System and method for transmitting rotation of a lock indicator through a cylindrical lock

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a system and method for transmitting the rotation of a lock indicator through a cylindrical lock. The lock indicator can be used to notify the locked or unlocked state of the lock on both sides of a door selectively secured by the lock. The lock indicator includes a first band, the first band is used to receive input to cause the first band to switch from a first position to a second position associated with the locked state and the unlocked state. The lock indicator includes a second band, which is used to receive input from the first band through a transmission rod, causing the second band to switch from the first position to a second position associated with the locked state and the unlocked state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to door locks, and more particularly to door locks having a lock status indicator. Background Art

[0002] Door locks can take many different forms, including cylinder locks and mortise locks. In some cases, a door lock can lock on the entry side and / or the exit side of the lock. It may be advantageous to signal to the user that the door lock remains locked, restricting access. Cylinder locks present unique challenges in providing lock indication on both sides of the door while maintaining durability of the high-use door lock assembly. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present disclosure provides, in part, a lock indicator that can be used to signal a locked or unlocked state of a lock at both sides of a door that is selectively secured by a lock. For example, the present disclosure provides a lock with an indicator that can be viewed by a user of an area protected by the lock and also from an area outside the door and door lock. In this document, "inside" will be used to refer to the side of the door and lock actuator that is available to users of the area protected by the lock, while "outside" will be used to refer to the side of the door and lock actuator that is available to those seeking access to the protected area.

[0004] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a lock indicator mechanism for a door lock is provided, the lock indicator mechanism comprising: a locking lug, which can be switched between a locked position for locking the lock and an unlocked position for unlocking the lock; a first band, which is operable to be positioned on a first side of the door, when the locking lug is in the locked position, the first band is operable to be positioned in a locked display position, and when the locking lug is in the unlocked position, the first band is operable to be positioned in an unlocked display position, the first band comprising a transmission actuator; a first lock indicator, which is operably coupled to the first band; a second band, which is operable to be positioned on a second side of the door, the second band comprising a transmission receiver; a second lock indicator, which is operably coupled to the second band; and a transmission rod, which extends between the first band and the second band and is operable to transmit motion from the first band to the second band through the transmission actuator of the first band and the transmission receiver of the second band.

[0005] In an example thereof, the locking indicator mechanism also includes a hub having a first channel and a second channel, wherein the locking lug includes an engagement portion, which is operably positioned in the first channel of the hub when the locking lug is in the locked position, and the engagement portion is operably positioned in the second channel of the hub when the locking lug is in the unlocked position.

[0006] In a further example thereof, the first cuff includes a rotary actuator that is at least partially positioned in the first channel of the hub when the locking lug is in the unlocked position and is operable to transition away from the first channel when the locking lug transitions to the locked position.

[0007] In a further example thereof, the first cuff is restricted from axial linear movement, and the rotary actuator of the first cuff includes an angled wall operable to receive and convert the axial linear movement of the engagement portion of the locking lug into rotational movement of the first cuff as the engagement portion transitions into the first channel of the hub.

[0008] In a further example thereof, the lock indicator mechanism further includes a resilient limiter operably engaged with the first cuff such that the resilient limiter applies a force operable to rotate the first cuff such that the rotary actuator is positioned in the first channel of the hub when the engagement portion of the locking lug is located in the second channel.

[0009] In an example thereof, the transmission actuator of the first strap and the transmission receiver of the second strap each include a curved rack, and the transmission lever includes a pinion operably engaged with each curved rack.

[0010] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a cylindrical lock is provided, which includes: a latch that can move between an engaged position that is operable to restrict entry and exit and a disengaged position that is inoperable to restrict entry and exit; an exit actuator that is operable to receive a first operator input movement to actuate the exit actuator to move the latch from the engaged position to the disengaged position; an entrance actuator that is operable to receive a second operator input movement to actuate the entrance actuator to move the latch from the engaged position to the disengaged position; a lock input that can actuate between a locked position and an unlocked position, the locked position of the lock input placing the lock in a locked state, preventing the first operator and the second operator input movement from actuating one of the exit actuator and the entrance actuator to move the latch from the engaged position to the disengaged position; a first indicator having a locking position that notifies the lock input of the locked position a lock signal notifying the lock input of the unlocked position and an unlock signal notifying the lock input of the unlocked position, the first indicator selectively displays only one of the lock signal and the unlock signal, the first indicator having a lock signal display position for displaying the lock signal and an unlock signal display position for displaying the unlock signal; a second indicator having a lock signal notifying the lock input of the locked position and an unlock signal notifying the lock input of the unlocked position, the second indicator selectively displays only one of the lock signal and the unlock signal, the second indicator having a lock signal display position for displaying the lock signal and an unlock signal display position for displaying the unlock signal; and a transmission rod operably coupling the first indicator and the second indicator so that when the first indicator displays the lock signal, the second indicator displays the lock signal, and so that when the first indicator displays the unlock signal, the second indicator displays the unlock signal.

