GB2616299A - Container locking mechanism - Google Patents

Container locking mechanism Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2616299A
GB2616299A GB2202996.1A GB202202996A GB2616299A GB 2616299 A GB2616299 A GB 2616299A GB 202202996 A GB202202996 A GB 202202996A GB 2616299 A GB2616299 A GB 2616299A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
locking
housing member
locking mechanism
body portion
housing
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
GB2202996.1A
Other versions
GB202202996D0 (en
Inventor
Horner Liam
Murray Oliver
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Armorgard Holdings Ltd
Original Assignee
Armorgard Holdings Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Armorgard Holdings Ltd filed Critical Armorgard Holdings Ltd
Priority to GB2202996.1A priority Critical patent/GB2616299A/en
Publication of GB202202996D0 publication Critical patent/GB202202996D0/en
Priority to PCT/GB2023/050497 priority patent/WO2023166306A1/en
Publication of GB2616299A publication Critical patent/GB2616299A/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B63/00—Locks or fastenings with special structural characteristics
    • E05B63/0017—Locks with sliding bolt without provision for latching
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B17/00—Accessories in connection with locks
    • E05B17/20—Means independent of the locking mechanism for preventing unauthorised opening, e.g. for securing the bolt in the fastening position
    • E05B17/2084—Means to prevent forced opening by attack, tampering or jimmying
    • E05B17/2088—Means to prevent disengagement of lock and keeper
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B15/00—Other details of locks; Parts for engagement by bolts of fastening devices
    • E05B15/02—Striking-plates; Keepers; Bolt staples; Escutcheons
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B65/00—Locks or fastenings for special use
    • E05B65/52—Other locks for chests, boxes, trunks, baskets, travelling bags, or the like
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B83/00—Vehicle locks specially adapted for particular types of wing or vehicle
    • E05B83/02—Locks for railway freight-cars, freight containers or the like; Locks for the cargo compartments of commercial lorries, trucks or vans

Abstract

A container locking mechanism comprising a first body portion removably retainable against a second body portion, the first body portion comprising; a locking member 215 slidably movable along a locking axis between a first position and a second position, an actuation unit 220 comprising an actuation portion comprising a spindle to move the locking member between the first position and the second position, and a first housing member 250 with a recess to house a distal end 215b of the locking member; the second body portion comprising; a second housing member 240 located between the actuation unit and the first housing member and having an aperture to house a second portion 215c of the locking member; wherein when the locking member is in the first or secured position a portion of the locking member is within the first and second housing member and when in the second position the locking mechanism is unsecured, wherein the locking member comprises a third position wherein a portion of the locking member is housed only within the second housing member and the locking mechanism is partially secured, wherein the third position is located between the first position and the second position.

