WO2017060713A1

WO2017060713A1 - A lock system

Info

Publication number: WO2017060713A1
Application number: PCT/GB2016/053116
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael David Holmes
Original assignee: Container Components Europe Limited
Priority date: 2015-10-08
Filing date: 2016-10-06
Publication date: 2017-04-13
Also published as: GB2543265B; GB201517797D0; GB2543265A

Abstract

A lock system (2) comprising: a lock (4) and a lock base (6), the lock (4) comprising a lock mechanism (8) engageable with the lock base (6), which lock mechanism (8) is moveable between a first position and a second position, the lock (4) being engageable with the lock base (6) when the lock mechanism (8) is in the first position, further comprising a first bias (60) for biasing the lock mechanism (8) towards the first position, wherein the lock base (6) comprises a housing (20) adapted to receive the lock mechanism (8), and a lock engagement portion (22) engageable with the lock mechanism (8), the housing (20) comprising a mouth (35) forming an entrance to the housing (20), a first wall (28), and an opposite second wall (34), the second wall (34) sloping inwardly from the mouth (35) towards the first wall (28) such that the distance between the first and second walls (28, 34) decreases from the mouth (35) to an opposite end of the housing (20); and wherein the lock engagement portion (22) is moveable relative to the housing (20) between a closed position in which it is engageable with the lock mechanism (8), and an open position, and the lock base (6) further comprises a second bias (26) for biasing the lock engagement portion (22) towards the closed position.

Description

A LOCK SYSTEM

DESCRIPTION This invention relates to a lock system, and particularly, but not exclusively to a lock system adapted for use with a lidded container. The lock assembly is particularly suitable for use with a lidded container in which the lid is made of a plastics material. However, it is to be understood that the lock system of the present invention could be used with containers having lids formed from other materials.

A problem with known lock systems for lidded containers is that it can be cumbersome to lock and unlock the lock system.

In addition, existing lock systems may be readily unlocked by unauthorised personnel. Such unauthorised locking may cause contamination of recycling contents for example and may also enable scavengers to gain access to goods contained within the container and/or fly-tippers to make use of an openable container.

According to a first aspect of the present invention a lock system comprising: a lock and a lock base, the lock comprising a lock mechanism engageable with the lock base, which lock mechanism is moveable between a first position and a second position, the lock being engageable with the lock base when the lock mechanism is in the first position, and further comprising a first bias for biasing the lock mechanism towards the first position, wherein the lock base comprises a housing adapted to receive the lock mechanism, and a lock engagement portion engageable with the lock mechanism, the housing comprising a mouth forming an entrance to the housing, a first wall, and an opposite second wall, the second wall sloping inwardly from the mouth towards the first wall such that the distance between the first and second walls decreases from the mouth to an opposite end of the housing;

and wherein the lock engagement portion is moveable relative to the housing between a closed position in which it is engageable with the lock mechanism, and an open position, and the lock base further comprises a second bias for biasing the lock engagement portion towards the closed position. The housing is adapted to receive the lock mechanism therein. In particular, when the lock system is in a locked position, the lock may be held within the housing. The mouth of the housing allows entry of the lock into the lock base. The lock base is therefore open at one end thereof, and the open end is formed by as the mouth.

Because the lock engagement portion is moveable relative to the housing between a close position in which it is engageabie with the lock mechanism, and an open position, the lock system will be in a locked mode when the lock engagement portion is in the closed position, and the lock mechanism is in the first position.

The configuration of the first and second walls ensures that, in use, the lock mechanism will move towards the lock engagement portion when being pushed down onto the lock base to close a container lid.

The lock engagement portion may comprise a swing plate pivotably attached to the housing.

The lock engagement portion may be pivotably moveable about an axis located at the mouth of the housing.

The lock engagement portion may be pivotably moveable about the axis between a closed position in which it is engageabie with the lock mechanism, and an open position.

Due to the first bias, the lock system according to the present invention will tend to be in the engaged, or locked position. A lock system according to the present invention is therefore biased towards the engaged, or locked position.

The lock mechanism may take any convenient form, and in some embodiments it comprises a tab.

The tab may have any particular shape and may for example be curved and/or in the form of a hook. In many embodiments, however, the tab may be substantially linear, and may be in the form of a foot, for example.