[0011] In an example thereof, the cylindrical lock further includes a first hub associated with the inlet actuator, a second hub associated with the outlet actuator, and a first locking lug positioned relative to the first hub, the first locking lug being operable to transition between an engaged position and a disengaged position relative to the first hub.

[0012] In another example thereof, the first hub includes a locking channel, wherein the first locking lug is at least partially positioned in the locking channel when the first locking lug is in the engaged position.

[0013] In another example thereof, the first hub includes an unlocking channel, wherein the first locking lug is at least partially positioned in the unlocking channel when the first locking lug is in the disengaged position, such that the first locking lug is operable to rotate within the unlocking channel of the first hub.

[0014] In a further example thereof, further comprising a first strap positioned with the first hub, the first strap being operable to transition between a locked state position and an unlocked state position.

[0015] In a further example thereof, the first cuff includes a lock input operable to transition the first cuff between the first position and the second position in response to a mechanical input received from the first locking lug.

[0016] In a further example thereof, the lock input includes an angled surface operable to cause rotational movement of the first cuff when in contact with the first locking lug.

[0017] In a further example thereof, the first cuff includes a mechanical transmitter operably coupled to the second indicator and operable to mechanically transmit movement of the first cuff to the second indicator.

[0018] In a further example thereof, the cylinder lock further includes a transmission rod operably coupled to the mechanical transmitter of the first cuff and operable to mechanically transmit movement of the first cuff to the second indicator.

[0019] In a further example thereof, the transmission rod includes a timing pin aligned with the first hub and the second hub.

[0020] In a further example thereof, the drive rod includes splined ends, and wherein the mechanical transmission includes a rack operably coupled to one of the splined ends such that rotation of the first band about a first axis causes rotation of the drive rod about a second axis.

[0021] In a further example thereof, the cylinder lock further includes a second band positioned with the second hub, the second band operable to transition between a locked state position and an unlocked state position in response to a mechanical input received from the drive rod.

[0022] In a further example thereof, the second cuff includes a mechanical transmission receiver operably coupled to the transmission rod.

[0023] In a further example thereof, the second cuff is operably coupled to the second indicator such that rotation of the second cuff causes rotation of the second indicator. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The above and other features and advantages of the present disclosure and the manner in which they are obtained will become more apparent and will be better understood by referring to the following description of exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a door lock mounted on a door according to one embodiment, the door lock including a lock indicator system;

[0026] Figure 2is an exploded view of a lock assembly and a lock indicator assembly according to one embodiment;

[0027] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 an exploded view of components of a lock assembly and a lock indicator assembly;

[0028] Figure 4 is a perspective view of inner and outer hubs having inner and outer bands coaxially positioned therewith, a drive rod, and a flag detached from one of the hubs and one of the bands according to one embodiment;

[0029] Figure 5A is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view according to one embodiment, wherein the hub, seat, seat bushing and flag are cut away and the band, locking lugs and drive rod are shown in perspective view, wherein the locking lug is located in the unlocking channel of one of the hubs;

[0030] Figure 5B is based on Figure 5A A partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of a hub in which, according to one embodiment, the locking lugs are positioned in the locking channels of the hub, extruding the corresponding bands;

[0031] Fig. 6A is a transverse cross-sectional view of a locking assembly and a locking indicator assembly according to one embodiment, the locking indicator assembly including a cuff in a neutral position and an elastic limiter for maintaining the cuff in the neutral position; and

[0032] Figure 6B is based on Fig. 6A A transverse cross-sectional view of a device in which the cuff has been rotated, resulting in compression of the elastic restrictor, according to one embodiment.

[0033] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views.The examples set out herein illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention, and such examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any way. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference is now made to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, which are described as follows. The embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to be exhaustive or limit the present disclosure to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. On the contrary, the embodiments are selected and described so that others skilled in the art can utilize their teachings. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited thereby. In several views, corresponding reference numerals represent corresponding parts.

[0035] The terms "coupled," "connected," "coupler," and variations thereof may be used to include arrangements where two or more components are in direct physical contact and arrangements where two or more components are not in direct contact with each other (e.g., the components are "coupled" through at least one third component), but still cooperate or interact with each other.