Description

CONTAINER LOCKING MECHANISM
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a container locking mechanism.
Background to the Invention
Typically, a mortice lock is used to fasten a door, a cabinet or a container, such as a tool box, such that the contents of the article cannot be accessed without the corresponding key.
However, such articles are subject to attacks from thieves. In particular, such articles are prone to leverage or pry attacks from thieves, wherein the frame where the lock is situated is deformed, whether this be the closing member, such as the door or lid, or the 15 frame or body into which the lock engages.
As such, there is a need for a locking mechanism which is protected from prying and leverage attacks.
Objects and aspects of the present claimed invention seek to alleviate at least these
problems with the prior art.
Summary of the invention
According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a container locking mechanism, the locking mechanism comprising; a first body portion and a second body portion, the first body portion removably retainable against the second body portion, the first body portion comprising; a locking member movable along a locking axis between a first position and a second position, an actuation unit comprising an actuation portion comprising a spindle configured to move the locking member between the first position and the second position, wherein the locking member comprises a first end connected to the actuation unit and a distal end distal the actuation unit; and a first housing member comprising a recess configured to house the distal end of the locking member; the second body portion comprising; a second housing member located between the actuation unit and the first housing member, the second housing member comprising an aperture configured to house a portion of the locking member; wherein when the locking member is in the first position a portion of the locking member is housed within the first housing member and the locking mechanism is secured and when the locking member is in the second position the locking mechanism is unsecured, wherein the locking member comprises a third position wherein a portion of the locking member is housed within the second housing member and the locking mechanism is partially secured, wherein the third position is located between the first position and the second position, o wherein a locking mechanism with graduated locking is provided.
In this way, a locking mechanism with greater resistance to prying and leverage attacks is provided. In particular, the locking member is protected in a double-shear fashion. Further, a locking mechanism which can be retrofitted to existing containers, such as cabinets, boxes and doors, with ease. The locking mechanism negates the use of a rebate set, as the locking mechanism comprises the first housing member to enclose the distal end of the locking member, therefore providing a self-contained 'rebate' within the locking mechanism.
Preferably, the first body portion comprises a container door unit removably retainable against a body portion. Preferably, the second body portion comprises a container body unit. In such embodiments, preferably the container door unit is removably retainable on the container body unit to form an enclosed volume. In this way, the locking mechanism comprises the container to be locked. In select embodiments, the first body portion is configured to be attached to a door unit of an external container and the second body portion is configured to be attached to the body unit of an external container. In this way, the locking mechanism can be retrofitted to existing containers.
In some embodiments, the container door unit is removably retainable on an upper surface of the container body unit. In this way, a lockable lid is provided. In other embodiments, the container door unit is removably retainable on a side surface of the container body unit. In this way, a lockable door is provided.
Preferably, the actuation unit and the first housing member are fixed relative to one another. Preferably, the actuation unit extends along an axis parallel to the locking axis of the locking member.
Preferably, the first housing member comprises a blocking plate for blocking motion of the locking member. Preferably, the blocking plate is perpendicular to the locking axis of the locking member. Preferably, the blocking plate is located distal the actuation unit. In this way, the blocking plate provides a block on the distal side of the first housing member to protect the locking member in a double shear manner such that the risk of a pry attack pulling the locking member out of the recess of the first housing member is reduced. Preferably, the blocking plate comprises hardened steel. Preferably, the blocking plate is drill resistant. Preferably, the blocking plate comprises an abrasive material.
Preferably, the first housing member and the second housing member are substantially planar. Preferably, the planes of the first housing member and the second housing member are substantially parallel when the container door unit is removably retained on the container body unit. Preferably, the first housing member and the second housing member extend along an axis normal to the locking axis of the locking member.
Preferably, the cross-section of the locking member is substantially constant between the first end of the locking member and the second end of the locking member. Preferably, the cross-section of the locking member is substantially rectangular. Preferably, the locking member is housed within the profile of the aperture with a clearance fit. Preferably, the locking member is housed within the profile of the recess with a clearance fit. Preferably, the profile of the recess of the first housing member and profile of the aperture of the second housing member are substantially similar.
Preferably, the profile of the recess and the profile of the aperture extend along an axis normal to the locking axis of the locking member. In some embodiments, the profile of the recess and the profile of the aperture are substantially rectangular. It is understood that the profile of the recess and the profile of the aperture may be any suitable shape to house the locking member. It is also appreciated that the profile of the recess and the profile of the aperture may be different shapes or sizes to one another, in particular when the cross-section of the locking member varies with distance from the actuation unit.
Preferably, along the locking axis, the first housing member is spatially separated from the second housing member. Preferably, along the locking axis, the second housing member is spatially separated from the actuation unit. More preferably, along the locking axis, the first housing member is spatially separated from the second housing member and the second housing member is spatially separated from the actuation unit.
Preferably, the distance between the second housing member and the actuation unit is minimised. Preferably, the distance between the first housing member and the second housing member is minimised. In this way, a stronger locking mechanism is provided, as an increased shear force is required to shear the locking member when the locking member is in the first position. Preferably, along the locking axis, the distance between the second housing member and the actuation unit is greater than the distance between the first housing member and the second housing member. Alternatively, the distance between the second housing member and the actuation unit is substantially the same as the distance between the first housing member and the second housing member. Alternatively, the distance between the second housing member and the actuation unit is substantially less than the distance between the first housing member and the second housing member.
