This disclosure relates to the field of door locks. More particularly, this disclosure relates to door locksets for sliding doors.
Sliding interior doors (known as “barn doors”), have become very popular recently. Such sliding doors are often hung using a roller bracket and will slide along a rail mounted above a doorway, e.g., either inside or outside the doorway. Traditional locks provide a privacy locking function on an interior sliding door (bathroom, bedroom, home office, TV room, etc.). Although sliding doors are popular for aesthetic reasons, such traditional locks are not suitable for use with sliding doors. Still further, because sliding doors may be hung from rails positioned either inside or outside of the room in which a privacy locking function is desired, any existing locking solutions may not be suitable for all mounting possibilities.
Existing solutions have a number of shortcomings. For example, in some instances, locking mechanisms can only lock the door on one side, such as in the case of a hook-and-eye. Still further, in some instances, locks can only be installed either on the outside or the inside of the door exclusively, and therefore separate solutions are required for each possible installation configuration, leading to consumer confusion at a point of sale.
Additionally, such traditional sliding door locks having privacy lock features lack the ability to be unlocked from the “other” (outside) side of the door in the case of an emergency situation (e.g., a child not able to unlock the door from within the room in which privacy is sought).
The present disclosure relates generally to door locks, specifically for sliding doors. Generally, a sliding door lockset as described can be installed on a sliding door located on the interior or exterior of a room.
In one example of the present disclosure, a door lockset for a sliding door is described. The door lockset includes a latch assembly, a plunger, a plunger retention assembly, and a secondary unlock feature. The latch assembly has a first end and a second end. The plunger is positioned at least partially within the latch assembly. The plunger is movable between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the second end of the latch assembly. The plunger retention assembly includes a first end having a recess, a second end, and an actuation member positioned at least partially within the plunger retention assembly. The plunger is configured to engage the recess in the extended position.
In another example of the present disclosure, a door lockset for a sliding door is described. The door lockset includes a latch assembly, a plunger, a handle, and a plunger retention assembly. The latch assembly has a first end and a second end. The plunger is positioned at least partially within the latch assembly. The plunger is movable between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the second end of the latch assembly. The handle is located on a first end of the plunger and is in communication with the plunger to move the plunger between the retracted position and the extended position. The plunger retention assembly includes a first end having a recess, a second end having a stationary plate, and an actuation member positioned at least partially within the plunger retention assembly. The plunger is configured to engage the recess in the extended position.
In yet another example of the present disclosure, an alternative door lockset for a sliding door is described. The door lockset includes a latch assembly, a plunger, and a plunger retention assembly. The latch assembly has a first end and a second end. The plunger is positioned at least partially within the latch assembly. The plunger is movable between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the second end of the latch assembly. The plunger retention assembly includes a first end having a recess, a second end, and an actuation member. The actuation member comprises a rod and is positioned at least partially within the plunger retention assembly. The plunger retention assembly includes a pushbutton on the second end. The pushbutton is connected to the rod extending through the plunger retention assembly. The rod is configured to engage the plunger to move the plunger between the retracted position and the extended position. The plunger is configured to engage the recess in the extended position.
In yet another example of the present disclosure, a plunger retention assembly for a sliding door is disclosed. The plunger retention assembly includes a first body positioned at a first end and a second body positioned at a second end. The first body and the second body are connected to one another to form an interior of the plunger retention assembly. The plunger retention assembly includes a plunger positioned at least partially within the interior. The plunger at least partially extends a user definable distance from the first end. The plunger retention assembly includes a pushbutton movably positioned at the second end. The pushbutton is connected to the plunger within the interior. Upon movement of the pushbutton into the interior, the plunger extends further from the first end.
A variety of additional aspects will be set forth in the description that follows. The aspects can relate to individual features and to combinations of features. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad inventive concepts upon which the embodiments disclosed herein are based.
The following drawings are illustrative of particular embodiments of the present disclosure and therefore do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. The drawings are not to scale and are intended for use in conjunction with the explanations in the following detailed description. Embodiments of the present disclosure will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like numerals denote like elements.
Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate an embodiment of the invention, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.
Various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the claims attached hereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments for the appended claims.
The door lockset described herein is configured to be installed on a sliding door, regardless of whether the sliding door is mounted inside the room or outside the room. In a further embodiment, the door lockset can include interchangeable pieces to install the door lockset on a sliding door mounted inside a room or outside a room. In addition, the door lockset described herein may include an alternative unlock feature, or an emergency unlock feature that can be used in emergency situations to unlock the lock from outside of the room.
