AU2019264652A1

AU2019264652A1 - Lock and handle arrangement

Info

Publication number: AU2019264652A1
Application number: AU2019264652A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Asidin
Original assignee: David Stuckey Investments Pty Ltd
Current assignee: David Stuckey Investments Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2018-11-16
Filing date: 2019-11-15
Publication date: 2020-06-04

Abstract

A locking apparatus comprising a handle assembly including a handle and a spindle; a locking mechanism including a rotatable locking component, the locking component being rotatable in a first direction into a locked state, and rotatable in an opposite direction into a release state, the locking component including a locking shoulder, wherein when the locking component is in the release state, the handle assembly is rotatable between a latched condition and an unlatched condition; and wherein when the locking component is in the locked state, attempted rotation of the handle assembly to the unlatched condition urges the handle assembly into engagement with the shoulder of the locking component, preventing the handle assembly from rotating to the unlatched condition and urging the locking component in the first direction. Figure 1201 100_____ 200 204 -202 Figure 2214

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to a locking arrangement.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION [0002] Transport/delivery trucks are often configured for security reasons with enclosed rear van areas, whereby access to the goods located therein is via one or more lockable doors. Similarly, recreational vehicles including mobile homes often contain hollow compartments that act as storage areas, where access to the inside of the compartment is via at least one door or hatch located on the outside of the vehicle’s body.

[0003] A tradesperson’s vehicle in the form of a motor vehicle utility often has one or more toolboxes or storage containers mounted on the utility’s tray in which the tradesperson will store his/her tools. Sometimes, the open tray area of the utility can be covered with a solid hatch to protect and secure cargo thereunder. Furthermore, motorcyclists will often have saddlebags affixed to either side of the motorcycle frame for carrying items therein as they travel around.

[0004] In other instances, items may be stored in unattended storage sheds, which may be located in remote or isolated places. As the cargo inside each of these storage areas is valuable to its owner, there is a need to prevent unauthorised access when the owner leaves these doors, compartments, boxes, containers, covers, sheds and bags unattended. As a result, these storage areas all usually need to be kept in a lockable condition.

[0005] In relation to most modem vehicles, these usually have central locking facilities wherein, through actuation of a suitable actuator via a remote-control device, or via the vehicle’s own key, the vehicle’s lockable doors can be locked and unlocked simultaneously, or in some cases, individually. It is sometimes desirable to lock or unlock doors individually and to also have the option of using a key or the central locking system.

[0006] Since these storage areas may be left unattended for substantial periods of time, it is possible for potential thieves to try to force the storage areas open. Many existing locks have weaknesses against attempts to force the locks, for example, by applying large forces to the handle, or by attempting to jiggle’ parts of the lock to release the locking mechanism.

[0007] It is a preferred object of embodiments of the present invention to address or at least ameliorate one or more of the aforementioned problems of the prior art and/or to provide a useful commercial alternative.

2019264652 15 Nov 2019

-3 [0008] The invention will be more particularly described herein with respect to one or more door/s on an enclosed van of a truck. However, the invention has general applicability as discussed above.

[0009] 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.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0010] In one form, although it need not be the only or indeed the broadest form, the invention resides in a locking apparatus comprising:

a handle assembly including a handle and a spindle;

a locking mechanism including a rotatable locking component, the locking component being rotatable in a first direction into a locked state, and rotatable in an opposite direction into a release state, the locking component including a locking shoulder, wherein when the locking component is in the release state, the handle assembly is rotatable between a latched condition and an unlatched condition; and wherein when the locking component is in the locked state, attempted rotation of the handle assembly to the unlatched condition urges the handle assembly into engagement with the shoulder of the locking component, thereby preventing the handle assembly from rotating to the unlatched condition and urging the locking component in the first direction. [0011] Since the engagement between the handle assembly and the locking component urges the locking component in the first direction, this means that attempts to force the lock by turning the handle assembly drive the locking component further into its locked state. These attempts do not urge the locking component in the opposite direction into its release state.

