AU2016204725A1 - Sliding Door or Window Furniture Assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A lock for a sliding door or window, the lock including a lock body assembly having at least one lock body, a pair of opposed carriages mounted relative to the at least one lock body for linear movement relative thereto, a lock base, at least one lock beak mounted relative to the lock base rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position, movement of the at least one lock beak caused by linear movement of the pair of opposed carriages, a rotatable hub component mounted for rotation driven by a lock operating component, the rotatable hub component having a disengagement ramp, a rotatable cam component mounted relative to the rotatable hub and associated with each of the opposed carriages and a deadlock component mounted relative to the rotatable hub component and biased into engagement with the rotatable hub component such that the rotatable hub component and the rotatable cam component rotate together when engaged between an unlocked position in which the at least one lock beak mounted relative to the lock base is in the unlocked position caused by movement of the respective opposed carriage and a locked position in which the at least one lock beak mounted relative to the lock base is in the locked position caused by movement of the respective opposed carriage and upon rotation of the rotatable hub component into a deadlocked position, the disengagement ramp causes movement of the deadlock component to disengage the rotatable hub component from the rotatable cam component, allowing rotation of the rotatable hub component into the deadlocked position whilst preventing movement of the rotatable cam and thereby the opposed carriages and thereby preventing rotation of the at least one lock beak.

Description

SLIDING DOOR OR WINDOW FURNITURE ASSEMBLY TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a sliding door or window furniture assembly and particularly to a low-profile lock, lockable from both sides and with access to any key cylinders simple, quick and effective.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Many locks have a particular bulky, unappealing look that is not fit with the modem tasteful similar line, sleek appearances in architectural hardware and home wares. Therefore, one reason for minimising the lock projection from the door or window face is aesthetics.

[0003] Another reason is that in some applications, the majority of products on the market simply do not work because they project too far from the door surface. In Australia and other warm climate locations, fly screens or security screens are generally fitted to exterior door tracks of sliding doors and this works well enough. However, in some applications, the screen is fitted to an interior track. This leads to the screen interfering with the door lock, meaning that the screen cannot close fully, rendering it ineffective. Prior art low-profile sliding door handles generally means a reduction in the number of components and complexity of the door handle which in turn reduces the security of these door handles because many of the existing low-profile door handles are non-locking.

[0004] Additionally, in order to rekey a sliding door lock, the door lock must be removed from the door. This is time consuming and runs the risk that parts of the door lock can be lost and generally also means that careful consideration must given to resetting the lock in position relative to the door strike otherwise the lock will typically not function properly.

[0005] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0006] The present invention is directed to a sliding door or window furniture assembly, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0007] With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in a lock for a sliding door or window, the lock including a lock body assembly having at least one lock body, a pair of opposed carriages mounted relative to the at least one lock body for linear movement relative thereto, a lock base, at least one lock beak mounted relative to the lock base rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position, movement of the at least one lock beak caused by linear movement of the pair of opposed carriages, a rotatable hub component mounted for rotation driven by a lock operating component, the rotatable hub component having a disengagement ramp, a rotatable cam component mounted relative to the rotatable hub and associated with each of the opposed carriages and a deadlock component mounted relative to the rotatable hub component and biased into engagement with the rotatable hub component such that the rotatable hub component and the rotatable cam component rotate together when engaged between an unlocked position in which the at least one lock beak mounted relative to the lock base is in the unlocked position caused by movement of the respective opposed carriage and a locked position in which the at least one lock beak mounted relative to the lock base is in the locked position caused by movement of the respective opposed carriage and upon rotation of the rotatable hub component into a deadlocked position, the disengagement ramp causes movement of the deadlock component to disengage the rotatable hub component from the rotatable cam component, allowing rotation of the rotatable hub component into the deadlocked position whilst preventing movement of the rotatable cam and thereby the opposed carriages and thereby preventing rotation of the at least one lock beak.

[0008] In another form, the present invention resides in a sliding door or window furniture assembly including at least one lock operating component mounted relative to at least one handle for mounting relative to a sliding door or window, a lock body assembly mounted relative to the at least one handle and having at least one lock body, a pair of opposed carriages mounted relative to the at least one lock body for linear movement relative thereto, a lock base, at least one lock beak mounted relative to the lock base rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position, movement of the at least one lock beak caused by linear movement of the pair of opposed carriages, a rotatable hub component mounted for rotation driven by the lock operating component, the rotatable hub component having a disengagement ramp, a rotatable cam component mounted relative to the rotatable hub and associated with each of the opposed carriage, and a deadlock component mounted relative to the rotatable hub component and biased into engagement with the rotatable hub component such that the rotatable hub component and the rotatable cam component rotate together when engaged between an unlocked position in which the at least one lock beak mounted relative to the lock base is in the unlocked position caused by movement of the respective opposed carriage and a locked position in which the at least one lock beak mounted relative to the lock base is in the locked position caused by movement of the respective opposed carriage and upon rotation of the rotatable hub component into a deadlocked position, the disengagement ramp causes movement of the deadlock component to disengage the rotatable hub component from the rotatable cam component, allowing rotation of the rotatable hub component into the deadlocked position whilst preventing movement of the rotatable cam and thereby the opposed carriages and thereby preventing rotation of the at least one lock beak.

[0009] The at least one lock body may have any shape. It is preferred that there will be a pair of lock bodies, one for each of the pair of opposed carriages, with the lock bodies attached to both a top cover and a base. The pair of lock bodies are typically separated by the hub and cam components. Normally, the separation is approximately halfway along the length of the lock and therefore, each of the lock bodies is typically approximately half the length of the top cover and base. The other components of the lock are preferably mounted to or relative to one or more of the lock bodies for movement relative thereto.

[0010] In use, the lock of the present invention will typically be mounted to or relative to a handle assembly which may include one or more handles. Further, the handle assembly will typically include one or more key cylinders for key operation as well as a snib for moving the lock between the open and locked condition. The handle assembly itself will typically be mounted relative to a door or window and in a preferred embodiment, the lock assembly of the present invention is provided as a part of a D-handle assembly for a sliding door.

[0011] The pair of lock bodies also attach a top cover and a base and together, the lock bodies, cover and base define the overall shape of the lock assembly. As mentioned above, the other components of the lock typically mounted relative to one or more of the lock bodies, the top cover and/or the base.

[0012] Each of the lock bodies preferably includes a substantially planar surface relative to which one of the pair of opposed carriages is mounted. Preferably, the planar surface is a slide surface against which the respective carriage may slide, typically for linear movement and most preferably, in reciprocal movement between the locked and unlocked conditions. Typically, one of the carriages is mounted relative to each of the preferred lock bodies and moves relative to that lock body.

[0013] The slide surface is typically substantially rectangular in shape and is normally bounded by an outer or peripheral lip, raised relative to the slide surface.

[0014] Each of the lock bodies is preferably provided with a carriage guide in order to guide the movement of the carriage relative to the lock body. The carriage body preferably allows movement of the carriages reciprocally relative to the lock body but minimises any other (lateral) movement. In a preferred form, the carriage guide is provided as an extension, extending above the level of the slide surface and normally abutting an underside of the top cover.

[0015] The carriage guide can have any shape but is preferably elongate. The carriage guide preferably has a pair of planar side surfaces in order to abut planar side edges of a guide opening provided on one of the respective carriages. In a preferred form, the ends of the carriage guides are arcuate. Each of the carriage guides preferably has at least one threaded opening provided therein to in order to receive an elongate, threaded fastener to attach the top cover to the respective lock body.

[0016] Each of the lock bodies typically has an opening adjacent to the carriage guide on the respective lock body, the opening extending through the planar slide surface. This opening will typically allow a beak engagement arm to extend through the lock body in order to engage a beak. The opening is typically shaped and will preferably be an elongate slot. Further, it is preferred that the opening has a pair of planar side edges in order to guide the movement of the beak engagement arm and a pair of rounded ends. The provision of the opening will typically allow movement of the beak engagement arm relative to the lock body caused by the movement of the carriage.

[0017] Also preferably provided relative to the planar slide surface of each body is an internally threaded body to allow a fastener to be used to attach the top cover. Normally, the internally threaded body is provided adjacent to an end wall of each of the lock bodies at the end opposite to the hub and cam components.

