AU2004240261B2

AU2004240261B2 - Interconnected locking system

Info

Publication number: AU2004240261B2
Application number: AU2004240261A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Gary Bergen; Eugenio Mannella; Shirley Ritchie
Original assignee: Newfrey LLC
Current assignee: Newfrey LLC
Priority date: 2004-12-21
Filing date: 2004-12-21
Publication date: 2008-04-17
Anticipated expiration: 2024-12-21
Also published as: CN1793595A; AU2004240261A1

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

(ORIGINAL)

Class Int. Class Application Number: Lodged: Complete Specification Lodged: Accepted: Published: Priority Related Art: Name of Applicant: Newfrey LLC Actual Inventor(s): Shirley Ritchie, Gary Bergen, Eugenio Mannella Address for Service and Correspondence: PHILLIPS ORMONDE FITZPATRICK Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys 367 Collins Street Melbourne 3000 AUSTRALIA Invention Title: INTERCONNECTED LOCKING SYSTEM Our Ref: 735447 POF Code: 452270/463536 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to applicant(s): -1- 6006

I

00 INTERCONNECTED LOCKING SYSTEM SBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the invention SThe present invention relates to door hardware, and, more particularly, to an interconnected locking system.

IO 2. Description of the related art.

SHandle sets have long been available that include an interconnected lock C 10 assembly, wherein actuation of an interior operator, knob or lever, simultaneously Sretracts both a latch bolt and a deadbolt. In one such handle set, a slide is positioned c between the actuation mechanism of the operator and the actuation mechanism of a turn piece connected to the deadbolt, wherein the slide is spring biased in a plane of travel of the slide. Such a lock assembly may be found in both commercial and residential environments.

What is needed in the art is an interconnected locking system that provides noninterconnected locking of each of a latch bolt mechanism and a deadbolt mechanism, while providing an interconnected release of both the latch bolt mechanism and deadbolt mechanism deadbolt through the operation of the deadbolt actuator.

The discussion of the background to the invention is included herein to explain the context of the invention. It is not to be taken as an admission or a suggestion that any of the material referred to was published, known or part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of any of the claims.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an interconnected locking system and method that provides non-interconnected locking of each of a latch bolt mechanism and a deadbolt mechanism, while providing an interconnected release of both the latch bolt mechanism and deadbolt mechanism through the operation of the deadbolt actuator.

XASASKIAPatlent So e 2004240261-A doC 00 According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an interconnected locking system, including: a latch bolt mechanism having a latch bolt locking mechanism; Sa deadbolt mechanism having a deadbolt locking mechanism; and means providing non-interconnected locking of each of said latch bolt locking mechanism and said deadbolt locking mechanism, while providing an interconnected release of both said latch bolt locking mechanism and said deadbolt locking mechanism through an operation of said deadbolt mechanism; wherein: said latch bolt mechanism includes: a latch bolt assembly having a latch bolt; Sa sleeve assembly configured to rotate about a first rotational axis, and connected to said latch bolt assembly to operate said latch bolt, said sleeve assembly including a locking bar; and an operator connected to said sleeve assembly; and said latch bolt locking mechanism includes: a lock slide having a notch formed at a perimeter of said lock slide for receiving said locking bar when in a locked position, and having an opening defining at least one cam follower; a drive gear connected to said turn piece; and a pinion gear having an integral cam, said pinion gear being meshed with said drive gear, said cam being positioned in said opening of said lock slide to engage said cam follower when said turn piece is rotated about a second rotational axis.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an interconnected locking system, including: a latch bolt mechanism including a latch bolt, an exterior sleeve assembly configured to rotate about a first rotational axis to operate said latch bolt, said exterior sleeve assembly including a locking bar; a latch bolt locking mechanism including a turn piece, a lock slide, a drive gear and a pinion gear, said turn piece being rotatably coupled to said pinion gear via said drive gear, said lock slide having a notch configured to receive said locking bar when said lock slide is in a locked position, said lock slide having an opening defining at least one cam follower, said pinion gear having an integral cam, said cam being positioned in XA.SASKIAPatent Specu2004240261-Adoc 00 said opening of said lock slide to engage said cam follower when said turn piece is rotated about a second rotational axis; a deadbolt mechanism including a deadbolt locking mechanism and a deadbolt Sactuator mechanism connected to said deadbolt locking mechanism, said deadbolt actuator mechanism having a third rotational axis and having an actuator lever that pivots about said third rotational axis; and an interconnection mechanism including an elongate member having a first end

