GB2609203A

GB2609203A - A lock system for a door or window

Info

Publication number: GB2609203A
Application number: GB2110513.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Carpenter Stuart
Original assignee: INGENIOUS LOCKS & HARDWARE Ltd
Current assignee: INGENIOUS LOCKS & HARDWARE Ltd
Priority date: 2021-07-21
Filing date: 2021-07-21
Publication date: 2023-02-01
Also published as: GB202110513D0

Abstract

A multipoint locking system 18 comprising an actuating assembly coupled to at least a first and second automatic lock devices 20 remote from the actuating assembly 16. Each automatic lock includes a biased actuator urging a locking member (24, fig.3a) to an extended locked position and a trigger (26, fig.3a) movable between a first state in which a locking member is retained in retracted position and a second state in which trigger permits locking member to move to extended position. The actuator assembly includes a drive device (44, fig.2) to be driven by first and second drive elements (46, 48), operated by handle, cylinder lock respectfully; and a blocking member (54) for preventing movement of the drive device, the blocking member controlled by output cam of cylinder lock. The remote automatic lock devices forming the only locking points of the system. There may be four remote automatic locking points. The trigger may be located within, and locate proud, of the locking member to contact the door jamb/keeper upon closing of the door to automatically release the locking bolts. The blocking member may include a projection (57 fig.8) which obstructs path of drive device (44).

Description

A lock system for a door or window

FIELD

The present invention relates to a lock system for a door or window. In particular, the invention relates to an automatic lock system for a door or window.

BACKGROUND

It is known to provide a window or door in an opening of a frame and to provide the window or door with a handle assembly that can be operated to permit the window or door to be moved with respect to the frame. The handle assembly generally includes a first locking member (e.g. in the form of a latch) that can be operated or moved by a handle of the handle assembly, between a first condition in which movement of the door or window is permitted, and a second condition in which movement of the window or door is inhibited. In the first condition, the locking member is in a retracted position in a housing of the handle assembly and, in the second condition, it is in an extended condition where it extends into a keep provided in the frame so as to prevent movement of the window or door. It is known to provide the handle assembly with a second locking member that received in a corresponding keep in the frame, a so-called deadlock or deadbolt, that is moveable between locked and unlocked conditions through operation of a key cylinder coupled to the second locking member and first locking member so that the door or window cannot be opened in the locked condition and movement of the handle is inhibited.

It is known to improve security by providing a pair of locking devices, each including a respective further locking member, at the same side of the door / window that the handle assembly is positioned and a pair of corresponding keeps in the frame. The locking devices are generally positioned at opposing ends of the door! window and the locking devices can be moved between locked and unlocked conditions by a drive assembly in the handle assembly.

The locking devices are typically connected to the handle assembly through respective output members, e.g. in the form of a rod. The output members are moveable by the drive assembly in an upward or downward direction to operate the further locking members and cause them to rotate between their unlocked and locked conditions respectively. Typically, the output members are moved through rotation of a handle of the handle assembly. A user may rotate the handle in a first direction to cause the locking members to rotate to their locked conditions and a second opposite direction to cause them to rotate to their unlocked conditions. When a user is locking the door or window, he may rotate the handle to place the locking devices into their locked conditions and then use a key to operate the key cylinder to rotate the second locking member of the handle assembly to its locked condition.

In such arrangements, the key cylinder, once operated by the key into its locked condition, prevents further movement of the handle and thus prevents movement of the output members away from their locked conditions. This makes the window or door more secure because the first and second locking members, and the further locking members, all need to be moved to unlocked states before the door or window can be moved. Such arrangements are often referred to as multi-point lock systems in that there are multiple lock points, i.e. first and second locking members in the handle assembly, and the first and second locking devices, that are operated to lock / unlock the door or window.

In a variation of such arrangements, it is known to utilise automatic locking devices which are configured so that when a door or window is closed, the automatic locking devices automatically cause the respective further locking members to move to their locked conditions such that a user need not operate the handle to lock the locking devices. Automatic locking devices utilise so-called triggers that come into contact with a corresponding plate of the keep when the window or door is closed, causing the locking members to be thrown into their locked conditions under the force of biasing means, e.g. springs or the like There is a need to provide a lock system that requires fewer component points and/or fewer component parts that are complex to manufacture and/or costly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a system as claimed in claim 1. The present invention also provides preferred embodiments as claimed in the dependent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In order that the present disclosure may be more readily understood, preferable embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIGURE 1 is a schematic drawing of a lock system, embodying the present disclosure; FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of certain component parts of a lock system, embodying the

present disclosure;

