US3508423A - Locker handle access control lock - Google Patents

Description

A ril 28, 1970 s. F.,JACKES ETAL 3,508,423

I LOCKER HANDLE ACCESS CONTROL LOCK 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 5, 1968 April 28, 1970 s. F.'JACKES ET AL 0 3 I LOCKER HANDLE ACCESS CONTROL LOCK Filed July 5, 1968 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 2/ CW5. LA A A ril 28, 1970 s. F. JACKES ETAL 3,508,423

LOCKER HANDLE ACCESS CONTROL LOCK 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed July 5 1968 llVVEWTORS STIIVLfiYFJ/QC/(S Z303 HflPPfLL JOSEZM/Y/LLER W ,4 meme,

April 0. f s. F. JACKES ETAL 3,508,423

LOCKER HANDLE AC CES S CONTROL LOCK Filed July 5, 1968 v 4 Sheets-Sheet L IOI J92 3 FIG. l9

United States Patent 3,508,423 LOCKER HANDLE ACCESS CONTROL LOCK Stanley F. Jackes, Creve Coeur, Bob G. Harrell, St. Louis County, and Joseph N. Miller, Overland, Mo., assignors to Jackes-Evaus Manufacturing Company, St. Louis, Mo., a corporation of Delaware Continuation-impart of application Ser. No. 555,586, June 6, 1966. This application July 5, 1968, Ser. No. 742,737

Int. Cl. E05c 19/10, 1/04; E05b 65/02 U.S. Cl. 70-78 12 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE An access locking means for a locker door or the like which permits bypassing the primary lock to gain entrance to the locker. An obstructing means acts through the primary locking means to prevent movement of the handle and opening of the door. In one embodiment of the invention, when the access locking means is moved to the unlocked position, the handle, obstructing means and primary locking means may be moved as a unit relative to the door to cause unlatching thereof and access gained to the locker. In another embodiment, the access locking means actuates a latching means independently of the primary locking means to gain access even though the latter is locked.

This application is a continuation-in-part of our copending application Ser. No. 555,586, filed June 6, 1966, and now abandoned.

This invention generally relates to improvements in locker handles and locks for lockers and, more specifically, is directed to a unique handle and locking arrangement particularly adapted to permit authorized access to the locker even though it is locked. Locker facilities are commonly found in schools, factories, churches, clubs and other establishments where it is desirable to provide facilities to permit members to store their personal possessions. For ease and convenience in description, the present invention will be described with respect to lockers particularly adapted for use in schools, however, it is to be understood that the present invention is equally applicable to the other areas outlined above.

It is a virtual necessity for authorized persons, other than the student, to be able to quickly gain access to a students locker for various reasons, such as conducting inspections in the event of the all-too-frequent bomb scares, even though they turn out to be a hoax. School oflicials are frequently asked to admit the student to his locker when he has inadvertently forgotten or misplaced the key or the combination. Other situations arise which make it necessary to have access to the locker available to authorized school ofiicials.

To date, school administrators have required the students to submit a duplicate key or the lock combination and have resorted to use of a combination-key operated padlock of known type. In any one of these contingencies, the school was, of necessity, required to become involved in the sale or administration of padlocks in order to maintain the requisite access to the students locker. The simple task of maintaining the keys separated and tagged for identification with the particular locker was, in itself, a time-consuming administration problem, even in schools with relatively few students. Constant revision of the listings is required, as locker assignments change from semester to semester or year to year, providing additional work which, in the final analysis, is quite unproductive. Nonetheless, this procedure has continued to exist because no alternative was avail- 3,508,423 Ce Patented Apr. 28, 1970 able which would solve the existing problem. As can be appreciated, when a bomb threat was received or some other reason arose which necessitated inspection of every locker, the job of separation of the keys or comparing combination and lock to permit opening of each locker was, as best, laborious and time-consuming. While the inspection was made, students and teachers were kept unproductively waiting outside the building.

The present invention provides a novel and inexpensive solution to the problem set forth above. A unique handle and locking arrangement is provided which, in simple terms, provides a means which permits the primary lock, such as a padlock ordinarily supplied by the student, to be bypassed through a pass key which permits the locker to be opened for inspection even though the primary lock is locked. It is contemplated that the bypass or access lock on each locker installation in a particular building, factory or school will be designed for operation by a single pass kay with custody given to an authorized person, such as the principal of the school, custodian, security guard of the factory or the like. Such arrangement permits the user of the locker to use a padlock of his own choosing and completely eliminates the need for any administration on the part of school officials.

One of the more commendable aspects of the present invention is that the locker may be normally used in the usual way without any interference from the auxiliary or bypass locking means. The generic concept of the present invention is applicable to locker handles of the sliding and rotating type, and may be universally adapted to handles and lockers with or without locking rods. This will become more evident in the general description of two embodiments of the invention which follows.