[0018] On the opposite side of each of the lock bodies to the planar slide surface, a number of spacing members or assemblies are provided in order to space the slide surface from the base of the lock to provide clearance for the other components including the beaks, the hub component and cam component. The spacers are generally provided transversely or perpendicularly to the slide surface. Preferably, there will be a spacing member provided at an outer end of the lock body substantially perpendicularly to the slide surface. The spacer member provided at the outer end of the lock body is preferably substantially planar.

[0019] A spacer assembly is preferably provided at the end of each lock body adjacent to the hub and cam components in order to allow mounting of the hub and cam components as well as other components of the lock. The spacer assembly will typically include an arcuate wall in order to guide rotation of the hub and cam components and also allow the hub and cam components to be located and held within the lock.

[0020] A portion of the planar slide surface will typically overhang the arcuate wall of the spacer assembly on each lock body in order to restrain the hub and cam components from moving out of position. This will typically act to ensure rotation of the hub and cam but restrict movement in other directions.

[0021] The lock bodies will typically differ from one another in that one lock body will typically have the deadlock component mounted relative thereto and the other lock body will preferably have an auxiliary bolt assembly.

[0022] The lock body which has the deadlock component mounted relative thereto is typically provided with a deadlock component mounting assembly which is either located relative to the arcuate wall, or preferably, the arcuate wall is provided as a part of the deadlock component mounting assembly. This mounting assembly will typically allow movement of the deadlock stop relative to the hub and cam components. Generally, the mounting assembly will allow only linear movement of the deadlock stop component.

[0023] The deadlock component mounting assembly will typically mount the deadlock stop relative thereto but to allow engagement of the deadlock stop with the cam component and the deadlock member as required. The deadlock component mounting assembly will typically also have at least one abutment surface or assembly against which a biasing member or structure can abut in order to bias the deadlock stop into engagement with the cam component. The biasing member according to a preferred form, is a spring and the spring will normally be mounted in a spring mount provided on the deadlock stop and abut a portion of the deadlock component mounting assembly.

[0024] The other of the lock bodies will typically include a mounting assembly for an auxiliary bolt. The auxiliary bolt is typically mounted for movement substantially perpendicularly to the lock body and preferably, in the same direction in which the beaks extend from the lock body when in the locked condition. The auxiliary bolt is typically biased into an extended position relative to the lock body, in which the auxiliary bolt extends from the lock body. Again, a biasing member is typically provided to bias the auxiliary bolt into the extended position and the biasing member is generally a spring.

[0025] The auxiliary bolt is preferably an elongate finger or similar which projects from the lock body when the lock is in an open position in order to prevent the carriages moving whilst in the open position. The auxiliary bolt is generally mounted through a sidewall in the mounting assembly. An opening is typically provided in the sidewall allowing the auxiliary bolt to extend perpendicularly from the lock body. The opening is typically shaped to guide movement of the auxiliary bolt and in a particularly preferred form, the auxiliary bolt is typically rectangular in cross-section having an arcuate end and therefore, the opening in the sidewall of the mounting assembly is typically also rectangular.

[0026] The auxiliary bolt is typically provided with a stop shoulder that when in the open position, when the auxiliary bolt is extended from the lock body, the stop shoulder engages with the carriage mounted relative to the particular lock body in order to prevent movement of the carriage. Due to the engagement of the carriage with the cam component and the fact that the other carriage is typically also engaged with the cam component, preventing one of the carriages from movement will typically act to prevent movement of both of the carriages.

[0027] The stop shoulder travels transversely to the lock body, preferably in a transverse opening in the lock body, extending through the slide surface, to allow the stop shoulder to engage with the carriage. The transverse opening is typically provided between the arcuate wall of the lock body and the carriage guide provided on the lock body.

[0028] Each lock body also preferably has a beak mount extending from the side of the lock body opposite to the slide surface in order to mount a respective beak for rotation. Each beak mount is preferably cylindrical. Each beak mount will typically extend toward the lock base and an end portion of each beak mount is typically received in an opening provided in an annular structure provided on the base against which the body of the beak abuts when the lock is assembled.

[0029] The mounting assembly provided on the lock body relative to which the deadlock component is mounted will typically have a pair of openings in order to receive respective tabs provided on the base in order to position the lock body relative to the base.

[0030] The mounting assembly on the lock body relative to which the auxiliary bolt is mounted is preferably provided with one or more abutment walls to positively locate the lock body relative to the base. In a preferred configuration, this lock body will preferably have an arcuate abutment wall in order to abut a portion of the arcuate wall on the lock body and/or a planar wall in order to abut a portion of the mounting assembly adjacent to the auxiliary bolt.

[0031] The lock of the present invention includes a pair of opposed carriages mounted relative to the at least one lock body for linear movement relative thereto. As mentioned above, each of the carriages will typically move relative to a slide surface provided on one of the preferred pair of lock bodies. Each of the opposed carriages is typically mounted between one of the lock bodies and the top cover of the lock. The top cover is typically attached to the lock bodies by a pair of fasteners which are provided to allow linear movement of the carriages without interference from the fasteners. At least one of the fasteners attaching the lock body to the top cover is preferably provided through the guide opening provided in each carriage and into the preferred guide portion provided on each lock body.

[0032] Each of the carriages is typically a substantially planar member. Each carriage will preferably have a perpendicularly extending engagement member and a perpendicularly extending cam engagement member. Further, each of the carriages will typically include at least one, and preferably only one guide opening in order to guide movement of the carriage relative to the respective lock body.

[0033] The guide opening is typically an elongate slot. The guide opening in one of the carriages is typically a closed slot or a slot having a closed periphery, and the guide opening in the other of the carriages is preferably an open slot having one closed end, and one open end.

The guide openings will typically have substantially planar, spaced apart side edges in order to abut either side of a guide portion provided on a lock body. The closed ends of the guide openings will normally be arcuate.

[0034] One of the carriages will typically have a snib link engagement assembly preferably, the snib link engagement assembly is provided on the carriage having the open slot guide opening which is preferably located relative to the lock body having the auxiliary bolt. The snib link engagement assembly typically includes a notch provided in a sidewall of the guide opening in order to receive a tab portion provided on the snib link. The engagement between the notch and the tab portion provided on the snib link will preferably allow the movement of the snib to move the carriage with the snib link engagement assembly which will thereby to rotate the cam component which will also then move the other of the carriages.

[0035] Each of the carriages will typically have an angled end edge at the end opposite to the cam component in order to provide clearance at the end of the carriage to allow for the fastener assemblies to attach the top cover to each of the lock bodies. In a preferred embodiment, the inner ends of each of the carriages (opposite to the preferred angled outer end) will preferably be shaped to provide or allow access to the hub component and cam component.

[0036] An arcuate portion will typically be provided at the inner end of each of the carriages. A planar end edge portion is provided on one lateral side of the arcuate portion. An elongate extension portion is typically provided on the other side of the carriage to the planar end edge. It is particularly preferred that the cam engagement member is preferably provided on the elongate extension portion of each of the carriages. As mentioned above, the cam engagement member preferably extends substantially perpendicularly to the preferred substantially planar carriage. The cam engagement member will typically extend towards the base of the lock in order to engage with the cam component.

[0037] The cam engagement member may have any shape. Preferably, the cam engagement members will have a cylindrical outer surface and a substantially planar inner surface. Generally, a single cam engagement member is provided on each carriage. The cam engagement member is used to translate linear movement of the carriages into rotational movement of the cam component and also to translate rotational movement of the cam component into linear movement of the carriages. In use, the cam engagement member will drive rotation of the cam component and the hub component when the carriages move reciprocally, and will move the carriages reciprocally when the cam component is rotated.

[0038] As mentioned above, a beak engagement member is provided on each of the carriages, preferably extending substantially parallel to the cam engagement member, substantially perpendicularly to the preferred planar carriage. The beak engagement member is preferably provided spaced from the cam engagement member, normally towards the preferred angled end edge of the carriage.

[0039] Each beak engagement member is preferably generally cylindrical. The beak engagement member will typically be provided adjacent to the guide opening in each of the respective carriages. The beak engagement member will preferably translate linear movement of the respective carriage into rotational movement of each of the beaks provided in order to move the beaks between the open and locked positions.