FIGURE 3a is a perspective view of certain component parts of a lock system, embodying the present disclosure; FIGURE 3b is a perspective view of certain component parts of a lock system, embodying the present disclosure; FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of certain component parts of a lock system in a certain, fully extended locked state, embodying the present disclosure; FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of certain component parts of a lock system in a certain, fully retracted, state, embodying the present disclosure; FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of certain component parts of a lock system in a certain, partially extended state, embodying the present disclosure; FIGURE 7 is a perspective view of certain component parts of a lock system in a certain state,

embodying the present disclosure;

FIGURE 8 is a perspective view of certain component parts of a lock system in another certain state, embodying the present disclosure; FIGURE 9 is a perspective view of certain component parts of a lock system in another certain

state, embodying the present disclosure;

FIGURE 10 is a perspective, partially exploded view, of a lock system embodying the present disclosure; FIGURE 11 is a perspective view showing certain component parts of the lock system of FIGURE 10; and FIGURE 12 is a different perspective view showing a subset of the component parts shown in FIGURE 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Referring to the figures, examples of the disclosure or technology, for use with a door will be described. It will be appreciated that the example described below can be used with other types or door and/or a window in a manner that will be familiar to the skilled person, including any necessary modifications for their use therewith.

Referring to figure 1, this shows a door 10 pivotally supported within an opening provided by a frame 12. The door 10 is pivotally connected to a first side of the frame 12 so that it can open and close the opening provided by the frame 12. The door 10 includes a lock system 18 according to an example of the disclosure. The system 18 includes a first automatic lock device 20, a second automatic lock device 20' and an assembly 16 operably coupled to, and solely for operating, the first and second automatic lock devices 20, 20'. The system 18 is provided on the side of the door 10 which moves into and out of abutment with frame 12 when the door is closed or opened. The assembly 16 is connected to the lock devices 20, 20' by respective first and second output members 22, 22'. First and second output members 22, 22' are elongate members. The output members 22, 22' may be provided in the form of metal rods. Lock devices 20, 20' are positioned at respective first and second opposite ends (upper and lower ends) of the door 10 to form the first and second lock points of the system 18 at these positions. In embodiments, there may be more automatic lock devices whose operation is controlled by the assembly 16. For example, there may be four automatic lock devices in total, with two of them being located above the assembly 16 and two located below the assembly 16 and there being respective output members that couple them together. The system 18 has no other lock points other than those provided by the automatic lock devices 20, 20'. The lock devices 20, 20' form the only locking or lock points of the system against the frame 12. Lock devices 20, 20' are positioned within recesses of the door 10. The assembly 16 includes a handle 17 for a user to grasp and operate the assembly 16 to unlock the lock devices 20, 20'. The assembly16 includes a key cylinder lock 50 (as will be described) which can operate the assembly 16 to unlock the lock devices 20, 20' independently of the handle 17. The system 18 includes a body 19 to which the lock devices 20, 20' and assembly 16 are attached. The body 19 (see figure 2) may be in the form of an elongate strip defining an inner surface against which the lock devices 20, 20' and assembly 16 abut, and an outer surface which faces the inside of the frame 12 when the door 10 is closed. The lock devices 20, 20' are provided at opposite ends of the body 19 and the assembly 16 is positioned generally centrally along the length of the body 19.

Each of the first and second automatic lock devices 20, 20' are movable between a locked state and an unlocked state. In this example, the lock devices 20, 20' are generally identical other than the component parts being arranged in opposite senses to each other, and so only the first automatic lock device 20 will be described and corresponding component parts of the second automatic lock device 20' are denoted by the same reference numeral with the addition of a prime symbol ('). In other examples, the lock devices 20, 20' may not be identical and/or the component parts may be arranged differently.

Referring to figures 3a and 3b, the lock device 20 has a casing 21 in which the various components of the lock device 20 are contained. The first automatic lock device 20 includes a locking member 24 including a trigger element 26 movable between a first state and a second state. The locking member 24 may move through an aperture 25 of the body 19. The lock device 20 has a first, upper, end 20a, and an opposite, second, lower, end 20b. The locking member 24 is positioned generally centrally along the length of the lock device 20.

The trigger member 26 is pivotally supported within the locking member 24. As will be described, when the trigger element 26 is in the first state (shown in figure 3a), the locking member 24 is inhibited from moving to an extended state (e.g. the locking member 24 is prevented from moving outwardly through the aperture 25) and, when the trigger element 26 is in the second state, the locking member 24 is permitted to move to an extended state (e.g. the locking member 24 is permitted to move outwardly through the aperture 25). The trigger element 26 is pivotally supported within the locking member 24. The trigger element 26 is in a partially extended state when it is in the first state (shown in figure 3a), and is in a retracted state when it is in the second state. The trigger element 26 may also move to a fully extended state as will be explained. The locking member 24 includes a biasing member (not shown), e.g. a spring or the like, that biases the trigger element 26 to the first state.

