AU2007219334A1 - Security bolt lock - Google Patents

Description

'Patent Application of 00 PETER BURNS for TITLE: SECURITY BOLT LOCK S CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS Ref. No. SPSP-049111455 App. No. 2006905361 Date 28/09/2006 BACKGROUND--Field The field is locks, in particular security bolt locks.

BACKGROUND-Prior Art Many configurations of prior-art bolt locks are available to secure movable barriers to immovable objects such as doors to door jambs, windows to window jambs, and the like. In these locks, a bolt is carried on the movable member and is inserted into a stationary mortise. The mortise is lodged within the stationary member, or vice versa.

Swinging doors and gates having a bolt-style locking mechanism are common.

The mechanism holds the bolt in either a retracted position or an extended position.

When the bolt is in the retracted position, the gate is free to move. A mortise is typically supplied at each end of the gate's travel. When inserted in one of the mortises, the bolt holds the gate either open or closed.

Some deadbolt locks incorporate a hasp. The hasp is lockable in a first position with the bolt retracted, and in a second position with the bolt extended. A lock is used to secure the hasp in either position. In some such locks, the hasp is lockable only in the second position.

In many cases, the mortise used at one end of travel of a door or gate is not as deep as the mortise that secures the barrier at the other end of its travel. Previous bolttype locks have been unable to accommodate this difference. The result is a secure locking at one position, and an insecure locking at the other position.

Patent Application of Peter Burns, cont'd. 2 Security Bolt Lock 00 BACKGROUND-Prior Art-Steering Wheel Anti-Theft Devices Tobias, in U.S. patent 5,277,042 (1994), Matlock, in U.S. patent 5,555,753 (1996), Vito, in U.S. patent 6,516,642 (2003), and Moreton, in U.S. patent 6,679,089 Cc, (2004) teach vehicular steering wheel anti-theft devices.

Tobias's device comprises a rigid, cylindrical shaft that slides within a pipe. A first bracket suitable for mounting on a steering wheel is located at the end of the shaft and a second, similar bracket is located near the middle of the pipe. The pipe extends outward into a long, rigid arm. The shaft includes turned areas that form a series of truncated conic sections, forming a ratchet. A locking mechanism is attached to the pipe.

The locking mechanism includes a spring-loaded, chisel-shaped pawl that engages the conic sections of the shaft when the device is in its locked condition. To install, the user unlocks the device, thereby removing the pawl from the shaft. The shaft is then slid into the pipe. Next, the user actuates the locking mechanism, thereby springably urging the pawl against the shaft. The device is then positioned within the steering wheel and the shaft is slid out of the pipe until the brackets firmly engage and capture the steering wheel. As the shaft moves outward, the spring-loaded pawl engages each conic section of the shaft. Thus the shaft can be slid out of the pipe, but its direction of motion cannot be reversed. Removing the shaft requires unlocking the pawl. In this device, the pawl provides a unidirectional detent that locks the shaft in each of a successive series of positions. When the locking mechanism is unlocked, the shaft slides freely within the pipe. This mechanism provides only a one-way detent with no provision for holding the device in a partially-engaged position.

Matlock teaches a removable steering wheel cover incorporating a device similar to that of Tobias. Again, a unidirectional ratcheting mechanism is employed. A chiselshaped pawl prevents reversing the direction of the shaft containing the ratchet until the lock is opened. When the locking mechanism is unlocked, the shaft slides freely within Matlock's enclosure. As in Tobias, only a one-way detent is provided. There is no Patent Application of Peter Burns cont'd. 3 Security Bolt Lock provision for a detent that holds the device in a partially-engaged position when the pawl 00 is disengaged from the shaft.

Vito teaches a steering wheel cover that employs a ratcheting mechanism similar to that of Matlock and Tobias.