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C1 and a second end, and a pivot feature located between said first end and said second end defining a pivot axis, said first end having a rack gear for engaging said drive gear, and said second end defining an engagement member for engaging said actuator lever of said deadbolt actuator mechanism.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for assembling an interconnected locking system, including: providing a latch bolt mechanism including a latch bolt and a sleeve assembly configured to rotate about a first rotational axis to operate said latch bolt, said sleeve assembly including a locking bar; providing a latch bolt locking mechanism including a turn piece having a second rotational axis, a lock slide, a drive gear and a pinion gear having an integral cam, said lock slide having a notch configured to receive said locking bar when said lock slide is in a locked position, said lock slide having an opening defining at least one cam follower; providing a deadbolt mechanism including a deadbolt locking mechanism and a deadbolt actuator mechanism connected to said deadbolt locking mechanism, said deadbolt actuator mechanism having a third rotational axis and having an actuator lever that pivots about said second rotational axis; providing an interconnection mechanism including an elongate member having a first end having a rack gear and a second end defining an engagement member, and a pivot feature located between said first end and said second end along a pivot axis; attaching said turn piece to said drive gear; positioning said cam integral with said pinion gear in said opening of said lock slide; engaging said pinion gear with said drive gear; engaging said rack gear of said elongate member with said drive gear; and X:ASASKAPatent Sec%20o424026l. ADoC 00 positioning said engagement member of said elongate member to be engaged by 0said actuator lever of said deadbolt actuator mechanism.

SAccording to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit Sfor an interconnected locking system, including: a latch bolt mechanism including a latch bolt, an exterior sleeve assembly configured to rotate about a first rotational axis to operate said latch bolt, said exterior sleeve assembly including a locking bar;

INO

C a latch bolt locking mechanism including a turn piece, a lock slide, a drive gear and a pinion gear, said turn piece being rotatably coupled to said pinion gear via said drive gear, said lock slide having a notch configured to receive said locking bar when Ssaid lock slide is in a locked position, said lock slide having an opening defining at least one cam follower, said pinion gear having an integral cam, said cam being positioned in said opening of said lock slide to engage said cam follower when said turn piece is rotated about a second rotational axis; a deadbolt mechanism including a deadbolt locking mechanism and a deadbolt actuator mechanism connected to said deadbolt locking mechanism, said deadbolt actuator mechanism having a third rotational axis and having an actuator lever that pivots about said third rotational axis; and an interconnection mechanism including an elongate member having a first end and a second end, said first end having a rack gear configured to engage said drive gear, and said second end defining an engagement member for engaging an actuator lever of a deadbolt actuator mechanism.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of an embodiment of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: Fig. 1A is an interior perspective view of an interconnected locking system in accordance with the present invention, including an interior assembly and an exterior assembly.

Fig. 1B is an exploded view of the interconnected locking system of Fig. 1IA.

X:SASKIAPaten Sect2004240261-A doc 5886-03/B&D001 0.US Fig. 2A is an exploded view of the interior assembly of Figs. 1A and 1B as ,I viewed from the interior.

Fig. 2B is an exploded view of the exterior assembly of Figs. 1A and 1B as Sviewed from the interior.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the lock slide shown in Fig. 2B.

Fig. 4 is a reverse perspective view of the pinion gear shown in Fig. 2B.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the invention, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring now to the drawings and particularly to Fig. 1A-IC, there is shown an interconnected locking system 10 in accordance with the present invention.

Interconnected locking system 10 includes an interior assembly 12 and an exterior assembly 14.

