WO2010051592A1

WO2010051592A1 - A multipoint lock assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2010051592A1
Application number: PCT/AU2009/001446
Authority: WO
Inventors: Edward Donald Allen
Original assignee: Abra Products Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2008-11-06
Filing date: 2009-11-06
Publication date: 2010-05-14
Also published as: AU2009311262B2; CN103758414A; CN102245847B; NZ593156A; CN102245847A; CN103758414B; CN103758410A; AU2009311262A1

Abstract

A multipoint lock assembly (1 ) for a security screen door having a frame with an internal cavity, the lock assembly including: a main lock (3); at least one remote lock (5); and a remote lock connector (9) for connecting the main lock (3) and the remote lock (5), the remote lock connector (9) including: a rigid link member in the form of a connecting rod (13) having a longitudinal axis, one end of the connecting rod (13) being attachable to the main lock (3) and another end being attachable to the remote lock (5), the connecting rod (13) being moveable in the axial direction to facilitate actuation of the remote lock (5); and at least one support sleeve (35) positioned on the connecting rod (13), the support sleeve (35) including an abutment surface, wherein the abutment surface is engageable with side walls of the internal cavity to thereby constrain movement of the connecting rod (13) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

Description

A MULTIPOINT LOCK ASSEMBLY FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a multipoint lock assembly for a swing or sliding door. The multipoint lock assembly according to the present invention is particularly suited for use in security screen doors. It will therefore be convenient to describe the invention in relation to that example application. It should however be understood that the invention is equally suitable for use with other types of doors. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION Multipoint locking assemblies typically include a central lock and one or more remote locks which are spaced from the central lock with each remote lock being connected to the central lock by a connector which is typically in the form of a connecting metal rod. A multipoint lock provides a door with improved security by permitting the door to be locked at two or three spaced locations rather than the one, usually centrally located position.

Security screen doors typically have a frame made from extruded aluminium. As such doors are relatively light weight, they can generally be easily jemmied and bent to permit unauthorised entry. For this reason, in addition to a centrally located lock, these doors are commonly provided with two remote locks, one being positioned adjacent an upper end of the door and the other being positioned adjacent a lower end of the door. Each remote lock normally has a sliding lock bolt which engages with a striker or keeper located in the door jamb.

In order to make unauthorised entry more difficult, attempts have been made to use hook bolts rather than sliding lock bolts. In this respect, it is generally much more difficult to jemmy a hook bolt out of its keeper than a sliding lock bolt. However, hook bolts are unfortunately problematic when used with swing doors as they have a tendency to not fully engage with the keeper. This usually occurs when the gap between the door and the door jamb is too large, for example greater than approximately 4mm. In addition, a problem with multipoint locks is that it is often difficult and time consuming to remove and install the connecting metal rod linking each remote lock to the central lock. This is largely due to the limited access within the security screen door frame to the connecting rods. A further problem with multipoint locks is that the connecting rods are prone to rattle against the internal side walls of the security screen door frame during operation of the locks and/or opening and closing of the door. It would be desirable to provide a multipoint lock which overcomes or ameliorates at least one of the abovementioned problems. Any discussion of documents, devices, acts or knowledge in this specification is included to explain the context of the invention. It should not be taken as an admission that any of the material formed part of the prior art base or the common general knowledge in the relevant art in Australia or any other country on or before the priority date of the claims herein. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the first aspect of the present invention there is provided a multipoint lock assembly for a security screen door having a frame with an internal cavity. The lock assembly includes a main lock, at least one remote lock and a remote lock connector for connecting the main lock and the remote lock. The remote lock connector includes a rigid link member having a longitudinal axis. One end of the rigid link member being attachable to the main lock and another end being attachable to the remote lock. The rigid link member being movable in the axial direction to the facilitate actuation of the remote lock. The remote lock connector further includes at least one support sleeve positioned on the rigid link member. The support sleeve includes an abutment surface wherein the abutment surface is engageable with side walls of the internal cavity to thereby constrain movement of the rigid link member perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

Preferably, the support sleeve includes a plurality of radially extending projections having outer ends. In this respect, the abutment surface of the support sleeve is preferably provided by the outer ends of the projections. Further, the projections are preferably made of a resilient material, for example rubber and extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rigid link member. In addition, the projections preferably extend outwardly from a central hub of the support sleeve. In this regard, the central hub of the support sleeve may have a passageway therein through which the rigid link member can be located.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a multipoint lock assembly for a security screen door. The lock assembly includes a main lock having a drive member, at least one remote lock and a remote lock connector for connecting the drive member and the remote lock. The remote lock connector includes a first end for coupling with the drive member, and a second end for coupling with an actuator arm of the remote lock. The drive member includes an aperture through which the first end of the remote lock connector is locatable to secure the connector to the drive member. The first end and aperture are shaped such that the first end can pass into the aperture when the main lock is at a first orientation with respect to the first end, and be retained in the aperture when the main lock is at a second orientation with respect to the first end.

