AU2022252743B2 - Multi-lock and method of use - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a bolt withdrawal mechanism for a door comprising: (1) a chassis adapted to receive a first lock having a first bolt and a second lock having a second bolt, (2) a linking mechanism having a first arm in operative connection with the first bolt and a second arm in operative connection with a second bolt, (3) a manually operated connector, having a first position in which the first arm and second arm are engaged and a second position in which the first arm and second arm are disengaged, and (4) a lever, wherein when the connector is in the first position rotation of the lever causes unitary movement of the first bolt and the second bolt, and when the connector is in the second position, rotation of the lever causes movement of the second bolt but not the first bolt.

Description

P/00/011 Regulation 3.2(2)

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

ORIGINAL COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARDPATENT

Application No. Lodged:

Invention Title: MULTI-LOCK AND METHOD OF USE

The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to:

MULTI-LOCK AND METHOD OF USE FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of lock technology. More particularly the present invention relates to a multi-lock.

[0002] The present Application is a Divisional Application from Australian Patent Application No. 2018247281. The entire disclosures of Australian Patent Application No. 2018247281 is incorporated herein by reference. The Application claims priority to AU 2017904116 filed on 12 October 2017 and AU 2018902582 filed on 17 July 2018 which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0003] In one form, the invention relates to a multi-lock, comprising at least two locks that can be changed between a first mode in which they are operated independently, and a second mode in which they are operated in unison.

[0004] In another form, the invention relates to a multi-lock, comprising one or more locks that can be adjustably positioned. In one particular aspect the present invention relates to a multi-lock comprising at least one latch lock and at least one deadbolt lock.

[0005] In another aspect the present invention is suitable for use in a security door such as a fire door.

[0006] It will be convenient to hereinafter describe the invention in relation to security doors however it should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to that use only and can be used for a wide range of means for securing closures including windows and gates.

BACKGROUND ART

[0007] It is to be appreciated that any discussion of documents, devices, acts or knowledge in this specification is included to explain the context of the present invention. Further, the discussion throughout this specification comes about due to the realisation of the inventor and/or the identification of certain related art problems by the inventor. Moreover, any discussion of material such as documents, devices, acts or knowledge in this specification is included to explain the context of the invention in terms of the inventor's knowledge and experience and accordingly, any such discussion should not be taken as an admission that any of the material forms part of the prior art base or the common general knowledge in the relevant art in Australia, or elsewhere, on or before the priority date of the disclosure and claims herein.

[0008] Security doors are specially designed to secure an area and are often used on emergency exit routes. In some cases, security doors are also designed to resist or prevent spread of fire. For example, they typically have a fire resistance rating and are used as part of a passive fire protection system to reduce the spread of fire or smoke between compartments of a building and to enable safe exit from a structure, such as a building or a ship, in the event of an emergency.

[0009] Security doors comprise a door leaf, door frame and door hardware and are required to meet local standards and certification requirements. Security doors that are also fire doors, typically include special fire door hardware such as automatic closing devices, positive latching mechanisms and smoke seals. Fire doors are typically limited to having a primary mortice lock which is self latching instead of a dead bolt which could prevent the door from closing.

[0010] Most security doors including fire doors, are designed to be kept closed at all times, although some are designed to stay open during normal circumstances and close automatically in the event of a fire or a security breach. They typically have a latch-type lock, and deadlock, and possibly other locks in special circumstances. For example, fire safety doors in Australia have to be self-latching to comply with Australian standard AS1905.1. For this reason, they are limited to having a primary mortice lock to meet the self-latching requirement and dead bolts are not permissible.

Multilocking

[0011] The use of two locks on a door is common practice for various reasons including to restrict access to an area or the items within a room or building.

[0012] Under normal circumstances, unlocking one or more locks of a door rarely presents a problem. However, in the event of a fire, security risk or other hazardous event it is important that all the locks on a door be able to be quickly opened. Any delays can increase the risk of escaping the hazard, or in the case of emergency responders, increase the time taken to deal with the hazard.

[0013] Clearly, in such situations, it would be advantageous if the bolts of the locks on a door could be withdrawn from their locking position at essentially the same time by the rotation of a single handle or door knob.

[0014] In the past there have been a number of arrangements for the simultaneous unlocking of two locks by the rotation of a single handle. These include the mechanism described of US patent No. 616,144 (dated 1898), to open two spaced apart locks on a door constructed of wood that will warp out of line after being hung. Other mechanisms are described in US patent No. 5,077,992, Australian patent application No. 2006252130, US patent No. 4,109,494, US patent No. 6,454,322, US patent No. 3,875,772, US publication No. US2004/0107747 Al, US patent No. 3,791,180 and US patent No. 5,657,653 and Australian patent 2010202397.

[0015] Each of these mechanisms includes a respective rotatable member operatively associated with each lock, with an interconnection between each rotatable member, such that when both locks are locked and one rotatable member is rotated, so is the other rotatable member, and each lock is unlocked. The interconnection may be a rod or a pair of rods (for example, the mechanisms of US patents Nos. 616,144, 5,077,992 and 6,454,322), a pulley and cable arrangement (see US patent No. 3,875,772), or a more complex arrangement.

