WO2013078506A1

WO2013078506A1 - Lock device and system

Info

Publication number: WO2013078506A1
Application number: PCT/AU2012/001458
Authority: WO
Inventors: Leigh MCGRATH
Original assignee: Lochem Supplies Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2011-11-28
Filing date: 2012-11-28
Publication date: 2013-06-06

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a modular lock device comprising an activation means; one or more control boards; a power source; and a locking mechanism.

Description

LOCK DEVICE AND SYSTEM

Field of the Invention

The present Invention relates to a lock device and system, and more

particularly, to a lock device that can be adapted to the particular use. Background to the Invention

A lock is clearly used to provide a deterrent for entry to a room, location, container or the like. One important use is for lockers or postal boxes in open public spaces.

One particular problem of the use of tumbler locks In external unprotected areas is that a forced entry can occur as a person can continuously and violently jiggle a pin tumbler lock until the pins fail into an opening position rather than being diverted to the correct position by the shape of the key as intended. This shaking alignment is known as "bumping" and is a major problem If the lock is not at a highly frequented visible position such that the unusual action would not be seen.

Generally locks are manufactured having standard sizes which may make installation of such locks difficult in different applications, for example in a mortise lock as opposed to use in a cupboard.

Summary of the Invention It is an object of the present invention to provide a lock device and system which at least partly overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art or which at least partly provides a commercial or useful alternative. There is clearly a need to take pin tumbler locking systems to the 21st century. The present invention provides a modular lock device comprising an activation means; one or more control boards; a power source; and a locking mechanism. According to one aspect, the present Invention provides a lock device comprising of a plurality of modules each including at least part of:

an activation means,

one or more control boards,

a power source, or

a locking mechanism.

The modular structure of the modules allow for interfitting of a plurality of modules to form a single unit.

Preferably the modules have a corresponding footprint and a corresponding attachment between modules to allow interfitting of selected modules to form the single unit.

Preferably modules can form the single unit for installation at one location where the locking mechanism is required to be located to lock a relative opening and a further unit remote from the first unit of other modular units while still being functionally connected.

Functional connection can be by electronic transmission or the like.

Functional connection can be by hard wire connection.

The modules can Include peripheral attachment to form a stack of modules of desired thickness to suit the relevant use. The modules can Include peripheral openings allowing for one of a stacked set of modules to be connected to external sources or remote further modules.

The modules can include a corresponding footprint and a corresponding attachment between modules to allow stacking of selected modules to form the single unit while further including corresponding laterally extending channels such that channels on one module can at least partially overly channels of another module to provide a connecting channel between the modules in the stacked arrangement within the stacked footprint. The activation means can include a primary part of the activation of lock device to allow locking or unlocking. It can also include a secondary part of the activation means so as to override the primary activation in certain conditions or to require secondary activation after or conterminously with primary activation to allow locking or unlocking.

The activation means can include a touch free activation of the lock.

The activation means can include a touch activation of the lock.

The activation means can include sensors. The sensors can form a primary part of the activation of lock to allow locking or unlocking or can secondary part of the activation by only proceeding with initial primary activation.

The one or more control boards can Include a control board for controlling the activation means and primary and secondary activation.

The power source can be a stored power source. Alternatively it can be a reservoir or battery for receiving power from an external source. The locking mechanism Includes a locking element such as a latch or bolt that is movable from a first position to a second position to allow locking and unlocking upon activation by the activation means. This can be movement from a retracted position to a protracted position in order to effect locking and unlocking. However it could be rotational position. As can be seen each module can have a number of alternatives. A substantial advantage of the Invention is the ability to mix and match modules to fit a particular application.

Therefore in accordance with one form of the invention there is provided a lock device and system comprising

providing a predef ined breakdown of a lock system Into a plurality of cooperative elements; providing a carrier module structure including a plurality of modules each for holding one or a part of a chosen form of each of the plurality of cooperative elements;

wherein a lock device can be selectively created and integrated into the required closure based on the required technology, the allowable location and sizing for fitting and the required level of security.