Alternatively, the distance between the second housing member and the actuation unit and/or the first housing member and the second housing member is substantially zero.
For example, in some embodiments, the second housing member and the actuation unit and/or the first housing member and the second housing member are separated by a clearance fit. It is understood the distances between the second housing member and the actuation unit and the first housing member and the second housing member may be constrained by manufacturing requirements and tolerances.
Preferably, the recess of the first housing member is configured to house at least 5mm depth of the locking member. More preferably, the recess of the first housing member is configured to house at least 5-50mm depth of the locking member. Still more preferably, the recess of the first housing member is configured to house at least 5-15mm depth of the locking member. Still more preferably, the recess of the first housing member is configured to house at least 5-10mm depth of the locking member. Preferably, the recess comprises an abutting end for abutting the locking member in the first position, the abutting end distal the actuation unit More preferably, the abutting end comprises the blocking plate.
It is understood that the spindle is any suitable means to actuate the locking mechanism. For example, the spindle may comprise a user interaction portion allowing a user to interact with the locking mechanism to move the locking member between the first, second and third positions. The spindle may comprise a rotational member, such as a thumb turn, configured to translate rotational motion of the rotational member to linear motion of the locking member along the locking axis. Alternatively, the spindle may comprise a sliding member configured to translate linear motion of the sliding member along the locking axis to linear motion of the locking member along the locking axis. In this way, the actuation portion may comprise, for example, a barrel bolt, a sliding bolt, a thumb turn or a turnkey. Preferably, the actuation portion comprises a key aperture for housing a key. More preferably, the actuation portion comprises a key complementary to the key aperture for actuating the actuation portion. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism comprises digital components. In some embodiments, the user interaction portion comprises a keypad. In this way, the locking member is configured such that when the user enters a code on the keypad, the correct code/s causes the locking member to be released from whichever of the first position or the third position it is located in.
Preferably, the height of the second housing member is greater than the height of the first housing member. It is understood that the height is the dimension perpendicular to (into) the page in Figures 1, 2, 4 and 5, which can be considered the depth of the housing member. Alternatively, the height of the second housing member is less than the height of the first housing member. Alternatively, the height of the first housing member is substantially the same as the height of the second housing member.
Preferably, the width of the second housing member is greater than the width of the first housing member. It is understood that the width is the dimension planar to the page in Figures 1, 2, 4 and 5, which can be considered the thickness of the housing member. Alternatively, the width of the second housing member is less than the width of the first housing member. Alternatively, the width of the first housing member is substantially the same as the width of the second housing member. When the locking member is in the first position and the locking assembly is secured, the first housing member, second housing member and locking member are at risk of mechanical failure when the locking assembly is subject to a shear or prying force. It is understood that the desirable relative width of the first housing member and the second housing member are subject to manufacturing requirements, such as the materials and manufacturing tolerances. In this way, the relative width of the first housing member and the second housing member are selected such that the most secure locking mechanism is provided.
Preferably, the height of the first housing member is from 20mm to 150mm. More preferably, the height of the first housing member is from 25mm to 125mm. Still more preferably, the height of the first housing member is from 30mm to 100mm. Still more preferably, the height of the first housing member is 42mm. It is understood that the height is the length in a direction parallel to the locking axis L in a direction into the page of Figure 1.
Preferably, the height of the second housing member is from 20mm to 200mm. More preferably, the height of the second housing member is from 30mm to 150mm. Still more preferably, the height of the second housing member is 40mm.
Preferably, the width of the first housing member is from 2mm to 20mm. More preferably, the width of the first housing member is from 4mm to 10mm. Still more preferably, the width of the first housing member is from 5mm to 7mm. Still more preferably, the width of the first housing member is 6mm. It is understood that the width is the length in a direction parallel to the locking axis L in a direction planar with the page of Figure 1.
Preferably, the width of the second housing member is from 2mm to 30mm. More preferably, the width of the second housing member is from 5mm to 20mm. Still more preferably, the width of the second housing member is from 8mm to 15mm. Still more preferably, the width of the second housing member is lOmm.
Preferably, the depth of the second housing member is from 100 to 200mm. More preferably, the depth is from 120-160mm. It is understood that the depth is the length in a direction perpendicular to the locking axis L, in a direction into the enclosed volume of the container body unit.
Preferably, the first body portion comprises a casing unit, a portion of the casing unit extending substantially parallel to the locking axis. Preferably, the casing unit extends beyond the first housing member in a first direction and beyond the actuation unit in a second opposing direction. In this way, the locking member and the first housing member and second housing member are encased, blocking access to the features which are at risk from leverage or pry attacks.
It is understood that, in select embodiments, the locking mechanism comprises a plurality of locking members and/or actuation portions. In this way, the locking mechanism provides multiple deadlocks each, for example, with their own actuation portion or a single actuation portion actuating a plurality of locking members.
Detailed Description
