AU2016101870A4

AU2016101870A4 - A lock assembly and a method of operating same

Info

Publication number: AU2016101870A4
Application number: AU2016101870A
Authority: AU
Inventors: John Constantinou; David Greenbury; Harris Lambrou
Original assignee: Allegion Australia Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Allegion Australia Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2014-04-10
Filing date: 2016-10-25
Publication date: 2016-11-24
Anticipated expiration: 2023-02-06

Abstract

A LOCK ASSEMBLY AND A METHOD OF OPERATING SAME A lock assembly (20) including a first lock cylinder and one or more lock status indicators. The first lock cylinder has a first barrel (28) pivotable by a correctly coded key from a neutral key removal position to at least a first actuated position. The one or more lock status indicators (40a, 40b, 40c) is/are adapted to visually display a neutral status, whilst the first barrel (28) is in the neutral position, and a first actuated status, whilst the first barrel (28) is pivoted to the first actuated position. The neutral status and the first actuated status are each visually distinct from one another. -4 co -4 ('Nj ('Nj

Description

ι 2016101870 25 Oct 2016

A LOCK ASSEMBLY AND A METHOD OF OPERATING SAME

Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to a lock assembly and a method of operating same.

[0002] The invention has been primarily developed for use as a door lock in residential applications. However, the invention is not limited to this particular use and is also suitable for other lock applications, such as shop-fronts and hotels, and with lock cylinders that control a change in state or position of another device, such as a key switch.

Background of the Invention [0003] Door locks are known that provide a visual indication of the status of the lock. For example, the inside housing of Lockwood’s 001 (trade mark) deadlock includes a window through which an indicator can be viewed. When the lock is deadlocked, a red indicator is visible in the window. When the lock is not deadlocked, a green indicator is visible in the window. The indicators provide an indication of the status of the deadlock to the occupants of a house/room.

[0004] A disadvantage of this type of indicator is that it is unsuitable for external use as it provides anyone who is external to the lock with an indication of its locked/unlocked status. This is particularly problematic if the lock has been inadvertently or intentionally left unlocked as it provides all passersby with an indication that the house/room is not secure. This type of indication can also be problematic when used in the interior of a house/room, particularly where interior visual access to the lock is possible, for example via a window.

Object of Invention [0005] It is an object of the present invention to substantially overcome, or at least ameliorate, the above disadvantage. 10212754 2 2016101870 25 Oct 2016

Summary of Invention [0006] Accordingly, the present invention provides a lock assembly including: a first lock cylinder with a first barrel pivotable by a correctly coded key from a neutral key removal position to at least a first actuated position; an opening in the lock assembly; one or more lock status indicators adapted to visually display a neutral status, whilst the first barrel is in the neutral position, and a first actuated status, whilst the first barrel is pivoted to the first actuated position, the neutral status and the first actuated status are each visually distinct from one another; and a clear lens, mounted in or to the opening, through which the one or more lock status indicators can be viewed.

[0007] The first barrel is preferably also pivotable by the correctly coded key to a second or more actuated position and the one or more lock status indicators are adapted to visually display a second or more actuated status whilst the first barrel is pivoted to the second or more actuated position, wherein the neutral status, the first actuated status and the second or more actuated status are each visually distinct from one another.

[0008] Preferably, the first actuated position and the first actuated status both correspond to either locked status or unlocked status.

[0009] Preferably, the first actuated position and first actuated status both correspond to locked status and the second actuated position and the second actuated status both correspond to unlocked status.

[0010] Preferably, the locked status is indicated by a first coloured element being visible in the opening, the unlocked status is indicated by a second coloured element being visible in the opening and the neutral status is indicated by no element or a third coloured element being visible in the opening. 10212754 3 2016101870 25 Oct 2016

Brief Description of Drawings [0011] Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [0012] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a lock assembly mounted in the door; [0013] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a lock assembly mounted in the door; [0014] Figs. 3 and 4 are front and rear exploded perspective views of the lock assembly shown in Fig. 1 respectively; [0015] Figs. 5, 6 and 7 are partial rear views of the lock assembly of Fig. 1 during neutral, unlocking and locking key positions respectively; [0016] Figs. 8 and 9 are front and rear exploded perspective views of the lock assembly shown in Fig. 2 respectively; [0017] Figs. 10, 11 and 12 are top views of the lock assembly shown in Fig. 2 during neutral, unlocking and locking key positions respectively; [0018] Figs. 13, 14 and 15 are perspective views of the lock assembly shown in Fig. 2 during, neutral unlocking and locking key positions respectively; [0019] Fig. 16 and 17 are perspective views of a third embodiment of a lock assembly mounted in the door, indicating a neutral status and an unlocked status respectively; [0020] Figs. 18 and 19 are front and rear exploded perspective views of the lock assembly shown in Fig. 16 respectively; and [0021] Figs. 20, 21 and 22 are rear views of the lock assembly of Fig. 16 during neutral, unlocking and locking key positions respectively. 10212754 4 2016101870 25 Oct 2016

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments [0022] Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a lock assembly 20 mounted in a door 22. The lock assembly 20 includes an escutcheon 24 to which is mounted a cylinder barrel 28. The barrel 28 has key slot 30 therein. The escutcheon 24 includes an opening therein, in the form of a window 32. The escutcheon 24 shown is grey or silver in colour (but can be another colour).