In one form of the invention, the locker handle is of conventional type in that it is vertically elevated to move a locking rod and release engagement with a catch to permit the locker door to be opened. The handle includes shackle receiving openings disposed on opposite sides of an obstruction plate. In handle assemblies of known type, the obstruction plate is usually rigidly attached to the door and acts through the shackle of the padlock to prevent movement of the handle.

In the present design, when the obstruction plate is in the normal operating position, a shoulder on the locker door opposes a shoulder on the obstruction plate, preventing movement relative to the door if a shackle of the padlock is inserted. A novel cam arrangement, actuated by rotating a key operated locking plug, shifts the obstruc tion plate laterally of the locker door, bringing the shoulder on the plate into alignment with a vertically elongated slot. The locker handle, obstruction plate and padlock may now be elevated as a unit to shift the locking rod and unlatch the locker door even though the padlock is in the locked condition. The pass key to the locking plug would be normally retained in the possession of a school administrator or authorized custodian with it being contemplated that one pass key would fit all of the lockers to permit inspection regardless of the type of padlock used by the student.

In another form of the invention, the locker handle is of the rotatable type. The usual obstruction means may be carried within the rotating handle or affixed to the door. Shackle openings are formed in the handle on opposite sides of the obstruction means and, when a shackle of a padlock is positioned in the openings, the handle is held against rotation which, if permitted, would shift the locking rod or retract bolt, depending upon the latch design used, and permit opening of the locker. A key operated locking plug is incorporated in the rotating handle design and is joined to the sliding latch or rotating plate which operates the locking rod. Through the rotation of the key operated locking plug, the sliding latch may be retracted or the plate rotated independently of the handle to elevate the locking rod to unlatch the same from the catch on the locker door and permit opening of the locker even though the locker handle remains immobilized relative to the locker door. Obviously, after considering the foregoing embodiments, variations of the generic concept will be suggested.

The present invention is also of relatively simple construction, placing it in a cost bracket where schools and other organizations operating on limited budgets can incorporate the present invention into existing or new locker systems. The present design is quite easily assembled without extensive machining required because of the relatively liberal tolerances afforded by the unique design.

It is an object of this invention to provide a novel access system for a locker which includes means permitting bypassing of the primary locking means to allow authorized persons to gain access to the locker even though the primary locking means is in the locked condition.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a novel locking arrangement in conjunction with a locker handle which permits authorized personnel to gain access to the locker by bypassing the primary locking means.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a new and improved handle and lock combination which permits the indescriminate use of any type of primary .ocking means by the person to whom the locker is as- ;igned, yet enabling authorized personnel to gain access the locker through an access lock which is operative :o bypass the primary locking means and permit opening )f the locker even though the primary locking means s in the locked condition.

It is a still further object of this invention to provide a lovel access locking arrangement which is relatively in- :xpensive to manufacture to thereby place it in the ecolomic reach of most users of lockers.

It is a still further object of this invention to provide L new and improved access locking arrangement, capable )f use with various forms of latching arrangements.

Additional objects other than those specifically stated vill become apparent upon reference tot he drawings vhich illustrate representative embodiments and the de ailed description which follows.

'In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a front elevational view of a locker arangement having the usual shackle suspended padlock nserted through a shackle opening in the locker handle;

FIGURE 2 is an exploded perspective view of the lockr handle and locking arrangement shown in FIGURE with the locker door and locking rod shown fragmenarily;

FIGURE 3 is a front elevational view of the locker andle shown in FIGURES 1 and 2 with the locker door hown fragmentarily and a shackle-type padlock suspended tom the shackle openings in the locker handle;

FIGURE 4 is a side elevational view of the handle [ken generally along the line 44 of FIGURE 1 with re door shown in broken-away cross section and locker )d and guide shown fragmentarily;

FIGURE 5 is a rear elevational view of the locker andle shown in FIGURE 3 with the locking rod and iide omitted and the padlock shackle shown in dotted nes when the access lock is in the locked condition;

FIGURE 6 is a view similar to FIGURE 5 illustrating 1e position assumed when the access lock is in the uncked condition but before elevation of the handle;

FIGURE 7 is a rear view taken generally along the 1e 7-7 of FIGURE 4 with the locker door and obruction plate omitted;

FIGURE 8 is a front elevational view of the locking ug, cam operator and obstruction plate with the locker .ndle omitted and locker door shown fragmentarily;

FIGURE 9 is a side elevational view of the locking 4 plug, obstruction plate and locker door taken generally along the line 9-9 of FIGURE 8;

FIGURE 10 is a free body view of the locking plug, cam operator and obstruction plate taken generally along the line 10-10 of FIGURE 9;

FIGURE 11 is a view similar to FIGURE 8, illustrating the change in location of the obstruction plate after the access lock has been operated;