[0036] In some cases throughout this disclosure and claims, numerical terms, such as first, second, third, and fourth, may be used with reference to various components or features. Such use is not intended to indicate an ordering of the components or features. Instead, the numerical terms are used to help the reader identify the referenced components or features and should not be narrowly interpreted as providing a specific order for the components or features.

[0037] Figure 1 A door 10 is shown with a door lock 12. As shown, the door lock 12 is illustrated as a cylindrical lock. Cylindrical locks are well known in the art; therefore, in the following description, only certain details of the exemplary lock are described in detail, and the detailed description focuses on the indicator device and the related method of use.

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, the door lock 12 includes an exit actuator, exemplified as an exit handle 14. The door lock 12 also includes an entrance actuator, exemplified as an entrance handle 16. The door lock 12 is operably coupled to the door 10. The door 10 is arranged to selectively allow and prohibit access to an area selectively covered by the door 10 in use. In one example, the door 10 can be hinged to the door frame and can be selectively fixed to the door frame by a latch bolt 18, which is well known in the art. When the door lock 12 is in an unlocked state, both the exit handle 14 and the entrance handle 16 can be actuated by an operator input action to move the latch bolt 18 from Figure 1 The extended position shown is moved to a retracted position that allows access through the door 10. When one of the exit handle 14 and the entrance handle 16 is actuated to move the latch bolt 18 to a retracted position (e.g., a disengaged position in which the latch bolt 18 does not contact a portion of the door frame), the door 10 can move relative to its door frame to allow access therethrough. The conversion of the rotational movement of the exit handle 14 and the entrance handle 16 to the retraction of the latch bolt 18 is well known in the art and is therefore not described in detail for the sake of brevity. For example, the rotational movement of the exit handle 14 and / or the entrance handle 16 causes the rotational movement of the cam, which reciprocates the latch bolt 18. The door lock 12 also includes a lock input 19 that is operable to receive a user input for placing the door lock 12 in a locked or unlocked state. For example, the lock input 19 may include a button, a twist lock, or a key lock.

[0039] The door lock 12 also includes a lock indicator assembly 20. The lock indicator assembly 20 displays the lock state (e.g., locked state or unlocked state) of the door lock 12 to the user. The lock indicator assembly 20 includes components placed on both sides of the door 10 that provide a visual indication of the lock state of the door lock 12 to the user. The lock indicator assembly 20 switches between displaying the locked state and the unlocked state when the door lock 12 is in the locked state or the unlocked state, respectively.

[0040] Although the following discussion may specify the first and second lock assemblies as having certain components or features associated with the inside or outside, in some embodiments, these components or features may be interchanged. For example, those components and features associated with the first lock discussed below may be implemented on the inside or outside of the door, and those components and features of the second lock discussed below may be implemented on the other side of the door.

[0041] Reference now Figure 2 , the door lock 12 includes a lock indicator assembly 20 (e.g., first and second lock indicators 100, 200, respectively) and lock assemblies 30, 40. The lock indicator assembly 20 is operable to display the lock state (e.g., locked state or unlocked state) of the door lock 12 on both sides of the door 10 to the user. The lock indicator assembly 20 switches between displaying the locked state and the unlocked state. The door lock 12 switches between the locked state and the unlocked state by one of the lock assemblies (e.g., the lock assembly 30). When the door lock 12 switches between the locked state and the unlocked state, the lock assembly 30 actuates the lock indicator assembly 20.

[0042] When the door lock 12 is a cylindrical lock, the lock indicator assembly 20 can be implemented on the door lock 12, so that the lock indicator assembly 20 mechanically transmits the lock state of one side of the door lock 12 to the other side of the door lock 12 through the cylindrical lock. The lock indicator assembly 20 includes a first lock indicator 100 for positioning on a first side of the door 10, a second lock indicator 200 for positioning on a second side of the door 10, and a mechanical transmitter 300 for transmitting the lock state between the first side and the second side of the door 10 through the cylindrical lock.

[0043] As described in further detail below, the first lock indicator 100 includes a first band 110, a first mark 120, a first rose 130, and a first rose liner 140. The first band 110 receives mechanical input from the first lock assembly 30. As the first band 110 is actuated, the first band 110 transmits the mechanical input to the first mark 120. The first mark 120 displays a locked or unlocked state to a user based on the mechanical input received from the first lock assembly 30. The first mark 120 is positioned between the first rose 130 and the first rose liner 140, wherein the first rose 130 and the first rose liner 140 are coupled to the first lock assembly 30 and / or the door 10 (e.g., Figure 1 shown).

