US3185296A

US3185296A - Lock box

Info

Publication number: US3185296A
Application number: US226324A
Authority: US
Inventors: Ernest L Schlage
Original assignee: Schlage Lock Co LLC
Current assignee: Schlage Lock Co LLC
Priority date: 1962-09-26
Filing date: 1962-09-26
Publication date: 1965-05-25
Anticipated expiration: 1982-05-25

Description

May 25, 1955 E. SCHLAGE' I 3,185,296

LOCK BOX Filed Sept. 26, 1962 3 Sheets-Sheet l 55 1.53 l :7 "a 5/ a INVENTOR. FEWEJT L, 567/4465 I TTOPNE'YJ' May 25, 1965 E. SCHLAGE LOCK BOX Filed Sept. 26, 1962 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 M x VVV Mn] w Mf a 3 m \M. L

m IIIU: 0

INVENTOR.

y 25, 1965 E. L. SCHLAGE 3,185,226

LOCK BOX Filed Sept. 26, 1962 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 flrrailviifs' INVENTOR. iiA/EJT 4. 56/1146! United States Patent 3,185,296 LOCK BOX Ernest L. Schlage, Burlingame, Calif., assignor to Schlage Lock Qompany Filed Sept. 26, 1962, Ser. No. 226,324 4 Claims. (Cl. 20646) My invention is related generally to packages or enclosures for contents of the general nature of door locks, particularly door locks of the cylindrical type.

It has been customary to package a cylindrical lock simply in an opaque carton. When closed, the carton completely covers all parts of the lock. Indicia are used on the outside of the box in order to identify the contents. The parts packaged together usually include two main portions for assembly at installation.

One portion of the lock includes a central body approximately cylindrical and symmetrical about an axis. Projections extend from either side of the body along the axis and at their ends carry door knobs. Situated on the projections with their planes extending normal to the axis are rosettes (sometimes called roses) disposed on opposite sides of the central body. Either one or both of the rosettes is threaded or otherwise movable axially, so that upon installation they can be clamped against an intervening door panel.

The other portion of the lock is a latch bolt unit normally engaged upon installation with the central body to extend therefrom in a direction normal to the lock axis in a position between the two rosettes. Certain other equipment is often furnished in the carton such as an installation spanner, attaching hardware, a strike plate and box, an installation templet, printed instructions and keys for the lock;

Potential lock customers are often quite interested in the external appearance and finish of the lock, especially when mounted, and in the manner of working of the lock, particularly the feel of the lock when manually operated, and sometimes are interested in how the lock sounds when actuated. Dealers are interested in visual inventory and ready identification.

It is therefore an object of my invention to provide a lock box which not only serves all of the usual functions of protecting the lock during shipment and storage and of keeping the lock components together for use, but also has the attribute of exposing at least a portion of the lock to the prospective purchasers view and can easily be manipulated so that a prospective purchaser may actually operate the lock mechanism.

Another object of the invention is to provide a lock box having these advantages but which nevertheless is comparable to boxes historically used and which can be fabricated and handled without serious change in the customary technique.

A still further object of the invention is to provide an improved lock box which is sturdy and no higher in cost than the usual boxes.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a lock box in which the lock is better protected in handling and shipment by being firmly mounted in the box rather than simply being loosely disposed therein.

Another object of the invention is in general to provide an improved lock box.

Other objects together with the foregoing are attained in the embodiments of the invention described in the accompanying description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a plan of a single sheet blank for one form of a part of a lock box pursuant to the invention;

FIGURE 2 is an isometric View of the blank of FIG- URE 1 in partially erected condition;

3,185,296 Patented May 25, I955 FIGURE 3 is a view comparable to FIGURE 2 but showing the box in a further partially erected condition; FIGURE 4 is an isometric view of the form of lock box shown in FIGURES 1-3 but in completely erected and closed condition with a lock therein;

FIGURE 5 is a cross section to an enlarged scale, the plane of section being indicated by the lines 5-5 of FIG- URE 4;

FIGURE 6 is an isometric view of a modified form of lock box pursuant to the invention with the box in closed condition and with a lock packed therein;

FIGURE 7 is a cross section, the plane of which is indicated by the line 77 of FIGURE 6;

FIGURE 8 is an isometric View of a further modified form of lock box with a lock installed therein and the box closed; and

FIGURE 9 is a cross section, the plane of which is indicated by the line 9-9 of FIGURE 8.

