AU2020201052A1 - Mortice lock assembly with improved deadlatching - Google Patents

Abstract

This invention relates to a mortice lock assembly 1 including an inner hub 11 and an outer hub 14 which are each rotatable to retract a latchbolt 31. A lock mechanism is 5 included to inhibit rotation of the inner hub 11 and outer hub 14, whilst a deadlatching mechanism is included to inhibit retraction of the latchbolt 31. A tolerance is provided between the lock mechanism and each of the inner hub 11 and outer hub 14, whilst a first lost motion is provided between the inner hub 11 or outer hub 14 and the deadlatching mechanism. The first lost motion allows for greater rotation of either the 10 inner hub 11 or outer hub 14 than permitted by the tolerance. SPEC-1165071.docx 't/±0 FIG. 4

Description

't/±0

FIG. 4

MORTICE LOCK ASSEMBLY WITH IMPROVED DEADLATCHING

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a mortice lock assembly for use with a door including a latchbolt, an inner hub and an outer hub that are each operable to move the latchbolt, and a lock mechanism that is operable to inhibit operation of the inner hub or outer hub. The mortice lock assembly may include a deadlatching mechanism that in use inhibits movement of the latchbolt when the door is closed. More specifically the deadlatching mechanism is preferably of the kind that inhibits movement of the latchbolt from the extended positon, as a result of end pressure being applied to a head of the latchbolt. The mortice lock assembly may include a release mechanism acting between the latchbolt and the lock mechanism to selectively adjust the lock mechanism.

Background of Invention

[0002] A mortice lock assembly will in general include a housing that when the mortice lock assembly is installed is located in a mortice cavity formed in a side edge of the door. A strike can also be supplied with the mortice lock assembly, to be located on an adjacent door jamb to receive the latchbolt when the door is closed. The door can also be formed with apertures through a front and rear face, through which apertures door furniture mounted on the door, can interact with the mortice lock assembly. The door furniture can include door handles or levers for retracting the latchbolt. The mortice lock assembly can include a lock mechanism for controlling operation of the door handles or levers. The door furniture can also include cylinder locks for interacting with a lock mechanism.

[0003] It is the nature of a latchbolt that it include a biasing spring for urging the head of the latchbolt out from the side edge of the housing. The head of the latchbolt should be bevelled or so formed that when the door is being closed it can ramp along the strike to depress the spring. The combination of the bevelled head and spring can render it vulnerable to circumvention by applying end pressure to the head of the bolt and compress the spring, particularly if there is a gap between the door and the door jamb. The end pressure can be applied by a screw driver or stiff metal sheet slid in SPEC-1124331.docx between the door and the door jamb, until the head of the bolt disengages from the strike. It can be therefore desirable for the mortice lock assembly to include a deadlatching mechanism to resist this end pressure when the door is closed if the level of security needs to be increased. It is generally desirable that the deadlatching mechanism be rendered inactive on rotation of either the inner handle or outer handle. However the inventor is aware that this function can render the deadlatching mechanism vulnerable to circumvention.

[0004] It should be appreciated that if the lock mechanism is in the locked condition while the door is in an open position, the nature of the latchbolt will still allow the door to move to the closed position. While it may be desirable for the door handles or levers to be rendered inoperable when the door is closed in this way, if the user is unaware it can result in the user being inadvertently locked out (or locked in). The mortice lock assembly can be configured such that the latchbolt can be retracted by operation of the cylinder lock, without adjusting the status of the lock mechanism. It can be desirable for the user to be able to select whether or not the door handles or levers should be rendered inoperable in this way. The inventor has however also appreciated that it is generally desirable that when making such a selection, its impact on other functions of the lock, or impact on the overall user experience of using the lock, should be minimised where possible.

[0005] A reference herein to a patent document or other matter which is given as prior art is not to be taken as an admission that that document or matter was, in Australia, known or that the information it contains was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of any of the claims.

Summary of Invention

[0006] It is an object of the invention to provide a mortice lock assembly which is configured to reduce the ability for an authorised circumvention of the deadlatching mechanism. It is an alternative objective according to another aspect of this invention that the mortice lock assembly be configured to allow for selection of preferred manner in which the lock mechanism may operate.

[0007] According to one aspect of this invention there is provided a mortice lock assembly for use with a door including a housing, a latchbolt movable relative to the

SPEC-1124331.docx housing between an extended position and a retracted position, an inner hub and an outer hub that are each rotatable from a first position to a second position to move the latchbolt from the extended position to the retracted position, a lock mechanism being adjustable between a locked condition and a unlocked condition in which the inner hub and outer hub are rendered inoperable and operable respectively, a tolerance between the lock mechanism and each of the inner hub and the outer hub allowing rotation of the inner hub and the outer hub while the lock mechanism is in the locked condition, a deadlatching mechanism that when in an active condition inhibits movement of the latchbolt from the extended position towards the retracted position and is adjustable to an inactive condition on rotation of either the inner hub or the outer hub whereby in the inactive condition the deadlatch mechanism does not inhibit movement of the latchbolt, the deadlatching mechanism and each of the inner hub and the outer hub are arranged so that there is first lost motion there between whereby rotation of either of the inner hub or outer hub from the first positon while the lock mechanism is in the locked condition is insufficient to adjust the deadlatching mechanism from the active condition to the inactive condition. While there can be the provision of tolerance between a number of elements of the mortice lock assembly so as to facilitate the assembly process, providing for the first lost motion between the inner hub, outer hub and deadlatching mechanism reduces the ability for deadlatching mechanism to be circumvented.

