The present invention relates to lock assemblies for movable closures and the like, and, in particular, to a lock assembly that can be actuated either manually, via a touch pad, or via a remote control.
Lock assemblies are generally well-known in the art, and are typically flush mounted on an associated closure or door to facilitate selectively shifting the closure between an open unlocked position and a closed locked position. Paddle handle assemblies are used widely on entry doors for recreational vehicles, motor homes, and the like, and in such applications require that the latch mechanism be accessible and operable from both the inside and the outside of the vehicle and that they include a deadbolt lock for maximum security.
Heretofore, paddle handle assemblies have proven generally effective, although they experience certain drawbacks. For example, most prior art paddle handle assemblies require that the latch lock and the deadbolt lock be actuated through manual lock cylinders and key locks. Also, such prior art paddle handle assemblies are not particularly adapted for use with remotely operated signaling devices, which have become quite popular in the vehicle industry. Furthermore, some prior art paddle handle assemblies experience a problem in maintaining the alignment between the deadbolt and the associated strike. Also, many prior art paddle handle assemblies have a rather complicated construction, which is expensive to manufacture and difficult to repair. Hence, a paddle handle assembly which overcomes these drawbacks would be advantageous.
One aspect of the present invention is a lock assembly for closures and the like comprising a housing adapted for mounting adjacent an associated closure of the type that can be shifted between an open position and a closed position. A handle is pivotally mounted in an exterior portion of the housing for rotation between a retracted position and an extended position. A latch is operably connected with the handle and configured such that when the handle is in the retracted position, the latch is in a latched position, wherein the closure cannot be unintentionally shifted from the closed position, and when the handle is in the extended position, the latch is in an unlatched position, wherein the closure is free to be shifted from the closed position to the open position. A key lock is mounted on the exterior portion of the housing, where the key lock has a locked and an unlocked position. A lock cam is rotatably mounted in the housing and operably connected with the key lock for rotation therewith, the lock cam having a crank arm, where a first link is operably connected with the crank arm. A deadbolt lock is movably mounted in the housing for shifting between a locked position, wherein the closure is positively retained in the closed position, and an unlocked position, wherein the closure is free to be shifted between the open and closed positions, the deadbolt lock being operably connected with the first link. A motor is operatively connected with a first link and an electronic touchpad mounted on the exterior portion of the housing is operatively connected with the motor, whereby entry of a preselected numerical code actuates the motor and contemporaneously shifts the deadbolt lock between the locked and unlocked positions.
Another aspect of the present invention is a lock assembly that includes a motor cam operably connected with the first link and the motor to shift the deadbolt lock between the locked and unlocked positions.
A further is aspect of the present invention is a lock assembly including a second link operably connected with the motor cam and the deadbolt; wherein rotation of the lock cam operates through the second link to rotate the motor cam and rotation of the motor cam operates through the first link to shift the deadbolt lock between the locked and unlocked positions.
Still another aspect of the present invention is a lock assembly wherein actuation of the motor operates through the second link to rotate the lock cam and through the first link to shift the deadbolt lock between the locked and unlocked positions.
Yet a further aspect of the present invention is a lock assembly including a deadbolt slidably mounted in the housing with an outer end thereof which extends exterior of the housing for engagement with an associated strike, an inner end thereof which extends interior of the housing, the first link having a first end thereof pivotally connected with the inner end of the deadbolt, and a second end thereof pivotally connected with a crank arm of the motor cam, such that actuation of the motor between the locked and unlocked positions longitudinally shifts the deadbolt between the locked and unlocked positions
Another aspect of the present invention is a lock assembly wherein the second link has a first end thereof pivotally connected with the crank arm of the lock cam and a second end thereof pivotally connected with the crank arm of the motor cam, such that rotation of the key lock between the locked and unlocked positions longitudinally shifts the deadbolt lock between the locked and unlocked positions.
