CA2239328A1 - Privacy latch with auto-release feature - Google Patents
Privacy latch with auto-release feature Download PDFInfo
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- CA2239328A1 CA2239328A1 CA 2239328 CA2239328A CA2239328A1 CA 2239328 A1 CA2239328 A1 CA 2239328A1 CA 2239328 CA2239328 CA 2239328 CA 2239328 A CA2239328 A CA 2239328A CA 2239328 A1 CA2239328 A1 CA 2239328A1
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Abstract
An automatically releasable lock for a door employing a latch-releasing linkage which includes first and second handles. A series of components are coupled to each handle for transmitting a force from each handle to a latch-bolt to retract the latch-bolt.
In the preferred embodiment, the latch-releasing linkage includes an activation finger coupled to each handle, a camshaft coupled to the latch bolt and a cam fixed to the camshaft adjacent to each activation finger, each cam having a lug confronting the activation such that movement of one of the handles causes one of the activation fingers to displace one of the lugs on an adjacent cam thus rotating the camshaft to transmit force from the handle to the latch-bolt to retract the latch-bolt. The locking feature includes a control for preventing retraction of the latch-bolt, a knob coupled to the control rod to allow manual movement of the rod, and a blocking element coupled to the control rod which can be positioned by movement of the knob to confront the latch-releasing linkage which prevents movement of the linkage sufficient to prevent retraction of the latch-bolt. The lock includes a lock releasing assembly coupling the second handle to the locking element to that movement of second handle to cause retraction of the latch-bolt also causes movement of the blocking element to automatically unlock the door to allow subsequent retraction of the latch-bolt by the first handle.
In the preferred embodiment, the latch-releasing linkage includes an activation finger coupled to each handle, a camshaft coupled to the latch bolt and a cam fixed to the camshaft adjacent to each activation finger, each cam having a lug confronting the activation such that movement of one of the handles causes one of the activation fingers to displace one of the lugs on an adjacent cam thus rotating the camshaft to transmit force from the handle to the latch-bolt to retract the latch-bolt. The locking feature includes a control for preventing retraction of the latch-bolt, a knob coupled to the control rod to allow manual movement of the rod, and a blocking element coupled to the control rod which can be positioned by movement of the knob to confront the latch-releasing linkage which prevents movement of the linkage sufficient to prevent retraction of the latch-bolt. The lock includes a lock releasing assembly coupling the second handle to the locking element to that movement of second handle to cause retraction of the latch-bolt also causes movement of the blocking element to automatically unlock the door to allow subsequent retraction of the latch-bolt by the first handle.
Description
CA 02239328 1998-0~-29 PRIVACY LATCH WITH AUTO-RELEASE FEATURE
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to the field of door-latch openers, including a locking apparatus, and, more particularly, to door-latch openers of the type used in hospitals and similar facilities having push and/or pull type actuation and including a manually engageable locking feature.
Push/pull door-latch openers are enjoying increasingly common use in hospitals and other facilities where normally rotationally activated door-latch openers are undesirable for one reason or another. In a typical application, a pull-type door-latch opener will be mounted on one side of the door so the pulling action initiated on the latch handle also is translated to a force causing the door to pivot from the closed position to an open position. Likewise, a push-type door-latch opener is generally mounted on the opposite side of the door so that a pushing force applied to the handle causes the retraction of the door-latch and the pivoting action of the door in a coordinated single motion. Door-latches of this general type are to be found in U.S. Patents 4,003,593;
4,629,228; 4,986,583; 5,085,474; and, 5,609,372.
In certain instances, most notably in connection with private bathrooms and the like, it is CA 02239328 1998-0~-29 desirable to provide a lock which can be manually manipulated by a person on the inside of such room to insure a degree of privacy. Examples of such locks are to be found in U.S. Patents 5,403,047 and 5,460,419.
While the locking feature is generally manually actuable between a locked and unlocked position on one side of the door, on the other side, it is not desirable to have a manually operated control for the lock since the presence of such a manually actuated control defeats the desired privacy protection feature sought to be obtained through the presence of the lock.
Thus, the lock disabling mechanism for the outside of the door disclosed in U.S. Patents 5,403,047 and 5,460,419 employs a simple tool or a lockset.
A disadvantage inherent in some prior lockable push/pull door-latch openers of the prior art is that the locking mechanisms typically prevent the actuation o~ the outside door handle while still permitting movement of the inside door handle. Thus, it is possible for one to exit the privacy protected area while the door is still in a locked condition. If the door then swings closed behind the person exiting the privacy protected area, the door can latch closed while the outside door handle is still in a locked condition which prevents subsequent reentry into the privacy protected area without resorting to release of the locked condition using special tools or a key. An CA 02239328 1998-0~-29 object of the present invention is to prevent inadvertent maintenance of this locked condition of the door.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, an automatically releasable lock for a door employs a latch-releasing linkage which includes a first handle carried by a first side of the door and a second handle carried by a second side of the door, each handle being constrained to rotate about an axis parallel to the plane of the door. A series of components are coupled to each handle for transmitting a force from each handle to the latch-bolt to retract the latch-bolt. In the preferred embodiment, the latch-releasing linkage includes an activation finger coupled to each handle, a camshaft coupled to the latch bolt and a cam fixed to the camshaft adjacent to each activation finger, each cam having a lug confronting the activation finger in such close proximity that movement of one of the handles causes one of the activation fingers to displace one of the lugs on an adjacent cam, thus rotating the camshaft to transmit a force from the handle to the latch-bolt to retract the latch-bolt.