Moreton's device comprises two rigid, concentric sliding pipes. The inner pipe contains a number of holes. The outer pipe holds a locking assembly with a movable projection. The projection can move in or out of the holes in the inner pipe as the locking assembly is actuated. A bracket is attached to the free end of each pipe. In use, the locking projection is withdrawn from the holes in the inner pipe, allowing the inner pipe to slide within the outer pipe. The pipes are extended so that the brackets engage opposite sides of a steering wheel. Then the locking assembly is actuated so that its projection moves into one of the holes in the inner pipe, thereby attaching the device to the steering wheel. The outer pipe further includes an extension that prevents full rotation of the steering wheel by interfering with other structures in a vehicle, such as the seat, dashboard, and the like. Thus, with the device in place on the wheel, the vehicle cannot be properly steered, and is less likely to be stolen. Morton's device is either locked or unlocked. There is no provision for a detent to provide a movable holding force that maintains the pipes in an intermediate position.

In all four of the above devices, the members forming the two movable components of the device are fixed in place when the device is installed. Neither part is free to rotate. In this condition, even though the parts may be made of hardened steel or other metal, they can be opened or destroyed by a hacksaw, grinding wheel, and the like.

BACKGROUND-Prior Art-Security Bolt Locks In U.S. patent 4,514,996 (1985), Sjogren teaches a lock for a sliding door.

Sjogren's lock includes a housing, a cylinder key lock, a cylindrical bolt with a single scalloped region, and three detents. The housing comprises two halves. The upper, rear portion of the housing is affixed to a sliding door. The lower, frontal portion of the housing slidably moves up and down on the rear portion. A bolt is attached to the inside S Patent Application of Peter Burns. cont'd. 4 Security Bolt Lock of the lower, frontal portion of the housing and extends upward through a hole in the 00oO upper, rear portion. A ball and spring in the lower, frontal portion successively engage the detents in the rear portion as the lower, frontal portion is moved up and down. When it is desired to lock the sliding door, the lower, front portion of the housing is slid to its Cc uppermost position, engaging the detent there and extending the bolt into a hole in the upper door frame casement. When the bolt is in its uppermost position, the scalloped region of the bolt lies adjacent the cam on the key lock. When the key lock is turned, its cam rotates into position in the scalloped region of the bolt, fixing it in place.

To unlock the sliding door, the locking procedure is reversed and the lower, frontal portion of the case is pulled downward to engage with the center detent, thereby removing the bolt from the hole in the casement. The lower detent is used only during installation and removal of the lock from the door.

Sjogen's cylinder key lock can be turned only when the bolt is in its uppermost position. Thus the bolt has no intermediate positions, only one locked position and one unlocked position. In addition, this lock is secured to the surface of the sliding door by screws that penetrate the door frame. This kind of mounting would not survive even a mild attempt to force the door open.

Barber, in U.S. patents D349,035 (1994) and D351,780 (1994) teaches the ornamental design of two security locks. In D351,780, only the design of the lock is indicated. In D349,035, the inner construction of the lock shows a single ratchet and pawl assembly. This design suffers from the same drawbacks as enumerated above in connection with Tobias, Matlock, Vito, and Moreton.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one preferred embodiment of one aspect, a lock comprises an adjustable first bolt slidably secured within a housing on a first part of a barrier, such as a door. The first bolt is urged to remain in any position by a detent mechanism. The bolt is insertable into a mortise contained in a second part of the barrier, such as a jamb. The roles of the door and jamb can be reversed by exchanging the positions of the lock and SPatent Aplication of Peter Burns cont'd. 5 Security Bolt Lock Smortise. The lock is locked by slidably inserting the first bolt into the mortise, then 00 slidably inserting a second bolt, also contained within the housing, into such a position that it interferes with movement of the first bolt. The first bolt comprises a ratchet. The second bolt comprises a pawl. The lock is unlocked by disengaging the second bolt from Sthe first and reversing the process. In one aspect, the second bolt is urged into locking and unlocking positions by a key lock. In another aspect, the second bolt extends outside the housing and is urged into locking and unlocking positions by manually applied force. In another aspect, no lock is provided; the lock has only a two-way detent mechanism that restrains motion of the bolt, yet leaves it movable by the user. In another aspect, the bolt is cylindrical and free to rotate within the housing whether the lock is in its locked or unlocked condition. In another aspect, one or more mounting plates are provided that secure the lock to a barrier from the inside and the outside using bolts that pass through the barrier, thereby substantially strengthening the installation.