[0040] The lock of the present invention includes a lock base. Preferably, each of the beaks, the cam component and the hub component preferably mounted between the lock bodies and the base. The base is preferably a substantially planar plate with a number of openings provided therein in order to receive fasteners to attach the base to each of the lock bodies. The base will also preferably have tabs extending from the base, generally substantially perpendicularly to the base in order to align with the tab openings provided on one of the lock bodies. The base will also typically have an arcuate abutment wall and/or a planar abutment wall in order to positively locate the other of the lock bodies relative thereto.

[0041] The base will typically have a substantially central opening through the base. The hub component is preferably mounted relative to the substantially central opening in the base.

[0042] A pair of annular structures are normally provided on the base and extending therefrom, one annular structure normally extending from adjacent to each end of the base in order to mount a beak relative thereto. Normally, the annular structures have a substantially planar abutment surface against which the body of the beak will typically abut and a central opening therein adapted to receive an end of one of the beak mounts provided on a respective lock body.

[0043] An arc-shaped beak rest is preferably provided adjacent to each of the annular structures in order for the hook of the beak to move relative thereto. A strike side of each of the arc-shaped beak rest may be chamfered in order to assist with movement of the hook back into the lock body during the movement from the locked position to the open position.

[0044] The lock of the present invention also includes at least one lock beak mounted relative to the lock base rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position, movement of the at least one lock beak caused by linear movement of the pair of opposed carriages. Each lock beak is preferably provided with a substantially annular body with a hook extending therefrom. The body will typically be substantially planar on each side and have a central opening in order to mount the beak about the beak mount extending from the lock body and relative to the planar surface of the annular structure provided on the base. This will allow rotation of the lock beak driven by a respective carriage and substantially prevent any unwanted movement of the beak.

[0045] A shaped slot is preferably formed in the annular body of the beak to receive the beak engagement member provided on a respective carriage. When the carriage is moved (linearly) toward an outer end of the lock body, the beaks are preferably in the open position and conversely, when the carriages are retracted toward each other (linearly), the beaks are typically rotated into the locked position, extending from the lock in order to engage with a strike.

[0046] The lock of the present invention also includes a rotatable hub component mounted for rotation driven by a lock operating component, the rotatable hub component having a disengagement ramp.

[0047] The hub component is typically annular in shape. The hub component is preferably provided with an annular portion of larger diameter and a concentric, annular portion of smaller diameter in order to mount the hub in the central opening of the base. The hub component will typically have a central bore therethrough. The central bore is provided with a least one, and preferably more than one protrusion extending inwardly from the sidewall of the hub component into the central bore. In a preferred embodiment, the protrusion is preferably chevron shaped.

The protrusions will allow engagement of a drive component, which in the preferred form, is a tail bar extending between an outer handle and an inner handle, to turn the hub component which thereby turns the cam component which causes the carriages to move linearly.

[0048] The hub component will also typically have a hub tab extending radially outwardly from an outer surface of the preferred annular hub component. The hub tab preferably engages with the cam component, preferably through abutment of the hub tab with a respective end wall of a hub depression provided in the cam component, depending upon the direction of rotation of the hub component.

[0049] The disengagement ramp is typically provided preferably provided in the annular portion of a larger diameter. In a preferred configuration, the concentric portion of larger diameter will typically have an opening therein, forming a pair of spaced apart free ends, one of which is planar and the other of which is provided with the disengagement ramp. Normally, a portion of the deadlock member will rotate with the hub component within the opening, between the spaced apart free ends until aligned with the opening in the sidewall of the cam component as described below which allows the disengagement ramp to force retraction of the deadlock member.

[0050] The lock of the present invention also includes a rotatable cam component mounted relative to the rotatable hub and associated with each of the opposed carriages.

[0051] The cam component is typically mounted relative to the lock bodies, preferably between the arcuate walls provided on the lock bodies for guided rotation of the cam component. Generally, the cam component is mounted substantially concentrically about the hub component.

[0052] The cam component is typically an annular member with a number of abutment notches formed therein to in order to engage with the respective cam engagement members provided on the carriages. Normally, the abutment notches are formed in one of the annular edges of the preferred annular cam component. A hub depression is preferably formed in the opposite annular edge in order to engage with the hub tab provided on the hub component.

[0053] An opening is preferably provided in at least a portion of the sidewall of the annular cam component in order to receive the deadlock member of the deadlock component thereinto. The deadlock member will typically rotate with the cam component, within the opening until aligned with the biased deadlock stop which allows rotation of the hub component relative to the cam component allowing the disengagement ramp to force the deadlock member out of engagement with the hub component and to allow further rotation of the hub component whilst the cam component is held in position by the deadlock member.

[0054] A linear groove or other engagement portion is typically provided on an outer surface of the preferred annular cam component to engage with the deadlock stop and preferably, for seating a projection on the deadlock stop at least partially therein, when the lock is in the open position.

[0055] The lock of the present invention also includes a deadlock component mounted relative to the rotatable cam component and biased into engagement with the rotatable hub component such that the rotatable cam component and the rotatable hub component rotate together when engaged between an unlocked position in which the at least one lock beak mounted relative to the lock base in the unlocked position caused by movement of the respective opposed carriage and a locked position in which the at least one lock beak mounted relative to the lock base in the locked position caused by movement of the respective opposed carriage and upon rotation of the rotatable hub component into a deadlocked position, the disengagement ramp causes movement of the deadlock member to disengage the rotatable cam component from the rotatable hub component, allowing rotation of the rotatable hub component into the deadlocked position preventing movement of the opposed carriages and thereby preventing rotation of the at least one lock beak.

[0056] According to a preferred embodiment, the deadlock component is a two part component including a deadlock member as described above and a deadlock stop. The deadlock member is preferably a substantially solid block which is generally rectangular. An engagement portion is preferably provided in an outer surface of the deadlock member in order to engage with the deadlock stop. In a preferred embodiment, the engagement portion is or includes a substantially linear groove to seat the preferred projection provided on the deadlock stop when the deadlock member is in the locked and deadlocked positions. Preferably, the deadlock member will move into the locked position due to rotation of the cam component at which point, the projection on the deadlock stop engages with the preferred substantially linear groove to prevent further rotation of the deadlock member and further rotation of the hub component into the deadlocked position will cause the disengagement ramp to force the deadlock member radially outwardly allowing the hub component to rotate further into the deadlocked position, and to prevent rotation of the cam component.

[0057] The deadlock member is preferably provided with a shaped projection in order to abut the disengagement ramp of the hub component in the open position and also when rotating the hub component to the locked position. As described above, further rotation of the hub component forces the disengagement ramp against the shaped projection whilst the deadlock member is held by the projection of the deadlock stop in the preferred linear groove, to force the deadlock member radially outwardly against the bias of the deadlock stop, out of engagement with the hub component allowing the hub component to rotate whilst the cam component is fixed in the locked position. The cam component is prevented from movement (rotation) until the deadlock member is moved back into the opening in the cam component by rotation of the hub component which releases the cam component for rotation.

[0058] The disengagement ramp of the preferred embodiment is typically associated with a free end of the annular portion of larger dimension of the hub component in order to ease against the shaped projection provided on the drive member to move the deadlock member radially outwardly when aligned with the deadlock stop. The deadlock member does not move outwardly until driven outwardly by the disengagement ramp and similarly, when the hub component is rotated to align the opening in the hub component with the deadlock member, the bias of the deadlock stop will move the deadlock member radially inwardly releasing the cam component for rotation.

[0059] As mentioned above, the lock of the present invention is typically mounted relative to a handle assembly. According to a preferred embodiment, the lock will be mounted relative to a D-handle mounted on one side of the door and having a substantially rectangular housing portion in order to receive the lock is partially therein. On the opposite side of the door and an outer pull handle is typically provided with an elongate tail bar extending between the handle and the outer pull handle, the tail bar extending through the hub component and abutting the protrusions within the bore of the hub component to cause rotation of the hub component as required.

[0060] The preferred handle assembly of the present invention has at least one key cylinder provided for deadlocking.

[0061] The D handle and the outer pull handle will preferably both have an outer cover which can be removed in order to allow access to the key cylinder of the lock without necessarily accessing the lock itself.

