US3083562A

US3083562A - Time locking apparatus

Info

Publication number: US3083562A
Application number: US142193A
Authority: US
Inventors: Weizer Joseph
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1961-10-02
Filing date: 1961-10-02
Publication date: 1963-04-02
Anticipated expiration: 1980-04-02

Description

April 2, 1963 J. WEIZER 3,083,562

TIME LOCKING APPARATUS Filed Oct. 2, 1961 2 Sheets-Sheet l ,2 m FIGJ INYENTOR. JOSEPH WEIZER BY M u SQE/QQ/ ATTORNEY J. WEIZER TIME LOCKING APPARATUS A ril 2, 1963 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Oct. 2, 1961 INVENTOR.

JOSEPH WEIZER ATTORNEY lice $383,552 Ti /1E LGCKING APPARATUS .loseph Weizer, 1&2 Fnrrey Lane, Havertown, Pa. Filed Get. 2, 1961, Ser. No, 142,193 '7 Eaims. (Cl. 7l27l) This invention relates to a time locking apparatus, and more particularly, to a selectively adjustable lock for a door whereby said door may be opened without a key only during a predetermined time interval.

There is a need for a time operated locking device adapted to be mounted in the door frame for use in homes, ofrices, stores, and the like. The time looking apparatus should be of a nature so that a person may close a door and adjust the timing mechanism so that the door Will he latched at a predetermined time and unlatched at a predetermined time to all parties except those who have a key for the locking mechanism on the door. For examplc, a person may set the time mechanism so that the door will become latched at 11 oclock in the evening and unlatched at 7 oclock in the morning. This will enable such person to be performing other duties or functions at a remote point from the door when the door will automatically be latched. However, at all times the door may be opened by any authorized person having a key for the locking mechanism on the door.

In order to accomplish the desirable objects of the present invention, a solenoid operator is provided for the cross slide which selectively obstructs the pivotable path of the latching member projecting beyond the periphery of a pivotably mounted door. The solenoid operator is interconnected with the cross slide by means of a toggle mechanism which is designed so as to have certain links slightly above center thereby preventing forceful reciprocation f the cross slide by unauthorized persons.

The timing mechanism which selectively couples electricity to the solenoid operator of the cross slide may be disposed in any convenient central location. A plurality of doors may be controlled by a single timing mechanism. This feature facilitates use of the present invention in structures having more than one door and obviates the necessity for physically latching each door. The latching member which is adapted to move in an arcuate path need not be of the type which may be reciprocated in response to a key operated mechanism. Thus, the present invention may be utilized on doors where it is intended to prevent entry within the predetermined set time interval. Alternatively, the latch member may be of the type responsive to rotation of the doorknob on a door and responsive to a key operated mechanism on one side of the door in the locked disposition of the latching member.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel time looking apparatus.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a time locking apparatus wherein a latching member on a door will be restrained against pivotable movement during a predetermined set time interval thereby preventing pivotable movement of the door during said interval.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a time locking apparatus which is adapted for use in homes, stores, and the like.

it is another object of the present invention to provide a time locking apparatus adapted to lock a door during a predetermined set time interval to all persons except authorized persons having a key capable of causing movement of a latching member to a position wherein the latching member is not obstructed by a cross slide.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide an electrically operated member interconnected with a cross slide by means of a toggle mechanism having links slightly above center in an active disposition of the cross slide.

Other objects will appear hereinafter.

For the purpose of illustrating the invention there is shown in the drawings a form which is presently preferred; it being understood, however, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIGURE 1 is a front elevation View of a portion of a door frame and a door incorporating the time locking apparatus of the present invention.

FIGURE 2 is a transverse sectional view taken along the lines 2-2 in FIGURE 1.

FlGURE 3 is a view similar to FIGURE 1 showing the elements in an inactive disposition.

FIGURE 4 is a sectional view taken along the lines 44 in FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of the switch tripping elements mounted on a dial indicated in phantom.