The locking feature includes a control for preventing retraction of the latch-bolt including a control rod, a knob coupled to the control rod to allow manual CA 02239328 1998-0~-29 movement of the rod, and a blocking element coupled to the control rod which can be positioned by movement of the knob to confront at least one member of the latch-releasing linkage which prevents movement of the linkage sufficient to prevent retraction of the latch-bolt. The lock also includes a lock releasing assembling coupling the second handle to the locking element so that movement of the second handle to cause retraction of the latch-bolt also causes corresponding movement of the blocking element to automatically unlock the door to allow subsequent retraction of the latch-bolt by the first handle.
In the preferred embodiment, the releasing assembly includes a control cam fixed to the control rod and a coupling assembling coupling the second handle to the control cam so that when blocking element is in a blocking position with respect to the first handle, movement of the second handle to cause retraction of the latch-bolt causes rotation of the control rod by the coupling assembly thus allowing subsequent retraction of the latch-bolt by the first handle.
In one embodiment, the coupling assembly comprises a slide member coupled to the control cam having a releasing surface and a release lug fixed to one of the series of components actuated by the second handle, which has a surface opposing the releasing CA 02239328 1998-0~-29 surface on the slide member, transmitting a force from the second handle to the control rod. The slide member can be situated adjacent to the first handle and the blocking element itself comprises a surface of the slide member confronting a portion of the first handle.
In another embodiment, the coupling assembly comprises a release link having a first end coupled to the blocking element and a second end which comprises a release actuating surface positioned to confront one of the series of components transmitting a force from the second handle to cause retraction of the latch-bolt.
The release actuating surface is preferably situated on an unlocking cam pivotally connected to the release link with the blocking element confronting a surface of the main cam mounted for coaxial pivotable motion with the unlocking cam so that the main cam and unlocking cam are positioned to receive an applied force from the second handle simultaneously.
Additional features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived. The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying figures which uses the terms inside and outside for mere convenience of explanation.
It will be appreciated that the locking and lock CA 02239328 1998-0~-29 releasing features can be employed in situations where the terms inside and outside would not be applicable, or would be applicable but in a reversed context.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the inside of a door including a privacy latch in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the inside and outside handles and intermediate components of a privacy latch with auto-release feature in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the inside handle with the supporting frame partially broken away to reveal the interaction between the inside activation finger and the inside cam;
FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along lines 4-4 of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the outside handle with the supporting frame partially broken away to reveal the interaction between the outside activation finger and the outside cam;
FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along lines 6-6 of FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is a side elevation view similar to FIG. 5 showing the blocking element in a locking position;
CA 02239328 1998-0~-29 ~ FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along lines 8-8 of FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is a side elevation view similar to FIG. 7 of a second embodiment of the invention wherein the locking member is formed by a surface on an arm projecting radially from the control rod, the locking member being shown in the unlocked position;
FiG. 10 is a side elevation view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 with the blocking element shown in a locking position;
FIG. 11 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 4 of yet another embodiment of the invention with the blocking element shown in unlocked position;
FIG. 12 is a sectional view similar to FIG.
11 showing the inside cam fixed to the camshaft being rotated as a result of movement of the outside handle;
and FIG. 13 is a sectional view similar to FIGS.
11 and 12 showing the blocking element in a locking position.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
A privacy latch 20 in accordance with the present invention is shown mounted on the inside surface 22 of door 24. The latch mechanism includes a latch-bolt 26 which can be withdrawn from the CA 02239328 1998-0~-29 illustrated extended position by pushing on handle 28 of privacy latch 20. A similar handle is disposed on the outside surface 30 of the door 24 which is intended to open the door 24 by a pulling motion. The privacy latch 20 includes a knob 32 situated adjacent to handle 28 which controls the privacy locking feature of the present invention. The entire privacy lock is enclosed within a cover plate 34. The cover plate 34 is secured to an underlying frame 36 shown in FIG. 2 which is secured to surface 22 of door 24. A similar frame 38 is secured to face 30 of door 24 which supports the outside handle 40. A pivot pin 42 connects outside handle 40 to frame 38 so that the handle is constrained to rotate about an axis which is parallel to the plane of door 24. In like manner, pivot pin 44 secures inside handle 28 to frame 36 and defines an axis parallel to the plane of the door 24. The handles 28 and 40 include a head portion 46 and 48, respectively.
Each of the head portions 46 and 48 have at their vertical extremities upper stop pins 50 and lower stop pins 52. The upper stop pin 50 of inside handle 28 is shown in contact with ear 54 fixed to frame 36 which prevents the handle 28 from being pivoted away from the door. By contrast, the handle 28 can be pivoted toward the door about axis 44 until the lower pivot pin 52 CA 02239328 1998-0~-29 contacts portion 56 of frame 36. An essentially reversed situation is presented by the lower pivot pin 52 of outer handle 40 shown in contact with ear 58 of frame 38 such that the handle 40 is unable to be moved closer to the door than the illustrated position. The handle 40 can pivot away from the door about the axis defined by pivot pin 42 until the upper stop pin 50 comes in contact with portion 60 of frame 38.
The inner handle 28 and outer handle 40 are connected through a series of components including camshaft 62 which transmits a force from each handle to the latch-bolt 26 to retract the latch-bolt in a manner well known in the art. The series of components for the inside handle 28 are shown in more detail in FIGS.
3 and 4 and comprise a finger 64 which projects forward from head 46 of handle 28. The finger 64 is positioned below cam 66 which is fixed to camshaft 62. Thus, the pivotal motion of handle 28 in the direction of arrow A
causes a rotational motion in the direction of arrow B
of cam 66 and camshaft 62 which in turn causes a retraction of the latch-bolt 26 by means well known in the art.