An optional handle 130 is capable of being attached to the plunger 106. The handle 130 may be a variety of different handle types, such as levers, turnable knobs, or pushable knobs. While not to be seen as limiting, a handle 130 as described below is in reference to a pushable knob. In some examples, the handle 130 is attached to the plunger via a fastener such as a screw, bolt, adhesive, etc.
The plunger retention assembly 120 includes a first end 128 and a second end 126. The plunger retention assembly 120 also includes a rod 122 connected to a plunger engagement member 124 that extends at least partially through an interior of the plunger retention assembly 120. The first end 128 also includes a recess that is capable of accepting an end of the plunger 106.
The plunger retention assembly is capable of accepting a plurality of end caps at the second end 126. A first end cap may be a pushbutton 132. A second end may be a faceplate 134.
In an example embodiment, the latch assembly 102 is installed on a door jamb, and the plunger retention assembly 120 is installed on a sliding door 105. The door lockset 100 is capable of being installed on a sliding door that is mounted inside a room or a sliding door that is mounted outside a room.
The latch assembly 102 is installed at a door jamb B, and the plunger retention assembly 120 is installed on the door A. As shown, the latch assembly 102 has a longitudinal axis that is installed at a right angle to the door jamb B and parallel to the floor. The plunger 106 is movable through the latch assembly 102 along the longitudinal axis.
The plunger retention assembly 120 is installed in the sliding door A through a bore hole. The plunger retention assembly 120 also has a longitudinal axis, the longitudinal axis being perpendicular to the door A, and parallel to the floor.
In the embodiment shown, the plunger retention assembly 120 includes a faceplate 134 on the second end 126. The faceplate 134 includes an alternative unlock feature 202. The alternative unlock feature 202 allows the door lockset 100 to be unlocked from the outside of the room in an emergency situation. In some examples, the unlock feature 202 is accessible through the handle 130.
The latch assembly 102 is installed on the door jamb B. The latch assembly 102 includes the handle 130 extending from the first end 108. The handle 130 is attached or otherwise in communication with the plunger 106. The handle 130 extends into the room, and is capable of being actuated by a user. When the handle 130 is actuated, the plunger 106 moves from a retracted position to an extended position or from an extended position to a retracted position. When the plunger 106 is in an extended position, an end of the plunger 106 resides in a recess of the plunger retention assembly 120 and the door A is locked.
The plunger retention assembly 120 includes a recess on the first end 128. The recess is sized to accept the plunger 106.
The plunger retention assembly 120 also includes a faceplate 134 on the second end 126. The faceplate 134 includes an alternative unlock feature 202. An alternative unlocking device 204 is capable of communicating with alternative unlock feature 202 to unlock the door lockset 100 from outside of the room, for example in an emergency situation.
The latch assembly 102 is installed at a door jamb B, and the plunger retention assembly 120 is installed on a door A. As shown, the latch assembly 102 has a longitudinal axis that is installed at a right angle to the door jamb B. The plunger 106 is movable through the latch assembly 102 along the longitudinal axis.
The plunger retention assembly 120 is installed in the sliding door A through a bore hole. The plunger retention assembly 120 also has a longitudinal axis, the longitudinal axis being perpendicular to the door A.
In the embodiment shown, the plunger retention assembly 120 includes a pushbutton 132 on the second end 126. The pushbutton 132 is capable of being depressed by a user. The pushbutton 132 is in communication with an actuation member (not shown) which is capable of causing the plunger 106 to move to the extended position. The pushbutton 132 is described in more detail at
The alternative unlock feature 202 allows the door lockset 100 to be unlocked from the exterior of the room in an emergency situation. The alternative unlock feature 202 is described in more detail at
The latch assembly 102 is installed on the door jamb (not shown). The latch assembly 102 includes the plunger 106 extending through the latch assembly 102, and at least partially through the first end 108 and/or the second end 104. An end of the plunger 106 includes an alternative unlock feature 202. An alternative unlocking device 204 is capable of communicating with alternative unlock feature 202 to unlock the door lockset 100 from an outside of the room, for example in an emergency situation.
The plunger retention assembly 120 includes the pushbutton 132 on the second end 126. The pushbutton 132 is in communication with the plunger 106, and when the pushbutton 132 is depressed, the plunger 106 moves to the extended position to be in a locked configuration or the plunger 106 moves to a retracted position to be in an unlocked configuration.
The plunger 106 is configured to extend into a recess 135 of the plunger retention assembly 120 in the extended position. The recess is located at the first end 128 of the plunger retention assembly 120.
The plunger retention assembly 120 is configured to be installed in a bore hole of the door. The example illustrates a cross-sectional view of the plunger retention assembly 120. The plunger retention assembly includes a rod 122 connected to a plunger engagement member 124. The plunger engagement member 124 is located near the first end 128. The first end 128 and the second end 126 of plunger engagement member 124 are moveably attached to each other to accommodate different door widths. The first end 128 is received by the second end 126 and maintained by a connection mechanism 131. In an example, the connection mechanism 131 is a threaded fit; however, alternative connection mechanisms are possible such as friction fit or other similar connections.