[0016] There is an ongoing need for new, low cost, reliable alternatives to the mechanisms of the prior art, many of which are extremely complicated.

Adjustability

[0017] Furthermore, in order for the door to lock and unlock smoothly, the locks and strikes must be accurately aligned. Typically, the lock is associated with the door, and the latch or bolt from the lock must be able to move unhindered into and out of the holes in a plate associated with the door frame (ie the strike plate). The strike plate may be part of the componentry associated with an electric strike or dead bolt monitoring device.

[0018] Manufacturers of the lock and associated strike componentry (ie lock set) often provide templates to assist installers designed on the assumption that the door panel is perfectly hung on its hinges in the door frame with even gaps around the door. Tolerances in manufacturing and measurements supplied are nominally ±2 millimetres. But often door frames are not perfectly vertical and square due to architectural constraints, structural movement, wind impact, or poor installation contributing to frame misalignment. Furthermore, standards such as Australian Standard 2688 permits a door panel to twist or bow and for this reason, alignment of a single lock on a door panel with its corresponding strike on a door frame can be difficult. The alignment becomes much more difficult if there are two or more locks.

[0019] For wooden frames, it is often necessary to have several attempts at correct positioning of the strike on the frame. This may require repeatedly drilling fixing holes in the wood or chipping away some of the wood each time the strike is re-positioned. Adjustment of the position of a strike can be particularly difficult if the door frame is metal and the strike is being inserted into a cut out portion. Any modifications or re-positioning once the cut out has been made can weaken the frame. In some instances, it may be necessary to alter the position of the door panel on its hinges, effectively re-hanging the door.

[0020] For these reasons, once a lock and strike are affixed into position, there is often little or no ability for further adjustment without compromising the door or frame integrity. If the door panel drops on its hinges, or the panel or frame become bent due to flexing of the structure or hard impact the locks become misaligned and usually stop working properly. To maintain safety and security, it is usually necessary to replace the door panel, or door/frame combination.

[0021] Attempts have been made to overcome this problem. For example, US patent 6,588,155 (Theune et al) describes a system for adjustably attaching a strike plate to a door frame. This system requires a slider plate to be moveably located on the back surface of the door frame and a strike plate and optional dust box to be mounted on the front side of the door frame. An embossed indentation in the door frame includes embossed slots that align with mounting holes in the strike plate and embossed tabs that limit movement of the slider plate. However, it is often not possible to access the back surface of a door frame once it has been installed in a wall opening, thus it is extremely difficult, or not practical to retrofit this adjustable strike system.

[0022] US patent 4,492,397 (Allenbaugh) relates to an adjustable strike including a strike plate residing in a recess in a door frame and having horizontally elongated slots for receiving screws. Upper and lower keeper plates have corresponding interlock surfaces that engage those of the strike plate in a selected position to prevent movement of the strike plate. However, in order to allow such movement, the strike plate must be located in a recess in the door frame that is larger in the relevant dimension than the strike plate. This may be appropriate for wooden door frames in which some of the wood can be chipped away to enlarge the recess, but it is usually not possible to enlarge or modify recesses in metal frames. Furthermore, this type of adjustable strike cannot be used for fire doors because relevant regulations typically do not permit any gap or space between a strike and the door frame in which it resides.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0023] An object of the present invention is to provide a means for aligning a door lock and strike.

[0024] Another object of the present invention is to provide a means for adjusting the alignment of a door lock and strike.

[0025] Another object of the present invention is to provide a means for changing the bolt withdrawal mechanism of two or more locks between independent and unitary operation.

[0026] A further object of the present invention is to alleviate at least one disadvantage associated with the related art.

[0027] It is an object of the embodiments described herein to overcome or alleviate at least one of the above noted drawbacks of related art systems or to at least provide a useful alternative to related art systems.

[0028] In a first aspect of embodiments described herein there is provided a bolt withdrawal mechanism for a door comprising:

• a chassis adapted to receive a first lock having a first bolt and a second lock having a second bolt,

* a linking mechanism having a first arm in operative connection with the first bolt and a second arm in operative connection with a second bolt,

* a manually operated connector having a first position in which the first arm and second arm are engaged and a second position in which the first arm and second arm are disengaged,

* a lever,

wherein when the connector is in the first position, rotation of the lever causes unitary movement of the first bolt and the second bolt, and

when the connector is in the second position, rotation of the lever causes movement of the second bolt but not the first bolt.

[0029] The manually operated connector may, for example, be a pin. Preferably the pin is a floating ball lock pin that is captive in a slotted lever. Thus, when the floating ball lock pin is in the first position both locks can be simply and quickly manually operated by the lever - typically in the form of a handle or knob. Rotation of the lever simultaneously disengages the lock bolts from a strike that is attached to the frame, thus releasing the door. A strike is a plate attached to a door frame with a holes for removably receiving each bolt.