FIGURE 12 is an exploded perspective view of a modified form of the invention;

FIGURE 13 is a perspective view of a sliding bolt-type latch which may be substituted for the rotating bolt in the embodiment shown in FIGURE 12;

FIGURE 14 is a front elevational view of the handle assembly shown in FIGURE 12 on a locker door shown fragmentarily;

FIGURE 15 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the line 1515 of FIGURE 14;

FIGURE 16 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the line 1616 of FIGURE 15 and illustrating the rearward side of the escutcheon plate as viewed when looking into the handle cavity;

FIGURE 17 is a cross-sectional view taken generally in a plane adjacent the front face of the escutcheon plate looking in the direction of the handle cavity with phantom lines illustrating the handle in the position assumed during nnlatching;

FIGURE 18 is a free body view of the rotating bolt apart from the housing with the elevated or unlatched position shown in phantom lines;

FIGURE 19 is a free body rear elevational view of the bolt shown in FIGURE 18; and

FIGURE 20 is an elevational view of a latching arran'gement using the sliding bolt of FIGURE 13, the bolt being shown in the lock housing with the cover plate removed.

Referring now to FIGURE 1, a locker assembly is shown generally at 10, having a frame 11 in which is mounted a plurality of doors, each being supported for swinging movement by hinges 13 and 14 in a conventional manner. The center of the frame is illustrated as being divided into a plurality of compartments while the outside openings have full length doors 12 and 15. As the access handle of the present invention is applicable to doors of all sizes, description will be limited to the door 15. The locker door 15 includes the usual handle assembly shown generally at 16. Each of the locker doors may be provided with a similar handle assembly 16 as designated.

As'seen in FIGURE 3, the visible part of the handle assembly 16 includes the locker handle 17 which receives a shackle 18 of a padlock 19. The handle 17 may be of cast construction and includes a cavity to receive a locking plug 20 adjacent the upper end. Finger grips 21 and 22 may be molded directly into the locker handle along the sides while a strike plate 23 is for-med at its lower extremity. The strike plate 23 functions to hold the body of the padlock 19 away from the locker door face to prevent scuffing or scratching of the finish. Disregarding for the moment the presence of the locking plug 20, the handle, at first glance, appears outwardly to be no different than a vertically movable handle of conventional design. As will be seen, the internal construction is markedly different.

The basic elements of the access handle assembly 16 are shown in FIGURE 2. A handle of modified external configuration is shown at 17, however, is basically the same design as the handle 17 and includes internal constructional characteristics identical to the handle 17. The handle 17' includes side finger gripping portions 21', 22' and strike plate 23'. A receptacle or opening is provided at 25 to receive the locking plug 20. Also included in the elements forming the access handle assembly 16 is a cam operator 26 and obstruction plate 27.

The locker door 15 (shown fragmentarily) is formed with an opening 30 which may be stamped at manufacture and includes a generally vertical wall 31 intersecting a transverse shoulder 32 at its upper end. A vertically extending slot 33 interrupts the shoulder 32 at a point spaced from the Wall 31. A second slot 34 intersects the lower margin of the opening 30, extending downwardly and terminating in a transverse wall 35. The slot 34 at the lower part of the opening 30 permits attaching lugs 36 which are formed on each of the handles 17 and 17' to extend through the door for attachment to a locking rod 40 or equivalent latching means.

The locker door 15 is folded to form a rigid door edge 37 of increased thickness and forms a guide channel 38 for receiving the locking rod 40 which is also channelshaped. Openings 41 and 42 in one side of the locking rod 40 permit attachment of the attaching lugs 36 on handles 17 and 17 to the locking rod through bolts 43 and 44, respectively, as shown in FIGURE 4. Obviously, other forms of attaching means may be utilized, as any rigid connection between the locking rod 40 and handle 17 is satisfactory.

When the locking rod 40 is assembled in the channel 38 and the handle 17 joined to the locking rod through the bolts 43' and 44 and, in the absence of a padlock, the handle 17 is free to move upwardly, lifting the locking rod and releasing engagement with a catch 45 (FIGURE 4). The catch 45 may be of conventional design and, as shown, cooperates with an opening which is formed in the bottom of the channel-shaped locking rod. A camming surface 46 is formed on the catch 45 so when the locker door is closed, the locking rod will be ca'mmed upwardly on the cam surface 46 of the catch 45 to permit the locking rod 40 to fall into the catch 45 to latch the door. The catch and latching arrangement are of conventional design and, obviously, other types may be used.