[0062] As mentioned above, the handle assembly will typically be provided with a snib assembly, which is normally mounted relative to the D handle, preferably on the side of the D handle housing further east away from the strike. The snib member is typically provided in order to connect the externally accessible snib with one of the carriages within the lock. Generally, reciprocal linear movement of the snib will move the lock between the open and locked position.

[0063] In a preferred embodiment, the outer pull handle will also typically be provided with a key cylinder mounted to the elongate tail bar. The key cylinder will typically be mounted to the outer pull handle via a key cylinder support. This will normally be mounted relative to an outer pull base and then the cover provided over these components in order to prevent access to the components.

[0064] As will be clear from the above description, the provision of a lock of a preferred embodiment and particularly a lock provided in the preferred handle assembly will allow a door, preferably a sliding door to be moved between an open position, a locked position and a deadlocked position, preferably from both sides of the door.

[0065] The handle assembly of the present invention will also typically be associated with a strike assembly in order to provide the beaks with a strike against which to lock. Preferably, the strike assembly will include an elongate, preferably generally rectangular body. Preferably, a pair of arcuate paths are provided into the body to allow the beaks to rotate at least partially within the strike body. Normally, the arcuate paths are at opposite ends of the strike body.

[0066] A strike plate is typically provided within the body preferably, the book of each beak will normally move (rotate) to engage with the strike plate when in the locked condition. Preferably, the hooks will engage with and end edge of the strike plate which will be juxtaposed relative to the arcuate paths.

[0067] The strike body is typically provided with a cover which is generally screwed to the strike body.

[0068] The strike assembly is typically mounted substantially opposite to the handle assembly on the strike of the door in order to allow the beaks to rotate to engage the strike plate provided as a part of the strike assembly when they move into the locked position.

[0069] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0070] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0071] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows: [0072] Figure 1 is an isometric view from a first angle of a sliding door or window furniture assembly including handle, lock and strike assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] Figure 2 is an isometric view from a second angle of the furniture assembly illustrated in Figure 1.

[0074] Figure 3 is a plan view of the furniture assembly illustrated in Figure 1.

[0075] Figure 4 is a front elevation view of the furniture assembly illustrated in Figure 1.

[0076] Figure 5 is a side elevation view of the furniture assembly illustrated in Figure 1. Figure 6 is a rear elevation view of the furniture assembly illustrated in Figure 1.

[0077] Figure 7 is an isometric exploded view of the furniture assembly illustrated in Figure 1.

[0078] Figure 8 is a detailed isometric exploded view of the furniture assembly illustrated in Figure 1.

[0079] Figure 9 is an isometric view from a first angle of a lock body included in the furniture assembly illustrated in Figure 1.

[0080] Figure 10 is an isometric view from a second angle of the lock body illustrated in Figure 9.

[0081] Figure 11 is a bottom elevation view of the lock body illustrated in Figure 10.

[0082] Figure 12 is a sectional view of the lock body illustrated in Figure 11 along line A-A.

[0083] Figure 13 is a side view of the lock body illustrated in Figure 10.

[0084] Figure 14 is a sectional view of the lock body illustrated in Figure 13 along line B-B.

[0085] Figure 15 is a top elevation view of the lock body illustrated in Figure 10.

[0086] Figure 16 is an end elevation view of the lock body illustrated in Figure 15.

[0087] Figure 17 is an isometric exploded view of the lock body illustrated in Figure 10.

[0088] Figure 18 is a plan view of the lock body illustrated in Figure 10 with the lock body top removed and the lock in the open condition.

[0089] Figure 19 is a plan view of the lock body illustrated in Figure 10 with the lock body top removed and the lock in the latched condition.

[0090] Figure 20 is a plan view of the lock body illustrated in Figure 10 with the lock body top removed and the lock in the deadlocked condition.

[0091] Figure 21 is a plan view of the lock assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention showing the snib and in the unlocked position.

[0092] Figure 22 is an isometric exploded view of the configuration illustrated in Figure 21.

[0093] Figure 23 is a plan view of the lock assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention showing the snib and in the unlocked position.

[0094] Figure 24 is an isometric exploded view of the configuration illustrated in Figure 23.

[0095] Figure 25 is an exploded isometric view from a first angle of the furniture assembly as illustrated in Figure 1 with the external covers removed for rekeying.

[0096] Figure 26 is an exploded isometric view from a second angle of the configuration illustrated in Figure 25.

[0097] Figure 27 is an isometric view from a first angle of a D-handle assembly forming part of the furniture assembly of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0098] Figure 28 is an isometric view from a 2nd angle of the assembly illustrated in Figure 27.

[0099] Figure 29 is a left-hand side elevation view of the assembly illustrated in Figure 27.

[00100] Figure 30 is a front elevation view of the assembly illustrated in Figure 27.

[0100] Figure 31 is a right-hand side elevation view of the assembly illustrated in Figure 27.

[0101] Figure 32 is a plan view of the assembly illustrated in Figure 27.

[0102] Figure 33 is an exploded isometric view of the assembly illustrated in Figure 27.

[0103] Figure 34 is a more detailed exploded isometric view of the assembly illustrated in

Figure 33.

[0104] Figure 35 is an isometric view from a first angle of an outer pull handle assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0105] Figure 36 is an isometric view from a second angle of the outer pull handle assembly illustrated in Figure 35.

[0106] Figure 37 is a left-hand side elevation view of the assembly illustrated in Figure 35.

[0107] Figure 38 is a front elevation view of the assembly illustrated in Figure 35.

[0108] Figure 39 is a right-hand side elevation view of the assembly illustrated in Figure 35.

[0109] Figure 40 is a plan view of the assembly illustrated in Figure 35.

[0110] Figure 41 is an exploded isometric view of the assembly illustrated in Figure 35.

[0111] Figure 42 is an isometric view from a first angle of a strike assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0112] Figure 43 is an isometric view from a second angle of the strike assembly illustrated in Figure 42.

[0113] Figure 44 is a rear view of the strike assembly illustrated in Figure 42.

[0114] Figure 45 is a plan view of the strike assembly illustrated in Figure 42.

[0115] Figure 46 is an end view of the strike assembly illustrated in Figure 45.

[0116] Figure 47 is a front view of the strike assembly illustrated in Figure 42.

[0117] Figure 48 is an end view of the strike assembly illustrated in Figure 47.

[0118] Figure 49 is an isometric exploded view of the strike assembly illustrated in Figure 42.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0119] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, a sliding door handle assembly with lock is provided.

[0120] The sliding door handle assembly 10 of a preferred embodiment is illustrated in Figures 1 to 7. The handle assembly 10 includes a lock assembly 13 mounted relative to a D-handle 11 mounted on one side of the door (not shown) and having a substantially rectangular housing portion 22 in order to receive the lock is partially therein. On the opposite side of the door, an outer pull handle 12 is provided with an elongate tail bar 14 extending between the D-handle 11 and the outer pull handle 12. A pair of elongate fasteners 19 are provided which extend through the D-handle 11, through the lock 13 and into engagement with the outer pull handle 12.

[0121] The D-handle 11 has a key cylinder 15 with an outer cover 16 which can be removed in order to allow access to the key cylinder 15 of the lock 13 without necessarily accessing the lock 13 itself. This is generally achieved through the provision of a pair of fasteners 23. The key cylinder 15 has a cylinder cam 92 attached thereto with a pair of screws 93.

[0122] As mentioned above, the handle assembly 10 is provided with a snib 17, which is normally mounted relative to the cover 16 of the D-handle 11, on the side of the D-handle 11 housing furthest away from the strike assembly 18. A snib link 20 is provided in order to connect the externally accessible snib 17 with one of the carriages within the lock 13 as will be described below. The snib 17 is attached to the snib link 20 by a single screw 94. Generally, reciprocal linear movement of the snib 17 will move the lock 13 between the open and locked position.

[0123] In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the outer pull handle 12 is also provided with a key cylinder 21 mounted to the elongate tail bar 14. The key cylinder 21 is mounted to the outer pull handle 12 via a key cylinder support 24. The key cylinder support 24 is mounted relative to an outer pull base 25 and then the cover 26 provided over these components in order to prevent access to the components and secured there using a pair of fasteners 27.

[0124] As will be clear from the above description, the provision of a lock 13 provided in the handle assembly 10 will allow a sliding door to be moved between an open position, a locked position and a deadlocked position, preferably from both sides of the door.