Referring also to Figs. 2A and 2B, interconnected locking system 10 includes a latch bolt mechanism 16, a latch bolt locking mechanism 18, a deadbolt mechanism and an interconnection mechanism 22. Interconnection mechanism 22 is positioned between latch bolt mechanism 16 and deadbolt mechanism Latch bolt mechanism 16 includes an interior operator 24; and exterior operator 25; a latch bolt assembly 26 having a latch bolt 28; and an interior sleeve assembly 30 and an exterior sleeve assembly 31, each configured to rotate about a rotational axis 32 to operate latch bolt 28. Interior operator 24 is connected to interior sleeve assembly 30. Each of interior sleeve assembly 30 and exterior sleeve assembly 31 is configured to respectively receive a square spindle 33a, 33b for operating latch bolt assembly 26.

Interior sleeve assembly 30 includes a torsion assembly 34a including a torsion spring housing 36a with a stop 38a. In the embodiment shown, stop 38a is in the form of a rectangular extension extending inwardly from torsion spring housing 36a.

Exterior sleeve assembly 31 includes a torsion assembly 34b including a torsion spring housing 36b with a locking bar 38b having a surface 40 with at least 5886-03/B&D001 0.US one flat. In the embodiment shown, locking bar 38b is in the form of a rectangular bar extending outwardly from torsion spring housing 36b.

Latch bolt locking mechanism 18 includes a turn piece 42 formed as part of interior assembly 12, and a lock slide 44, a drive gear 46 and a pinion gear 48 formed as part of exterior assembly 14. Turn piece 42 is connected to the latch bolt locking mechanism 18, and more particularly, turn piece 42 is connected to drive gear 46, and in turn is rotatably coupled to pinion gear 48 via drive gear 46, with teeth 50 of pinion gear 48 being meshed with teeth 52 of drive gear 46. Turn piece 42 includes an extension member 54 that extends substantially perpendicular to a rotational axis 56 of turn piece 42. Extension member 54 is positioned in relation to the stop feature 38a of torsion spring housing 36a, such that a rotation of turn piece 42 is stopped when extension member 54 of turn piece 42 engages stop feature 38a. Further, the arrangement of extension member 54 in relation to stop feature 38a of interior sleeve assembly 30 is such that a rotation of interior sleeve assembly 30 when latch bolt locking mechanism 18 is locked causes stop feature 38a to engage extension member 54 and rotate turn piece 42 to unlock latch bolt locking mechanism 18.

Referring to Figs. 2B and 3, lock slide 44 has a notch 58 formed at a perimeter of lock slide 44. Notch 58 is configured to receive locking bar 38b of torsion spring housing 36b when lock slide 44 is in a locked position. Lock slide 44 includes a tab 61 which is engaged by a flat spring 63, which biases lock slide 44 toward an unlocked position. Lock slide 44 has an opening 62 defining at least one cam follower 64 (two as shown). Referring also to Fig. 4, pinion gear 48 has a surface Pinion gear 48 has an integral cam 66, which may be formed on surface 65. Cam 66 is positioned in opening 62 of lock slide 44 to engage cam follower 64 when turn piece 42 is rotated about rotational axis 56.

Deadbolt mechanism 20 includes a deadbolt locking mechanism 68 and a deadbolt actuator mechanism 70 connected to deadbolt locking mechanism 68.

Deadbolt locking mechanism 68 includes a deadbolt 69. Deadbolt actuator mechanism 70 has a rotational axis 72 and has a cam 74 having an actuator lever 76 that pivots about rotational axis 72. Deadbolt actuator mechanism 70 may include, for example, an exterior keyed lock cylinder 78 that may be locked or unlocked a key inserted into an exterior keyway 80. Also, deadbolt actuator mechanism 70 may include, for example, an interior keyed lock cylinder 81 that may be locked or 5886-03/B&D0010.US unlocked a key inserted into an interior keyway 82. Interior keyed lock cylinder 81 and exterior keyed lock cylinder 78 may respectively include a torque blade 83a, 83b that engages deadbolt locking mechanism 68.