While the lock box pursuant to the invention can be embodied in a number of different forms, it has been successfully embodied in the related forms disclosed here- In the form particularly illustrated in FIGURES l-S, the box is principally made up of an enclosure fabricated from a single sheet of appropriate material such as fiberboard or particularly of a corrugated board faced on both sides with a smooth sheet and having some deformability and resilience without rupture. The box is particularly designed for use with a lock 7 having a central body 8 that is usually approximately circular cylindrical and is symmetrical about a central axis 9. Secured to and projecting from each side of the central body are projections 11 and 12 arranged in alignment and symmetrically disposed with regard to the axis 9. The projections ultimately carry knobs 13 and 14 which can be at least partially rotated about the axis 9 to actuate the lock.

Disposed on opposite sides of the central body 8 and surrounding the projections 11 and 12 are roses or

rosettes

16 and 17. Each of these has an approximately planar face 18 normal to the axis 9 and is arranged on one side of the body 8 so that a normal end face 19 of the body is opposite the end face 18. Sometimes one of the rosettes 16, for example, is fixed on the projection 11, whereas the other rosette 17 is threaded on its projection 12 and by rotation is thus axially movable toward and away from the other rosette and the central body 8. In other instances, both of the

rosettes

16 and 17 may be so moved on their respective projections so as to have relative movement toward and away from each other along the axis 9.

The lock includes when assembled a latch bolt unit 21 including a mounting plate 22 and a movable latch bolt 23. When this unit is interengaged with the central body 8, the latch bolt projects normally to the axis 9 about midway of the axial length of the body 8.

Pursuant to the invention, one form of the lock box is preferably in part fabricated from a single sheet 26 of material such as doubly faced corrugated fiberboard. The sheet, although of one piece, is preferably contoured and scored or marked to divide it into various different panels, tabs and zones. A rectangular bottom panel 27 is bounded by

opposite side edges

28 and 29 as well as transversely extending fold lines 31 and 32. The planar panel 27 is made somewhat shorter than the customary lock box and may even be shorter than the lock, and in use is adapted to lie along at least one portion of the lock with the plane of the panel 27 parallel to the axis 9.

On the other side of the fold line 31 the blank includes a front panel 33 terminating in a top edge 34 provided with a finger notch 36. Along one side, the panel 33 is demarked from a reduced end fiap 37 by a fold line 38. Along the other side the front panel 33 is distinguished by a multiple fold line 39 from an end wall core 41. This is of approximately rectangular outline but along one otherwise rectilinear edge 42 has a cutout arcuate portion 43 of slightly larger radius than that of the lock projections 11 and 12.

Adjoining the bottom panel 27 is a rectangular rear panel 46 having a fold line 47 and end fold lines 48 and 49. On the other side of the fold line 48 is a closed end panel 51 approximately square in outline and having an end edge 52. The panel 51 has a forward fold line 53 and a rearward multiple fold line 54. The fold line 53 is the boundary of a flap 56 having a meandering cut 57 forming a lip 58; On the other side of the. multiple fold line 54 is an approximately rectangular wall 59 separated from an intermediate panel 61 by a partial fold line 62 and a out line defining a tab, 63. The intermediate panel 61 is separated by a fold line 64 from an end flap 66.

