Conventional door latches and dead bolts generally are comprised of a knob or key translated locking bolt that projects into the door sash to secure the door in a closed position in the door frame. Generally, latch mechanisms are preassembled to use a knob, or a key, or both, to rotate an axle which in turn translates the locking bolt to recede into the door surface and allow the door to be opened.
Such conventional door latch mechanisms being so configured lack adaptability to the varying requirements of different doors in different venues. Further, such conventional systems lack adaptability for different directions of door rotation into the sash or changing the direction at a later date, thereby increasing the inventory requirements of manufacturers and the assembly and disassembly requirements of users choosing to reverse a door mounting or rotation.
The device herein disclosed features a latch module component that may be reconfigured to allow use on doors in a large number of configurations to match the physical and security requirements of doors located in different venues having different physical and security requirements. Further, a unique switch lever allows the device to operate in reverse of traditional snib operation for such installations. As such, the single piece, multi-point locking door security device disclosed and described herein is adapted to fit into standard Eurogroove form profiles associated with UPvc and composite door systems in varying mounting configurations.
The device as shown in the drawings features a housing with an internal cavity that provides a casing for internal components. In operation, lifting the door lever engages roller cams and a secondary hook and deadbolt units into one piece or individual pieces to keep it positioned in the fixed door frame and adapted to accept the distal end of the deadbolt or latch. This locks the day latch using a drive rod mechanism. A full turn of the cylinder translates the deadbolt and locks the mechanism. However, this cannot be accomplished unless the lever is lifted first thereafter to return to a horizontal position through sprung action of a split spindle mechanism.
Internal unlocking of the device is accomplished by a full opposite turn of the cylinder which retracts a deadbolt and unlocks the mechanism. In another operation, depression of the lever disengages the roller cams hook bolts and latch from one piece or individual pieces to keep it positioned via drive rod. The lever returns to a horizontal position through sprung action provided by biasing springs located in the split spindle mechanism.
When closed and in registered engagement within the frame, the door is retained on a day latch, which is released by depressing the lever. The day latch can also be released by a ¼ turn of the cylinder whereafter the lever returns to a horizontal position through sprung action in the split spindle mechanism.
External locking of the device is accomplished by lifting the lever wherein a pad engages roller cams and hook bolts into one piece or individual pieces to keep it positioned via a drive rod. A full turn of the cylinder throws a deadbolt and locks the mechanism and the lever will return to the horizontal position through the biasing of the springs in the split spindle mechanism. To provide for external unlocking in one mode, a full opposite turn of the cylinder retracts a deadbolt and unlocks the mechanism.
Depression of the lever disengages the roller cams and bolts and latch from the one piece individual keep but the latch function is dependent on which day latch option is chosen by a rotary trigger mounted on the face plate. When the knob is turned or the lever is depressed, the latch retracts into the lock housing.
The device features an external day latch option providing a first option similar to a single spindle style operation such that when closed, the door is retained on the day latch which is released by depressing the lever. The lever returns to a horizontal position through sprung action in the split spindle mechanism. Also, in a single spindle style operation the day latch can also be released by ¼ turn of the cylinder.
A unique multi-point drive mechanism is provided by the device to activate a drive rail engaged within a groove in the sash. This drive rail activates secondary hook and bolt units linked to the drive rail in addition to throwing a dead bolt in the main central lock unit. Numerous advantages of this multiple point door locking system are provided increasing ease of use and security over single point locking systems which are conventionally available.
Employing a central lock unit independent lever operation is provided by a unique split spindle. This split spindle provides the independent lever action along a single axis. The two individual spindles forming the split spindle employ one spindle attached to an internal lever and other to an external lever positioned in the same plane.
Unlike conventional components, the spindles are not offset to each other and each portion of the split spindle is inserted a substantially equal distance into the central lock unit thereby providing a true 50/50 split. The two spindles forming the split spindle are held in place by respective snap rings located in the central lock unit spindle sockets. The formed split spindle single axis gearbox thereby allows the door fabrication company to use standard door lever hardware instead of customized components.
Also unique in the device, single axis drive gears retain their concentricity by being mounted on a bearing forming a novel dual drive gear mechanism with each drive gear driven by a separate spindle half which is attached to the door levers in an arrangement that allows different functions of external or internal levers.
Especially novel and in the most preferred mode of the device herein, a latch management module is provided which allows the user to switch between first and second options in the external day latch functions. Conventionally a door lock with the option of a second style day latch has a snib facility to hold back the latch which allows the user to regain entry if they exit the door for a short period to get the mail or go outside and such. However, this conventional apparatus and method leaves the door ajar at all times while they are away. With the provided
latch management module, the switching lever is on the face plate of the lock instead of one side of the door and the user can switch from the second or temporary exit option to the first option to allow the user to regain entry, whilst the door is closed and on the day latch.
This two option latch solves a market need for the door fabricator to stock one lock and choose whether it will be a back or front door lock. This reduction in stock is provided by the option to employ the switching mechanism of the latch management module situated on the face plate of the lock. This is a major advantage to manufacturers as it allows the fabricator to stock one lock instead of having separate locks for front or back door applications.
Additionally provided in a central lock unit portion is a deadbolt restriction which provides a means of making the deadbolt operate in a compatible fashion with multiple point locking units being activated. This action forces the home owner to have to activate for maximum security. In use a lever must be lifted to throw additional locking points before the cylinder can be activated which controls the dead bolt for translation in and out of the sash when a key is turned through the lock. This provides the additional benefit of separate deadbolt operation from the multipoint locking function.
