GB2612081A

GB2612081A - Lock

Info

Publication number: GB2612081A
Application number: GB2115129.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jennings David; 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: GB202115129D0

Abstract

Door lock comprising: a first lock having at least one bolt 2 of a bolting system that is moved between open and closed position such as a vertical shoot bolt driven to project from upper surface in a closed position, the bolt including a lug 4; and a second lock movable between a first position disengaged from bolt of first lock and a second position in which it inhibits movement of the bolt 2 of first lock from its closed position. The second lock includes an extension 6 selectively engaging with lug 4 when in the closed position and deadlocks the bar 2. The first and second locks may be controlled by the same mechanism such as cylinder lock 12 or the second lock may be controlled separately by separate cylinder lock. The actuator could be manual or remotely actuated. The second lock could be actuated by electromagnets in one or both of lug 4 and bolt 2. The lock mechanism may include weakened sections or shear portions to break when tampered with and the second lock may be operable from inside even if broken from the outside.

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. Such techniques may be performed through the use of blow torches.

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 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 lock systems.

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. 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, and optional features are set out in the dependent claims.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a door lock system installable on a door, comprising a handle assembly, a first lock and a second lock. The handle assembly including a locking mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism includes a bolting system comprising the first lock and an internal mechanism, 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. The locking mechanism includes a lug configured to travel with said at least one bolt, wherein the lug comprises an indent, wherein the secondary lock comprises an extension element configured to be displaced from a first position to a second position, and wherein the extension element is configured such that when the first lock is in the closed position the displacement of the extension element to the second position places the extension element within the indent of the lug, thereby inhibiting the bolting system from moving out of the closed position. This lock system is advantageous because when the first lock is in the closed position the second lock inhibits the first lock from being moved from the closed position. This means that merely vandalising the first lock to gain access to it does not give the burglar sufficient access to enter the lock to disable it and enter the property.

Optionally, the displacement of the extension element comprises a pivoting of the extension element from the first position to the second position. This provides a reliable movement that is not prone to wear. As the lock may be used many thousand times during its lifetime this robustness is advantageous as it may prolong lifespan of the lock.

Optionally, the extension element is displaced upon actuation of a lock cylinder of the second lock, preferably wherein the lock cylinder is a euro cylinder. This provides a second user control.

Optionally, wherein the indent of the lug comprises a three sided grip. This provides sufficient grip for the extension element, whilst allowing for a simple movement of engagement, reducing the complexity of the system.

Optionally, the three sided grip takes the form of an open spanner head. This is a simple to manufacture shape that allows to reduce complexity in the system.

Optionally, the extension element comprises a male element to co-operatively fit within the three-sided grip indent. This allows the extension element and the indent to co-operate together.

Optionally, the indent is positioned along the perimeter of the lug. This allows greater 10 tolerance in the movement of the extension element, which reduces wear, and increases manufacturing tolerances.

Optionally, in the closed position the indent is in line with the extension element along the vertical axis. This simplifies the movement of the extension element.

Optionally, a single actuator actuates the first lock and actuates the second lock. This increases ease of use for the user, and ensures both locks are activated together. It also reduces the possibility of user error in operating the locking system.

Optionally, the internal mechanism acting on the bolting system is configured to act on the extension element to actuate it from the first position to the second position once the bolt is in the closed position. This reduces the number of components needed in the system.

Optionally, the actuator is manually actuated. This allows a traditional key-based system to be used.

Optionally, wherein the actuator is remotely actuated. This allows the lock system to utilise electronic locking solutions.

Optionally, the first lock and the second lock are actuated separately. This gives the user operating freedom to decide whether to actuate the secondary lock.

According to a second aspect there is provided a door assembly comprising a door and a door lock system in accordance with the first aspect.

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 any of claims 1-13, 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 extension element from the first position to the second position when the first lock is in the closed position.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention in the open position. Figure 2 shows an embodiment of the present invention in the closed position. Detailed Description of Figures The Figures described below show a door lock system installable on a door, comprising a first lock and a second lock. The first lock including a locking mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism includes a bolting system and an internal mechanism, 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. The locking mechanism includes a lug configured to travel with said at least one bolt, wherein the lug comprises an indent, wherein the secondary lock comprises an extension element configured to be displaced from a first position to a second position, and wherein the extension element is configured such that when the first lock is in the closed position the displacement of the extension element to the second position places the extension element within the indent of the lug, thereby inhibiting the bolting system from moving out of the closed position. The Figures additionally illustrate additional optional features that may improve the implementation of this concept, however each of these features is optional and those features considered essential are set out in this paragraph and in the independent claims.

S

Figure 1 shows a door lock system. The locking system comprises the first lock, and the second lock. The first lock comprises a lock cylinder 12 such as a euro lock cylinder (or other type of locking device such as a handle with a locking function, or other suitable alternatives) and a bolt 2. The bolt 2 is configured to be displaced from a first position to a second position, where one position is open and the other closed.