In the first (partially extended) state, a distal end 27 of the trigger element 26 sits proud of the rest of the locking member 24. In the second retracted state, the distal end 27 is not proud of the rest of the locking member 24 and sits within the locking member 24. In examples, the distal end 26 may include an abutment formation 29 (partially visible in figure 3a) in the form of a projection that abuts the inner surface of the body 19 to prevent movement of the locking member 24 outwardly through aperture 25. In the second state, the abutment formation 29 does not abut the inner surface of the body 19. The trigger element 26 is brought into the second state when, for example, the trigger element 26 abuts a keep of the frame 12 as the door is closed, or when the locking member 24 is moved to its unlocked position as will be described. The distal end 27 includes a cam surface such that, if the locking member 24 moves to its retracted or unlocked state, the cam surface co-operates with the part of the body 19 which defines aperture 25 such that the trigger element 26 pivots towards its second state as the locking member 24 moves to its retracted or unlocked state. Trigger elements are known in the art and so further details will not be provided here but it will be readily appreciated that other arrangements or types of trigger elements may be employed.

Referring to figure 3b, the lock device 20 includes an actuator 28 for moving the locking member 24 and a biasing device 30 for biasing the actuator 28 to move the locking member 24 and bring the lock device 20 into its locked state. The actuator 28 is pivotally supported by the casing 21 and is coupled to the locking member 24. The actuator 28 is pivotally connected to the casing 21 near the first end 20a. The actuator 28 is pivotally movable in a plane that is transverse to the plane in which the trigger element 26 is pivotally movable. The actuator 28 is positioned near a first, upper, end of the casing 21. The lock device 20 includes a stop element 31 that is movable between respective states in which it engages with the locking member 24 to inhibit movement of the locking member 24 (see figure 6), and in which it is out of engagement with the locking member 24 to permit movement of the locking member 24 (see figures 4 and 5). In examples, the stop element 31 is in the form of an arm including an engagement formation 32, e.g. a recess, that abuts or cooperates with a corresponding formation 34, e.g. a projection, of the locking member 24. The stop element 31 is pivotally supported by the casing 21 and is movable in a plane that is parallel to the plane in which the actuator 28 is movable. The stop element 31 is pivotally connected to the casing 21 at a position that is near a lateral side of the casing 31 which is opposite to the side that is connected to the body 19.

The lock device 20 includes a further actuator 36 that is coupled to the locking member 24. In examples, the locking member 24 includes a channel 38 and the actuator 36 has a first portion 37, e.g. upper portion, that is positioned in the channel 38. The channel 38 includes a wall 39 that is adjacent the first portion 37 and which the actuator 36 may abut during movement of the actuator 36. The actuator 36 may have a second portion 40, e.g. lower portion, generally provided towards an opposite end of the actuator 36 to the first portion 37. In examples, the actuator 36 may be generally J-shaped, with the second portion 40 forming a foot-like member. The actuator 36 may be pivotally supported by the casing 31 and be movable in the same plane as the actuator 28. The actuator 36 may be pivotally connected to the casing 31. The actuator 36 may move relative to the locking member 34. For example, the first portion 37, where provided in examples, may slide within the channel 38, e.g. slide generally upwards and downwards within the channel 38, when the actuator 36 moves. Output member 20 has a distal end 20a which is received by the lock device 20 and slidably movable relative to the body 19. The distal end 20a is coupled to a drive part 23. The drive part 23 includes a formation for engaging the actuator 36 when the output member 20 is operated to unlock the lock device 20 as will be described.

Referring to figure 2, this shows various component parts of the assembly 16 housed within a casing 42. Assembly 16 has a first, upper, end, 16a, and a second, lower, end 16b. Assembly 16 includes a drive device 44, which, when operated, drives movement of the first and second automatic lock devices 20, 20' to their unlocked states. Assembly 16 includes a first drive element 46 coupled to the drive device 44 for coupling to handle 17. The first drive element 46 is movable by a movement of the handle 17 to operate the drive device 44. Assembly 16 includes a second drive element 48 coupled to the drive device 44. The assembly 16 includes a key cylinder lock 50 including an output cam 52 that moves when the key cylinder lock 50 is operated by a key. In particular, the output cam 52 may follow an arcuate or circular path. The second drive element 48 is operable by the output cam 52 to operate the drive device 44 so as to unlock the automatic lock devices 20, 20'. Assembly 16 includes blocking member 54 for blocking movement of the drive device 44. Blocking member 54 is movable by output cam 52 to block movement of the drive device 44.