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 depicts a top view of an embodiment of the container locking mechanism according to the first aspect of the invention, the locking member shown in the first position; Figure 2 depicts a top view of a mortice locking mechanism in accordance with the prior art; Figure 3 depicts a perspective view of the container locking mechanism of Figure 1, the locking member shown in the third position; Figure 4 depicts a front view of the container locking mechanism of Figure 1, the locking member shown in the first position; Figure 5 depicts a front view of the container locking mechanism of Figure 1, the locking member shown in the second position; Figure 6 depicts a perspective view of the container locking mechanism of Figure 1; and Figure 7 depicts a perspective view of a second embodiment of the container locking mechanism of the present invention in a 'door' configuration, the first body member removed from the second body member.
With reference to Figure 2, a typical mortice locking mechanism 100 with a deadbolt 105, as known in the art, is illustrated. The mortice locking mechanism 100 comprises a lock body 120 housing the deadbolt 105. The deadbolt 105 is connected to the lock body 120 and is movable along a locking axis L between a first position and a second position. The lock body 120 is configured to be housed within a pocket 110 located in the door unit 140 of the container to be locked. The lock body 120 is secured within the pocket 110 using a retention plate 115. In the second position, the deadbolt 105 is located within the lock body 120 and the container to be locked is unlocked. The door unit 140 is configured to pivotally rotate towards and away from the body unit 135.
The deadbolt 105 is configured to engage with and sit within a rebate pocket when the deadbolt 105 is in the first position, as illustrated in Figure 2. In the first position, the mortice locking mechanism 100 secures the door unit 140 of the container to the body unit 135 of the container. Figure 2 shows a dissected top view of a typical mortice locking mechanism 100 and it is understood that a lid structure (not pictured) may be present on the container to the body unit 135. The rebate pocket is located within the body unit 135 and comprises a rebate plate 125 which is fixed into an engagement area The locking mechanism 100 and rebate pocket are typically provided together in a kit.
The present invention instead provides a rebate style cover on the same lockable area of the container, which surrounds the deadbolt engagement area and protects the deadbolt in a double shear. The present invention reduces the success of leverage or pry attacks. Further, the mortice locking mechanism of the prior art fails to disclose a graduated locking mechanism. It is understood that a container may be any suitable container, for example a cabinet, box, cupboard or door to a room.
With reference to Figures 1 and 3-5, an embodiment of a container locking mechanism 200 in accordance with the present invention is depicted. The locking mechanism 200 comprises a first body portion 205 removably retainable against a second body portion 210. The first body portion 205 comprises a container door unit and the second body portion 210 comprises a container body unit complementary to the container door unit.
In this way, when the first body portion 205 is removably retained against the second body portion 210, an enclosed volume is provided. The user can store items within the enclosed volume of the container and secure the first body portion 205 to the second body portion 210 to lock away the items.
As shown in Figure 6, the first body portion 205 is configured to pivot about a pivot axis P. The pivot axis is substantially parallel to the ground, during normal use. In this embodiment, a 'lid' configuration is shown. Namely the lid of the container may be opened and closed to access the contents of the container. The first body member 205 is pivotable connected to the second body member 210 along the pivot axis P. The first body portion 205 is removably retainable on a top surface 265a of the second body portion 210. In this way, a lockable lid is provided. A portion of the first body portion 205 is configured to be removably retained on a side surface 265b of the second body portion 210. Namely, the first body portion 205 has a substantially L-shaped cross section.
The first body portion 205 comprises a locking member 215 movable along a locking axis L between a first position, as shown in Figure 1 and 4, and a second position, as shown in Figure 5. The locking member 215 further comprises a third position, as shown in Figure 3. The first body portion 205 comprises an actuation unit 220 comprising an actuation portion 225. The actuation portion 225 comprises a spindle configured to move the locking member 215 between the first position and the second position. The actuation unit 220 extends along an axis parallel to the locking axis L. The locking member 215 comprises a first end 215a connected to the actuation unit 220 and a distal end 215b distal the actuation unit 220. The locking member 215 further comprises a central portion 215c located between the first end 215a and the distal end 215b.
The first body portion 205 further comprises a first housing member 230 comprising a recess 235 configured to house the distal end 215b of the locking member 215. The first housing member 230 is in a fixed position relative to the actuation unit 220. The first housing member 230 comprises a blocking plate 250 arranged to block motion of the locking member 215. The blocking plate 250 is perpendicular to the locking axis L and located distal the actuation unit 220.
The profile of the recess 235 provides a clearance fit to the locking member 215, such that the locking member 215 can easily be moved into and out of the recess 235. The recess has a depth of 10mm. The recess 235 comprises an abutting end for abutting the locking member 215 when the locking member 215 is in the first position. The abutting end is distal the actuation unit 220 and comprises a portion of the blocking plate 250. In this way, the blocking plate 250 forms a wall of the recess 235, such that when the distal end 215b of the locking member 215 is housed within the recess 235, further motion of the locking member 215 into the first housing member 230 is blocked by the blocking plate 250. The blocking plate 250, improves the strength of the locking mechanism 200 against leverage, pry and similar attacks, such as those from thieves.
The second body portion 210 comprises a second housing member 240 located between the actuation unit 220 and the first housing member 230. The second housing member 240 comprises an aperture 245 configured to house a portion of the locking member 215. The first housing member 230 and the second housing member 240 are substantially planar and extend parallel to one another, along an axis normal to the locking axis L. The profile of the aperture 245 provides a clearance fit to the locking member 215, such that the locking member 215 can easily be moved into and out of the aperture 245. The aperture 245 extends through the entire depth of the second housing member 240.
The cross-section of the locking member 215 is substantially constant between the first end 215a and the distal end 215b. The cross-section of the locking member 215, the recess 235 and the aperture 245 are substantially identical and are all substantially rectangular. Further, the recess 235 and aperture 245 are planar to one another, extend along a normal axis to the locking axis L and are symmetrical about the locking axis L. In this way, when the locking member 215 is urged along the locking axis L, motion of the locking member 215 is not blocked by the first housing member 230 or the second housing member 240, and instead the locking member 215 may be housed within the aperture 245 or within the aperture 245 and the recess 235.