An additional aspect of the present invention is a lock assembly including a fixed handle operably connected with an interior portion of the housing and shaped to facilitate manually shifting the closure between the open and closed positions from an interior side of the closure, the fixed handle having a ramp-shaped leading edge to avoid interference with an adjacent sliding closure.
A further aspect of the present invention is a lock assembly including an interior lock actuator mounted on the interior portion of the housing, and operably connected with the lock cam for rotation therewith, such that shifting the interior lock actuator between locked and unlocked positions shifts the deadbolt lock between the locked and unlocked positions.
A still further aspect of the present invention is a lock assembly wherein the handle includes an external handle key lock assembly and a protruding locking tab which rotates with the external handle key lock assembly between a locked and an unlocked position, and a handle recess in the exterior portion of the housing for receiving the handle, the handle recess having a locking stop that engages the protruding locking tab to prevent the handle from pivoting when the external handle key lock assembly is placed in the locked position.
Another aspect of the present invention is a lock assembly wherein the deadbolt cross-sectional lateral thickness is narrower than the cross-sectional lateral thickness of the latch to prevent interference between the deadbolt and the associated deadbolt strike as the deadbolt is moved between the locked and unlocked positions.
Yet a further aspect of the present invention is a lock assembly wherein the outer end of the deadbolt is tapered to prevent interference between the deadbolt and the associated deadbolt strike as the deadbolt is moved between the locked and unlocked positions.
Still another aspect of the present invention is a lock assembly wherein the latch has an outer end that extends exterior of the housing for engagement with an associated latch strike having an abutting surface and an inner end thereof which extends interior of the housing, the outer end of the latch further having a plunger flat that faces the abutting surface on the strike, and the deadbolt lock outer end that extends exterior of the housing for engagement with an associated deadbolt strike is located inboard of the latch plunger flat to prevent interference between the deadbolt and the associated deadbolt strike as the deadbolt is moved between the locked and unlocked positions.
Yet another aspect of the present invention is a lock assembly wherein rotation of the lock cam and the motor cam to shift the deadbolt lock to the locked position places the first and second link in substantially end-to-end relationship to prevent the outer end of the deadbolt from being pushed internally into the handle while in the locked position.
A still further aspect of the present invention is a lock assembly further comprising water diversion channels disposed on an internal surface of the external plate to divert water between the external plate and the internal plate away from the motor.
Another aspect of the present invention is a lock assembly further comprising water diversion ribs provided on an external surface of the external plate to divert water on the external surface of the external plate away from the latch handle and the internal surface of the external plate.
An additional aspect of the present invention is a lock assembly for closures and the like of the type that can be moved between an open position and a closed position and that have an exterior and an interior surface with an opening extending between the exterior and interior surfaces. The lock assembly comprises a housing adapted for mounting on an associated closure, the housing having an exterior plate juxtaposed against the exterior surface of the closure and an interior plate juxtaposed against the interior surface of the closure, the exterior and interior plates attached one to the other through the opening in the closure. A handle is pivotally mounted in the exterior plate of the housing for rotation between a retracted position and an extended position. A latch is operably connected with the handle, and configured such that when the handle is in the retracted position, the latch is in a latched position, wherein the closure cannot be unintentionally shifted from the closed position, and when the handle is in the extended position, the latch is in an unlatched position, wherein the closure is free to be moved from the closed position to the open position. A key lock is mounted on the exterior plate of the housing, where the key lock has a locked and an unlocked position. A lock cam is rotatably mounted in the housing and operably connected with the key lock for rotation therewith, the lock cam having a crank arm, and a first link is operably connected with the crank arm. A deadbolt lock is movably mounted in the housing for shifting between a locked position, wherein the closure is positively retained in the closed position, and an unlocked position, wherein the closure is free to be shifted between the open and closed positions. The deadbolt lock is operably connected with the first link on the lock cam and a motor is operatively connected with the first link. An electronic touchpad is mounted on the exterior portion of the housing and is operatively connected with the motor, whereby entry of a preselected numerical code actuates the motor and contemporaneously shifts the deadbolt lock between the locked and unlocked positions. Water diversion channels are provided on an internal surface of the external plate to divert water between the external plate and the internal plate away from the motor.