Referring now to FIGURE 7, the backside of the handle is shown in full elevation, illustrating the obstruction plate receiving cavity 50 and the locking plug cavity 51, the latter terminating in the locking plug openings 25 and 25'. The locking plug cavity 51 is formed with longitudinal slots 52 and 53 along the upper wall and slots 54 and 55 in the lower wall to receive locking pins 56 and 57, 58 and 59 carried on the top and bottom of the locking plug 20, respectively. The locking pins, when extended, serve to prevent the locking plug 20 from rotating within the locking plug cavity 51. When a key is inserted in a key slot 60 in the locking plug 20, the pins are retracted and the locking plug is free to rotate when the key is turned.

Referring now to FIGURES 2, 7, 9 and 10, the cam operator 26 is provided with a cylindrical body 61 having a vertically extending axially opening slot 62. A rearwardly projecting pin 63 may be formed integral with the body 61 and is offset relative to the central axis of the body 61 for reasons to become apparent. When the cam operator 26 has the pin 63 positioned in an opening 64 formed in the locking plug 20, the assembly appears as shown in FIGURE 7, with the cam operator 26 slightly offset relative to the geometric or rotational axis of the cylindrical locking plug. The vertical slot 62 receives an upper end 65 of the obstruction plate 27 with a sliding fit.

As best seen in FIGURES 2 and 9, the obstruction plate includes a shoulder portion 66 which extends through the locker door 15 and is adapted for engagement with the shoulder 32. A lower part of the obstruction plate is provided with a shackle engaging portion 67, smoothly curving into a locating portion 68 which serves to prevent the obstruction plate from being pushed through the opening 30.

The obstruction plate cavity is formed in the rearward part of the locker door handle and is of sufficient lateral width to permit slight lateral shifting of the obstruction plate in response to rotational movement of the locking plugs 20. The extremes of the obstruction plate in the locked and access positions are best seen in the sche- 6 matic views of FIGURES 5 and 8 and FIGURES 6 and 11, respectively. In FIGURES 5 and 8, the obstruction plate is shown in the position assumed relative to the opening 30 when the locking plug is in the locked condition. This condition is also illustrated in FIGURES 3 and 4. At this time, the obstruction plate 27 is located with the shoulder 66 immediately under the shoulder 32 of the opening 30, positively precluding any appreciable upward movement of the obstruction plate 27. Assuming a padlock shackle is positioned as shown at 18 in solid lines in FIGURE 3, and in dotted lines in FIGURES 4 and 5, the handle is prevented from moving upward as the shackle openings engage the shackle 18. The shackle 18 engages the shoulder 67 on the obstruction plate 27 while the shoulder 66 is in engagement with the shoulder 32 on the door 15.

If a key is now inserted in the key slot 60 of the locking plug 20, the pins 5668 are retracted and the locking plug may be rotated. This causes the cam operator to move to the position shown in solid lines in FIGURES '6 and 11 and phantom lines in FIGURE 10, moving the top of the obstruction plate transversely of the opening 30 into alignment with the vertical slot 33 in the door 15. The handle 17, lock 19 and obstruction plate 27 are free to be elevated as a unit, causing the locking rod 40 to be elevated and, thus, unlatching the door. After one cycle, the obstruction plate assumes the vertical position shown in FIGURE 11. It is to be appreciated that throughout the entire unlatching procedure, the primary lock 19 has been in the locked condition.

In FIGURE 12, a modified form of locker handle access control lock assembly is illustrated in an exploded perspective view, being designated generally by reference numeral 100. The access control lock assembly includes two readily identifiable assemblies, these being a handle assembly indicated generally by reference 101 and a latch actuating assembly indicated by reference numeral 102.

The handle assembly 101 includes a handle 103 which receives a locking plug 104, the latter engaging a plug tcam 105 with these being held in the handle by a retainer clip 106. A lock hasp 107, escutcheon plate 108 and retainer ring 109 complete the handle assembly 101. They are assembled together to form a unitized handle assembly 101 as shown in FIGURES 14, 16 and 17.

The latch actuating assembly 102 includes a housing 110 which receives the inner end a handle cam 111 and key cam 112, these being adapted for rotatable disposition within the handle cam 111, both cams cooperating with a rotating bolt 113 when operatively installed within the housing 110 and held in position by a cover plate 114 which is secured to the housing 110 by suitable means such as the bolts 115, 116, 117 and 118. Obviously, it is contemplated that other means may be used to join the cover plate 114 to the housing 110.

The handle 103 may be of any suitable configuration and, inasmuch as it is of the rotary type, good design practice suggests that a suitable means he provided to allow the locker used to easily and conveniently rotate the handle to gain access after the padlock is removed. To the attainment of this end, the handle 103 is provided with finger gripping portions 121 and 121 formed on opposite sides. A key plug opening exposes the outer end of the locking plug for reasons to become apparent. A shackle receiving opening is shown at 123 in the lower portion of the handle with a similar opening being formed in the opposite side of the handle as at 124 in FIGURE 15.