[0023] As best shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the lock assembly 20 includes a pin cylinder assembly, comprising a housing 34 within which is pivotally mounted the cylinder barrel 28. The proximal end of the barrel 28 includes a pair of spigots 36 which engage with corresponding recesses 38 formed in an indicator wheel 40. The indicator wheel 40 has a first part 40a, which is coloured silver or grey to match that of the escutcheon 24 (but can be another neutral colour), a second part 40b which is coloured green, and a third part 40c, which is coloured red.

[0024] The distal end of the barrel 28 includes a slot 42 within which is engaged a drive shaft 44. The drive shaft 44 is located within the groove 42 by a cir-clip 46. The drive shaft 44 is used to pivotally drive other lock components, such as a cam within the main lock mechanism, as is well known to person skilled in the art.

[0025] Figs. 3 and 4 also show a clear lens 48 which is received within the window 32, to prevent ingress of dirt and/or moisture into the lock assembly 20. Figs. 3 and 4 also show three screws 50 which are used to fix the housing 34 to the escutcheon 24 by screw engagement with three bosses 52.

[0026] The operation of the lock assembly shall now be described with reference to Figs. 5 to 7.

[0027] Fig. 5 shows the lock assembly 20 when the barrel 28 is in a neutral position in which the key can be inserted into, and removed from, the barrel 28. When the barrel 28 is in this position, the grey/silver coloured first section 40a of the indicator wheel 40 is visible through the window 32, to visually indicate that the barrel 28 is in the neutral or key removal position.

[0028] Fig 6 shows the lock assembly 20 whilst the barrel 28 is pivoted to a (first actuated) unlocking position. In this position, the green second part 40b of the colour wheel 40 is 10212754 5 2016101870 25 Oct 2016 visible through the window, to visually indicate to the lock assembly operator that they are unlocking, or have unlocked, the lock assembly 20. Importantly, once the unlocking operation has been completed, the barrel 28 must be pivoted back to the neutral/key removal position shown in Fig. 5 for removal of the key. Accordingly, even though the lock assembly 20 has been unlocked, the visual indication of doing so does not remain visible after the operation has been completed.

[0029] Fig. 7 shows the lock assembly 20 whilst the barrel 28 is pivoted to a (second actuated) locking position. In this position, the red third part 40c of the colour wheel 40 is visible through the window 32 to visually indicate to the user that it is the locking operation that they are performing. Importantly, once the locking operation is complete, the barrel 28 must be rotated back to the neutral/key removal position shown in Fig. 5 for key removal.

Accordingly, the visual indication of locking does not remain once that operation has been completed.

[0030] Fig. 2 shows a second embodiment of a lock assembly 60 mounted within a door 62. The lock assembly 60 includes an escutcheon 64 through which a cylinder barrel 66, with a key slot 68, can be accessed. The escutcheon 64 also includes a first opening 70 and a second opening 72.

[0031] As best shown in Figs 8 and 9, the lock assembly 60 also includes a pin cylinder assembly housing 74 which has first and second openings 76 and 78 respectively therein. First and second springs 80 and 82 and first and second indicator cylinders 84 and 86 are respectively located in the first and second openings 76 and 78. A cover plate 88 is fixed to the distal end of the barrel 66 by screws 90. The colour plate fixes a drive shaft 92 with respect to the barrel 66. The cover plate 88 also includes a cam part 94. The first and second cylinders 84 and 86 have proximal ends that are coloured red and green respectively. In an alternative form (not shown), the proximal ends of the cylinders are colour matched to the escutcheon 64 (or are another neutral colour) with the side surfaces of the cylinders 84 and 86 red and green respectively.

[0032] The operation of the lock assembly 60 shall now be described with reference to Figs. 10 to 15. 10212754 6 2016101870 25 Oct 2016 [0033] Figs. 10 and 13 show the lock assembly 60 whilst the barrel 68 is in the neutral or key removal position. In this position, the cam part 94 does not influence the position of either of the cylinders 84 or 86 and both of them are driven inwardly away from the outer surface of the escutcheon 64 by their respective springs 80 and 82 such that they do not protrude through the openings 70 and 72.

[0034] Figs. 11 and 14 show the lock assembly 60 whilst the barrel 68 is pivoted to an unlocking position. This causes corresponding rotation of the cover plate 88 and causes the cam part 94 to drive the green cylinder 86 forward such that its proximal end protrudes from the escutcheon 64 through the first hole 70. The green protruding cylinder 86 provides a visual indication that the lock assembly 60 is unlocked or being unlocked. Importantly, the cylinder 86 retracts to the position shown in Fig. 13 when the barrel 68 is pivoted back to the neutral/key removal position shown in Figs. 10 and 13.

