AU2021282434A1

AU2021282434A1 - Multi-Functional Entrance Lock

Info

Publication number: AU2021282434A1
Application number: AU2021282434A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Daniel Smolarski
Original assignee: Ripponlea Australia Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Ripponlea Australia Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2020-12-21
Filing date: 2021-12-08
Publication date: 2022-07-07

Abstract

Multi-Functional Entrance Lock - Complete Specification ABSTRACT: MULTI-FUNCTION ENTRANCE LOCK Disclosed herein is a simple, novel and high-quality lock assembly that allows users to make an emergency exit, when the assembly is in locked condition. FIG. 1 shows the single integrated lock assembly (100) comprising a reversible latch (10) positioned in the top of the lock assembly (100), a bolt (30) positioned in the bottom of the lock assembly (100), a dead latch trigger (20) positioned in between the latch (10) and the bolt (30) for opening the door during emergency situation, a spindle follower hub (40), a bolt disable screw (50), an escape function handling screw (60), a cylinder housing (70) positioned in the lower bottom side of the assembly (100) and a case (80) to cover both sides of the lock assembly (100). Thus, the lock assembly (100) is operable with multiple functions and is suitable for various door and window configurations, which gives high degree of security. 10 Multi-Functional Entrance Lock - Complete Specification DRAWINGS: FIG. 1 shows the side view of exemplary locking assembly with a 60mm backset; FIG. 1 100 Side A Side B 10 ! 40 20 80 30 70 50

Description

Multi-Functional Entrance Lock - Complete Specification

DRAWINGS:

FIG. 1 shows the side view of exemplary locking assembly with a 60mm backset;

FIG. 1 100

Side A Side B

10 !

40

20

80

30

70

Multi-Functional Entrance Lock - Complete Specification

Multi-Functional Entrance Lock - Complete Specification FIELD OF THE INVENTION:

The present invention generally relates to locking assembly for doors. More particularly, it relates to a multifunctional lock assembly that is actuated by a lever handle. Amongst other functions, the lever handle can facilitate the opening of the door when required for emergency exit applications in timber or narrow style aluminum doors.

BACKGROUND:

A lock assembly for doors and windows provide a sense of security to the people staying inside the home. Earlier, people used to lock their home using the handles provided and then they would lock with a separate padlock. In modern days, the lock for the door is installed within the door thereby eliminating the need for the separate lock. Such modern lock assembly comprises a lever handle to open or close the door, a spring based reversible latch and a bolt, where the door is opened using a cylinder key that unlocks the bolt from its engaged recess.

Many different types and shapes of lock assemblies are very well known in existing art which give a high degree of security and peace of mind to the user. For example,

German patent number 19622524 entitled "Security door-locking device with electric release switch esp. for prison cells" deals with a door lock that can be opened only from the outside, where it is provided with an additional latching lock and an electrical opener. These additional latching locks are actuated based upon the operation of the main lock.

WIPO Patent Publication Number 2004074606 to Demourtzidis Peter entitled "Door Lock Improvements" deals with a lock assembly that has a dead latch, dead bolt, an interconnecting means and respective actuators for actuating dead latch and deadbolt reciprocating between extended and retracted position.

However, all the available locks do not provide an emergency exit during a fire accident. Also, it is required to fix multiple locks having distinct functions for a single door application. Further, the known services require building code and fire door regulations to be met by using different locks for the applicable condition.

Hence there is a need for a novel, single lock assembly that provides emergency exit function to the user, even when the door is in locked position. Also, a single integrated lock assembly that provides the functionality to be set up for multiple operating conditions in line with building code and fire door regulations.

Multi-Functional Entrance Lock - Complete Specification

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION:

The primary object of the present invention is to provide a simple, novel and high-quality locking assembly with multiple functions that is actuated to unlock the door during the emergency situation by panic override function in line with building code regulations and requirements that forbid the use of a bolt in some instances. The functionality can be expressed in both timber and narrow style aluminum doors.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a single integrated locking assembly with a different level of security adaptable to meet different security preferences and different building code requirements.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a locking assembly that is operable in multiple modes depending upon the requirement of the user and the environment.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a locking assembly that meets emergency exit requirements even when the bolt is in the locked position.

Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a locking assembly having a screw mechanism that enables and/or disables the bolt, based upon the different building code regulatory requirements and fire door regulatory requirements.

Further object of the present invention is to provide a locking assembly that avoids purchasing multiple locks for a single door.

Further object of the present invention is to provide the locking assembly's ingenuity that enables the locking assembly's functionality to be used in timber or narrow style aluminum doors where depth is restricted.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a locking assembly that is suitable for both left-handed and right-handed opening doors.

SUMMARY:

To achieve the above objects, the present invention provides a locking assembly having a reversible latch positioned in the top of the lock assembly for opening and closing a door, a bolt positioned in the bottom of the lock assembly, and a dead latch trigger positioned in between the latch and the bolt to control the latch function for emergency exit situations and a spindle follower hub that houses a spindle to retract the latch, when actuated by function of a lever handle, and a bolt disable screw, and an escape function handling screw, and a cylinder housing positioned in the lower bottom side of the assembly and a case to cover both the sides of lock assembly.

Multi-Functional Entrance Lock - Complete Specification

The present invention also provides a method of operating the lock assembly comprising the steps of engaging or disengaging a bolt function using a screw member and unlocking the lock assembly from inside or outside of the door.

In one embodiment, the unlocking is actuated by a lever.

In another embodiment, the unlocking is actuated by a cylinder key.

The lock assembly of the present invention is suitable for all kinds of doors made up of timber, iron-based material and aluminum metal door frames. Hence, the single lock assembly with multiple functions finds its application for different requirements, different building code and fire door regulations.

These objects, features and advantages of the invention will become more evident from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying figures in which:

FIG. 1 shows the side view of exemplary locking assembly with a 60mm backset;

FIG. 2 shows the perspective view of the locking assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows the side view of another exemplary lock assembly with a 30mm backset; and

FIG. 4 shows the perspective view of the locking assembly of FIG. 3.

REFERENCE NUMERALS:

100 - Lock assembly; - Reversible latch; - Dead latch trigger; - Bolt; - Spindle follower hub; - Bolt disable screw; - Escape function handling screw; - Cylinder Housing; - Case

Multi-Functional Entrance Lock - Complete Specification

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:

The present invention discloses a simple, novel and high-quality lock assembly with exit solution for the accidental fire emergency situation.

FIGS. 1 and 3 show the side view of the lock assembly according to the present invention, where a lock assembly (100) comprises a reversible latch (10) positioned in the top of the lock assembly (100) for opening and closing, a bolt (30) positioned in the bottom of the lock assembly (100), a dead latch trigger (20) positioned in between the latch (10) and the bolt (30) for opening the door during emergency situation, a spindle follower hub (40), a bolt disable screw (50), an escape function handling screw (60), a cylinder housing (70) positioned in the lower bottom side of the assembly (100) and a case (80) to cover both the sides of the lock assembly (100).

The spindle follower hub houses a spindle that enables function of the lever handle operation. The lever handle actuates the spindle that sits in the spindle hub. When engaged, the hub rotates to retract the latch which will disengage the bolt (depending on the locks installed set-up). Thus, allowing the door to be opened.

The latch can be reversed for either left-handed or right-handed door installations. The reversal of the latch to suit left-handed or right-handed door installations facilitates the correct installation of the lock position in the door which enables the correct set-up of the lock's other functionalities and modes of operation.

FIGS. 2 and 4 show the perspective view of the locking assembly of FIGS. 1 and 3 respectively, where the locking assembly is provided on one side along with its corresponding locking recess plate on the other side. FIGS. 1 and 2 show the 60mm backset lock for use in doors where there is no depth restriction for installation. FIGS. 3 and 4 show the 30mm backset lock for use in doors where there is a restricted depth for installation. For example, when the lock is used in aluminum door frames where depth is limited by a glass panel within the door frame.

The present invention also provides a method for installing the lock in the correct position within the door and a method of operating the locking assembly comprising the steps of engaging or disengaging a bolt function using a screw member and unlocking the lock assembly from inside or outside of the door.

Determining the correct position for installation on left-handed or right-handed opening doors is achieved during the time of installation of the locking assembly.

The engaging or disengaging is achieved during the time of installation of the locking assembly.