Opposing sides of the aperture each preferably include a cut-out portion. The first end of the remote lock connector is preferably aligned with the cut-out portions when the main lock is at the first orientation. The remote lock connector preferably includes a rigid link member having a longitudinal axis, and the main lock preferably further includes a lock housing, the lock housing being parallel to the longitudinal axis when the main lock is at the second orientation. In this regard, the second orientation is the same position the main lock would occupy with respect to the remote lock connector when the multipoint lock assembly is installed in the security screen door. Preferably, the lock housing is angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the rigid link member when the main lock is in the first orientation. In this regard, the angle is preferably approximately 45°.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the multipoint lock assembly further includes a second remote lock which is connectable to a second aperture in the drive member of the main lock via a second remote lock connector. In this respect, the second remote lock preferably has a first end which is shaped to pass into the second aperture when the main lock is at a third orientation and be retained in the second aperture when the main lock is at the second orientation. Opposing sides of the second aperture each preferably include a cut-out portion, the first end of the second remote lock connector being preferably aligned with the cut-out portions when the main lock is at the third orientation. In moving between the first orientation and the third orientation, the lock housing preferably turns approximately 90°. Preferably, one of the remote locks is positioned adjacent an upper end of the door and the other remote lock is positioned adjacent a lower end of the door. Further, each remote lock connector preferably includes a rigid link member having at least one support sleeve positioned thereon. The support sleeve includes an abutment surface for engaging with side walls of the security screen to thereby constrain movement of the rigid link member perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the rigid link member. Each rigid link member is preferably in the form of a metal connecting rod.

In a particularly preferred embodiment the support sleeve includes a plurality of radially extending projections having outer ends which provide the abutment surface.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a multipoint lock assembly for a security screen door. The lock assembly includes a main lock, at least one remote lock, a remote lock connector for connecting the main lock and the remote lock. The remote lock includes a lock bolt, and a hook bolt pivotally mounted to the lock bolt. The lockbolt and hook bolt being movable between a retracted unlocked position and an extended locked position. The hook bolt being moveable in response to movement of the lock bolt, wherein the lock bolt moves towards its extended locked position before the hook bolt commences movement to its extended lock position.

The present invention advantageously provides a multipoint lock assembly which is able to constrain movement of the connecting rods perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connecting rods, thereby preventing the connecting rods from engaging with the internal side walls of the security screen door. Accordingly, the connecting rods advantageously do not rattle against the side walls during operation of the lock assembly and opening and closing of the security screen door. In addition, the present invention advantageously provides a multipoint lock assembly wherein the connecting rods are able to be securely retained yet readily separated from the main or central lock to facilitate installation and repair in a convenient manner without the frame of the security door needing to be separated. Further, the support sleeves on the connecting rods advantageously do not inhibit the operation of the connecting rods as the fin like projections on the support sleeve extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the connecting rods such that frictional contact with the side walls of the security screen door is minimised during axial movement of the connecting rods during operation of the remote locks. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Further benefits and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention. The description should not be considered as limiting any of the statements in the previous section. The preferred embodiment will be described with reference to the following figures in which: Figure 1 is a side perspective view of the multipoint lock assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a side perspective view of the main lock of the lock assembly illustrated in Figure 1 , showing the main lock with one side of the lock housing removed, the attachment of the connecting rods to the drive member, and the housing of the main lock in a second orientation;

Figure 2a is a perspective view of a portion of the drive member of the main lock illustrated in Figure 2, showing the first and second apertures for connection of the connecting rods; Figure 3 is a side perspective view of the first or top remote lock shown in the lock assembly of Figure 1 ; Figure 3a is a partial view of the remote lock and connecting rod illustrated in Figure 3 installed in a security screen door having a frame with an internal cavity;

Figure 3b is a rear end view of a portion of the main lock illustrated in Figure 2, with the housing of the main lock in a first orientation to facilitate connection of a first end of the connecting rod of the first remote lock;

Figure 3c is a rear end view of a portion of the main lock illustrated in Figure 2, with the housing of the main lock in a third orientation to facilitate connection of a first end of the connecting rod of the second remote lock;