[0008] The mortice lock assembly may also include a second lost motion between either the inner hub or outer hub and the latchbolt so that rotation of the movement of the latchbolt from the extended position commences after the deadlatching mechanism is adjusted to the inactive condition. This arrangement reduces the likelihood that movement of the latchbolt will jamb with authorised adjustment of the deadlatching mechanism.

[0009] The amount of rotation for the second lost motion of the inner hub or outer hub is preferably through no more than 10° from the first position, however this degree of rotation may vary. The amount of rotation of the first lost motion of the inner hub or outer hub is preferably through no more than 50 from the first position, however this degree of rotation may vary. The amount of rotation for the tolerance between the inner hub or outer hub and the lock mechanism is preferably through no more than 2° from the first position, however this degree of rotation may vary.

SPEC-1124331.docx

[0010] The deadlatching mechanism preferably includes a lever that pivots when either of the inner hub or outer hub pivots from the first position to the second position, whereby the first lost motion occurs between the lever and rotation of either the inner hub or outer hub. It is further preferred that the deadlatching mechanism includes an abutment for interaction between the latchbolt and the lever, the abutment is movable relative to the housing between an active position and an inactive position when the deadlatching mechanism adjusts between the active condition and the inactive condition respectively, wherein the lever is arranged to tend to rotate towards engaging with the inner hub and the outer hub rather than the rotate towards engaging with the abutment. Alternatively, the first lost motion could occur between pivoting of the lever and movement of the abutment. The mortice lock assembly may including an abutment biasing means for urging the abutment towards the active position.

[0011] The mortice lock assembly according may include an auxiliary bolt which is movable relative to the housing, wherein the abutment is configured to interact directly with the auxiliary bolt so that the abutment moves linearly when adjusting between the active position to the inactive position on linear movement of the auxiliary bolt from an extended position to a retracted position, the movement of the auxiliary bolt being substantially perpendicular to the movement of the abutment. The abutment and auxiliary bolt may each have complimenting surfaces that slide over each other when the auxiliary bolt moves between the retracted position and the extended position. It is preferred that the abutment is configured for in use interaction with a cylinder lock cam, so as to adjust from the active position to the inactive position on rotation of the cylinder lock cam. A stop may be provided which is engaged by the lever to limit the rotation of the lever towards the inner hub or the outer hub.

[0012] According to another aspect of this invention there is provided a mortice lock assembly for use with a door including a housing, a latchbolt movable relative to the housing between an extended position and a retracted position, an inner hub and an outer hub that are each rotatable from a first position to a second position to move the latchbolt from the extended position to the retracted position, a lock mechanism being adjustable between a locked condition and a unlocked condition in which the inner hub and outer hub are rendered inoperable and operable respectively, a release

SPEC-1124331.docx mechanism interacting between the latchbolt and the lock mechanism that is adjustable between an active condition and an inactive condition, whereby when the release mechanism is in the active condition and the lock mechanism is in the locked condition movement of the latchbolt from the extended position to the retracted position causes the lock mechanism to adjust from the locked condition to the unlocked condition.

[0013] The mortice lock assembly preferably includes a pivoting member that pivots relative to the housing when the release mechanism is in the active condition and the latchbolt is moved from the extended position to the retracted position. It is further preferred that the lock mechanism includes a detent slide which moves linearly relative to the housing when the lock mechanism adjusts between the locked condition and the unlocked condition, whereby the pivoting member pivots to engage the detent slide when the release mechanism is in the active condition and the latchbolt is moved from the extended position to the retracted position. The use of a pivoting member can provide a mechanical advantage when adjusting the position of the detent slide on retraction of the lactchbolt.

[0014] The latchbolt preferably includes a head which projects out of the housing when the latchbolt is in the extended position, and a body that is housed within the housing, a switch member which is movable with the body when the latchbolt moves between the extended position and the retracted position, the switch member being adjustable to adopt a release position relative to the body which corresponds with the release mechanism being in the active condition. The mortice lock assembly may also include a catch associated with the detent slide which interacts with the switch member whereby the switch member can be adjusted to adopt a hold back position so that when the latchbolt is in the retracted position the lock mechanism can be adjusted to the locked condition so that the catch engages the switch member to hold the latchbolt in the retracted position.