The plurality of cooperative elements can include:

an activation means,

one or more control boards,

a power source, and

a locking mechanism. ->

It can be seen that the lock device and system of the invention provide a substantial improvement to the market by allowing flexibility in installation, flexibility in style of lock and an improvement in security for use for lockers or postal boxes in open public spaces.

According to another aspect, the present invention provides a lock device comprising of:

a lock body including a plurality of modules each Including at least part of lock componentry which Includes at least an activation means, one or more control boards, a power source, and a locking mechanism;

wherein each module is shaped to provide stacking features thereby allowing the lock body to be formed through stacking patterns of the modules so that the body provides a stackable carrier system for the lock componentry.

The shaping of each module provides the module with a footprint which allows for puzzle integration of adjacent modules to each other thereby allowing the stacking of the modules to cause adjacent modules to interlock when forming the lock body.

Each module may further include a communication connection arrangement which includes first and second connecting arrangements; and wherein the communication connection arrangement allows adjacent modules to be functionally interconnected once stacked thereby to provide communication paths through which the lock componentry contained by the plurality of modules can communicate at least partly with each other. According to a further aspect, the present invention is concerned with a lock device comprising of:

wherein the modules is shaped to provide stacking features on the modules thereby allowing the lock body to be formed through stacking patterns of the modules;

and wherein the modules are functionally interconnected once stacked thereby to provide communication paths between the stacked modules with which the lock componentry contained by the plurality of modules are capable of communicating with each other.

The communication paths allow for signal communication between the modules.

According to a further aspect, the present Invention Is concerned with a lock system which includes at least one lock device which Includes a lock body including a plurality of modules each of which is shaped to provide stacking features on the respective module thereby allowing the lock body to be formed through stacking patterns of the modules; the system including:

lock componentry which Includes at least an activation means, one or more control boards, a power source, and a locking mechanism;

wherein the lock componentry is divided among the plurality of modules so that each module carries at least one of the lock componentry;

wherein the modules are functionally interconnected once stacked thereby to provide communication paths between the stacked modules with which the lock componentry contained by the plurality of modules are capable of communicating with each other; and wherein the stackable construction of the lock body allow for the positioning of the respective lock componentry relative to each other to be changed so that the sequence with which the lock componentry is spread along the lock body is adaptable to match a particular installation. Brief Description of the Drawings

In order that the invention can be more readily understood one or more embodiments of the invention are further described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 is a side view showing in a diagrammatic form a modular lock device and system In accordance with a first embodiment of the Invention in which a plurality of modules form a first stacked module device and a plurality of further modules form a second stacked module device;

Figure 2 is a plan view showing in a diagrammatic form an example of structure of a module of a plurality of modules of the modular lock device and system of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a plan view showing in a diagrammatic form a plurality of modules that can be stacked to form a first stacked module device of a lock device and system In accordance with a first embodiment of the invention.

Figure 4 Is a plan view showing in a diagrammatic form a plurality of modules that can be stacked to form a first stacked module device of a lock device and system in accordance with a second embodiment of the Invention.

Figure 5 is a plan view showing in a diagrammatic form a plurality of modules that can be stacked to form a first stacked module device of a lock device and system in accordance with a third embodiment of the Invention.

Figure 6 is a plan view showing in a diagrammatic form the modules used in the first stacked module device of Figure 4.

Figure 7 is a side view showing In diagrammatic form different modular configurations which can be used In the lock device of the present invention.

Figure 8 Is a side view showing in a diagrammatic form one type of modular configuration used in a cupboard application. Figure 9 is a side view showing in a diagrammatic form another type of modular configuration used in a rim lock for a door.

Figure 10 Is a side view showing in a diagrammatic form a further type of modular configuration used in a mortise lock.

Figure 11 is a side view showing in a photograph the modules which can be used to construct a lock device of the present invention.

Figure 12 is a side perspective view showing a portion of a lock device, in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention installed on a door.

Figure 13 a side view of the lock device shown in Figure 12. Figure 14 is an exploded view of a modular lock device and system in accordance with a further embodiment of the Invention.

Figure 5 is an exploded view of a modular lock device in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention as installed on a door.