[0012] The locking mechanism preferably comprises a primary actuator to move the rotatable locking component between the locked state and the release state. The primary actuator is more preferably key-operated through a key cylinder.

[0013] The locking mechanism further preferably comprises a secondary actuator to move the rotatable locking component between the locked state and the release state. For example, in one embodiment, where the primary actuator is key-operated, the secondary actuator is electronically operated. In certain emergency circumstances, where the secondary actuator is electronically operated and it fails, the primary actuator can be used as a substitute for the secondary actuator.

-42019264652 15 Nov 2019 [0014] The spindle, which is preferably co-operable with a keyed shaft passing therethrough, is, in one form, co-rotational with the handle to move a roller cam between a latched condition and an unlatched condition.

[0015] The handle is preferably movable to a closed position, wherein the handle assembly is not rotatable. The handle is preferably independently lockable in the closed state, preventing rotation of the handle assembly, even if the rotational locking component is in the release state. In some embodiments, the handle assembly comprises apertures to receive a padlock to lock the handle assembly in the closed state. The handle assembly is most preferably foldable/pivotable between the closed state and its operational state, wherein rotation to the unlatched position is permitted, if the locking component is in the unlocked state. In some embodiments of the invention, when the handle is in the closed state, it covers, and impedes access to, the key cylinder described above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0016] In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to identical elements. The drawings are provided by way of example only, wherein:

[0017] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the front (external side) of a locking apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the rear (internal side) of the locking apparatus of Figure 1.

[0019] Figure 3 is a rear view of the locking apparatus of Figure 1.

[0020] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the front (external side) of a locking apparatus according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the rear (internal side) of the locking apparatus of Figure 4.

[0022] Figure 6 is a rear view of the locking apparatus of Figure 4.

[0023] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a spindle of a handle assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the rear of a rotatable locking component of a locking mechanism in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the front of the rotatable locking component of Figure 8.

-5 2019264652 15 Nov 2019 [0026] Figure 10 is a rear view of the rotatable locking component of Figure 8.

[0027] Skilled addressees will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the relative dimensions of some elements in the drawings may have been distorted to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0028] Figures 1 to 3 depict locking apparatus 100 according to a first embodiment of the invention. In preferred embodiments, the locking apparatus 100 is installable in a door or other closure. When the locking apparatus 100 is installed in a door or other closure (not shown), the front of the locking apparatus 100, as shown in Figure 1, facing outwardly.

[0029] The locking apparatus 100 comprises a housing 110 and a rotatable handle assembly 200 associated and operable therewith. The handle assembly 200 includes a generally T-shaped handle 201 and a spindle component 210. The handle 201 is pivotally mounted to a keyed shaft 220, which extends through housing 100 and is received in an aperture 212 in spindle 210. A nut and screw thread, or other suitable fastener, may be used to secure spindle 210 to shaft 220. As seen in Figure 9, the aperture 212 has a square cross-section, which mates with a corresponding square portion of the shaft 220, such that rotation of the shaft 220 causes corresponding rotation of the spindle 210. Spindle 210 includes a shoulder 214 on its upper side, and a channel portion 216 on its lower side to receive a roller (217).

[0030] In Figure 1, the handle assembly 200 is shown in a closed position. To open a door upon which the locking apparatus is installed, the handle 201 is pivoted outwardly to a perpendicular position relative to the housing 110, where the handle 201 is substantially aligned with the shaft 220 which passes through an aperture in the housing. In this operable position, the handle 201 can be rotated about the longitudinal axis of the shaft 220 (when the apparatus is not locked), driving corresponding rotation of the shaft 220 and spindle 210. The handle 201 can be rotated approximately 90 degrees in an anti-clockwise direction (when viewed from the outside), which drives rotation of the spindle 210 and in turn, moves the roller 217 from a latched to an unlatched position. Rotation of the handle 201 in the clockwise direction returns the roller 217 to the unlatched position. In this embodiment, the roller 217, together with the channel 216, rotate about the same axis as the rest of the handle assembly, with the roller moving in a plane perpendicular to that axis.

