes the lever or handle to return to the first position via translation of the first and second sliders from the second relative position to the first relative position. The lever operator may further include a damper for reducing closing speed of the lever or handle as the lever or handle is released from the second position and the first and second sliders translate from the second relative position to the first relative position, and the damper may be a linear damper contacting a bottom end of the second slider.
In at least one embodiment, the first and second sliders are disposed within the casing along parallel axes, such that the first direction is opposite of the second direction. In another embodiment, the first slider is disposed along a first axis and the second slider is disposed along a second axis, such that the second axis forms an angle with respect to the first axis.
In one or more embodiments, the first and second sliders comprise racks and the at least one linkage comprises at least one pinion gear coupling the first rack to the second rack. The handle may be rotatable along a plane perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the at least one pinion gear, or the axis of rotation of the handle may be different than the axis of rotation of the at least one pinion gear.
The first pivot point pivotally connecting the linkage arm to the casing may be fixed to the casing, such that as the lever or handle is rotated from the first position to the second position, the third pivot point pivotally connecting the lever or handle and the first slider translates toward the first pivot point along a longitudinal axis.
The lever or handle may include a fixed linkage arm extending at an angle proximate the lever or handle first end, and the third pivot point may be positioned proximate a free end of the fixed linkage arm.
In at least one embodiment, the casing may include a sidewall section having a longitudinal slot, such that the lever or handle is pivotable within the longitudinal slot between a concealed position and an open position.
In yet another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of operating a bolt assembly, comprising: providing a first component including a casing; first and second sliders disposed within the casing, the first and second sliders translatable between first and second relative positions; at least one linkage coupling the first slider to the second slider, such that translation of the first slider in a first direction causes the second slider to move in a second direction different than the first direction; a linkage arm pivotally attached at one end to the casing at a first pivot point, and pivotally attached at the other end to a lever or handle at a second pivot point; the lever or handle in pivotal communication with the first slider at a point proximate one end of the lever or handle at a third pivot point, and in pivotal communication with the linkage arm at an intermediate point on the handle at the second pivot point; and one or more pliable connectors attached at one end to the second slider and at an opposing end to a bolt displaceable between extended and retracted positions, the bolt mounted to the first component and interengageable with a second component when the first and second components are in a predetermined position relative to each other and the bolt is extended. The method further comprises: moving the first and second components to the predetermined position; moving the bolt to the extended position to engage the second component; rotating the lever or handle from a first position to a second position to pivot the linkage arm about the first and second pivot points and cause the first and second sliders to translate between the first and second relative positions; and applying a tension force to the one or more pliable connectors by the second slider as the second slider translates to the second relative position to retract the bolt.
In at least one embodiment, the casing may further include a spring normally biasing the second slider towards the first relative position, and the method may further comprise: compressing the spring by the second slider as the lever or handle is rotated to the second position; and causing the lever or handle to return to the first position via translation of the first and second sliders from the second relative position to the first relative position via expansion of the spring after release of the lever or handle.
In one or more embodiments, the first and second sliders may comprise racks and the at least one linkage may comprise at least one pinion gear coupling the first rack to the second rack, and in one embodiment, the method may further comprise: rotating the lever or handle from the first position to the second position along a plane perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the at least one pinion gear. In another embodiment, the method may further comprise: rotating the lever or handle from the first position to the second position along an axis of rotation different than an axis of rotation of the at least one pinion gear.
The first pivot point may be fixed to the casing, and the method may further include: translating the third pivot point toward the first pivot point along a longitudinal axis as the lever or handle is rotated from the first position to the second position. In at least one embodiment, the casing may further include a sidewall section having a longitudinal slot, wherein the lever or handle is pivotable within the longitudinal slot between a concealed position and an open position.
