GB2192425A - A lockable escutcheon - Google Patents

Abstract

The escutcheon 37 which covers a lock 26 has a housing 1,6 with a chamber therein and a movable obturator member 2 which is positioned in the chamber and which has a keyhole 4; a plurality of combination discs 5 are rotateably coupled to the obturator member 2, the obturator member 2 being lockable when the keyhole 4 in the obturator member 2 is out of alignment with keyhole(s) 4 in the housing 1,6, but being moveable in dependence upon the selection of a predetermined combination from data provided on the combination discs to allow access to the lock 26 when the keyholes 4 are in alignment. As shown, obturator member 2 is a rotatable disc formed with a loop 7 having tongues 8 protruding therefrom to form two separate groupings of three gaps 13 and discs 5 are rotatably mounted on loop 7. Disc 2 may be rotated only when notches 9 within bores 11 of discs 5 are simultaneously aligned with the tongues 8. The periphery of each disc 5 may be inscribed with numbers 0-9, letters, symbols. Rotational movement of the obturator disc 2 may be restricted by shafts 15 or a lug (20, Fig. 6) and groove (21, Fig. 9). The combination may be changed in the arrangement of Figs. 11-16 whereof the modified disc member 2 allows the discs 5 to be removed and changed around without the need to split outer casing 6 and base plate 1. Figs. 17-24 show details of firing of the escutcheon. The member 2 may also be lockable with the keyholes 4 aligned. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION A lockable escutcheon This invention relates to a lockable escutcheon.

There are various types of known locks such for example as mortice locks, cylinder locks and combination locks. The locks are extensively used and they are often used in relatively low security situations such for example as on entrance doors, internal doors, furniture doors and drawers. There are often occassions when persons would like a little extra security at not too much extra cost.

It is an aim of the present invention to provide this extra security.

Accordingly, this invention provides a lockable escutcheon comprising a housing, a chamber in the housing, a keyhole in the housing, a movable obturator member which is positioned in the chamber and which has a keyhole, and a plurality of combination discs rotateably coupled to the obturator member, the obturator member being lockable when the keyhole in the obturator member is out of alignment with the keyhole in the housing, the obturator member being lockable in the chamber or rotateable therein in dependence upon the selection of a predetermined combination from data provided on the combination discs, and the lockable escutcheon being such that in use it is able to cover a lock and to prevent access to the lock until the keyhole in the housing and the keyhole in the obturator member are in alignment.

Usually, the lockable escutcheon will be such that the obturator member is rotateable when the combination has been selected.

The predetermined combination is preferably a predetermined combination number, and in this case the data provided on the combination discs will be digits. If desired, however, the predetermined combination could be a predetermined combination of letters, symbols, signs or other data.

Usually, the data will be provided on the peripheries of the combination discs. The data may be provided at other positions on thecombination discs, assuming that the data is appropriately visible, as may be required.

Preferably, the data is inscribed on the combination discs. If desired, the data may be provided in other walls, for example by die stamping on the combination discs.

The obturator member is- preferably movable by being rotateable. The obturator member.

could alternatively be movable by being slideable.

Preferably, the obturator member is a wall member. The wall member is preferably a disc member.

The combination discs may be rotateably coupled to the obturator member by being mounted on a peripheral loop part of the obturator member.

The obturator member may additionally also be lockable when the keyhole in the obturator member is in alignment with the keyhole in the housing.

The lockable escutcheon may be provided as an inexpensive and efficient accessory for locks in general. The lockable escutcheon may be sold with or without the locks. The lockable escutcheon can be attached over a normal lock keyhole and used to prevent access to the keyhole unless the required predetermined combination is known. Usually, the lockable escutcheon will be attached to the front of a door to form an external keyhole for a mortice lock.