[0125] The handle assembly 10 illustrated is associated with a strike assembly 18 in order to provide the beaks of the lock assembly 13 with a strike against which to lock. As illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, the strike assembly 18 includes an elongate, generally rectangular body 28. Preferably, a pair of arcuate paths 29 are provided into the body 28 to allow the beaks to rotate at least partially within the strike body 28. Normally, the arcuate paths 29 are at opposite ends of the strike body 28.

[0126] A strike plate 30 is provided within the body 28 and the hook of each beak will normally move (rotate) to engage with the strike plate 30 when in the locked condition. Preferably, the hooks will engage with an end edge of the strike plate 30 juxtaposed relative to the arcuate paths 29.

[0127] The strike body 28 is typically provided with a cover 31which is generally attached to the strike body 28 after the strike body 28 is mounted to the strike using mounting fasteners 33.

[0128] The strike assembly 18 is typically mounted using mounting fasteners 33 substantially opposite to the handle assembly 10 on the strike of the door in order to allow the beaks to rotate to engage the strike plate 30 provided as a part of the strike assembly 18 when they move into the locked position. Two screws 95 hold the strike body 28 together.

[0129] The lock assembly 13 of the preferred embodiment is illustrated in an assembled form in Figures 9 to 16 and in an exploded form in Figure 17 which illustrated many of the components more clearly. The lock assembly 13 includes a pair of key cylinders 15, 21 each mounted relative to handle (D-handle 11 or outer pull handle 12) and having a tail bar 14 extending into the assembly.

[0130] The lock assembly has a pair of lock bodies 34, 35, a pair of opposed carriages 36, 37, one carriage mounted relative to each lock body 34, 35 for linear movement relative thereto, a lock base 38, a pair of lock beaks 39, 40 mounted relative to the lock base 38 rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position, movement of the lock beaks 39, 40 caused by linear movement of the pair of opposed carriages 36, 37, a rotatable hub 41 mounted for rotation driven by the tail bar 14, and having a disengagement ramp 42, a rotatable cam 43 mounted relative to the rotatable hub 41 and associated with both of the opposed carriages 36, 37.

[0131] The lock also includes a deadlock member 44 mounted relative to the rotatable hub 41 and biased into engagement with the rotatable hub 41 such that the rotatable cam 43 and the rotatable hub 41 rotate together when engaged, between an unlocked position in which the lock beaks 39, 40 mounted relative to the lock base 38 are in the unlocked position caused by movement of the respective opposed carriage 36, 37, and a locked position in which the lock beaks 39, 40 mounted relative to the lock base 38 are in the locked position caused by movement of the respective opposed carriage 36, 37 and upon rotation of the rotatable hub 41 into a deadlocked position, the disengagement ramp 42 causes movement of the deadlock member 44 to disengage the rotatable cam 43 from the rotatable hub 41, allowing rotation of the rotatable hub 41 into the deadlocked position whilst preventing movement of the rotatable cam 43 and thereby the opposed carriages 36, 37 and thereby preventing rotation of the lock beaks 39, 40.

[0132] The lock bodies 34, 35 may have any shape and both lock bodies 34, 35 are attached to both a top cover 45 and a base 38. The pair of lock bodies are separated by the hub 41 and cam 43. Normally, the separation is approximately halfway along the length of the lock and therefore, each of the lock bodies 34, 35 is approximately half the length of the top cover 45 and base 38. The other components of the lock 13 are preferably mounted to or relative to one or more of the lock bodies 34, 35 for movement relative thereto.

[0133] The pair of lock bodies 34, 35 attach a top cover 45 and a base 38 and together, the lock bodies 34, 35, cover 45 and base 38 define the overall shape of the lock assembly which is generally rectangular as illustrated in Figures 9 and 10.

[0134] Each of the lock bodies 34, 35 preferably includes a substantially planar slide surface 46 relative to which one of the pair of opposed carriages 36, 37 is mounted. The slide surface 46 allows linear reciprocal movement of the respective carriages 36, 37 between the locked and unlocked condition. Typically, each of the carriages is mounted relative to one of the lock bodies and moves relative to that lock body.

[0135] As illustrated, the slide surface 46 is typically substantially rectangular in shape and is normally bounded by an outer or peripheral lip, raised relative to the slide surface 46.

[0136] Each of the lock bodies 34, 35 is provided with a carriage guide 47 in order to guide the movement of the carriage 36, 37 relative to the lock body. The carriage guide 47 allows movement of the carriages 36, 37 reciprocally relative to the lock body but minimises other (lateral) movement. In a preferred form, the carriage guide 47 is provided as an extension, extending above the level of the slide surface 46 and normally abutting an underside of the top cover 45.

[0137] The carriage guide 47 can have any shape but is preferably elongate having a pair of planar side surfaces in order to abut planar side edges of a guide opening 48 provided on one of the respective carriages 36, 37. In a preferred form, the ends of the carriage guides 47 are arcuate as illustrated. Each of the carriage guides 47 has a threaded opening 50 provided therein to in order to receive an elongate, threaded fastener 49 to attach the top cover 45 to the respective lock body.

[0138] Each of the lock bodies 34, 35 has an opening 51 adjacent to the carriage guide 47 extending through the planar slide surface 46 on the respective lock body. This opening 51 allows a beak engagement arm 52 to extend through the lock body in order to engage a beak 39, 40. The opening 51 is shaped as an elongate slot. Further, it is preferred that the opening 51 has a pair of planar asides in order to guide the movement of the beak engagement arm 52 and a pair of rounded ends. The provision of the opening 51 will typically allow movement of the beak engagement arm 52 relative to the lock body caused by the movement of the carriage 36, 37.

[0139] Also provided relative to the planar slide surface 46 of each lock body is an internally threaded body 53 to allow a fastener 49 to be used to attach the top cover 45. Normally the internally threaded body 53 is provided adjacent an end wall of each of the lock bodies at the end opposite to the hub 41 and cam 43.

[0140] On the opposite side of the lock bodies 34, 35 to the planar slide surface 46, a number of spacing members or assemblies are provided in order to space the slide surface 46 from the base 38 of the lock to provide clearance for the other components including the beaks 39, 40, the hub 41 and cam 43. The spacers are generally provided transversely or perpendicularly to the slide surface 46. As illustrated, there will be a spacing member wall 54 provided at an outer end of the lock body 34, 35 substantially perpendicularly to the slide surface 46. The spacer member 54 provided at the outer end of the lock body is substantially planar as illustrated.

[0141] A spacer assembly is provided at the end of each lock body adjacent to the hub 41 and cam 43 in order to allow mounting of the hub 41 and cam 43 as well as other components of the lock. The spacer assembly will typically includes an arcuate wall 55 in order to guide rotation of the hub 41 and cam 43 and also allow the hub 41 and cam 43 to be located and held within the lock.

[0142] As illustrated in Figure 17, a portion of the planar slide surface 46 overhangs the arcuate wall 55 of the spacer assembly on each lock body in order to restrain the hub 41 and cam 43 from moving out of position. This will typically act to ensure rotation of the hub 41 and cam 43 but restrict movement in any other direction.

[0143] The lock bodies 34, 35 will typically differ from one another in that one lock body 34 has the deadlock components mounted relative thereto and the other lock body 35 has an auxiliary bolt assembly.

[0144] The lock body 34 having the deadlock components mounted relative thereto is provided with a deadlock component mounting block 56 which is either located relative to the arcuate wall 55. This mounting block 56 allows movement of a deadlock stop 57 relative to the hub 41 and cam 43. Generally, the mounting block 56 allows only linear movement of the deadlock stop 57.

[0145] The deadlock component mounting block 56 mounts the deadlock stop 57 relative thereto but allows engagement of the deadlock stop 57 with the cam 43 and the deadlock member 44 as required. The deadlock component mounting block 56 also has at least one abutment surface or assembly against which a biasing spring 58 can abut in order to bias the deadlock stop 57 into engagement with the cam 43 and deadlock member 44. The biasing spring 58 is mounted in a spring mount provided on the deadlock stop 57 and abuts a portion of the deadlock component mounting block 56.