[0015] The switch member has a longitudinal axis and is rotatable about its longitudinal axis, and may also include a switch biasing member that urges the switch member to adopt the release position or the hold back position. The switch biasing member may interact with the switch member so as to urge the switch member to adopt the release position, the hold back position or at least a further rotational position whereby the switch member is multi-stable. The head of the latchbolt may be

SPEC-1124331.docx adjustable relative to the body to provide access to the switch in order to allow adjustment thereof, also including a faceplate which when attached to the front of the housing inhibits adjustment of the head of the latchbolt relative to the body and inhibit access to the switch to prevent adjustment thereof.

[0016] It will be convenient hereinafter to describe the mortice lock assembly according to the various aspects of this invention with reference to the attached illustrations. The particularity of the illustrations and accompanying detailed description is not intended to limit the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 is an exploded isometric view of a lockset incorporating a mortice lock assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0018] Figure 2 is an isometric view of the mortice lock assembly from Figure 1 with a cover removed from the base.

[0019] Figure 3 is an exploded isometric view of the mortice lock assembly from Figure 1.

[0020] Figure 4 is a side elevation view of the mortice lock assembly from Figure 1 with the auxiliary bolt retracted and the inner hub in a first position.

[0021] Figure 5 is a side elevation view of the mortice lock assembly from Figure 4 with the inner hub rotated from the first position.

[0022] Figure 6 is a side elevation view of the mortice lock assembly from Figure 5 with the inner hub rotated to a second position and the deadlatching mechanism in an inactive condition.

[0023] Figure 7 is a side elevation view of the mortice lock assembly from Figure 4 with the lock mechanism in a locked condition.

[0024] Figure 8 is a side elevation view of the mortice lock assembly from Figure 7 with an outer cam plate engaging the abutment.

[0025] Figure 9 is a side elevation view of the mortice lock assembly from Figure 8 with the outer cam plate retracting the latchbolt.

SPEC-1124331.docx

[0026] Figure 10 is an exploded isometric view of a preferred embodiment of a latchbolt.

[0027] Figure 11 is a front elevation view of the mortice lock assembly from Figure 1 with the faceplate removed and the head of the latchbolt rotated relative to the body through 900.

[0028] Figure 12 is a side elevation view of the mortice lock assembly from Figure 2 with the auxiliary bolt in an extended position, the latchbolt in an extended position and the switch member set to hold back condition.

[0029] Figure 13 is a side elevation view of the mortice lock assembly from Figure 12 with the latchbolt retracted.

[0030] Figure 14 is a side elevation view of the mortice lock assembly from Figure 13 with the lock mechanism adjusted to a locked condition.

[0031] Figure 15 is a side elevation view of the mortice lock assembly from Figure 14 while the switch member is in an inactive condition.

[0032] Figure 16 is a side elevation view of the mortice lock assembly from Figure 2 with the lock mechanism in a locked condition, the switch member in a kick-off condition and the latchbolt in an extended position.

[0033] Figure 17 is a side elevation view of the mortice lock assembly from Figure 16 with the latchbolt moved from the extended position towards the retracted position, and the lock mechanism still in the locked condition.

[0034] Figure 18 is a side elevation view of the mortice lock assembly from Figure 17 with the latchbolt in the retracted position and the lock mechanism adjusted to the unlocked condition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0035] Figure 1 illustrates a mortice lock assembly 1, inner door furniture 2 and outer door furniture 3 positions spaced from a door 4. The door 4 is illustrated being formed with a mortice cavity 5 in a side edge thereof which is shaped to receive the mortice lock assembly 1. A front face 6 of the door 4 is formed with a circular aperture 7 and an oval aperture 8 which both extend into the mortice cavity 5. An equivalent circular and oval shaped aperture (not shown) may be formed in the rear SPEC-1124331.docx face (not shown) of the door 4 also. The cylindrical aperture 7 is positioned in the front face 6 to accommodate an inner spindle therethrough that can interact between an inner door lever 10 of the inner door furniture 2 and an inner hub 11 of the mortice lock assembly 1. The circular aperture formed in the rear face (not shown) can be positioned to allow the outer spindle 12 to interact between an outer door lever 13 and an outer hub 14 (see Figure 3) in the same manner. Whereas the oval aperture 7 is configured to accommodate an inner cylinder lock housing 15 therein so as to allow a cylinder cam 16 (partly obscured) to interact with elements of the mortice lock assembly 1. The cylindrical aperture formed on the rear face (not shown) of the door 4 may be adapted to accommodate a turn snib 17, or the turn snib may be replaced by an outer cylinder lock 18. As seen for example in Figure 2, Figure 1 also illustrates a faceplate 19 of the mortice lock assembly 1 attached to a housing 20 of the mortice lock assembly 1 by a pair of screws 21 (see Figure 3 also). The faceplate 19 must first be removed before fastening the housing 20 to the door 4 by way of another pair of screws 22. Thereafter the inner door furniture 2 and outer door furniture 3 may be brought to engage the front face 6 and rear face of the door 4 and fastened together by a pair of screws 23 that passes through the door 4.

