AU2020200204A1 - Locking assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A locking assembly for use in a locking device enables prevention of accidental locking and/or unlocking of the locking assembly. The assembly includes: a locking bolt movable relative to the locking assembly between a locked position and an unlocked position; a key-operated lock operably connected to the locking bolt; and a detent element adapted to engage a detent notch so as to reversibly retain the locking bolt in the locked position and/or the unlocked position, wherein movement of the locking bolt between the locked position and the unlocked position occurs in response to a key inserted and turned in a keyway of the key-operated lock. 14 2/4 Section AA 100 400 300 5004 810 820 8282 82B 288 278 -291 800 - 25 827 839 --- 900 1000| 200 830 FIG. 2 3008298v1

Description

2/4

Section AA 100 400 300

5004

810 820 8282 82B 288 278 -291 800 - 25 827

839 -- 900

1000| 200 830

FIG. 2

3008298v1

TITLE LOCKING ASSEMBLY FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The present invention relates to a locking assembly. In particular, although not exclusively, the invention relates to a locking assembly for use in locking devices, such as handle and housing latch assemblies.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[002] Handle and housing latch assemblies have a myriad of uses, including vehicle cabinetry, industrial cabinets and tool boxes. To this end, they can be used to operate devices such as latches by moving the handle relative to the associated housing so as to secure these enclosures in a locked fashion.

[003] Examples of such handle and housing latch assemblies are well known in the art and include the assemblies described in US patent no. 7,454,933, which is incorporated by reference herein. US 7,454,933 provides a handle and housing assembly that includes a housing having a front side and a rear side and a handle. This handle is operably connected to a shaft on the front side of the housing, which extends therethrough so as to be able to be turned by the handle about a forwardly-rearwardly extending axis of the assembly.

[004] In this regard, the handle and housing latch assembly of US 7,454,933 includes a compression latch. Compression latches typically include a handle that is lifted to release compression forces and that is subsequently turned. Turning the handle typically operates a latch or the like so as to carry out latching operations.

[005] Further, such latch assemblies may include a control member in operative connection with the shaft on the rear side of the housing. The control member may include different features connected thereto for engaging a closure member to a body member such as a latch roller and/or one or more linkages. In addition, the control member may include one or more notches or apertures that are releasably engaged by a locking assembly to prevent rotation of the control member.

[006] Latch assemblies of the prior art often include a locking bolt which is moveable between a locked and an unlocked position by a key operated lock. This movement of the locking bolt is further guided by a pair of upper and lower roll pins. One problem with this arrangement, however, is that the locking bolt is relatively loose and free flowing and as such may involuntarily move out of the locked position, upon for example a sudden impact to the handle and housing assembly.

[007] A further problem with many handle and housing assemblies of the prior art is that the barrel of the key operated lock is installed from the front side thereof, and as such may be readily removed or stripped therefrom by, for example, a screwdriver or the like, thereby compromising the security of the handle and housing assembly.

[008] Accordingly, there remains a need for a locking assembly being resistant to accidental movement of a locking bolt, as well as being more secure than prior art locking assemblies.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[009] It is an object of the present invention to overcome and/or alleviate one or more of the disadvantages of the prior art or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In one aspect, although not necessarily the only aspect or the broadest aspect, the invention resides in a locking assembly for use in a locking device comprising:

a locking bolt movable relative to the locking assembly between a locked position and an unlocked position;

a key-operated lock operably connected to the locking bolt; and a detent element adapted to engage a detent notch so as to reversibly retain the locking bolt in the locked position and/or the unlocked position, wherein movement of the locking bolt between the locked position and the unlocked position occurs in response to a key inserted and turned in a keyway of the key-operated lock.

[0011] Suitably, the detent element is adapted to engage: (i) a first detent notch to reversibly retain the locking bolt in the locked position; and/or (ii) a second detent notch to reversibly retain the locking bolt in the unlocked position. Preferably, the locking assembly of the present aspect further includes a guide channel extending between the first detent notch and the second detent notch so as to facilitate sliding movement of the detent element therebetween.

[0012] In one embodiment, the lock bolt is adapted to engage a control member in a first position and/or a second position when moved to the locked position.

[0013] In one embodiment, the lock bolt includes a head portion at a proximal end thereof, which is coupled by a central portion to a control portion at a distal end of the lock bolt. Suitably, the head portion is adapted to engage the control member.

[0014] In one particular embodiment, the detent element or the detent notch are disposed on a front surface of the central portion.