[0030] In an alternative embodiment, the connector comprises an engaging pin that is manually operated by a push and / or pull button. The push and/or pull button acts as a lever on the engaging pin, moving it between a first position and a second position.

[0031] Preferably, one lock - the upper lock - is a deadbolt lock and the other is a latch lock such as a mortise lock. Typically, each lock comprises a lock body including a keyway for insertion of a key in the lock and a face plate.

[0032] Preferably, one or more locks of the bolt withdrawal mechanism is associated with a manually operated catch (such as a snib) for internal restraint to allow the door to be closed without a lock engaging. Typically, a snib would be associated with a deadbolt lock.

[0033] The bolt withdrawal mechanism of the present invention may also include appropriate indicators to alert a user to the locked/unlocked condition of the locks or a catch such as a snib, or the engaged/disengaged condition of the linking mechanism. The indicator is a visual, preferably coloured indicator associated with a push and/or pull button or alternatively, or in addition, with a snib.

[0034] Each lock used in association with the mechanism typically has a lock body and a faceplate. The chassis is typically elongate, and supports each of the lock bodies. The chassis also has a first aperture for receiving the first lock and a second aperture for receiving the second lock. Typically, the face plate of each lock seats neatly into the chassis aperture and is flush with the external surface of the chassis. In addition, to allow the adjustability described below, typically there a first floating plate sandwiched between the first faceplate of the first lock and the chassis, and a second floating plate between the second faceplate of the second lock and the chassis.

[0035] In another aspect of embodiments described herein there is provided a method of mounting the bolt withdrawal mechanism of the present invention to a door panel, the method comprising the steps of:

• inserting the first lock in a first recess within the chassis,

* inserting the second lock in a second recess within the chassis, and

* affixing the first lock and the second lock to the chassis, and

• attaching the chassis to a door panel.

Adjustment

[0036] In another aspect of embodiments described herein there is provided an adjustable locking system for a door comprising:

Sa first lock having a first bolt and a faceplate, the faceplate having a first dimension,

Sa chassis adapted for location in a door, the chassis having an aperture for receiving the first faceplate, the aperture having a second dimension, and

Sa floating plate located between the faceplate and the chassis, the floating plate having a third dimension intermediate the first and second dimensions,

wherein the floating plate is separate and independently movable between the faceplate and the chassis.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment the adjustable locking system of the present invention comprises two or more locks. Specifically, the chassis may include two or more apertures, each of which receives a lock having a faceplate and a floating plate. Thus the adjustable bolt withdrawal mechanism can be used for multilocks.

[0038] Accordingly, bolt withdrawal mechanism of the present invention may include the adjustable locking system described above so that the locks can be independently adjusted within the chassis. In particular, the use of guide slots in the bolt withdrawal mechanism provides some small amount of extra latitude for adjustment of the lock positions.

[0039] The adjustable locking system of the present invention can be used for transverse (horizontal) adjustment, or can be set diagonally if a door is bent (as relevant, for example, to Australian Standard 2688) and vertically if the door has dropped or is otherwise required to be lifted.

[0040] In another aspect of embodiments described herein there is provided a method of mounting the adjustable locking system of the present invention to a door panel, the method comprising the steps of:

• attaching the chassis to a door panel,

* inserting a first lock through the aperture in the chassis such that the floating plate is located between the faceplate of the first lock and the chassis, and

* affixing the faceplate to the chassis.

[0041] In essence, embodiments of the present invention stem from the realisation that including a moveable plate under faceplate of a lock allows positional adjustment while minimising any gaps between the lock or the chassis/door in which it is located. Furthermore, the use of a moveable plate permits independent positional adjustment of each lock in a multilock door.

[0042] Other aspects and preferred forms are disclosed in the specification and/or defined in the appended claims, forming a part of the description of the invention.

[0043] Advantages provided by the bolt withdrawal mechanism of present invention comprise the following:

• can adjust locks during installation, or at any time during the life of the door to counter door or building movement;

* strike plates can remain in a fixed position on a jamb, without the need for packing while the locks are adjusted side-to-side (laterally);

* can be fitted during initial manufacture of a door, or retrofitted; • can be used with any type of electrical or non-electrical (mechanical) lock or strike devices;

• can be manufactured to accommodate all sizes and shapes of lock/strike combinations and any associated monitoring or activation devices;

• can be manufactured for high strength and security;

* is simple to manufacture, install and adjust with commonly available tools;

• associated with reduced supply inventory.