[0044] Still see Figure 2 (See also Figure 3 ), the first cuff 110 includes a cap 112, which is coaxially positioned relative to the first lock assembly 30 (for example, the cap 112 and the cuff 30 share a longitudinal axis). In some embodiments, the cap 112 is annular, but can also form an arcuate shape extending less than 360 degrees. Figure 5A and Figure 5B (See also Figure 2 and Figure 3 ), the first cuff 110 includes a lock input portion 114 (e.g., a rotary actuator) operably coupled to the first lock assembly 30 such that when the first lock assembly 30 is transitioned between the locked state and the unlocked state, the lock input portion 114 receives a mechanical input from the first lock assembly 30 that causes the first cuff 110 to transition between a first position and a second position associated with the locked state and the unlocked state of the first lock assembly 30. Although various lock input portions are contemplated, in one embodiment, the lock input portion 114 includes an inclined or angled surface that converts linear movement of a component of the first lock assembly 30 into rotational movement of the first cuff 110. For example, the first lock assembly 30 includes a hub 32 and a locking lug 38. The hub 32 and the locking lug 38 cooperate to place the first lock assembly 30 in the locked state or the unlocked state. The locked state is achieved when the engagement portion 39 of the locking lug 38 is located within the locking channel 36. In this position, the locking channel 36 limits axial rotation of the locking lug 38 (e.g., the engagement portion 39 is in the locking channel 36). Figure 5B The unlocked state is achieved when the engagement portion 39 of the locking lug 38 is positioned within the unlocking channel 37. In this position, the unlocking channel 37 allows the locking lug 38 to perform a predetermined axial rotation within the unlocking channel 37 of the hub 32 (e.g., the engagement portion 39 is shown positioned within the unlocking channel 37). Figure 5A37 in the unlocking channel 37). When the engagement portion 39 of the locking lug 38 transitions from the unlocking channel 37 to the locking channel 36, the engagement portion 39 contacts the inclined or angled surface of the lock input portion 114 of the first band 110 to apply a force to the lock input portion 114 of the first band 110 to cause the first band 110 to rotate about the longitudinal axis 75. In other embodiments, the lock input portion 114 includes a first extension portion and a second extension portion, the first extension portion and the second extension portion including a permanent magnet that generates two magnetic fields that interact with a magnetic coupler coupled to the first lock assembly 30 (e.g., as shown in U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 033,806, filed on June 2, 2020, entitled “Lock Status Indicator,” the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety). When the first lock assembly 30 switches between the locked state and the unlocked state, the magnetic coupler switches between the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field of the lock input portion 114, causing the first band 110 to switch between the first position and the second position associated with the locked state and the unlocked state of the first lock assembly 30, respectively.

[0045] Reference now Fig. 6A and 6B As shown, the first cuff 110 includes an elastic limiter 116 positioned against a stopper 117 and is operable to bias the first cuff 110 toward a neutral position when no mechanical input is received from the first lock assembly 30. For example, the elastic limiter 116 is positioned relative to the first cuff 110 and the hub 32 (e.g., extending between and contacting a portion of the first cuff 110 and a portion of the hub 32). The elastic limiter 116 applies a force to the stopper 117 of the first cuff 110 so as to position the first cuff 110 in the first, neutral position. For example, in the previously discussed embodiment, when the lock input portion 114 includes an inclined surface and the inclined surface is not contacted by the first lock assembly 30 with sufficient force to overcome the resistance provided by the elastic limiter 116, the elastic limiter 116 maintains sufficient contact and / or force against the stopper 117 of the first cuff 110 to position and maintain the first cuff 110 in the neutral position. When the first locking assembly 30 is switched from the unlocked state to the locked state, sufficient force is applied to the inclined surface to selectively override the elastic limiter 116, allowing the first cuff 110 to switch from the first position to the second position. Figure 6B As shown in FIG. 1 , the elastic limiter 116 is at least partially compressed. When the first locking assembly 30 is switched back to the unlocked state, the elastic limiter 116 applies sufficient force to the first cuff 110 to switch (eg, rotate) the first cuff 110 back to the first, neutral position.

[0046] Refer again Figure 2 (See also Figure 3 , Figure 5A and Figure 5B ), the first strap 110 further includes a mechanical transmitter portion 118, which is operably coupled to the second lock indicator 200 through the mechanical transmitter 300. The mechanical transmitter portion 118 transmits the movement of the first strap 110 to the second lock indicator 200, so that the locking state of the first lock assembly 30 is displayed on the opposite side of the door 10. In some embodiments, the mechanical transmitter portion 118 is a rack, so that the linear or rotational movement of the mechanical transmitter portion 118 and the first strap 110 can cause the rotational movement of the pinion. In some embodiments, the rack is curved.