[0015] In one particular embodiment, the key-operated lock is removable from a rearward side of the locking assembly.

[0016] In a further aspect, the invention resides in a locking device comprising: a housing; a control member movable between a first position and a second position; and a locking assembly including: a locking bolt movable relative to the locking assembly between a locked position and an unlocked position and adapted to engage the control member in the first and/or second position when moved to the locked position; a key-operated lock operably connected to the locking bolt such that movement of the locking bolt between the locked position and the unlocked position occurs in response to a key inserted and turned in a keyway of the key-operated lock; and a detent element adapted to engage a detent notch so as to reversibly retain the locking bolt in the locked position and/or the unlocked position.

[0017] Suitably, the detent element is disposed within a rearward portion of the housing and the detent notch is disposed on a corresponding front surface of the locking bolt.

[0018] In a related aspect, the invention resides in a method of securing an enclosure, including the steps of:

(a) providing a locking assembly comprising: a locking bolt movable relative to the locking assembly between a locked position and an unlocked position and adapted to engage the control member in the first and/or second position when moved to the locked position; a key-operated lock operably connected to the locking bolt such that movement of the locking bolt between the locked position and the unlocked position occurs in response to a key inserted and turned in a keyway of the key-operated lock; and a detent element adapted to engage a detent notch so as to reversibly retain the locking bolt in the locked position and/or the unlocked position;

(b) installing the locking assembly in or on said enclosure; and (c) moving the lock bolt by way of the key from the unlocked position to the locked position so as to secure said enclosure.

[0019] Suitably, the locking assembly of the two aforementioned aspects is that of the first mentioned aspect.

[0020] Further features of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] To assist in understanding the invention and to enable a person skilled in the art to put the invention into practical effect, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 provides a front view a handle and housing assembly in which an embodiment of a locking assembly of the invention is installed; FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view taken through Section AA of the handle and housing assembly including the locking assembly of Figure 1; FIG. 3 is a rear view of the handle and housing assembly including the locking assembly of Figure 1; FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of a lock bolt of the locking assembly of Figure 1; FIG. 4B illustrates a further perspective view of a lock bolt of the locking assembly of Figure 1; and FIG. 4C illustrates yet a further perspective view of a lock bolt of the locking assembly of Figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] The present invention relates to a locking assembly for use in locking devices, such as handle and housing latch assemblies. Elements of the invention are illustrated in concise outline form in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are necessary to understand the embodiments of the present invention, but so as not to provide excessive detail that will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the present description.

[0023] In this specification, adjectives such as first and second, top and bottom, upwards and downwards, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one element or action from another element or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order. Words such as "comprises" or "includes" are intended to define a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a method or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed, including elements that are inherent to such a method or system.

[0024] According to a first aspect, the present invention is defined as a locking assembly for use in a locking device comprising:

a locking bolt movable relative to the locking assembly between a locked position and an unlocked position;

a key-operated lock operably connected to the locking bolt; and

a detent element adapted to engage a detent notch so as to reversibly retain the locking bolt in the locked position and/or the unlocked position, wherein movement of the locking bolt between the locked position and the unlocked position occurs in response to a key inserted and turned in a keyway of the key-operated lock.

[0025] Particular advantages of some embodiments of the locking assembly of the present invention include the lock bolt being retained in the locked and/or unlocked position so as to prevent accidental locking and/or unlocking of the locking assembly. Additionally, such embodiments further allow for the lock bolt to be retained in its desired position as required by a user, whilst the key is moved back to its neutral position in the key-operated lock prior to removal therefrom. In particular embodiments, the locking assembly further allows for rear mounting of the key-operated lock, which improves security thereof and further allows easy retrofitting of a replacement lock if desired.

[0026] It will be appreciated that not all embodiments of the present invention necessarily include all of the above named advantages.

[0027] In the embodiment provided in Figures 1 to 4, the locking assembly 1000 includes a lock bolt 800, a key-operated lock mechanism 900 and a detent element 825 with corresponding notches 826, 827. With respect to the embodiment provided herein, the locking assembly 1000 of the invention has been described with respect to a handle and housing locking device 100, which is similar to that described in US patent no. 7,454,933, but it will be appreciated that the locking assembly 1000 provided herein is suitable for use with alternative locking devices or latch assembly designs and embodiments, as are known in the art. As shown in Figure 1, the handle and housing locking device 100 includes a housing 200 that defines a forwardly facing recess 220 and a handle 300 adapted to reside within the recess 220. A shaft 400 extends rearwardly from the handle 300 through the housing 200 along a forwardly-rearwardly extending axis. The handle and housing locking device 100 further includes a control member 500 operably coupled to the shaft and adapted to be rotated by turning movement of the handle 300.