Along the locking axis, the first housing member 230 is spatially separated from the second housing member 240 and the second housing member 240 is spatially separated from the actuation unit 220. The distance between the actuation unit 220 and the second housing member 240 is 3mm and the distance between the second housing member 240 and the first housing member 230 is 2mm. The spatial separation between the second housing member 240 and the actuation unit 220 is greater than the separation between the second housing member 240 and the first housing member 230.
In a particular example of the present invention, the height of the second housing member 240 is 40mm and the height of the first housing member 230 is 42mm. In this way, the height of the second housing member 240 is less than the height of the first housing member 230. The width of the second housing member 240 is 10mm and the width of the first housing member 230 is 6mm. In this way, the width of the second housing member 240 is greater than the width of the first housing member 230.
The actuation portion 225 of the actuation unit 220 comprises a key aperture for housing a key and further comprises a key (not pictured) complementary to the key aperture for actuating the actuation portion 225. In use, the key can be inserted into the key aperture and rotated. The actuation portion 225 is configured to translate rotational motion of the key into linear motion of the sliding member 215. In this way, the user can turn the key in a first direction D1 to move the locking member 215 into the first position and can turn the key in a second direction D2 to move the locking member 215 into the second position. The locking member 115 can be urged into any position between the first position and second position by rotating the key in the key aperture.
The first body portion 205 comprises a casing unit 255, a portion of the casing unit 255 extending substantially parallel to the locking axis L, as illustrated in Figure 6. The key aperture of the action portion 225 extends through the casing unit. Apart from the key aperture, the casing unit 255 is substantially impermeable such that external access to the locking member 215 is restricted when the locking mechanism 200 is secured.
When the locking member 215 is in the first position, the distal end 215b of the locking member 215 is housed within the first housing member 230 and the central portion 215c of the locking member 215 is housed within the aperture 245. When the first body portion 205 is retained on the second body portion 210 and the locking member 215 is in the first position, the locking mechanism 200 is secured. The locking member 215 prevents motion of the first body portion 205 away from the second body portion 210 and vice versa, with the first housing member 230 and second housing member 240 blocking motion of the locking member 215 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the locking axis L when the first body portion 205 is pivoted away from the second body portion 210.
If the first body portion 205 is not retained on the second body portion 210 and the distal end 215b of the locking member 215 is located within the recess 235, if a user attempts to retain the first body portion 205 on the second body portion 210 then this motion is blocked by the second housing member 240. The second housing member 240 blocks the central portion 215c of the locking member 215, preventing the first body portion 205 from being brought into the retained position against the second body portion 210.
In the second position, the distal end 215b of the locking member 215 is located proximate the actuation unit 220 such that no portion of the locking member 215 is located within the recess 235 or the aperture 245. When the locking member 215 is in the second position the locking mechanism 200 is unsecured and the first body portion 205 can be freely removed from, and returned to, its removably retained position on the second body member 210. In this unsecured configuration, the user can freely access the contents of the container. The actuation unit 220 comprises a locking member recess 260 into which the locking member 215 can recede when the locking member 215 is not in the first position. The locking member recess 260 allows the locking member 215 to be drawn back from the first position to the second position. In this way, motion of the locking member 215 in a direction normal to the locking axis L is not obstructed by the first housing member 230 or the second housing member 240 when the first body portion 205 is pivoted away from the second body portion 210.
The locking member 215 further comprises a third position wherein the distal end 215b is housed within the aperture 245 of the second housing member 240 and the locking mechanism 200 is partially secured. The third position, as illustrated in Figure 3, is located between the first position and the second position. In this way, a locking mechanism 200 with graduated locking is provided. The locking member 215 is partially receded into the locking member recess 260 when the locking member is in the third position. The third position affords partial security, similar to that of the prior art of Figure 2. In this way, a secure locking configuration which is at greater risk to leveraging or prying attacks is also provided.
The greatest security is provided when the first body portion 205 is retained on the second body portion 210 and the locking member 215 is in the first position.
As illustrated in Figure 6, the locking mechanism is located on the portion of the first body portion 205 configured to be removably retained on a side surface 265b of the second body portion 210. In this embodiment, the container locking mechanism comprises a pair of locking units 270a, 270b with each locking unit 270a, 270b comprising a locking member 215, actuation unit 220, first housing member 230 and second housing member 240. The locking units 270a, 270b are substantially symmetrical about a central axis A of the first body portion 205, such that locking axes L of each locking unit 270a, 270b are parallel but the locking members 215 are configured to slide in opposing directions to one another to be placed in the first position. It is envisaged that in some embodiments a single locking unit 270a, 270b, or a plurality of locking units 270a, 270b may be provided.
An alternative embodiment is shown in Figure 7. Similar reference numerals will be used herein to describe the second embodiment of the invention.
Figure 7 depicts the first body portion 305 is configured to pivot about a pivot axis P'.
The pivot axis P' is substantially perpendicular to the ground, in normal use. As such, a 'door' configuration is shown. The first body member 305 is pivotable connected to the second body member 310 along the pivot axis P'. The first body portion 305 comprises a single locking unit 370, and is removably retainable on a side surface 365b of the second body portion 310 rather than a top surface 365a. In this way, a lockable door is provided. It is envisaged that in some embodiments a plurality of locking units 370 may be provided.