[0036] Referring briefly to Figure 3 which illustrates the housing 20 being formed from a cover 24 which is fastened to a base 25 by five screws 26. The housing 20 also includes a front wall 27 which is fastened to the base 25 by a pair of screws 28. The housing 20 also includes an inner plate 29 and an outer plate 30 that overlie the cover 24 and base 25 respectively. The inner plate 29 and outer plate 30 may be formed from a toughened metal, such as stainless steel, so as to increase the ability of the housing 20 to withstand an attack on mortice lock assembly 1 with a power drill.

[0037] Referring now to Figure 2 which illustrates the mortice lock assembly 1 from Figure 1 with the cover plate (see Figure 3) detached from the base of the housing. The latchbolt 31 illustrated includes a bevelled head 32 which extends through the faceplate 19 at the front of the housing 20, and a body 33 located within the housing 20. Figure 2 also illustrates an auxiliary bolt 34 having a head portion 35 which extends through the faceplate 19 at the front of the housing 20. An auxiliary spring is illustrated at a position between the auxiliary bolt 34 and a flange 37 in the base whereby the auxiliary spring 36 urges the auxiliary bolt 34 towards an extended

SPEC-1124331.docx position as shown in Figure 2. The latchbolt 31 also includes a latchbolt spring 38 which urges the latchbolt 31 to adopt an extended positon as illustrated in Figure 2.

[0038] Figure 2 illustrates the outer cylinder lock 18 having an outer cylinder cam 39 positioned adjacent the rear of the cylinder lock assembly housing and being capable of rotating relative to the housing by inserting a key (not shown) into the cylinder lock assembly in a manner that would be understood by those skilled in the art. Figure 2 also illustrates a detent slide 40 positioned adjacent a rear wall of the base 25 which is movable within the housing. An upper end 41 of the detent slide 40 is shaped to engage with the outer cylinder cam 39, whilst a lower end 42 of detent slide 40 is positioned for interaction with an inner pawl 43 and an outer pawl 44 (see also Figure 3). Figure 2 illustrates the inner pawl 43 in an active position whereby it does not inhibit rotation of the inner hub 11. It ought to be appreciated that the outer pawl 44 can interact between the detent slide 40 and the outer hub 14 in a similar manner.

[0039] Referring still to Figure 3, it can be noted that there is a shaft 45 between the inner pawl 43 and outer pawl 44 on which they are mounted when the mortice lock 1 is assembled. Each of the inner pawl 43 and outer pawl 44 interact with an inner follower 46 and outer follower 47 respectively with each of which being urged by a respective biasing spring 48, 49 towards the front wall 27. The inner follower 46 and outer follower 47 interact with a cam member 50 in a manner that has been previously described in the Applicant's earlier patent application AU 2014339761 the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference. However, in order to facilitate an understanding of the current invention, it should be appreciated that the cam member 50 can be rotated to a position whereby the inner follower 46 and outer follower 47 allow the inner pawl 46 and outer pawl 47 to move between an active position and an inactive position under the influence of the slide detent 40, while being urged to adopt the inactive position.

[0040] Referring again now to Figure 2 which illustrates a lever 51 positioned near the inner hub 11. The lever is located on a shaft 52 (see also Figure 3) which extends from the base 25 about which the lever 51 can pivot. The lever 51 forms part of a deadlatching mechanism which also includes an abutment 53, and an abutment biasing means 54 (see Figure 3), which acts between the abutment 53 and the base 25. The abutment biasing means 54 acts on the abutment 53 to urge it towards a

SPEC-1124331.docx raised position relative to the base 25, in which position the abutment 53 is considered to be in an active position. Figure 3 illustrates the abutment 53 being formed with a nose portion 55, a ledge portion 56, a ramp portion 57 and a shoulder portion 58, each of which interact with various elements of a mortice lock assembly 1 in a manner that will be described in greater detail throughout the specification.

[0041] Referring to Figure 2 again which illustrates a pivoting member 59 near the outer cylinder cam 39 which forms part of a "kick-off" or release mechanism. The pivoting member 59 pivots about a shaft 60 extending from the base 35 for engaging with the detent slide 40 in a manner that will be described in greater detail later in the specification. The preferred form of the pivoting member 59 is also illustrated in Figure 3.

[0042] Figure 2 illustrates the inner hub 11 being formed with a leg portion 61, a shoulder portion 62 and an arm portion 63 and a ledge portion 64. The arm portion 63 and the shoulder portion 62 are configured for interacting with the latchbolt 31 and lever 51 respectively in a manner that we described in greater detail by reference to latter illustrations. Figure 2 shows the leg portion 61 is configured for interacting with a hub biasing means 65 which as illustrated in Figure 3 includes a long spring 66 of a relatively small diameter and a short spring 67 of larger diameter both of which interact with a cap 68. It can be seen from Figure 2 that the cap 68 engages the leg 68 of the inner hub 11, and ought to be appreciated that the cap 68 also engages an equivalent leg of the outer hub 14. This arrangement urges the inner hub 11 and outer hub 14 to preferably rotate until the arm portion 63 of each of the inner hub 11 and outer hub 14 engage a stop 69 extending from the base 25. The inner hub 11 (an outer hub 14) is considered to be in an at first position when as shown in Figure 2.