Interconnection mechanism 22 includes an elongate member 84 having a first end 86 and a second end 88, and a pivot feature 90 located between first end 86 and second end 88 defining a pivot axis 92. First end 86 has a rack gear 94 having teeth 96 that are meshed, engaged with, teeth 52 of drive gear 46. Second end 88 defines an engagement member 98 for engaging actuator lever 76 of cam 74 of deadbolt actuator mechanism Referring to Figs. 2B, 3 and 4, in a method for assembling the interconnected locking system, cam 66 of pinion gear 48 is positioned in opening 62 of lock slide 44.

(-i Pinion gear 48 is meshed with, engaged with, drive gear 46, and rack gear 94 of elongate member 84 also is meshed with, engaged with, drive gear 46.

Engagement member 98 of elongate member 84 is positioned to be engaged by actuator lever 76 of deadbolt actuator mechanism 70 when assembled. Each of drive gear 46, pinion gear 48 and elongate member 84 of interconnection mechanism 22 may be rotatably coupled to a mounted plate 100, which in turn is attached to an exterior escutcheon 102 of exterior assembly 14. Turn piece 42 of the interior assembly 12 is attached to drive gear 46 of exterior assembly 14 when interior assembly 12 and exterior assembly 14 are mounted to the door.

In summary, the interconnected locking system 10 provides noninterconnected locking of each of latch bolt locking mechanism 18 and deadbolt locking mechanism 68. For example, in the configuration of interconnected locking system 10 of Fig. 1, a locking actuation of latch bolt locking mechanism 18 does not effect a locking actuation of deadbolt locking mechanism 68, and a locking actuation of deadbolt locking mechanism 68 does not effect a locking actuation of latch bolt locking mechanism 18. As a more specific example, turn piece 42 may be rotated in order to position lock slide 44 in the locked position, with the flat of locking bar 38b engaged by notch 58 of lock slide 44 to in essence lock latch bolt 28. However, the rotation of turn piece 42 does not lock deadbolt 69. Likewise, the locking of deadbolt 69 by a rotation of deadbolt actuator mechanism 70 does not lock latch bolt 28, does not position lock slide 44 in the locked vertically raised) position to engage locking bar 38b of torsion spring housing 36b.

5886-03/B&DI0010.US However, interconnected locking system 10 provides an interconnected I release of both latch bolt locking mechanism 18 and deadbolt locking mechanism 68 through an unlocking operation of deadbolt mechanism 20. Deadbolt actuator mechanism 70 rotates actuator lever 76 of cam 74 to engage engagement member 98 5 of elongate member 84 of interconnection mechanism 22 to thereby pivot elongate member 84 about pivot axis 92. Rack gear 94 of elongate member 84 in turn causes a rotation of drive gear 46, which in turn rotates pinion gear 48 having cam 66. Cam 66 then moves to a position to permit notch 58 of lock slide 44, under the biasing force exerted by spring 63, to decouple from locking bar 38b.

Also, latch bolt locking mechanism 18 may be unlocked by operation of turn piece 42, but turn piece 42 does not unlock the deadbolt 69 of deadbolt locking mechanism 68.

A kit for an interconnected locking system 10 may be formed from lock slide 44 having notch 58 and opening 62 defining at least one cam follower 64, drive gear 46 configured for connection to the turn piece 42, pinion gear 48 configured to mesh with drive gear 46 and configured with integral cam 66, and interconnection mechanism 22 including elongate member 84 having rack gear 94 at first end 86 configured to engage drive gear 46 and defining an engagement member 98 at second end 88 configured for engaging actuator lever 76 of deadbolt actuator mechanism The kit, in turn, may be assembled for attachment to an escutcheon, such as exterior escutcheon 102.

While this invention has been described as having a preferred design, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.

