NZ742021A - A lock set for sliding doors - Google Patents

Abstract

A lock set, comprising a housing for mounting on a sliding door; a strike for mounting on a door frame or an adjacent sliding door, the strike comprises a chamber having an opening; a bolt comprising formations located at or about a distal end of the bolt for rotationally engaging complementary locking formations of the strike, the bolt being configured to be moveable between: a retracted state in which the bolt is substantially located within the housing, an extended state in which the bolt protrudes from the housing for advancing into the strike, and a locking state in which the bolt is rotated for lockingly engaging the complementary locking formations of the strike; and a driving mechanism configured for operating the bolt between the retracted state, the extended state and the locking state. The driving mechanism comprises a first driver - for actuating the bolt between the retracted state and the extended state, and a second driver - for rotational motion between the extended state and the locking state, both mounted to a common axle shaft of the housing so their respective actuation of the bolt is synchronised. The formations of the bolt comprise grooves that are configured substantially in the shape of an ‘L’ for engaging complementary projections within the strike chamber. The dual mechanism drivers provide a more controlled and precise manipulation of the bolt and improved security via the engagement of the bolt with the strike being more tamperproof compared to the prior art.

Description

A lock set for sliding doors The invention relates to a lock set for sliding doors, and more specifically a bolt-type lock set for cavity sliding doors.

Conventional locks for sliding doors typically comprise an upwardly or downwardly pivoting hook for catching an edge of a corresponding strike and the hook is held in a locked state by way of a spring arrangement to lock the movement of the sliding door along its track. Such locks are known as hook-type locks.

However, conventional hook-type locks are prone to security issues as their hooks could be easily deflected and disengaged. A further problem with a conventional hook-type lock is its tendency to sustain damage over time as the hook is often left in its "locked state" when hitting a strike plate, thereby causing prolonged damage over time to the hook and its locking components and reducing the lock’s ability to reliably catch the strike opening. In addition, hooks of conventional locks tend to have a very limited catch on the strike.

The applicant has determined that it would be advantageous to provide a new bolt-type lock set for sliding doors with improved security and reliability of the locking mechanism.

The present invention, in its preferred embodiments, seeks to at least in part alleviate the above-identified problems.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a lock set, comprising a housing for mounting on a sliding door; a strike for mounting on a door frame or an adjacent sliding door, the strike comprises a chamber having an opening; a bolt comprising formations located at or about a distal end of the bolt for rotationally engaging complementary locking formations of the strike, the bolt being configured to be moveable between: a retracted state in which the bolt is substantially located within the housing, an extended state in which the bolt protrudes from the housing for advancing into the strike, and a locking state in which the bolt is rotated for lockingly engaging the complementary locking formations of the strike; and a driving mechanism configured for operating the bolt between the retracted state, the extended state and the locking state.

Preferably, the driving mechanism comprises a first driver for actuating the bolt between the retracted state and the extended state, and a second driver for rotating the bolt between the extended state and the locking state.

Preferably, the first driver comprises a cam operatively associated with a carriage, which is operatively coupled to the bolt, such that relative movement of the cam about a pivot causes linear movement of the carriage and thereby actuates the bolt between the retracted state and the extended state.

Preferably, the carriage comprises a formation for operatively coupling with a complementary formation of the bolt whereby the bolt is moveable while coupled to the carriage in both linear and radial directions of travel.

Preferably, the carriage comprises a projection that is received within a recess of the bolt, and a further projection protruding transverse from the projection receivable within a complementary slot formation located within the recess of the bolt.

Alternatively, the bolt comprises a projection that is received within a recess of the carriage, and a further projection protruding transverse from the projection receivable within a complementary slot formation located within the recess of the carriage.

Preferably, the cam is located within and associated with the carriage by way of its protrusion into an opening of the carriage.

Preferably, the second driver comprises an arm rotatable in an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bolt, the arm having a formation located at or near a distal end for engaging a complementary formation located along a length of the bolt when the bolt is in the extended state, whereby rotational movement of the arm when coupled to the bolt actuates the bolt between the extended state and the locking state.