[0044] Further scope of applicability of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the disclosure herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] Further disclosure, objects, advantages and aspects of preferred and other embodiments of the present application may be better understood by those skilled in the relevant art by reference to the following description of embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the disclosure herein, and in which:

FIG 1 depicts a deadlatch lock of the prior art suitable for use in the multi-lock of the present invention;

FIG 2 depicts a mortice-type latch lock of the prior art suitable for use in the multi lock of the present invention;

FIG 3 depicts expanded views of the various elements of one embodiment of a multilock according to the present invention in relation to a door panel and includes the deadlatch of FIG 1 and the mortice lock of FIG 2;

FIG 4 depicts a plan view of the linkage mechanism of the multi lock of FIG 3 viewed from the exterior of the room;

FIG 5 depicts a plan view the linkage mechanism shown in FIG 4 from the interior of the room; FIG 6 depicts an expanded view of the elements of the system for adjusting the position of a lock according to the present invention;

FIG 7 is a cross-sectional plan view through the manually operated connector of the linkage mechanism shown in FIG 4 and FIG 5. FIG 7A shows the manually operated connector in a first position - engaged so that the two locks can be simultaneously operated. FIG 7B shows the manually operated connector in the second position - disengaged so that the two locks can be operated independently. In this embodiment the connector comprises a push and / or pull button in the form of a floating ball lock pin.

FIG 8 is a plan view along A-A' of the manually operated connector shown in FIG 7 and depicts the push and/or pull button of the linkage mechanism in the first position, engaged so that a user rotating the handle can activate both locks. The three views (FIG 8A, 8B and 8C) show the arc of travel of the linkage lever and travel of the floating ball lock pin within the linkage lever slot at three different stages of the mechanism action

FIG 9 illustrates the lever lock (snib) mechanism of the multilock in expanded view (FIG 9A) and fully assembled view (FIG 9B);

FIG 10 is a cross sectional view of the assembled lever lock (snib) mechanism of FIG 9B;

FIG 11 is a vertical cross sectional plan view through a door panel and adjustable lock system according to the present invention;

FIG 12 is a vertical cross sectional view through a door panel illustrating a mortice lock and adjustable deadlatch lock in an adjustable multilock system according to the present invention;

FIG 13 is a horizontal cross sectional view through the door panel of FIG 12 viewed in an upward and downward direction (FIG 13A and FIG 13B);

FIG 14 depicts a further embodiment of an assembled multilock according to the present invention when viewed from the front (FIG 14A) and from the rear (FIG 14B) showing the linkage mechanism;

FIG 15 is a plan view along A-A' of the multilock of FIG 15A, the circled area around the push-pull button being shown in greater detail in FIG 15B in a released position and in FIG 15C in a depressed position;

FIG 16 depicts a multilock similar to that of FIG 15 having a push-pull button, shown in perspective view (FIG 16A) and in expanded view (FIG 16B) to better illustrate the parts;

FIG 17 depicts the multilock of FIG 16 with the push-pull button in a released position (FIG 17A) and a depressed position (FIG 17B).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] List of parts

1 deadbolt lock body 2 bolt 3 deadbolt spindle 4 deadbolt lock keyway

5 mortise lock body 6 latch 7 mortise lock spindle 8 mortise lock keyway 9 chassis 10 linkage 11 handle 12 pivot plate 13 doorpanel 14 indicator window 15 cover 16 push and / or pull button 17 first arm 18 second arm 20 primary guide slots 22 primary guide pins 23 pivot pin 25 floating ball lock pin 26 secondary guide pin 27 engaging pin 28 secondary guide slot 29 cylinder 30 rotatable disk 31 snib lever 32 snib adaptor 33 snib spring 34 snib barrel housing 35 snib grub screw 36 mortice lock faceplate 37 floating plate 38 first recess 39 slot 40 captive serrated nut 41 deadbolt lock faceplate 42 linkagelever 43 mortise lock indicator 44 indicator spring 45 spindle indicator window 46 button grub screw 47 button body 48 button spring 49 linkage lever guide slot 50 deadlock indicator 51 deadlock indicator window 52 coloured (indicator) section

[0047] For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," "interior," "exterior," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 3. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawing, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. Additionally, unless otherwise specified, it is to be understood that discussion of a particular feature of component extending in or along a given direction or the like does not mean that the feature or component follows a straight line or axis in such a direction or that it only extends in such direction or on such a plane without other directional components or deviations, unless otherwise specified.

[0048] FIG 1 illustrates a typical deadbolt lock of the prior art. A deadbolt has a body 1 and face plate 41 from which a bolt 2 may protrude, the bolt 2 being engaged by turning a knob or a key in a keyway 3 (in contrast to lock bolts or latches that operate based on a spring action).

[0049] FIG 2 illustrates a typical mortise lock of the prior art. Typically, a mortise lock includes a mortise lock body 5, a keyway 8, a faceplate 36 and a latch 6. A mortise lock can be opened from the inside by turning a level or knob but can only be opened from the outside with a key in the keyway 8. A mortise lock may include a non-locking sprung latch 6 operated by a door handle.

[0050] Doors normally require at least one lock so that the door can be secured in the closed position. Many doors have two locks - a latch lock (such as a mortise lock) and a deadbolt lock for security - which are typically located adjacent the closing edge of the door. Fire/security doors are usually configured so that both locks can be simply and quickly manually operated by a handle, such as a lever or knob that turns, simultaneously unlocking both locks. As the handle is moved, a latch hook or bolt disengage with a strike that is attached to the frame, thus releasing the door. A strike is a plate attached to a door frame with one or more holes for removably receiving a latch or bolt from a lock.