[0028] Referring to Figures 2 to 4, the lock bolt 800 includes a head portion 810 at a proximal end thereof, which is coupled by a central portion 820 to a control portion 830 at a distal end of the lock bolt 800. The lock bolt 800 is preferably of a unitary structure formed from metal. The housing 200 is adapted to engage opposite sides of the central portion 820 in a slip fit fashion by way of a pair of rearward projections (not shown) that assist in guiding movement of the lock bolt 800 between the locked and unlocked positions.

[0029] A pair of roll pins 287, 288 extending between the rearward projections 277, 278 also engage the lock bolt 800 to assist in guiding movement thereof. In this regard, the first roll pin 287 extends through a transversely extending slot 823 defined by the central portion 820 of the lock bolt 800. Further, the second roll pin 288 extends through a transversely extending rearward channel 824 in the central portion 820 of the lock bolt 800.

[0030] Movement of the lock bolt 800 between the locked and unlocked positions is effected by way of a key-operated lock mechanism 900, which has a tongue portion 905 pivotable about an axis defined by the lock mechanism 900. In the embodiment provided, the tongue portion 905 has an approximate 180 degree arc of rotation. To this end, the tongue portion 905 is rotatable between the twelve o'clock position and the six o'clock position through appropriate rotational movement of a corresponding key engaged with the key-operated lock mechanism 900.

[0031] Upon rotation, the tongue portion 905 engages proximal and distal internal surfaces 831, 832 of the control portion 830 of the locking bolt 800, so as to impart a camming action thereon. To this end, clockwise rotational movement the tongue portion 905 engages the proximal internal surface 831, which causes the lock bolt 800 to move from the unlocked position to the locked position. Conversely, anticlockwise rotational movement of the tongue portion 905 causes it to engage the distal internal surface 832 of the lock bolt

800 so as to facilitate its movement from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0032] In referring to Figure 2, a detent element 825 such as a ball detent, is disposed within a detent recess 291 located in a rearward portion of the housing 200 and biased outwardly therefrom. For reversibly retaining the lock bolt 800 either in the locked position or the unlocked position with respect to the control member 500, a front surface of the central portion 820 includes a pair of notches 826, 827 spaced there along, each of the first and second notches 826, 827 adapted to receive the detent element 825 therein. As can be observed in Figure 4, the lock bolt 800 additionally includes a guide channel 829 extending between the pair of notches 826, 827 so as to facilitate sliding movement of the detent element 825 therebetween. It will be appreciated by the skilled artisan that the alternative arrangement of the detent element 825 disposed within the lock bolt 800 and the corresponding notches 826, 827 provided by the housing 200 is envisaged for the present invention.

[0033] By virtue of this arrangement, the detent element 825 is configured to engage the first notch 826 when the lock bolt 800 is in the unlocked position. Upon actuation of the lock bolt 800 by the tongue portion 905 to move to the locked position relative to the housing 200, the detent element 825 is forced from the first notch 826 to slide within the guide channel 829 to then engage the second notch 827, which reversibly retains the detent element 825 therein.

[0034] In order to remove the corresponding key from the key-operated lock mechanism 900, the key must be rotated back to a horizontal or neutral position (i.e., a three o'clockoranineo 'clock position) relative thereto. Accordingly, the tongue portion 905 is similarly rotated back to a nine o'clock position within the lock mechanism 900 and as such no longer engages or abuts either the proximal internal surface 831 or the distal internal surface 832 of the control portion 830 after moving the lock bolt 800 into the locked position or the unlocked position respectively. Given the arrangement of the detent element 825 and the first and second notches 826, 827 described above, however, the lock bolt 800 is retained within the locked position or the unlocked position upon removal of the key from the lock mechanism 900.