When viewed from the back or locker facing side, the handle is of basically hollow construction similar to the handle described in connection with FIGURES 1-11 and including a suitable locking plug cavity formed with axial slots to receive the locking pins 126, 127 and 128 projecting from the locking plug 104. The locking plug 104 may be of the same design as the locking plug described in connection with FIGURES 111, having the conventional key slot 130. The locking plug 104 differs at its inner end in that it is provided with two axially facing openings located on centers positioned on a diameter across the rear of the locking plug. These holes or openings (not shown) receive spaced axially projecting pins 131 and 132 carried on the plug cam 105, and are of suflicient depth to permit the body 133 to engage the inner end of the locking plug 104. Projecting forwardly of the body 133 of the plug cam 105 is a polygonal tongue 134 which may be symmetric with respect to a plane passing through the center axis, which plane is coincidental with the axis of rotation of the locking plug.

When the rearwardly projecting pins 131 and 132 are received in the holes in the locking plug 104, rotational forces applied to the locking plug 104 are transmitted to the tongue 134. To assemble, the locking plug 104 is positioned in the cavity 136 in the handle 103 and the cam plug 105 installed with the pins 131 and 132 seated in the plug 104. A retainer ring 106 is snap fitted within the cavity 136 as shown in FIGURE 16 to hold the parts assembled within the cavity 136.

The rear face of the escutcheon plate 108 is counterbored as at 137 to accommodate the retainer ring 109 which is positioned circumferentially around axially projecting lugs 140 and 141 which may be formed integra with the handle 103 and partially circumscribe the cavity 136, being separated by diametrically located slots 142 and 143. The function of these lugs will be described in greater detail below when the complete assembly 100 is discussed.

Referring again to FIGURE 12, the handle assembly 101 also includes a lock hasp 107 having a generally fiat body 144 formed with an elongated central opening 145. A shackle engaging arm 146 projects from the rear face at the lower end of the lock hasp 107 and, when assembled with the handle assembly 101, extends into the cavity in the handle 103 in the manner shown in the broken away portion of FIGURE 15.

The opposite or front face of the lock hasp 107 is shown in elevation in FIGURE 17 and includes a cam locking portion 150 having wedge-shaped faces 151 and 152, the function of which will become apparent. A guide and stop 153 is formed at the upper extremity of the lock hasp 107 to assure proper location and stopping of the handle 103.

A padlock body striker 159 is provided on the lower end of the front face 153 of the escutcheon plate, while raised bosses 154 and 155 are formed centrally, which partially surround an opening 156 through which the lugs 140 and 141 on the handle 103 project. The lower ends of the bosses 154 and 155 form opposed wedgeshaped faces 157 and 158 to cooperate with the cam surfaces 151 and 152 in the manner shown in FIGURE 17. The upper guide and stop face '153 on the hasp 108 is engageable with stop surfaces 160 and 161 formed on the bosses 154 and 155 on the escutcheon plate and serve to limit the total angular movement or rotation of the handle.

Referring to FIGURES l and 17, it can be seen that when the shackle engaging lug 146 is held elevated by a padlock shackle shown fragmentarily at 162 in FIGURE 15, the wedge-shaped surfaces 151 and 152 are positioned 172 may be provided on opposite sides and form diametrically opposed lugs 173 and 174. These lugs are sizedfor reception in the slots 142 and 143 in the handle 103. The handle cam 111 has a centrally disposed cylindrical bore 175 which is sized so as to receive a cylindrical extension 176 formed on the key cam 112 with a Sliding fit. The cylindrical extension 176 is provided with an axially extending slot 177 which is sized to snugly interfit with the axial projection 134 on the plug cam 105. On the inner axial end, the key cam 112 is provided with a radially extending operating lug 178.

The front face of the rotating bolt 113 is illustrated in FIGURES l2 and 18, while the fear face is shown in FIGURE 19. A central opening 180 with adjoining slot 181 is formed in the rear face to receive the cylin-' drical portion of the key cam 112 and operating lug 178.

On the front face, the rotating bolt 113 is formed with a segmented counterbored opening 190 which has the outer periphery coextensive with the outer periphery of the lug receiving opening 181. The segmented guide 190 is of sufiicient depth to receive the lug 170 on the handle cam 111. As can be appreciated from consideration of FIGURES 18 and 19, the lug 170 overlies the lug 178 when the handle is in the neutral or vertical position. When the handle 103 is rotated from a neutral position, lugs 140 and 141 transmit the forces through the lugs 173 and 174 to the lug 170. The latter engages the upper end 191 of the segmented counterbore to transmit the force to the bolt 113 and cause it to rotate slight- 1y. As will be seen, this results in unlatching the door.