Preferably, the formation on the arm is a projection for operatively coupling with a complementarily shaped detent located along the length of the bolt.

Preferably, the housing further comprises an axle shaft, and wherein the first and second drivers are mounted to the axle shaft so that the drivers are operable by way of rotational movement of a lock handle or a lock gear associated with the axle shaft.

Preferably, the cam is mounted to the axle shaft so that the cam is operable by way of rotational movement of the lock handle or the lock gear associated with the axle shaft.

Preferably, the arm is mounted to the axle shaft so that the arm is operable by way of rotational movement of the lock gear associated with the axle shaft or by way of manual handling by a user.

Preferably, the axle shaft is of a substantially rectangular cross section. Preferably, the lock gear is associated with and operable by a keyed lock.

Preferably, the formation located at or about the distal end of the bolt comprises grooves for engaging complementary projections located within the strike chamber. Preferably, the groove is configured substantially in the shape of ‘L’. Alternatively, the groove is in the form of a longitudinal groove that meets a radial groove or part thereof.

Preferably, the bolt comprises a formation configured to engage a complementary guiding formation of the housing so that movement of the bolt is restrained by the engagement of the complementary formations.

Preferably, the guiding formation of the bolt is a projection configured to engage a complementary radial track of the housing when the bolt is in the extended state, whereby the projection abuts an end of the radial track to limit rotational movement of the bolt.

Preferably, the projection is configured to engage a complementary linear track of the sleeve, whereby the projection abuts an end of the linear track to limit rectilinear movement of the bolt.

Further aspects of the present invention and further embodiments of the aspects described in the preceding paragraphs will become apparent from the following description.

While aspects of the present invention will be described below for use in combination with each other in the preferred embodiments of the present invention, it is to be understood by a skilled person that some aspects of the present invention are equally suitable for use as standalone inventions that can be individually incorporated into other locks not described herein.

The invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1A is a front sectional view of the lock set according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention showing the lock in its retracted state; Figure 1B is a rear view of the lock set of Figure 1A; Figure 2A is a side sectional view showing the lock set in a transient state; Figure 2B is a rear view of the lock set of Figure 2A; Figure 2C is a side sectional view of the lock set of Figure 2A; Figure 3A is a side sectional view showing the lock set in its locking state; Figure 3B is a rear view of the lock set of Figure 3A; Figure 3C is a side sectional view of the lock set of Figure 3A; Figure 4 is a rendered front perspective view of an assembled lock and a strike according to preferred embodiments of the present invention showing the assembled lock in its locking state; Figure 5 is a rendered back perspective view of the assembled lock and strike of Figure 4; Figure 6 is an exploded view showing the lock set according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 is an exploded view showing the lock set according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 is a top down perspective view of the lock set showing the swing arm in an disengaged position; and Figure 9 is a top down perspective view of the lock set showing the swing arm engaged with a detent of the bolt.

Figures 1 to 3 show a lock set 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention having mounting plates 100 for mounting to a door, a lock housing 110, a carriage portion 170 mounted in the housing 110 for driving a locking member 150 (in the form of a bolt) in a rectilinear direction, a cam 140 for actuating the carriage portion 170 and a swing arm 160 having formations for engaging complementary formations on the locking member 150 for driving the locking member 150 in a radial direction. Figures 1 to 3 also show a corresponding strike 180 for mounting on a door frame or an adjacent sliding door, the strike 180 having a strike chamber 182 for receiving the locking member 150 and formations 184 for lockingly engaging complementary formations of locking member 150 when the locking member 150 is inserted into and rotated relative to the strike 180. The cam 140 and arm 160 are both mounted on an axle shaft 130 of the lock set 1 so that their relative movements with respect to the locking member 150 are synchronised. The lock configuration embodying the present invention advantageously provides greater travel of the locking member 150 in addition to the locking member 150 being positively engaged by the driver 140 and rotatably engaged with formations 184 of the strike when compared to conventional hook-type sliding door locks, thereby providing a lock that is more secure and reliable. Figure 6 shows an exploded view of the lock set according to an embodiment of the present invention with keyed locks (a security version). Figure 7 shows an exploded view of the lock set according to another embodiment of the present invention with a simple door snib replacing keyed locks (a privacy version). Details of preferred embodiments of the present invention are now described below.