[0146] The other of the lock bodies 35 includes an auxiliary bolt mounting assembly 59 for an auxiliary bolt 60. The auxiliary bolt 60 is mounted for movement substantially perpendicularly to the lock body 35 in the same direction in which the beaks 39, 40 extend from the lock body in the locked condition. The auxiliary bolt 60 is biased into an extended position relative to the lock body 35. Again, a biasing spring 61 is provided to bias the auxiliary bolt 60 into the extended position.

[0147] As illustrated, the auxiliary bolt 60 is an elongate finger or similar that projects from the lock body 35 when the lock is in an open position in order to prevent the carriages 36, 37 moving whilst in the open position. The auxiliary bolt 60 is generally mounted through a sidewall in the mounting 59. A rectangular opening 62 is provided in the sidewall allowing the auxiliary bolt 60 to extend perpendicularly from the lock body 35. In the particularly preferred form, the auxiliary bolt 60 is typically rectangular in cross-section having an arcuate end therefore, the opening 62 in the sidewall of the mounting assembly 59 is also rectangular.

[0148] The auxiliary bolt 60 is typically provided with a stop shoulder 63 that when in the open position, when the auxiliary bolt 60 is extended from the lock body 35, engages with the carriage 37 mounted relative to the lock body 35 in order to prevent movement of the carriage 37. Due to the engagement of the carriage 37 with the cam 43 and the fact that the other carriage 36 is also engaged with the cam 43, preventing one of the carriages 37 from movement will act to prevent movement of both of the carriages 36, 37.

[0149] The stop shoulder 63 travels transversely to the lock body 35 in a transverse opening 64 in the lock body 35 extending through the slide surface 46 to allow the stop shoulder 63 to engage with the carriage 37. The transverse opening 64 is provided between the arcuate wall 55 of the lock body and the carriage guide 47 provided on the lock body 35.

[0150] Each lock body 34, 35 also has a beak mount 65 extending from the side of the lock body 34, 35 opposite to the slide surface 46 in order to mount a respective beak 39, 40 for rotation. Each beak mount 65 is preferably cylindrical and extends toward the lock base 38 with an end portion of each beak mount 65 received in an opening 66 provided in an annular structure 67 provided on the base 38 against which the body 68 of the beak abuts when the lock is assembled.

[0151] The mounting block 56 provided on the lock body 34 relative to which the deadlock member 44 is mounted has a pair of tab openings 69 in order to receive respective tabs 70 provided on the base 38 in order to position the lock body 34 relative to the base 38.

[0152] The base 38 is also provided with an arcuate abutment wall 71 in order to abut a portion of the arcuate wall 55 on the lock body 35 and a planar wall 72 in order to abut a portion of the mounting assembly 59 adjacent to the auxiliary bolt 60.

[0153] As mentioned above, each of the carriages 36, 37 moves relative to a slide surface 46 provided on one of the pair of lock bodies 34, 35. Each of the opposed carriages 36, 37 is mounted between one of the lock bodies 34, 35 and the top cover 45 of the lock. The top cover 45 is attached to the lock bodies 34, 35 by fasteners 49 which are provided to allow linear movement of the carriages 36, 37 without interference from the fasteners 49. At least one of the fasteners 49 attaching the lock body 34, 35 to the top cover 45 is provided through the guide opening 48 provided in each carriage 36, 37 and into the preferred guide portion 47 provided on each lock body.

[0154] Each of the carriages 36, 37 is a substantially planar member having a perpendicularly extending beak engagement member 52 and a perpendicularly extending cam engagement member 73.

[0155] The guide opening 48 is an elongate slot. The guide opening in carriage 36 is a closed slot or a slot having a closed periphery and the guide opening 48 in the other carriage 37 is preferably an open slot having one closed end, and one open end. The guide openings 48 both have substantially planar, spaced apart side walls in order to abut either side of the guide portion 47 provided on a lock body 34, 35.

[0156] The carriage 37 has a snib link engagement notch 74. The snib link engagement notch 74 provided in a sidewall of the guide opening in order to receive a tab portion provided on the snib link 20. The engagement between the notch 74 and the tab portion provided on the snib link 20 allows the movement of the snib 17 to move the carriage 37 with the snib link engagement notch 74 which will thereby to rotate the cam 43 which will also then move the other of the carriages 36.

[0157] Each of the carriages 36, 37 has an angled end edge at the end opposite to the cam 43 in order to provide clearance at the end of the carriage to allow for the fastener assemblies 53 to attach the top cover 45 to each of the lock bodies. In a preferred embodiment, the inner ends of each of the carriages (opposite to the preferred angled outer end) will preferably be shaped to provide or allow access to the hub 41 and cam 43.

[0158] An arcuate portion will typically be provided at the inner end of each of the carriages with a planar end edge portion 75 provided on one lateral side of the arcuate portion and an elongate extension portion 76 provided on the other side of the carriage. It is particularly preferred that the cam engagement member 73 is provided on the elongate extension portion 76 of each of the carriages. As mentioned above, the cam engagement member 73 preferably extends substantially perpendicularly to the substantially planar carriage, towards the base 38 of the lock in order to engage with the cam 43.

[0159] A single cam engagement member 76 is provided on each carriage. The cam engagement member 76 is used to translate linear movement of the carriages 36, 37 into rotational movement of the cam 43 and also to translate rotational movement of the cam 43 into linear movement of the carriages 36, 37. In use, the cam engagement member 76 will drive rotation of the cam 43 and the hub 41 when the carriages 36, 37 move reciprocally and will move the carriages 36, 37 reciprocally when the cam 43 is rotated.

[0160] As mentioned above, a beak engagement member 52 is provided on each of the carriages 36, 37, preferably extending substantially parallel to the cam engagement member 73, substantially perpendicularly to the planar carriage36, 37. The beak engagement member 52 is preferably provided spaced from the cam engagement member 73, normally towards the preferred angled end edge of the carriage 36, 37.

[0161] Each beak engagement member 52 is preferably generally cylindrical and is normally provided adjacent to the guide opening 51 in each of the respective carriages 36, 37. The beak engagement member 52 translates linear movement of the respective carriage 36, 37 into rotational movement of each of the beaks 39, 40 provided in order to move the beaks 39, 40 between the open and locked positions.

[0162] Preferably, each of the beaks 39, 40, the cam 43 and the hub 41 is mounted between the lock bodies 34, 35 and the base 38. The base 38 is preferably a substantially planar plate with a number of openings 77 provided therein in order to receive fasteners 78 to attach the base 38 to each of the lock bodies.

[0163] The base 38 has a substantially central opening 79 through the base 38. The hub 41 is preferably mounted relative to the substantially central opening 79 in the base 38.

[0164] Normally, the annular structures 67 have a substantially abutment surface against which the body 68 of the beak abuts and a central opening therein 66 adapted to receive an end of one of the beak mounts 65 provided on a respective lock body.

[0165] An arc-shaped beak rest 80 is preferably provided adjacent to each of the annular structures 67 in order for the hook of the beak 39, 40 to move relative thereto. A strike side of each of the arc-shaped beak rest 80 may be chamfered in order to assist with movement of the hook back into the lock body during the movement from the locked position to the open position.

[0166] Each lock beak 39, 40 is provided with a substantially annular body 68 with a hook extending therefrom. The body 68 is substantially planar on each side and have a central opening in order to mount the beak about the beak mount 65 extending from the lock body and relative to the planar surface of the annular structure 67 provided on the base 38. This will allow rotation of the lock beak driven by a respective carriage and substantially prevent any unwanted movement of the beak.

[0167] A shaped slot 81 is formed in the annular body 68 of the beak 39, 40 to receive the beak engagement member 73 provided on a respective carriage. When the carriage is moved (linearly) toward an outer end of the lock body, the beaks 39, 40 are preferably in the open position and conversely, when the carriages are retracted toward each other (linearly), the beaks 39, 40 are typically rotated into the locked position, extending from the lock in order to engage with the strike plate 30 of the strike assembly 18.

[0168] The preferred hub 41 is annular in shape, provided with an annular portion of larger diameter and a concentric, annular portion of smaller diameter 82 in order to mount the hub 41 in the central opening 79 of the base 38. The hub 41 has a central bore therethrough, provided with a pair of protrusions 83 extending inwardly from the sidewall of the hub 41 into the central bore. The protrusions 83 will allow engagement of the cylinder cam 92 associated with the inner D-handle 11, to turn the hub 41 which thereby turns the cam 43 which causes the carriages 36, 37 to move linearly.