Embodiments of the invention will now- be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a front view of a first lockable escutcheon; Figure 2 is a longitudinal section on the line 2-2 shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a front view of ther lockable escutcheon and shows additional parts to that shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 is a longitudinal section on the- line 4-4 shown in Figure 3; Figure 5 is a front view of a disc member forming a part of the lockable escutcheon; Figure 6 is a rear view of the disco member shown in Figure 5; Figure 7 is a front view of the disc member shown in Figure 5, and shows a keyhole formed therethrough in a vertical position; Figure 8 is a front view of the disc member shown in Figure 5, and shows the keyhole formed therethrough in a horizontal position;; Figure 9 is a plan view of a circular base plate; Figure 10 is a rear view of an outer casing; Figure 11 is a front view of part of a second lockable escutcheon, and shows especially an alternative disc member to that shown in Figures 5 to 8; Figure 12 is a front view of the disc member shown in Figure 11, with a keyhole formed therethrough in a vertical position; Figure 13 is a front view of a disc member shown in Figure 11 with the keyhole formed therethrough in a horizontal position; Figure 14 is a front view of the disc member shown in Figure 11, with one combination disc removed from the periphery of the disc member; Figure 15 is a front view of the disc member shown in Figure 11 with two combination discs removed from the periphery of the disc member;; Figure 16 is a front view of the disc member shown in Figure 11 with three combination discs removed from the periphery often disc member; Figure 17 is a side view of a lockable escut cheon in position on a door which is shown in longitudinal section; Figure 18 is a rear view of a lockable escut cheon; Figure 19 is a plan view of a roseplate used for securing the lockable escutcheon to a door; Figure 2Q is a front view of a lockable es cutcheon havingthe-dise member shown in -Figure 11 and a keyhole formed therethrough in a vertical position as shown in Figure 12; -Figure 21 is a longitudinal section along line 21-21 of Figure 20;; Figure 22-- is a front view of a lockable es cutcheon with the disc member shown in -Fig ure 11 and with the keyhole formed there -through in a horizontal position; Figure 23 is a front view of the lockable escutcheon shown in Figure 22 but with a screw removed; and Figure 24 is a longitudinal section along line 24 24 shown in Figure- 22; -Referring- tithe drawings and especially to Figures 1 to 4, there is shown a lockable escutcheon 37 compdsing a housing having an outer casing 1 and a base- plate -6. The outer casing 1 and the base plates 6 are manufac turfed of a rigid substantially shock resistant material.

- The base plate 6 is generally flat and circu lar. The casing 1 is also flat and it is partially circular. The casing 1 has a peripheral wall or skirt that fits tightly around the periphery of the base plate 6. As mentioned above, the outer casing 1 and the base plate 6 together form a housing and the housing has a cham bey inside it. Mounted in the chamber is a movable obturator member in the form- of a rotateable disc member 2.

Referring now to Figures 5 to 8, it will be seen that the disc member2 is not in the form of a simple disc. Mora specifically, the disc member 2 is made of hardened steel and it has an irregular-periphery; A-section of the periphery is formed as a curved rod or periph eral loop. Orie of the surfaces of the disc .member 2 is flat and it abuts against the- inner surface the baseplate 6. The loop 7 forms an unsupported extension of a raised periph eral moulding on the opposite side of the disc member 2. The loop 7 projects from one of two peripheral walls formed perpendicular to -the central-axis of the disc member 2, see Figure 6. The loop 7 has a plurality- of spaced tongues 8 which extend inwardly towards the centre axis and- which have six- gaps 13 there between.

As shown in Figures 7 and 8, three combi nation discs 5 are rotateably mounted on the loop 7. Each disc 5 has a centre bore 11 and notch 9, as shown in Figure-5. The loop 7 is such that it- has a portion lying in a curved groove 1 8a formed on the top surface of a protrusion 34 when the disc member 2 is seated against the irner surface of the base plate 6. The protrusion 34 extends outwardly perpendicular from the inner surface of the base plate 6 and it forms a support block in a position where finger pressure placed upon the combination discs 5 might otherwise cause damage to the loop 7.

As shown in Figure 9, the protrusion 34 has housings 19 formed therein. The housings 19 accommodate the discs 5. The housings 19 are equally spaced so as to support the combination discs 5 in positions which correct spond with the gaps 13 formed between the tongues 8 on the loop 7. The exact location of each combination disc 5 is also governed by corresponding slots 17 formed through the outer casing 1 as shown in Figure 10. The rotational plane of each combination disc 5 is thus aligned with the centre axis of the lockable escutcheon 37 as a whole in order to allow free unobstructed movement of the loop 7 and rotation of the disc 2 upon its centre axis when the correct combination number is selected by manipulating the exposed periphery of each combination disc 5.

The gap 13 between each of the tongues 8 corresponds in thickness with each of the combination discs which are only permitted to rotate upon the loop 7 when they are aligned with the said gaps 13. The notches 9 formed within the combination disc bores 11 corre spond in thickness with the tongues 8, allow ing the disc 2 to rotate only when all the said notches 9 are simultaneously aligned with the tongues 10 by selecting the correct combination number. The tongues 8 protrude from the loop 7 in such a way as to form two separate groupings of three equally spaced gaps 13 with an elongate tongue 8 therebetween.

A keyhole 4 is formed through the centre of the disc 2. The keyhole 4 is adjustable relative to keyholes 4 formed through a corresponding position in the outer casing 1 and the base plate 6. The adjustment is caused by rotation of the disc 2 within a limited range of a quar ter turn thereof clockwise or anti-clockwise between the two groupings of three equally spaced gaps 13. For example, upon clockwise rotation of the disc 2, the keyhole 4 formed through the centre thereof is precisely alignable with the keyholes 4 formed through the outer casing 1 and the base plate 6, thus forming a single collective keyhole 4 as shown in Figures 1 and 2, in order to permit key access via the lockable escutcheon- into the lock 26. When the disc 2 is rotated in an anti-clockwise direction, the keyhole 4 formed through the centre thereof is tilted so that it becomes misaligned with the keyholes 4 formed through the outer casing 1 and the base plate 6, thus effectively closing the col lective keyhole 4, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, and thus preventing access to the lock 26 by a key or other means.