[0051] FIG 3 is an expanded view of a bolt withdrawal mechanism of the present invention adapted to include the two locks of FIG 1 and FIG 2 to form a multi-lock. FIG 4 depicts the mechanism as viewed from the exterior of a room while FIG 5 depicts the mechanism as viewed from the interior of a room.

[0052] The multi-lock has two functions - a primary latching function and a dead bolt function. The bolt withdrawal mechanism includes a lever, in the form of a handle 11, on either side of the door panel 13. Between the handles 11 and located within the door panel 13 is a chassis 9, adapted to receive two locks bodies, such as a mortise lock body and a deadbolt body 1. Each lock has a respective bolt 2 or latch 6 and a strike plate (not shown) is mounted on a door frame/jamb and has recesses for removably receiving the bolt 2 and latch 6.

[0053] The lock bodies (1, 5) are spaced apart and at either end of a linkage mechanism carried on the chassis 9. The chassis 9 also includes pre drilled mount holes for mounting in the door panel 13 and is affixed using screws or other convenient fixing means. Regular rectangular cut outs are made in the door panel 13 to accept the chassis 9, making mounting straightforward.

[0054] The linking mechanism comprises a first arm 17 in operative connection with the first lock and a second arm 18 in operative connection with the second lock. According to one embodiment of the present invention there is provided a button 16 which can be manually pushed or pulled to operate a floating ball lock pin 25. The push and / or pull button 16 can move the floating ball lock pin 25 between a first position in which the first arm 17 and second 18 arm are engaged at linkage 10 and a second position in which the first arm and second arm are disengaged. The push and/or pull button 16 is located on the outer surface of the chassis 9 and the interior of a room and allows a user to select independent lever operation of one lock or unitary lever operation of both locks.

[0055] For example, when the multi-lock of the present invention is used on an emergency exit, a user can push the button 16 (engaging both locks) and operate the lower mortise lock to open the door. Thus, the user may operate the door and both locks simultaneously with single handed operation.

[0056] One of the advantages of the present invention is that it does not need to include a device designed to defeat 'under the door' attacks. 'Under the door' attacks consist of simply passing a special tool, typically configured from wire, under the door and grabbing the handle from the inside. Such an attack cannot succeed when the floating ball lock pin 25 is disengaged because the locks operate independently. The wire would only operate the lower mortise lock.

[0057] According to one aspect of the present invention the strike plates can be mounted on the doorjamb and remain in a fixed position while the locks are capable of vertical, up and down adjustment (distance B, indicated by the arrows in FIG 11) or horizontal (in the direction of the X-axis shown in FIG 3), side to side adjustment (distance C, indicated by the arrows in FIG 13). The locks are adjusted relative to the chassis 9, in contrast to lock adjustment of the prior art wherein the locks are adjusted relative to the strike plate.

[0058] The strike plate typically comprises a faceplate having apertures and a dust box. When operated, the latch 6 and bolt 2 can be removably inserted in corresponding apertures by operation of one of the handles or a key in the keyway.

[0059] The chassis 9 can be retrofitted to existing doors because the cut-out require in the door panel will remove existing (now unnecessary openings). Typically, the chassis 9 is made of stainless steel or the like and will add strength to the door.

[0060] FIG 4 and FIG 5 depict the linkage mechanism of the multi lock of FIG 3 from the front (exterior of a room) and rear (interior of a room) respectively. In this view the push and/or pull button has been pushed or depressed so that the handle 11 operates both locks simultaneously as it moves from the position shown in FIGs 4A and 5A to the position shown in FIGs 4B and 5B.

[0061] Specifically, as shown on second linkage arm 18 there are primary guide slots which guide the first linkage arm 17 in a linear motion by virtue of primary guide pins 22 located on the first linkage arm 17.

[0062] The fixed end of the handle 11 rotates the first spindle 7 of the first lock 5, which concomitantly moves the latch 6. The fixed end of the handle 11 also includes a pivot plate that is connected to the first arm 17 by a pivot pin 23 to form a pivotally articulated joint. Downward rotation of the handle 11 causes upward movement of the linkage 10 arms, guided by the primary guide pins, 22 in their respective primary guide slots 20.

[0063] The end of the second linkage arm 18 includes a secondary guide pin 26 received in a secondary guide slot 28 of a rotatable disk 30 which is mounted on the spindle 3 of the upper lock. The spindle forms part of a snib which is depicted in greater detail in the expanded view of FIG 10.

[0064] FIG 7A is a cross-sectional view showing in detail the first position of the floating ball lock pin 25 and the push and/or pull button 16 when it has been manually depressed. In this position, the first arm 17 and second arm 18 are engaged and move as a single unit so that the two locks can be operated at the same time. FIG 7B depicts the second position of the button 16 and pin 25 when the first arm 17 and the second arm 18 of the linkage mechanism are disengaged and operate independently so that each of the two locks may be separately operated.

