GB2541739A

GB2541739A - Locking mechanism

Info

Publication number: GB2541739A
Application number: GB1515353.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Shenton Nigel
Original assignee: Era Home Security Ltd
Current assignee: Era Home Security Ltd
Priority date: 2015-08-28
Filing date: 2015-08-28
Publication date: 2017-03-01
Also published as: GB201515353D0

Abstract

A lock assembly 1 for a slab door or window 3 comprising a channel 10 for fitting to a face of a leading edge 2 of the door or window 3; a lock gearbox 12 operable between locked and unlocked configurations; one or more outer bolt units 14 longitudinally spaced from the lock gearbox 12 along the channel 10; and a drive means located within the channel 10 and connecting the lock gear box 12 and the outer bolt units 14, such that operation of the lock gearbox 12 operates the outer bolt units 14. The lock assembly 1 requires less routing of a slab door or window 3 than conventional locks. Also claimed is a channel section for fitting to the edge of a door or window and connecting to a lock gearbox and bolts, the channel (30 Fig 3) comprising a base and at least one leg (32) to abut the edge of the door, and an edge strip fixing (34) configured to receive an edge strip. Further claimed is any lock using such a channel.

Description

Locking Mechanism

Field of the Invention

The following invention relates to a locking assembly for doors and/or windows. More specifically, the invention may relate to a multi-point locking assembly configured for use on slab or solid doors or slab or solid-frame windows. The invention may relate to a channel for use with such locking assemblies.

Background to the Invention

Traditional door and window locks often comprise a single key actuated bolt, often in cooperation with a handle-operated latch for retaining the door closed while unlocked. Although this is usually sufficient for internal doors such as bathrooms, this often leads to less acceptable security levels for external doors. In the past, such locks have been supplemented with deadbolts on the door and frame which must be locked and unlocked manually from the inside, but cannot be operated from the exterior side. With only a single bolt locking the door, or even when supplemented with one or more deadbolts, the arrangement is weak and prone to attack by intruders.

Multi-Point Locks (MPLs) were developed to provide much higher levels of security, especially for external doors. MPLs come in a variety of styles and configurations depending on the manufacturer and the level of strength, but typically comprise a gearbox drive operated by a handle which drives multiple bolts spread along the edge of the door. The bolts may be regular bolts that project into the door frame. In other varieties, the bolts may be hook-shaped to hook onto a bar or groove in the door frame or T-shaped so as to slide within a channel in the door frame and lock the door in place. Such MPLs often run the entire length of the edge of the door and thus improve the strength by distributing any force applied to the door over a larger area.

The most popular construction materials for doors for homes and the workplace are typically: a plastics material such as PVC, wood, or extruded metal frames such as aluminium or steel. Traditionally, wood has been popular, but continuing improvements over the years have led to superior designs produced from metals and plastics. An advantage of metal and plastic materials is that extrusion techniques have made it very simple to mass produce more complex styles and features, for example in order to provide room for MPLs to be fitted. To do the same with slab or solid doors or solid frames (such as wooden doors or frames) is much more labour intensive and expensive, since it requires complex routing of a leading edge of the door in order to accommodate the locking gearbox and drivers.

Despite the advantages of modern door designs, slab or solid wooden doors are still desirable for aesthetic reasons and for maintaining the style of a building. However, this often comes at the expense of a lower level of security or an increased cost due to the difficulty of fitting an MPL to a slab or solid door or door with a solid frame. It is desirable to hide the lock mechanism from view when the door is closed in order to prevent any potential attackers from being able to identify weak points in the door. Therefore, doors either need to be carefully machined to accommodate the MPL, or a standard low level lock must be used. Alternatively, the MPL may project from the edge of the door and be visible when closed, which is undesirable for both aesthetic and security reasons.

It is an aim of the present invention to provide a door lock which mitigates or ameliorates at least one of the problems of the prior art, or provides a useful alternative.

Summary of the Invention

According to the invention in one aspect, there is provided a lock assembly for a slab door or window, the lock assembly comprising: a channel configured to be fitted to a face of a leading edge of a slab door or window; a lock gearbox operable between locked and unlocked configurations; one or more outer bolt units longitudinally spaced from the lock gearbox along the channel; and a drive means located within the channel and connecting the lock gear box and the one or more outer bolt units, such that operation of the lock gearbox correspondingly operates the one or more outer bolt units.