[0047] The first cuff 110 is positioned with the hub 32, and the second cuff 210 is positioned with the second hub 42, such that the first and second cuffs 110, 210 are coaxial with (e.g., share a longitudinal axis) and longitudinally constrained by (e.g., the cuffs 110, 210 are held against axial movement along the longitudinal axis of the hubs 32, 42), respectively, the first and second hubs 32, 42. The first and second cuffs 110, 210 operate relative to the first and second hubs 32, 42, such that the first and second cuffs 110, 210 are operable to rotate relative to the first and second hubs 32, 42 when the cuffs 110, 210 are placed in the hubs 32, 42.

[0048] Turning now to the discussion of the first indicia 120, the first indicia 120 displays to the user the locked state of the first lock assembly 30. The first indicia 120 includes an indicator portion 122 ( Figure 3 ), which provides a visual indication to the user of the locked state of the first lock assembly 30. The indicator portion 122 includes a locked indicator 124a and an unlocked indicator 124b ( Figure 3). The locked indicator 124a and the unlocked indicator 124b may include various visual indications that inform an observer of the locked state of the door lock 12 (e.g., red and green colors indicating locked and unlocked states, a padlock symbol indicating locked and unlocked positions, and the words "locked" and "unlocked"). The locked indicator 124a and the unlocked indicator 124b are positioned spaced apart from each other at an angular distance relative to the longitudinal axis that is equal to the angular distance traveled by the first strap 110 and the first sign 120 in response to actuation of the first locking assembly 30. The first sign 120 may include two of each of the locked indicator 124a and the unlocked indicator 124b, wherein the two locked indicators 124a are spaced 180 degrees from each other and the two unlocked indicators 124b are spaced 180 degrees from each other so that when the sign 120 is installed, the same symbol can be seen from two positions (e.g., the top and bottom, left and right sides of the door lock 12). Any number of locked and unlocked indicators 124a, 124b may be positioned around the first indicia 120 for displaying the lock status to the user.

[0049] In use, the first marker 120 is at least partially positioned between the first seat 130 and the first seat bushing 140. For example, the first seat 130 and the first seat bushing 140 are coaxially positioned and coupled (eg, press-fitted) to form an annular space 135 (see Figure 5A and 5B ), a portion of the first mark 120 is located in the space. The first mark 120 moves (e.g., rotates) in the annular space 135. The first seat 130 includes a window hole 132, through which the lock and unlock indicators 124a, 124b of the first mark 120 are visible, wherein the lock and unlock indicators 124a, 124b correspond to the window holes 132. The lens 134 is fixed to the first seat 130 and has a window protruding from the window hole of the first seat 130 (see Figure 2 ). An adhesive may be used to achieve this fixation.

[0050] Further references Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the first mark 120 further includes a cuff coupling portion 126. As previously described, the first mark 120 is converted from the first position to the second position based on the movement of the first cuff 110. The cuff coupling portion 126 of the first mark 120 is coupled to the mark coupling portion 119 of the first cuff 110. For example, the first cuff coupling portion 126 includes a post that extends from the first mark 120 and engages with the mark coupling portion 119 (e.g., a hole) to transmit the rotational movement of the first cuff 110 to the rotational movement of the first mark 120. Fig. 6A and Figure 6BAs shown, as the first cuff 110 rotates, the cuff coupling portion 126 of the first marker 120 rotates together with the first cuff 110 (because the cuff coupling portion 126 of the first marker is axially constrained by the first cuff 110, the first cuff 110 and the first marker 120 rotate together, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 ). The hub 32 includes a channel 35 into which the cuff coupling portion 126 extends. The channel 35 may also provide a stop to limit the rotation of the first flag 110, allowing the lock indicator 124a and the unlock indicator 124b of the first flag 110 to be properly positioned for viewing.

[0051] In some embodiments, the first seat 130 and the first seat bushing 140 are assembled to doors of different thicknesses. For example, the first seat bushing 140 includes a seat bushing threaded portion 142 that engages with the first lock assembly 30. When the first seat bushing 140 is threadedly connected to the first lock assembly 30 (e.g., the hub 32), the first seat bushing 140 can be adjusted to be positioned close to or adjacent to the door 10, allowing the first seat bushing 140 to be adjusted to accommodate the different thicknesses of various doors. The first seat bushing 140 also includes a coupling portion 144, which is operable to limit the rotation of the first seat bushing 140 relative to the door 10 when engaged. In some embodiments, the coupling portion 144 of the first seat bushing 140 can only be engaged at a predetermined position (e.g., a vertical or horizontal position).