DRAWING FIGURES Fig. I is a perspective view of a first embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional, side view of the embodiment of Fig. I in a locked condition.

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional, side view of the embodiment of Fig. I in an unlocked condition.

Fig. 4 is an exploded view of the embodiment of Fig. I.

Fig. 5 is a frontal perspective view of an alternative embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of Fig. 5, accompanied by mounting plates.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a second alternative embodiment.

Fig. 8 is a cut-away view of the embodiment of Fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a third alternative embodiment.

Figs. 10-13 show components of a fourth alternative embodiment.

Figs. 14-17 show components of a fifth alternative embodiment.

S Patent Application of Peter Burns, cont'd. 6 Security Bolt Lock Fig. 18 shows an optional adapter plate for use with a chain or cable.

00 Figs. 19 and 20 show optional hammer guards.

Figs. 21 and 22 show the lock used to secure a box.

Fig. 23 shows the lock, in combination with a mortise, being used to secure a sliding door.

DRAWING FIGURE REFERENCE NUMERALS 100 Housing 250 Ball 105 Bolt 255 Spring 110 Lock 265 Body 111 Boss 270 Plunger 115 Shaft 400 Guide 120 Head 405 Guide 121 Shoulder 500 Plate 122 Recess 505 Weld 125 Tip 506 Screw 200 Object 510 Bolt 205 Plate 530 Hole 210 Plate 900 Hole 214 Bore 1000 Housing 215 Bolt 1005 Rotor 216 Hole 1006 Fastener 220 Region 1010 Key 225 Scallop 1100 Cam 230 Screw 1200 Spring 235 Tip 1205 Hole 240 Mortise 1210 Tailpiece 241 Object 1800 Adapter 245 Detent 1805 Foot Q. Patent Application of Peter Burns, cont'd. 7 Security Bolt Lock 1806 Mortise 2300 Mortise 00 1810 Plate 2305 Jamb 1900 Guard 2310 Bolt 2000 Guard 2315 Guide Cc FIRST EMBODIMENT-Description-Figs. 1 through 4 Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a first lock embodiment. The externally visible components of this embodiment include a body housing 100, a bolt 105, and a lock mechanism 1 10. Lock mechanism 110 is mounted in a boss I 111 of housing 100. Lock mechanism 110 is optionally a push lock, described below, or a cylinder lock. Bolt 105 comprises a cylindrical shaft 115 with a head 120 at one end and a tip 125 at the opposite end. Bolt 105 is slidably mounted within body 100. In this aspect, lock mechanism 110 is located on the right-hand side of the lock. Mechanism 110 can also be located on the left-hand side of the lock. In a particular application, the orientation of mechanism 110 can reduce the vulnerability of the lock to direct hammer blows or drill attack.

Figs. 2 and 3 are cross-sectional, side views of the embodiment of Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is an exploded view showing the lock's components in detail. In these figures, lock mechanism 110 is located on the front side of the lock. The lock is mounted on a door or other object 200. One or more optional plates 205, 210 are located on either side of object 200 to provide strength and durability of the lock installation. The lock is secured to object 200 by one or more bolts or threaded studs 215. Bolts 215 pass through object 200 and plates 205 and 210 and engage threads in holes 216 provided in the back wall of the lock. More or fewer threaded holes can be provided, as necessary.

The diameter of shaft 115 of bolt 105 is reduced in a first region 220. The cross sections of region 220 and shaft 115 are circular. The junctions of region 220 with the rest of shaft 115 on the left and right sides of region 220 form shoulders or ledges. A series of smaller, axially symmetric, semicircular scalloped regions or recesses 225 are formed to the right of region 220. A screw 230 with a tip 235 is fixed in the back wall of the lock. Tip 235 extends into bore 214, but does not touch shaft 115. Tip 235 of screw 230 limits the travel of shaft 115 in both directions by interfering with the shoulders at the ends of region 220.