-62019264652 15 Nov 2019 [0031] In the latched position, the roller 217 engages with a catch (not shown) mounted to a frame of the door or other closure (not shown), which secures the door/closure in a closed position. In the unlatched position, the roller disengages from the catch, thereby allowing opening or closing of the door/closure and access to the storage area within.

[0032] Figures 2 and 3 best depict the locking mechanism 300 of this embodiment of the present invention. The locking mechanism 300 comprises a rotatable locking component 310, which pivots about a pin 330, which is fixed relative to the housing 110. The design of the rotatable locking component is shown in more detail in Figures 10 to 12. It includes a recess 312 on its upper face, with a first shoulder 314 and second shoulder 316 at each end of the recess. A locking shoulder 318 is provided on the bottom of the locking component 310, and a lower projection 320 connects to spring 340. An upper projection 322 is also provided on the upper face of locking component 310.

[0033] The locking component 310 is rotatable about pivot pin 330 between a locked state and a release state. The pin 330 passes through an aperture 325 in locking component 310, and a nut and screw thread, or other suitable fastener, can be used to secure locking component 310 on pivot pin 330.

[0034] This embodiment of the present invention includes two actuators for rotating the locking component 310: i) a primary actuator, being a key cylinder 360, which drives pin 365 within upper recess 312 of the locking component 310; and ii) a secondary actuator, being an electronically activated actuator 350, which engages with the upper projection 322 to drive rotation of the locking component 310. The actuators 350, 360 can be operated independently to lock and/or unlock the locking mechanism 300. In the illustrated embodiment, the electronically activated actuator 350 is mounted on a support panel 354. In use, the support panel 354 will be sandwiched between the housing 110 and the door to which the locking apparatus 100 is mounted.

[0035] During operation of the key cylinder 360, to lock the mechanism 300, the pin 365 engages the first shoulder 314 of the locking component 310, to drive rotation in the direction of the locked state (i.e. anti-clockwise, from the view in Figures 2 and 3). To unlock the mechanism, the key cylinder 360 is turned in the other direction, and the pin 365 engages the second shoulder 316 of the locking component 310 to drive rotation to its release state. In either case, pin 365 is biased to a home position as shown in Figures 2 and 3, where it is capable of holding the locking component 310 in the locked state. In addition and/or alternatively, the key (not shown) can be held captive in the key cylinder 360 until it is returned to the home position after use, ensuring that the pin 365 is left in the home

2019264652 15 Nov 2019

-7position (as shown in Figures 2 and 3) whenever the key is removed. Of course, other blockading means (e.g. a wall rising out of the housing 110) can also be used to hold the locking component 310 in its locked state, when required.

[0036] The electronically activated actuator 350 can be operated by a remote control, which can be operable using a central locking system of the vehicle on which the locking apparatus is mounted. Electronically activated actuator 350 includes a piston 352 connected to upper projection 322. The piston 352 can either push or pull the upper projection 322 (in a direction driven by a motor), to rotate the locking component 310 in either a first direction (towards the locked state), or the opposite direction (towards the release state), respectively.

[0037] Figures 1 to 3 show the locking component in the locked state, where the locking shoulder 318 is engaged with the shoulder 214 of the spindle 210, and pin 365 is engaged with the second shoulder 316 of the upper recess 312.

[0038] To move to its release state, locking component 310 is rotated in a clockwise direction about pin 330 (when viewed from the rear in Figures 2 and 3). This rotation moves locking shoulder 318 out of engagement with the shoulder 214 of the spindle 210, thereby enabling rotation of the handle 200.

[0039] When the locking component 310 is in its locked state, attempted rotation of the handle 200 urges the shoulder 214 of the spindle component 210 into engagement with the locking shoulder 318 of the rotatable locking component 310. The engagement between pin 365 and the second shoulder 316 of the recess 312 keeps the locking component 310 secure in its locked state.