The features of the invention believed to be novel and the elements characteristic of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The figures are for illustration purposes only and are not drawn to scale. The invention itself, however, both as to organization and method of operation, may best be understood by reference to the detailed description which follows taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
In describing the embodiments of the present invention, reference will be made herein to
Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation of the invention. For example, words such as “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “right,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “upward,” “downward,” “clockwise,” and “counterclockwise” merely describe the configuration shown in the drawings. Indeed, the referenced components may be oriented in any direction and the terminology, therefore, should be understood as encompassing such variations unless specified otherwise. For purposes of clarity, the same reference numbers will be used in the drawings to identify similar elements.
Additionally, in the subject description, the words “exemplary,” “illustrative,” or the like are used to mean serving as an example, instance or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily intended to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or design. Rather, use of the words “exemplary” or “illustrative” is merely intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion.
The present invention is directed in a first aspect to a magnetically-triggered bolt assembly for engaging a window or door with a strike or frame to prevent access to the interior of an enclosure and a concealed handle or lever mechanism or actuator for driving the magnetically-triggered bolt assembly.
One embodiment of the magnetically-triggered bolt assembly or lock mechanism of the present invention is shown in
Referring now to
As further shown in
Referring now to
To return to an unlocked state, force may be applied upwards to the bolt spring carrier 70, such as by rotating a door handle, compressing the bolt spring in bolt spring carrier 70 and pulling bolt 60 out of the pocket of the strike 30. As the door panel (including the firing mechanism) moves away from the strike assembly 30 during opening of the door, the repelling force between magnets 10 and 20 decreases, allowing the trigger spring to decompress and biasing the trigger housing 40 towards the outside of the firing mechanism. As the trigger 40 moves to the outside of the firing mechanism, shuttle 50 is biased towards bolt 60 by the shuttle spring, latching the bolt in a retracted position relative to the firing mechanism by the re-engagement of locking shuttle projection 52 with bolt aperture 62, as described above.
It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the configuration of the lock mechanism of the present invention as shown in
In another embodiment, as shown in
Slack block 136 is permitted to translate up and down within bolt spring carrier 70′ from a first, upward position to a second, downward position in a rack and pinion manner by converting rotational motion of gear 134a into linear motion along rack 132, and is normally biased in a downward direction by compression spring 131. Slack block 136 limits and controls the range of movement of pawl 138.
Slack block 136 is attached to a flexible connector or cable 160 which extends through a concealed channel in the door or window panel and is secured to the shoot bolt mechanism and to slack block 136. As best seen in
As further shown in
Referring again to
The locking mechanism of the present invention may be used in connection with an actuator or lever operator for retracting the bolt. From an extended position, bolt 60 or 60′ may be returned to the retracted position to allow for opening of the enclosure through actuation of a lever or handle associated with the door of window panel, such as the concealed lever or handle described herein.
Flexible connector or cable 160 is tensioned and secured to actuator 200, such that actuation of the handle or lever pulls cable 160, moving slack block 136 upward to disengage pawl 138 from gear 134b, allowing for free rotation of gears 134a,b, and further allowing for retraction of bolt spring carrier 70′ and bolt 60 or 60′ upwards and out of engagement with the strike, as described above. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the concealed lever or handle disclosed herein and shown in
In one embodiment, the operator of the present invention may be used with a mechanical shoot bolt. The lever may be a configurable handle that drives an upper and lower shoot bolt by retracting a cable, or shoot bolts. The primary action is a lever that opens along the same plane as the glass in a door or window system. Integrated in the handle is a latch that is triggered by its proximity to a magnet mounted in the door jamb or an adjacent door, in the case of French-style doors.
In at least one embodiment, the primary mechanism can be configured to not have the locking feature present, such as when the exterior portion of the handle is not present, the locking function is not needed, or the handle is used to unlatch folding panels. The primary handle may be reversible for either left or right hand door systems.
In other embodiments, an exterior handle also utilizes a lever to unlatch the system, and may be restrained with a configurable lock cylinder. It can also have a fixed or retractable handle to assist in closing the door toward the operator. For an inswing door, the handle will be on the outside, whereas for an outswing door the handle will be on the inside. The exterior handle transfers the force via a sliding mechanism that can be utilized from either side of the primary handle.
