AU2014200628A1 - Locker latch - Google Patents

Abstract

The specification discloses a locker latch assembly (10) having an outer rotatable handle (14), an inner rotatable latch arm (39), and a floating shaft member (29) defining an operating axis (70) and adapted to operationally connect the handle (14) to the latch arm (39), the floating shaft member (29) being axially movable and rotatably movable whereby in a first axial position, the handle (14) and the latch arm (39) are operationally connected and in a second axial position, the floating shaft member (29) is operationally separated from said latch arm (39), the floating shaft member (29) having a first transverse through opening (32) that is co-operable with a second transverse through opening (19) in the handle (14) such that passage of a hasp of a padlock type locking device through both said first and said second transverse through openings (32, 19) causes the floating shaft member (29) to move from said first axial position to said second axial position. 15 5-47 17 20 27 16 604 Gi,,4 20 3D 43 46 42.4 2-4- 34 20 f1g 2 56 33 10 e)2. -26 36 fly?3 2 '1 15

Description

1 LOCKER LATCH FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The invention relates to improvements in locker type latches and similar applications utilizing a padlock type locking device as the locking means. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] In one form, school lockers utilize latch structures comprising an outer turnable opening / closing handle adapted to rotate an inner latch plate engageable with an inner striker plate or equivalent in a latched position and separable therefrom in an open position. It is known to lock such latches by using a padlock style lock, or similar, engageable with the outer handle which allows users to supply their own individual padlock style lock or in the alternative for the school to control the padlock style locks used. While this style of latch is particularly adapted for use in schools, it can, of course be used in other similar situations. [0003] The intention of the present invention is to provide a latch structure of the aforementioned type that is stronger such that it resists being forced to allow unwanted access to the locker. A further objective is to provide a locker latch assembly that is capable of using an outer operating handle or knob that is safer in use than metallic handles or knobs while not sacrificing latch strength. A further preferred objective is to provide a novel arrangement in the latch structure that will prevent the latch plate being actively rotated, that is forced, when the padlock style lock is operatively connected to the operating handle or knob and locked in this position.

2 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0004] In accordance with the present invention, a locker latch assembly for mounting to a locker door having a door outer face, a door inner face, and a locker latch assembly mounting opening traversing said locker door from said door outer face to said door inner face is provided, said locker latch assembly having a rotatable handle positionable, in use, outwardly of said door outer face, a rotatable latch arm mounted for rotation between a first latching position and at least one non-latching position, and a floating shaft member defining an operating axis, said floating shaft member being axially movable as well as rotationally movable relative to said operating axis whereby in a first axial position of said floating shaft, said handle and said latch arm are operationally connected to one another whereby rotation of said handle causes rotation of said latch arm, and in a second axial position of said floating shaft member, said floating shaft member is operationally separated from at least one of said handle or said latch arm, said floating shaft member having a first transverse through opening being co operable with a second transverse through opening in said handle whereby passage of a hasp of a padlock type locking device through both said first and said second transverse through openings causes said floating shaft member to move from said first axial position to said second axial position. [0005] Preferably, the handle and the latching arm rotate about axes coincident with said operating axis of said floating shaft member. Conveniently, in said second axial position of said floating shaft member, said floating shaft member is operationally separated only from said latch arm. [0006] In a preferred structure, removal of the hasp of the padlock type locking device from said first and said second transverse through openings causes said floating shaft member to move to said first axial position. The floating shaft member may be urged to move axially towards said first axial position by spring means.