Claims (16)

  1. Claims 1 A container locking mechanism, the locking mechanism comprising; a first body portion and a second body portion, the first body portion removably retainable against the second body portion, the first body portion comprising; a locking member movable along a locking axis between a first position and a second position, an actuation unit comprising an actuation portion comprising a spindle configured to move the locking member between the first position and the second position, wherein the locking member comprises a first end connected to the actuation unit and a distal end distal the actuation unit; and a first housing member comprising a recess configured to house the distal end of the locking member; the second body portion comprising; a second housing member located between the actuation unit and the first housing member, the second housing member comprising an aperture configured to house a portion of the locking member; wherein when the locking member is in the first position a portion of the locking member is housed within the first housing member and the locking mechanism is secured and when the locking member is in the second position the locking mechanism is unsecured, wherein the locking member comprises a third position wherein a portion of the locking member is housed within the second housing member and the locking mechanism is partially secured, wherein the third position is located between the first position and the second position, wherein a locking mechanism with graduated locking is provided.
  2. 2. The locking mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuation unit and the first housing member are fixed relative to one another.
  3. 3 The locking mechanism as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first housing member comprises a blocking plate for blocking motion of the locking member.
  4. 4. The locking mechanism as claimed in claim 3, wherein the blocking plate is perpendicular to the locking axis of the locking member.
  5. 5. The locking mechanism as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first housing member and the second housing member are substantially planar.
  6. 6. The locking mechanism as claimed in claim 5, wherein the first housing member and the second housing member extend along an axis normal to the locking axis of the locking member.
  7. 7. The locking mechanism as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the profile of the recess of the first housing member and profile of the aperture of the second housing member are substantially similar.
  8. 8 The locking mechanism as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein, along the locking axis, the first housing member is spatially separated from the second housing member and the second housing member is spatially separated from the actuation unit.
  9. 9 The locking mechanism as claimed in claim 8, wherein, along the locking axis, the distance between the second housing member and the actuation unit is greater than the distance between the first housing member and the second housing member.
  10. 10. The locking mechanism as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the recess of the first housing member is configured to house at least 5-15mm depth of the locking member.
  11. 11. The locking mechanism as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuation portion comprises a key aperture for housing a key.
  12. 12. The locking mechanism as claimed in claim 11, wherein the actuation portion comprises a key complementary to the key aperture for actuating the actuation portion.
  13. 13. The locking mechanism as claimed in any one if the preceding claims, wherein the width of the second housing member is less than the width of the first housing member.
  14. 14. The locking mechanism as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the width of the first housing member is from 20mm to 150mm.
  15. 15. The locking mechanism as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the width of the second housing member is from 20mm to 200mm.
  16. 16. The locking mechanism as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first body portion comprises a casing unit, a portion of the casing unit extending substantially parallel to the locking axis.
GB2202996.1A 2022-03-03 2022-03-03 Container locking mechanism Pending GB2616299A (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB2202996.1A GB2616299A (en) 2022-03-03 2022-03-03 Container locking mechanism
PCT/GB2023/050497 WO2023166306A1 (en) 2022-03-03 2023-03-03 Container locking mechanism