In one embodiment, the unlocking is actuated by a lever handle.

Multi-Functional Entrance Lock - Complete Specification

In another embodiment, the unlocking is actuated by a cylinder key.

The lock assembly of the present invention can be operated in multiple ways ("modes"), which will be explained in detail below. The four exemplary modes are referred to herein below as "Lock with full escape function mode", "Lock with full escape latching function mode", "Lock without escape functionality mode" and "Latching function mode".

Mode 1: Lock with full escape function

In the first mode, lock with full escape function is given where the lock assembly provides an escape function and deadbolt locking option allows the user to make an emergency exit even when the bolt is in the locked position.

This mode 1 is operated with an enabled bolt function and the lock assembly is suitable for non-fire rated commercial door applications.

In the first mode, the operation of the escape function is determined by the escape function handling screw. The escape function handling screw is inserted on the side of the lock where the intention is to lock the spindle follower hub. When the escape function handling screw engages the spindle follower hub, it locks the spindle follower hub. Then, the opposite side of the spindle follower hub will become active and retraction of the lever handle will disengage the latch and/or bolt (depending on the locks installed set-up). Thus, the mode allows for an emergency exit.

From inside: When the bolt function is enabled and the bolt is in the locked position, using the lever handle will override the bolt function, disengaging the bolt to allow for an emergency exit.

From outside: When the bolt function is enabled and the bolt is in the locked position, the door is locked and can only be opened by using the cylinder key. Using the lever will not override the bolt to unlock the door.

From inside: When the bolt function is enabled but the bolt is in the unlocked position, using a lever handle will allow access. Thus, the door is unlocked.

From outside: When the bolt function is enabled but the bolt is in the unlocked position, using a lever handle will allow access. Thus, the door is unlocked.

Mode 2: Lock with full escape latching function.

In the second mode, the lock assembly with full escape function is explained.

The mode 2 is provided when the bolt function is disabled, where it is disabled at the time of installation and provided only with the latching function. So, that the lock becomes a dead latch when the dead latch trigger is depressed when the door is in the closed position. The escape function handling screw determines which side of the dead latch can be disengaged. Such lock

Multi-Functional Entrance Lock - Complete Specification

assemblies meet the regulatory conditions for fire escape doors. Hence, the lock assembly of the second mode is suitable for fire rated commercial door applications.

In the second mode, when the deadbolt is disengaged by the bolt disable screw, the dead bolt is rendered inactive and remains retracted and concealed within the case. When the door is in the closed position, the dead latch trigger is depressed and the latch cannot be retracted except by the lever handle. The escape function handling screw determines which side of the case will enable the lever handle to retract the latch to allow for an emergency exit. This meets fire door regulation requirements for escape functionality.

From inside: Even though the dead latch trigger is engaged which locks the latch, the user can always escape in an emergency exit. The lever will override the dead latch trigger function from the inside when the escape function handling screw is set up correctly at installation.

From outside: When the door is in the closed position, the dead latch trigger is depressed locking the latch function and access from the outside by using the lever handle is restricted (when the escape function handling screw is set up correctly at installation.) Thus, the door is locked.

Furthermore, from outside: The latching trigger is automatically depressed when the door is closed which locks the latch functionality. The door is locked and can only be opened by using the cylinder key.

Mode 3: Lock without escape functionality.

In the third mode, lock without escape function is explained, where the escape function is not a regulatory condition for installation in a domestic residential door application.

The mode 3 is provided with an enabled bolt function.

During the time of installation, the escape function can be disengaged thereby allowing the user to lock the door by the cylinder function that engages the dead bolt function. When the bolt is engaged, the lever will not override the escape function. This provides a high level of security whereby the door can only be locked/unlocked by a cylinder key.

In mode 3, when the escape function handling screw is not inserted on either side of the lock case and the bolt disable screw is not engaged, the door can be locked using a cylinder key barrel in the lock case. (The emergency escape function will not operate under this condition) The cylinder key barrel can engage/lock or disengage/unlock the bolt from either side of the door. Using the lever handle will retract the latch thus enabling entry or exit.