[0035] Figs. 12 and 15 show the lock assembly 60 whilst the barrel 68 is pivoted to a locking position. In this position, the corresponding rotation of the cover plate 88 causes the cam part 94 to drive the red cylinder 84 forward such that its proximal protrudes from the escutcheon through the second hole 72. This provides a visual indication of locking. Again, the cylinder 84 retracts when the barrel 68 is returned to the neutral/key removal position.

[0036] Figs. 16 to 22 show a third embodiment of a lock assembly 100 mounted in a door 102. The lock assembly 100 includes an escutcheon 104 to which is mounted a cylinder barrel 106. The barrel 106 has key slot 108 therein. The escutcheon 104 includes two openings therein, in the form of slots 110 and 112 in its left and right hand sides respectively.

[0037] As best shown in Figs. 18 and 19, the lock assembly 100 includes a pin cylinder assembly, comprising a housing 114 within which is pivotally mounted the cylinder barrel 106. The proximal end of the barrel 106 includes a pair of spigots 116 which engage with corresponding recesses 118 formed in an indicator part 120. The indicator part 120 has a first part 120a, which is coloured green, and a second part 120b, which is coloured red.

[0038] The distal end of the barrel 106 includes a slot 122 within which is engaged a drive shaft 124. The drive shaft 124 is located within the groove 122 by a cir-clip 126. The drive shaft is used to pivotally drive other lock components, such as a cam within the main lock 10212754 7 2016101870 25 Oct 2016 mechanism, as is well known to persons skilled in the art. Figs. 18 and 19 also show three screws 128 which are used to fix the housing 114 to the escutcheon 104 by screw engagement with three bosses 130.

[0039] The operation of the lock assembly shall now be described with reference to Figs. 20 to 22.

[0040] Fig. 20 shows the lock assembly 100 when the barrel 106 is in a neutral position in which the key can be inserted into, and removed from, the barrel 106. When the barrel 106 is in this position, the indicator part 120 does not protrude through either of the slots 110 or 112, so as to visually indicate that the barrel 106 is in the neutral or key removal position.

[0041] Fig. 21 (and also Fig. 17) show the lock assembly 100 whilst the barrel 104 is pivoted to a (first actuated) unlocking position. In this position, the green first part 120a protrudes from the slot 110 to visually indicate to the lock assembly operator that they are unlocking, or have unlocked, the lock assembly 100. Importantly, once the unlocking operation has been completed, the barrel 106 must be pivoted back to the neutral/key removal position shown in Fig. 20 for removal of the key.

[0042] Fig. 22 shows the lock assembly 100 whilst the barrel 106 is pivoted to a (second actuated) locking position. In this position, the red second part 120b of the indicator part 120 protrudes from the slot 112 to visually indicate to the operator that it is the locking operation that they are performing, or have performed. Importantly, once the locking operation is complete, the barrel 106 must be rotated back to the neutral/key removal position shown in Fig. 20 for key removal.

[0043] The lock assemblies described above advantageously provide an indication to a user as to whether key rotation is causing locking or unlocking, so as to provide a clear, visual indication as to whether or not they are correctly manipulating key in the lock assembly. Importantly, the visual indication of locking/unlocking is removed once the operation is complete, so as to avoid providing any passersby with an indication of the status of the lock, thereby allowing the lock assembly to be used in both internal and external installations. This is particularly important, when used in an external installation, if the user has mistakenly or intentionally left a door unlocked. The clear indication of locking/unlocking during key 10212754 8 2016101870 25 Oct 2016 operation is also advantageous in avoiding the (potentially dangerous) scenario of unintentionally locking an occupant inside a room or building.

[0044] Although the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated by person skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms. For example, in a third embodiment (not shown), the lock is assembly includes two windows with the neutral position being indicated with a grey/neutral colours in both windows, the key unlocking position being indicated by green in one window and grey/neutral in the other and the locking position being indicated by grey/neutral in the first window and red in the second window. 10212754

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A lock assembly including: a first lock cylinder with a first barrel pivotable by a correctly coded key from a neutral key removal position to at least a first actuated position; an opening in the lock assembly; one or more lock status indicators adapted to visually display a neutral status, whilst the first barrel is in the neutral position, and a first actuated status, whilst the first barrel is pivoted to the first actuated position, the neutral status and the first actuated status are each visually distinct from one another; and a clear lens, mounted in or to the opening, through which the one or more lock status indicators can be viewed.
2. The lock assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first barrel is also pivotable by the correctly coded key to a second or more actuated position and the one or more lock status indicators are adapted to visually display a second or more actuated status whilst the first barrel is pivoted to the second or more actuated position, wherein the neutral status, the first actuated status and the second or more actuated status are each visually distinct from one another.
3. The lock assembly as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the first actuated position and the first actuated status both correspond to either locked status or unlocked status.
4. The lock assembly as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the first actuated position and first actuated status both correspond to locked status and the second actuated position and the second actuated status both correspond to unlocked status.
5. The lock assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locked status is indicated by a first coloured element being visible in the opening, the unlocked status is indicated by a second coloured element being visible in the opening and the neutral status is indicated by no element or a third coloured element being visible in the opening.