The lock assembly 1 has two opposing mounting plates 100 for mounting to each side of a door (now shown) and the lock housing 110 is located between the opposing mounting plates 100. The lock housing 110 is aligned with the mounting plates 100 by way of mounting bosses 102 and further secured by way of suitable fasteners. The position of the mounting plates 100 with respect to the lock housing 110 can be adjusted based on the thickness of the door.

In the preferred embodiment, the lock housing 110 is assembled from two opposing elongated housing shell portions 112 (such as a cylindrical sleeve), which houses the locking member 150 and the driving mechanism, including the cam 140 and the carriage portion 170. In another embodiment the housing is of a single-piece construction. The elongated housing portion 112 extends horizontally between the mounting plates 100 and terminates at the distal end with a suitable flange or mounting plate formation 114 and mounting apertures for mounting the lock assembly 1 to a door. In one configuration, the keyed lock 120, 108 and the lock gear 125 are mounted to one side of the mounting plate 100. A central gear 132, which is engageable by the lock gear 125, is mounted to the axle shaft 130. Rotation of the central gear 132 is configured to effect rotation of the axle shaft 130 as well as the cam 140 and arm 160 mounted to the shaft 130 in its axis of rotation.

The keyed lock 120, 108 is configured to turn the lock gear 125 which in turn operates the locking member 150 by driving other internal locking components of the lock, including in some embodiments the central gear 132 or a gear associated with the arm 160, the cam 140, the carriage portion 170 and the arm 160. The axle shaft 130, cam 140 and the arm 160, and hence the lock assembly 1, can also be operated by a door/coin snib 104 and/or door handle associated with the arrangement (as seen in Figures 4 and 5). In one embodiment, the axle shaft is configured with a substantially rectangular cross section.

The lock housing 110 houses the locking member 150, in the form of a bolt, such that the locking member 150 is moveable within, and relative to, the housing 110. The locking member 150 has locking formations located at or about a distal end of the locking member 150 (the end that is closer to the strike 180) for rotationally engaging complementary locking formations of the strike 180. In one configuration, the locking formation 156 is in the form of an L-shaped groove for latching on to a complementary locking formation 184 in the form of a protrusion of the strike 180. In an alternative embodiment, the groove is in the form of a longitudinal groove that meets a radial groove or part thereof. It is to be appreciated that reverse configurations where protrusions are located on the locking member 150 for engaging a corresponding recess of the strike is also possible. The locking member 150 is configured to move between a number of states; namely, a retracted state in which the locking member 150 is substantially located within the length of the lock housing 110 so that it does not protrude out from the housing 110, an extended state in which the locking member 150 protrudes from the housing 110 for advancing its distal end into the strike 180 (and for entering a strike chamber 182), and finally a locking state in which the locking member 150 is rotated with respect to its longitudinal axis so that the locking formation 156 of the locking member 150 is positioned to engage the complementary locking formation 184 of the strike 180, in use. The locking action of the locking member 150 through the three above described states can also be similarly described as a "bayonet" locking action.

The lock assembly 1 is provided with a driving mechanism for operating the locking member 150 between the retracted, extended and locking states. The driving mechanism comprises a first driver in the form of the cam 140 and the carriage portion 170 for actuating the locking member 150 between the retracted state and the extended state. Both the cam 140 and the carriage portion 170 are located within the lock housing 110. The carriage portion 170 is adapted to move slidingly with respect to the elongated housing portion 112 and is operatively coupled to the locking member 150 so that relative movement of the carriage portion 170 causes corresponding movement of the locking member 150 relative to the lock housing 110. The cam 140 is operatively associated with the carriage portion 170 so that rotational movement of the cam 140 relative to the carriage causes linear movement of the carriage portion 170, and by extension, the locking member 150 relative to the lock housing 110. In one configuration, as seen in Figures 1 to 3, rotational movement of the cam 140 about the axle shaft 130 from the 11 o'clock position to the 3 o'clock position causes the carriage portion 170 to push the locking member 150 linearly outwards from the lock housing 110, and hence move the locking member 150 from its retracted state as seen in Figure 1 to its extended state as seen in Figure 3. In one configuration, the cam 140 is located within the carriage portion 170 and configured to protrude from an opening of the carriage portion 170. The cam 140 actuates the carriage portion 170 forwards and backwards by striking faces 172, 173 of the carriage opening, respectively.