Finally, providing additional utility is the universal lock function provided by the reversible latch. Through an engagement of a mounting screw or other means of engagement the latch engaged to a forked member may be easily reversed in the assembly by the fabricator enabling the stocking of a single lock for both right hand and left hand mounted doors. This also allows for changes in door swing desired by a user on installation should they wish to swing the doors out instead of inward upon installation or at a later time.
In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention herein in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for designing of other methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent construction insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
It is an object of this invention to provide a multi point door lock assembly with a central latch management module providing the ability to switch lever operations.
It is a still further object of this invention to provide the aforementioned advantages along with a latch and fork member that may be easily reversed thereby decreasing the inventory requirements of manufacturers.
There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.
These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of the construction and method as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout.
a depicts engagement components for the latch management module to the unlocking components of the multi point lock.
b shows the lock management module engaged within the multi point lock in a combined structure.
Referring now to the drawings in
Provided in a most preferred mode of the device 10 herein, the latch module 12 allows the user to switch between first and second options in the external day latch functions depicted in
Rotation of the lever 14 will change operation of the lock module 12 to the second mode which is to hold back the latch 18 while the user is outside for a short time. Turning the handle 14 the user can switch from the second or temporary exit option to the first option to allow the user to regain entry, whilst the door is closed and on the day latch. Internally, when the door is closed, but not secured, the door is retained in position by the sprung loaded latch 18 protruding through the casing 13. A conventional spring 21 provides this bias. The latch 18 can be retracted into the casing by depressing the lever 14 or by a third of a turn of the security key 20. In the external option, shown also in
When in a second position as shown in
As noted, the split spindle and latch 18 protruding from the face plate 16 rather than adjacent to the shaft 22, allows fabricators to stock only one device for both front and back doors and still have the day latch function.
An independent lever 22 operation is provided by a unique split spindle 24. This split spindle 24 provides the independent lever action along a single axis. The two individual spindles 24a and 24b form the split spindle 24 employ one spindle attached to an internal lever and other to an external lever or shaft 22 positioned in the same plane. As noted, the spindles 24 are not offset to each other and each portion of the split spindle 24 is inserted a substantially equal distance into the central lock unit of the device 10 thereby providing a true 50/50 split. The two spindles 24a and 24b forming the split spindle 24 are held in place by respective snap rings 26 located in the central lock unit spindle sockets 27 and a bearing 28 allows rotation. Springs 30 provide biasing to return the shaft 22 to a static position. The formed split spindle 24 single axis gearbox thereby allows the door fabrication company to use standard door lever hardware instead of customized components. Additionally utility particularly preferred to provide easy alignment is provided by an adaptive shaft 22 engagement to the spindles 24. This engagement at a first end of the shaft 22 provides for an angle 32 of the shaft up to 15 degrees off perpendicular.
Also in the most preferred mode of the device 10 the latch 18 is engaged to a forked member 19. Using an allen screw 33 or other means for engagement, the latch 18 is removably engageable to the latch body 34 with the fork 36 aligned in engagement around protruding pins 38 from the latch body 34. Translation of the latch body 34 thereby moves with the latch 18 and vice versa. The latch 18 with forked member 19 engaged, may be removed from engagement to the latch body 34 and reversed and re engaged with the fork 36 engaged on another pin 38 on the opposite side of the latch body 34. This allows for easy reversal of the latch 18 by the user to change operation of the device 10 for swing direction.
As best shown in
The user can switch between the two modes of operation as best shown in
The switch lever 14 is rotated clockwise or counter clockwise by about 15 degrees, depending on the location of the fork 36. The switch lever 14 is directly connect to a drive bar 48 which is rotated when the lever 14 is rotated and makes contact with the upper slot in the slide carrier 49 and forces the carrier 49 to be released from the spring loaded ball 23 along the guide pins 38. The carrier's position is maintained within the latch body 34 by the biased ball 23 resting in the outer groove of the carrier 49. In this configuration, only the internal shaft 22 is depressed will the spindles communicate contact with the carrier 49 which thereby withdraws the latch 18. When the external lever is depressed the spindle 24 passes through the carrier and does not withdraw the latch 18.
The fork 36 restricts the travel of the carrier 49 along the guide pins 38. In this configuration the fork 36 may be rotated 180 degrees to provide either the right hand hung or left hand hung applications depending on where it is initially positioned thereby allowing either type of door hanging. The manual lever 14 will still offer dual and single lever operation from the vertical position and when activated in the opposite direction by 15 degrees.
Although the invention has been described with respect to particular embodiments thereof, it should be realized that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. While the invention as shown in the drawings and described in detail herein discloses arrangements of elements of particular construction and configuration for illustrating preferred embodiments of structure and method of operation of the present invention, it is to be understood, however, that elements of different construction and configuration and other arrangements thereof, other than those illustrated and described, may be employed in accordance with the spirit of this invention. Any and all such changes, alternations and modifications as would occur to those skilled in the art are considered to be within the scope of this invention as broadly defined in the appended claims.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/758,450, filed on Jan. 11, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference. The invention herein disclosed and described relates to a door latch or knob operated lock. More particularly it relates to a knob or key operated latching system for a door, having a plurality of different assembly configurations using a latch module, thereby providing adaptability of one such latching mechanism to varying requirements of a plurality of different type door installations and directions of closure.
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
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PCT/US2007/000700 | 1/10/2007 | WO | 00 | 7/11/2008 |
Number | Date | Country | |
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60758450 | Jan 2006 | US |