GB2612077A

GB2612077A - Lock

Info

Publication number: GB2612077A
Application number: GB2115115.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Chantler Roger
Original assignee: UAP Ltd
Current assignee: UAP Ltd
Priority date: 2021-10-21
Filing date: 2021-10-21
Publication date: 2023-04-26
Also published as: GB202115115D0

Abstract

A door lock system comprising a first lock with a bolt 4 with a lug 2 having a channel 6 parallel to direction of movement of the bolt in which is a rod 8 of a secondary lock rotatable about perpendicular axis to slot 6. The rod 8 has a first orientation in which the width of rod is less than the width of the channel 6 and a second orientation in which the effective width of the rod is at least equal, preferably greater than the width of a first portion of channel 6a, the channel preferably having a second wider slot portion 6b, in the second orientation the rod prevents movement of the bolt. The rod may be polygonal such as triangular, square or ovoid or oblate or may have an offset pivot to increase its effective width. A single common actuator may operate first and second locks or a separate actuator such as a cylinder lock or thumb-turn may operate the secondary lock only accessible from the inside; alternative the secondary lock may be remotely actuated electrically.

Description

Field of Invention

The present invention is in the field of locks. Specifically, the present invention is in the field of locks with increased security via the use of a secondary lock.

Background

Burglary techniques have become more sophisticated, and often react to new innovations in the field of locks. There is a need to increase the security of locks. In particular, there are various techniques used in burglary that involve vandalising a lock and then gaining access to the inner workings of the lock. Such techniques include snapping (or otherwise displacing) the lock cylinder so as to gain access to the internal mechanism, lock bumping, or drilling through the lock in an attempt to access the lock pins. Blow torches may be used in these techniques.

Secondary locks have often been used to provide a second locking point in the event the primary lock fails. This means that a burglar may have to disarm two locks. During a burglary the perpetrator aims to enter and exit the building in as little time as possible so that there is less chance of them being disturbed, or getting caught. Taking less time may also limit the amount of surveillance footage that can be taken. Having a second lock increases the amount of time that a burglary will take, and therefore acts a deterrent against burglary. This is especially the case on new housing estates where potential burglars will be aware that all of the new homes are fitted with such locks.

However, there is a need to increase the security of the dual lock system such that it is even more difficult for a burglar to gain access to the property. At present two locks when used are unconnected to one another, and are both visible to the burglar providing points for the burglar to attack. The present claims address such problems by providing a more secure lock that is less susceptible to burglary, and should increase the time required for a burglar to gain access.

Another issue with locking systems is that in some jurisdictions, such as the UK, the regulations require that a user must be able to exit from the door, even if the lock is vandalised, in the case of emergency. Therefore, some embodiments of the claims overcome the problem of providing the user with emergency access even in the event the lock is vandalised.

Summary of Invention

Aspects of the invention are set out in the independent claims. Optional features are set out in the dependent claims.

In accordance with a first aspect there is provided a door lock system installable on a door, comprising a first lock and a second lock. The first lock comprises a locking mechanism and an internal mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism includes a bolting system, and wherein the internal mechanism acts on the bolting system to throw at least one bolt of the bolting system between open and closed positions. The second lock is configured to act on a moving part of the bolting system such that when actuated the second lock inhibits movement of at least one bolt of the bolting system when the bolting system is in the closed position. Said at least one bolt is configured to travel in a first direction and the locking mechanism includes a lug configured to travel with said at least one bolt in the first direction, wherein the lug comprises a channel along the first direction. The secondary lock comprises a rod positioned within the channel of the lug, wherein the rod extends perpendicular to the first direction. The rod is configured such that in a first orientation the width of the rod in a direction transverse to the first channel is narrower than a first part of the channel, and in a second orientation the width of the rod in said transverse direction is at least commensurate with the width of the first part of the channel, whereby when the bolting system is in the closed position and the rod is actuated from the first configuration to the second configuration the rod is held within the channel and unable to travel along the channel thereby inhibiting the bolting system from moving out of the closed position. This aspect is advantageous for many reasons. Principally, the second lock acts on the first lock to prohibit the first lock from moving. In the event of vandalism of the first lock a vandal or thief may be attempting to gain access to the building by manipulating the pins that drive the first lock. If the second lock was absent then this vandalism would allow the first lock to be moved to an open position. The presence of the second lock means that this vandalism alone is not sufficient to move the first lock from a closed to an open position because the second lock holds the first lock in a closed position. The vandal/thief therefore must also change the position of the second lock in order to gain access. This takes more time and is more complex, and therefore this decreases the vandal/thief's prospects of success.