Yet another aspect of the present invention is a lock assembly wherein the electronic touchpad further comprises a controller.
Another aspect of the present invention is a lock assembly further comprising a sensor for determining whether the deadbolt is in the locked or unlocked position to control when the controller shifts the deadbolt lock between the locked and unlocked positions.
Still another aspect of the present invention is a lock assembly comprising a sensor cam positioned on the lock cam, where the sensor for determining whether the deadbolt is in locked or unlocked position is a depression switch sensor mounted such that when the deadbolt is moved to the unlocked position, the sensor cam depresses the depression switch of the sensor for determining whether the deadbolt is in the locked or unlocked position to signal that the deadbolt is in the unlocked position, and when the deadbolt is moved to the locked position, the depression switch of the sensor for determining whether the deadbolt is in locked or unlocked position is not depressed to signal that the deadbolt is in locked position.
A still further aspect of the present invention is a paddle lock assembly wherein failure of either the sensor cam or the crank arm to depress the depression switch of the sensor for determining whether the deadbolt is in the locked or unlocked position within a predetermined time interval signals to the controller that the deadbolt is not free to move from the unlocked to the locked position.
A yet further aspect of the present invention is a lock assembly comprising a battery pack for powering the controller and further comprising a sensor for determining the charge of the battery pack and a signaling device responsive to a low battery charge.
Yet an additional aspect of the present invention is a lock assembly comprising a sensor for determining the proximity of a hand of a user and illuminators that illuminate the touchpad to facilitate entry of the code in response to a signal from the sensor for determining the proximity of a hand of a user.
Another aspect of the present invention is a lock assembly wherein the preselected numerical code can be modified by a user of the touchpad.
Yet another aspect of the present invention is a locking paddle handle assembly that has an uncomplicated design which is efficient in use, economical to manufacture, capable of a long operating life, and particularly well adapted for the proposed use.
These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, claims, and appended drawings.
For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in
The reference numeral 1 in the Figures generally designates a lock assembly 1 embodying the present invention. Lock assembly 1 includes a housing 2 adapted for mounting in or adjacent to an associated closure 3 of the type that can be shifted between an open position (
A paddle handle key lock 6 is preferably mounted on the exterior portion of paddle handle 4, and includes a movable key lock member 7 that is selectively movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. A paddle handle lock pawl 8 is movably mounted in paddle handle 4, operable connected with movable key lock member 7, and configured such that when movable key lock member 7 is in the locked position, paddle lock pawl 8 engages a paddle handle lock recess 9 (
A deadbolt lock 10 is mounted in housing 2 for shifting between a locked position (
In the example illustrated in
As best illustrated in
As best illustrated in
The interior plate 23 (
As best illustrated in
The interior plate 23 is also provided with a battery compartment 56 disposed between the interior handle 49 and the interior lock knob 52 and release lever 50. The battery compartment 56 is preferably adapted to receive four AA batteries, which are common and easy to install. A battery compartment cover 57 is removably attached to the interior plate 23 through tabs 58 that are received within recesses 59 on one edge of the battery compartment 56 and fasteners 62 that secure attachment tabs 63 to the opposite edge of the battery compartment 56. The batteries in the battery compartment 56 in the interior plate 23 are electrically coupled through power lines 46 to provide electrical power to the controller 45 and motor 86 mounted on the exterior housing plate 22, as described below.