The series of components coupled to outside handle 40 are shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 and comprise CA 02239328 1998-0~-29 finger 68 which projects outward from head 48 of handle adjacent to outside cam 70 which is fixed to camshaft 62. Thus an outward movement of handle 40 in the direction of arrow C causes a downward motion of finger 68 and rotation of cam 70 in the direction of arrow D which again causes rotation of camshaft 62 to retract the latch-bolt 26 in a manner well known in the art. The retraction of the latch-bolt 62 by outside handle 40 can be inhibited by means of the rotation of knob 32 shown in FIGS. 1 through 3. The knob 32 is coupled to a control rod 72 which projects through the door 24 to a blocking mechanism 74 mounted to the outside frame 38.
A first embodiment of the blocking mechanism 74 is shown in FIGS. 5 through 8 and comprises a control cam 76 including arm 78 which is coupled to control rod 72. The blocking mechanism 74 also includes a slide member 80 which is vertically reciprocable between an unlocked position shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 and a locked position shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. When slide 80 is positioned as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, surface 82 is brought into confronting opposition with the upper portion of head 48 of handle thereby preventing movement of the handle in CA 02239328 1998-0~-29 direction C. This, in turn, prohibits any downward motion of finger 68 thereby preventing any rotation of cam 70 and camshaft 62 thus preventing the retraction of latch-bolt 62 by the outside handle 40. The operability of outside handle 40 is thus determined by the position of control knob 32 and control rod 72.
The blocking action between surface 82 and the upper portion of head 48 of handle 40 prevents any operable motion of handle 40, but does not prevent or inhibit the motion of inside handle 28.
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the pivoting of handle 28 in the direction A in order to open door 24 causes finger 64 to rotate cam 66 in a clockwise direction B. A clockwise rotation of camshaft 62, as viewed from the inside of the door as shown in FIG. 4, is a counter-clockwise rotation when viewed from the outside of the door as shown in FIG. 8. A counter-clockwise rotation of cam 70 in direction D caused by movement of the inside handle 38 in direction A causes cam surface 84 to push upward on releasing surface 86 on slide 80 thus returning slide 80 from the position shown in FIG. 8 to the position shown in FIG. 6. As a result, in the event a person fails to manually return the control knob 32 to an unlocked position prior to CA 02239328 1998-0~-29 opening the door, the application of sufficient force on handle 28 to cause the latch-bolt 26 to be withdrawn so that the door can be opened automatically releases the blocking mechanism 74 thus assuring a return of the ability to subsequently retract the latch-bolt 32 through actuation of the outside handle 40.
An alternative embodiment 90 for the blocking mechanism 74 is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 in which control rod 72 rotates control cam 92 which has cross-sectional shape similar to that of what shown in FIG. 8 for cam 76. While the cam 92 including arm 94 is similar in cross-section to arm 78 of FIG. 8, the arm 94 is elongated to include a surface 96 which confronts the upper portion of head 48 of handle 40 thus blocking any motion of handle 40 in the direction C. The arm 94 engages a slot 98 in slide 100 which slide has a lower end, not shown, configured in conformity with slide 80 illustrated in FIG. 8. Thus, the release of the locking mechanism shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 is identical with the release of the locking mechanism shown in FIGS. 5 through 8 as previously described.
Yet another alternative releasable block assembly 102 is shown in FIGS. 11 through 13 wherein the blocking element 104 comprises a trapezoidal block CA 02239328 1998-0~-29 fixed to control shaft 72 and situated adjacent the inside handle 28. As a result, control rod 72 need not pass through the door as shown in FIG. 2 unless certain additional features, addressed below, are also deemed desirable. When the blocking element 104 is positioned in the unlocked position, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the latch 26 may be retracted by application of a force by finger 64 to cam 66 fixed to camshaft 62 as shown in the previous figures. Alternatively, the door may be opened by application of a similar rotating force by the outside handle 40 thus causing rotation of cam 66 in the direction E even in the absence of an application of force by finger 64.
The blocking assembly 102 also includes an unlocking cam 106 which is pivotally connected to cam 66 by pivot member 108 which is aligned with the axis of camshaft 62. A release link 110 is pivotally connected to the distal end 112 of unlocking cam 106 and to the trapezoidal blocking element 104 so that rotation of control knob 32 from an unlocked position to a locked position causes rotation of control rod 72 to pivot blocking member 102 from the position shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 to the position shown in FIG. 13 where side 114 of blocking element 104 is brought into close CA 02239328 1998-0~-29 proximity to surface 116 of cam 66 when the blocking mechanism 102 is positioned as shown in FIG. 13. The application of a rotational force to cam 66 through camshaft 62 by movement of handle 40 will cause surfaces 114 and 116 to contact thereby preventing the retraction of latch-bolt 26. A similar application of force to handle 28 will cause an upward motion of finger 64 which will contact cams 66 and 106 simultaneously thereby causing the rotation of the blocking element 104 back toward the position shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, thus permitting cam 66 to rotate and the latch-bolt 26 to be retracted. Again, the opening of door 24 through an application of a force to handle 28 on the inside of the door automatically returns the blocking mechanism 102 from a locked position to an unlocked position even though handle 32 has not been manually returned to the unlocked position.
While the blocking assembly 102 shown in FIGS. 11 through 13 is mounted entirely on the inside of the door thus obviating any need for control rod 72 to penetrate the door, it is desirable to extend the control rod 72 through the door to allow the incorpora-tion of a feature such as outer head 118 or a lockset to be positioned adjacent to the outer handle to permit unlocking of the door in the event of emergency to gain access to the privacy area maintained behind the door.
CA 02239328 1998-0~-29 Throughout this description and as illustrated in the accompanying figures, the terms inside and outside have been used for convenience of explanation. It will be appreciated that the locking and lock releasing features can be employed in situations where the terms inside and outside would not be applicable, or would be applicable but in a reversed context. It will be further appreciated that the locking and lock releasing features can be employed in situations where the push or pull operations of the handles are reversed from that illustrated without departing from the present invention for although the invention has been described in detail with reference to the illustrated preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of the invention as described and as claimed in the following claims.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to the field of door-latch openers, including a locking apparatus, and, more particularly, to door-latch openers of the type used in hospitals and similar facilities having push and/or pull type actuation and including a manually engageable locking feature.