Figure 4 is a view of the remote lock shown in Figure 3 with a portion of the remote lock housing removed;

Figure 5 is a view of the remote lock shown in Figure 4 with the lock member shown in phantom view to illustrate the arrangement of the hook bolt within the lock member; Figure 6 is a side view of the second or bottom remote lock shown in the lock assembly of Figure 1 with the lock member and hook bolt in an extended position;

Figure 7 is a view of the remote lock shown in Figure 6 with a portion of the remote lock housing removed; and

Figure 8 is a view of the remote lock shown in Figure 7 with the lock member shown in phantom view. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

With reference to the accompanying drawings there is shown a multipoint lock assembly 1 for a security screen door having a frame 2 with an internal cavity 4. The lock assembly 1 includes a central or main lock 3, a first remote lock 5 and a second remote lock 7 which are each connected to the main lock 3 by a first and second remote lock connector 9, 11 respectively. The remote lock connectors 9, 11 each preferably include a rigid link member and one or more support sleeves 35. Each rigid link member is preferably in the form of a metal connecting rod 13. The first and second remote locks 5, 7 are preferably mounted towards the top and bottom of the door, respectively.

The connecting rod 13 of the first remote lock connector 9 has a first end

15 which is attachable to a drive member 17 of the main lock 3. The drive member 17 is slidably mounted within a housing 18 of the main lock 3. A second end 19 of the connecting rod 13 of the first remote lock connector 9 attaches to an actuator arm 21 of the first remote lock 5. In this regard, the actuator arm 21 has a slot 23 into which the second end 19 of the connecting rod 13 may be located. Similarly, the first end 15 is connectable to a first aperture 25 in the drive member 17 to thereby secure the connecting rod 13 to the drive member 17.

As can be best seen in Figures 2 and 2a, the first aperture 25 in the drive member 17 includes cut-out portions 27 on opposing sides of the first aperture 25. The cut-out portions 27 are sized and spaced apart to permit the first end 15 of the connecting rod 13 to fit through the first aperture 25 when aligned with the cut-out portions 27. In this regard the first end 15 of the connecting rod 15 is sized and shaped to fit into the first aperture 25 when the first end 15 is aligned with the cut-out portions 27. In order to align the first end 15 with the cut-out portions 27, the main lock 3 or alternatively the connecting rod 13 must be rotated to enable the first end 15 to be manoeuvred into the first aperture 25. The cut-out portions 27 in the first aperture 25 are positioned on the drive member 7 such that the main lock 3 is required to be at a first orientation, as shown in Figure 3b, in which the housing 18 of the main lock 3 is at an angle of approximately 45° with respect to the longitudinal axis of the connecting rod 13, in order for the first end 15 to fit through the first aperture 25. Once the first end 15 has been inserted into the first aperture 25, the main lock 3 can be moved to a second orientation, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, wherein the housing 18 of the main lock 3 is in alignment with the connecting rods 13. The connecting rod 13 of the second remote lock connector 11 attaches to the drive member 17 in a similar manner to the connecting rod 13 of the first remote lock connector 9. In this respect, the drive member 17 includes a second aperture 29 into which a first end 31 of the connecting rod 13 of the second remote lock connector 11 may be located. The second aperture 29 is preferably of similar shape to the first aperture 25 in the drive member 17. In this regard, the second aperture 29 also includes cut-out portions 27 on opposing sides of the second aperture 29. However, as can be seen in Figure 2a, the second aperture 29 is orientated such that the cut-out portions 27 in the second aperture 29 lie at a different angle to the cut-out portions 27 of the first aperture 25. In this respect, the cut-out portions 27 of the second aperture 29 are at an angle of 90° with respect to the cut-out portions 27 in the first aperture 25. As a result, in order for the first end 31 of the connecting rod 13 of the second remote lock connector 11 to be aligned with the cut-out portions 27, the main lock 3 must be orientated differently to when attaching the first end 15 of the first remote lock connector 9 to the first aperture 25. In this regard, the main lock 3 is required to be at a third orientation, as shown in Figure 3c, in which the housing 18 of the main lock 3 is at an angle of approximately 90° with respect the position of the main lock 3 in the first orientation, as shown in Figure 3b.