[0052] The first mark 120 is maintained at a fixed distance from the first seat 130 so that the first mark 120 is visible through the lens 134 and the window hole 132, such as discussed in U.S. patent application No. 63 / 033,034 filed on June 1, 2020, entitled "Cylindrical Lock Status Indicator," the entire disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference.

[0053] In some embodiments, the first seat 130 is formed to include a frustoconical shape. The first sign 120 includes a similar shape. The frustoconical shape improves the visibility of the first sign 120 through the first seat 130 by angling the lock and unlock indicators 124a, 124b. Since many door locks are not located at eye level, when the lock and unlock indicators 124a, 124b are located vertically above and below the first lock assembly 30 on the first seat 130, this allows people to more conveniently view the sign from above or below. Similarly, the unlock indicators 124a, 124b can be placed in a horizontal position relative to the first strap 110 to provide a wider viewing angle.

[0054] Reference again Figure 2, the lock indicator assembly 20 includes a second lock indicator 200. The second lock indicator 200 includes components similar to the first lock indicator 100, including a second band 210, a second flag 220, a second seat 230, and a second seat bushing 240. Since many features of the second lock indicator 200, in particular, the various components of the second lock indicator 200 are similar to those already discussed with respect to the first lock indicator 100, for the sake of brevity, the discussion of these features will not be repeated here (e.g., cap 212, elastic limiter 216, flag coupling portion 219, locked and unlocked indicators 224a, 224b, band coupling portion 226, window hole 232, window 236, seat bushing threaded portion 242, and coupling portion 244). In contrast to the first lock indicator 100, the second lock indicator 200 displays the lock state of a non-corresponding lock assembly, meaning that the lock is positioned through the door 10 (e.g., the second lock indicator 200 displays the lock state of the first lock assembly 30). In some embodiments, the features discussed with respect to the first lock indicator 100 for actuating the first lock indicator 100 via the first lock assembly 30 (e.g., the lock input portion 114) are not included on the second strap 220. Because there is no lock input portion 114 on the second strap, the second lock assembly 40 does not control the position of the second lock indicator 200 (e.g., the second lock indicator 200 does not display the lock state of the second lock assembly 40), which allows the second lock indicator 200 to display the lock state of the first lock assembly 30. In some embodiments, the second lock assembly 40 is operable to prevent a user from actuating the corresponding handle 14, 16 to actuate the latch bolt 18. In other embodiments, the second lock assembly 40 can be a dummy lock such that actuation of the corresponding handle 14, 16 always results in actuation of the latch bolt 18 (e.g., in a classroom or commercial space where it is not desirable to restrict egress or violate regulations). However, it may be desirable to display the lock status of one of the lock assemblies 30 or 40 on both sides of the door 10 (e.g., through the door 10, in one example, in a classroom during a lockout situation where occupants of the classroom should be aware of the lock status of an exterior lock operable to restrict access to the classroom).

[0055] Thus, the second lock indicator 200 includes a second cuff 210 having a mechanical transmission receiver portion 218. The mechanical transmission receiver portion 218 receives input from the first lock indicator 100, which in turn transmits the locked state of the first lock assembly 30. In some embodiments, the mechanical transmission receiver portion 218 includes a rack. For example, the rack receives input from the pinion 302 transmitted from the first lock indicator 100, so that the rotational movement of the pinion causes the rotational movement of the mechanical transmission receiver portion 218 and the second cuff 210. In some embodiments, the rack is curved. When the first cuff 110 is converted between the first position and the second position, the movement is transmitted from the mechanical transmitter portion 118 of the first cuff 110 to the second cuff 210 via the mechanical transmitter 300 to the mechanical transmission receiver portion 218 of the second cuff 210.