Optionally, the channel further comprises a second part of the channel, wherein the second part of the channel has a width greater than the width of the first part of the channel in the direction transverse to the first direction. This may reduce the wear on the lock as the first lock being wider may reduce friction during movement in the open position. This may increase the lifespan of the lock. It may also allow the rod to be oversized relative to the first part of the lock which may improve the locking functionality.

Optionally, the second part of the channel is configured such that when the bolting system is in the closed position the second part of the channel is aligned with the rod of the second lock. This may improve the functionality of the lock as it decreases the probability of misalignment of the first and second locks.

Optionally, in the second orientation the width of the rod in the direction transverse the first direction is wider than the first part of the channel, and narrower than the second part of the channel, such that the rod is held within the second part of the channel. This is advantageous for securing the first lock in the closed position.

Optionally, the rod positioned within the channel is attached to a bypass configured to be visible on the inner side of the door, such that in events of emergencies, or failure of the mechanism, a user can open the door. This is advantageous in many respects as it greatly increases safety. For example, if a burglar attempted to vandalise the first lock with a blowtorch this may damage the lock, and cause fire. If the resident was in the house at the time of the vandalism they must be able to escape. The bypass allows the increased security to not compromise on safety.

Optionally, the bypass comprises a handle that when turned actuates the rod from the second position to the first position. This may be one particularly simple implementation of the bypass. Other embodiments may use alternative systems. This one is advantageous as there are less parts that may go wrong in the event of high temperatures.

Optionally, wherein the width of the rod is larger in the second orientation, than the width of the rod in the first orientation. This may advantageously allow the rod to be used as a mechanical switch.

Optionally, the width of the rod increases as it is translated by an angle from the first orientation to the second orientation. This may be a sudden increase or a gradual increase, and this is advantageous as the increase allows the rod to lock the first lock.

Optionally, the cross section of the rod comprises a vertex, such that the vertex protrudes transverse to the first direction when in the second orientation, and in the first direction in the channel in the first orientation, such that the vertex increases the width of the rod in the second orientation. This may be a particularly effective shape for locking the first lock in place, and may also be relatively simple for manufacture.

Optionally, the cross section of the rod one of, square, rectangular, or triangular, or any polygon with at least one vertex.

Optionally, the cross section of the rod is ovoid, or oblate spheroid such that the bulge is positioned parallel to the channel in the first orientation, and perpendicular to the channel in the second orientation.

Optionally, a single actuator actuates the first lock and actuates the second lock. This may be advantageous as it allows a single action from a user to engage both locks. This may reduce user error in setting the lock. Moreover, this may also make it more difficult for a thief to enter the building. For example, the thief may have no way of opening the second lock whilst they are external to the door without further vandalism of the door itself.

Optionally, the internal mechanism acting on the bolting system is configured to act on the rod to actuate it from the first orientation to the second orientation once the bolt is in the closed position. This may advantageous mean that a single internal mechanism actuates both the first and second locks simplifying the lock.

Optionally, the actuator is manually actuated. This may for example be via a key or handle.

Optionally, the actuator is remotely actuated. This may for example be via an electronic communication.

According to a second aspect there is provided a door assembly comprising a door and a door lock system as set out in the first aspect.

S

According to a third aspect there is provided a closure lock system and a closure assembly including the closure lock system, wherein the closure lock system is the door lock system of the first aspect.

According to a fourth aspect there is provided a method of securing a door assembly, the method comprising closing a door and operating the door lock system according to the first aspect, wherein operating the door lock system comprises using a handle assembly of the lock system to actuate the first lock and second lock of the door lock system to actuate the rod from the first orientation to the second orientation when the first lock is in the closed position.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention with the first and second locks in the open position.

Figure 2 shows the first lock in a closed position and the second lock in an open position.

Figure 3 shows an embodiment of the present invention with the first and second locks in the closed position.