The second end 33 of the connecting rod 13 of the second remote lock connector 11 attaches to the second remote lock 7 in a similar manner to the connection of the second end 19 of the first remote lock connector 9 to the actuator arm 21 of the first remote lock 5. In this respect, the second remote lock 7 includes an actuator arm 21 having a slot 23 therein into which the second end 33 of the second remote lock connector 11 can be located. The slots 23 in the first and second remote locks 5, 7 are similar in shape to the first and second apertures 25, 29 in the drive member 17. Similarly, the second ends 19, 33 of both connecting rods 13 are similar in shape to their opposed first ends 15, 31. The first and second remote lock connectors 9, 11 include a plurality of support sleeves 35 which are positioned at spaced locations along the length of each connecting rod 13. As can best be seen in Figure 3, the support sleeve 35 includes a plurality of radially extending projections 37 having outer ends 39. The outer ends 39 provide the support sleeve 35 with an abutment surface which can engage with side walls of the internal cavity 4 within the frame 2 of the security screen door, as shown in Figure 3a. The projections 37 extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the connecting rod 13. Each support sleeve 35 further includes a central hub 41 which has a passageway therethrough through which the connecting rod 13 is located. When the connecting rods 13 and associated support sleeves 35 are located within the frame 2 of the security screen door, the support sleeves 35 effectively prevent the connecting rods 13 from engaging with the side walls of the frame 2. In addition, as the projections 37 extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the connecting rods 13 frictional contact between the side walls of the frame 2 and the outer ends 39 of the projections 37 is minimised when the connecting rods 13 move back and forth along their longitudinal axis during operation of the remote locks 5, 7. This ensures that the support sleeves 35 are able to perform there required function of constraining movement of the connecting rods 13 perpendicular to their longitudinal axis, whilst at the same time not inhibit axial motion of the connecting rods 13 during operation of the remote locks 5, 7.

As can be seen in Figures 3, 4 and 5, the first remote lock 5 includes an actuator arm 21 which is pivotally mounted about a pivot point 43. One end of the actuator arm 21 has a slot 23 located therein for connection to a connecting rod 13. An opposite end of the actuator arm 21 engages in a guide channel 45 located in a sliding lock bolt 47. The remote lock 5 further includes a hook bolt 49 which is pivotally mounted within a recess 55 located in the lock bolt 47. The second remote lock 7 is illustrated in Figures 6, 7 and 8. The second remote lock 7 is of the same construction as the first remote lock 5 and like reference numerals are used to identify equivalent features to that shown in Figures 3, 4 and 5.

The sliding lock bolt 47 and hook bolt 49 are movable between an extended locked position, as shown in Figures 6, 7 and 8, and a retracted unlocked position, as shown in Figures 3, 4 and 5. In moving the lock bolt 47 from the retracted to extended positions, the hook bolt 49 is able to rotate about a pivot point 53 due to gravity until a knob portion 57 of the hook bolt 49 abuts against a ledge 59 in a sloped surface 51 located within the recess 55 in the lock bolt 47. The hook bolt 49 is positioned with respect to the lock bolt 47 such that the sliding lock bolt 47 begins to move to the extended position before the hook bolt 49 commences rotation. In this respect, in moving from the retracted to extended position, the lock bolt 47 extends from the door approximately 15-20 mm before the hook bolt 49 begins to rotate and protrude from one side of the lock bolt 47. This is particularly advantageous when the multipoint lock assembly 1 is used on a swing door having a gap of up to approximately 6-7 mm between the door and the door jamb. Having the lock bolt 47 extend approximately 15- 20mm before the hook bolt 49 protrudes from the lock bolt 47 ensures that the gap between the swing door and door jamb is crossed by the lock bolt 47 before the hook bolt 49 pivots. As a result, the hook bolt 49 is able to pivot to the extended locked position, behind the striker plate or in the keeper on the door jamb, without the pivotal movement being impeded by the striker plate.

In moving the lock bolt 47 from the extended to retracted position, the hook bolt 49 is able to commence rotation under gravity to a retracted position when a leg portion 61 of the hook bolt 49 disengages with a front housing wall 63 of the remote lock.

As the present invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the essential characteristics of the invention, it should be understood that the above described embodiments should not be considered to limit the present invention but rather should be construed broadly. Various modifications and equivalent arrangements are intended to be included within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. A multipoint lock assembly for a security screen door having a frame with an internal cavity, the lock assembly including: a main lock; at least one remote lock; and a remote lock connector for connecting the main lock and the remote lock, the remote lock connector including: a rigid link member having a longitudinal axis, one end of the rigid link member being attachable to the main lock and another end being attachable to the remote lock, the rigid link member being moveable in the axial direction to facilitate actuation of the remote lock; and at least one support sleeve positioned on the rigid link member, the support sleeve including an abutment surface, wherein the abutment surface is engageable with side walls of the internal cavity to thereby constrain movement of the rigid link member perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

2. A multipoint lock assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the support sleeve includes a plurality of radially extending projections.