Patent Aplication of Peter Burns. cont'd. 8 Security Bolt Lock ZFig. 2 shows bolt 105 in its fully-extended position, i.e. fully extended to the left. The 00 right-hand shoulder of region 220 rests against tip 235 of screw 230, thus preventing further travel of shaft 1 15. In this figure, a tip 125 and a portion of shaft 1 15 of bolt 105 are inserted into a blind mortise hole 240. Mortise 240 is generally a hole provided in a fixed member 241, Cc such as a doorjamb, a wall, or a floor. If mortise 240 is a hole in ajamb or wall, it may be reinforced with a liner (not shown) and/or a surface plate (not shown). Thus object 200 is unable to move with respect to mortise 240.

An optional shoulder 121 is provided near the right end of bolt 105 and an optional recess 122 (Fig. 3) is included in housing 100. When bolt 105 is in its fully-extended position (Fig. shoulder 121 is rests in recess 122. When shoulder 121 is lodged in recess 122, housing 100 protects bolt 105 from damage due to hammer blows. Protecting bolt 105 in this way further increases the strength of the lock Fig. 3 shows bolt 105 in its fully-retracted position, fully retracted to the right. The left-hand shoulder of region 220 rests against tip 235 of screw 230, thus preventing further travel of shaft 115. In this figure, tip 120 of shaft 1 15 is completely disengaged from mortise 240. Thus object 200 is able to move with respect to mortise 240.

An optional ball detent 245 with a ball 250 is seated in the back wall of the lock. A spring 255 within detent 245 forces ball 250 into one of scalloped regions 225 in shaft 115 of bolt 105. Thus regions 225 constitute a ratchet. As bolt 105 is moved from one extreme of its travel to the other, ball 250 is successively urged out of one of regions 225 and snaps into the next. The motion of ball 250 provides a tactile sensation of motion and also holds shaft 1 15 at one of a series of positions when the bolt is not being moved by the user.

A push lock 1 10 is seated in the front side of the lock. Such push locks can be obtained from Camlock Systems of East Sussex, U.K. They generally comprise a body 265, a plunger 270, and a locking mechanism (not shown). The locking mechanism uses a key (not shown).

The operation of push lock 1 10 is bistable, plunger 270 either protrudes above the outer surface of the lock, or is flush with it. Push lock 110 is positioned so that when it is locked, the lower end of plunger 270 is secured within one of scalloped regions or grooves 225, thereby constituting a pawl. When lock i 10 is unlocked, the lower end of plunger 270 lies above the

(N

Q. Patent Aopplication of Peter Burns. cont'd. 9 Security Bolt Lock outer diameter of shaft 115, and thus above scalloped regions 225. Thus when push lock 110 is 0O locked, bolt 105 is immobilized. When push lock 110 is unlocked, bolt 105 can be moved within bore 214.

Fig. 3 shows push lock 110 in its unlocked condition. The top of plunger 270 extends above the outer surface of lock 110. An internal spring (not shown) holds plunger 270 at this position. Fig. 2 shows push lock 110 in its locked condition. Plunger 270 has been pushed into lock 110 and can be released only by deliberately unlocking lock 110 using a key.

The lock and supporting plates are made of metal such as steel, brass, or aluminum.

For certain applications, part or all of the lock and supporting plates can be made of a durable plastic, such as fiberglass-reinforced polyamide. Ball 250 can be made of metal or a durable plastic. The length of bolt 105 is typically 15 cm, although other lengths can be used. The remainder of the lock components scale in size accordingly. Bolt 105 typically comprises a hardened steel rod. Since it is cylindrical, bolt 105 is free to rotate within bore 214. Thus bolt 105 resists cutting by a hacksaw or other implement, making the lock more resistant to attack.