[0056] Reference Figure 4 Turning to the discussion of the mechanical transmitter 300, the first lock indicator 100 and the second lock indicator 200 (in Figure 2 The mechanical transmitter 300 is synchronized with the first lock assembly 30 by the first and second lock indicators 100, 200 (shown fully in FIG. 1 ). The mechanical transmitter 300 extends through at least a portion of the door lock 12 so that the mechanical transmitter 300 is operably coupled to the first lock indicator 100 (e.g., the first band 110) on the first side of the door 10 and the second lock indicator 200 (e.g., the second band 210) on the second side of the door 10. When the door lock 12 is a cylindrical door lock, the mechanical transmitter 300 also serves as a timing pin to ensure that the components of the first lock assembly 30 and the second lock assembly 40 are aligned (e.g., the first and second hubs 32, 42 of the first and second lock assemblies 30, 40 need to be aligned for the door lock 12 to work properly). For example, the first hub 32 includes a timing pin hole 34 and the second hub 42 includes a timing pin hole 44. The mechanical transmitter 300 extends through the timing pin holes 34, 44 of the first and second hubs 32, 42. By incorporating the mechanical transmitter 300 and the timing pin of the cylindrical lock, the door lock 12 is simplified in manufacturing, installation, and is more durable with fewer parts that break down during extended, heavy use. In some embodiments, the incorporation of the mechanical transmitter 300 and the timing pin of the door lock 12 may be necessary because the components of the cylindrical lock are positioned within the door 10 so that limited space is available to mechanically transmit input from one side of the door 10 to the other without drilling additional holes in the door 10. The disclosed embodiments allow the locked state of the door to be mechanically transmitted by the door lock 12, wherein the door lock 12 is operable to fit into a standard opening in the door 10 without further modification to the door 10.

[0057] Still refer to Figure 4In some embodiments, the mechanical transmitter 300 includes a rod 302 having first and second ends 304, 306. The first and second ends 304, 306 are splined to form a pinion for use with the mechanical transmitter portion 118 of the first cuff 110 and the mechanical transmission receiver portion 218 of the second cuff 210. The first and second ends 304, 306 are splined so that the interaction between the mechanical transmitter 300, the mechanical transmitter portion 118 of the first cuff 110, and the mechanical transmission receiver portion 218 of the second cuff 210 results in a one-to-one movement of the first cuff 110 and the second cuff 210. In other embodiments, the first and second ends 304, 306 of the mechanical transmitter 300 are splined to provide various gear ratios to facilitate the use of lock indicators 100, 200 with different ratios. A gear having various gear ratios may also be provided to reduce the amount of force required to actuate the first and second lock indicators 100, 200 through the first lock assembly 30. This may also result in reduced wear on the system, thereby increasing the life of the lock indicator assembly 20 .

[0058] Because the first lock indicator 100 and the second lock indicator 200 are coupled by the mechanical transmission 300, when the first cuff 110 rotates, the second cuff 220 rotates. Figure 5A and 5B When the locking lug 38 actuates the first cuff 110, the first cuff 110 rotates about the longitudinal axis 75. The rotation of the first cuff 110 includes the rotation of the mechanical transmitter portion 118. As the mechanical transmitter portion 118 rotates, the first spline end 304 is actuated to cause the mechanical transmitter 300 to rotate. The second spline end 306 actuates the mechanical transmission receiver portion 218 of the second cuff 210, causing the second cuff 210 to rotate.

[0059] Although the present invention has been described as having an exemplary design, the present invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, this application is intended to cover any variation, use or adaptation of the present invention using its general principles. In addition, this application is intended to cover deviations from the present disclosure in known or customary practices in the field to which the present invention belongs.

Claims

1. A lock indicator mechanism for a lock on a door, comprising: a locking lug that is switchable between a locked position for locking the lock and an unlocked position for unlocking the lock; a first strap operable to be positioned on a first side of the door, the first strap operable to be positioned in a locked display position when the locking lug is in the locked position, and the first strap operable to be positioned in an unlocked display position when the locking lug is in the unlocked position, the first strap including a transmission actuator; a first lock indicator operably coupled to the first cuff; a second strap coaxially positioned relative to the first strap and operable to be positioned on a second side of the door, the second strap including a transmission receiver; a second lock indicator operably coupled to the second cuff; as well as A drive rod extends between the first and second cuffs and is operable to transfer motion from the first cuff to the second cuff via a drive actuator of the first cuff and a drive receiver of the second cuff, the drive rod being positioned radially outward from the first and second cuffs.

2. The lock indicator mechanism of claim 1 further comprising a hub having a first channel and a second channel, wherein the locking lug comprises an engagement portion operable to be positioned in the first channel of the hub when the locking lug is in the locked position, and operable to be positioned in the second channel of the hub when the locking lug is in the unlocked position.

3. The lock indicator mechanism of claim 2, wherein: The first strap includes a rotary actuator that is at least partially positioned in a first passage of the hub when the locking lug is in the unlocked position and is operable to transition away from the first passage when the locking lug transitions to the locked position.