The lock mechanism may further comprise a spindle, and the tab may be operatively connectable to the spindle such that movement of the spindle causes corresponding movement of the tab. The tab may extend substantially at right angles to the axis of the spindle. In such embodiments the tab may be regarded as a foot extending from the spindle.

In embodiments comprising a spindle, the lock mechanism may be moveable between the first position and the second position through movement of the spindle.

In embodiments of the invention the lock mechanism further comprises a head and a barrel. In such embodiments the spindle may extend from the head to the tab through the barrel, and may be moveable relative to the barrel.

The lock system may comprise a first stop for holding the lock mechanism in the first position.

The stop may comprise a first barrel portion. In such embodiments, the first bias will move the spindle to the engaged or locked position. A portion of the spindle may abut against a portion of the barrel to keep the lock system in the locked or engaged position.

In some embodiments of the invention, the lock system may comprise a peg extending from the spindle. In such embodiments the first barrel portion may comprise a first peg engagement portion. The peg may be engageable with a peg engagement portion of the barrel.

The first peg engagement portion may be formed from a portion cut out of the barrel. The first peg engagement portion may thus comprise a recess formed in the barrel.

The peg may be formed separately from the spindle. In such embodiments, the spindle may comprise a peg receiving portion. The peg receiving portion may comprise an aperture formed in the spindle. In other embodiments, the peg may be integrally formed with the spindle.

The lock system may comprise a second stop which defines the second position of the lock mechanism. The second stop may comprise a second barrel portion in the form of a second peg engagement portion. In such embodiments the peg may abut against the second peg engagement portion. The peg may be the same peg as that described above with reference to the first stop. Alternatively, it may be a different peg. The peg may be integrally formed with the spindle, or it may be formed separately to the spindle and attachable to the spindle. The spindle may comprise a peg receiving portion which may comprise an aperture formed in the spindle, for receiving the peg.

The second peg receiving portion may also be formed from a portion cut out from the barrel.

Other forms of stops are also possible.

The lock system may comprise a key for moving the lock mechanism from the first position to the second position. This can be advantageous in that it can make it more difficult for unauthorised personnel to unlock the lid to gain access to the container or the contents thereof. However, in other embodiments, the lock mechanism may be moved manually, without the need for a key. In embodiments of the invention comprising a key, the key may be used to move the lock mechanism to the second position. Once the key is removed, the first bias will return the lock mechanism to the locked position.

In embodiments of the invention in which the lock mechanism is operatively connected to a spindle, which spindle extends from a head, through a barrel and to the tab forming the lock mechanism, the key may be engageable with a nut at the head of the lock operatively connected to the spindle. In such embodiments, when the key engages with the nut and the key is rotated, rotation of the key will cause corresponding rotation of the spindle which in turn causes movement of the lock mechanism.

The lid of the container may be positioned between the head and the locking mechanism, and a support nut may be threadingly engageable with the barrel, such that tightening of the nut along the barrel causes the nut to engage with the lid to thereby hold the lock in place relative to the lid; wherein the lid is resiliently deformable and comprises a protrusion extending from the support; and the nut comprises a detent engageable with the protrusion.

In such embodiments, the lock may be automatically locked in position on the lid. In such embodiments, the detent may provide a greater resistance to movement of the nut in an anti-clockwise direction than in a clockwise direction. This means the nut may be screwed onto the barrel by turning the nut in a clockwise direction more easily than the nut may be unthreaded from the barrel by turning the nut in an anti-clockwise direction. By means of the present invention, therefore, it is possible to tighten the nut by hand in order to secure the lock to the lid, but it is not possible to loosen the nut by hand. Instead it is necessary to use a tool such as a spanner in order to loosen the nut from the barrel in order to remove the lock from the support.

This means that during use of the lock assembly, unintentional loosening of the nut is unlikely to happen, thus reducing the chances that the lock may become accidentally loosened, and thus become detached from the lid.

If it is required to loosen the nut in order to, for example, remove the lock from the support, then the nut will have to be turned in an anti-clockwise direction. When this happens, the protrusion will abut against the upright face of the ramp, and further movement in an anticlockwise direction will not be possible unless for example a spanner is used to force the protrusion past the ramp.