Optionally, the lock assembly is a multi-point lock assembly.

Optionally, the channel comprises a base and at least one leg, and wherein the at least one leg is configured to abut the leading edge of the door leaf or window leaf when the channel is fitted to the slab door or window.

Optionally, the channel has a substantially U-shaped cross section.

Optionally, the channel is configured to project from the face of the leading edge in a plane coincident with the slab door or window.

Optionally, the channel comprises an edge strip fixing configured to receive one or more edge strips.

Optionally, the edge strip fixing comprises at least one aperture for receiving a portion of the one or more edge strips, or a mechanical connector.

Optionally, the edge strip fixing comprises a projection configured to engage with an aperture in the edge strip.

Optionally, the projection comprises ridges or teeth configured to retain the edge strips on the edge strip fixing.

Optionally, the edge strip fixing extends along at least part of the length of the channel.

Optionally, the edge strip fixing is provided on the at least one leg of the channel.

Optionally, the channel comprises two legs, and wherein the edge strip fixing is provided on each leg.

Optionally, the lock assembly further comprises one or more edge strips fixed to the edge strip fixings.

Optionally, the edge strip fixing comprises a projection extending from the channel and the one or more edge strips comprise an aperture for receiving the projection.

Optionally, the one or more edge strips has a U-shaped cross-section.

Optionally, the edge strips comprise an outer face of substantially similar material to the door leaf or window leaf.

Optionally, the slab door or window is a wooden door or window.

According to the invention in another aspect, there is provided a slab door or window comprising any lock assembly as specified above.

According to the invention in another aspect, there is provided a channel for fitting to a face of a leading edge of a slab door or window, the channel for connection to a lock gearbox operable between locked and unlocked configurations, one or more outer bolt units for longitudinal spacing from the lock gearbox along the channel, and a drive means for location within the channel and for connecting the lock gear box and the one or more outer bolt units, such that operation of the lock gearbox correspondingly operates the one or more outer bolt units, the channel comprising: a base and at least one leg, wherein the at least one leg is configured to abut the leading edge of the slab door or window when the channel is fitted to the slab door or window; and an edge strip fixing configured to receive one or more edge strips.

Optionally, the edge strip fixing is configured to receive one or more edge strips for masking the one or more legs.

Optionally, the channel comprises two legs and forms a substantially U-shaped cross section, and wherein the edge strip fixing is provided on each leg.

According to the invention in another aspect, there is provided a lock assembly comprising the channel specified above.

Optionally, the lock assembly specified above further comprises a lock gearbox operable between locked and unlocked configurations; one or more outer bolt units longitudinally spaced from the lock gearbox along the channel; and a drive means located within the channel and connecting the lock gear box and the one or more outer bolt units, such that operation of the lock gearbox correspondingly operates the one or more outer bolt units.

According to the invention in another aspect, there is provided a door comprising the lock assembly specified above.

According to the invention in another aspect, there is provided a kit of parts comprising a channel as specified above and one or more edge strips.

Optionally, the kit of parts further comprises a lock gearbox operable between locked and unlocked configurations; one or more outer bolt units for longitudinal spacing from the lock gearbox along the channel; and a drive means for location within the channel and for connecting the lock gear box and the one or more outer bolt units, such that operation of the lock gearbox correspondingly operates the one or more outer bolt units.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a multi-point lock assembly;

Figure 2 is a partial perspective view of a multi-point lock assembly fitted to a door; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a multi-point lock assembly;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a multi-point lock assembly;

Figure 5A is a cross section through the multi-point lock assembly of Figure 4 along the line A-A;

Figure 5B is a cross section through the multi-point lock assembly of Figure 4 along the line B-B;

Figure 6 is an end on projection of the multi-point lock assembly without edge strips; and

Figure 7 is an end on projection a multi-point lock assembly showing installed edge strips and the door body.