[0040] It will be appreciated that, in the locked state, attempted rotation of the handle 200 urges the locking component to rotate in the direction of its locked state, i.e. shoulders 214, 318 are driven into tighter engagement. Attempted rotation does not urge the locking component 310 to rotate in the direction of its release state. Accordingly, attempts to force the lock by turning the handle 200 are more likely to fail, because they urge the locking mechanism 300 even more securely into its locked state. The rotational axes of locking component 310 and the handle assembly are parallel, which allows the faces of shoulders 214, 318 to abut directly, while achieving the effect of tighter engagement if rotation of the handle is attempted.

[0041] Figures 4 to 6 depict a locking apparatus 100A according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the components of the locking apparatus 100A are substantially the same as in the previous embodiment, except that this

-82019264652 15 Nov 2019 embodiment does not include an electronic actuator 350. This embodiment therefore also lacks the support panel and the locking apparatus 100A will be directly mountable to a door.

[0042] In either embodiment, the handle 201 can be locked independently of the locking mechanism 300, using an additional locking means. In particular, when the handle 201 is in its closed state, it is prevented from rotating by brace 120. Brace 120 and the stem 202 of handle 201 include aligned apertures 206, and a padlock (not shown) can be passed through these apertures 206 to secure the handle assembly 200 in its closed, non-rotatable state. This provides an additional level of protection.

[0043] It should be noted that, when the handle assembly 200 is in its closed state, the Tbar 204 of the handle 201 covers the key entry opening of the key cylinder 360 preventing unlocking with a key, or substantially preventing any attempted unlocking by a thief or unauthorised person. This means that the locking arrangement 100 provides yet another layer of security.

[0044] Of course, although two actuators for locking mechanism 300 have been described above, different methods of moving locking component 310 could be used in different embodiments. For example, a piston could be driven mechanically or pneumatically to drive rotation of the locking component 310. Provided that an actuator provides a force that is slightly offset from the pivot pin 330, it can function to cause rotation of the locking member 310 about the pivot 330.

[0045] Accordingly, the present invention provides security advantages over prior art locking arrangements. In addition, the use of a relatively small number of components, with a single handle/spindle assembly rotating about one axis, makes for more efficient manufacture and assembly of the apparatus.

[0046] In this specification, the terms “comprises”, “comprising” or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include those elements solely, but may well include other elements not listed.

[0047] Throughout the specification the aim has been to describe the invention without limiting the invention to any one embodiment or specific collection of features. Persons skilled in the relevant art may realize variations from the specific embodiments that will nonetheless fall within the scope of the invention.

Claims

The Claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A locking apparatus comprising:

a handle assembly including a handle and a spindle;

a locking mechanism including a rotatable locking component, the locking component being rotatable in a first direction into a locked state, and rotatable in an opposite direction into a release state, the locking component including a locking shoulder, wherein when the locking component is in the release state, the handle assembly is rotatable between a latched condition and an unlatched condition; and wherein when the locking component is in the locked state, attempted rotation of the handle assembly to the unlatched condition urges the handle assembly into engagement with the shoulder of the locking component, preventing the handle assembly from rotating to the unlatched condition and urging the locking component in the first direction.
2. The locking apparatus of Claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a primary actuator to move the rotatable locking component between the locked state and the release state.
3. The locking apparatus of Claim 2, wherein the primary actuator is key operated through a key cylinder.
4. The locking apparatus of Claim 3, wherein locking mechanism further comprises a secondary actuator to move the rotatable locking component between the locked state and the release state, wherein the secondary actuator is electronically operated.
5. The locking apparatus of any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the spindle being cooperable with a keyed shaft passing therethrough is co-rotational with the handle to move a roller cam between a latched condition and an unlatched condition.
6. The locking apparatus of Claim 5, wherein the handle is movable to a closed position wherein the handle assembly is not rotatable.
7. The locking apparatus of Claim 6, wherein the handle is independently lockable in the closed state, preventing rotation of the handle assembly even if the rotatable locking component is in the release state.

-102019264652 15 Nov 2019
8. The locking apparatus of Claim 7, wherein the handle assembly comprises apertures to receive a padlock to lock the handle assembly in the closed state.
9. The locking apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, when dependent on Claim 3, wherein when the handle is in the closed position, the handle covers the key cylinder to prevent access thereto.