In this way, it is possible to hand tighten the lock, yet it is not possible to loosen the lock by hand. This prevents, or reduces the likelihood of, the lock becoming accidentally detached from the support due to accidental loosening of the nut during use of the lock assembly.

Further details of this arrangement may be found in our granted UK patent No. GB 2454643 B, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of fitting a lock system according to the first aspect of the present invention to a lidded container, the method comprising the steps of :

1 ) determining a centre line of a wall of the container;

2) locating the lock base at a predetermined distance below an upper edge of the wall, on an internal surface thereof, such that the lock base is centrally positioned relative to the centre line of the wall;

3) securing the lock base to the inner surface of the wall;

4) securing the lock in a centrally positioned lock aperture in the lid of the container.

In some embodiments, the step of determining the centre line of the wall of the container may comprise the steps of measuring the width of the wall of the container and determining the centre point. In some embodiments of the invention, the centre line may then be established by drawing a line substantially at right angles to an upper edge of the wall. Any drawing implement may be used to draw the line, but in many embodiments a felt tip pen may be used.

The step of locating the lock base at a predetermined distance below the upper edge of the wall may comprise the step of identifying a location for an aperture to be formed, which location is a predetermined distance from both the centre line and the rim of the wall. In some embodiments two such locations are identified, one on either side of the centre line.

In some embodiments of the invention a template may be used to locate the apertures.

The apertures may be created, by, for example using a drill to create the holes. The holes formed will be of an appropriate size to receive screws or similar used to hold the lock base on the inner surface of the wall.

Once the lock base has been appropriately secured on an inner wall of the container, the lock may be correspondingly located in a lock aperture formed on a lid adapted to fit the container.

The lock may be secured in position on the lid, or alternatively, in some embodiments the lock may be automatically locked in position on the lid.

A container having a lid and a container body, and comprising a lock system according to the first aspect of the present invention wherein the lock is affixed to the lid of the container, and the lock base is affixed to the container body.

Embodiments in the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which;

FIGURE 1 is a schematic representation of a lock system according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention showing the lock and the lock base in a non-engaged position; FIGURE 2 is a schematic representation of the lock base of Figure 1 ;

FIGURE 3 is a schematic representation of a portion of the lock base of Figure 2; FIGURES 4 and 5 are schematic representations showing further features of the lock base of Figure 2; FIGURE 6 is a cross-sectional representation showing the lock system in a locked position with the lock mechanism engaging with the lock base;

FIGURE 7 is a perspective view of the lock mechanism in the locked position; FIGURE 8 is a perspective view of the lock mechanism shown in in the unlocked position;

FIGURE 9 is a schematic representation showing the lock base fitted to a container;

FIGURE 10 is a schematic representation showing the lock fitted to the lid of the container; and

FIGURE 11 is a schematic representation showing how a user may lock the lid in a closed position. Referring initially to Figures 1 and 6, a lock system according to an embodiment of the invention is designated generally by the reference numeral 2. The lock system 2 comprises a lock 4 and a lock base 6.

The lock 4 comprises a lock mechanism 8, which in this embodiment is in the form of a tab. The lock mechanism is engageable with the lock base 6.

The lock further comprises a spindle 0 to which the lock mechanism 8 is operatively connected. In this embodiment, the lock mechanism 8 is in the form of a tab, or foot extending substantially at right angles to an axis of the spindle 10.

The lock 4 further comprises a head 12 and a barrel 14. The spindle 10 extends from the head 2 to the lock mechanism 8 through the barrel 14. The spindle is rotatable relative to the barrel 14. The lock mechanism 8 is moveable between a first position and a second position. In this embodiment, movement of the lock mechanism 8 is effected by rotational movement of the spindle 10. The lock comprises a first bias in the form of a helical spring 60 (shown in Figure 6), for example, which biases the lock mechanism 8 in the first position. When the lock mechanism is in the first position, it is engageable with the lock base.

In Figure 1 the lock mechanism is shown in the first position, but shown separate from the lock base 6. In Figure 6, the lock mechanism is shown in position within the lock base. In order to move the lock mechanism to the second position, it is necessary to rotate the spindle through approximately 90 degrees. In other embodiments however, the angle between the first and second positions may be different.