Description of Illustrated Embodiment of the Invention Referring to the drawings and particularly Figure 1 there is shown a lock device and system 10 formed of a plurality of modules 21 in a first stacked module device or first stack 11 and a plurality of modules 21 In a second stacked module device or second stack 12 which can be interconnected by means 15 so as to have the first stack mounted in the door or like to be locked and unlocked. The plurality of modules 21 each including at least part of an activation means, one or more control boards, a power source or a locking mechanism.

The activation means can include a primary part of the activation of lock to allow locking or unlocking. It can also include a secondary part of the activation means so as to override the primary activation in certain conditions or to require secondary activation after or contermlnously with primary activation to allow locking or unlocking. The activation means can include a touch free activation of the lock or the activation means can include a touch activation of the lock.

The activation means can include sensors. The sensors can form a primary part of the activation of lock to allow locking or unlocking or can a secondary part of the activation by only proceeding with initial primary activation.

The activation means can have a front of system element which is a primary part of the activation of lock to allow locking or unlocking. This system can Include:

1. Ibutton

2. Push Button

3. BIO

4. Facial recognition

5. Bluetooth connectivity

6. LS101 KnK

7. LS101 P M/Lock

8. LS101M Hardwire KnK

9. LS101 MP M/Lock Audit

10. LS101 Remote/Pincode

1 1. Remote Control

12. Iphone Applications or Android Technology

The activation means can have a front of system element which is a secondary part of the activation of lock so as to override the primary activation in certain conditions or to require secondary activation after or conterminously with primary activation to allow locking or unlocking. This system can include secondary part of the activation of lock which is an active part such as CCTV or a passive detector or sensor such as a Smoke Detector.

The one or more control boards 1. BAR reader Automotive Industry (have drug reader Develop/Test)

2. Network at Zegbi

3. ifare

4. Infa Red Technology

5. LED

6. LRPT (Long Range Proximity Technology)

7. Touch and Go

8. Board Interface Connecting Technology

9. Electromagnetic Control The power source can be a stored power source. Alternatively it can be a reservoir or battery for receiving power from an external source.

Functional connection can be by electronic transmission or the like.

Functional connection can be by hard wire connection.

The locking mechanism includes a locking element such as a latch or bolt that is movable from a first position to a second position to allow locking and unlocking upon activation by the activation means. This can be movement from a retracted position to a protracted position in order to effect locking and unlocking. However it could be rotational position.

The locking mechanism can comprise for example any one of mechanical Locking System such as 570, Padlock 201 , Aluminium Door Lock or Roller Door Lock.

Preferably the modules 21 have a corresponding footprint and a corresponding attachment between modules to allow interfitting of selected modules to form the single unit.

Preferably the modules 21 can form the single unit for installation at one location where the locking mechanism Is required to be located to lock the relative opening and a further unit remote from the first unit of other modular units while still being functionally connected.

The modules can include peripheral attachment to form a stack of modules of desired thickness to suit the relevant use. The modules can include peripheral openings allowing for one of a stacked set of modules 11 or 12 to be connected to external sources or remote further modules.

The modules 21 can include a corresponding footprint and a corresponding attachment between modules to allow stacking of selected modules to form the single unit while further including corresponding laterally extending channels such that channels on one module can at least partially overly channels of another module to provide a connecting channel between the modules In the stacked arrangement within the stacked footprint.

This structure forms a modular locking system that can be bulletproof, waterproof and even include a sealing system such as an air lock.

Referring additionally to Figure 2, the lock device 10 furthermore includes a lock body 22 which Is formed using a plurality of modules 21. Once the modules are stacked, suitable screws are used to eecure the modules to each other through holes 31 formed through the modules. Each module is shaped to provide stacking features in the form of interlocking channels 35 thereby allowing the lock body to be formed through stacking patterns. An example of the use of such interlocking channels is shown in Figure 3 in which the modules 21 are disassembled and aligned next to each other.