[0065] A visual indicator may be used to indicate whether the button is in the first position or the second position. Preferably the indicator comprises a window 14 adjacent the button 16, the window 14 appearing red when the button 16 is fully depressed and in the first position FIG 7A, and green when the button 16 is fully released and in the second position FIG 7B. When the button 16 is depressed, it pushes button body 47 which in turn ramps against the red/green mortise lock indicator 43, pushing it to the right revealing a different colour through the indicator window 14. When push-pull button 16 is disengaged, the button spring 48 and indicator spring 44 reset button 16 and the red/green coloured lock indicator 43 to the starting position revealing the green colour through the indicator window.

[0066] FIG 8 is a plan view along A-A' of the manually operated connector shown in FIG 7 and depicts the button 16 when fully depressed, engaging both the first linkage arm 17 and second linkage arm 18. FIG 8A, FIG 8B and FIG 8C illustrate the arc of travel of the linkage lever 42 and travel of the floating ball lock pin 25 within the linkage lever guide slot 49 through the three different stages of the mechanism action.

[0067] Specifically, FIG 8A illustrates the starting location of floating ball lock pin 25 which is on the extreme right of linkage lever slot 49 when handle 11 is not activated. FIG 8B illustrates the linkage lever 42 shortly after the handle 11 is activated, when the linkage lever 42 is halfway through its travel and the floating ball lock pin 25 is on the opposite extreme of the linkage lever slot 49. FIG 8C illustrates completed activation of the handle 11 when the linkage lever 42 has completed the full arc of travel and the floating ball lock pin 25 has returned to the start position on linkage lever slot 49.

[0068] FIG 9 illustrates the snib mechanism of the multilock in expanded view (FIG 9A) and fully assembled view (FIG 9B). When unlocked the snib lever 31 can be manually rotated to concomitantly rotate the deadbolt lock spindle 3 that causes the bolt 2 of the upper deadbolt lock to go into and out of engagement with a recess in the strike plate (not shown) on the door frame. Deadbolt spindle 3 links snib lever 31 to rotatable disk 30. The snib spring 33 applies pressure to the deadbolt spindle 3 which sits inside snib barrel housing 34. This allows for adjustment of the position of the deadbolt lock in a horizontal (ie in the direction of the X-axis shown in FIG 3) or side to side position while maintaining engagement with deadbolt spindle 3. This is shown in more detail in the cross sectional view of FIG 10 where the spindle 3 is shown protruding through the other snib members.

[0069] A visual indicator may be used to indicate whether the lock is locked or unlocked. For example, the indicator may comprise green or red wedge shaped sections painted around the spindle 3 and corresponding to the angle of the snib lever 33 when the snib is unlocked (green) or locked (red). Deadlock indicator 50 is keyed onto barrel housing 34. Deadlock indicator window 51 is located on the chassis. The deadlock indicator colours are visible through this window as shown in FIG 10.

[0070] Movement of the secondary guide pin 26 in the secondary guide slot 28 can turn the rotatable disk 30 with concomitant rotation of the deadbolt spindle 3 that cause the bolt 2 to go into and out of engagement with a recess in the strike plate. Rotatable disk 30 can act directly on deadlock bolt 2 to engage and disengage. Secondary guide slot 28 and secondary pin 26 can only be activated by handle 11 when button 16 is engaged.

Adjustability Features

[0071] One or both of the locks in the bolt withdrawal mechanism of the present invention can be independently adjusted in any direction within the chassis, that is, with reference to FIG 3, vertically (along the Z-axis), horizontally (along the X-axis) and diagonally (in the plane defined by the X and Z axes).

[0072] FIG 6 is an expanded view of the adjustable locking system of the present invention and shows the deadlock body 1, bolt 2 and faceplate 36 relative to the floating plate 37 and chassis 9. While only one lock is shown in this view the person skilled in the art will appreciate that the adjustment mechanism may be applied to any or all of the locks in a chassis according to the present invention.

[0073] The chassis 9 fits into a recess cut into a door panel 13. One of the advantages of the present invention is that the recess does not have to be cut with extreme accuracy because the lock positions can be altered to compensate for any inaccuracies. Furthermore, there is no need for time-consuming fine cutting, such as trenching of recesses inside the door panel which is usually required for locating mortise locks in door panels.

[0074] In a preferred embodiment, the chassis 9 comprises two halves that fasten together to clamp the door panel.

[0075] When the deadlock body 1 is located in the recess 38 in the chassis 9, the faceplate 36 is flush with a surface of the chassis 9. The floating plate 37 is located between the faceplate 36 and chassis 9. The slot 39 in the chassis 9 terminates at a captive serrated nut 40. Screw fasteners can be inserted through slots 39a, 39b and secured in the captive serrated nuts 40a, 40b, thus holding the floating plate 37 securely in place. This is better illustrated with reference to FIG 11 which is a cross sectional view through a door panel 13 and device of the present invention.