[0169] The hub 41 also has a hub tab 84 extending radially outwardly from an outer surface of the annular hub 41. The hub tab 84 engages with the cam 43, preferably through abutment of the hub tab 84 with a respective end wall of a hub depression 85 provided in the cam 43, depending upon the direction of rotation of the hub 41.

[0170] The disengagement ramp 42 is provided in the annular portion of a larger diameter of the hub 41. In a preferred configuration, the concentric portion of larger diameter will typically have an opening therein, forming a pair of spaced apart free ends, one of which is planar and the other of which is provided with the disengagement ramp 42. Normally, a portion of the deadlock member 44 will rotate with the hub 41 within the opening, between the spaced apart free ends until aligned with the opening 86 in the sidewall of the cam 43 as described below which allows the disengagement ramp 42 to force retraction of the deadlock member 44.

[0171] The cam 43 is mounted relative to the lock bodies, between the arcuate walls 55 provided on the lock bodies for guided rotation of the cam 43. Generally, the cam 43 is mounted substantially concentrically about the hub 41.

[0172] The cam 43 is an annular member with a number of abutment notches 87 formed therein to in order to engage with the respective cam engagement members 73 provided on the carriages 36, 37. Normally, the abutment notches 87 are formed in one of the annular edges of the annular cam 43. The hub depression 85 is formed in the opposite annular edge in order to engage with the hub tab 84.

[0173] The opening 86 is provided in the sidewall of the annular cam 43 in order to receive the deadlock member 44 of the deadlock component thereinto. The deadlock member 44 will typically rotate with the cam 43, within the opening 86 until aligned with the biased deadlock stop 57 which allows rotation of the hub 41 relative to the cam 43 allowing the disengagement ramp 42 to force the deadlock member 44 out of engagement with the hub 41 and to allow further rotation of the hub 41 whilst the cam 43 is held in position by the deadlock member 44.

[0174] A linear groove 88 is provided on an outer surface of the annular cam 43 to engage with the deadlock stop 57 to seat a projection 89 on the deadlock stop 57 at least partially therein, when the lock is in the open position.

[0175] According to the preferred embodiment illustrated, the deadlock component is a two part component including a deadlock member 44 as described above and a deadlock stop 57. The deadlock member 44 is preferably a substantially solid block which is generally rectangular. A substantially linear groove 90 is provided on an outer surface to seat the projection 89 provided on the deadlock stop 57 when the deadlock member 44 is in the locked and deadlocked positions. Preferably, the deadlock member 44 will move into the locked position due to rotation of the cam 43 at which point, the projection 89 on the deadlock stop 57 engages with the substantially linear groove 90 to prevent further rotation of the deadlock member 44 and further rotation of the hub 41 into the deadlocked position will cause the disengagement ramp 42 to force the deadlock member 44 radially outwardly allowing the hub 41 to rotate further into the deadlocked position, and to prevent rotation of the cam 43 which in turn prevents linear movement of the carriages 36, 37.

[0176] The deadlock member 44 is provided with a shaped projection 91 in order to abut the disengagement ramp 42 of the hub 41 in the open position and also when rotating the hub 41 to the locked position. As described above, further rotation of the hub 41 forces the disengagement ramp against the shaped projection 91 whilst the deadlock member 44 is held by the projection 89 of the deadlock stop 57 in the linear groove 90, to force the deadlock member 44 radially outwardly against the bias of the deadlock stop 57, out of engagement with the hub 41 allowing the hub 41 to rotate whilst the cam 43 is fixed in the locked position. The cam 43 is prevented from movement (rotation) until the deadlock member 44 is moved back into the opening 86 in the cam 43 by rotation of the hub 41 which releases the cam 43 for rotation.

[0177] The disengagement ramp 42 of the preferred embodiment is typically associated with a free end of the annular portion of larger dimension of the hub 41 in order to ease against the shaped projection 91 provided on the deadlock member 44 to move the deadlock member 44 radially outwardly when aligned with the deadlock stop 57. The deadlock member 44 does not move outwardly until driven outwardly by the disengagement ramp 42 and similarly, when the hub 41 is rotated to align the opening in the hub 41 with the deadlock member 44, the bias of the deadlock stop 57 will move the deadlock member 44 radially inwardly, releasing the cam 43 for rotation.

[0178] As illustrated in Figures 18 to 20, the rotatable hub 41 and the rotatable cam 43 rotate together when engaged, between an unlocked position (Figure 18) in which the lock beaks 39, 40 mounted relative to the lock base 38 are in the unlocked position (retracted) caused by movement of the respective opposed carriages 36, 37 and a locked position (Figure 19) in which the lock beaks 39, 40 mounted relative to the lock base 38 are in the locked position (extended) caused by movement of the respective opposed carriages 36, 37 and upon rotation of the rotatable hub 41 into a deadlocked position (Figure 20), the disengagement ramp 42 causes movement of the deadlock member 44 to disengage the rotatable hub 41 from the rotatable cam 43, allowing rotation of the rotatable hub 41 into the deadlocked position whilst preventing movement of the rotatable cam 43 and thereby preventing movement of the opposed carriages 36, 37 and thereby preventing rotation of the lock beaks 39, 40 into the unlocked position.

[0179] The locked (Figures 23 and 24) and unlocked positions (Figures 21 and 22) are also actuable by the snib, which is illustrated in Figures 21 to 24.

[0180] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0181] Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0182] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims (39)

1. A lock for a sliding door or window, the lock including a lock body assembly having at least one lock body, a pair of opposed carriages mounted relative to the at least one lock body for linear movement relative thereto, a lock base, at least one lock beak mounted relative to the lock base rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position, movement of the at least one lock beak caused by linear movement of the pair of opposed carriages, a rotatable hub component mounted for rotation driven by a lock operating component, the rotatable hub component having a disengagement ramp, a rotatable cam component mounted relative to the rotatable hub and associated with each of the opposed carriages and a deadlock component mounted relative to the rotatable hub component and biased into engagement with the rotatable hub component such that the rotatable hub component and the rotatable cam component rotate together when engaged between an unlocked position in which the at least one lock beak mounted relative to the lock base is in the unlocked position caused by movement of the respective opposed carriage and a locked position in which the at least one lock beak mounted relative to the lock base is in the locked position caused by movement of the respective opposed carriage and upon rotation of the rotatable hub component into a deadlocked position, the disengagement ramp causes movement of the deadlock component to disengage the rotatable hub component from the rotatable cam component, allowing rotation of the rotatable hub component into the deadlocked position whilst preventing movement of the rotatable cam and thereby the opposed carriages and thereby preventing rotation of the at least one lock beak.

2. A lock as claimed in claim 1 wherein a pair of lock bodies is provided, one for each of the pair of opposed carriages with the lock bodies attached to both a top cover and the base.

3. A lock as claimed in claim 2 wherein each of the lock bodies is provided with a carriage guide in order to guide the movement of the respective carriage relative to the lock body reciprocally relative to the lock body but minimises any other movement.

4. A lock as claimed in claim 3 wherein the carriage guide is elongate having a pair of substantially parallel, planar side surfaces to abut a periphery of a guide opening provided on the respective carriages.

5. A lock as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4 wherein each of the carriage guides has at least one threaded opening provided therein to in order to receive an elongate, threaded fastener to attach a top cover to the respective lock body.

6. A lock as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5 wherein each of the lock bodies has an opening extending through the lock body to allow a beak engagement arm to extend through the lock body in order to engage a respective beak.

7. A lock as claimed in claim 6 wherein the opening has a pair of planar sides in order to guide the movement of the beak engagement arm.

8. A lock as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 7 wherein each lock body includes a spacer block is preferably provided at the end of each lock body adjacent to the rotatable hub component and rotatable cam component, the spacer block including an arcuate wall in order to guide rotation of the rotatable hub component and rotatable cam component.

9. A lock as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 8 wherein a first lock body includes a deadlock component mounting assembly to mount the deadlock component relative thereto but to allow engagement of the deadlock component with the rotatable cam component as required.

10. A lock as claimed in claim 9 wherein the deadlock component mounting assembly has at least one abutment surface against which a biasing member abuts in order to bias the deadlock component into engagement with the rotatable cam component.