Lock componentry are carried by the modules 21. For example, the lock componentry Includes an activation means, one or more control boards in the form of a printed circuit board (PCB), a power source, and a locking

mechanism. The stacking features therefore allow the lock body to provide a stackable carrier system for the lock componentry. The shaping of each module provides the module with a footprint which allows for puzzle integration of adjacent modules to each other thereby allowing the stacking of the modules to cause adjacent modules to Interlock when forming the lock body. Although In Figure 3 only some of the modules 21 are shown to have the interlocking channels, the interlocking channels have been omitted from the other modules to simplify the drawing. This should therefore not be seen as limiting. The interlocking channels allow for tapered interlocking which self engage. Atternatively, the could be profiled to allow for twisting interlocking or screw type interlocking by suitably changing the profiling .of the channels. Also shown in Figure 3 is one type of configuration which can be adopted In the arrangement of the lock body. In the example the top two modules do not carry any lock componentry. The third module from the top carries a remote control PCB, the one thereafter a battery/latch, the following module a PCB, the following one a battery, the next a further PCB with the last one a bolt which is not a latch.

Figures 4, 5 and 6 show a variation of the modules 21 in which the interlocking channels are omitted. Each of the modules 21 are still shaped to provide specific features to each module to allow for the body to be created by stacking of the modules. Also shown in Figure 4 is a further adaptation of the modules to have different heights 36 to suit different applications.

Figure 7 shows different configurations which can be used to arrange the modules 21 within the lock body 22. Each module has a communication connection arrangement 3Θ which Includes first and second connecting arrangements in the form of a pin and a socket arrangement 40 and 42. The connection arrangement also provides a secondary function of providing stackable features which allow the modules to be stacked onto each other while providing a functional connection. The modules forming the upper and lower ends of the lock body may only have one of the connecting

arrangements, for example the upper module carrying only the second connecting or pin arrangement 42 whereas the lowest module only carries the first connecting or socket arrangement 40. The communication connection arrangement allows adjacent modules to be functionally interconnected once stacked thereby to provide internal

communication paths through which the lock componentry contained in the plurality of modules can communicate at least partly with each other. As an alternative, the internal communication paths could be created by using an Internal bus system to which the internal componentry connects. The internal bus systems of adjacent modules are then connected using a pin system which extends between the modules. In a further alternative, the communication paths could be created externally using an external bus/connector system to which the modules connect. The external bus system will then extend adjacent the modules along the lock body.

Examples of particular module configurations, which can be adopted in the lock body 22, are shown in Figures 9, 10 and 11. In Figure 8 the printed circuit board is at the top, the locking mechanism and associated printed circuit board is in the middle with the battery carried by the lowermost module 21. In Figure 9 the module configuration adopted allows the printed circuit board to be at the top, the battery in the middle and the locking mechanism at the bottom.

In Figure 10 the lock body 20 is shown with the modules 21 positioned and Interlocked next to each other. This allows the lock body to be fitment inside a mortise lock whic has a confined space. Positioning of the modules next to each other allows the lock body to have a relatively small side which allows for fitment of the lock body inside confined spaces.

In the application of Figure 8 the front of the lock device 10 has a reading device. The lock body 22 is positioned at the back of a door with the

bolt/latch/magnet projecting from a side of the cupboard door.

In the Figure 9 application, the lock device 10 is used as a rim lock for a door. The hinge of the door has the option of allow for power transfer to the lock device. The front of the door has a reader device which allows the lock device to be unlocked from an outside. In Figure 10, the lock device 10 is installed in as a mortise lock. The lock body 22 includes, as the lock componentry, a battery (marked as A), a latch assembly (marked as B), a motor drive (marked as C), and a PCS (marked as D). As an example, the latch assembly (marked as B) could be In the form of a latch, a dead latch, a dead bolt, a magnetic holder, or a cupboard latch. The battery also could have a number of different options including a 4 sell arrangement in which the cells are positioned horizontally next to each other, or stacked partly on top of each other.