3 [0007] In one preferred embodiment, the handle of the locker latch assembly may have an outer grippable part such as a knob or lever, and an inner annular skid configuration adapted, in use, to extend from said grippable part towards or past the inner face of the locker door. The assembly may further include an outer mounting part with a central bore adapted to receive said annular skirt configuration of said handle at least partially extending therethrough in a manner whereby said handle is axially retained relative to said outer mounting part but is rotatable relative to said outer mounting part about said operating axis. Conveniently said outer mounting part includes an inner region that, in use, passes at least partially through a mounting opening in said locker door, said locker latch assembly still further having an inner mounting part connectable, in use, to said outer mounting part by fastener means. [0008] Substantial strength is obtained by providing a handle with an annular skirt configuration extending fully or substantially through the locker door with the annular skirt passing through the outer mounting part with the floating shaft positioned within the annular skirt configuration. Further the structure is such that with a padlock hasp positioned through the transverse openings with the padlock locked, the handle cannot be forced as it simply freely rotates relative to the latch arm. [0009] Conveniently, the annular skirt configuration includes at least one axially extending slot, an outwardly extending projection formed on said floating shaft engages in the or at least one of said slots whereby the floating shaft can move axially relative to said handle but is restrained for rotation therewith. Preferably, multiple said slots are provided whereby said axially extending annular skirt configuration is formed by a plurality of axially extending finger elements. [0010] Conveniently, an outer surface of said annular skirt configuration engages with an inner surface of said central bore of the outer mounting part when said floating shaft is positioned extending through said annular skirt configuration. The annular skirt configuration may have outwardly extending 4 formation means cooperable with said outer mounting part enabling said handle to rotate about said operating axis relative to said outer mounting part but be retained against relative axial movement. In one preferred embodiment, the formation means might include one or more outwardly projecting flange elements located at an inner free end of said annular skirt configuration. [0011] In accordance with a further aspect, the present invention also provides a sub assembly for a locker latch assembly including a handle having a grippable part and an annular skirt configuration extending from said grippable part, said sub assembly further including a floating shaft movable in an axial direction relative to said annular skirt configuration, said annular skirt configuration having at least one axially extending slot and said floating shaft having at least one outward projection engageable in said slot whereby said floating shaft and said handle are restrained for rotation together, one end of said floating shaft having a transverse through opening cooperable with a transverse through opening of said handle whereby passage of a hasp of a padlock type locking device through both said transverse through openings causes said floating shaft to move axially relative to said handle. [0012] In this specification including the annexed claims, reference is made to a hasp of a padlock type locking device and to padlock type locking devices generally. It will be recognized that the padlock type locking device may take any known form of these devices including key operated and combination type locks. Furthermore, the nature of padlock type locking device does not form part of the invention or the claims. The locker latch assembly will operate with a hasp or similar element but the added security of the locking capability provides security of use with the locker on which the latch assembly is used. [0013] One preferred embodiment of the invention will be described hereafter with reference to the accompanying drawings.

5 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0014] Fig 1 is an exploded perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the latch structure. [0015] Fig 2 is a perspective view similar to Fig 1 but viewed in an opposite direction. [0016] Fig 3 is a side elevation view of the latch structure shown in Figs 1 and 2 assembled and mounted to a locker door; [0017] Fig 4 is a perspective view of the assembled latch structure omitting the locker door; [0018] Fig 5 is a detailed perspective view of part of the latch structure shown in Figs 1 and 2. [0019] Fig 6 is a detailed partly exploded perspective view of several parts of the latch structure shown in Figs 1 and 2; and [00201 Fig 7 is an inner end elevation view of the assembled latch structure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT [0021] Referring to the annexed drawings, a locker latch assembly 10 is shown. Figs 1 and 2 show the assembly 10 in exploded manner whereas Fig 3 shows the locker latch assembled to a locker door 11 with an outer face 12 and an inner face 13, and Fig 4 shows the locker latch assembled but omits the locker door.