It is to be appreciated that the carriage portion 170 is operatively coupled to the locking member 150 so that the locking member 150 is moveable while coupled to the carriage portion 170 in both linear and radial directions of travel. In one embodiment, the carriage portion 170 comprises a linearly-extending projection 171 which is configured to be received within a recess 152 of the locking member 150. In some configurations, at or about a distal end of the projection 171, at an end proximate the locking member 150, the carriage portion 170 comprises a further projection protruding transversely from the projection 171 which is receivable within a complementary slot formation 164 located within the recess 152 of the locking member 150. In another configuration, the distal end of the projection 171 may be provided with a slot for receiving a connecting/strike pin 175 which is also received through the slot formation 174 of the locking member 150, thereby operatively couples the locking member 150 and the carriage portion 170. In an alternative embodiment, the reverse configuration is also possible. For example, the carriage portion 170 may instead be provided with a recess for receiving a complementary projection of the locking member 150 to achieve the effect of having the locking member 150 actuable by the carriage portion 170 and moveable while coupled to the carriage portion 170 in both linear and radial directions of travel. In one configuration, the locking member 150 is provided with a spring-loaded pin (not shown) connecting a portion of the locking member 150 to the lock housing 110 to add frictional movement to the system such that unintended free-movement/rattling of the locking member 150 within the lock housing 110 is reduced.

The driving mechanism comprises a second driver in the form of the arm 160. The arm 160 is mounted to, and rotatable relative to, the axle shaft 130. It is to be appreciated that the arm 160 is configured to be rotatable in an axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the locking member 150. The arm 160 is provided with a formation 162 at or near its distal end for engaging a complementary formation located along a length of the locking member 150 when the locking member 150 is in its extended state. In one configuration, the formation 162 is in the form of a projection or a lobe for engaging a complementary formation of the locking member 150 in the form of a detent/recess 166 as seen in Figure 3C. When the locking member 150 is in its extended state, the projection 162 of arm 160 is configured to engage the detent 166 of the locking member 150 and cause the locking member 150 to roll/rotate between its extended state and the locking state. In one configuration, as seen in Figure 3C, the projection 162 is configured to roll the locking member 150 in a downward direction into the locking state. In the reverse direction, when the projection 162 is lifted upwards, it is also configured to engage the detent 166 of locking member 150 and roll the locking member 150 in an upward direction back to the extended state from the locking state. It is to be appreciated that the projection 162 of the swing arm 160 and detent 166 of the locking member 150 work similar in principle to individual gear teeth. In alternative embodiments, more than one projection/detent could be added to the swing arm 160 and/or the locking member 150 (similar to that of a rack and pinion setup or the like) which would increase radial movement of the locking member 150 and increase the amount of lock engagement with the strike formation 184.

In some configurations, as seen in Figures 8 and 9, the housing 110 is provided with a catch 118 to frictionally engage a portion of the swing arm 160 to stop the arm 160 from deflecting away or disengaging from the locking member 150 when the projection 162 is engaged with detent 166 in the locking state.

It is to be appreciated that the first driver and the second driver are both mounted to the axle shaft 130 (which, in one embodiment, is mounted to the central gear 132) so that the drivers are operable by rotational movement of the keyed lock 120, 108 by way of turning the lock gear 125 associated with the central gear 132, swing arm gear 164 or by rotational movement of the lock handle/snib 104.