Push/pull door-latch openers are enjoying increasingly common use in hospitals and other facilities where normally rotationally activated door-latch openers are undesirable for one reason or another. In a typical application, a pull-type door-latch opener will be mounted on one side of the door so the pulling action initiated on the latch handle also is translated to a force causing the door to pivot from the closed position to an open position. Likewise, a push-type door-latch opener is generally mounted on the opposite side of the door so that a pushing force applied to the handle causes the retraction of the door-latch and the pivoting action of the door in a coordinated single motion. Door-latches of this general type are to be found in U.S. Patents 4,003,593;
4,629,228; 4,986,583; 5,085,474; and, 5,609,372.
In certain instances, most notably in connection with private bathrooms and the like, it is CA 02239328 1998-0~-29 desirable to provide a lock which can be manually manipulated by a person on the inside of such room to insure a degree of privacy. Examples of such locks are to be found in U.S. Patents 5,403,047 and 5,460,419.
While the locking feature is generally manually actuable between a locked and unlocked position on one side of the door, on the other side, it is not desirable to have a manually operated control for the lock since the presence of such a manually actuated control defeats the desired privacy protection feature sought to be obtained through the presence of the lock.
Thus, the lock disabling mechanism for the outside of the door disclosed in U.S. Patents 5,403,047 and 5,460,419 employs a simple tool or a lockset.
A disadvantage inherent in some prior lockable push/pull door-latch openers of the prior art is that the locking mechanisms typically prevent the actuation o~ the outside door handle while still permitting movement of the inside door handle. Thus, it is possible for one to exit the privacy protected area while the door is still in a locked condition. If the door then swings closed behind the person exiting the privacy protected area, the door can latch closed while the outside door handle is still in a locked condition which prevents subsequent reentry into the privacy protected area without resorting to release of the locked condition using special tools or a key. An CA 02239328 1998-0~-29 object of the present invention is to prevent inadvertent maintenance of this locked condition of the door.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, an automatically releasable lock for a door employs a latch-releasing linkage which includes a first handle carried by a first side of the door and a second handle carried by a second side of the door, each handle being constrained to rotate about an axis parallel to the plane of the door. A series of components are coupled to each handle for transmitting a force from each handle to the latch-bolt to retract the latch-bolt. In the preferred embodiment, the latch-releasing linkage includes an activation finger coupled to each handle, a camshaft coupled to the latch bolt and a cam fixed to the camshaft adjacent to each activation finger, each cam having a lug confronting the activation finger in such close proximity that movement of one of the handles causes one of the activation fingers to displace one of the lugs on an adjacent cam, thus rotating the camshaft to transmit a force from the handle to the latch-bolt to retract the latch-bolt.
The locking feature includes a control for preventing retraction of the latch-bolt including a control rod, a knob coupled to the control rod to allow manual CA 02239328 1998-0~-29 movement of the rod, and a blocking element coupled to the control rod which can be positioned by movement of the knob to confront at least one member of the latch-releasing linkage which prevents movement of the linkage sufficient to prevent retraction of the latch-bolt. The lock also includes a lock releasing assembling coupling the second handle to the locking element so that movement of the second handle to cause retraction of the latch-bolt also causes corresponding movement of the blocking element to automatically unlock the door to allow subsequent retraction of the latch-bolt by the first handle.
In the preferred embodiment, the releasing assembly includes a control cam fixed to the control rod and a coupling assembling coupling the second handle to the control cam so that when blocking element is in a blocking position with respect to the first handle, movement of the second handle to cause retraction of the latch-bolt causes rotation of the control rod by the coupling assembly thus allowing subsequent retraction of the latch-bolt by the first handle.
In one embodiment, the coupling assembly comprises a slide member coupled to the control cam having a releasing surface and a release lug fixed to one of the series of components actuated by the second handle, which has a surface opposing the releasing CA 02239328 1998-0~-29 surface on the slide member, transmitting a force from the second handle to the control rod. The slide member can be situated adjacent to the first handle and the blocking element itself comprises a surface of the slide member confronting a portion of the first handle.
In another embodiment, the coupling assembly comprises a release link having a first end coupled to the blocking element and a second end which comprises a release actuating surface positioned to confront one of the series of components transmitting a force from the second handle to cause retraction of the latch-bolt.
The release actuating surface is preferably situated on an unlocking cam pivotally connected to the release link with the blocking element confronting a surface of the main cam mounted for coaxial pivotable motion with the unlocking cam so that the main cam and unlocking cam are positioned to receive an applied force from the second handle simultaneously.
Additional features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived. The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying figures which uses the terms inside and outside for mere convenience of explanation.
It will be appreciated that the locking and lock CA 02239328 1998-0~-29 releasing features can be employed in situations where the terms inside and outside would not be applicable, or would be applicable but in a reversed context.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the inside of a door including a privacy latch in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the inside and outside handles and intermediate components of a privacy latch with auto-release feature in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the inside handle with the supporting frame partially broken away to reveal the interaction between the inside activation finger and the inside cam;
FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along lines 4-4 of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the outside handle with the supporting frame partially broken away to reveal the interaction between the outside activation finger and the outside cam;
FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along lines 6-6 of FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is a side elevation view similar to FIG. 5 showing the blocking element in a locking position;
CA 02239328 1998-0~-29 ~ FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along lines 8-8 of FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is a side elevation view similar to FIG. 7 of a second embodiment of the invention wherein the locking member is formed by a surface on an arm projecting radially from the control rod, the locking member being shown in the unlocked position;
FiG. 10 is a side elevation view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 with the blocking element shown in a locking position;
FIG. 11 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 4 of yet another embodiment of the invention with the blocking element shown in unlocked position;
FIG. 12 is a sectional view similar to FIG.