In the illustrated example, the movable deadlock key lock member 12 of deadbolt key lock 11 is in the form of a cylindrical lock plug that is received in the lock aperture 27 on the exterior housing plate 22, and is rotatably mounted in lock boss 34 for rotation between locked and unlocked positions. The illustrated lock cam 74, best shown in
With reference to
The motor 86 is preferably mounted in a recess pocket 92 integrally molded into the interior side of the exterior plate 22. As best shown in
In the illustrated lock assembly 1, the interior backer plate 120 is disposed between the exterior and interior housing plates 22 and 23, covers the interior faces of deadbolt 80 and slide 100, and is attached to fastener bosses 121 on the interior side of exterior housing plate 22 to retain the moving components securely in place.
It is critical to maintain the motor crank arm 76 in position to prevent a false indication given from the switch 105, as discussed below. In other words, it is vital to keep the motor crank arm 76 rotating about a fixed axis. The axis of rotation of the motor crank arm 76 is fixed by a combination of pocket 92, discussed above, as well as a circular pad 93 on the motor crank arm 76 and orifice 94 in the interior backing plate 120 that holds the motor 86 in place. These features prevent the motor crank arm 76 from moving, and yet allow the motor crank arm 76 to freely rotate. Preferably, the interior surface of the exterior plate 22 includes physical stops 96, 97 to prevent the motor crank arm from over rotation and to prevent the deadbolt 80 from being forced to the unlocked position. As for the lock cam 74, stop or collar 79 is sized to extend into recess 124 axially positioned on the back plate 120, so as to prevent the axis of lock cam 74 from moving vertically or horizontally and in rotation only.
Also, importantly, the first link 83 and second link 87 are preferably in end-to-end relationship with one another when in the locked position, as shown in
The illustrated latch 5 includes a pocketed slide 100 which is slidably mounted in the latch slide channel 30 on the inside surface of exterior housing plate 22 for laterally shifting between latched and unlatched positions. Slide 100 has an exterior pocket 101 into which the actuator tab 26 on paddle handle 4 is received, such that shifting paddle handle 4 from the exterior of the vehicle between the retracted and extended positions longitudinally shifts slide 100 in a lateral direction between the latched position shown in
In operation, closure 3 can be shifted from the closed to the open position from the exterior of the vehicle in the following manner. With the locking paddle handle 4 in the unlocked position via key 126 and the deadbolt lock 10 in the unlocked position, paddle handle 4 may be rotated outwardly from the retracted position to the extended position. Rotation of paddle handle 4 from the retracted position to the extended position pivots actuator tab 26 laterally, which, in turn, moves slide 100 laterally inwardly. The lateral inward shifting of slide 100 causes the latch 5 to shift to the unlatched position. The latch 5 thereby disengages from the door recess 16, and permits the user to shift closure 3 from the closed position to the open position, as shown in
Closure 3 can be similarly shifted from the closed position to the open position from the interior of the vehicle in the following manner. With the locking paddle handle 4 in either of the locked or unlocked positions and the deadbolt lock 10 in the unlocked position, release handle 50 may be rotated laterally inwardly from the retracted position to the extended position, which pivots actuator tab 51 laterally, and moves slide 100 inwardly. The inward shifting of slide 100 also causes the latch 5 to shift to the unlatched position. The latch 5 thereby disengages from the door strike recess 16, and permits the user to shift closure 3 from the closed position to the open position, as shown in
In order to return the closure 3 to the closed and latched position from either the exterior or interior of the vehicle, the user simply shifts closure 3 to the closed position, which causes an inclined surface 18 on latch 5 to strike the door strike 15 and thereby push latch 5 into the interior of the lock assembly 1. When the latch 5 comes into registry with the door strike recess 16, the latch 5 is urged back to the latched position by virtue of the spring biasing force exerted by coil spring 102, thereby preventing the door from being inadvertently shifted from the closed position to the open position.