The rear panel 46 is adjoined across the fold line 49 by a mounting wall 67 on one portion partially divided by a fold line 68 from a tab 69 with a meandering cut 71 to afford a lip 72. The remaining part of the support wall 67 is distinguished by a multiple fold line 73 from a terminal panel 74 having a reduced outlinecontour defining a tongue 76. Straddling the fold line 73 is an opening 77 of slightly greater radius than that of the projections 11 and 12 and located in alignment with the cutaway portion 43.

Next to the back panel 46 on the other side of the fold line 47 is a rectangular top panel 78, being separated from a front flap 79 by a fold line 81. The top panel 78 is also demarked from a mounting panel 82 by a fold line 83. The panel 82 is divided to form a terminal panel 84 by a multiple fold line 86 intersecting a cutout to afford an opening 87 in alignment with and of the same diameter as the opening 77.

In folding the box, the panel 27 is placed on a horizontal surface and the flap 56 and the tab 69 are bent upwardly around their

respective fold lines

53 and 68, the lips 58 and 72 being bent therewith. Then the assembly including the panel 46, the end panels 51 and the wall 67 and their appurtenances are folded upwardly about the fold line 32. Since the

members

56 and 69 have previously been bent upwardly, after the upward folding of the panel 46 the end panel 51 and the end wall 67 can be swung inwardly toward each other with the fiap 56 and the tab 69 directly overlying the bottom panel 27.

Following that, the end flap 37 and the wall core 41 are swung upwardly about their respective fold lines 38 and 39. Then the front panel 33 is folded upwardly about the fold line 31. This brings the end flap 37 and the wall core 41 into position overlying the upright panel 51 and the wall 67 on the inward sidethereof. Subsequently, the wall 59 is folded downwardly on the multiple fold lines 54 and thus overlies the end flap 37. During this operation the fold 62 is flexed but the tongue 63 is forced downwardly into the lip 58. Since the lip material is somewhat deformable, the tab 63 is forced into position just against the edge bounded by the cut 57. The panel- 61 then lies horizontally above the bottom panel 27 and against the flap 56. The flap 66 is then folded upwardly so that it is substantially parallel to the upstanding end panel 51 and thus defines an auxiliary compartment 101.

Somewhat similarly at the other end of the device, the wall 67 is folded upwardly on the outside of the wall core 41 and then the panel 74 is turned downwardly on the multiple fold lines 73 against the inside of the wall core so that the tongue 76 deforms the lip 72 slightly and rests against the edge formed by the cut 71. This fold results in the circular aperture 77 taking on a semicircular configuration 43 and affords a half wall 103 of three adjacent thicknesses of material. The box is then sufficiently erected for loading and in addition to the auxiliary compartment101 defines a main compartment 102. At this time, if desired the panel 84 is folded on the multiple fold line 86 to lie against the panel 82, giving the opening 87 a semicircular configuration.

At this stage, it is appropriate to load the compartment 191 with auxiliary mechanism such as the latch bolt unit 21, instructions, keys and other accouterments. The lock is loaded in the compartment 102 of the box in such a fashion that the end face 19 of the body 8 lies on one side of the half wall 103 as defined by the

members

41, 67 and 74 and the end face 18 of one of the rosettes 17 lies on the other side of the wall. The knob 14 projects freely.

After loading, the folded top panel 78 is brought down into position with the front flap 79 tucked inside of the front panel 33. During this time the

top mounting panels

82 and 84 in doubled and folded position are brought down substantially coplanar with the

bottom walls

67 and 74, to lie between the body 8 and the rosette 17. The cutout portions of the bottom panels and the top panels lie around the projection 12 on one side of the lock body. Following this, the movable rosette 17 is rotated to approach the body 8 and to clamp at least the

walls

67 and 74 in place. The lock is effectively mounted in the package and is clamped in place. This holds the main body of the lock stationary for greater security in shipment. Also, the exposed knob 14 can be turned in the usual way for trial or test without removing the lock from the box. The mounted lock can be tightened to clamp the resilient top and bottom box ends together so that the box during shipment and normal handling does not come open. If additional securing means are desired, the front flap 79 can be held within the box by adhesive. With the clamped closure adhesive is preferably omitted.