11 showing the inside cam fixed to the camshaft being rotated as a result of movement of the outside handle;
and FIG. 13 is a sectional view similar to FIGS.
11 and 12 showing the blocking element in a locking position.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
A privacy latch 20 in accordance with the present invention is shown mounted on the inside surface 22 of door 24. The latch mechanism includes a latch-bolt 26 which can be withdrawn from the CA 02239328 1998-0~-29 illustrated extended position by pushing on handle 28 of privacy latch 20. A similar handle is disposed on the outside surface 30 of the door 24 which is intended to open the door 24 by a pulling motion. The privacy latch 20 includes a knob 32 situated adjacent to handle 28 which controls the privacy locking feature of the present invention. The entire privacy lock is enclosed within a cover plate 34. The cover plate 34 is secured to an underlying frame 36 shown in FIG. 2 which is secured to surface 22 of door 24. A similar frame 38 is secured to face 30 of door 24 which supports the outside handle 40. A pivot pin 42 connects outside handle 40 to frame 38 so that the handle is constrained to rotate about an axis which is parallel to the plane of door 24. In like manner, pivot pin 44 secures inside handle 28 to frame 36 and defines an axis parallel to the plane of the door 24. The handles 28 and 40 include a head portion 46 and 48, respectively.
Each of the head portions 46 and 48 have at their vertical extremities upper stop pins 50 and lower stop pins 52. The upper stop pin 50 of inside handle 28 is shown in contact with ear 54 fixed to frame 36 which prevents the handle 28 from being pivoted away from the door. By contrast, the handle 28 can be pivoted toward the door about axis 44 until the lower pivot pin 52 CA 02239328 1998-0~-29 contacts portion 56 of frame 36. An essentially reversed situation is presented by the lower pivot pin 52 of outer handle 40 shown in contact with ear 58 of frame 38 such that the handle 40 is unable to be moved closer to the door than the illustrated position. The handle 40 can pivot away from the door about the axis defined by pivot pin 42 until the upper stop pin 50 comes in contact with portion 60 of frame 38.
The inner handle 28 and outer handle 40 are connected through a series of components including camshaft 62 which transmits a force from each handle to the latch-bolt 26 to retract the latch-bolt in a manner well known in the art. The series of components for the inside handle 28 are shown in more detail in FIGS.
3 and 4 and comprise a finger 64 which projects forward from head 46 of handle 28. The finger 64 is positioned below cam 66 which is fixed to camshaft 62. Thus, the pivotal motion of handle 28 in the direction of arrow A
causes a rotational motion in the direction of arrow B
of cam 66 and camshaft 62 which in turn causes a retraction of the latch-bolt 26 by means well known in the art.
The series of components coupled to outside handle 40 are shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 and comprise CA 02239328 1998-0~-29 finger 68 which projects outward from head 48 of handle adjacent to outside cam 70 which is fixed to camshaft 62. Thus an outward movement of handle 40 in the direction of arrow C causes a downward motion of finger 68 and rotation of cam 70 in the direction of arrow D which again causes rotation of camshaft 62 to retract the latch-bolt 26 in a manner well known in the art. The retraction of the latch-bolt 62 by outside handle 40 can be inhibited by means of the rotation of knob 32 shown in FIGS. 1 through 3. The knob 32 is coupled to a control rod 72 which projects through the door 24 to a blocking mechanism 74 mounted to the outside frame 38.
A first embodiment of the blocking mechanism 74 is shown in FIGS. 5 through 8 and comprises a control cam 76 including arm 78 which is coupled to control rod 72. The blocking mechanism 74 also includes a slide member 80 which is vertically reciprocable between an unlocked position shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 and a locked position shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. When slide 80 is positioned as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, surface 82 is brought into confronting opposition with the upper portion of head 48 of handle thereby preventing movement of the handle in CA 02239328 1998-0~-29 direction C. This, in turn, prohibits any downward motion of finger 68 thereby preventing any rotation of cam 70 and camshaft 62 thus preventing the retraction of latch-bolt 62 by the outside handle 40. The operability of outside handle 40 is thus determined by the position of control knob 32 and control rod 72.
The blocking action between surface 82 and the upper portion of head 48 of handle 40 prevents any operable motion of handle 40, but does not prevent or inhibit the motion of inside handle 28.
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the pivoting of handle 28 in the direction A in order to open door 24 causes finger 64 to rotate cam 66 in a clockwise direction B. A clockwise rotation of camshaft 62, as viewed from the inside of the door as shown in FIG. 4, is a counter-clockwise rotation when viewed from the outside of the door as shown in FIG. 8. A counter-clockwise rotation of cam 70 in direction D caused by movement of the inside handle 38 in direction A causes cam surface 84 to push upward on releasing surface 86 on slide 80 thus returning slide 80 from the position shown in FIG. 8 to the position shown in FIG. 6. As a result, in the event a person fails to manually return the control knob 32 to an unlocked position prior to CA 02239328 1998-0~-29 opening the door, the application of sufficient force on handle 28 to cause the latch-bolt 26 to be withdrawn so that the door can be opened automatically releases the blocking mechanism 74 thus assuring a return of the ability to subsequently retract the latch-bolt 32 through actuation of the outside handle 40.