[0043] The operation of deadlatching mechanism will now be described with reference to Figures 4 to 9. Figure 4 illustrates the inner hub 11 and outer hub 14 (outer hub obscured) in the first rest position, under the influence of the hub biasing mechanism 65. The lock mechanism, which for the purpose of this specification includes the detent slide 40, the inner pawl 43 and the outer pawl 44 (obscured), is illustrated in an unlocked condition. The latchbolt 31 is illustrated in an extended position whereby the head 32 extends out from the faceplate 19. The auxiliary bolt 34 is illustrated in a retracted position such as might be the case as when the door 4 is closed. When the door 4 is closed and the inner hub 11 and outer hub 14 are in the

SPEC-1124331.docx first position the abutment 53 will adopt an active position under the influence of an abutment biasing spring 54. The nose portion 55 is positioned immediately to the rear of a front wall 70 (see also Figure 10) of the body 32 so that any end pressure applied to the head 32 will cause the front wall 70 to engage the nose 55 to hinder movement of the latchbolt 31 from the extended position. It should be noted that there is a slight gap between the nose 55 and the front wall 70 so that the abutment is free to move from the active position without scraping along the front wall 70. It should also be noted that there is a gap between the shoulder 62 and the lever 51 when the inner hub 11 is in the first position.

[0044] It should be noted in Figure 4 that the remainder of the body 33 shown in dotted line so that the position of the abutment 53 can be more easily seen. Other illustrations forming part of the specification may also show the body 33 in dotted line or solid line for this purpose.

[0045] Referring now to Figure 5 it can be appreciated that the inner hub 11 has been rotated from the first position which would result from the inner door lever 10 (see Figure 1) being rotated. It ought to be appreciated that this can only be achieved while the lock mechanism is in the unlocked condition. The rotation of the inner hub 11 illustrated in Figure 5 is only sufficient to enable the shoulder portion 62 to engage the lever 51. It should be noted that the rotation of the inner hub 11 is only a few degrees but no more than 50 degrees from the first position. This degree of rotation of the inner hub 11 is insufficient to cause the lever 51 to adjust its position, and as a result the condition of the deadlatching mechanism is not changed. For the purpose of the specification this is referred to as the first lost motion between the inner hub 11, outer but 14 and the lever 51. Still furthermore it should be noted that the arm portion 63 is still spaced from a rear wall 71 of the body 33. This spacing ensures the latchbolt is not retracted whilst the deadlatching mechanism is in the active condition.

[0046] Referring now to Figure 6 which illustrates the inner hub 1 having been rotated further from the position as illustrated in Figure 5 to a second position, whereby the latchbolt 31 has been moved to a retracted position. This can be achieved as the deadlatching mechanism has been adjusted to an inactive condition as a result of the abutment 53 being moved so that the nose is clear of the front wall 70. It can be appreciated from Figure 6 that the lever 51 has pivoted as a result of movement of the shoulder 62 from the position illustrated in Figure 5. It should be

SPEC-1124331.docx appreciated when comparing Figures 5 and 6 that the initial rotation of the inner hub 11 from the position as illustrated in Figure 5 commences the process of rotation of the lever 51 so that the distal end 72 of the lever 51 pushes down on the ledge 56. Whilst there may be some overlap between commencement of movement of the latchbolt 31 from the extended position with movement of the abutment 53 to reach the inactive position, it is generally preferred that such overlap in movement avoid the nose 55 engaging the front wall 70 of the body 33. To this end it is preferred that there be a second lost motion between starting movement of the abutment 51 and starting movement of the latchbolt 31. The degree of rotation of the inner hub 11 (and outer hub 14) for this second lost motion is preferably no more than 100 from the first position.

[0047] Referring still to Figure 6 it should be noted that the springs 66, 67 of the hub biasing means 65 have been compressed so that once the user releases the inner handle 10 (see Figure 1) the hub biasing means 65 will urge the inner hub 11 to return to the position as illustrated in Figure 4. Furthermore, the latchbolt biasing spring 38 acting between the body 53 and the base 25 urges the latchbolt 31 to return to the extended position as illustrated in Figure 4. Furthermore, the lever 51 is arranged to rotate towards the inner hub 11 once the inner hub has returned to the first position as illustrated in Figure 4 so that a proximal end 73 of the lever 51 rests on a stop 74 formed on the base 25. The lever 51 may be arranged in any suitable manner to achieve this preferred rotational position, and whilst the arrangement illustrated involves the proximal end 73 of the lever 51 being heavier than the distal end 72, the lever 51 may instead be influenced by a spring or the like to return to the position as illustrated in Figure 4.