The lock system 2 comprises a first stop 15 for holding the lock mechanism in the first position. In this embodiment, the first stop is formed from a first barrel portion as shown in Figures 1 , 7 and 8. The lock system further comprises a peg 16 extending from the spindle 10. The peg 16 is engageable with the barrel portion 15 as shown in Figures 7 and 8. In this embodiment the peg 16 is adapted to abut with the barrel portion 15.

The lock system 2 further comprises a second stop 17, which in this embodiment is formed from a second barrel portion as shown particularly in Figures 7 and 8. The second stop 17 holds the spindle and therefore the lock mechanism 8 in the second position. However if the spindle is released when it is in the second position it will automatically return to the first position due to the first bias.

The lock base comprises a housing 20 adapted to receive the lock mechanism.

As can be seen particularly from Figure 2, the lock base 6 also comprises a lock engagement portion 22 which is engageable with the lock mechanism when the lock mechanism is in the first position. In this embodiment, the lock engagement portion 22 comprises a swing plate which is pivotably moveable relative to the housing 20.

In this embodiment, the swing plate 22 is pivotably moveable around a bar 24 between a closed position, as shown in Figure 2 in which it is engageable with the lock mechanism 8, and an open position. The lock base 6 further comprises a second bias 26 in the form of springs which bias the lock engagement portion in the closed position as shown in Figure 2.

The lock base 6 may be fitted to a wall 40 of a container 42 as shown in Figure 7, for example such that one wall 28 of the lock base is flush against the wall 40.

The internal configuration of the wall 28 is shown in more detail in Figure 3. As shown in Figure 3, the internal configuration of the wall 28 defines a recess 300. The recess allows any debris to exit the lock housing rather than building up inside the lock. A build-up of debris could hinder operation of the lock.

As shown in Figure 4, there is a further recess 400 formed in the opposite wall 32 which allows debris to exit the housing. Referring now to Figures 4 and 5, an opposite portion of the lock base 32 is shown in more detail. The opposite wall 32 comprises a sloping wall 34, defining a mouth 35 for entry into the lock base.

When the lock 4 is pushed down towards the lock base 6 in order to lock the lock system 2, a first point of contact between the lock mechanism and the lock base 6 will be the sloping wall 34.

At the mouth 35 of the lock base 6, the wall 34 and the wall 28 are spaced apart from one another in order to define the entry mouth 35.

Due to the sloping configuration of the wall 34, the wall 34 will slope towards the wall 28 in a manner such that the distance between the wall 28 and the wall 34 reduces along the length of the lock base 6 so that the gap between the two walls 34, 28 becomes narrower. This means that it is not necessary to have tight tolerances with regard to the positioning of the lock base 6 and the lock 4. In addition, once the lock mechanism 8 makes contact with the surface 34 further downward force on the lock 4 will cause the lock mechanism to slide towards the lock engagement portion 22.

The lock base 6 may be attached to the internal wall 40 by any convenient means, in this embodiment it may be attached through use of screws 44, washers 45 and bolts 46. The container may be prepared for the lock base to be attached thereto by drilling holes of suitable size to receive the screws 44.

The holes that are drilled should be centrally positioned relative to the width of the wall 40.

The lock 4 is adapted to be fitted into a lid 50 for the container which is illustrated schematically in Figure 8.

The lid shown in Figure 8 is formed from a plastics material and has a domed cross- sectional shape. Such a lid will cushion downward travel of the lid preventing the lock from engaging unexpectedly and will also provide a quieter transition of the lid from an open position to a closed position.

The lock 4 may be positioned within a centrally positioned lock aperture 52 by threading the lock into the aperture in a known manner.

When the lock base and the lock have been appropriately fitted, the lock will be engageable with the lock base when the lid is in a closed position. In order to lock the lid in a closed position a user merely has to push down on the lock as shown in Figure 9. The force applied by pushing down in this way will initially cause the lock mechanism 8 to make contact with the surface 34 of the lock base 6. Further downward force on the lock will cause the lock mechanism to slide down the surface and make contact with the lock engagement portion 22. This force in turn causes the lock engagement portion to pivot downwardly thus allowing access to the housing 20 by the lock 4.