An alternative embodiment 90 for the blocking mechanism 74 is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 in which control rod 72 rotates control cam 92 which has cross-sectional shape similar to that of what shown in FIG. 8 for cam 76. While the cam 92 including arm 94 is similar in cross-section to arm 78 of FIG. 8, the arm 94 is elongated to include a surface 96 which confronts the upper portion of head 48 of handle 40 thus blocking any motion of handle 40 in the direction C. The arm 94 engages a slot 98 in slide 100 which slide has a lower end, not shown, configured in conformity with slide 80 illustrated in FIG. 8. Thus, the release of the locking mechanism shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 is identical with the release of the locking mechanism shown in FIGS. 5 through 8 as previously described.
Yet another alternative releasable block assembly 102 is shown in FIGS. 11 through 13 wherein the blocking element 104 comprises a trapezoidal block CA 02239328 1998-0~-29 fixed to control shaft 72 and situated adjacent the inside handle 28. As a result, control rod 72 need not pass through the door as shown in FIG. 2 unless certain additional features, addressed below, are also deemed desirable. When the blocking element 104 is positioned in the unlocked position, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the latch 26 may be retracted by application of a force by finger 64 to cam 66 fixed to camshaft 62 as shown in the previous figures. Alternatively, the door may be opened by application of a similar rotating force by the outside handle 40 thus causing rotation of cam 66 in the direction E even in the absence of an application of force by finger 64.
The blocking assembly 102 also includes an unlocking cam 106 which is pivotally connected to cam 66 by pivot member 108 which is aligned with the axis of camshaft 62. A release link 110 is pivotally connected to the distal end 112 of unlocking cam 106 and to the trapezoidal blocking element 104 so that rotation of control knob 32 from an unlocked position to a locked position causes rotation of control rod 72 to pivot blocking member 102 from the position shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 to the position shown in FIG. 13 where side 114 of blocking element 104 is brought into close CA 02239328 1998-0~-29 proximity to surface 116 of cam 66 when the blocking mechanism 102 is positioned as shown in FIG. 13. The application of a rotational force to cam 66 through camshaft 62 by movement of handle 40 will cause surfaces 114 and 116 to contact thereby preventing the retraction of latch-bolt 26. A similar application of force to handle 28 will cause an upward motion of finger 64 which will contact cams 66 and 106 simultaneously thereby causing the rotation of the blocking element 104 back toward the position shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, thus permitting cam 66 to rotate and the latch-bolt 26 to be retracted. Again, the opening of door 24 through an application of a force to handle 28 on the inside of the door automatically returns the blocking mechanism 102 from a locked position to an unlocked position even though handle 32 has not been manually returned to the unlocked position.
While the blocking assembly 102 shown in FIGS. 11 through 13 is mounted entirely on the inside of the door thus obviating any need for control rod 72 to penetrate the door, it is desirable to extend the control rod 72 through the door to allow the incorpora-tion of a feature such as outer head 118 or a lockset to be positioned adjacent to the outer handle to permit unlocking of the door in the event of emergency to gain access to the privacy area maintained behind the door.
CA 02239328 1998-0~-29 Throughout this description and as illustrated in the accompanying figures, the terms inside and outside have been used for convenience of explanation. It will be appreciated that the locking and lock releasing features can be employed in situations where the terms inside and outside would not be applicable, or would be applicable but in a reversed context. It will be further appreciated that the locking and lock releasing features can be employed in situations where the push or pull operations of the handles are reversed from that illustrated without departing from the present invention for although the invention has been described in detail with reference to the illustrated preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of the invention as described and as claimed in the following claims.
Claims (23)
1. An automatically releasable lock for a door having two faces supported for movement in a frame which includes a latch-hole, the lock including a latch-bolt moveable between an extended position holding the door closed when in the latch-hole and a retracted position permitting the door to open when withdrawn from the latch-hole, the lock also comprising:
a latch-releasing linkage including a first handle carried by a first of the two door faces and a second handle carried by a second of the two door faces, each handle being constrained to rotate about an axis parallel to the plane of the door;
a series of components coupled to each handle for transmitting a force from each handle to the latch-bolt to retract the latch bolt;
a control for preventing retraction of the latch-bolt by the first handle including a control rod;
[a knob coupled to the control rod to allow manual movement of the rod;]
a blocking element coupled to the control rod which can be positioned by movement of the [knob] control rod to confront at least one member of the latch-releasing linkage for preventing movement thereof sufficient to prevent retraction of the latch-bolt; and a releasing assembly coupling the second handle to the blocking element so that movement of the second handle to cause retraction of the latch-bolt causes corresponding movement of the blocking element to allow retraction of the latch-bolt by the first handle.
a latch-releasing linkage including a first handle carried by a first of the two door faces and a second handle carried by a second of the two door faces, each handle being constrained to rotate about an axis parallel to the plane of the door;
a series of components coupled to each handle for transmitting a force from each handle to the latch-bolt to retract the latch bolt;
a control for preventing retraction of the latch-bolt by the first handle including a control rod;
[a knob coupled to the control rod to allow manual movement of the rod;]
a blocking element coupled to the control rod which can be positioned by movement of the [knob] control rod to confront at least one member of the latch-releasing linkage for preventing movement thereof sufficient to prevent retraction of the latch-bolt; and a releasing assembly coupling the second handle to the blocking element so that movement of the second handle to cause retraction of the latch-bolt causes corresponding movement of the blocking element to allow retraction of the latch-bolt by the first handle.
2. The lock as claimed in claim 1 wherein the releasing assembly comprises:
a control cam fixed to the control rod;
and a coupling assembly coupling the second handle to the control cam so that, when said blocking element is in a blocking position with respect to the first handle, movement of the second handle to cause retraction of the latch-bolt causes rotation of the control rod by the coupling assembly.
a control cam fixed to the control rod;
and a coupling assembly coupling the second handle to the control cam so that, when said blocking element is in a blocking position with respect to the first handle, movement of the second handle to cause retraction of the latch-bolt causes rotation of the control rod by the coupling assembly.