The periphery of each combination disc 5 is inscribed with the numbers q to 9. By using these numbers to select a certain predetermined three digit number, the notches 9 formed within the combination disc bores 11 are simultaneously automatically aligned with the tongues 8 on the loop 7, the disc 2 being rotateable clockwise or anti-clockwise only when the notches 9 are all aligned with the tongues 8.

As shown in Figure 10, the interior surface of the outer casing 1 has a circular channel 18b formed therein. The circular channel 18b accommodates the raised peripheral moulding and loop 7 of the disc member 2. Two shafts 15 extend outwardly from the interior surface of the outer casing 1. The shafts 15 are rivetted within bores 16 formed in the base plate 6, after being passed through two curved slots 14 formed in the disc- member 2.

The slots 14 merge with the keyhole 4 in the disc member 2, see Figure 5. This causes the keyhole 4 to become enlarged and gives it an irregular shape which does-not affect the prime function of closing the collective keyhole 4 when required. The curved slots 14 allow the disc member 2 restricted rotational move ment regardless of the shafts :15 passing therethrough.The length of each slot 14 is carefully calculated so as to limit the rotational movement of the disc member 2 in either direction, Clockwise or anti-clockwise, in order to align the combination discs 5 with either one of the two groupings of three gaps 13 formed between the tongues 8 on the loop 7, and in order to allow the combination discs 5 to be rotated in order to lock and/or release the disc member 2 with the keyhole 4 formed therethrough in or out of alignment with the keyholes 4 formed through the outer casing 1 and the base plate 6.

An alternative method of restricting rota tional movement of the disc member 2 is one in which the shafts 15 are not employed. In stead, a simple curved groove 21 is formed on the inner surface of the base plate 6 as shown in Figure 9, and a lug 20 is provided which protrudes from the flat surface of -the disc member 2 as shown in Figure 6. The lug 20 is accommodated within the groove 21 when the lockable escutcheon is assembled.

The disc member 2 is caused to rotate by sliding a knob 3, which extends outwardly from the periphery of the disc member 2, along a slot 10 formed through the peripheral wall of the outer casing 1. In order to ensure that the knob 3 is not an obstruction during assembly, a gap 35 is formed in the periph eral wall of the outer casing 1 so that the knob 3 can -be passed therethrough when- the outer casing 1 and the base plate 6 are being joined together and automaticaily aligned with the slot 10.

The combination number of the lockable es cutcheon described above is permanent and unchangeable. The lockable escutcheon can however be modified to give a changeable combination number for extra security purposes. Such a lockable escutcheon witfr a changeable combination number will now be described with reference to Figures 11 to 16.

Referring to Figures 11 to 16, there is shown a modified disc member 2 in which the space between both peripheral walls formed perpendicular to the centre axis of the disc member 2 is increased in order to allow extended rotational movement of the disc member 2 in an anti-clockwise direction when required. This is achieved merely by altering the position of the peripheral wall 36, while the loop 7 retains its original form and remains unaltered from that described above. A gap 12 is formed between both free ends as shown.

The keyhole 4 formed through the modified disc member 2 is of conventional shape and it does not incorporate the curved slots 14 shown in Figures 5 to 8.

As shown in Figure 23, the outer casing 1 of the lockable escutcheon of Figures 11 to 16 has a bore 33 therethrough. A corresponding screw threaded bore is formed through the base plate 6 as illustrated in Figure 24.

Figure 22 is a view like that shown in Figure 23 but it shows a screw 32 present. In Figure 22, the keyhole 4 in the disc member 2-is shown in a horizontal position. Figure 20 shows the lockable escutcheon of Figures 11 to 16 and illustrates keyhole 4 in the disc member 2 being shown in a vertical position.

Figure 21 is a longitudinal section along the line 21-21 of Figure 20.

During normal use, the disc member 2 retains its original function as described above.

In other words, the disc member 2 is rotateable in a clockwise and an anti-clockwise direction within a restricted range in order to movie the keyhole 4 formed therethrough relative to the keyholes 4 formed through the outer casing 1 and the base plate 6. When the outer casing 1 and the base plate 6 have been joined together with the disc member 2 therebetween, the screw 32 shown in Figure- 22 is inserted into the bore 33. The screw threaded shank of the screw 32 passes between the loop 7 and the peripheral wall of the disc member 2 and is screwed into the correct sponding screw threaded bore formed through the base plate 6. The screw 32 serves a dou ble-purpose in that it helps to hold the outer casing 1 and the base plate 6 together.It also restricts the extended rotational movement of the modified disc member 2 shown in Figures 11 to 16 in an anti-clockwise direction during normal use, as illustrated in Figures 12 and 13. The screw 32 is only removed when the combination number is to be altered.