In use, a user actuates the handle 130 which causes the plunger 106 to move from a retracted position to an extended position where the end of the plunger 106 is within the recess of the plunger retention assembly 120. If a user needs to unlock the door from the outside of the room, for example in an emergency situation, the user can use the alternative unlocking device 204 and insert it into the alternative unlock feature 202. The alternative unlocking device 204 is capable of engaging the rod 122 which moves the plunger engagement member 124 and moves the plunger 106 from the extended position to the retracted position to unlock the door lockset 100.
The plunger 106 is configured to extend into a recess of the plunger retention assembly 120 in the extended position. The recess is located at the first end 128 of the plunger retention assembly 120.
The plunger retention assembly 120 includes the pushbutton 132 at the second end 126. The example illustrates a cross-sectional view of the plunger retention assembly 120. The plunger retention assembly includes the rod 122 connected to the plunger engagement member 124. The plunger engagement member 124 is located near the first end 128 and is capable of extending through the first end 128.
In use, a user actuates the pushbutton 132 which engages the plunger 106 and causes the plunger 106 to move from a retracted position to an extended position where the end of the plunger 106 is within the recess of the plunger retention assembly 120.
If a user needs to unlock the door from the outside of the room, for example in an emergency situation, the user can use the alternative unlocking device 204 and insert it into the alternative unlock feature 202. The alternative unlocking device 204 is capable of moving the plunger 106 from the extended position to the retracted position.
When the plunger 106 is in the retracted position, a first block 302, a connecting member 304, and a guide member 306 are in a neutral position. The connecting member 304 is located on a hook of the guide member 306.
In this configuration, a spring (not shown) is in a compressed configuration as the first block 302 and the guide member 306 compresses the spring (not shown).
The connecting member 304 moves along the guide member 306, and causes the guide member 306 to move towards the first block 302. A movable block 310 is moved towards the first end 108 of the latch assembly 102. A spring (not shown) begins to expand to an expanded configuration, which causes the plunger 106 to extend to the extended position.
The connecting member 304 moves along the guide member 306, as the spring 308 expands back to the uncompressed configuration.
The connecting member 304 moves along the guide member 306, and causes the guide member 306 to move towards the first block 302. The movable block 310 is moved towards the first end 108 of the latch assembly 102. A spring (not shown) begins to expand to a non-compressed configuration, which causes the plunger 106 to extend to the extended position.
When the plunger 106 is in the retracted position, the first block 302, the connecting member 304, and the guide member 306 are in a neutral position. The connecting member 304 is located on a hook of the guide member 306. A spring (not shown) is compressed by the first block 302 and the guide member 306.
When the plunger 106 is in the retracted position, the first block 302, the connecting member 304, and the guide member 306 are in a neutral position and the spring (not shown) is compressed. The connecting member 304 is located on a hook of the guide member 306.
The outer body 406 is shown to contain the components of the plunger retention assembly 420, except for the flange 402 and the flange seal 404. When the outer body 406 is at the desired position within the bore 413, the flange 402 is positioned around the outer body 406 until the flange 402 is positioned immediately adjacent the door jamb side 403 of the door A. The flange seal 404 is then positioned around the outer body 406 and positioned immediately adjacent the flange 402.
Illustrative examples of the sliding door lockset herein are provided below. An embodiment of the sliding door lockset may include any one or more, and any combination of, the examples described below.
In Example 1, a lockset for a sliding door comprises a latch assembly having a first end and a second end and a plunger positioned at least partially within the latch assembly, the plunger movable between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the second end of the latch assembly. The lockset also includes a plunger retention assembly comprising a first end having a recess, a second end opposing the first end, and an actuation member positioned at least partially within the plunger retention assembly. The plunger is configured to engage the recess in the extended position.
In Example 2, the lockset of Example 1 is modified in that the plunger comprises a handle on a first end, the handle in communication with the plunger to move the plunger between the retracted position and the extended position.
In Example 3, the lockset of Example 2 is modified in that the plunger retention assembly comprises a faceplate on the second end.
In Example 4, the lockset of Example 3 is modified in that the faceplate comprises an emergency secondary unlock feature.
In Example 5, the lockset of Example 2 is modified in that the plunger retention assembly comprises a rod extending through the plunger retention assembly, the actuation member having a first end connected to the rod, and a second end forming the recess of the plunger retention assembly.
In Example 6, the lockset of Example 1 is modified in that the plunger retention assembly comprises a pushbutton on the second end, the pushbutton capable of moving the plunger between the retracted position and the extended position.