FIRST EMBODIMENT-Operation-Figs. 2 and 3 Fig. 3 shows the lock in its unlocked condition. Push lock 110 is unlocked, with the lower end of plunger 270 positioned outside regions 225, above the outer diameter of shaft 115. Bolt 105 is fully retracted, and tip 125 lies outside mortise 240.

To secure object 200, the user first aligns shaft 115 of bolt 105 with the axis of mortise 240. Next, the user moves or extends bolt 105 so that tip 120 and a portion of shaft 115 enter mortise 240. The user can move bolt 105 with a finger against head 120. When ball detent 245 is present, one or more detent positions will be felt by the user.

Fig. 2 shows the lock in its locked condition. After a sufficient length of shaft 115 is inserted into mortise 240, the user urges plunger 270 into lock 110, thereby causing plunger 270 to rest within one of regions or grooves 225 in shaft 115. Shaft 115 is thereby constrained within mortise 240, i.e. shaft 115 cannot move laterally or translate, so that object 200 is immobilized.

Patent Application of Peter Burns cont'd. 10 Security Bolt ock To unlock the lock, the user unlocks push lock 110 and moves bolt 105 to its fully- 00 retracted position. The user can retract bolt 105 by moving its head 120 to the right.

SECOND EMBODIMENT-Description and Operation-Figs. 5 and 6 Fig. 5 shows a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the lock in Figs.

S 1-4. The embodiment comprises a rectangular housing 100', a bolt 105, and a push lock 110.

Guides 400 and 405 for shaft 115 of bolt 105 are secured at the ends of housing 100'. More or fewer guides can be used. Shaft 115 moves slidably within guides 400 and 405 when the lock is in its unlocked condition. Shaft 115, push lock 110, optional detent 245 (Fig. and screw 230 are the same as in the previous embodiment.

Fig. 6 shows a rear perspective exploded view of the lock. A plate 500 is secured within the lock by welds or crimps 505, countersunk screws 506, or other means. Three bolts 510 are secured to plate 505 and project outward from the back of the lock. Two plates 205 and 210, having holes 530 positioned to allow the passage of bolts 510, are provided to strengthen the installation of the lock, as described above in connection with the first embodiment. Nuts (not shown) are threaded onto bolts 510 to complete installation of the lock.

More or fewer bolts 510 and plates 205 can be used.

THIRD EMBODIMENT-Description and Operation-Figs. 7 and 8 Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of a lock with a body 100" designed to contain two push lock assemblies 110 and 112. Fig. 8 is a cutaway, perspective view of this embodiment, showing plunger 270 of lock 110 engaged with one of regions 225 of shaft 115.

One or both of locks 110 and 112 can be locked. The key (not shown) for lock 110 can be the same or different from that required to open lock 112. A requirement for two keys to open the lock provides added security. It is also possible to have three push lock assemblies included in body 100"(not shown).

As in the case of the locks in Figs. 1-3, one or both of assemblies 110 and 112 can be located on the sides of the lock. Alternatively, one assembly can be located on the side and one on the front. Or further alternatively, one located either side and one at the front (not shown).

Again locks keyed the same or three different keying arrangements'.

Q. Patent Application of Peter Burns, cont'd. 11 Security Bolt Lock 00 FOURTH EMBODIMENT-Description and Operation-Fig. 9 Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of a lock having no added key lock installed in body 100"'. This embodiment is optionally secured to a plate 205' which can be mounted to a Ssurface using screws or bolts (not shown) that pass through one or more holes 900 in plate 205'. Detent 245 (not shown in this figure), located as in the previously described embodiments, provides tactile feel and secures bolt 105 in any position selected by the user.

This embodiment can be used in conjunction with a mortise (not shown) to hold a gate, door, or window in a fixed position where the security of a key lock is not required. Instead of screws or bolts, plate 205' can optionally be secured to a surface by welds or an adhesive.