Referring to the drawing in detail, wherein like numerals indicate like elements, there is shown in FIGURE 1 a time locking apparatus designated generally as 19.

The time locking apparatus includes a door frame 12 having a door 14 pivotably mounted in the door frame opening by means of hinges, not shown. A time lock mechanism designated generally as 16 is provided to selectively prevent pivotal movement of the door 14. The time lock mechanism 16 includes a casing 13 within which a clock mechanism is provided. The clock mechanism, per se, is of conventional construction and forms no part of the present invention. The clock mechanism cooperates with elements to interrupt the flow of current from a source through electrical conduit 2%) to electrical conduit 22.

The time lock mechanism 16 also includes a solenoid 24 which is coupled to one end of the wires of the electrical conduit 22. The solenoid 24 is mounted on a housing 26. The housing 25 is rigidly secured to the door frame 12 by screws or any other equivalent structure. The solenoid 24 is provided with a reciprocably mounted plunger 28 which moves upwardly to the position illustrated in FIGURE 4 when the solenoid 24 is coupled to a source of electrical energy.

A pair of links 3t; have one end pivotably secured to the lowermost end of the plunger 28. The links 30 are formed so that their end remote from the plunger 28 forms a bifurcation. A link 32. has one end pivotably secured to a side portion of the housing -26. The other end of link 32 and one end of link 34 are disposed in the bifurcation formed by the links 39 and are pivotably secured thereto by means of a pivot pin 33. The other end of link 34 is pivotably secured to a flat cross slide 36.

The cross slide 36 is reciprocably disposed Within a channel between a plate member 38 and a stack of discs 4! The plate member 38 is removably secured to the discs 4% by screws. The number of the discs 40 may be increased or decreased as desired so as to accommodate various types of latching members and so that cross slide will be properly positioned so that it may be reciprocated by the toggle mechanism formed by the

links

30, 32 and 34. In the active position of the cross slide 36, the pivot pin 33 is slightly above center so that pressure exerted on the cross slide 35 in attempt to move the same to the disposition illustrated in FIGURE 3 meets with increasing resistance. As shown more clearly in FIGURE 4, a leaf spring 42 is fixedly secured to the housing 26 and positioned so as to bias a reduced diameter portion 44 on the plunger 28 to the disposition illustrated in FIGURE 3. When the plunger 28 reaches the upper limit of its travel as illustrated in FIGURE 4, the spring 42 is slightly tensioned. The bias of the spring 42 assists in the movement of the plunger 28'to the position illustrated in FIGURE 3 and assures rapid response of the plunger 28.

A lock 46 is removably secured to one surface of the door 14in a position so that a reciprocal latch member 48 may. entera recess formed by the plate member 38' and discs 40in-theclosed disposition of the door 14 as ill'u's tratedmore clearly in FIGURE 2. As illustrated, the lock 46 is provided with a manually rotatable knob 50 which causes reciprocation of the latch member 48. Also, the lock '46 isprovided with a key operated mechanism S I 'Which may cause reciprocation of the latch member 48; If desired, the door 14 may be provided with doorknobs which cause reciprocation of latch member 48, with the key responsive mechanism 51 being disposed within one of the doorknobs. V

p The casing 18 is provided with a pivotable cover 52. and may'be'located at any desired point remote from the solenoid 24. The casing 18"contains an electrically op,- er'ated'clock mechanism'which, per se, form's'no part of the present invention. The clock mechanism is provided with a dial 54 which'may be rotated manually. The clock mechanism also includes a pointer 55on one face of the dial 54. The dial 54 is provided with indicia including two sets of numbers from one to twelve. Appropriate indicia will also be provided to indicate morning, noon and night on the dial juxtaposed to the two sets of numerals. I

A rotatably mounted switch arm 56 is provided for actuation of the switch 57. The switch arm 56 is mounted for pivot'able movement between anolf and an on position. A

pair of'indicators

58 and 60 are removably and adjustably secured to the periphery of the dial54; one of the indicators, such as indicator 58, will be provided to indicate the lgckin'g of the latch member 48. The other indicator, such as indicator 60, will be provided'with indicia'jto indicate the unlocking of the latch member 48.