A locking rod engaging lug 182 on the bolt 113 is adapted for reception in an opening 183 formed in a side flange of a channel-shaped locking rod 184 of con ventional design. As seen in FIGURE 12, the locking rod 184 is adapted for positioning in a channel-shaped guide 185 formed by folding one edge of the locker door 186. This is similar in construction to the locker door of FIG- URES l11, however, the door 186 is provided with a handle receiving opening 187 of circular design with handle mounting openings 188 and 189 formed above and below. These permit passage of suitable fasteners 190 and 191 (FIGURE 15) for threaded engagement with openings 192 and 193 in the rear face of the escutcheon plate 108, and serving to mount the access handle assembly 100.

As pointed out previously, when the lock hasp 107 is held in the elevated position by a shackle as shown in FIGURE 15, the handle is held against rotation. Accordingly, the bolt 113 cannot be rotated and the door will remain latched. Should it become necessary to open the students locker in his absence while locked, the following procedure is available to authorized persons. A key is fitted into the key slot 130, withdrawing the pins 126, 127 and 128. Upon rotation of the key, the key plug 104 is rotated within the cavity 136 causing the plug cam 105 to rotate key cam 112 within the handle cam 111, the latter being held against movement. The lug 178 on the key cam 112 moves angularly, engaging the side wall of the slot 181 and causing the rotating bolt 113 to assume the position shown in dotted lines and elevating the locking rod 184 to unlatch the locker door. Throughout this procedure, the handle 103 and the shackle 162 of the primary lock are not moved from the locked position. Thus, it can be appreciated that the primary locking means may be readily bypassed and access gained to the locker by authorized persons having a pass key.

As pointed out in connection with the embodiment shown in FIGURES 1-11, it is contemplated that one pass key would operate the locks on all lockers for expediency and convenience.

A modified form of bolt is illustrated at 200 in FIG- UR-E 13, being of the sliding variety and having a locker frame or catch engaging locking portion 201 and center opening 202 adapted to receive the inner ends of the handle and key cams 111 and 112, respectively. A pair of shoulders 203 and 204 are formed on opposite sides of the bolt 200' for engagement with one end of biasing springes 205 and 206. It is contemplated that the sliding bolt 200 and springs 205 and 206 may be substituted for the rotating bolt 113 in locker applications in which it is desirable to omit the locking rod.

As shown in FIGURE 2.0, when the sliding bolt 200 is installed in the housing 110 (shown fragmentarily), the springs 205 and 206 act between the housing and shoulders 207 and 208 to maintain the bolt 200 fully eX- tended as shown in solid lines. At assembly, the handle cam 111 and key cam 112 are positioned in the opening 202 with the operating lugs 170' and 178 engageable with a generally arcuate shoulder 211 formed at the upper part of the opening 202. In the routine opening of the locker door, the padlock is removed and the handle 103 is rotated. The handle cam 111 rotates to cause the lug 170 to engage the surface 211 and effectively retract the bolt to the position shown in dotted lines thus unlatching the door.

Should it be necessary for the locker to be opened by an authorized person, even though the primary locking means is locked, the plug 104 may be rotated by a key in the manner previously described, rotating the key cam 112 in a clockwise direction. This causes the lug 178 to engage the shoulder 211, moving the bolt 200 against the force of the springs 205 and 206 to effectuate unlatching. The locker may then be entered without unlocking the primary locking means.

In summary, it can be seen that the access handle assembly of the present invention is applicable to various types of handle and locking arrangements. Because of its unique construction, it is relatively trouble free and may be manufactured and assembled at relatively low cost. It is applicable to lockers of various design, providing the advantage of permitting access to all lockers by an authorized person with a single pass key. In the preferred form of this invention, the key is of the center groove variety to effectively eliminate or discourage duplication. Accordingly, with proper security measures taken in respect to the pass key, the security of the students locker is assured as long as they are diligent in maintaining the primary locking means in the locked condition.

Upon a consideration of the foregoing, it will become obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made without departing from the invention embodied herein.

We claim:

1. A locker assembly including a door having a handle thereon, said handle being mounted for movement relative to said door and including latching means for cooperation wtih a catch means on said locker assembly to maintain said door in a latched condition when said door is'in a closed position, an obstructing means carried on said door, a primary locking means cooperating with said obstructing means and being operative to prevent movement of said handle relative to said door and thereby prevent release of said latching means from engagement with said catch means and permit opening of said door, and an access locking means carried on said locker assembly, said access locking means including means to bypass said primary locking means and permit opening of said door when said primary locking means is in the locked condition, said means to bypass said primary locking means including means to shift said obstructing means laterally of said door into alignment with an elongated opening whereby said obstructing means, handle and primary locking means may be unitarily moved relative to said door to shift said means cooperating with said catch means and permit opening of said door.