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB2202996.1A GB2616299A (en) 2022-03-03 2022-03-03 Container locking mechanism

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB202202996D0 GB202202996D0 (en) 2022-04-20
GB2616299A true GB2616299A (en) 2023-09-06

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Family Applications (1)

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GB2202996.1A Pending GB2616299A (en) 2022-03-03 2022-03-03 Container locking mechanism

Country Status (2)

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GB (1) GB2616299A (en)
WO (1) WO2023166306A1 (en)

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4997218A (en) * 1990-01-22 1991-03-05 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army Pin lock mechanism with bias change feature
US5280973A (en) * 1992-09-25 1994-01-25 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army Hatch securing mechanism
GB2301141A (en) * 1995-05-22 1996-11-27 Epwin Group Plc Locking device
NL1012016C1 (en) * 1999-05-10 2000-11-13 Stenman Holland Nv Push bolt for locking door hingeably fixed in frame, is provided with first fixture plate for fixture to frame and second fixture plate fixed to door or vice versa
US20040221626A1 (en) * 2002-08-28 2004-11-11 Palzkill Raymond G. Security cover with releasable lock

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1392707A (en) * 1920-01-17 1921-10-04 Segal Metal Products Company I Lock
US1359347A (en) * 1920-02-24 1920-11-16 Fleisher Max Lock
US1744988A (en) * 1922-03-03 1930-01-28 Sargent & Co Lock
DE911706C (en) * 1950-09-13 1954-05-17 Ernst Krebs Device to prevent the forcible opening of closures
SE432796B (en) * 1982-02-02 1984-04-16 Paul Petersson Arrangement related to locking means
FR2578894B1 (en) * 1985-03-12 1989-06-16 Acial LOCKING DEVICE FOR DOORS, PARTICULARLY FOR STRONG CABINET DOORS
ES1003613Y (en) * 1987-11-24 1989-03-01 Romero Alda Angel SAFE FOR LOCK PROTECTION.
US6148650A (en) * 1995-06-29 2000-11-21 Home Doors Limited Bolt unit and frame arrangement
US5784973A (en) * 1996-03-12 1998-07-28 Interbold Secure enclosure for automated banking machine
US20150282349A1 (en) * 2014-03-28 2015-10-01 International Business Machines Corporation Equipment rack bracing
PL232847B1 (en) * 2016-03-29 2019-08-30 Barszcz Jaroslaw Barkey Firma Zabezpieczeniowa Door

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4997218A (en) * 1990-01-22 1991-03-05 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army Pin lock mechanism with bias change feature
US5280973A (en) * 1992-09-25 1994-01-25 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army Hatch securing mechanism
GB2301141A (en) * 1995-05-22 1996-11-27 Epwin Group Plc Locking device
NL1012016C1 (en) * 1999-05-10 2000-11-13 Stenman Holland Nv Push bolt for locking door hingeably fixed in frame, is provided with first fixture plate for fixture to frame and second fixture plate fixed to door or vice versa
US20040221626A1 (en) * 2002-08-28 2004-11-11 Palzkill Raymond G. Security cover with releasable lock

Also Published As

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WO2023166306A1 (en) 2023-09-07
GB202202996D0 (en) 2022-04-20

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