ALL EMBODIMENTS-Alternative Locking Mechanisms--Figs. 10 through 17 Instead of a push lock, as described above in connection with the first two embodiments, a cylinder lock can be used. A cylinder lock, shown in Fig. 10, generally includes a housing 1000 with an internal rotating cylinder or rotor 1005 that can be turned by an inserted key 1010, in well-known fashion.

A rear view of the cylinder lock is shown in Fig. 11. A cam 1100 comprising a curved segment having an increasing diameter is secured to the rear end of rotor 1005 by one or more screws, pins, or other fasteners 1006.

Fig. 12 shows a front view of a leaf spring 1200. One end spring 1200 is attached to lock body 100 (Fig. 1) or to the rear surface of cylinder 1000 (Fig. 11) by one or more screws or pins inserted through holes 1205 in spring 1200. A locking tailpiece 1210 projects rearward from spring 1200. Tailpiece 1210 is shown in more detail in Figs. 13.

In Fig. 13A, the lock is in its locked condition when key 1010 has turned cylinder rotor 1005 so that cam 1100 urges tailpiece 1210 into one of regions 225. Fig. 13A shows a side view of rotor 1005 and cam 1100 engaging the front side of spring 1200. In this case, rotor 1005 and cam 1100 have been rotated so that the rear surface of cam 1100 bears against the front surface of spring 1200 near or at the point of attachment of tailpiece 1210. Thus tailpiece 1210 is urged into one of regions 225 of bolt 105, preventing movement of bolt 105.

Patent Application of Peter Burnas cont'd. 12 Security Bolt Lock SIn Fig. 13B, the lock is in its unlocked condition when key 1010 has turned cylinder 00 1005 so that cam 1100 is rotated such that its rear surface does not urge tailpiece 1210 into one of regions 225. Tension in spring 1200 urges it in a direction toward from shaft 115, providing a detent. Motion of shaft 115 in the vertical direction causes motion of spring 1200 and tailpiece 1210 in the horizontal direction. As shaft 115 moves vertically, tailpiece 1210 enters and leaves regions 225, providing a detent action.

N" Figs. 14 through 17 show another alternative locking mechanism. In this embodiment, a cylinder lock 1000 includes a rotor 1005 with a cam 1100' affixed to the rear side of rotor 1005. Cam 1100' is a wedge-shaped projection extending radially from rotor 1005.

A ball 250 and spring 255 form a detent mechanism and part of a locking mechanism.

To lock the lock, the user inserts key 1010 into rotor 1005 and turns it until cam 1100' wedges ball 250 firmly into one of regions 225 on bolt 105. When cam 1 100' is rotated to a position in front of ball 250 (Fig. 16), ball 250 is immobilized within one of regions 225. Bolt 105 cannot be moved up or down and the lock is in its locked condition.

When cam 1100' is rotated away from ball 250 (Fig. 17), the lock is in its unlocked condition. Bolt 105 is free to slidably move up and down, as described above. To unlock the lock, the user uses key 1010 to rotate cylinder 1005 and remove cam 1100' from ball 250, thus enabling ball 250 to move in and out of regions 225 as bolt 105 is slid up and down. Spring 255 urges ball 250 into successive regions 225 as bolt 105 is moved, providing a detent.

ALL EMBODIMENTS-Additional Locking Features-Description and Operation- Fig. 18 Fig. 18 shows a chain lock adapter 1800 for use with any of the embodiments of the lock. Adapter 1800 comprises an L-shaped piece of metal having a foot 1805 with a throughhole mortise 1806 (Fig. 19) and a back plate 1810 connected at a right-angle bend. Foot 1805 is spaced from the bottom of the lock by a distance that is less than the total travel of bolt 105, but sufficient to permit introduction of a chain link 1815 into the space between the bottom of the lock and the top of foot 1805. When the lock is in its unlocked condition, bolt 105 is slid upward so that tip 120 lies well above foot 1805 and chain 1815 can be inserted or removed.