Once the tab 8 has passed the lock engagement portion, there will no longer be a force acting on the lock engagement portion. The second bias will then return the lock engagement portion to its first position in which the lock mechanism 8 and the lock engagement portion are engaged with one another. Due to the positioning of the lock mechanism relative to the lock base and lock engagement portion 22, once the lock mechanism 8 has been pushed past the lock engagement portion 22 which then returns to its first position, it is not possible to disengage the lock mechanism from the lock engagement portion other than by rotating the spindle to move the lock mechanism to its second position. This is due to the configuration of the lock base which defines a narrowing recess within the lock base and therefore ensures continuing engagement between the lock engagement portion 22 and the lock mechanism 8.

Rotation of the spindle in this embodiment occurs by engaging the key 60 with a nut 62 at the head of the lock. The key may now be turned in order to turn the spindle. Once the tab has been moved to its second position it is no longer in engagement with the lock engagement portion 22 and thus the lid may be released. Once the key is removed from the head of the lock, the first bias causes the lock mechanism to return to its first position ready for subsequent closure and locking of the lid.

Because it is necessary to use a key in order to unlock the lock system 2, instances of unauthorised opening of the container should be reduced.

In addition, because it necessary merely to push down the lid containing the lock onto the lock base in order to lock the lock system 2, it is not necessary to have the key at the time of locking the container.

Claims

1. A lock system comprising: a lock and a lock base, the lock comprising a lock mechanism engageable with the lock base, which lock mechanism is moveable between a first position and a second position, the lock being engageable with the lock base when the lock mechanism is in the first position, further comprising a first bias for biasing the lock mechanism towards the first position, wherein the lock base comprises a housing adapted to receive the lock mechanism, and a lock engagement portion engageable with the lock mechanism, the housing comprising a mouth forming an entrance to the housing, a first wall, and an opposite second wall, the second wall sloping inwardly from the mouth towards the first wall such that the distance between the first and second walls decreases from the mouth to an opposite end of the housing;

and wherein the lock engagement portion is moveable relative to the housing between a closed position in which it is engageable with the lock mechanism, and an open position, and the lock base further comprises a second bias for biasing the lock engagement portion towards the closed position.

2. A lock system according to any Claim 1 wherein the lock engagement portion comprises a swing plate pivotably attached to the housing.

3. A lock system according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the lock engagement portion is pivotab!e about an axis located at the mouth of the housing.

4. A lock system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the lock engagement portion is pivotable between a closed position in which it is engageable with the lock mechanism, and an open position.

5. A lock system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the lock mechanism comprises a tab.

6. A lock system according to claim 5 wherein the lock mechanism further comprises a spindle, and wherein the tab is operatively connected to the spindle such that movement of the spindle causes corresponding movement of the tab.

7. A lock mechanism according to claim 6 wherein the lock further comprises a head and a barrel, wherein the spindle extends from the head to the tab through the barrel and is moveable relative to the barrel.

8. A lock mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a first stop for holding the lock mechanism in the first position,

9. A lock mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a second stop defining the second position of the lock mechanism.

10. A lock system according to claim 9 further comprising a key for moving the lock mechanism from the second position to the first position.

11. A method of fitting a lock system to a lidded container. The method comprising the steps are:

1 ) determining the centre line of a wall of the container;

2) locating the lock base at a predetermined distance below an upper edge of the wall, on an internal surface thereof, such that the lock base is centrally positioned relative to the centre of the wall;

3) securing the lock base to the inner surface of the wall;

12. A method according to claim 1 wherein the step of determining the centre of the wall of the container comprises the steps of measuring the width of the wall of the container and determining the centre point.

13. A method according to claim 11 or claim 12 wherein the step of locating the lock base at a predetermined distance below the upper edge of the wall comprises the step of identifying a location for an aperture to be formed, which location is a predetermined distance from both the centre line and the rim of the wall.

14. A container having a lid and a container body, the container comprising a lock system according to any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein the lock is affixed to the lid, and the lock base is affixed to the container portion of the container.

15. A lock system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

16. A method substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

17. A container substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompany drawings.