Detailed Description of Figures

Figures 1, 2 and 3 show a door lock system installable on a door, comprising a first lock and a second lock. The first lock comprises a locking mechanism and an internal mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism includes a bolting system, wherein the internal mechanism acts on the bolting system to throw at least one bolt of the bolting system between open and closed positions. The second lock is configured to act on a moving part of the bolting system such that when actuated the second lock inhibits movement of at least one bolt of the bolting system when the bolting system is in the closed position. Said at least one bolt is configured to travel in a first direction and the locking mechanism includes a lug configured to travel with said at least one bolt in the first direction, wherein the lug comprises a channel along the first direction; and wherein the secondary lock comprises a rod positioned within the channel of the lug, wherein the rod extends perpendicular to the first direction. The rod is configured such that in a first orientation the width of the rod in a direction transverse to the first channel is narrower than a first part of the channel, and in a second orientation the width of the rod in said transverse direction is at least commensurate with the width of the first part of the channel, whereby when the bolting system is in the closed position and the rod is actuated from the first configuration to the second configuration the rod is held within the channel and unable to travel along the channel thereby inhibiting the bolting system from moving out of the closed position.

Figure 1 shows a first lock and a second lock. The first lock has an internal mechanism (not shown -any suitable mechanism may be used) that is configured to drive a bolt 4. The bolt 4 may be configured to extend in any direction. In Figure 1 the bolt 4 extends vertically upward such that in a door the bolt 4 is parallel to the length of the door. In the closed position the bolt 4 extends above the door and into a recess above the door. The bolt 4 may alternatively extend downwards and in the closed position extend above the door into a recess above the door. However, the bolt 4 may alternatively be horizontal for example and be perpendicular to the length of the door. The bolt 4 may then extend out horizontally from the door in such embodiments.

The second lock of Figure 1 is shown comprising the lug 2 and rod 8. The lug 2 is attached to the bolt 4 and is configured to travel with the bolt 4 as it moves between open and closed positions. The lug 2 of Figure 1 comprises a channel 6 that is parallel with the bolt 4. The rod 2 is positioned within the channel 6. The rod 8 is perpendicular to the channel 6 (in the direction such that the rod 8 is pointing out of the page). The channel 6 comprises a first part or section 6a, and a second part or section 6b. The first section of the channel 6a is narrower than the second section of the channel 6b. The rod 8 is attached to the lock casing so that the rod 8 does not travel with the lug 2 as the bolt 4 moves between the closed and open positions. Instead the lug 2 moves relative to the rod 8 such that the position of the rod 8 within the channel 6 changes as the bolt 4 is moved from the open position to the closed position. It is noted that the connection between the rod 8 and the lock case enables the rod 8 to rotate whilst positioned within the channel 6. In other embodiments the rod 8 may be attached to another suitable element within the system.

The length of the channel 6 is equal to the distance the bolt 4 travels whilst moving from the open to the closed position. Therefore, when the rod 8 sits at either the most distal position or most proximal position within the channel then the bolt 4 is fully closed or fully open. Optionally the channel 6 may be longer than the length traversed by the bolt 4 and the rod 8 positioned at the point at which the bolt 4 is in the closed position when the rod 8 is positioned within the second portion of the channel 6b. In the case of Figure 1 in the open position the rod 8 sits at the proximal end of the channel 6 in the first section of the channel 6a.

The rod 8 of the second lock has two configurations. The rod 8 has a non-circular cross section (or a circular cross section that rotates about a point not at the centre of the circle). In this case the rod 8 is square shaped, but it may be in the shape of any polygon or triangle. Figure 1 shows the second lock in the open position. That is with the rod 8 rotated such that the rods 8 horizontal width is minimised. Other examples of shapes include ovoid, oblate spheroid or oval shapes such that when rotated the width of the rod 8 is increased. Even a straight line shaped rod 8 may be used. A circle could be used as long as it is attached to the rotating means off centre so that the effective width of the circle changes dependent on its position. Any polygon such as a triangle, rectangle or square may be used, as long as there is a vertex.

Figure 1 shows the first and second locks in the open position. Therefore, the bolt 4 is recessed within the door and is not held in place by the second lock. A door containing the lock in this position may be opened freely.

Figure 2 shows the first lock in the closed position and the second lock in the open position. The rod 8 is positioned at the distal end of the channel 6 in the second portion of the channel 6b. The bolt 4 will therefore extend up and out beyond the base of the door. In use the bolt 4 will extend into a recess above the door, for example in the door frame.

The second lock remains in the open position. The rod 8 is positioned within the wider second part of the channel 6b. However, the rod 8 is still in a position such that the width of the rod 8 is minimised. The bolt 4 is therefore free to travel up and down, i.e. back to the open position if operated by the user.