Drive device 44 is moveable between a first, non-operative, position (shown in figures 2 and 7) and a second, operative, position (shown in figures 8 and 9). The assembly 16 may include a biasing device 45, e.g. a spring, for biasing the drive device 16 to the first position. Drive device 44 may move linearly along an axis A to operate the first and second automatic lock devices 20, 20'. Axis A may be parallel to the axis along which the output members 22, 22' move. The casing 42 includes respective slots 42a that receive respective pins of the drive device 44 to guide movement of the drive device 44. In examples, drive device 44 is directly coupled to the respective output members 22, 22'. For example, the first and second output members 22, 22' may be coupled to respective first and second ends (upper and lower ends) 56, 58 of the drive device 44.

Drive device 44 is a generally elongate member. Drive device 44 may be formed as a single block. The drive device 44 includes an internal aperture 60 in which the biasing device 45 may be positioned. The casing 42 may include a block device 62, e.g. an upstanding boss, that extends through the aperture 60. An end of the biasing device 45 may abut block device 62, and another end of the biasing device 45 may abut an internally facing wall of the drive device 44 which defines aperture 60. The drive device 44 may, in examples, include a formation 64 for receiving a portion of the first drive element 46. In examples, the formation 64 may be provided on a wall of the drive device 44, e.g. a side wall that is generally parallel with the sides of the door 10. The formation 64 may be in the form of a recess including a first end 66a and a second, opposite end, 66b. The first end 66a may be adjacent or near first end 56 of the drive device 44 and the second end 66b may be spaced lengthwise away from the first end 56. The first end 66a may define a surface that the first drive element 46 engages when the first drive element 46 is moved to effect movement of the drive device 44.

Drive device 44 may support the second drive element 48. In examples, drive device 44 may include a support formation 70 that supports the second drive element 48. In examples, the support formation 70 may extend transversely away from the rest of the drive device 44, e.g. in a direction transverse to axis A, and be connected or positioned at a generally central portion of the drive device 44. The support formation 70 may include a channel 72, e.g. in the form of a recess or groove.

First drive element 46 is positioned near the first end 16a of assembly 16 and is positioned generally sidewardly away from the drive device 44. First drive element 46 includes a generally square portion 46a through which a spindle of handle 17 extends (not shown), and an arm 46b which extends away from the square portion towards the drive device 44. The arm 46b defines a distal portion 49 of the first drive element 46 which is shaped to abut the formation 64 during operation. The arm 46b is generally leg-shaped and has a foot which corresponds to the distal portion 49. The first drive element 46 is supported by the casing 42 for rotational movement about an axis which is perpendicular to axis A and intersects the main sides of the door 10.

Second drive element 48, in examples, may be supported by the drive device 44 for relative movement thereto. For example, second drive element 48 may be movable in a transverse direction to axis A, e.g. a perpendicular direction, relative to drive device 44. The second drive element 48 may include a cam surface 74 which selectively engages with the output cam 52 of the key cylinder lock 50 to cause the second drive element 48 to move during operation. For example, to cause the second drive element 48 to move in a linear direction that is parallel to axis A. Due to the second drive element 48 being coupled to the drive device 44, such movement of the second drive element 48 drives movement of the drive device 44 in a corresponding direction.

Second drive element 48 may be provided as a generally elongate member including first and second opposing ends 48a, 48b. Second drive element 48 may extend generally lengthwise along the assembly 16. In examples, the second drive element 48 may be in the form of a shaped metal strip. The first end 48a may be coupled to the drive device 44, e.g. to the support formation 70 where provided in examples. The first end 48a may be hook shaped and fit within the support formation 70, for example, within channel 72 where provided in examples. The first end 48a may slide within the support formation 70 during operation.

Second drive element 48 may also be coupled to the blocking member 54 so that a movement of the blocking member 54 causes a corresponding movement of the second drive element 48. For example, this may cause the second drive element 48 to move transverse to axis A, e.g. perpendicular to axis A and to move within the same plane as the plane in which the assembly 16 generally lies.

Key cylinder lock 50 is positioned near the second end 16b of the assembly 16 and towards an opposite side of the assembly 16 to the side the drive device 44 is positioned. The key cylinder lock 50 extends through a pair of opposing apertures in the casing 42 and extends in a direction that is perpendicular to the plane in which the casing 42 generally lies. Other than its interaction with the rest of the assembly 16, the key cylinder lock 50 is of a known design and so further details of its construction will not be provided here.

Blocking member 54 is supported by the casing 42 and is positioned generally above the key cylinder lock 50 when it is in a non-blocking position (this position is shown in figure 2). The blocking member 54 is a generally rectangular block. The blocking member 54 has first and second opposing ends 54a, 54b. Second end 54b of the blocking member 54 includes a downwardly extending formation 85 for engagement with the output cam 52 of the key cylinder lock 50. First end 54 includes a projection 57 which extends through respective slots 59 in the walls of the casing 42 to guide movement of the blocking member 54. Slots 59 extend transversely to axis A. The projection 57 is for blocking movement of the drive device 44 as will be described.