[0048] Referring now to Figure 7 which illustrates the lock mechanism having been adjusted from an unlocked condition as illustrated in Figure 4 to a locked condition. This can be achieved by rotation of the outer cylinder cam 39 from the position as illustrated in Figure 7 in a clockwise direction to a position as illustrated in Figure 14, so that the cam engages the upper end 41 of the detent slide 40, and move the detent slide 40 down along the base 25. The lower end 42 of the detent slide 40 will then engage the inner pawl 43 (and the outer pawl 44) to adjust from the inactive position illustrated in Figure 4 to the active position illustrated in Figure 7. Particular attention should be paid to the upper tip 75 of the inner pawl 43 and the

SPEC-1124331.docx relatively small gap thereabove to the ledge portion 64 of the inner hub 11. This gap contributes to the tolerance between the lock mechanism and the inner hub 11 (with a similar tolerance between the outer hub 14 and the outer pawl 44) which facilitates the assembly of the mortice lock assembly 1. However, it is preferred that the tolerance allow no more than 2° of rotation of the inner hub 11 (or outer hub 14) from the first position as illustrated in Figure 7, while the lock mechanism is in the locked condition. It ought to be appreciated that while allowing this degree of tolerance will assist in the assembly whilst maintaining a first lost motion of about 50 will reduce the ability for the inner hub 11 or outer hub 14 to be sufficiently manipulated while the lock mechanism is in a locked condition so as to cause adjustment of the deadlatching mechanism.

[0049] The lock mechanism can be adjusted from the locked condition as illustrated in Figure 7 to an unlocked condition as illustrated in Figure 8 by rotation of the outer cylinder cam 39 in an anti-clockwise direction as shown. Once the cam 39 is rotated to 900 from the position illustrated in Figure 7, a tail portion 76 of the outer cylinder cam 39 engages the upper end 41 of the detent slide 40 so that further rotation of the outer cylinder cam 39 past 900 causes the detent slide 40 to move up to the position illustrated in Figure 8. Further rotation of the outer cylinder cam 39 from the 900 position (not shown) will cause a head portion 77 of the outer cylinder cam 39 to engage the shoulder 58 on the abutment 53 at approximately 1350 of rotation. Further rotation of the outer cylinder cam 39 whilst engaging the shoulder 58 will cause the abutment 53 to move down. The amount of movement can be appreciated by observing the space between the distal end 72 of the lever 51 and the ledge on the abutment 53. Further rotation of the outer cylindrical cam 39 will urge the abutment 53 to move further down, and cause the head portion 77 to engage the rear wall 71 of the body 33. Continued rotation of the outer cylindrical cam 39 will cause the latchbolt 31 to retract as the nose 55 slides under the front wall 70 which corresponds to the deadlatching mechanism adopting the inactive condition. It ought to be appreciated that in this manner the outer cylinder lock 18 (or inner cylinder lock ) can be operated to retract the latchbolt 31 if desired.

[0050] Referring now to Figure 10 which illustrates a preferred embodiment of the latchbolt 31 according to the invention showing the body 33 and the head 32. The head 32 is formed with a neck portion 78 which locates within an aperture 79 formed

SPEC-1124331.docx in the front wall 70. The neck portion 78 includes an annular groove (obscured) formed therein so that when the neck portion 78 is slid into the aperture 79 the head 32 is retained adjacent the body 33 whilst allowing the head 32 to rotate relative to the body 33.

[0051] Figure 10 also illustrates the latchbolt 31 including a pin 80 which is inserted through an aperture 81 in the rear wall 71 of the body 33, and on which the latchbolt 31 biasing spring 38 is located. The pin 80 includes an annular groove 82 formed adjacent one end.

[0052] Figure 10 also illustrates an elongate member 83 which for the purposes of this specification and in particular the claims is referred to as the switch member 83. The switch member 83 is inserted into the body through an aperture (obscured) formed in the rear wall 71 of the body, with a distal end 84 of the switch member 83 located in an aperture 85 formed in the front wall 70. The distal end 84 includes a groove to receive a screwdriver or the like for rotating the switch member 83 about its longitudinal axis. Referring briefly to Figure 11 it can be seen that access to the distal end 84 can only be achieved whilst the head 32 is rotated through 900 so that the longitudinal orientation of the switch member 83 may be adjusted when the mortice lock assembly 1 is being installed. However, when the mortice lock assembly 1 is in use the head 32 is rotated to the normal vertical orientation and then retained in this vertical position by fastening the faceplate 19 (see Figure 1) to the front wall 27 (see Figure 11) of the housing 20.

[0053] A mid portion 86 of the switch member 83 is formed with a relatively square cross-sectional shape which interacts with a leaf spring 87 that can be attached to the body 33. The leaf spring 87 is formed by a spring steel so as to urge the switch member 83 to adopt any one of four rotational positions (only three of which are illustrated in this specification). A proximate end 88 of the switch member 83 is formed with a ramp surface 89 or a groove 90 such that the switch member 83 can be adjusted in its orientation relative to the body 33 in order that the ramp surface 89 and groove 90 interact with various other elements of the mortice lock assembly 1 in a manner that will be hereinafter described.