Claims

2. The interconnected locking system of claim 1, said means including: a turn piece connected to said latch bolt locking mechanism; a deadbolt actuator mechanism connected to said deadbolt locking mechanism; and an interconnection mechanism positioned between said latch bolt mechanism and said deadbolt mechanism.
3. The interconnected locking system of claim 2, wherein said locking bar has a surface with at least one flat. XASASKLA Paent Spec2004240281-A.doc 00 4. The interconnected locking system of claim 2 or 3, wherein: said deadbolt actuator mechanism having a third rotational axis, and having an actuator lever that pivots about said third rotational axis; and Swherein said interconnection mechanism includes an elongate member having a first end and a second end, and a pivot axis located between said first end and said second end, said first end having a rack gear meshed with said drive gear, and said second end defining an engagement member for engaging said actuator lever of said N deadbolt actuator mechanism. The interconnected locking system of claim 4, wherein deadbolt actuator mechanism includes a keyed lock cylinder.
6. The interconnected locking system of any one of claims 1 to 5, said operator being an interior operator and said sleeve assembly including an interior sleeve assembly having a stop feature, said turn piece including an extension member that extends substantially perpendicular to said second rotational axis of said turn piece, said extension member being positioned in relation to said stop feature such that a rotation of said interior operator when said latch bolt locking mechanism is locked causes said stop feature to engage said extension member and rotate said turn piece to unlock said latch bolt locking mechanism.
7. The interconnected locking system of any one of claims 1 to 5, said sleeve assembly including an interior sleeve assembly having a stop feature, said turn piece including an extension member that extends substantially perpendicular to said second rotational axis of said turn piece, said extension member being positioned in relation to said stop feature such that a rotation of said turn piece is stopped when said extension member engages said stop feature.
8. An interconnected locking system, including: a latch bolt mechanism including a latch bolt, an exterior sleeve assembly configured to rotate about a first rotational axis to operate said latch bolt, said exterior sleeve assembly including a locking bar; a latch bolt locking mechanism including a turn piece, a lock slide, a drive gear and a pinion gear, said turn piece being rotatably coupled to said pinion gear via said drive gear, said lock slide having a notch configured to receive said locking bar when XASASKIAPatent Spec%2004240261.A.doc 00 said lock slide is in a locked position, said lock slide having an opening defining at least one cam follower, said pinion gear having an integral cam, said cam being positioned in said opening of said lock slide to engage said cam follower when said turn piece is i. rotated about a second rotational axis; a deadbolt mechanism including a deadbolt locking mechanism and a deadbolt actuator mechanism connected to said deadbolt locking mechanism, said deadbolt actuator mechanism having a third rotational axis and having an actuator lever that pivots about said third rotational axis; and an interconnection mechanism including an elongate member having a first end and a second end, and a pivot feature located between said first end and said second end Sdefining a pivot axis, said first end having a rack gear for engaging said drive gear, and said second end defining an engagement member for engaging said actuator lever of said deadbolt actuator mechanism.
9. The interconnected locking system of claim 8, wherein said interconnection mechanism provides an interconnected release of said latch bolt locking mechanism with a release of said deadbolt locking mechanism through an operation of said deadbolt actuator mechanism, wherein said deadbolt actuator mechanism rotates said actuator lever to engage said engagement member of said elongate member of said interconnection mechanism to thereby pivot said elongate member about said pivot axis, said rack gear of said elongate member in turn causing a rotation of said drive gear, which in turn rotates said pinion gear and said cam, said cam moving to a position to permit said notch of said lock slide to decouple from said locking bar. The interconnected locking system of claim 8 or 9, wherein a locking actuation of said latch bolt locking mechanism does not effect a locking actuation of said deadbolt locking mechanism, and a locking actuation of said deadbolt locking mechanism does not effect a locking actuation of said latch bolt locking mechanism.
11. The interconnected locking system of any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein said deadbolt actuator mechanism includes a keyed lock cylinder.