From inside: When the bolt function is enabled and the bolt is in the locked position, the lever will not override the dead bolt and the door remains locked. Using a cylinder key will unlock the bolt and retract the latch to open the door.

Multi-Functional Entrance Lock - Complete Specification

From outside: When the bolt function is enabled and the bolt is in the locked position, the lever will not override the dead bolt and the door remains locked. Using a cylinder key will unlock the bolt and retract the latch to open the door.

From inside: When the bolt function is enabled and the bolt is in the unlocked position, using a lever handle will allow access. Thus, the door is unlocked. (The door can be locked by using a cylinder key to engage the bolt into the locked position.)

From outside: When the bolt function is enabled and the bolt is in the unlocked position, using a lever handle will allow access. The door is unlocked. (The door can be locked by using a cylinder key to engage the bolt into the locked position.)

Mode 4: Latching functionality.

In the fourth mode, the lock assembly is provided with a latching function only.

The mode 4 is provided with the function of disabled deadbolt.

During the time of installation, the dead bolt function is disabled and remains restricted within the case. The lock can be set up for latching functionality only for internal non-lockable passage doors.

In the fourth mode, when the escape function handling screw is not inserted on either side of the lock case and the bolt disable screw is engaged, the latch will be retracted from either side of the door using the lever handle. The door will be unlocked and full access is enabled from either side of the door in "passage door" mode.

From inside: When the bolt function is disabled, using a lever handle will allow access. The door is unlocked.

From outside: When the bolt function is disabled, using a lever handle will allow access. The door is unlocked.

The lock assembly of the present invention is generally suitable to fit into articles made up of any kind of material preferably steel, wood and aluminum doors or windows.

Also, the lock assembly is generally made up of iron-based alloy material and preferably it is made up of 304 stainless material. The single-lock assembly can be manufactured into different dimensions and can be customizable in nature.

Thus, the advantages of the present invention, including but not limited to, are: a simple, novel and high-quality lock assembly having multiple functions that enables a user to escape during an emergency situation, even when the door is in locked condition. Further, the lock assembly of the present invention is suitable for a wide variety of applications irrespective of the different

Multi-Functional Entrance Lock - Complete Specification

security preferences, different building code regulatory requirements and fire door regulatory requirements, based on the multi-functional nature.

While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention as claimed.

Claims

Multi-Functional Entrance Lock - Complete Specification I/WE CLAIM:

1. A lock assembly (100) comprising: a. A reversible latch (10) positioned in the top of the lock assembly (100) for opening and closing; b. A bolt (30) positioned in the bottom of the lock assembly (100); c. A dead latch trigger (20) positioned in between the latch (10) and the bolt (30) for opening the door during emergency situation; d. A spindle follower hub (40) houses a spindle to retract the latch (10), when actuated by function of a lever handle; e. A bolt disable screw (50); f. An escape function handling screw (60); g. A cylinder housing (70) positioned in the lower bottom side of the assembly (100); and h. A case (80) to cover both the sides of the lock assembly (100).

2. The lock assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, is suitable for the articles made up of steel, wood and aluminum.

3. The lock assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, is made up of iron-based alloy material.

4. The lock assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the iron-based alloy material is 304 stainless material.

5. A method of operating a lock assembly, comprising the steps of: a. engaging or disengaging a bolt function using a screw member; and b. unlocking the lock assembly from inside or outside of the door.

6. The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein the engaging or disengaging is achieved during the time of installation of the locking assembly.

7. The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein the unlocking is actuated by a lever handle.

8. The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein the unlocking is actuated by a cylinder key.

Multi-Functional Entrance Lock - Complete Specification

DRAWINGS: 08 Dec 2021

FIG. 1 shows the side view of exemplary locking assembly with a 60mm backset; 2021282434

Multi-Functional Entrance Lock - Complete Specification

FIG. 2 shows the perspective view of the locking assembly of FIG. 1; 08 Dec 2021 2021282434

Multi-Functional Entrance Lock - Complete Specification

FIG. 3 shows the side view of another exemplary lock assembly with a 30mm backset; and 08 Dec 2021 2021282434

Multi-Functional Entrance Lock - Complete Specification

FIG. 4 shows the perspective view of the locking assembly of FIG. 3. 08 Dec 2021 2021282434