To effectuate the final enclosure of the lock, the box as described is supplemented by an end closure 104 pref:

erably comprising an envelope of suificient volume easily to accommodate the knob and preferably fabricated of a transparent, semistiii material such as a clear plastic. The closure 104 is made up of a pair of

side walls

106 and 107, a bottom wall 108, a top wall 109 and an end wall 111. Visible through the end Wall 111 is an opaque card 112 having printed on it various identifying indicia pertinent to the enclosed lock. The closure 104 is a fairly tight frictional fit on the remaining part of the package and assists in keeping it closed.

In normal use the package can be left on a counter for display. When the lock is to be operated, the telescopic closure 104 can readily be withdrawn to expose the knob. When the rest of the lock is to be examined, the rosette 17 can be slightly loosened by hand if it is too tight to permit the box to be opened. Then the cover can be swung open. If the rosette 17 is not so tight as to clamp the

top panels

82 and 84, the top cover can be swung open without turning the rosette. Since the bottom wall against which the rosette is clamped has three rather than only two thicknesses of material, it is possible to leave the lock clamped firmly in position even though the top is freely openable.

In stacking a plurality of boxes, the closure 104 is sufficiently thin so that considered with the general resilience of the package the normal shelf arrangement can be followed. When the boxes are stacked, the various knob styles available are readily determinable by distant inspection and without necessitating the close reading of the indicia on the card 112.

A variation in the arrangement, as shown in FIGURES 6 and 7, has a lower enclosure 121 made of similar material and includes a base panel 122, a top panel 123, end panels 124 and a back panel 126. A flanged front closure panel 127 is designed to be folded on a hinge line 128 below the top of the base structure. Upstanding from and permanently secured to the top panel 123 is a mounting block 131 conveniently formed of a relatively stiff but light plastic foam material. 7 The block 131 has an opening 129 to receive the body 8 of the lock with the

rosettes

16 and 17 disposed on either side. thereof. In this instance, the lock is partially disassembled and reassembled just as it would be for mounting on a door in order to be properly positioned within the block. When the lock is located in its support, the rosettes are tightened, and both end knobs are visible and available for trial operation. The box is completed by the telescopic positioning of a transparent closure 132 conveniently made of clear plastic. The top closure 132 engages the various front, back and end walls of the base with sufficient friction to hold the assembly in position. Since the fold line 128 is below the lower edge of the closure 132, the lower compartment 133 containing the auxiliary mechanism such as the latch bolt unit, the keys, the installing spanner, instructions, screws, and the like, is always available. This box gives a nearly complete display of the lock unit, makes both knobs readily accessible for operation by removal of the cover 132, afiords space for identifying indicia on the end panels and stacks on the shelves in the customary way.

A further modification to afford operation of the complete lock is provided in the arrangement shown in FIG- URES 8 and 9 in which the base enclosure 136 is substantially identical with that shown in FIGURES 6 and 7 except that it has a greater width. The top panel 137 of the base enclosure is provided with an upstanding fixed member 138 conveniently of stiff plastic foam contoured substantially as shown. There is not only a through aperture 139, as in FIGURES 6 and 7, but also there is an intersecting cross bore 141 in the block simulating a regular door. The lock is installed with the lock body 8 within the through bore 139 and in addition the latch bolt unit 142 is installed in the cross bore 141, being interengaged with the lock body in the normal way. The latch bolt 143 projects normally so that the block 133 has an overhanging ledge 144 to serve as a protection or guard. This package is completed by the superposition of a transparent plastic closure 146 frictionally engaging the base.

The hinged panel 147 of the base need not be big enough to accommodate the latch bolt unit but does accommodate such auxiliaries .as a strike plate and box, miscellaneous screws, instructions, spanner for installation, and the like. When the box is assembled as shown, it can be placed on the counter for display or can be stored on a shelf. When the transparent cover 146 is removed, operation of either of the handles indicates the functioning of the lock including the working of the latch bolt.