For example, the bolt 2 may extend vertically to the edge of the door in the open position. In the closed position the bolt 2 may extend out from the door into a recess housed in the door frame, or in the structure of the building. It is noted that any internal mechanism may be used to translate actuation of the lock cylinder 12 into actuation of the bolt 2 between the first and second positions. Positioned on the bolt 2 is a lug 4 such that when the bolt 2 travels from an open to a closed position, and vice versa, the lug 4 travels with the bolt 2. The lug 4 may take many forms. In Figure 1 the lug 4 is shown as comprising an indent 8. The indent 8 is positioned as the perimeter of the lug 2. The example in Figure 1 shows the lug 2 forming a three sided indent 10 on the side facing the locking mechanism and second lock (and facing away from the bolt 2). This three-sided shape 10 creates a recess within lug 4. It is noted that the lug 4 may be three dimensional and the shape shown in Figure 1 may be the cross-sectional shape of the lug 4 in the centre of the lug 4. Additional sides of the lug 4 may enclose the recess such that the recess may only be in the side facing the second lock (and away from the bolt 2).

The second lock comprises an extension element 6. In Figure 1 this extension element 6 is shown as being positioned at a pre-determined vertical position, such that when the lug 4 is moved to the closed position the extension element 6 and the lug 4 align. The extension element 6 may then be moved horizontally (either linearly or by rotation) to be positioned within the indent 8 or recess of the lug 4 (this arrangement is shown in Figure 2). In Figure 1 the lug 4 is positioned below the extension element 6 in the open position.

If the bolt 2 is moving upwards towards a recess above the door then in the open position the lug 4 may be positioned below the extension element 6 in the open position, and if the bolt 2 is moving down towards a recess below the door then the lug 4 may be positioned above the extension element 6 in the open position.

The extension element 6 may be actuated in any suitable way. For example, the first lock and the second lock may be actuated together, or separately. In the event they are actuated together the first lock may be actuated by a lock cylinder 12 being locked. This may then cause the bolt 2 to actuate between the first and second positions, and the lug 4 to move in line with the extension element 6. This same actuation of the lock cylinder 12 may cause the extension element 6 to the enter the indent 8 of the lug 4. The lock cylinder 12 may for example be attached to a driving element that comes into contact with the extension element 6 when the lock cylinder 12 is actuated. This may then drive the extension element 6 to move into the indent 8 of the lug 4.

Alternatively, the first and second locks may be driven by separate mechanisms. For example, the first lock may be driven by a lock cylinder 12 being actuated to a locked position. This may drive the bolt 2, and the lug 4 to move to the closed position. The second lock may be actuated by a second lock cylinder (not shown in the Figures) so that once the first lock is in the locked position the user has the option of locking the second lock cylinder to actuate the second lock, actuating the extension element 6 into position within the indent 8 of the lug 4.

If the first lock is vandalised by thieves, then the thieves may set about attempting the unlock the internal mechanism of the first lock. If the thieves are successful they will to however gain access to the building. This is because the second lock prohibits movement of the bolt 2 from the closed position (as the extension element 6 is positioned within the recess/indent 8 of the lug 4). Even if the internal mechanism of the first lock is set to open in some embodiments this may not open the second lock.

For example, in the case where a single actuation from a single lock cylinder 12 actuates both the first and the second lock the second lock may be configured such that any vandalism of the lock cylinder 12 results in the second lock being frozen in position (and only moveable by an actuation mechanism on the internal side of the door). This may be implemented in a number of different ways, for example by adding one or more shearing points into the system. These are points purposefully made to be weak so that vandalism of the lock will cause these points to sever. These points may be positioned so that after shearing there is no link between the lock cylinder 12 and the extension element 6, so that the extension element 6 is in effect stuck in place. A secondary actuator for moving the extension element 6 may also be implemented. This may be a lever or rotatable member positioned on the internal side of the door. Actuation of this lever or rotatable member may cause the extension element 6 to move to the open position. This may be particularly advantageous if the homeowner is in the building when thieves arrive. If there is an emergency after the thieves have vandalised the lock cylinder 12 (for example due to a house fire) the homeowner will have to evacuate. If the extension element 6 is irreparably frozen in position, then the homeowner would be trapped. The secondary actuator of the extension element 6 may therefore be advantageous.

In the event the first and second locks are actuated by separate lock cylinders then vandalising and opening the first lock will have no effect on the second lock. As the second lock keeps the bolt 2 of the first lock in the closed positon the door will not open. This would therefore mean the thieves would have to vandalise the second lock, and then manoeuvre the internal mechanism to open the extension element 6, and then manoeuvre the internal mechanism of the first lock cylinder 12 to move the bolt 2 to an open position. This may be technically challenging and time consuming. This may therefore stop the thief from carrying out the burglary. The thief may even not begin a burglary once they realise the lock mechanism would be a challenge to overcome.

The first lock is shown as comprising a first lock cylinder 12, a driving mechanism is however not shown but may be implemented in any suitable way. As the first lock cylinder 12 is actuated the driving mechanism may rotate and contact the extension element 6. This may cause the extension element 6 to actuate into the lug 4 (as shown in Figure 2).