In one embodiment, as best illustrated in Figure 3B, the lock housing 110 is further provided with a guiding formation 116 in the form of a radial track for restricting the rotational/rolling movement of the locking member 150 between its extended state and the locking state. The locking member 150 is provided with a projection 154 which is configured to travel within the radial track 116 when transitioning from the extended state to the locking state. The projection 154 of the locking member 150 abuts an end of the radial track 116 to limit rotational/rolling movement of the locking member 150 in the locking state. In some configurations, the guiding formation 116 of the lock housing 110 is further provided with a linear track, as seen in Figure 5, for restricting rectilinear movement of the locking member 150 at its extended state. In this embodiment, the projection 154 of the locking member 150 abuts an end of the linear track to restrict further rectilinear movement of the locking member 150 with respect to the lock housing 110.

The strike 180 comprises a strike chamber 182 and a strike opening 186 suitably dimensioned for receiving a portion of the corresponding locking member 150 in the extended state and the locking state. The strike 180 is also provided with a flange 188 with mounting apertures 189 for mounting to a door frame or an adjacent sliding door.

Figures 4 and 5 show exploded views of the assembled lock 1 and the strike 180 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It is to be appreciated that the mounting plate 100 can be a mounting plate of any suitable configuration. The assembled lock 1 can be configured such that both sides of the lock is provided with a suitable actuating means to operate the lock assembly 1, for example, one side of the lock can be provided with a door snib 104 or handle to actuate the driving mechanism while another side of the lock can be provided with a keyed lock 120, 108 to drive the lock gear 125 and the central gear 132 associated with the axle shaft. It is to be appreciated that the door snib 104 or handle on one side of the lock is associated with the axle shaft and the driving mechanism such that its action duplicates the action of a key in the keyed lock 120, 108 to enable locking and unlocking of the lock assembly 1.

As described in an associated Australian Patent Application No. 2017900936, in one configuration, the lock gear 125 has the ability to free-wheel so that it does not impinge on the rotation of the driving mechanism even when the keyed lock 120, 108 is engaged. Due to the free-wheeling property of the lock gear 125, the lock 120, lock gear 125, central gear 132, axle shaft and the driving mechanism (together, the "locking mechanism") must be synchronised on installation of the lock assembly 1. Synchronisation of the locking mechanism can be achieved during installation of the mounting plates 100 to a door by moving the locking member 150 and its associated first and second drivers to its retracted state while holding the lock gear 125 to the lock 120, 108 in its locked position. As described in the above referenced patent application, in one embodiment, a tool in the form of an elongated tab can be inserted through both the lock 120 and a recess of the lock gear 125, thereby locking relative movement of the lock 120 and lock gear 125 together during installation. In one configuration, the tool comprises an elongated portion and a handle at a proximal end of the elongated portion. The elongated portion may be provided with a curved configuration which enables the tool to be retained within the lock 120 and the recess by way of friction engagement.

In use, a user activates the lock by moving the door with the lock assembly 1 adjacent the door frame or the adjacent door with the corresponding strike 180 and turning the keyed lock 120, which engages and rotationally actuates the lock gear 125. Rotational movement of the lock gear 125 turns the driving mechanism (including the axle shaft 130, central gear 132, cam 140, carriage portion 170 and arm 160) which is configured to move the locking member 150 within the lock housing 110 between the retracted state and the extended state and then rotates/rolls the locking member 150 from its extended state to the locking state, in which the groove formation 156 of the locking member 150 engages with the projection 184 of the strike 180. Alternatively, the user could operate the snib 104 or handle which is directly associated with the driving mechanism to operate the lock assembly 1. The user would disengage the lock or unlock the door by performing the reverse action, which would result in the driving mechanism reversing its course, rolling the locking member 150 back to its original state and pulling the carriage portion 170 and the locking member 150 back to their retracted state. The extension and locking action of the locking member 150 may also be described as that of a "bayonet" locking action.

Although the lock assembly 1 and the corresponding strike 180 have been described to be applicable for use with a sliding door, it is to be understood that they will be equally suitable for use with sliding windows.