Detailed Description

Generally, described herein are methods and apparatus relating to a lock mechanism for fitting to slab doors and slab windows (window frames). As used herein, the terms “slab door” or “slab window” encompass a door leaf or window leaf. This may be as opposed to a pre-hung door or window, in which the door leaf or window leaf is prehung within a frame. Slab doors or windows may comprise non-uPVC doors and windows. Typically, uPVC doors and windows have a complicated composite structure wherein a locking assembly is incorporated into the body of the door, such that an outer face of the locking assembly is flush with a face of a leading edge of the door. Such an arrangement is not always possible with a slab door, to which multi-point locking mechanisms cannot easily be fitted. In particular examples, a slab door or window may be a door leaf or window leaf made substantially from a single material, such as wood. Slab doors and windows may be solid doors and windows, composite doors and windows or hollow doors and windows. Exemplary solid doors or windows may comprise a laminar structure. Exemplary solid doors or windows may comprise a composite structure. Slab doors may also encompass doors in which the face of the leading edge is planar and/or is not extruded.

Figure 1 shows a multi-point lock assembly (termed “lock assembly” herein) 1. The lock assembly 1 comprises a channel 10, a lock gearbox 12 and a plurality of locking projections 14, 16, 18 movable between retracted and projecting positions. The locking projections 14, 16, 18 comprise a plurality of outer bolt units 14, a sprung latch 16 and a deadbolt 18. The lock gearbox 12 comprises the sprung latch 16 and the deadbolt 18. The lock gearbox 12 and two outer bolt units 14 are fitted to the channel 10. A drive means is located within the channel 10 and is configured to provide mechanical linkage between the lock gearbox 12 and the outer bolt units for operation thereof.

The locking projections 14, 16, 18 are projectable through the channel 10, such that they are able to cooperate with recesses in a door frame to retain the door in a closed and/or locked position. The lock gearbox 12 may be centrally located on the channel 10. In the exemplary lock assembly 1 shown in Figure 1, there are two outer bolt units 14 located towards opposed distal ends of the channel 10. The outer bolt units 14 have a hook bolt 20 configured to hook into corresponding slots in a door frame when the lock assembly 1 is in a locked position. The channel 10 is provided with a series of apertures 22 which extend through the channel 10 to permit fixing of the lock assembly 1 to a door.

Turning now to Figure 2, a section of the channel 10 is shown fitted to a leading edge 2 of a door 3. The exemplary slab door 3 is a solid door, and in exemplary configurations may be manufactured from solid wood. In other exemplary configurations, the door 3 may comprise a composite or laminar structure. In yet further exemplary configurations, the door 3 may have a hollow door construction. The channel 10 sits on a face of the leading edge 2 and projects outwardly therefrom such that the channel 10 faces the door frame when the door 3 is closed.

Each side of the channel 10 is flanked by edge strips 24, which may be produced from the same material as the door 3. The edge strips 24 sit flush with the inner and outer surfaces of the door 3 and with an outer face of the channel 10 in order to conceal the channel 10 when the door 3 is viewed face on, i.e. along the axis Y. Thus, the same lock assembly 1 may be used with any thickness of door by simply using appropriately sized edge bands 24.

Referring now to Figure 3, the construction of the lock assembly 1 will be described in more detail. The channel 10 has a U-shaped cross-section with a base of the U having an outer face 30 and the sides of the U being formed by legs 32. When fitted to a door 3, an edge 33 of the legs 32 abuts the door 3, and thus the length of the legs 32 sets the amount by which the outer face 30 of the channel 10 will project from the leading edge 2 of the door 3. Each leg 32 comprises an edge strip fixing 34 which runs along the length of the channel 10 and projects laterally from the leg 32. The edge strip fixing 34 has a series of ridges 36 which also run the length of the fixing 34 in order to improve the connection with the edge bands 24.

In exemplary lock assemblies, the internal width of the U-shaped channel 10 is 16mm or more in order to fit around the gearbox 12 and bolt units 14. Conventional gearboxes and bolt units have a width of 16mm. Manufacturing costs can therefore be minimised by using off the shelf components. When fitted on a door (not shown) the U-shaped channel 10 creates a cavity 38 between the outer face 30, the legs 32 and the leading edge 2 of the door 3. The cavity 38 can thus be used to house drive mechanisms which extend from the gearbox 12 to the bolt units 14.

Previously, such cavities would have been formed in the door body through extrusion in the case of plastic or metal doors, and the lock faceplate would be a flat planar strip.

Since this is not possible with slab or solid doors, which may be non-extruded or moulded and have a planar face of the leading edge, these cavities would have to have been routed; thereby increasing labour and manufacturing costs.