It is noted that the extension element 6 may be in a fixed position. Once the first lock is actuated the bolt 2 may move to the closed position and the lug 4 may be moved proximate, or in contact with the extension element 6. The extension element 6 and the lug 4 may be configured to connect with one another. This may be mechanically, or may for example be via the use of electromagnetism to form a connection between the elements. The user may actuate a switch once the first lock is actuated to the closed position and said switch may actuate electromagnets in one of the lug 4 or the extension element 6 (or both) to form a connection between the two elements. This may then prevent the lock being accessed in the event of vandalism by a thief. A switch may be positioned internally by the door so that a user may escape in the event of an emergency.

Figure 2 shows the lock system in a closed position. The door lock system comprises a first lock and a second lock. The first lock comprises a lock cylinder 12, a bolt 2, the lug 4, and an internal mechanism to move the bolt 2 and lug 4. The lug 4 is positioned on the bolt 2 such that the lug travels with the bolt 2 as the bolt 2 is moved from the open to the closed position. The second lock comprises the extension element 6. Figure 2 shows that the extension element 6 is situated within the indent/recess 8 of the lug 4 in the closed position. This locks the lug 4, and therefore the bolt 2, in place so that there is a secondary lock locking the first lock into the closed position. The driving mechanism of the lock cylinder is in contact with the extension element 6 in Figure 2 (although this is not shown, it is shown functionally by virtue of the position of the extension element 6). This driving mechanism therefore moves the extension element 6 into the recess 8 of the lug 4.

The extension element 6 may comprise any element suitable for penetrating the recess 8 of the lug 4, and for holding the lug 4 in place in the event of vandalism.

The mechanism for moving the extension element 6 may comprise any suitable mechanism for moving the extension element 6 in response to either actuation of the first lock cylinder 12, or a separate second actuation relating to the extension element 6 alone. For example, if actuated by a secondary lock cylinder the rotation of the lock cylinder may be translated to rotation of the extension element 6 to move the extension element 6 within the recess of the lug 4. Alternatively, if actuated by the same lock cylinder 12 as the lug 4 itself, then a driving mechanism actuated by the lock cylinder 12 may then drive the extension element 6 into the recess 8 of the lug 4. This translation may be either lateral or rotational. The extension element 6 may be configured to return to its open position (that is not within the recess 8 of the lug 4) once the first lock cylinder 12 (or alternatively the second lock cylinder if the second lock is actuated separately to the first lock) is set to the open position. In some embodiments this may be achieved by biasing the extension element 6 to return to the open position when no other forces are acting upon it. Alternatively, the act of opening the lock may place a force on the extension element 6 that may move the extension element 6 back to the open position.

The system described above may be fitted to any door, and may be fitted into any house. The fitting may be to a new door to form a door assembly. Alternatively, the lock may be retrofitted to old doors.

A method of securing a door assembly is also disclosed herein. The method comprises closing a door comprising a lock system in line with the description above. The method then comprises operating the door lock system, wherein operating the door lock system comprises actuating the first lock and second lock of the door lock system to actuate the extension element from the first position to the second position when the first lock is in the closed position. This closes the door, locks the door, and locks the first lock into the closed position. This method therefore makes it harder for a thief to enter a building protected with the door lock system.

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 biasing of the extension element 6 to return to the open position.

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, wherein: the locking mechanism includes a bolting system and an internal mechanism, 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: the locking mechanism includes a lug configured to travel with said at least one bolt, wherein the lug comprises an indent; wherein the secondary lock comprises an extension element configured to be displaced from a first position to a second position; and wherein the extension element is configured such that when the first lock is in the closed position the displacement of the extension element to the second position places the extension element within the indent of the lug, thereby inhibiting the bolting system from moving out of the closed position.
2. The door lock system of claim 1, wherein the displacement of the extension element comprises a pivoting of the extension element from the first position to the second position.
3. The door lock system of any preceding claim, wherein the extension element is displaced upon actuation of a lock cylinder of the second lock, preferably wherein the lock cylinder is a euro cylinder.
4. The door lock system of any preceding claim, wherein the indent of the lug comprises a three sided grip.
5. The door lock system of claim 4, wherein the three sided grip takes the form of an open spanner head.
6. The door lock system of claims 4 or 5, wherein the extension element comprises a male element to co-operatively fit within the three-sided grip indent.
7. The door lock system of any preceding claim, wherein the indent is positioned along the perimeter of the lug.
8. The door lock system of any preceding claim, wherein in the closed position the indent is in line with the extension element along the vertical axis.
9. The door lock system any preceding claim, wherein a single actuator actuates the first lock and actuates the second lock.
10. The door lock system of claim 9, wherein the internal mechanism acting on the bolting system is configured to act on the extension element to actuate it from the first position to the second position once the bolt is in the closed position.
11. The door lock system of claim 9 or 10, wherein the actuator is manually actuated.
12. The door lock system of claim 9 or 10, wherein the actuator is remotely actuated.
13. The door lock system of any preceding claim, wherein the first lock and the second lock are actuated separately.
14. A door assembly comprising a door and a door lock system as claimed in any preceding claim.
15. 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 1-13.
16. A method of securing a door assembly, the method comprising closing a door and operating the door lock system according to any of claims 1-13, 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 extension element from the first position to the second position when the first lock is in the closed position.