2. A locker assembly including a door having a handle thereon, said handle being mounted for movement relative to said door and including latching means for cooperation with a catch means on said locker assembly to maintain said door in a latched condition when said door is in a closed position, an obstructing means carried on said door, a primary locking means cooperating with said obstructing means and being operative to prevent movement of said handle relative to said door and thereby prevent release of said latching means from engagement with said catch means and permit opening of said door, and an access locking means carried on said locker assembly, said access locking means including means to bypass said primary locking means and permit opening of said door when said primary locking means is in the locked condition, said obstructing means being mounted for lateral movement relative to said door in response to operation of said access locking means, means formed on said door to prevent vertical movement of said obstructing means when said access locking means is locked, and means formed on said door to permit vertical movement of said obstructing means when said access locking means is in the unlocked condition.

3. A locker assembly including a door and frame, said locker door having a locking rod mounted thereon for movement relative thereto, said locking rod cooperating with a catch mounted on said locker and operable to maintain said door in the closed position when said locking rod is in engagement with said catch, a handle mounted on said door, said handle being adapted for movement relative to said door, movement of said handle causing shifting of said locking rod to move it from a position of engagement with said catch to a position of disengagement, first locking means operable to prevent movement of said handle relative to said door whereby said locking rod will remain engaged with said catch precluding unauthorized entry to said locker, and a second locking means selectively movable between locked and unlocked positions to permit access to said locker when said first locking means is in the locked condition, said second locking means including a locking plug supported in said handle and means movable in response to movement of said locking plug to cause shifting of said locking rod and permit opening of said door.

4. A locker assembly including a door and frame, said locker door having a locking rod mounted thereon for movement relative thereto, said locking rod cooperating With a catch mounted on said locker and operable to maintain said door in the closed position when said locking rod is in engagement with said catch, a hande mounted on said door, said hande being adapted for movement reative to said door, movement of said handle causing shifting of said locking rod to move it from a position of engagement with said catch to a position of disengagement, first locking means operable to prevent movement of said handle relative to said door whereby said locking rod Will remain engaged with said catch precluding unauthorized entry to said locker, and a second locking means selectively movable between locked and unlocked positions to permit access to said locker When said first locking means is in the locked condition, said second locking means including a locking plug supported in said handle, and means movable in response to rotation of said locking plug to shift a part of said first locking means to unlatch said door.

5. In a locker assembly having a frame and locker door within a latching means is carried for movement relative to said door, said latching means being engageable with a catch means on said frame to maintain said door latched in a closed position, a handle carried on access locking means on actuation to an unlocked position being operative to move said obstructing means and release said latching means from said catch means and allow said door to be opened when said primary locking means is in the locked condition, said access locking means including a locking plug mounted in said handle, said locking plug being rotatable when unlocked relative to said handle to shift said obstructing means into alignment with an elongated opening in said locker door, said elongated opening permitting said obstructing means, handle and primary locking means to be moved as a unit relative to said door and thereby shift said locking rod to permit opening of said door even though said primary locking means is in the locked condition.

6. In a locker assembly having a frame and locker door wherein a latching means is carried'for movement relative to said door, said latching means being engageable with a catch means on said frame to maintain said door latched in a closed position, a handle carried on said door, said handle being movable relative to said door to cause shifting of said latching means relative to said catch means to unlatch said door for opening thereof, an obstructing means carried on said door, and a primary locking means acting between said obstructing means and said handle to prevent movement of said handle relative to said door thereby to preclude unlatching thereof, the improvement comprising an access locking means which is operable to bypass said primary locking means, said access locking means on actuation to an unlocked position being operative to move said obstructing means and release said latching means from said catch means and allow said door to be opened when said primary locking means is in the locked condition, said access locking means including a locking plug mounted in said handle, said locking plug being rotatable relative to said handle to release said latching means from engagement with said catch means independently of said primary locking means thereby to permit opening of said door even though said primary locking means is in the locked condition.

7. A locker assembly including a door having a handle thereon, said handle being mounted for movement relative to said door and including latching means for cooperation with a catch means on said locker assembly to maintain said door in a latched condition when said door is in a closed position, an obstructing means carried on said door, a primary locking means cooperating with said obstructing means to prevent movement of said handle relative to said door and thereby prevent shifting of said latching means to release engagement with said catch means and permit opening of said door, and an access locking means carried on said locker assembly, said access locking means including means to bypass said primary locking means and permit release of said latching means from said catch means thereby permitting opening of said door when said primary locking means is in the locked condition, said access locking means including a locking plug mounted in said handle, said locking plug being rotatable when unlocked relative to said handle to shift said obstructing means into alignment with an elongated opening in said locker door, said elongated opening permitting said obstructing means, handle and primary locking means to be moved as a unit relative to said door and thereby shift said locking rod to permit opening of said door even though said primary locking means is in the locked condition.