Q. Patent Application of Peter Burns, cont'd. 13 Security Bolt Lock When the lock is in its locked condition, bolt 105 is slid downward so that tip 120 lies within 00 or beneath the bottom of foot 1805, thereby preventing introduction or removal of chain 1815.

A cable can be substituted for a chain, if desired.

A series of holes 530 in adapter 1800 are arranged to pass bolts 215 (Fig. 18) so that the lock and adapter 1800 can be bolted together. An additional plate 210 can be added for secure attachment of the lock to a fixed object, such as a wall, if desired.

ALL EMBODIMENTS-Additional Security Feature-Description and Operation- Figs. 19 and Figs. 19 and 20 show a hammer guard 1900 added to adapter 1800. Fig. 19 shows an adapter with a top portion 1900. Fig. 20 shows an additional extension 2000 for additional protection of the lock. Additions 1900 and 2000 prevent hammer blows from being applied directly to bolt 105, thereby preventing damage to the inner components of the lock, including plunger 270 (Figs. 2 and tailpiece 1210 (Fig. 13), ball 1600 and wedge 1100' (Fig. 17).

ALL EMBODIMENTS-Alternative Uses of the Lock-Description and Operation- Figs. 21 through 23 Figs. 21 and 22 show use of the lock on a container such as a tool box. A mortise 240 is secured to the lid of the box by screws, welds, or other means (not shown). The lock assembly is secured to the body of the box by similar means. In Fig. 21, the lid of the box is closed, shaft 115 of bolt 105 is inserted into mortise 240, and lock I 10 has been activated, thereby securing the lid to the box. In Fig. 22, lock 110 is in its unlocked condition, bolt 105 is fully retracted and the lid can be raised.

Fig. 23 shows the lock secured to a vertically-moving barrier 200, such as a roller garage door. A mortise 2300 is secured to a wall or jamb 2305 by one or more bolts 2310.

Mortise 2300 includes a guide 2315 within which an edge of barrier 200 slides. As in Figs. 2 and 3, bolt 105 is slidably urged to enter mortise 2300 to lock the barrier. To unlock the barrier, bolt 105 is withdrawn from mortise 2300. The lock is easily adapted for use with a horizontally-sliding door by rotating the lock and mortise 90 degrees and placing the mortise Patent Application of Peter Burns, cont'd 14 Securitv Bolt Lock and lock adjacent either the top or bottom of the door. Mortise 2300 is made of steel or a o00 durable plastic.

CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE SThe embodiments shown of my security lock provide several useful and advantageous features. The lock is easily attached to a moving object such as a sliding or swinging door.

When inserted into a mortise, the bolt of the lock provides secure closure of a door, gate, or window. The lock has many locking positions since the bail, plunger, or tailpiece finger can be inserted into any one of the scalloped depressions in the bolt. Thus the lock is equally effective in a shallow mortise and a deep mortise, such as might be encountered at the ends of travel of a door or gate. An alternative embodiment incorporates two key locks for added security.

Another alternative embodiment has no lock. Instead, the bolt remains in position due to a ball detent. Such a lock is useful in securing a barrier that does not have to be locked for security purposes. Another alternative embodiment incorporates an attached mortise. This lock is useful for securing a chain or cable. The lock is useful in a range of sizes from a few centimeters to 15 or more centimeters in length.

In one aspect, the lock is mounted with fasteners that are accessible only from the inside of the barrier. More or fewer than 3 holes can be used to secure the lock to a barrier component. Upon removal of the lock, only small holes remain. In another aspect, the lock is secured to a surface by welds or an adhesive.

The exposed top of the bolt is designed to resist attack by prying or forcing by other means. The bolt rotates in the housing to resist attack by sawing. When they are present, the key locks can be located at various predetermined positions on the housing to resist attack by hammering or drilling.

The tip of the bolt can be used to locate the center of the mortise hole. The lock is placed in its unlocked condition. Then the door, for example a sliding garage door, is closed.

The tip of the bolt is urged against the wall adjacent the door. When tapped by a hammer, the tip leaves a mark in the wall that gives the exact location of the center of the mortise. The mortise can then be drilled or installed.