12. The interconnected locking system of any one of claims 8 to 11, including: an interior sleeve assembly configured to rotate about said first rotational axis to operate said latch bolt, said interior sleeve assembly including a stop feature; and X:.\SASKPatent Speck2Oo4240261-A dOc 00 said turn piece including an extension member that extends substantially perpendicular to said second rotational axis of said turn piece, said extension member Sbeing positioned in relation to said stop feature such that a rotation of said interior Ssleeve assembly when said latch bolt locking mechanism is locked causes said stop feature to engage said extension member and rotate said turn piece to unlock said latch bolt locking mechanism.
13. The interconnected locking system of any one of claims 8 to 11, including: an interior sleeve assembly configured to rotate about said first rotational axis to operate said latch bolt, said interior sleeve assembly including a stop feature; and said turn piece including an extension member that extends substantially N' perpendicular to said second rotational axis of said turn piece, said extension member being positioned in relation to said stop feature such that a rotation of said turn piece is stopped when said extension member engages said stop feature.
14. A method for assembling an interconnected locking system, including: providing a latch bolt mechanism including a latch bolt and a sleeve assembly configured to rotate about a first rotational axis to operate said latch bolt, said sleeve assembly including a locking bar; providing a latch bolt locking mechanism including a turn piece having a second rotational axis, a lock slide, a drive gear and a pinion gear having an integral cam, said lock slide having a notch configured to receive said locking bar when said lock slide is in a locked position, said lock slide having an opening defining at least one cam follower; providing a deadbolt mechanism including a deadbolt locking mechanism and a deadbolt actuator mechanism connected to said deadbolt locking mechanism, said deadbolt actuator mechanism having a third rotational axis and having an actuator lever that pivots about said second rotational axis; providing an interconnection mechanism including an elongate member having a first end having a rack gear and a second end defining an engagement member, and a pivot feature located between said first end and said second end along a pivot axis; attaching said turn piece to said drive gear; positioning said cam integral with said pinion gear in said opening of said lock slide; engaging said pinion gear with said drive gear; X:ASASKLA Patenl Speck2OO4240261-A.doc 00 engaging said rack gear of said elongate member with said drive gear; and 0 positioning said engagement member of said elongate member to be engaged by said actuator lever of said deadbolt actuator mechanism. The method of claim 14, wherein during operation, the method further including rotating said actuator lever to engage said engagement member of said elongate member of said interconnection mechanism to thereby pivot said elongate member about said IND pivot axis, said rack gear of said elongate member in turn causing a rotation of said Sdrive gear, which in turn rotates said pinion gear and said cam, said cam moving to a N position to permit said notch of said lock slide to decouple from said locking bar.
16. A kit for an interconnected locking system, including: a latch bolt mechanism including a latch bolt, an exterior sleeve assembly configured to rotate about a first rotational axis to operate said latch bolt, said exterior sleeve assembly including a locking bar; a latch bolt locking mechanism including a turn piece, a lock slide, a drive gear and a pinion gear, said turn piece being rotatably coupled to said pinion gear via said drive gear, said lock slide having a notch configured to receive said locking bar when said lock slide is in a locked position, said lock slide having an opening defining at least one cam follower, said pinion gear having an integral cam, said cam being positioned in said opening of said lock slide to engage said cam follower when said turn piece is rotated about a second rotational axis; a deadbolt mechanism including a deadbolt locking mechanism and a deadbolt actuator mechanism connected to said deadbolt locking mechanism, said deadbolt actuator mechanism having a third rotational axis and having an actuator lever that pivots about said third rotational axis; and an interconnection mechanism including an elongate member having a first end and a second end, said first end having a rack gear configured to engage said drive gear, and said second end defining an engagement member for engaging an actuator lever of a deadbolt actuator mechanism.
17. An interconnected locking system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of the embodiments shown in the drawings.
18. A method for assembling an interconnected locking system substantially as X:ASASKIA Patem SpeD2004240261-Adoc r 00 hereinbefore described with reference to any one of the embodiments shown in the 0 Sdrawings. (D 19. A method for operating an interconnected locking system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of the embodiments shown in the drawings. A kit for an interconnected locking system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of the embodiments shown in the drawings. X: SASKIA\Patet Spec\2004240261-A doc