Turning now to Figures 4, 5A & 5B, an end of the lock assembly 1 is shown in greater detail but not installed on a door. Figure 5A is a cross section through the line A-A of Figure 4 when installed on a door 3 and with edge strips 24 fitted. Figure 5B is a similar cross-section, but through line B-B of Figure 4, again when installed on a door 3 and with edge strips 24 fitted. More clearly shown are the channel 10 and the edge strip fixings 34.

In Figures 5A and 5B, each fixing 34 has an edge strip 24 fitted. In the exemplary configurations of Figures 5A and 5B, each edge strip 24 has a U-shaped cross-section defining a channel within the edge strip 24. The channel is configured to fit tightly over the fixing 34 so as to provide an interference fit arrangement to retain the edge strips 24 in place on the fixings 34. The fixing 34 is provided with a series of ridges 36 in order to improve the strength of the retention. As shown, the ridges 36 have a triangular cross section having sides with a shallower angle in the direction of fitting the edge strip 24 and a steeper angle in a direction of removing the edge strip 24. This permits easy fitting of the edge strips 24, but reliably retains them in place once fitted. In some embodiments, the ridges 36 are configured such that the width of the fixings 34 at their widest points (i.e. between the vertices of opposed ridges 36) is marginally wider than the channel in the edge strips 24. In such embodiments, the ridges 36 are able to act as teeth to dig into the surface of the channel in the edge strips 24 and further improve retention of the edge bands 24 on the fixings 34. In exemplary arrangements, a glue or other adhesive may be used to retain the edge bands 24 in place on the fixings 34. The glue or other adhesive may be used in addition to the ridges 36 on the fixings 34 and in such arrangements the ridges 36 increase the surface area of the fixing for adhesion. In addition, mechanical fasteners such as screws or nails may be driven through the edge strip 24 and into the leading edge 2 of the door 3.

Figures 6 and 7 show the lock assembly 1 from an end on position, both in isolation (Figure 6) and fitted on a door 3 (Figure 7).

In exemplary arrangements, the only parts of the lock assembly 1 that project above the surface of the edge strips 24 and the outer surface of the channel 10 are the latch 16, and the bolt 18 and hook bolts 20 when the lock assembly is in a locked position. Thus, when the door is in the closed position, the lock assembly 1 is not visible.

The lock assembly 1 can be installed either at the factory prior to shipping the door to a customer, or in situ by the installer of the door. The door must have appropriate number and size of recesses routed or drilled into the edge of the door in order to accommodate the gearbox 12 and the bolt units 14. The gearbox 12 and bolt units 14 of the lock assembly 1 are then inserted into the recesses and screws or nails are driven through the apertures 22 for fixing the lock assembly 1 in position. The edge strips 24 are then pressed onto the fixings 34, optionally with a glue and/or further fasteners such as pins, nails or screws holding them in position.

Optionally, the edge strips 24 may be manufactured to be larger than the width of the door 3 so as to overhang the face of the leading edge 2. The edge strips 24 can then be planed or sanded flat with the door surface so as to provide a single planar face for the door 3. This allows for the edge strips 24 to accommodate natural defects in the wood door or even surface patterns and decoration while giving a continuous surface. In exemplary arrangements, the edge strips 24 are made from the same material as the door so that they are not noticeable in situ, however, it is also envisaged that contrasting edge bands may be used.

In use, the lock gearbox 12 may be operated between locked and unlocked positions. In the locked position, the deadbolt 18 projects from the channel 10 such that it is able to cooperate with a recess in the door frame to secure the door 3 in a closed position. In the unlocked position, the deadbolt 18 is retracted such that it is at least flush with the outer face 30 of the channel 10. In such a position the deadbolt 18 does not secure the door 3 in a closed position.

When the lock gearbox 12 is moved between the locked and unlocked positions, the drive means in the channel 10 operates the outer bolt units 14. That is, when the lock gearbox 12 is placed in the locked position, the outer bolt units 14 project from the channel 10, and when the lock gearbox 12 is in the unlocked position, the outer bolt units are retracted to be at least flush with the outer face 30 of the channel.

The sprung latch 16 is biased in a projected position and is configured to permit the door 3 to enter the closed position, but to retain the door 3 in the closed position thereafter. The bias may be overcome by, for example, turning a handle of the door 3.