When the closure 3 is in the fully closed and latched position, the same can be positively locked in place by rotation of lock plug 7. More specifically, a matching key 128 is inserted into the key slot 129 in deadbolt lock plug 11, and the same are then rotated from the unlocked position to the locked position. Rotation of lock plug 11 rotates lock cam 74, which, in turn, contemporaneously shifts the crank arm 75 of lock cam 74, second link 87 pivotally connected with motor crank arm 76, motor crank arm 76, first link 83 pivotally connected with motor crank arm 76 and the inner end 82 of deadbolt 80, and deadbolt 80 from the unlocked to the locked position. In the locked position, deadbolt 80 engages door strike recess 17 in the door strike 15, and positively prevents opening of the door. The deadbolt lock 10 is unlocked by rotating key 128 and associated lock plug 11 in the opposite direction. The deadbolt 10 can be similarly shifted between the locked and unlocked positions from the interior of the closure 3 by rotation of interior lock knob 52.
The closure 3 can also be positively locked in place by actuation of touchpad 36. In practice, a numerical code is programmed on the microchip or controller 45 at the time of manufacture of the lock assembly 1. Preferably, the original code is null-code, such as 0000. After purchase by the end-user, the code can be modified and customized to the end-user's preference. Preferably, the code may be repeatedly changed as deemed appropriate by the end-user. Once the predetermined numerical code is entered into the buttons 37 of touchpad 36, the controller 45 receives a signal that the closure 3 is to be placed in the locked mode. The controller 45 then opens a switch to send electrical power to actuate the lock motor 86. Upon actuation of the lock motor 86, the lock motor 86 rotates the motor crank arm 76 clockwise, which shifts the first link 83 pivotally connected with motor crank arm 76 and the inner end 82 of deadbolt 80, and deadbolt 80 from the unlocked to the locked position. In the locked position, deadbolt 80 engages door strike recess 17 in the doorframe 15, and positively prevents opening of the door. The crank arm 75 of lock cam 74 and second link 87, pivotally connected with motor crank arm 76, are also placed in the locked position. The deadbolt lock 10 is unlocked by re-entry of the predetermined numerical code and subsequent rotation of the lock motor counterclockwise.
The controller 45 is a standard printed circuit board, as is known in the art. Moreover, addition to actuating the deadbolt as described above, the controller 45 is useful in other tasks, such as monitoring the state of battery charge. In particular, the controller 45 can be programmed to activate a warning indicator, such as a blinking illuminator behind the buttons 37 upon entry of the code or a light emitting diode (LED) telltale (not shown), upon the battery charge dropping below a predetermined level, advising the end-user that the batteries should be replaced.
However, in the event of an electrical problem with the lock assembly 1, the deadbolt 80 can still be activated by a key or internal deadbolt knob 52. That is, the deadbolt 10 can be similarly shifted between the locked and unlocked positions from the interior of the vehicle by rotation of interior lock knob 52 and from the exterior of the vehicle by rotation of the deadbolt key lock 11.
Preferably, the deadbolt outer end 81 is slightly tapered toward its distal end, as indicated by angle α shown in
In the preferred example, the buttons 37 of the touchpad 36 are preferably relatively large, illuminated, capacitive touch technology buttons rather than mechanical buttons. Preferably, the buttons have a diameter of at least one-half inch, with black numerical indicia against a white background. Also, a sensor 64 is preferably disposed on the controller 45 and extends to the external surface of the exterior housing plate 22 for determining the proximity of a hand of a user. Illuminators that illuminate the buttons 37 of the touchpad 36, such as LEDs, are disposed below the buttons 37, which are preferably translucent. Upon detection of the user's hand, the controller 45 activates the LEDs to backlight the numerical indicia 38 to facilitate entry of the code. After a predetermined period of non-use, the LEDs are deactivated to conserve battery power. Alternatively, the illuminators may be actuated by depression of any of the buttons 37.
Additionally, audible feedback may be provided to successfully indicate locking and unlocking functions. For example, audible features may also be used to: signal that the assembly is ready to accept new code by emitting three short beeps; signal that a new code is entered by emitting four short beeps; signal that an incorrect code was entered with one long beep; signal that the deadbolt 80 is locked or unlocked with two short beeps; signal that the deadbolt 80 failed to lock or unlock with one long beep; and signal low battery charge with one long beep after the lock/unlock beeps. Preferably, the controller 45 is programmed such that the assembly will cycle up to ten more times once the low battery indication occurs. After this, the final electric function in a low battery condition preferably implements a protocol to prevent the electronic locking function.