What is claimed is:

l. A lock box for a lock with a central body having a projection extending from said body along an axis and having a rosette on said projection movable along said axis toward said body, said box comprising a single sheet of material cut and folded to provide the following: a wall adapted to lie along at least one portion of said lock and to extend parallel to said axis, a partition extending from said wall toward said projection in a position between said body [and said rosette, said partition being in the axial path of said rosette and occupying substantially all of the space between said body and said rosette to be gripped between said rosette and said body when said rosette is moved toward said body, and means engaging 6 said wall and extending around and enclosing at least some of the remaining portion of said lock.

2. A lock box for a lock with a central body having a projection extending from said body along an axis and having a rosette on said projection movable along said axis toward and away from said'body, said box comprising a wall adapted. to lie along at least one portion of said lock and to extend parallel to said axis, a partition extending from said wall toward said projection between said body and said rosette and occupying substantially all of the space between said body and said rosette, said partition being in a position to be gripped between said body and said rosette when said rosette is moved toward said body, and means engaging said wall and extending around and enclosing at least some of the remaining portion of said lock.

3. A look box for a lock with a central body having projections extending from opposite sides of said body along an axis and having. rosettes on said projections relatively movable along said axis toward and away from each other, said box comprising a wall adapted to lie along at least one portion of said lock and to extend parallel to said axis, a partition extending from said wall toward said projections between said rosettes, said partition occupying substantially all of the space between said rosettes and being in a position to be gripped between said rosettes when said rosettes are moved toward each other, and means engaging said wall and extending around and enclosing at least some of the remaining portion of said lock.

4. A lock box for a lock with a central body having a projection extending from said body along an axis and having a rosette on said projection movable along said axis toward and away from said body, said box comprising a wall adapted to lie along at least one portion of said lock and to extend parallel to said axis, a partition extending from said wall toward and at least partly around said projection and having two opposite faces normal to said axis located between said body and said rosette, said partition substantially occupying all of the space between said body and said rosette and being in a position to be abutted by said body and said rosette when said rosette moves toward said body, and means engaging said wall and extending around and enclosing at least some of the remaining portion of said lock.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,860,768 11/58 Smithers 20646 2,956,687 10/60 Robichaud 206-46 2,971,640 2/61 Snelling 206-46 3,015,428 1 62 Magazzu 20646 3,033,358 5/62 Mantell 206-46 3,044,608 7/ 62 Bachleder 20646 THERON E. CONDON, Primary Examiner.

EARLE J. DRUMMOND, Examiner.

Claims

2. A LOCK BOX FOR A LOCK WITH A CENTRAL BODY HAVING A PROJECTION EXTENDING FROM SAID BODY ALONG AN AXIS AND HAVING A ROSETTE ON SAID PROJECTION MOVABLE ALONG SAID AXIS TOWARD AND AWAY FROM SAID BODY, SAID BOX COMPRISING A WALL ADAPTED TO LIE ALONG AT LEAST ONE PORTION OF SAID LOCK AND TO EXTEND PARALLEL TO SAID AXIS, A PARTITION EXTENDING FROM SAID WALL TOWARD SAID PROJECTION BETWEEN SAID BODY AND SAID ROSETTE AND OCCUPYING SUBSTANTIALLY ALL OF THE SPACE BETWEEN SAID BODY AND SAID ROSETTE, SAID PARTITION BEING IN A POSITION TO BE GRIPPED BETWEEN SAID BODY AND SAID ROSETTE WHEN SAID ROSETTE IS MOVED TOWARD SAID BODY, AND MEANS ENGAGING SAID WALL AND EXTENDING AROUND AND ENCLOSING AT LEAST SOME OF THE REMAINING PORTION OF SAID LOCK.