It will be appreciated that the above embodiments are only examples of the invention, and that other configurations are envisaged. The skilled person will be able to envisage such other embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, any feature of any embodiment may be used in combination with any other feature in accordance with the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A lock assembly for a slab door or window, the lock assembly comprising: a channel configured to be fitted to a face of a leading edge of a slab door or window; a lock gearbox operable between locked and unlocked configurations; one or more outer bolt units longitudinally spaced from the lock gearbox along the channel; and a drive means located within the channel and connecting the lock gear box and the one or more outer bolt units, such that operation of the lock gearbox correspondingly operates the one or more outer bolt units.

2. The lock assembly according to claim 1, wherein the lock assembly is a multipoint lock assembly.

3. The lock assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the channel comprises a base and at least one leg, and wherein the at least one leg is configured to abut the leading edge of the door leaf or window leaf when the channel is fitted to the slab door or window.

4. The lock assembly according to claim 3, wherein the channel has a substantially U-shaped cross section.

5. The lock assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the channel is configured to project from the face of the leading edge in a plane coincident with the slab door or window.

6. The lock assembly according to claim 5, wherein the channel comprises an edge strip fixing configured to receive one or more edge strips.

7. The lock assembly according to claim 6, wherein the edge strip fixing comprises at least one aperture for receiving a portion of the one or more edge strips, or a mechanical connector.

8. The lock assembly according to claim 6, wherein the edge strip fixing comprises a projection configured to engage with an aperture in the edge strip.

9. The lock assembly according to claim 8, wherein the projection comprises ridges or teeth configured to retain the edge strips on the edge strip fixing.

10. The lock assembly according to any of claims 6 to 9, wherein the edge strip fixing extends along at least part of the length of the channel.

11. The lock assembly according to any one of claims 6 to 10 when dependent on claim 3 or 4, wherein the edge strip fixing is provided on the at least one leg of the channel.

12. The lock assembly according to claim 11, wherein the channel comprises two legs, and wherein the edge strip fixing is provided on each leg.

13. The lock assembly according to any of claims 6 to 12, further comprising one or more edge strips fixed to the edge strip fixings.

14. The lock assembly according to claim 13, wherein the edge strip fixing comprises a projection extending from the channel and the one or more edge strips comprise an aperture for receiving the projection.

15. The lock assembly according to claim 14 wherein the one or more edge strips has a U-shaped cross-section.

16. The lock assembly according to any of claims 13 to 15, wherein the edge strips comprise an outer face of substantially similar material to the door leaf or window leaf.

17. The lock assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the slab door or window is a wooden door or window.

18. A slab door or window comprising a lock assembly according to any one of the preceding claims.

19. A channel for fitting to a face of a leading edge of a slab door or window, the channel for connection to a lock gearbox operable between locked and unlocked configurations, one or more outer bolt units for longitudinal spacing from the lock gearbox along the channel, and a drive means for location within the channel and for connecting the lock gear box and the one or more outer bolt units, such that operation of the lock gearbox correspondingly operates the one or more outer bolt units, the channel comprising: a base and at least one leg, wherein the at least one leg is configured to abut the leading edge of the slab door or window when the channel is fitted to the slab door or window; and an edge strip fixing configured to receive one or more edge strips.

20. The channel according to claim 19, wherein the edge strip fixing is configured to receive one or more edge strips for masking the one or more legs.

21. The channel according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the channel comprises two legs and forms a substantially U-shaped cross section, and wherein the edge strip fixing is provided on each leg.

22. A lock assembly comprising the channel according to any of claims 19 to 21.

23. The lock assembly of claim 22, further comprising: a lock gearbox operable between locked and unlocked configurations; one or more outer bolt units longitudinally spaced from the lock gearbox along the channel; and a drive means located within the channel and connecting the lock gear box and the one or more outer bolt units, such that operation of the lock gearbox correspondingly operates the one or more outer bolt units.

24. A door comprising the lock assembly of claim 22 or 23.

25. A kit of parts comprising a channel according to any of claims 19 to 21 and one or more edge strips.

26. The kit of parts according to claim 25, further comprising: a lock gearbox operable between locked and unlocked configurations; one or more outer bolt units for longitudinal spacing from the lock gearbox along the channel; and a drive means for location within the channel and for connecting the lock gear box and the one or more outer bolt units, such that operation of the lock gearbox correspondingly operates the one or more outer bolt units.

27. A lock assembly substantially as described herein and with reference to the figures.