3. A multipoint lock assembly as claimed in claim 2 wherein the abutment surface of the support sleeve is provided by the projections.

4. A multipoint lock assembly as claimed in claim 3 wherein the abutment surface of the support sleeve is provided by outer ends of the projections.

5. A multipoint lock assembly as claimed in claims 3 or 4 wherein the projections extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rigid link member.

6. A multipoint lock assembly as claimed in claim 5 wherein the projections extend from one end of the support sleeve to an opposite end of the support sleeve.

7. A multipoint lock assembly as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 6 wherein the projections are made of rubber.

8. A multipoint lock assembly as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 7 wherein the projections extend radially outwards from a central hub of the support sleeve.

9. A multipoint lock assembly as claimed in claim 8 wherein the central hub has a passageway therein through which the rigid link member is located.

10. A multipoint lock assembly for a security screen door, the lock assembly including: a main lock having a drive member; at least one remote lock; and a remote lock connector for connecting the drive member and the remote lock, the remote lock connector including: a first end for coupling with the drive member, and a second end for coupling with an actuator arm of the remote lock, the drive member including an aperture through which the first end is beatable to secure the connector to the drive member, wherein the first end and aperture are shaped such that the first end can pass into the aperture when the main lock is at a first orientation with respect to the first end, and be retained in the aperture when the main lock is at a second orientation with respect to the first end.

11. A multipoint lock assembly as claimed in claim 10 wherein opposing sides of the aperture include a cut-out portion.

12. A multipoint lock assembly as claimed in claim 11 wherein the first end is aligned with the cut-out portions when the main lock is at the first orientation.

13. A multipoint lock assembly as claimed in any of claims 10 to 12 wherein the remote lock connector includes a rigid link member having a longitudinal axis, and the main lock further includes a lock housing, the lock housing being parallel to the longitudinal axis when the main lock is at the second orientation.

14. A multipoint lock assembly as claimed in claim 13 wherein the lock housing is angled with respect to the longitudinal axis when the main lock is at the first orientation.

15. A multipoint lock assembly as claimed in claim 14 wherein the angle is approximately 45°.

16. A multipoint lock assembly as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 15 wherein the assembly includes a second remote lock which is connectable to a second aperture in the drive member of the main lock via a second remote lock connector.

17. A multipoint lock assembly as claimed in claim 16 wherein the second remote lock connector has a first end which is shaped to pass into the second aperture when the main lock is at a third orientation and be retained in the second aperture when the main lock is at the second orientation.

18. A multipoint lock assembly as claimed in claim 17 wherein opposing sides of the second aperture include cut-out portions, the first end of the second remote lock connector being aligned with the cut-out portions when the main lock is at the third orientation.

19. A multipoint lock assembly as claimed in claim 18 wherein the lock housing turns approximately 90° in moving between the first orientation and the third orientation.

20. A multipoint lock assembly as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 19 wherein each remote lock connector includes a rigid link member having at least one support sleeve positioned thereon, the support sleeve including an abutment surface for engaging with internal side walls of the security screen door to thereby constrain movement of the rigid link member perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the rigid link member.

21. A multipoint lock assembly as claimed in claim 20 wherein the support sleeve includes a plurality of radially extending projections having outer ends which provide the abutment surface.

22. A multipoint lock assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein each remote lock includes a sliding lock bolt and a hook bolt pivotally mounted with respect to the lock bolt, the lock bolt and hook bolt being moveable between a retracted unlocked position and an extended locked position.

23. A multipoint lock assembly as claimed in claim 22 wherein the hook bolt is pivotally mounted within a recess in the lock bolt.

24. A multipoint lock assembly as claimed in claim 23 wherein the lock bolt partially extends to the extended locked position before the hook bolt commences pivotal movement.

25. A multipoint lock assembly as claimed in claim 24 wherein the recess includes a sloped surface having a ledge which abuts with the hook bolt in the extended locked position.

26. A multipoint lock assembly for a security screen door, the lock assembly including: a main lock; at least one remote lock; and a remote lock connector for connecting the main lock and the remote lock, the remote lock including: a lock bolt, and a hook bolt pivotally mounted to the lock bolt, the lock bolt and hook bolt being movable between a retracted unlocked position and an extended locked position, the hook bolt being moveable in response to movement of the lock bolt, wherein the lock bolt moves towards its extended locked position before the hook bolt commences movement to its extended lock position.

27. A multipoint lock assembly substantially as herein before described with reference to the accompanying drawings.