The blocking member 54 includes a passage which opens onto the second end 54b to receive a cam member 88 which is moveably supported therein. The cam member 88 has a cam formation 90 which is a generally semi-circular shape. The cam member 88 is coupled to the rest of the blocking member 54 by a biasing member, e.g. a spring, (not shown), which biases the cam member 88 towards an extended position in which the cam formation 90 extends out past the end of the passage. The blocking member 84 includes a formation 92 that receives a part of the second drive element 48. The formation 92 may be in the form of an elongate recess provided towards a distal end of the blocking member 54 which is near to the drive device 44. The formation 92 may extend in a linearly between the first and second ends 54a, 54b. The formation 92 may include a pair of opposing walls against which the second drive element 48 abuts when the blocking member 84 moves. The formation 92 is open at its ends so that the second drive element 48 extends through and past the ends of the formation 92.

Operation of the lock system 18 will now be described with reference to a configuration in which the door 10 is closed, the lock device 20 is in its locked state (shown in figure 4). The lock device 20' is in its locked state (not shown), and the blocking member 54 is in a position that blocks the drive device 44 from movement (shown in figure 7).

In the locked state, the locking member 24 is in a fully extended state and the trigger element 26 is in a fully extended state with the abutment formation 29 lying outside of the body 19 and not in engagement therewith. The actuator 28 holds the locking member 24 in this position due to the biasing device 30 applying a biasing force on the actuator 28. The stop element 31 is in engagement with the locking member 24 such that the locking member 24 cannot be retracted or moved to its unlocked position. The actuator 36 is in a state whereby the first portion 37, e.g. its distal end, is adjacent or in abutment with the stop element 31. The output member 22 is in a retracted state and its distal end is near second end 20b.

Turning to the assembly 16, it is shown in a locked state as shown in figure 7. The blocking member 54 is in its blocking position and is positioned so that the drive device 44 cannot move past the blocking member 54. In particular, the projection 57 is directly above the support formation 70. The drive member 44 is in its non-operative position. The output cam 52 is positioned near a first end of the formation 85 of the blocking member 54. The blocking member 54 is a deadlock to prevent operation of the assembly 16 to unlock lock devices 20, 20'.

In the locked state, should a user attempt to operate the handle 17, the first drive element 46 is urged against the drive device 44. However, the drive device 44 cannot move because the blocking member 54 is blocking movement of the drive device 44. Where provided, the projection 57 of blocking member 54 blocks movement of the drive device 44 by being positioned to lie in the path of drive device 44.

In order to unlock the locking devices 20, 20', the user must first operate the key cylinder lock 50 by inserting a key and rotating the key. Referring to figures 7 and 8, when the key is rotated, the output cam 52 will rotate in a clockwise direction. As it rotates, the output cam 52 will come into contact with cam member 88 and urge the cam member 88 upwards whilst also urging movement of the cam member 88 sidewardly. In doing so, the blocking member 54 moves towards its non-blocking position due to its connection with the cam member 88. The cam member 88 retracts within the blocking member 54 during this operation. The user continues to rotate the key until the output cam 52 comes around and into contact with the second drive element 48, about its second, lower, end 48b. As it continues to move, the output cam 52 urges the second drive element 48 to move upwards, which, in turn, causes the drive device 44 to move to its operative position against the biasing force applied by the biasing device 45. The second drive element 48 drives movement of the drive device 44 causing the drive device 44 to move relative to the first drive element 46 and the first drive element 46 remains stationary. This is because the formation 64 permits the drive device 44 to move to its operative position without interacting with the first drive element 46.

The output members 22, 22' move to operate the locking devices 20, 20'. Operation of the locking devices 20, 20', which it will be understood occurs at the same time as the drive device 44 moves, will be described. With reference to figure 5, and referring to operation of locking device 20, the output member 20 moves to an extended position within the locking device 20 and comes into engagement with actuator 38. The output member 22 engages the second portion 40 so that the actuator 38 pivots clockwise. As the actuator 38 moves, the actuator 38 moves the stop element 31 out of engagement with the locking member 24 and also urges the locking member 24 to retract into its unlocked state. As the locking member 24 moves, the trigger element 26 retracts to its second state so that the locking member 24 moves into its unlocked fully retracted state under the action of actuator 38. A similar process occurs in relation to the operation of the locking device 20' by the output member 22' to unlock the locking device 20'. The user may now push the door 10 open.