The lock assembly 1 can also be equipped to sense the position of the deadbolt 80 and to determine if there is an obstruction to the dead bolt. As best seen in
The lock assembly 1 described herein may also be adapted for operable connection with a remotely operated signaling device (such as a key fob) (not shown). That is, the controller 45 may be programmed to interface with a built-in receiver to receive a signal from a remotely operated signaling device equipped with a transmitter to place the lock assembly 1 in the locked mode. In response to such a signal, the controller 45 then opens a switch to send electrical power to actuate the lock motor 86. Upon actuation of the lock motor 86, the lock motor 86 rotates the motor crank arm 76 clockwise, which shifts the first link 83 pivotally connected with motor crank arm 76 and the inner end 82 of deadbolt 80, and deadbolt 80 from the unlocked to the locked positions. The closure 3 may be unlocked in similar fashion.
Given the presence of the controller 45 and motor 86, the presence of water internal to the lock assembly 1 is highly undesirable and it is highly desirable to allow the water to exit the lock assembly 1. Accordingly, diversion channels 110 are provided on the internal surface of the external plate 22 to divert water between the external plate and the internal plate away from the motor 86 and controller 45, regardless of how the lock assembly 1 might be mounted to the closure 3, as shown in
Additional water control may be obtained by the use of water diversion provided on the external surface of the exterior housing plate 22. The water diversion includes an elevated rib 113 extending completely about handle recess 24. Water encountering the elevated rib 113 will tend to flow around the handle recess 24 due to capillary action and then fall to the ground. A similar elevated rib 114 is formed around lock aperture 27 on the surface of the exterior housing plate 22. An elevated, generally triangularly shaped base 115 having channels 116 on either angled side is formed near the actuator window 25, such that water flowing near the actuator window 25 is forced to flow away from the actuator window 25 and does not flow into the interior of the lock assembly 1 in the first instance. Due to the symmetrical wedge-shape of the base 115, the assembly may be mounted on either right-hand or left-hand hinged doors. Additionally, a web 117, best shown in
In accordance with the foregoing description, an improved lock assembly has been disclosed which includes an integral touchpad lock control coupled with a handle mechanism that is convenient for the consumer, in that keys and key fobs are not needed to actuate the lock. Relatively large, illuminated capacitive touch buttons allow for ease of use. The described latch assembly readily fits in existing RV doors and consumers can replace existing mechanical travel trailer latch with the improved latch assembly. This is especially made possible due to the self-contained power source of the improved latch assembly that requires no external wiring.
In the foregoing description, it will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the concepts disclosed herein. Such modifications are to be considered as included in the following claims, unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.
This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to commonly assigned, co-pending, related U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/639,516, filed Dec. 16, 2009, entitled LOCK ASSEMBLY FOR CLOSURES AND THE LIKE, which claimed priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/203,403, filed Dec. 22, 2008; and further is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to commonly assigned, co-pending, related U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/952,230, filed Nov. 23, 2010, entitled REMOTELY OPERATED LOCK ASSEMBLY FOR CLOSURES AND THE LIKE, which claimed priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/264,935, filed Nov. 30, 2009, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. This application also claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to commonly assigned, co-pending, related U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/368,778, filed Feb. 8, 2012, entitled REMOTELY OPERATED LOCKING HANDLE LATCH ASSEMBLY, which claimed priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/440,895, filed Feb. 9, 2011, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
61264935 | Nov 2009 | US | |
61203403 | Dec 2008 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
Parent | 12952230 | Nov 2010 | US |
Child | 13424512 | US | |
Parent | 12639516 | Dec 2009 | US |
Child | 12952230 | US |