When it is desired to alter the combination number, the screw 32 is removed and the disc member 2 is rotated beyond its normal range in an anti-clockwise direction. The gap 12 between both free ends of the loop 7 can then be aligned-with each of the combination discs 5, one at a time, as illustrated in Figures 14,15 and 1.6. The combination discs 5 are thus removable from the loop 7 via the slots 17 formed in the outer casing 1, without the need to split the outer casing 1 and the base plate 6 apart. The combination discs 5 can be replaced in any alternative order simply .by re versing the process. The combination number is thus changeable and it can be altered from time to time for extra security. For example, if the original combination number is 592, this combination could be changed to 925 or 952 and- so on as may be required.

The illustrated lockable escutcheons 37 may be fitted to a door 38 as shown in Figure 17.

The fitting may be after a mortice 25 has first been prepared and prior to fitting a mortice lock 26.in the mortice 25.

Two bores are provided through the door 38 when fitting the mortice lock 26. One of the bores accommodates the lever spindle, -and the other bore 27 forms a passage for a key. The -bore 27 provides a tight housing for the circular protrusion 22 extending outwardly from the-exterior surface of the base plate 6, .which is field in place. within the bore 27 by the roseplate 23 shown in Figure 19. The ro seplate 23 has a keyhole 4 and two counter sunk bores 30 formed therethrough.

The. roseplate 23 is placed within the mor tice 25 as shown in Figure 17. The roseplate -23 is pressed against one. of the inner walls of the mortice 25 on the side of the door 38 upon which the lockable escutcheon 37 is fitted, so that the roseplate'23 is situated over the bore 27 on that side, see Figure 17.

A screw 24 is then passed through each of -the two counter sunk bores 30 formed through the-roseplate 23. The screws 24 are then screwed- into corresponding screw threaded bores 29 formed in the outwardly extending circular base plate protrusion 22.

The screwing can be effected--with a normal screw driver 28. The. mortice lock 26 is then placed within the mortice 25 and it is fixed in position in -a conventional manner, see also.

Figures 2 arid 4.

Referring now-to.Figure 18, the exterior sur face -of the base plate 6 surrounding the circu lar protrusion22 is formed with a serrated surface in the form of a plurality of tiny raised spikes 3.1. These spikes 31 serve to grip against the surface of the door 38 so as- to prevent the lockable escutcheon 37 from be- ing rotated during normal use, or if being tam pered with by unauthorised -persons.

It is to be appreciated that the embodiment of- the invention described above with refer ence to the accompanying drawings has been -given by-way of example only and that modifi cations may be- effected. Thus,. for example, another type of obturator member other than -the disc member 2 may be employed. Also, the predetermined data on the- combination discs need not be in the form of numbers and letters or other signs or symbols may be employed. Further, the disc shaped member 2 can be of shapes other than illustrated.

Claims (10)

1. A lockable escutcheon comprising a housing, a chamber in the housing, a keyhole in the housing, a movable obturator member which is positioned in the chamber and which has a keyhole, and a plurality of combination discs rotateably coupled to the obturator member, the obturator member being lockable when the keyhole in the obturator member is out of alignment with the keyhole in the housing, the obturator member being lockable in the chamber or rotateable therein in dependence upon the selection of a predetermined combination from data provided on the combination discs, and the lockable escutcheon being such that in use it is able to cover a lock and to prevent access to the lock until the keyhole in the housing and the keyhole in the obturator member are in alignment.

2. A lockable escutcheon according to claim 1 in which the predetermined combination is a predetermined combination number, and in which the data provided on the combination discs are digits.

3. A lockable escutcheon according to claim 1 or claim 2 in which the data is provided on the periphery of the combination discs.

4. A lockable escutcheon according to any one of the preceding claims in which the data is inscribed on the combination disc.

5. A lockable escutcheon according to any one of the preceding claims in which obturator member is movable by being rotateable.

6. A lockable escutcheon -according to any one of the preceding claims in which the obturator member is a wall member.

7. A lockable escutcheon according to claim 6 in which the wall member is a disc member.

8. A lockable escutcheon according to any one of the preceding claims in which the combination discs are rotateably coupled to the obturator member by being mounted on a peripheral loop part of the obturator member.

9. A lockable escutcheon according to any one of the preceding claims in which the obturator member is also lockable when the keyhole in the obturator member is in alignment with the keyhole in the housing.

10. A lockable escutcheon substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.