Asshown more clearly in FIGURE 5, the

indicators

58 and 60 will be retained on the periphe'ryof the dial 54 by'means of a setscrew; The indicator 58 is provided with a lug 62 which will contact a trip finger 64 on the switch arm 56 as it passes thereby. The switcharm' 56 is "proyide'dwith a'second trip finger 68 radially inwardly of the trip'fifiger64. The indicator 60 is provided with a lug 66'adapftedto engagethe trip, finger68. I p

The operation of the present invention is as follows: It'fwill be assumed that the time locking apparatus of the present invention is mounted in the door frame of a private residence. The owner will firstrotate the dial 54 clockwise until the pointer- 55 indicates the correct time sucli as 9:00 pm. Thereafter; the owner will adjust the position of "the indicators '58 and'60 with respect to the two sets of numerals: Thus, the owner may position indi caters 58 soth'at'the door willbe locked at 11:00 pm, Also, the owner'may set the indicator 60 so that the door will become unlocked at 7:00 am. Thereafter, the owner will move the switch arm 56 to" the on position. Thereafter, the owner may retire for the evening. As" the dial 54 rotatesin a clockwise direction in res onse to the" clock mechanism, the lug 62 will engage trip finger 64 thereby rotating the. switch arm 56 in a clock wise direction in FIGURES 3 and 5. Such rotation causes the switch 57 to'couple electricity tov the solenoid 24. Also,fsuch rotation enablesthe lug 62 to move beyond th trip finger; Th coupling of electrical potential to the solenoid 24 causes the plunger 28 to move from the positionillilstrated in FIGURE 3 to the position illus-' tIatd inIFI GURES .1 and 4-. In this position'of the plunger 28, the cross slide 36. is reciprocated to the position illustrated in FIGURE 2 and the 'pivot ,pin' 33 is slightly above a line extending through the pins at the ends or links 32"a1id 34 remote from the pin 33;

ln theactivepositior i of the cross slide '36 as illustrated in 2, the cross slide 36 obstructs the path of the latch-member Therefore, the pivotable movement of thedoorinthe direction of the arrow illustrated in FIG- URE 2 is obstructed. Thus, entry through the door 14 is 4 prevented after 11:00 pm. unless such person has a key capable of actuating the key mechanism 51. The key mechanism 51 is capable of reciprocating the latch member 48 inwardly so that it may clear the end of the cross slide 36.

As the dial 54 continues to rotate, the lug 66 will cam against the trip finger 68 at the predetermined set time, namely 7 a.m. The camming action between the lug 66 and the trip finger 68 causes the switch arm '6 to pivot to the off position thereby interrupting the electrical potential coupled to the solenoid 24. Such interruption of electrical potential causes the plunger 28 to move downwardly to the position illustrated in FIGURE 3 under the force of gravity and the bias of the spring42. As the plunger 28 moves downwardly, the toggle mechanism causes the cross slide 36 to reciprocate to the position illustrated in FIGURE 3 thereby moving out of the arcuate path of the latch member 48 when the door 14 is opened. Thereafter, the door 14 may be opened by any; one locating the doorknob, not shown, on the door 14. While'the lock 46 and key mechanism 51 supplements the doorknob on the door 14, it will be appreciated that the same may be incorporated within the doorknob if desired. Thus, the latch member 48 could have a reciprocatory motion responsive to desired. V While the above description of the manner of operation of the present invention has been described in connection witha private residence, it will be appreciated that the samemay be utilized in commercial laundromats, stores, ofiices, etc. The manner in which the apparatus rotation of a doorknob if of the present invention is operated permits the casing 18 to be mounted inany convenient place. Accordingly, the timing mechanism within casinglS could be con nectedto a plurality'of solenoid operated cross slides on a plurality of doors at various points throughout a build-I ing. The components within the casing 18 are commer- 'cially available items, which are capable of being designed so as "to be conveniently located within a single casing which may be mounted at aremote point from the door if desired. The simplicity of the elements of the present invention enable theapparatus of the presentinvention to be economically'manufactured so as to provide an ap paratus which may be priced sufiiciently lowso that it may be purchased by. individual home owners as wellas the owners of commercial establishments and oflices. Thepresent invention maybe embodied in other spe: cific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof and, accordingly, reference should be made to the appended claims, rather than to the fore going specification as indicating the scope of the invention;