Once the operation has been completed, if the door 10 is kept open, with reference to operation of the locking device 20, the actuator 28 urges the locking member 24 towards a locked state and similarly the biasing device 45 urges the drive device 44 towards its non-operative position so that the actuator 38 is no longer exerting a force to retract the locking member 24. As the locking member 24 moves to an extended state, the trigger element 26 moves towards its first, extended, state and the abutment formation 29 comes into engagement with the body 19. At this point, the locking member 24 cannot move any further and is in a partially extended state as shown in figure 6. In this state, the actuator 36 has also pivoted counter-clockwise due to it being coupled to the locking member 24. This causes the stop element 31 to be partially lowered but it does not come into locking engagement with the locking member 24. The output member 22 is also partially retracted and the drive device 44 is similarly partially returned to its non-operative position. A similar operation occurs in relation to locking device 20'.

When the door 10 is closed, with reference to locking device 20, the trigger element 26 comes into engagement with a plate of the keep positioned in the frame 12, causing the trigger element 26 to move to its second, retracted, state and the abutment formation 29 moves out of engagement with the body 19. The locking member 24 is now free to move to is locked, fully extended state under the force applied by the actuator 28 and returns to the configuration shown in figure 4. Similarly, the output member 22 moves to its fully retracted state under the pulling force applied by the drive device 44 as it fully returns to its non-operative state. A similar operation occurs in relation to locking device 20'. The assembly 16 is now in the configuration shown in figure 2.

If the user now wishes to open the door 10, the user operates the handle 17 which causes the first drive element 46 to rotate clockwise and urge the drive device 44 to its operative position due to its distal end 49 engaging the drive device 44. This is shown in figure 9. The second drive element 48 moves upwardly together with the drive device 44 and moves relative to the blocking member 54. The drive device 44 then operates the locking devices 20, 20' to unlock them. The locking devices 20, 20' are operated in the same way as described in relation to their operation by the output members 22, 22' in relation to the key cylinder lock operation. Once the door 10 has been opened, the locking devices 20, 20' return to their partially extended states ready to be deployed to lock when the door 10 is next closed.

When the door 10 is to be locked by the key cylinder lock 50, the user operates the key cylinder lock 50 causing the output cam 52 to engage with the blocking member 54 to move it towards its blocking position until it returns to the state shown in figure 7. In doing so, the second drive element 48 moves relative to the driving device 44. The second drive element 48 moves in a direction which is perpendicular to axis A and moves in the same plane as the assembly 16. The second drive element 48 moves linearly as the blocking member 54 moves.

The present invention provides for an assembly 16 that has fewer component parts in comparison to the prior art systems which utilise additional latches and/or deadlock bolts to form additional locking points of systems that utilise automatic lock devices. The present system 18 is therefore less complex, whilst still maintaining security through the use of a deadlock arrangement provided by the blocking member 54.

The present assembly 16, in examples, utilises a blocking member 54 that solely blocks movement of the drive device 44. The blocking member 54 does not operate any other components of the assembly 16. This results in an assembly 16 that requires fewer complex components.

In examples, the use of a second drive element 48 that is not pivotally supported and moves linearly provides a relatively a less complex and costly component part to manufacture in comparison to prior art arrangements that utilise pivotally movable drive elements.

A further example is shown in figures 10, 11 and 12. This shows a lock system 118 having first, second, third and fourth automatic lock devices 120, 120', 120", 120-. The lock system 118 and the various parts thereof share many features in common or the same as lock system 18 with the common features being denoted with the same reference numeral with the addition of 100 and for the respective devices 120", 120", with components being modified as necessary to accommodate the additional lock devices 120", 120". Lock system 118 mainly differs from lock system 18 in that four lock devices are provided which are variously coupled to the assembly 116.

Each lock device 120, 120', 120", 120-is otherwise identical to lock devices 20, 20'. Two of the lock devices 120, 120" are positioned above the assembly 116, with lock device 120" being closer to the assembly 116 than lock device 120, whilst lock devices 120', 120" are positioned below the assembly 116 with lock device 120-being closer to assembly 116 than lock device 120'. The lock system includes output members 122, 122', 122", 122-for coupling the lock devices to the assembly 116. Output members 122", and 122-connect the drive device 144 to respective drive parts 123". 123" of the lock devices 120", 120". Output members 122, 122' connect the lock devices 120", 120-to lock devices 120, 120' so that operation of the output members 122", 122-drives operation of output members 122, 122' to drive operation of lock devices 120", 120". More specifically, as better shown in figures 11, 12, output member 122" is connected at its distal, upper, end to a distal, lower, end of the drive part 123", and output member 122 is connected at its distal, lower, end to the distal, upper, end of the drive part 123". This means that when drive part 123" is caused to move by output member 122", this in turn causes movement of output member 122 in a corresponding way. It will be readily understood that operation of the assembly 116 will cause locking / unlocking of the lock devices 120, 120', 120", 120" in a similar way to the lock system 18.