Figure 3 shows both the first and second locks in the closed position. The rod 8 is positioned in the second portion of the channel 6b, at the distal end of the channel. This is the end of the channel that is wider. The bolt 4 therefore extends out of the door. In use the bolt will extend into a recess out of the door, for example in the door frame.

The rod 8 is shown as being rotated into a second position. In the second position the width of the rod 8 is greater than in the first open position. This is because the diagonal across the square of the rod 8 (which is now the width of the rod) is longer than a single side of the rod 8 (which was the width in the open position as shown in Figures 1 and 2). The width of the rod 8 is therefore at least as wide as the first part of the channel 6a. In Figure 3 the width of the rod is greater than the width of the first part of the channel. This means that the bolt 4 cannot be moved from the closed position because the lug 2 cannot travel with the bolt 4 because the rod 8 cannot travel through the channel 6 on the lug 2. The second lock therefore locks the first lock into place. It is noted that the second, wider portion, of the channel 6b is entirely optional. The rod 8 may be rotated to have a frictional fit with the channel 6, and the channel 6 may be of a single width throughout.

Should a vandal attempt to gain entry to the lock of Figure 3 then simply vandalising the first lock (for example to gain entry to the pins of the first lock so as to open the first lock -the actual locking portion such as a euro cylinder of the first lock is not shown in the Figures, but is in communication with the bolt 4) will not enable entry. Instead both the first and second locks must be opened to gain access through the door. This will take significantly more skill, and time, and therefore may prevent many vandals from accessing the property. It may also act as a deterrent so a burglar may be more likely to seek other premises that are less protected, rather than attempt to gain entry to one protected using the above described system.

It is noted that another important feature of a locking system is the ability to exit the property in the event of an emergency. For example, a vandal may seek to vandalise the lock whilst the occupants are within the building (for example at night whilst the occupants sleep). Such vandalism may be performed using a blow torch. It is possible that the vandals may inadvertently cause a fire at the premises by use of the blow torch. It is therefore advantageous in many embodiments that the occupants are able to leave the premises via the door, even when the first lock is vandalised, and the second lock is in the locked position. This may be achieved by the provision of a bypass. This may be positioned only on the inside of the door such that it is not accessible to burglars. Moreover, it may not be apparent where on the door the bypass may be situated from the outside. The bypass may for example by a thumb-turn that when rotated unlocks the second lock manually, therefore allowing the occupants to exit via the door. The bypass may be able to rotate the rod 8 between the locked position of Figure 3, and the open position of figures 1 and 2.

The second lock may be actuated independently of the first lock, or alternatively both locks may be actuated by a single means. The mechanism for rotating rod 8 may comprise any suitable mechanism for moving the rod 8 in response to either actuation of the first lock, or a separate second actuation relating to the second lock alone. For example, if actuated by a secondary lock cylinder the rotation of the lock cylinder may be translated to rotation of the rod 8 within the channel 6 of the lug 2. Alternatively, if actuated by the same lock cylinder as the first lock, then a driving mechanism actuated by the lock cylinder may then drive both the movement of the bolt 4/lug 2 as well as the movement of the rod 8 within the channel 6. The rod 8 may be configured to return to its open position (that is rotated to have its smallest width measurement) once the first lock cylinder is set to the open position. In some embodiments this may be achieved by biasing the rod 8 to return to the open position when no other forces are acting upon it. If the first and second locks are actuated by a single actuator (such as a single cylinder lock) then the second lock may be configured that after vandalism of the cylinder lock the second lock may only be actuated by a bypass mechanism from the internal side of the door. This may be achieved by using a shear joint or any other suitable mechanism.

It is noted that the first lock and second lock may be manually actuated (e.g. by a key, or by thumb-turn elements), or alternatively the first and second locks may be remotely actuated (for example by an electronic actuation).

Figures 4, 5 and 6 show the same features as Figures 1, 2 and 3 respectively. The only difference between the two sets of figures is that in figures 1, 2 and 3 the cross sectional shape of the rod 8 is square/rectangular. In Figures 4, 5 and 6 the cross sectional shape of the rod 8 is ovoid. The rod and second lock functions in the same way as described above with reference to Figures 1, 2 and 3. The ovoid is an example of one of many alternative shapes the cross section of the rod 8 may have whilst still fulfilling the function as set out in the claims. The ovoid and square have however been found to be advantageous as they are easy to reproduce and appear to have relatively little wear, and so can prolong the lifespan of the device.