[0035] For retaining the control member 500 either in a first position (i.e., rotated clockwise) or a second position (i.e., rotated counter-clockwise), the control member 500 is provided with a pair of notches 525, 535 that are spaced along a curved exterior thereof. The notches 525, 535 are of suitable dimensions to receive the head portion 810 of the locking bolt 800. When the control member 500 is rotated to the first position or the second position, one of the notches 525, 535 is aligned with and adjacent to the head portion 810 of the lock bolt 800, thereby permitting the lock bolt 800 to move upwards such that the head portion 810 thereof extends into and engages said notch 525, 535. To this end, when the head portion 810 of the lock bolt 800 is received in one of the notches 525, 535, the control member 500 is prevented from rotating about the principal axis defined by the shaft 400. By extension, the handle 300, the shaft 400 and any other elements connected to the shaft 400 are also prevented from rotating about the axis. Retraction of the head portion 810 of the lock bolt 800 from the notches 525, 535 releases the control member 500 to be able to turn about the axis upon actuation of the handle 300 and shaft 400 operably connected thereto. Accordingly, when in the locked position, the head portion 810 extends into one of the notches 525, 535 of the control member 500 and when in the unlocked position, the head portion 810 disengages the control member 500.

[0036] In the embodiment provided, a rearward wall 839 of the control portion 830 includes a first curved portion 839a, a channel portion 839b and a second curved portion 839c. The first and second curved portions 839a, 839c and the channel portion 839b are of suitable dimensions so as to allow for mounting of the lock mechanism 900 therethrough into the housing 200 in a rearward fashion. It will be appreciated that such an arrangement makes it more difficult for the lock mechanism 900 to be stripped or otherwise removed from the front of the handle and housing locking device 100 thereby improving the security thereof. This arrangement further allows for easy retrofitting of an alternative lock mechanism 900 within the handle and housing locking device 100 if required.

[0037] The above description of various embodiments of the present invention is provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment. As mentioned above, numerous alternatives and variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the above teaching. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. The invention is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications, and variations of the present invention that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the above described invention.

Claims (13)

1. A locking assembly for use in a locking device comprising:

a locking bolt movable relative to the locking assembly between a locked position and an unlocked position;

a key-operated lock operably connected to the locking bolt; and

a detent element adapted to engage a detent notch so as to reversibly retain the locking bolt in the locked position and/or the unlocked position,

wherein movement of the locking bolt between the locked position and the unlocked position occurs in response to a key inserted and turned in a keyway of the key-operated lock.

2. The locking assembly of Claim 1, wherein the detent element is adapted to engage: (i) a first detent notch to reversibly retain the locking bolt in the locked position; and/or (ii) a second detent notch to reversibly retain the locking bolt in the unlocked position.

3. The locking assembly of Claim 2, further including a guide channel extending between the first detent notch and the second detent notch so as to facilitate sliding movement of the detent element therebetween.

4. The locking assembly of Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the lock bolt is adapted to engage a control member in a first position and/or a second position when moved to the locked position.

5. The locking assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lock bolt includes a head portion at a proximal end thereof, which is coupled by a central portion to a control portion at a distal end of the lock bolt.

6. The locking assembly of Claim 5, wherein the head portion is adapted to engage the control member.

7. The locking assembly of Claim 5 or Claim 6, wherein the detent element or the detent notch are disposed on a front surface of the central portion.

8. The locking assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the key-operated lock is removable from a rearward side of the locking assembly.

9. A locking device comprising:

a housing;

a control member movable between a first position and a second position; and

a locking assembly including:

a locking bolt movable relative to the locking assembly between a locked position and an unlocked position and adapted to engage the control member in the first and/or second position when moved to the locked position;

a key-operated lock operably connected to the locking bolt such that movement of the locking bolt between the locked position and the unlocked position occurs in response to a key inserted and turned in a keyway of the key-operated lock; and

a detent element adapted to engage a detent notch so as to reversibly retain the locking bolt in the locked position and/or the unlocked position.

10. The locking device of Claim 1, wherein the detent element is disposed within a rearward portion of the housing and the detent notch is disposed on a corresponding front surface of the locking bolt.

11. The locking device of Claim 9 or 10, wherein the locking assembly is that of any one of Claims 1 to 8.

12. A method of securing an enclosure, including the steps of:

(a) providing a locking assembly comprising: a locking bolt movable relative to the locking assembly between a locked position and an unlocked position and adapted to engage the control member in the first and/or second position when moved to the locked position; a key-operated lock operably connected to the locking bolt such that movement of the locking bolt between the locked position and the unlocked position occurs in response to a key inserted and turned in a keyway of the key-operated lock; and a detent element adapted to engage a detent notch so as to reversibly retain the locking bolt in the locked position and/or the unlocked position;

(b) installing the locking assembly in or on said enclosure; and (c) moving the lock bolt by way of the key from the unlocked position to the locked position so as to secure said enclosure.

13. The method of Claim 12, wherein the locking assembly is that of any one of Claims 1 to 8.

3008298v1 1/4

FIG. 1