6 [0022] The latch assembly 10 includes a handle 14 that includes a grippable part 15 and an axially extending annular skirt configuration 16. The annular skirt configuration 16 is divided into four finger elements 17 by four axially extending slots 18. The number of slots 18 is not critical and may be greater than or less than four. The handle 14 has a transverse through opening 19 extending from one side of the handle to the other. The handle 14 may be moulded from a suitable hard wearing and strong material such as nylon that will essentially be safer in use than metal. The axially inner free ends of the finger elements 17 each has a radially outward extending tab or flange 20. [0023] The latch assembly 10 also includes an outer mounting part 21 that has an outer flange 22 that, in use, engages against the locker door outer face 12, and a body section 23 that, in use, sits in a mounting opening in the locker door 11. A central bore 24 passes through the outer flange 22 and the body section 23 to provide an inner free rim or edge 25. A pair of opposed enlargements 26 are provided into which securing fasteners 27 can be engaged to hold the assembly together. In use the finger elements 17 of the handle 14 can flex inwardly enough for the finger elements to pass through the central bore 24 such that the tabs or flanges 20 engage the rim 25 when they flex outwardly again after passing down the central bore 24. In this basic sub assembly, the handle 14 is held against axial movement relative to the outer mounting part 21 but is capable of rotating relative to the outer mounting part 21. Item 28 in Figs 1 and 2 represents a spacing washer that may or may not be used depending on the thickness of the locker door 11. [0024] The latch assembly 10 further includes a floating shaft 29 that has a first outer end 30 and a second inner end 31. In the assembled condition the first outer end 30 of the floating shaft 29 passes through the annular skirt configuration 16 of the handle when it is positioned in the central bore 24 of the first mounting part 21 and in doing so presses the finger elements 17 outwardly to ensure the tabs or flanges 20 remain engaged with the rim 25. The first outer end 30 of the floating shaft 29 has, adjacent to it, a through opening 32 that, when assembled, is positioned complementary to the through opening 19 in the handle 7 14 for reasons that will be explained in the following. The second inner end 31 of the floating shaft 29 has a plurality of spaced projections 33 that are circumferentially positioned and sized to fit into and slide along the slots 18 in the annular skirt configuration 16. In this manner, the floating shaft 29 can axially slide relative to the handle 14 but is retained for rotation with the handle 14 about the operating axis 70. A compression spring 60 is provided located in an annular groove 61 in the end 30 of the floating shaft 29. The compression spring 60 acts between the shaft 29 and a recessed zone in the handle 14 to urge the floating shaft 29, when assembled, in an inward direction or downwards in Figs 1 and 2. [0025] The latch assembly 10 further includes an inner mounting part 34 with a flange part 35 adapted, in use, to engage against the inner face 13 of the locker door 11, and a body section 36. The body section 36 has an inner surface 37 from which projections 38 extend to limit rotation of the latch arm 39. The mounting part 34 is generally cup shaped with a generally circular recess 40 facing towards the inner face 13 of the locker door 11 when assembled thereto, the recess 40 having a floor wall 41 with a central opening 42 passing therethrough. The fasteners 27 pass through grooves 43 when connecting to the first outer mounting part 21. A further coupling part 44 is positioned in the recess 40 with a projecting stub shaft 45 passing through the central opening 42 in the floor wall 41. The stub shaft 45 having formations 49 complementary in shape to the shape of the mounting aperture 46 in the latch arm 39. The latch arm 39 is mounted to the stub shaft 45 by means of a threaded fastener 47 and wave (or other lock) washer 48. The coupling part 44 has a flange section 50 with diametrally opposed ribs 51 on a lower surface 52. A recess 53 is centrally located on an upper face 54 of the coupling part 44. The recess 53 has drive formations 55 that are engageable with drive formations 56 on a projecting stub shaft 57 on the second inner end 31 of the floating shaft 29. [0026] The stub shaft 57, in one axial position of the floating shaft 29, fits within the recess 53 in the coupling part 44. The inner mounting part 34 has projections 58 with grooves 59 located on the wall 41 that are engageable with the ribs 51 on the coupling part 44.

8 [00271 Once the locker latch structure is assembled and mounted to a locker door, the opening 19 in the handle allows a hasp of a padlock type lock device to enter and pass therethrough. The openings 19 and 32 are located relative to one another such that hasp, when passing through this passage forces the floating shaft to move axially outwardly against the urging force of the spring 60 by a sufficient distance to disengage the formations 56 on the shaft 29 from the formations 55 on the coupling device 44. The padlock type locking device (not illustrated) can be locked with the hasp passing through the passage formed by openings 19 and 32 with the formations 55, 56 disengaged. In this condition the handle 14 will simply free wheel around the operating axis of the latch assembly and if the latch arm 39 is in the latching position, the locker door cannot be opened and the handle 14 cannot be forced to effect opening of the locker door. [0028] The foregoing describes one preferred embodiment of the present invention. It will be apparent to a person skilled in this art that many variations can be made without departing from the locker latch structure defined in the annexed patent claims. For example, a knob type handle 14 is shown in the drawings but equally a lever or T shaped handle could be utilized. The annular skirt 16 of the handle 14 is shown with four generally equally spaced slots 18, however other arrangements could be used. For example a skirt 16 might have one slot only or any number of slots so long as the skirt 16 can be assembled through the central bore 24. It is convenient to provide a projection 33 for each slot 18 but this is not essential. Other variations are also equally possible falling within the scope of the annexed claims.