In the description and drawings of this embodiment, same reference numerals are used as have been used in respect of the first embodiment, to denote and refer to corresponding features.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not by way of limitation. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention should not be limited by any of the above described exemplary embodiments.

Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

Claims (19)

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. A lock set, comprising: a housing for mounting on a sliding door; 5 a strike for mounting on a door frame or an adjacent sliding door, the strike comprises a chamber having an opening; a bolt comprising formations located at or about a distal end of the bolt for rotationally engaging complementary locking formations of the strike, the bolt being configured to be moveable between: a retracted state in which the bolt is substantially 10 located within the housing, an extended state in which the bolt protrudes from the housing for advancing into the strike, and a locking state in which the bolt is rotated for lockingly engaging the complementary locking formations of the strike; and a driving mechanism configured for operating the bolt between the retracted state, the extended state and the locking state.

2. A lock set according to claim 1, wherein the driving mechanism comprises a first driver for actuating the bolt between the retracted state and the extended state, and a second driver for rotating the bolt between the extended state and the locking state. 20

3. A lock set according to claim 2, wherein the first driver comprises a cam operatively associated with a carriage, which is operatively coupled to the bolt, such that relative movement of the cam about a pivot causes linear movement of the carriage and thereby actuates the bolt between the retracted state and the extended state. 25

4. A lock set according to claim 3, wherein the carriage comprises a formation for operatively coupling with a complementary formation of the bolt whereby the bolt is moveable while coupled to the carriage in both linear and radial directions of travel.

5. A lock set according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the carriage comprises a projection 30 that is received within a recess of the bolt, and a further projection protruding transversely from the projection receivable within a complementary slot formation located within the recess of the bolt.

6. A lock set according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the bolt comprises a projection that is received within a recess of the carriage, and a further projection protruding transversely from the projection receivable within a complementary slot formation located within the recess of the carriage.

7. A lock set according to claim 6, wherein the cam is located within and associated with the carriage by way of its protrusion into an opening of the carriage.

8. A lock set according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the second driver 10 comprises an arm rotatable in an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bolt, the arm having a formation located at or near a distal end for engaging a complementary formation located along a length of the bolt when the bolt is in the extended state, whereby rotational movement of the arm when coupled to the bolt actuates the bolt between the extended state and the locking state.

9. A lock set according to claim 8, wherein the formation on the arm is a projection for operatively coupling with a complementarily shaped detent located along the length of the bolt. 20

10. A lock set according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the housing further comprises an axle shaft, and wherein the first and second drivers are mounted to the axle shaft so that the drivers are operable by way of rotational movement of a lock handle or a lock gear associated with the axle shaft. 25

11. A lock set according to claim 10 when dependent on any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the cam is mounted to the axle shaft so that the cam is operable by way of rotational movement of the lock handle or the lock gear associated with the axle shaft.

12. A lock set according to claim 11 when dependent on any one of claims 8 to 10, 30 wherein the arm is mounted to the axle shaft so that the arm is operable by way of rotational movement of the lock gear associated with the axle shaft or by way of manual handling by a user.

13. A lock set according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the axle shaft is of a substantially rectangular cross section.

14. A lock set according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the lock gear is 5 associated with and operable by a keyed lock.

15. A lock set according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the formation located at or about the distal end of the bolt comprises grooves for engaging complementary projections located within the strike chamber.

16. A lock set according to claim 15, wherein the groove is configured substantially in the shape of ‘L’.

17. A lock set according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bolt comprises 15 a formation configured to engage a complementary guiding formation of the housing so that movement of the bolt is restrained by the engagement of the complementary formations.

18. A lock set according to claim 17, wherein the guiding formation of the bolt is a 20 projection configured to engage a complementary radial track of the housing when the bolt is in the extended state, whereby the projection abuts an end of the radial track to limit rotational movement of the bolt.

19. A lock set according to claim 18, wherein the projection is configured to engage a 25 complementary linear track of the sleeve, whereby the projection abuts an end of the linear track to limit rectilinear movement of the bolt.