Patent Application of Peter Burns, cont'd. 15 Security Bolt Lock Vj While the above description contains many specificities, these should not be 00 considered limiting but merely exemplary. Many variations and ramifications are possible. For example, instead of being cylindrical, the cross-sectional shape of the bolt can be elliptical, square, rectangular, or another shape. Instead of a key lock, a combination lock can be used to Cc secure the bolt.

While the present system employs elements which are well known to those skilled in the art of lock design, it combines these elements in a novel way which produces a new result not heretofore discovered. Accordingly the scope of this invention should be determined, not by the embodiments illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims (14)

1. A security bolt lock, comprising: a housing, San elongated bolt slidably movable within said housing from a locked position to an unlocked position, said bolt including at least one recess or scalloped region, a detent mechanism with a ball and a spring, said ball being springably urged into said recess region by said spring, and a mortise arranged to receive said bolt when said bolt is in said locked position, whereby when said bolt is inserted into or withdrawn from said mortise, said detent mechanism restrains said bolt at either said locked or said unlocked position.

2. The lock of claim I, further including a locking pawl attached to said housing and insertable into said recess region.

3. The lock of claim 1, further including a hammer guard attached to said housing to prevent direct hammering on said bolt.

4. The lock of claim I, further including a cylinder lock having cam that is arranged to urge said ball into said recess region when said cam is turned, thereby preventing movement of said bolt. The lock of claim I, further including a cylinder lock having a cam, a spring, and a tailpiece, said cam being arranged to springably urge said tailpiece into said recess region when said cam is turned, thereby preventing movement of said bolt.

6. The lock of claim 1, further including at least one mounting plate attachable to a movable barrier for securing said lock to said barrier. Patent Applieation of Peter Burns. cont'd. 17 Security Bolt Lock r, 7. The lock of claim I wherein said recess region is semicircular. 00

8. A method for securing a barrier, comprising: providing a security bolt lock with a housing on a movable barrier, a cylindrical bolt which Cc, is slidably movable within said housing and which includes at least one recess region, and a ball springably urged into said recess region by a spring, providing a mortise on a fixed member adjacent said barrier, sliding said bolt so that said ball is urged by said spring into said recess region and a portion of said bolt resides within said mortise, whereby said mortise prevents lateral motion of said bolt and secures said barrier.

9. The method of claim 8, further including a locking pawl which is also insertable into said recess region. The method of claim 8 wherein said mortise is selected from the group consisting of blind and through-hole types. 1 I. The method of claim 8 wherein said lock further includes a hammer guard attached to said housing for preventing hammer blows to said bolt.

12. The method of claim 8 wherein said lock further includes a cylinder lock having cam means arranged to urge said ball into said recess region when said cam is turned, thereby preventing movement of said bolt.

13. The method of claim 8 wherein said recess region is semicircular.

14. The method of claim 8, wherein said lock further includes a mounting plate attachable to a movable barrier for securing said lock to said barrier. Patent Application of Peter Burns, cont'd. 18 Security Bolt Lock A deadbolt lock, comprising: 00 a housing, a cylindrical bolt with a head, slidably movable within said housing, said bolt including at least one recess region, Sa cylinder lock having a cam, a spring, and a tailpiece, 0 0said cam being arranged to springably urge said tailpiece into said recess region when said cam is turned, thereby preventing movement of said bolt.

16. The lock of claim 15, further including a hammer guard attached to said housing to prevent direct hammering on said bolt.

17. The lock of claim 15, further including at least one mounting plate attachable to a movable barrier for securing said lock to said barrier.

18. The lock of claim 15 wherein said spring is arranged to urge said tailpiece against said recess region in the absence of said cam being turned, thereby providing a detent.

19. The lock of claim 15, further including a mortise with a guide for guiding an object to which said lock is attached. The lock of claim 15, further including a recessed area in said housing arranged to accept said head of said bolt.