11. A lock as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10 wherein a second lock body includes a mounting assembly for an auxiliary bolt, the auxiliary bolt mounted for movement substantially perpendicularly to the second lock body, biased into an extended position relative to the second lock body by a biasing member.

12. A lock as claimed in claim 11 wherein the auxiliary bolt is an elongate finger to project from the second lock body when the lock is in an open position in order to prevent the carriages moving whilst in the open position.

13. A lock as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12 wherein the auxiliary bolt is provided with a stop shoulder that when in the open position, when the auxiliary bolt is extended from the second lock body, engages with the carriage mounted relative to the second lock body in order to prevent movement of the carriage.

14. A lock as claimed in claim 13 wherein the stop shoulder travels transversely to the second lock body in a transverse opening in the second lock body to allow the stop shoulder to engage with the carriage.

15. A lock as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 14 wherein each lock body has a beak mount extending from the side of the respective lock body opposite to the carriages in order to mount a respective beak for rotation.

16. A lock as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 15 wherein each of the carriages is mounted between one of the lock bodies and a top cover of the lock.

17. A lock as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 16 wherein each of the carriages include a guide opening in order to guide movement of the carriage relative to the respective lock body, each guide opening having a pair of substantially planar, spaced apart side walls.

18. A lock as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 17 wherein one of the carriages has a snib link engagement notch provided in order to receive a tab portion provided on a snib link, engagement between the notch and the tab portion provided on the snib link allow the movement of an external snib to move the carriage.

19. A lock as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 18 wherein an arcuate portion is provided an end of each of the carriages adjacent to the rotatable hub component and rotatable cam component and an elongate extension portion located adjacent to the arcuate portion and provided with a cam engagement member, the cam engagement member engaging with the rotatable cam component to translate linear movement of the carriages into rotational movement of the rotatable cam component and also to translate rotational movement of the rotatable cam component into linear movement of the carriages.

20. A lock as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 19 wherein a beak engagement member is provided on each of the carriages, extending substantially perpendicularly from the carriage, the beak engagement member translating linear movement of the respective carriage into rotational movement of each of the beaks provided in order to move the beaks between the open and locked positions.

21. A lock as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the lock base has a substantially central opening through the base to mount the rotatable hub component relative thereto.

22. A lock as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein each beak is provided with a shaped slot to receive a beak engagement member provided on a respective carriage such that when the carriage is moved toward an outer end of the lock body, the beaks are in the open position and conversely, when the carriages are retracted toward each other, the beaks are rotated into the locked position, extending from the lock in order to engage with a strike.

23. A lock as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the rotatable hub is an annular component having a hub tab extending radially outwardly from an outer surface of the annular hub component to engage with the rotatable cam component depending upon the direction of rotation of the rotatable hub component.

24. A lock as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the disengagement ramp is provided adjacent an opening in the rotatable hub component, allowing a portion of the deadlock component to rotate with the rotatable hub component within the opening until aligned with an opening in a sidewall of the rotatable cam component which allows the disengagement ramp to force retraction of the deadlock component.

25. A lock as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the rotatable cam component is mounted substantially concentrically about the rotatable hub component, the rotatable cam component being annular with a number of abutment notches formed therein to in order to engage with respective cam engagement members provided on the carriages.

26. A lock as claimed in claim 25 wherein a hub depression is formed in an annular edge of the rotatable cam component on an opposite end of the rotatable cam component to the abutment notches in order to engage with the hub tab provided on the rotatable hub component.

27. A lock as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein an opening is provided in the rotatable cam component in order to receive a deadlock member of the deadlock component thereinto, the deadlock member rotating with the rotatable cam component, within the opening until aligned with a biased deadlock stop which allows rotation of the rotatable hub component relative to the rotatable cam component allowing the disengagement ramp to force the deadlock member out of engagement with the rotatable hub component and to allow further rotation of the rotatable hub component whilst the rotatable cam component is held in position by the deadlock member.

28. A lock as claimed in claim 27 wherein a linear groove is typically provided on an outer surface of the rotatable cam component to seating a projection on the deadlock stop at least partially therein, when the lock is in the open position.

29. A lock as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the deadlock component is a two part component including a deadlock member and a deadlock stop.

30. A lock as claimed in claim 29 wherein the deadlock member is a substantially solid block with a substantially linear groove to seat a projection on the deadlock stop when the deadlock member is in the locked and deadlocked positions.

31. A lock as claimed in claim 29 or claim 30 wherein the deadlock member moves into the locked position due to rotation of the rotatable cam component at which point, the projection on the deadlock stop engages with the substantially linear groove to prevent further rotation of the deadlock member and further rotation of the rotatable hub component into the deadlocked position causes the disengagement ramp to force the deadlock member radially outwardly allowing the rotatable hub component to rotate further into the deadlocked position, and to prevent rotation of the rotatable cam component.

32. A lock as claimed in any one of claims 29 to 31 wherein the deadlock member is provided with a shaped projection in order to abut the disengagement ramp of the rotatable hub component in the open position and also when rotating the rotatable hub component to the locked position with further rotation of the rotatable hub component forcing the disengagement ramp against the shaped projection whilst the deadlock member is held by the projection of the deadlock stop in the substantially linear groove, to force the deadlock member radially outwardly against the bias of the deadlock stop, out of engagement with the rotatable hub component allowing the rotatable hub component to rotate whilst the rotatable cam component is fixed in the locked position.

33. A sliding door or window furniture assembly including at least one lock operating component mounted relative to at least one handle for mounting relative to a sliding door or window, a lock body assembly mounted relative to the at least one handle and having at least one lock body, a pair of opposed carriages mounted relative to the at least one lock body for linear movement relative thereto, a lock base, at least one lock beak mounted relative to the lock base rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position, movement of the at least one lock beak caused by linear movement of the pair of opposed carriages, a rotatable hub component mounted for rotation driven by the lock operating component, the rotatable hub component having a disengagement ramp, a rotatable cam component mounted relative to the rotatable hub and associated with each of the opposed carriage, and a deadlock component mounted relative to the rotatable hub component and biased into engagement with the rotatable hub component such that the rotatable hub component and the rotatable cam component rotate together when engaged between an unlocked position in which the at least one lock beak mounted relative to the lock base is in the unlocked position caused by movement of the respective opposed carriage and a locked position in which the at least one lock beak mounted relative to the lock base is in the locked position caused by movement of the respective opposed carriage and upon rotation of the rotatable hub component into a deadlocked position, the disengagement ramp causes movement of the deadlock component to disengage the rotatable hub component from the rotatable cam component, allowing rotation of the rotatable hub component into the deadlocked position whilst preventing movement of the rotatable cam and thereby the opposed carriages and thereby preventing rotation of the at least one lock beak.

34. A sliding door or window furniture assembly as claimed in claim 33 wherein the lock is mounted relative to a D-handle mounted on one side of the door and having a substantially rectangular housing portion in order to receive the lock partially therein.

35. A sliding door or window furniture assembly as claimed in claim 34 wherein an outer pull handle is provided on an opposite side of the door and is associated with an elongate tail bar extending between the D-handle and the outer pull handle, the tail bar extending through and engaging the rotatable hub component to cause rotation of the hub component as required.

36. A sliding door or window furniture assembly as claimed in claim 34 or claim 34 wherein at least one of the D-handle and the outer pull handle has at least one key cylinder provided for actuating the lock between the open, locked and deadlocked conditions.

37. A sliding door or window furniture assembly as claimed in any one of claims 34 to 36 wherein at least one of the D-handle and the outer pull handle have an outer cover which can be removed in order to allow access to the key cylinder of the lock without necessarily accessing the lock itself.

38. A sliding door or window furniture assembly as claimed in any one of claims 34 to 37 wherein the D-handle is provided with a snib assembly, including an externally accessible snib and a snib link member provided in order to connect the externally accessible snib with one of the carriages within the lock to move the lock between the open and locked position.

39. A sliding door or window furniture assembly as claimed in any one of claims 34 to 38 further including a strike assembly in order to provide the beaks with a strike against which to lock, the strike assembly including a pair of arcuate paths to allow the beaks to rotate at least partially within the strike assembly to engage with a strike member.