[0076] The arrows in FIG 11 indicate the vertical adjustment clearance (B) of the floating plate 37 which is important for vertical, up and down adjustment of the lock. The floating plate 37 can float both horizontally, vertically and diagonally in a plane defined by the chassis 9. When properly located, the floating plate 37 covers gaps between the lock body 1 and chassis 9. It is always desirable to eliminate gaps that could be used as leverage points for those seeking to breach the security of the lock.

[0077] The use of a chassis 9 integral with the locks also facilitates accurate vertical positioning and spacing of locks.

[0078] FIG 12 is a vertical cross sectional view through a door panel 13 illustrating a mortice lock 5 and adjustable deadlatch lock body 1 located in a chassis 9 according to one embodiment of the present invention. A first floating plate 37a is associated with the first lock 1, clamped in place between the chassis 9 and lock faceplate 36, by screws passing through slot 39a, 39b in chassis 9 and fixed by respective caged nuts 40a, 40b. A second floating plate 37b is associated with the second lock 5, clamped in place between the chassis 9 and lock faceplate 41, clamped in place by screws passing through slot 39c, 39d in chassis 9 and fixed by respective caged nuts 40c, 40d.

[0079] FIG 11 is illustrative of vertical, up and down adjustment of a lock in a method according to the present invention while FIG 13 is illustrative of horizontal, side to side adjustment of the same lock. FIG 13A is a horizontal cross section through spindle 3 and FIG 13B is a horizontal cross section through cage nut 40.

[0080] The arrows in FIG 13A indicated the distance (C) and direction of movement of the lock during adjustment as the floating plate 37 is moved about within the chassis 9.

[0081] By moving the lock horizontally, vertically or in a combination thereof (diagonally), adjustments can be made to counter the effect of door movement such as bowing, cupping and bending, or building movement.

[0082] The chassis may be fabricated to provide strength around the locks and extra protection around the locks against environmental elements. In a particularly preferred embodiment the chassis is manufactured using a stainless steel welded construction.

[0083] With respect to fitting the bolt withdrawal mechanism of the present invention to a door, routing has been simplified by reducing the door cut out to a single plane. Routing can be accurately carried out in a factory prior to supply thus reducing site installation time and costs.

[0084] Typically, the locks are secured to the chassis with high grade stainless steel screws. The chassis may have machined threaded tubes allowing for easy installation and removal from the door if maintenance or replacement is required. Currently for standard lock installation, wood screws or self-tapping screws are used. The engagement force is weakened with repeated removal and re fit of the screws

[0085] Having integration of the chassis and locks reduces the number of loose parts supplied to a customer. This improves supply reliability by reducing inventory and reduces the risk of incorrect screws being used.

[0086] Having integration of the chassis and locks also means the shield and face plate no longer require packing to align with locks when attaching to the door.

[0087] FIG 14 and FIG 15 depict a further embodiment of a multilock according to the present invention when viewed from the front (FIG 14A) and from the rear (FIG 14B). As depicted in FIG 14B the linking mechanism of the further embodiment is substantially the same as the linking mechanism of the previous embodiment described above, having a first arm 17 in operative connection with the first lock and a second arm 18 in operative connection with the second lock. However, whereas the push and/or pull button 16 of the previous embodiment operated a floating ball lock pin 25, the push and/or pull button 16 of the further embodiment acts as a lever on an engaging pin 27.

[0088] FIG 15 is a plan view along A-A' of the multilock of FIG 15A, the circled area around the push-pull button being shown in detail in FIG 15B in a disengaged position and in FIG 15C in an engaged position. Pressing the button 16 urges the engaging pin 27 from a first position in which the first arm 17 and second arm 18 are disengaged at linkage 10, and a second position in which the first arm and second arm are engaged. Pulling on the button 16 retracts the engaging pin 27 and returns it to the first position.

[0089] The push and/or pull button 16 is located on the outer surface of the chassis 9 and the interior of a room and allows a user to select independent lever operation of one lock or unitary lever operation of both locks. In this configuration, there is also provided an indicator that shows whether the lever will operate one or both locks.

[0090] Specifically, in the configuration depicted in FIG 15 the engaging pin 27 can slide up and down a hollow cylinder 29 that is integral and projects from the multilock cover 15. The button 16 fits like a cap over one end of the engaging pin 27 and the free end of the cylinder 29, a section of which is coloured red. In the first position when the locks operate independently, the red colour of the cylinder 29 is visible below the edge of the button 16. When the button 16 is pressed, it moves over the section 52 of red colour, hiding it from view as the engaging pin 27 moves into engagement with the first arm 17 and second arm 18.

[0091] Thus, when the red coloured section 52 is visible, the lever will operate only one lock, and when the red section 52 is not visible, the lever will operate both locks.

[0092] The indicator associated with the push and / or pull button 16 may be used alternatively, or in addition to the indicator associated with the snib, as described above in respect of the previous embodiment.