In examples, there may be a different number of lock devices and/or the lock devices may be different in their construction to one or more of the other lock devices whilst still be operated by the assembly in the same or similar way without departing from the scope of the present invention.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The invention may also broadly consist in the parts, elements, steps, examples and/or features referred to or indicated in the specification individually or collectively in any and all combinations of two or more said parts, elements, steps, examples and/or features. In particular, one or more features in any of the embodiments described herein may be combined with one or more features from any other embodiment(s) described herein.

Protection may be sought for any features disclosed in any one or more published documents referenced herein in combination with the present disclosure.

Although certain example embodiments of the invention have been described, the scope of the appended claims is not intended to be limited solely to these embodiments. The claims are to be construed literally, purposively, and/or to encompass equivalents.

REPRESENTATIVE FEATURES

Representative features are set out in the following statements, which stand alone or may be combined, in any combination, with one or more features disclosed in the text and/or drawings of

the specification.

A lock system for a door or a window including: at least first and second automatic lock devices, wherein the first automatic lock device is movable between a locked state and an unlocked state forming a first lock point which, in use, is near a first end of the door or window; and the second automatic lock device is moveable between a locked state and an unlocked state forming a second lock point which, in use, is near a second, opposite, end of the door or window, an assembly operably coupled to, and solely for operating, the first and second automatic lock devices, wherein the first and second automatic lock devices each include: a locking member including a trigger element movable between a first state and a second state, wherein, when the trigger element is in the first state, the locking member is inhibited from moving to an extended state, and, when the trigger element is in the second state, the locking member is permitted to move to an extended state; an actuator for moving the locking member; a biasing device for biasing the actuator to move the locking member and bring the automatic lock device into the locked state, and wherein the assembly includes: a drive device for driving movement of the first and second automatic lock devices to their unlocked states; a first drive element coupled to the drive device for coupling to a handle or a part operably coupled to a handle, wherein the first drive element is movable by a movement of the handle, or a movement of the part operably coupled to a handle, to operate the drive device; a second drive element coupled to the drive device operable by an output cam of a key cylinder lock, to operate the drive device, wherein the second drive element is movable by the output cam of the key cylinder device to operate the drive device; a blocking member for blocking movement of the drive device, wherein the blocking member is movable by an output cam of a key cylinder to block movement of the drive device, and wherein the at least first and second automatic lock devices form the only locking points of the system.

The blocking member may be for solely for blocking movement of the drive device.

The second drive element may be supported by the drive device for relative movement thereto.

The drive device may move linearly along an axis A to operate the first and second automatic lock devices.

The second drive element may move linearly along axis A to move the drive device.

The blocking member may move the second drive element, optionally or preferably transverse to axis A, when the blocking member blocks movement of the drive device.

The blocking member may move linearly.

The second drive element may include a cam surface which engages with the output cam of the key cylinder lock to cause the second drive element to move.

The second drive element may be an elongate member including first and second opposing ends, the first end being coupled to the drive device and the second end for selectively coupling with the output cam of the key cylinder lock.

The drive device may include a formation for receiving a portion of the first drive element.

The formation may be a recess including a first end and a second, opposite end, wherein the first end defines a surface that the first drive element engages when the first drive element is moved to effect movement of the drive device.

The second drive element may drive movement of the drive device, the drive device moves relative to the first drive element and the first drive element is stationary.

The drive device may be moveable between a first, non-operative, position and a second, operative, position, and wherein the assembly includes a biasing device for biasing the drive device to the first position.

The drive device may be a generally elongate member.

The first and second automatic lock devices may each include a further actuator for moving the respective locking member to respective unlocked states. The further actuator may be operable by the drive device.

The system may include first and second output members that connect the first and second automatic lock devices to the assembly.

The first and second output members may be coupled to respective first and second ends of the drive device.

When the first or second drive element operates the drive device, the drive device may move the first and second output members to operate the further actuators of the first and second automatic lock devices to their unlocked states.

The system may include third and fourth automatic lock devices including the same features of the first and second automatic lock devices so that the first, second, third and fourth automatic lock devices provide the only locking points of the system, wherein the third automatic lock device is coupled to the first automatic lock device and the fourth automatic lock device is coupled to the second lock device so that operation of the first and second automatic lock devices to their unlocked states effects a corresponding operation of the third and fourth automatic lock devices to their unlocked states.