In at least one embodiment, there may be a push button above the primary interior handle that can be depressed to lock the system. The system can then be unlocked by lifting the primary lever.
The concealed actuator or shoot bolt retractor assembly 200 of the present invention may include a linear actuator in the form of a rack and pinion. In conventional use, the teeth of a circular gear known as the pinion engage teeth on a linear gear bar known as the rack, such that rotational motion applied to the pinion causes the rack to move relative to the pinion, thereby translating the rotational motion of the pinion into linear motion. A lever, optionally restrained by a restrictor, drives a first rack which meshes with a pinion gear, causing the gear to rotate. At the same time, the first rack pulls on a cable attached, for example, to an automatic shoot bolt assembly as described herein. In other embodiments, the cable could be replaced by a mechanical shoot bolt assembly rigidly attached to the drive rack. As the first rack pulls on the cable, the pinion gear meshes with a second (driven) rack, which retracts the cable in a direction opposite of the movement of the first rack, thus retracting the bolt into the panel. In one or more embodiments, during translation of the driven rack, an optional compression spring may be compressed.
Referring now to
As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
Referring again to
As described herein, cable 160 may be attached to an automatic shoot bolt assembly, such as assembly 100 or 100′, such that manual retraction of the shoot bolt via rotation of handle or lever 510 is permitted. Rack 550 travels along a straight vertical path in a direction opposite the direction of travel of rack 520, and is coupled to rack 520 via pinion 530 such that rack 550 moves in a second direction as rack or slider 520 moves. During translation of the second rack 550 in an upward direction, spring 560 is compressed, resisting the rotational motion of lever 510 (
Spring 560 is shown in
The direction of travel of racks or sliders 520, 550 is shown in
Moreover, as best seen in
Referring again to
In another embodiment, the shoot bolt retractor assembly may include only one rack or slider which applies tension to one or more cables. In such a configuration, the cable or cables may be run through a pulley to produce motion in a direction other than the direction of travel of the rack or slider.
In still another embodiment, the shoot bolt retractor assembly may include one or more linkages coupling the opposing first and second racks or sliders 520, 550 instead of a pinion gear 530.
In still yet another embodiment, the housing or casing may include a pair of slots allowing for a shoot bolt or other rigid connector to move independently from the housing or casing to put the connector in tension but not allowing for the connector to be placed under compression. In this embodiment, no pliable connector such as a cable or cables is required, and the shoot bolt retractor assembly is connected directly to the shoot bolt or other rigid connector.
Thus, the present invention achieves one or more of the following advantages. The magnetically-triggered bolt assembly provides an improved means for preventing access to the interior of an enclosure and ensures that the bolt is extended only after the two components, such as a window frame and sill, are in the appropriate position relative to each other. Magnets secured in the strike and trigger mechanism for the bolt, respectively, are oriented and positioned such that they repel one another when in alignment, overcoming the force of a trigger spring which normally biases the trigger in a downward direction, and pulling a locking shuttle away from the bolt, thereby allowing a compressed bolt spring to release and fire the bolt downward into the pocket of the strike. The bolt assembly further includes an adjustable or collapsible strike, allowing for magnets in the strike and trigger mechanism to remain in close proximity no matter the adjustment of the door or window panel, and a support collar for distributing load from the bolt to the casing, allowing for lower cost of materials during manufacture. The bolt assembly further provides improved protection against tampering by preventing back driving of the bolt during operation. The present invention further provides an improved concealed lever operator for a bolt assembly which utilizes a lever on a two bar linkage to drive a series of rack and pinion gears to create a mechanical advantage to retract and/or extend shoot bolts.
While the present invention has been particularly described, in conjunction with specific embodiments, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims will embrace any such alternatives, modifications and variations as falling within the true scope and spirit of the present invention.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62513680 | Jun 2017 | US | |
| 62812751 | Mar 2019 | US | |
| 62746320 | Oct 2018 | US | |
| 62838717 | Apr 2019 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 16654512 | Oct 2019 | US |
| Child | 17940653 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 15995970 | Jun 2018 | US |
| Child | 16654512 | US |