3. The lock as claimed in claim 2 wherein the coupling assembly comprises:
a slide member coupled to said control cam having a releasing surface; and a release lug fixed to one of said series of components and having a surface opposing the releasing surface on the slide member for transmitting a force from the second handle to the control rod.
a slide member coupled to said control cam having a releasing surface; and a release lug fixed to one of said series of components and having a surface opposing the releasing surface on the slide member for transmitting a force from the second handle to the control rod.
4. The lock as claimed in claim 3 wherein the slide member is situated adjacent to the first handle and wherein said blocking element comprises a surface of the slide member confronting a portion of the first handle.
5. The lock as claimed in claim 2 wherein the coupling assembly comprises:
a release link having a first end coupled to said blocking element and a second end, the second end comprising a release actuating surface positioned to confront one of said series of components transmitting a force from the second handle so that movement of the second handle to cause retraction of the latch-bolt causes corresponding movement of the blocking element.
a release link having a first end coupled to said blocking element and a second end, the second end comprising a release actuating surface positioned to confront one of said series of components transmitting a force from the second handle so that movement of the second handle to cause retraction of the latch-bolt causes corresponding movement of the blocking element.
6. The lock as claimed in claim 5 wherein the release actuating surface is situated on an unlocking cam pivotally connected to the release link, and said blocking element confronts a surface of a main cam mounted for coaxial pivotal motion with the unlocking cam, the main cam and unlocking cam being positioned to receive an applied force from the second handle simultaneously.
7. The lock as claimed in claim 1 wherein said series of components comprises:
an activation finger coupled to each of the handles, a camshaft coupled to the latch-bolt, and a cam fixed to the camshaft adjacent to each activation finger, each cam having a first lug confronting the adjacent activation finger in such close proximity that movement of one of the handles causes one of the activation fingers to contact one of the first lugs and rotate the camshaft.
an activation finger coupled to each of the handles, a camshaft coupled to the latch-bolt, and a cam fixed to the camshaft adjacent to each activation finger, each cam having a first lug confronting the adjacent activation finger in such close proximity that movement of one of the handles causes one of the activation fingers to contact one of the first lugs and rotate the camshaft.
8. The lock as claimed in claim 7 wherein said releasing assembly comprises:
a second lug on said cam and a release member coupled to said blocking element having a surface confronting the second lug so that movement of the second handle causes corresponding movement of the blocking element to allow retraction of the latch-bolt.
a second lug on said cam and a release member coupled to said blocking element having a surface confronting the second lug so that movement of the second handle causes corresponding movement of the blocking element to allow retraction of the latch-bolt.
9. The lock as claimed in claim 8 wherein said release member comprises:
a slide member situated adjacent to the first handle, the slide member incorporating said blocking element in the form of a surface on the slide member confronting a portion of the first handle.
a slide member situated adjacent to the first handle, the slide member incorporating said blocking element in the form of a surface on the slide member confronting a portion of the first handle.
10. The lock as claimed in claim 7 wherein said releasing assembly comprises:
an unlocking cam pivotally supported on the camshaft to encounter an activation finger on the second handle, and a release link coupled to the unlocking cam and to the blocking element so that movement of the second handle causes corresponding movement of the release link which displaces the blocking element to allow retraction of the latch-bolt.
an unlocking cam pivotally supported on the camshaft to encounter an activation finger on the second handle, and a release link coupled to the unlocking cam and to the blocking element so that movement of the second handle causes corresponding movement of the release link which displaces the blocking element to allow retraction of the latch-bolt.
11. The lock as claimed in claim 10 wherein said unlocking cam and said first lug on the main cam are substantially coaxially aligned and positioned to receive an applied force from the second handle simultaneously.
12. The lock as claimed in claim 1 wherein each of the handles includes a head forming a first of said series of components, the blocking element being positionable to contact the head of the first handle to prevent movement thereof.
13. The lock as claimed in claim [1] 23 wherein the knob coupled to the control rod is positioned adjacent to the second handle.
14. The lock as claimed in claim 1 wherein the blocking element comprises an arm radially extending from the control rod, the arm having a surface for blocking movement of a member of the latch-releasing linkage.
15. The lock as claimed in claim 14 wherein the blocking element rotates about 90E between a confronting position preventing movement of one member of the latch-releasing linkage and a non-confronting position allowing the latch-bolt to be retracted.
16. The lock as claimed in claim 1 wherein the blocking element comprises:
a bar constrained to move linearly in response to movement of the control rod, the bar having a surface for abutting a member of the latch-releasing linkage.
a bar constrained to move linearly in response to movement of the control rod, the bar having a surface for abutting a member of the latch-releasing linkage.
17. The lock as claimed in claim 1 wherein the control rod extends through the door and includes a means for unlocking from said first side of the door.
18. The lock as claimed in claim 17 wherein said means for unlocking is located adjacent the first handle.
19. The lock as claimed in claim 17 wherein said means for unlocking is a lockset located adjacent the first handle.
20. An automatically releasable lock for a door having two faces supported for movement in a frame which includes a latch-hole, the lock including a latch-bolt moveable between a extended position holding the door closed when in the latch-hole and a retracted position permitting the door to open when withdrawn from the latch-hole, the lock also comprising:
a latch-releasing linkage including a first handle carried by a first of the two door faces and a second handle carried by a second of the two door faces, each handle being constrained to rotate about an axis parallel to the plane of the door, a series of components coupled to each handle including an activation finger coupled to each handle, a camshaft coupled to the latch-bolt, and a cam fixed to the camshaft adjacent to each activation finger, each cam having a [fist] first lug confronting the adjacent activation finger in such close proximity that movement of one of the handles causes one of the activation finger to contact one of the first lugs and rotate the camshaft thus transmitting a force from each handle to the latch-bolt to retract the latch-bolt;
a control for preventing retraction of the latch-bolt by the first handle including a control rod, a knob positioned adjacent to the second handle and coupled to the control rod to allow manual movement of the rod, a blocking element coupled to the control rod which can be positioned by movement of the knob to confront at least one member of the latch-releasing linkage for preventing movement thereof sufficient to prevent retraction of the latch-bolt; and a releasing assembly coupling the second handle to the blocking element, the releasing assembly including a control cam fixed to the control rod and a coupling assembly coupling the second handle to the control cam so that, when said blocking element is in a blocking position with respect to the first handle, movement of the second handle to cause retraction of the latch-bolt causes rotation of the control rod by the coupling assembly thus allowing subsequent retraction of the latch-bolt by the first handle.