The above door lock system may be integrated into a door assembly comprising the first and second lock arrangement described above installed within a lock casing within a door. A closure lock system and closure assembly may also be provided using 35 the door lock system described above.

A method for using the lock system described above may comprise using a handle assembly to actuate the first lock and second lock of the door lock system to actuate the rod from the first orientation to the second orientation when the first lock is in the closed position.

It is noted that features of each of the embodiments described above, specifically the embodiment shown as well as those optional features described in the text above may be combined with the features of the other embodiments. For example, embodiments in which a secondary lock cylinder is used may be combined with any of the other optional features, for example the cross-sectional shape of the rod 8 may be any shape described above such as a triangle, ovoid or other polygon.

Claims

Claims 1. A door lock system installable on a door, comprising a first lock and a second lock, the first lock including a locking mechanism and an internal mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism includes a bolting system, and wherein the internal mechanism acts on the bolting system to throw at least one bolt of the bolting system between open and closed positions; and the second lock is configured to act on a moving part of the bolting system such that when actuated the second lock inhibits movement of at least one bolt of the bolting system when the bolting system is in the closed position; Characterised in that: said at least one bolt is configured to travel in a first direction and the locking mechanism includes a lug configured to travel with said at least one bolt in the first direction, wherein the lug comprises a channel along the first direction; wherein the secondary lock comprises a rod positioned within the channel of the lug, wherein the rod extends perpendicular to the first direction; and wherein the rod is configured such that in a first orientation the width of the rod in a direction transverse to the first channel is narrower than a first part of the channel, and in a second orientation the width of the rod in said transverse direction is at least commensurate with the width of the first part of the channel, whereby when the bolting system is in the closed position and the rod is actuated from the first configuration to the second configuration the rod is held within the channel and unable to travel along the channel thereby inhibiting the bolting system from moving out of the closed position.
2. The door lock system of claim 1, wherein the channel further comprises a second part of the channel, wherein the second part of the channel has a width greater than the width of the first part of the channel in the direction transverse to the first direction.
3. The door lock system of claim 2, wherein the second part of the channel is configured such that when the bolting system is in the closed position the second part of the channel is aligned with the rod of the second lock.
4. The door lock system of claims 1 or 2, wherein in the second orientation the width of the rod in the direction transverse the first direction is wider than the first part of the channel, and narrower than the second part of the channel, such that the rod is held within the second part of the channel.
5. The door lock system of any preceding claim, wherein the rod positioned within the channel is attached to a bypass configured to be visible on the inner side of the door, such that in events of emergencies, or failure of the mechanism, a user can open the door.
6. The door lock system of claim 5, wherein the bypass comprises a handle that when turned actuates the rod from the second position to the first position.
7. The door lock system of any preceding claim, wherein the width of the rod is larger in the second orientation, than the width of the rod in the first orientation.
8. The door lock system of claim 7, wherein the width of the rod increases as it is translated by an angle from the first orientation to the second orientation.
9. The door lock system of any preceding claim, wherein the cross section of the rod comprises a vertex, such that the vertex protrudes transverse to the first direction when in the second orientation, and in the first direction in the channel in the first orientation, such that the vertex increases the width of the rod in the second orientation.
10. The door lock system of claim 9, wherein the cross section of the rod one of, square, rectangular, or triangular, or any polygon with at least one vertex.
11. The door lock system of any preceding claim, wherein the cross section of the rod is ovoid, or oblate spheroid such that the bulge is positioned parallel to the channel in the first orientation, and perpendicular to the channel in the second orientation.
12. The door lock system any preceding claim, wherein a single actuator actuates the first lock and actuates the second lock.
13. The door lock system of claim 12, wherein the internal mechanism acting on the bolting system is configured to act on the rod to actuate it from the first orientation to the second orientation once the bolt is in the closed position.
14. The door lock system of claim 12 or 13, wherein the actuator is manually actuated.
15. The door lock system of claim 12 or 13, wherein the actuator is remotely actuated.
16. A door assembly comprising a door and a door lock system as claimed in any preceding claim.
17. A closure lock system and a closure assembly including the closure lock system, wherein the closure lock system is the door lock system of any of claims 1 -15.
18. A method of securing a door assembly, the method comprising closing a door and operating the door lock system according to any of claims 1-15, wherein operating the door lock system comprises using a handle assembly of the lock system to actuate the first lock and second lock of the door lock system to actuate the rod from the first orientation to the second orientation when the first lock is in the closed position.