[0093] FIG 16 depicts a multilock similar to that of FIG 15 having a push and/or pull button, shown in perspective view (FIG 16A) and in expanded view (FIG 16B) to better illustrate the parts. In this embodiment, the push and/or pull button can act to force the second arm 18 out of operative connection with the first arm 17 to disengage the twin lever action on the first and second locks. This can be done for example by using a reverse chamfer on the first arm 17 that urges the push/pull button in one direction when it hits a screw. The push and/or pull button in this embodiment is essentially a single use button meaning that when depressed the door lever activates both locks after which the button disengages again.

[0094] FIG 17 depicts the multilock of FIG 16 with the push and/or pull button in a released position (FIG 17A) and a depressed position (FIG 17B).

[0095] While this invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that it is capable of further modification(s). This application is intended to cover any variations uses or adaptations of the invention following in general, the principles of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice within the art to which the invention pertains and as may be applied to the essential features hereinbefore set forth.

[0096] As the present invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the spirit of the essential characteristics of the invention, it should be understood that the above described embodiments are not to limit the present invention unless otherwise specified, but rather should be construed broadly within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative only and not restrictive.

[0097] Various modifications and equivalent arrangements are intended to be included within the spirit and scope of the invention and appended claims. Therefore, the specific embodiments are to be understood to be illustrative of the many ways in which the principles of the present invention may be practiced. In the following claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover structures as performing the defined function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures.

[0098] "Comprises/comprising" and "includes/including" when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof. Thus, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words 'comprise', 'comprising', 'includes', 'including' and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to".

Claims (20)

1. An adjustable locking system for a door comprising:

• a first lock having a first bolt and a first faceplate, the faceplate having a first dimension;

• a chassis adapted for location in a door, the chassis having an aperture for receiving the first faceplate, the aperture having a second dimension; and

• a floating plate located between the faceplate and the chassis, the floating plate having a third dimension intermediate the first and second dimensions,

wherein the floating plate is separate and independently movable between the faceplate and the chassis.

2. The adjustable locking system according to claim 1 wherein the independent movement of the faceplate allows positional adjustment of the first lock.

3. The adjustable locking system according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein two or more locks are comprised.

4. The adjustable locking system according to claim 3 wherein the chassis comprises two or more apertures, each of which receives a lock having a faceplate and a floating plate.

5. The adjustable locking system of any one of the preceding claims wherein the adjustment is one or more of a transverse (horizontal) adjustment; a diagonal adjustment; and a vertical adjustment.

6. An adjustable locking system according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a second lock having a second bolt and the chassis is adapted to receive the first lock and the second lock the locking system comprising • a bolt withdrawal mechanism for a door comprising:

Sa linking mechanism having a first arm in operative connection with the first bolt and a second arm in operative connection with a second bolt;

• a manually operated connector, having a first position in which the first arm and second arm are engaged and a second position in which the first arm and second arm are disengaged; and

• a lever,

wherein when the connector is in the first position rotation of the lever causes unitary movement of the first bolt and the second bolt, and when the connector is in the second position, rotation of the lever causes movement of the second bolt but not the first bolt.

7. The adjustable locking system according to claim 6 wherein the manually operated connector comprises a floating ball lock pin.

8. The adjustable locking system according to claim 6, wherein the manually operated connector comprises an engaging pin that is moved between the first position and second position by a push and/or pull button.

9. The adjustable locking system according to any one of claims 6 to 8 which further comprises:

• a first aperture for receiving a first faceplate of the first lock;

• a second aperture for receiving a second faceplate of the second lock;

• a first floating plate between the first faceplate and chassis; and

• a second floating plate between the second faceplate and chassis.

10. The adjustable locking system according to any one of claims 6 to 9, comprising at least one visual indicator to indicate whether the manual connector is in the first position or the second position.

11. The adjustable locking system according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein at least one of the locks is associated with a manually operated catch and at least one visual indicator to indicate whether the catch is locked or unlocked.

12. The adjustable locking system according to any one of claims 6 to 11 wherein the bolt withdrawal mechanism comprises one or more guide slots for adjustment of the lock positions.

13. The adjustable locking system according to claim 12 wherein the one or more guide slots comprise primary guide slots which guide the first arm in a linear motion by virtue of primary guide pins located on the first arm.

14. The adjustable locking system according to claim 13 movement of the first arm is guided by the primary guide pins in respective primary guide slots.

15. The adjustable locking system according to claim 14 wherein the second arm comprises a secondary guide pin received in a secondary guide slot.

16. The adjustable locking system according to claim 15 wherein the secondary guide slot is comprised in a rotatable disk.

17. The adjustable locking system according to claim 16 wherein the rotatable disk is mounted on a spindle.

18. The adjustable locking system according to claim 16 wherein the spindle forms part of a snib.

19. The adjustable locking system according to claim 18 wherein movement of the secondary guide pin in the secondary guide slot turns the rotatable disk and the spindle.

20. A method of mounting the adjustable locking system according to any one of the preceding claims to a door panel, the method comprising the steps of:

• attaching the chassis to a door panel,

• inserting a first lock through the aperture in the chassis such that the floating plate is located between the faceplate of the first lock and the chassis, and

• affixing the faceplate to the chassis.