The system may include third and fourth output members, with the third output member coupling the third automatic lock device to the first automatic lock device and the fourth output member coupling the fourth automatic lock device to the second automatic lock device so that when the first or second drive element operates the drive device, the first and second output members: a) operate the further actuators of the first and second automatic lock devices to their unlocked states; and b) operate the third and fourth output members to operate the further actuators of the third and fourth automatic lock devices to their unlocked states.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A lock system for a door or a window including: at least first and second automatic lock devices, wherein the first automatic lock device is movable between a locked state and an unlocked state forming a first lock point which, in use, is near a first end of the door or window; and the second automatic lock device is moveable between a locked state and an unlocked state forming a second lock point which, in use, is near a second, opposite, end of the door or window, and an assembly operably coupled to, and solely for operating, the first and second automatic lock devices, wherein the first and second automatic lock devices each include: a locking member including a trigger element movable between a first state and a second state, wherein, when the trigger element is in the first state, the locking member is inhibited from moving to an extended state, and, when the trigger element is in the second state, the locking member is permitted to move to an extended state; an actuator for moving the locking member; a biasing device for biasing the actuator to move the locking member and bring the automatic lock device into the locked state, and wherein the assembly includes: a drive device for driving movement of the first and second automatic lock devices to their unlocked states; a first drive element coupled to the drive device for coupling to a handle or a part operably coupled to a handle, wherein the first drive element is movable by a movement of the handle, or a movement of the part operably coupled to a handle, to operate the drive device; a second drive element coupled to the drive device operable by an output cam of a key cylinder lock, to operate the drive device, wherein the second drive element is movable by the output cam of the key cylinder lock to operate the drive device; a blocking member for blocking movement of the drive device, wherein the blocking member is movable by an output cam of a key cylinder lock to block movement of the drive device, and wherein the at least first and second automatic lock devices form the only locking points of the system.
2. A lock system according to claim 1, wherein the blocking member is solely for blocking movement of the drive device.
3. A lock system according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the second drive element is supported by the drive device for relative movement thereto.
4. A lock system according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the drive device moves linearly along an axis A to operate the first and second automatic lock devices.
5. A lock system according to claim 4, wherein the second drive element moves linearly along axis A to move the drive device.
6. A lock system according to any preceding claim, wherein the blocking member moves the second drive element, optionally or preferably transverse to axis A, when the blocking member blocks movement of the drive device.
7. A lock system according to claim 6, wherein the blocking member moves linearly.
8. A lock system according to any preceding claim, wherein the second drive element includes a cam surface which engages with the output cam of the key cylinder lock to cause the second drive element to move
9. A lock system according to any preceding claim, wherein the second drive element is an elongate member including first and second opposing ends, the first end being coupled to the drive device and the second end for selectively coupling with the output cam of the key cylinder lock.
10. A lock system according to any preceding claim, wherein the drive device includes a formation for receiving a portion of the first drive element.
11. A lock system according to claim 10 wherein the formation is a recess including a first end and a second, opposite end, wherein the first end defines a surface that the first drive element engages when the first drive element is moved to effect movement of the drive device.
12. A lock system according to claim 11 wherein, when the second drive element drives movement of the drive device, the drive device moves relative to the first drive element and the first drive element is stationary.
13. A lock system according to any preceding claim, wherein the drive device is moveable between a first, non-operative, position and a second, operative, position, and wherein the assembly includes a biasing device for biasing the drive device to the first position.
14. A lock system according to claim 13 wherein the drive device is a generally elongate member.
15. A lock system according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second automatic lock devices each include a further actuator for moving the respective locking member to respective unlocked states.
16. A lock system according to any preceding claim, including first and second output members that connect the first and second automatic lock devices to the assembly.
17. A lock system according to claim 16, wherein the first and second output members are coupled to respective first and second ends of the drive device.
18. A lock system according to claim 16 or 17, when directly or indirectly dependent on claim 15, wherein, when the first or second drive element operates the drive device, the drive device moves the first and second output members to operate the further actuators of the first and second automatic lock devices to their unlocked states.
19. A lock system according to any preceding claim including third and fourth automatic lock devices including the same features of the first and second automatic lock devices so that the first, second, third and fourth automatic lock devices provide the only locking points of the system, wherein the third automatic lock device is coupled to the first automatic lock device and the fourth automatic lock device is coupled to the second lock device so that operation of the first and second automatic lock devices to their unlocked states effects a corresponding operation of the third and fourth automatic lock devices to their unlocked states.
20. A lock system according to claim 19 when dependent on claim 18, wherein the system includes third and fourth output members, with the third output member coupling the third automatic lock device to the first automatic lock device and the fourth output member coupling the fourth automatic lock device to the second automatic lock device so that when the first or second drive element operates the drive device, the first and second output members: c) operate the further actuators of the first and second automatic lock devices to their unlocked states; and d) operate the third and fourth output members to operate the further actuators of the third and fourth automatic lock devices to their unlocked states.