8. A locker assembly including a door having a handle thereon, said handle being mounted for movement relative to said door and including latching means for cooperation with a catch means on said locker assembly to maintain said door in a latched condition when said door is in a closed position, an obstructing means carried on said door, a primary locking means cooperating with said obstructing means to prevent movement of said handle relative to said door and thereby prevent shifting of said latching means to release engagement with said catch means and permit opening of said door, and an access locking means carried on said locker assembly, said access locking means including means to bypass said primary locking means and permit release of said latching means from said catch means thereby permitting opening of said door 'when said primary locking means is in the locked condition, said access locking means including a locking plug mounted in said handle, said locking plug being rotatable relative to said handle to release said latching means from engagement with said catch means independently of said primary locking means thereby to permit opening of said door even though said primary locking means is in the locked condition.

9. A locker assembly including a door having a handle thereon, said handle being mounted for movement relative to said door and including means for cooperation with a locking rod to cause shifting thereof upon movement of said handle, said locking rod being adapted for cooperation with a catch means on said locker assembly to maintain said door in a latched condition when said door is in a closed position, an obstructing means carried on said door, a primary locking means cooperating with said obstructing means to prevent movement of said handle relative to said door and thereby prevent shifting of said locking rod to release engagement with said catch and permit opening of said door, and an access locking means carried on said locker assembly, said access locking means including means to bypass said primary locking means and permit movement of said handle to open said door when said primary locking means is in the locked condition, said obstructing means being mounted in an opening formed in said door, said ohstructing means being engageable with an edge of said opening to prevent movement relative to said door, said access locking means being operable to shift said obstructing means laterally of said opening into alignment with an enlarged part of said opening whereby said obstructing means may be moved relative to said door to permit opening thereof while said primary locking means remains locked.

10. A locker assembly including a door having a handle thereon, said handle being mounted for movement relative to said door and including means for cooperation with a locking rod to cause shifting thereof upon movement of said handle, said locking rod being adapted for cooperation with a catch means on said locker assembly to maintain said door in a latched condition when said door is in a closed position, an obstructing means carried on said door, a primary locking means cooperating with said obstructing means to prevent movement of said handle relative to said door and thereby prevent shifting of said locking rod to release engagement With said catch and permit opening of said door, and an access locking means carried on said locker assembly, said access locking means including means to bypass said primary locking means and permit movement of said handle to open said door when said primary locking means is in the locked condition, said means to bypass said primary locking means including means to shift said obstructing means laterally of said door into alignment with an elongated opening whereby said obstructing means, handle and primary locking means may be unitarily moved relative to said door, shifting said locking rod to permit opening of said door.

1 1. A locker assembly including a door having a handle thereon, said handle being mounted for movement relative to said door and including means for cooperation with a locking rod to cause shifting thereof upon movement of said handle, said locking rod being adapted for cooperation with a catch means on said locker assembly to maintain said door in a latched condition when said door is in a closed position, an obstructing means carried on said door, a primary locking means cooperating with said obstructing means to prevent movement of said handle relative to said door and thereby prevent shifting of said locking rod to release engagement with said catch and permit opening of said door, and an access locking means carried on said locker assembly, said access locking means including means to bypass said primary locking means and permit movement of said handl to open said door when said primary locking means is in the locked condition, said obstructing means being mounted for lateral movement relative to said door in response to operation of said access locking means, means on said door to prevent vertical movement of said obstructing means when said access locking means is locked, and means to permit vetrical movement of said obstructing means when said access locking means is in the unlocked condition. I

12. In a locker assembly wherein a locking rod is carried for sliding movement on a door, said locking rod being engageable with a catch to maintain said door latched in a closed position, a handle is carried on said door, said handle being movable relative to said door to cause shifting of said locking rod to unlatch said door, an obstructing means is also carried on said door, and a primary locking means acts between said obstructing means and said handle to prevent movement of said handle relative to said door thereby to preclude unlatching thereof, the improvement comprising an access locking means which is operable to bypass said primary locking means, said access locking means on actuation to an unlocked position being operative to condition the primary locking means, handle and obstructing means so as to permit free movement of said locking rod and allow said door to be opened when said primary locking means is in the locked condition, said access locking means including a locking plug mounted in said handle and being rotatable relative to said handle to shift said obstructing means into alignment with an elongated opening in said locker door, said elongated opening permitting said obstructing means, handle and primary locking means to be moved as a unit relative to said door and thereby shift said locking rod to permit opening of said door even though said primary locking means is in a locked condition.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,483,205 2/1924 Vance 8l 1,584,827 5/1926 Vance 70-81 1,774,783 9/1930 Worley 7082 1,806,031 5/1931 Vignos 7081 1,970,267 8/1934 Bales 3l2106 RICHARD E. MOORE, Primary Examiner E. I. McCARTHY, Assistant Examiner US. 01. X.R. 292-401, 138

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