[0054] Figures 12 to 14 illustrate the mortice lock assembly 1 configured to be capable of adopting a "hold back" function if the user so desires. Figure 12 illustrates the mortice lock assembly 1 as if the door 4 is in an open position as represented by SPEC-1124331.docx the latchbolt 31 and auxiliary bolt 34 both being shown in an extended position as when the door is open the deadlatching mechanism is in an inactive condition. The switch member 83 has been set by the installer such that the groove 90 at the proximal end 88 thereof is facing upwards. The user can apply end pressure to the head 32 of the latchbolt 31 to move the latchbolt 31 to a retracted position as illustrated in Figure 13 while the latchbolt 31 is retained in this position by the end pressure, the user can then operate the cylinder lock 18 to rotate the outer cylinder cam 39 and move the detent slide 40 (see Figure 14) down to a locked position. A tongue or catch element 91 associated with the detent slide 40 can then locate within the groove 90 thereby retaining the latchbolt 31 in a retracted position. Thereafter the user can return the outer cylinder cam 39 to the vertical orientation whilst the latchbolt 31 remains in the retracted position.

[0055] Comparing Figure 15 with for example Figure 14 which is showing the switch member 83 rotated about the longitudinal axis to an inactive condition whereby said proximal end 88 of the switch member does not interact with the catch 91 when the latchbolt 31 is moved to the retracted position.

[0056] In contrast, Figures 16, 17 and 18 illustrate the switch member 83 rotated about the longitudinal axis to adopt a "kick-off" or release condition. Referring initially to Figure 16 which illustrates the mortice lock assembly when the door 4 is again in an open position however, the user has adjusted the lock mechanism to adopt a locked condition. This situation might arise when a user is inside the building with the door 4 open and having operated the inner cylinder lock 15. The user might, for example, then move through the doorway and close the door 4 behind them thereby locking themselves on the opposite side of the door 4 to their keys. To address this issue the mortice lock assembly 1 can include a "kick-off" or release function so that the ramp surface 89 formed at said proximal end 88 of the switch member 83 engages the pivoting member 59 (see Figure 17). For the purposes of this specification the pivoting member 59, the ramp surface 89 and the switch member 83 form a release mechanism so that further movement of the latchbolt 31 to the retracted position as illustrated in Figure 18 causes the pivoting member 59 to raise the detent slide 40 adjusting the lock mechanism to an unlocked condition. This arrangement reduces the likelihood that the user will be locked on the opposite side of

SPEC-1124331.docx the door 4 to their keys, however still allows the user to adjust the condition of the lock mechanism when the door 4 is closed.

[0057] The Applicant has appreciated that the use of the pivoting member 59 in the release mechanism provides mechanical advantage to move the detent slide 40 so as to reduce any discernible reduction in functionality of the mortice lock assembly 1 when the release function is selected. Furthermore, the Applicant has appreciated using a leaf spring 87 for interaction with the switch member 83 provides a reasonable level of serviceability.

[0058] Furthermore, the Applicant has appreciated that by providing a first loss motion between operation of the inner hub 11 or outer hub 14 and the lever 51 allows for a reasonable level of tolerance between the inner hub 11 or outer hub 14 and the lock mechanism without exposing the deadlatching mechanism to circumvention through forced manipulation of the inner hub 11 or outer hub 14. Furthermore, providing a second loss motion between operation of the deadlatching mechanism and movement of the latchbolt 31 by the inner hub 11 or the outer hub 14 reduces the likelihood of the latchbolt 31 jamming with the deadlatching mechanism.

[0059] Various alterations and/or additions may be introduced to the mortice lock assembly 1 as hereinbefore described without departing from the spirit or ambit of the invention.

SPEC-1124331.docx

Claims (16)

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. A mortice lock assembly for use with a door including a housing, a latchbolt movable relative to the housing between an extended position and a retracted position, an inner hub and an outer hub that are each rotatable from a first position to a second position to move the latchbolt from the extended position to the retracted position, a lock mechanism being adjustable between a locked condition and a unlocked condition in which the inner hub and outer hub are rendered inoperable and operable respectively, a tolerance between the lock mechanism and each of the inner hub and the outer hub allowing rotation of the inner hub and the outer hub while the lock mechanism is in the locked condition, a deadlatching mechanism that when in an active condition inhibits movement of the latchbolt from the extended position towards the retracted position and is adjustable to an inactive condition on rotation of either the inner hub or the outer hub whereby in the inactive condition the deadlatch mechanism does not inhibit movement of the latchbolt, the deadlatching mechanism and each of the inner hub and the outer hub are arranged so that there is first lost motion there between whereby rotation of either of the inner hub or outer hub from the first positon while the lock mechanism is in the locked condition is insufficient to adjust the deadlatching mechanism from the active condition to the inactive condition.