In Example 7, the lockset of Example 6 is modified in that the pushbutton is connected to a rod extending through the plunger retention assembly. The rod is configured to engage the plunger to move the plunger between the retracted position and the extended position.
In Example 8, the lockset of Example 6 is modified in that the plunger comprises a secondary unlock feature on the first end.
In Example 9, the lockset of Example 6 is modified in that the pushbutton is spring-loaded.
In Example 10, a sliding door lock comprises a latch assembly having a first end and a second end and a plunger positioned at least partially within the latch assembly, the plunger movable between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the second end of the latch assembly. The sliding door lock also includes a handle located on a first end of the plunger, the handle being in communication with the plunger to move the plunger between the retracted position and the extended position. The sliding door lock further includes a plunger retention assembly comprising a first end having a recess, a second end having a faceplate, and an actuation member positioned at least partially within the plunger retention assembly. The plunger is configured to engage the recess in the extended position.
In Example 11, the sliding door lock of Example 10 is modified in that the faceplate comprises an emergency unlock feature.
In Example 12, the sliding door lock of Example 11 is modified in that upon actuation of the emergency unlock feature, a rod is inserted into the emergency unlock feature to cause the plunger to move from the extended position to the retracted position.
In Example 13, the sliding door lock of Example 10 is modified in that the plunger retention assembly is configured to be installed in a door jamb.
In Example 14, the sliding door lock of Example 10 is modified in that the latch assembly is configured to be installed in a bore located within a door.
In Example 15, the sliding door lock of Example 10 is modified in that actuating the handle causes the plunger to move between the extended position and the retracted position along a first axis, wherein the first axis is perpendicular to a door.
In Example 16, a sliding door lock comprises a latch assembly having a first end and a second end and a latch plunger positioned at least partially within the latch assembly, the latch plunger movable between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the second end of the latch assembly. The sliding door lock also includes a plunger retention assembly comprising a first end having a recess, a second end, and an plunger comprising a rod and positioned at least partially within the plunger retention assembly. The plunger retention assembly includes a pushbutton on the second end, the pushbutton being connected to the rod and extending through the plunger retention assembly. The plunger moves the latch plunger between the retracted position and the extended position, and the latch plunger is configured to engage the recess in the extended position.
In Example 17, the sliding door lock of Example 16 is modified in that the latch plunger comprises an emergency unlock feature on the first end.
In Example 18, the sliding door lock of Example 16 is modified in that the pushbutton is spring-loaded.
In Example 19, the sliding door lock of Example 16 is modified in that actuating the pushbutton along a first axis causes the plunger to move between the extended position and the retracted position along the first axis, wherein the first axis is perpendicular to a door.
In Example 20, the sliding door lock of Example 16 is modified in that the latch assembly comprises a biasing block and a guide member connected to a connecting member, wherein the biasing block and the guide member control a spring.
In Example 21, a plunger retention assembly for a sliding door comprises a first body positioned at a first end and a second body positioned at a second end, the first body and the second body being connected to one another and forming an interior of the plunger retention assembly. The plunger retention assembly also includes a plunger positioned at least partially within the interior, the plunger at least partially extending a user definable distance from the first end. The plunger retention assembly further includes a pushbutton movably positioned at the second end, the pushbutton being connected to the plunger within the interior. Upon movement of the pushbutton into the interior, the plunger extends further from the first end.
In Example 22, the plunger retention assembly of Example 21 is modified in that the first body is an outer body and the second body is an inner body, and wherein the inner body is threaded into the outer body.
In Example 23, the plunger retention assembly of Example 21 is modified to further include a flange and a flange seal. The flange is positionable around the first body and the flange seal is positionable immediately adjacent the flange to reduce relative axial movement between the first body and the flange.
In Example 24, the plunger retention assembly of Example 22 is modified in that the flange seal is positioned within one of a plurality of recesses defined in the first body.
In Example 25, the plunger retention assembly of Example 21 is modified in that the plunger includes a latch plunger engagement member and a rod, wherein the rod includes a plurality of grooves, each of the grooves being configured to receive a clip.
Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, from the foregoing description, one skilled in the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of the present disclosure and various changes and modifications may be made to adapt the various uses and characteristics without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the following claims.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/028,354, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,473,351, filed Sep. 22, 2020; which claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/968,731, filed Jan. 31, 2020; and 62/904,101, filed Sep. 23, 2019, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.
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Number | Date | Country | |
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20230089580 A1 | Mar 2023 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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62968731 | Jan 2020 | US | |
62904101 | Sep 2019 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 17028354 | Sep 2020 | US |
Child | 17936033 | US |