1 claim; v I I l. A time lock apparatus comprising a door mounted for pivot'able movement in a door frame, a latching mem; ber on said door adapted to project beyond the periphery ofsaid door, a housing on said door frame, a member mounted in saidhousing for selective reciprocation, one end of said member beingconnected toa toggle mechanism, a cross slide connected to said toggle mechanism and mo'unted for movement to an active position where in it obstruct s the pivotable pat-hot said'latching member thereby preventing pivotable movement of said door,

means biasing said cross slide to an inactive position, and a'timing control means for selectively reciprocating said member at predetermined time intervals.

2. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said reciprocably mounted member has a longitudinal axis extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of said cross slide, said timing control means including a solenoid operator in said housing for causing reciprocation of said member in a direction so that said cross slide movesto said active position' 3. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said means biasing said cross slide to an inactive position includes a resilent means biasing said member toward said toggle mechanism.

4. A time lock apparatus comprising a door mounted for pivotable movement, a latching member on said door adapted to project beyond the periphery of said door, means supporting a housing adjacent said latching member in the closed position of said door, a solenoid within said housing, a plunger having one end extending into said solenoid, the other end of said plunger being connected to one end of a first link, a second link having one end pivotably secured to said housing, means mounting a cross slide for reciprocatory movement in said housing so that said cross slide has one position wherein it is juxtaposed to said latching member, a third link having one end pivotably connected to said cross slide, the second end of each of said links being pivotably secured together, and a selectively operable timing device for selectively coupling an electrical potential to said solenoid at predetermined time intervals.

5. Apparatus in accordance with claim 4 wherein said timing device includes a settable means which automatically couples an electrical potential to said solenoid, and

a second settable means which automatically interrupts the coupling of electrical potential to said solenoid.

6. Apparatus in accordance with claim 4 including a resilient spring biasing said plunger in a direction away from said solenoid.

7. Apparatus in accordance with claim 4 wherein said latching member is a portion of a lock mounted on said door, and a key operated mechanism on said door for selectively causing movement of said latching member to a point whereby said latching member will be clear of the end of said cross slide.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 197,826 Chinnock Dec. 4, 1877 608,319 Carleton Aug. 2, 1898 843,730 Wittmann Feb. 12, 1907 1,274,381 Brooks Aug. 6, 1918 2,030,219 Meilink Feb. 11, 1936 FOREIGN PATENTS 217,801 Germany Jan. 15, 1910 47,902 Sweden Feb. 21, 1918

Claims

1. A TIME LOCK APPARATUS COMPRISING A DOOR MOUNTED FOR PIVOTABLE MOVEMENT IN A DOOR FRAME, A LATCHING MEMBER ON SAID DOOR ADAPTED TO PROJECT BEYOND THE PERIPHERY OF SAID DOOR, A HOUSING ON SAID DOOR FRAME, A MEMBER MOUNTED IN SAID HOUSING FOR SELECTIVE RECIPROCATION, ONE END OF SAID MEMBER BEING CONNECTED TO A TOGGLE MECHANISM, A CROSS SLIDE CONNECTED TO SAID TOGGLE MECHANISM AND MOUNTED FOR MOVEMENT TO AN ACTIVE POSITION WHEREIN IT OBSTRUCTS THE PIVOTABLE PATH OF SAID LATCHING MEMBER THEREBY PREVENTING PIVOTABLE MOVEMENT OF SAID DOOR,