4. The lock indicator mechanism of claim 3, wherein the first band is restricted from axial linear movement, and the rotary actuator of the first band includes an angled wall operable to receive axial linear movement of the engagement portion of the locking lug as the engagement portion transitions into the first channel of the hub and convert the axial linear movement of the engagement portion of the locking lug into rotational movement of the first band.

5. The lock indicator mechanism of claim 4 further comprising a resilient limiter operably engaged with the first band such that the resilient limiter applies a force operable to rotate the first band such that the rotary actuator is positioned in the first channel of the hub when the engagement portion of the locking lug is located in the second channel.

6. The lock indicator mechanism of claim 1, wherein: The drive actuator of the first strap and the drive receiver of the second strap each include a curved rack, and the drive lever includes a pinion gear operably engaged with each of the curved racks.

7. A cylindrical lock comprising: a latch movable between an engaged position operable to restrict ingress and egress and a disengaged position inoperable to restrict ingress and egress; an egress actuator operable to receive a first operator input motion to actuate said egress actuator to move said latch from said engaged position to said disengaged position; an inlet actuator operable to receive a second operator input motion to actuate said inlet actuator to move said latch from said engaged position to said disengaged position; a lock input actuatable between a locked position and an unlocked position, the locked position of the lock input placing the latch in a locked state, preventing the latch from moving from the engaged position to the disengaged position; a first indicator having a lock signal for notifying a lock position of the lock input and an unlock signal for notifying an unlock position of the lock input, the first indicator selectively displaying only one of the lock signal and the unlock signal, the first indicator having a lock signal display position for displaying the lock signal and an unlock signal display position for displaying the unlock signal; a second indicator having a lock signal notifying a lock position of the lock input and an unlock signal notifying an unlock position of the lock input, the second indicator selectively displaying only one of the lock signal and the unlock signal, the second indicator having a lock signal display position displaying the lock signal and an unlock signal display position displaying the unlock signal, the second indicator and the first indicator being positioned around a first longitudinal axis; as well as A transmission rod operably couples the first indicator and the second indicator so that when the first indicator displays the locked signal, the second indicator displays the locked signal, and so that when the first indicator displays the unlocked signal, the second indicator displays the unlocked signal, the transmission rod having a second longitudinal axis spaced apart from the first longitudinal axis.

8. The cylindrical lock of claim 7, further comprising a first hub associated with the inlet actuator, a second hub associated with the outlet actuator, and a first locking lug positioned relative to the first hub, the first locking lug being operable to transition between an engaged position and a disengaged position relative to the first hub.

9. The cylindrical lock of claim 8, wherein the first hub includes a locking channel, wherein: The first locking lug is at least partially positioned in the locking channel when the first locking lug is in the engaged position.

10. The cylindrical lock of claim 9, wherein the first hub includes an unlocking channel, wherein when the first locking lug is in the disengaged position, the first locking lug is at least partially positioned in the unlocking channel such that the first locking lug is operable to rotate within the unlocking channel of the first hub.

11. The cylinder lock of claim 9, further comprising a first band positioned with the first hub, the first band being operable to transition between a locked state position and an unlocked state position.

12. The cylindrical lock of claim 11, wherein the first strap includes a lock input operable to transition the first strap between the first position and the second position in response to a mechanical input received from the first locking lug.

13. A cylindrical lock as claimed in claim 12, wherein the lock input comprises an angled surface operable to cause rotational movement of the first strap when in contact with the first locking lug.

14. The cylinder lock of claim 11, wherein the first cuff includes a mechanical transmitter operably coupled to the second indicator and operable to mechanically transmit movement of the first cuff to the second indicator.

15. The cylinder lock of claim 14, further comprising a transmission rod operably coupled to the mechanical transmitter of the first cuff and operable to mechanically transmit movement of the first cuff to the second indicator.

16. The cylindrical lock of claim 15, wherein the drive rod includes splined ends, and wherein the mechanical transmitter includes a rack operably coupled to one of the splined ends such that rotation of the first band about a first axis causes rotation of the drive rod about a second axis.

17. The cylinder lock of claim 16, further comprising a second band positioned with the second hub, the second band being operable to transition between a locked state position and an unlocked state position in response to mechanical input received from the drive rod.

18. The cylindrical lock of claim 17, wherein the second strap includes a mechanical transmission receiver operably coupled to the transmission rod.

19. The cylinder lock of claim 18, wherein the second cuff is operably coupled to the second indicator such that rotation of the second cuff causes rotation of the second indicator.

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