Claims (17)

1. A locker latch assembly for mounting to a locker door having a door outer face, a door inner face, and a locker latch assembly mounting opening traversing said locker door from said door outer face to said door inner face, said locker latch assembly having a rotatable handle positionable, in use, outwardly of said door outer face, a rotatable latch arm mounted for rotation between a first latching position and at least one non-latching position, and a floating shaft member defining an operating axis, said floating shaft member being axially movable as well as rotationally movable relative to said operating axis whereby in a first axial position of said floating shaft, said handle and said latch arm are operationally connected to one another whereby rotation of said handle causes rotation of said latch arm, and in a second axial position of said floating shaft member, said floating shaft member is operationally separated from at least one of said handle or said latch arm, said floating shaft member having a first transverse through opening being co-operable with a second transverse through opening in said handle whereby passage of a hasp of a padlock type locking device through both said first and said second transverse through openings causes said floating shaft member to move from said first axial position to said second axial position.

2. A locker latch assembly according to claim 1 wherein said handle and said latching arm rotate about axes coincident with said operating axis of said floating shaft member.

3. A locker latch assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein, in said second axial position of said floating shaft member, said floating shaft member is operationally separated only from said latch arm.

4. A locker latch assembly according to claim 3 wherein removal of said hasp of said padlock type locking device from said first and said second transverse through openings causes said floating shaft member to move to said first axial position. 10

5. A locker latch assembly according to claim 4 wherein said floating shaft member is urged to move axially towards said first axial position by spring means.

6. A locker latch assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein said handle has an outer grippable part and an inner annular skirt configuration adapted, in use, to extend from said grippable part towards or past the inner face of the locker door.

7. A locker latch assembly according to claim 6 further including an outer mounting part with a central bore adapted to receive said annular skirt configuration of said handle at least partially extending therethrough in a manner whereby said handle is axially retained relative to said outer mounting part but is rotatable relative to said outer mounting part about said operating axis.

8. A locker latch assembly according to claim 7 wherein said outer mounting part includes an inner region that, in use, passes at least partially through a mounting opening in said locker door, said locker latch assembly still further having an inner mounting part connectable, in use, to said outer mounting part by fastener means.

9. A locker latch assembly according to any one of claims 6 to 8 wherein said annular skirt configuration includes at least one axially extending slot, an outwardly extending projection formed on said floating shaft member engaging in the or at least one of said slots whereby said floating shaft member can move axially relative to said handle but is restrained for rotation therewith.

10. A locker latch assembly according to claim 9 wherein multiple said slots are provided whereby said axially extending annular skirt configuration is formed by a plurality of axially extending finger elements.

11. A locker latch assembly according to claim 10 wherein a said outwardly extending projection is engaged in each said slot. 11

12. A locker latch assembly according to any one of claims 9 to 11 wherein an outer surface of said annular skirt configuration engages with an inner surface of said central bore of the outer mounting part when said floating shaft member is positioned extending through said annular skirt configuration.

13. A locker latch assembly according to any one of claims 6 to 12 wherein the annular skirt configuration has outwardly extending formation means cooperable with said outer mounting part enabling said handle to rotate about said operating axis relative to said outer mounting part but be retained against relative axial movement.

14. A locker latch assembly according to claim 13 wherein said formation means include one or more outwardly projecting flange elements located at an inner free end of said annular skirt configuration.

15. A locker including a locker latch assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. A locker latch assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 14 including, in combination, a said padlock type locking device.

17. A sub assembly for a locker latch assembly including a handle having a grippable part and an annular skirt configuration extending from said grippable part, said sub assembly further including a floating shaft movable in an axial direction relative to said annular skirt configuration, said annular skirt configuration having at least one axially extending slot and said floating shaft having at least one outward projection engageable in said slot whereby said floating shaft and said handle are restrained for rotation together, one end of said floating shaft having a transverse through opening cooperable with a transverse through opening of said handle whereby passage of a hasp of a padlock type locking device through both said transverse through openings causes said floating shaft to move axially relative to said handle. LOCK FOCUS PTY LTD WATERMARK PATENT AND TRADE MARKS ATTORNEYS P37102AUOO