a latch-releasing linkage including a first handle carried by a first of the two door faces and a second handle carried by a second of the two door faces, each handle being constrained to rotate about an axis parallel to the plane of the door, a series of components coupled to each handle including an activation finger coupled to each handle, a camshaft coupled to the latch-bolt, and a cam fixed to the camshaft adjacent to each activation finger, each cam having a [fist] first lug confronting the adjacent activation finger in such close proximity that movement of one of the handles causes one of the activation finger to contact one of the first lugs and rotate the camshaft thus transmitting a force from each handle to the latch-bolt to retract the latch-bolt;
a control for preventing retraction of the latch-bolt by the first handle including a control rod, a knob positioned adjacent to the second handle and coupled to the control rod to allow manual movement of the rod, a blocking element coupled to the control rod which can be positioned by movement of the knob to confront at least one member of the latch-releasing linkage for preventing movement thereof sufficient to prevent retraction of the latch-bolt; and a releasing assembly coupling the second handle to the blocking element, the releasing assembly including a control cam fixed to the control rod and a coupling assembly coupling the second handle to the control cam so that, when said blocking element is in a blocking position with respect to the first handle, movement of the second handle to cause retraction of the latch-bolt causes rotation of the control rod by the coupling assembly thus allowing subsequent retraction of the latch-bolt by the first handle.
21. A lock for a door having two faces supported for movement in a frame which includes a latch-hole, the lock including a latch-bolt, the latch-bolt being moveable between an extended position and a retracted position, the lock also comprising:
a latch-releasing linkage including a handle carried by each of the two door faces, each handle being constrained to rotate about an axis parallel to the plane of the door, a series of components coupled to each handle for transmitting a force from each handle to said latch-bolt to retract the latchbolt;
a control for preventing retraction of the latch-bolt by one of the handles including: a moveable control rod, a knob allowing manual movement of the control rod, and a blocking element coupled to the control rod which can be positioned by movement of the control rod from a non-blocking position to a blocking position to encounter at least one component of the latch-releasing linkage for preventing movement thereof sufficient to prevent rotation of the latch-bolt; and a means for moving the blocking element from the blocking position to the non-blocking position, the means for moving being operated by the other handle.
a latch-releasing linkage including a handle carried by each of the two door faces, each handle being constrained to rotate about an axis parallel to the plane of the door, a series of components coupled to each handle for transmitting a force from each handle to said latch-bolt to retract the latchbolt;
a control for preventing retraction of the latch-bolt by one of the handles including: a moveable control rod, a knob allowing manual movement of the control rod, and a blocking element coupled to the control rod which can be positioned by movement of the control rod from a non-blocking position to a blocking position to encounter at least one component of the latch-releasing linkage for preventing movement thereof sufficient to prevent rotation of the latch-bolt; and a means for moving the blocking element from the blocking position to the non-blocking position, the means for moving being operated by the other handle.
22. A lock for a door having two faces supported for movement in a frame which includes a latch-hole, the including a latch-bolt moveable between an extended position and a retracted position, the lock also comprising:
a latch-releasing linkage including a first handle carried by a first of the two door faces and a second handle carried by a second of the two door faces;
a series of components coupled to each handle for transmitting a force from each handle to the latch-bolt to retract the latch bolt;
a control for preventing retraction of the latch-bolt by the first handle including a moveable control rod, a knob allowing manual movement of the control rod, and a blocking element coupled to the control rod which can be positioned by movement of the control from a non-blocking position to a blocking position to confront at least one component of the latch-releasing linkage for preventing movement thereof sufficient to prevent rotation of the latch-bolt; and a means for moving the blocking element from the blocking position to the non-blocking position, the means for moving be actuated by the second handle.
a latch-releasing linkage including a first handle carried by a first of the two door faces and a second handle carried by a second of the two door faces;
a series of components coupled to each handle for transmitting a force from each handle to the latch-bolt to retract the latch bolt;
a control for preventing retraction of the latch-bolt by the first handle including a moveable control rod, a knob allowing manual movement of the control rod, and a blocking element coupled to the control rod which can be positioned by movement of the control from a non-blocking position to a blocking position to confront at least one component of the latch-releasing linkage for preventing movement thereof sufficient to prevent rotation of the latch-bolt; and a means for moving the blocking element from the blocking position to the non-blocking position, the means for moving be actuated by the second handle.
23. The lock as claimed in claim 1 further comprising:
a knob coupled to the control rod to allow manual movement of the control rod.
a knob coupled to the control rod to allow manual movement of the control rod.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US86738097A | 1997-06-02 | 1997-06-02 | |
| US08/867,380 | 1997-06-02 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2239328A1 true CA2239328A1 (en) | 1998-12-02 |
Family
ID=25349683
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2239328 Abandoned CA2239328A1 (en) | 1997-06-02 | 1998-05-29 | Privacy latch with auto-release feature |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2239328A1 (en) |
-
1998
- 1998-05-29 CA CA 2239328 patent/CA2239328A1/en not_active Abandoned
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| FZDE | Dead |