The locking mechanism used In the lock device 10 could be In the form of a magnetic lock. Using such a lock will allow the lock body to be sealed water tight allowing use In water related applications, such as under water, or close to water,

Figure 11 shows examples of the modules 21 which can be used in

construction of the lock device 10. Shown in the top left comer of this figure is a lock body 22 of which the modules 21 are attached to each other using one screw. This allows pivotal movement of modules relative to each other allow access to be gained to a particular module and a cavity defined by the module. Thus, pivoting a module from alignment with the other modules allow access to be gained to a particular part of the lock componentry, for example when wishing to replace a particular component.

Some modules are also different in colour thereby allowing for ready

identification of the module layers which carry componentry. Two or more modules may also be linked together to operate in unison to provide support to a particular part of the lock component. For example, a transparent and solid layer may be associated with each other or pivotally joined to each other at one corner. Pivotal movement of the transparent layer may then allow the underlying cavity, defined by the coloured module, to be completely exposed. The particular component can then be inserted into the cavity whereafter pivotal movement of the transparent layer over the cavity secures the component Inside the cavity. The two modules are then secured to an adjacent module or layered module to make up the lock body. The invention could therefore provide a lock system to be created In which the lock device 10 is used. The modules 21 are functionally interconnected once stacked thereby to provide communication paths between the stacked modules with which the lock componentry contained by the plurality of modules are capable of communicating with each other. Furthermore, the stackable construction of the lock body allow for the positioning of the respective lock componentry relative to each other to be changed so that the sequence with which the lock componentry is spread along the lock body is adaptable to match a particular installation. The invention therefore In use provides a lock device and system comprising providing a predefined breakdown of a lock system into a plurality of cooperative elements; providing a carrier module structure including a plurality of modules each for receiving one or a part of a chosen form of each of the plurality of cooperative elements; wherein a lock device can be selectively created and integrated into the required closure based on the required technology, the allowable location and sizing for fitting and the required level of security. The plurality of cooperative elements can include: an activation means, one or more control boards, a power source and a locking mechanism.

Alternate forms of lock devices and systems in accordance with the invention are shown in Figures 12 to 5. The devices and systems In these embodiments include a locking mechanism that can be triggered by a non-traditional key, for example, by using a "key" that contains information accessible by the lock device In order to actuate the lock. The lock device 50 shown in Figure 12 is mounted to a door 56 (for example, a mailbox, or a front door to an apartment or foyer) for locking and unlocking the door. In this embodiment, the activation means Is in the form of sensors 52 (e.g. such as those described above). The sensors 52 are used to activate the latch or bolt 54, shown in Figure 13, which is moveable from a first position to a second position to allow locking and unlocking upon activation by the activation means. Figure 1 illustrates the modular structure of the lock device 50. The modular structure allows for Interflttlng of a plurality of selected modules to form a single unit, as can be seen, for example, in Figure 15.

One benefit of the lock device 50 is that it is integrated with a door handle. Further embodiments of the invention, such as those exemplified In Figures 12 to 15, can provide the following advantages:

• The locking mechanism Is triggered by means of an intelligent, secure chip Button, rather than a key, which overcomes the growing danger of 'key bumping' as a security concern.

• The Button is uniquely encrypted and by simply touching this to the

reader on the door, the latch withdraws and the door opens. After a brief time the latch re-extends to re-engage.

• Each chip can be programmed with up to 256 bit encryption making the Button extremely difficult to copy.

• Events can be downloaded to provide a record of who opened the door, what and when.

• The Button can be programmed to function uniquely for a pre-set access time frame, following which it will cease to function.

• If a Button is lost or needs to be replaced, there is no need for the

expense and time taken to replace a key barrel. A new Button with a new encryption can simply be provided and touched onto the lock to activate the new Button and cancel previous access (if required).

• The lock device moves beyond the growing vulnerability, Inconvenience and costs associated with traditional key locking systems. It offers not only greater security and convenience but effective and efficient management feedback.

• The lock device can be retrofitted to existing locks in order to make them more secure.

While we have described herein particular embodiments of a lock device and system, It is further envisaged that other embodiments of the Invention could exhibit any number and combination of any one of the features previously described. However, it is to be understood that any variations and modifications which can be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof are included within the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A modular lock device comprising: a) an activation means;

b) one or more control boards; c) a power source; and d) a locking mechanism.