2. A mortice lock assembly according to claim 1 including a second lost motion between either the inner hub or outer hub and the latchbolt so that rotation of the movement of the latchbolt from the extended position commences after the deadlatching mechanism is adjusted to the inactive condition.

3. A mortice lock assembly according to claim 2 wherein the second lost motion allows for rotation of the inner hub or outer hub through no more than 10° from the first position.

4. A mortice lock assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the first lost motion allows for rotation of the inner hub or outer hub through no more than 50 from the first position.

SPEC-1124331.docx

5. A mortice lock assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the tolerance allows for rotation of the inner hub or outer hub through no more than 2° from the first position.

6. A mortice lock assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the deadlatching mechanism includes a lever that pivots when either of the inner hub or outer hub pivots from the first position to the second position, the first lost motion occurs between the lever and rotation of either the inner hub or outer hub.

7. A mortice lock assembly according to claim 6 wherein the deadlatching mechanism includes an abutment for interaction between the latchbolt and the lever, the abutment is movable relative to the housing between an active position and an inactive position when the deadlatching mechanism adjusts between the active condition and the inactive condition respectively, wherein the lever is arranged to tend to rotate towards engaging with the inner hub and the outer hub rather than the rotate towards engaging with the abutment.

8. A mortice lock assembly according to claim 7 including an abutment biasing means for urging the abutment towards the active position.

9. A mortice lock assembly according to claim 7 or 8 including an auxiliary bolt which is movable relative to the housing, wherein the abutment is configured to interact directly with the auxiliary bolt so that the abutment moves linearly when adjusting between the active position to the inactive position on linear movement of the auxiliary bolt from an extended position to a retracted position, the movement of the auxiliary bolt being substantially perpendicular to the movement of the abutment.

10. A mortice lock assembly according to claim 9 wherein the abutment and auxiliary bolt each have complimenting surfaces that slide over each other when the auxiliary bolt moves between the retracted position and the extended position

11. A mortice lock assembly according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the abutment is configured for in use interaction with a cylinder lock cam, so as to adjust from the active position to the inactive position on rotation of the cylinder lock cam.

SPEC-1124331.docx

12. A mortice lock assembly according to claims 6 to 11 including a stop which is engaged by the lever to limit the rotation of the lever towards the inner hub or the outer hub.

13. A mortice lock assembly for use with a door including a housing, a latchbolt movable relative to the housing between an extended position and a retracted position, an inner hub and an outer hub that are each rotatable from a first position to a second position to move the latchbolt from the extended position to the retracted position, a lock mechanism being adjustable between a locked condition and a unlocked condition in which the inner hub and outer hub are rendered inoperable and operable respectively, a release mechanism interacting between the latchbolt and the lock mechanism that is adjustable between an active condition and an inactive condition, whereby when the release mechanism is in the active condition and the lock mechanism is in the locked condition movement of the latchbolt from the extended position to the retracted position causes the lock mechanism to adjust from the locked condition to the unlocked condition.

14. A mortice lock assembly according to claim 13 including a pivoting member that pivots relative to the housing when the release mechanism is in the active condition and the latchbolt is moved from the extended position to the retracted position.

15. A mortice lock assembly according to claim 14 wherein the lock mechanism includes a detent slide which moves linearly relative to the housing when the lock mechanism adjusts between the locked condition and the unlocked condition, whereby the pivoting member pivots to engage the detent slide when the release mechanism is in the active condition and the latchbolt is moved from the extended position to the retracted position.

16. A mortice lock assembly according to claim 15 wherein the latchbolt includes a head which projects out of the housing when the latchbolt is in the extended position, and a body that is housed within the housing, a switch member which is movable with the body when the latchbolt moves between the extended position and the retracted position, the switch member being adjustable to adopt a release position relative to the body which corresponds with the release mechanism being in the active condition.

SPEC-1124331.docx

17. A mortice lock assembly according to claim 16 including a catch associated with the detent slide which interacts with the switch member whereby the switch member can be adjusted to adopt a hold back position so that when the latchbolt is in the retracted position the lock mechanism can be adjusted to the locked condition so that the catch engages the switch member to hold the latchbolt in the retracted position.

18. A mortice lock assembly according to claim 17 wherein the switch member has a longitudinal axis and is rotatable about its longitudinal axis, also including a switch biasing member that urges the switch member to adopt the release position or the hold back position.

19. A mortice lock assembly according to claim 18 wherein the switch biasing member interacts with the switch member so as to urge the switch member to adopt the release position, the hold back position or at least a further rotational position whereby the switch member is multi-stable.

20. A mortice lock assembly according to any one of claims 16 to 19 wherein the head of the latchbolt is adjustable relative to the body to provide access to the switch in order to allow adjustment thereof, also including a faceplate which when attached to the front of the housing inhibits adjustment of the head of the latchbolt relative to the body and inhibit access to the switch to prevent adjustment thereof.

SPEC-1124331.docx

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