Slide Lock

Abstract

A bolt lock includes a bolt assembly configured to be mounted within a cavity located between an inner and outer portion of a door. The bolt assembly includes a bolt received within a bolt latch. An outer assembly is configured to be mounted to the outer portion of the door. The outer assembly is operably connected to the bolt latch to move the bolt between a retracted position and an extended position. An inner assembly is configured to be mounted to the inner portion of the door. The inner assembly is operably connected to the bolt latch and includes a manual actuator operable to slide along opposite first and second linear directions, thereby causing the bolt latch to move the bolt between a retracted and extended position.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 050,575, filed on July 10, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] A bolt lock is a type of locking mechanism that typically requires rotating a rotating element to extend and retract a bolt in order to lock and unlock a door. When the door is closed, rotating the rotating element in one direction, such as clockwise, causes the bolt to extend outward from the door and into a cavity in the door frame, thereby locking the door relative to the door frame. Rotating the rotating element in the opposite direction, such as counterclockwise, causes the bolt to retract back into the door to unlock it.

[0004] Typically, when the pivot rotates to lock and unlock a door, it needs to rotate too much, causing it to not stop at the precise vertical or horizontal position. This is because the pivot is usually designed to rotate approximately 110 degrees to push the bolt about an inch. This not only detracts from the aesthetics of the latch but also makes it difficult to operate, especially for people with wrist arthritis. Therefore, improvements are desired. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure relates to a bolt lock that provides a manual actuator operable to slide in a linear motion to lock and unlock a door. In some embodiments, the linear motion is horizontal. In other embodiments, the linear motion is vertical.

[0006] In one aspect, the bolt lock includes: a bolt assembly configured to be mounted within a cavity located between an inner and outer portion of a door, the bolt assembly including a bolt received within a bolt latch; an outer assembly configured to be mounted on the outer portion of the door, the outer assembly being operably connected to the bolt latch to move the bolt between a retracted position and an extended position; and an inner assembly configured to be mounted on the inner portion of the door, the inner assembly being operably connected to the bolt latch and including a manual actuator operable to slide along opposite first and second linear directions, thereby causing the bolt latch to move the bolt between a retracted position and an extended position.

[0007] In some embodiments, the linear direction includes a first horizontal direction and a second horizontal direction along an axis parallel to the width of the door. In other embodiments, the linear direction includes a first vertical direction and a second vertical direction along an axis parallel to the height of the door.

[0008] The external component may also include: a plug housed within the external component, the plug defining a keyhole; and a tail piece extending from the plug and rotating when a key inserted into the keyhole is rotated, wherein rotation of the tail piece causes the latching member to move the bolt between a retracted position and an extended position.

[0009] In one embodiment, the internal assembly includes: an actuator operably connected to a manual actuator for sliding along a first linear direction and a second linear direction, the actuator having a first pivot point and a second pivot point; a cam engaged between the first and second pivot points of the actuator and configured to rotate clockwise and counterclockwise due to sliding of the actuator along the first and second linear directions; and a latch shaft engaged with the cam, wherein rotation of the cam causes rotation of the latch shaft, and rotation of the latch shaft causes a cam in the latching member to move the bolt linearly between a retracted position and an extended position. The internal assembly includes a guide rail, and the actuator is mounted to slide along the guide rail within the internal assembly. The internal assembly also includes a cover plate having a groove allowing the manual actuator to slide along the linear direction. The manual actuator may be a handle or a knob.

[0010] In one embodiment, the internal components include: a linear gear attached to a manual actuator; a circular gear engaging with the linear gear such that, when the manual actuator is operated to slide along a first linear direction and a second linear direction, the linear gear causes the circular gear to rotate clockwise and counterclockwise; and a latch shaft engaging with the circular gear, wherein rotation of the circular gear causes rotation of the latch shaft, and rotation of the latch shaft causes a cam in the latching member to move the bolt between a retracted position and an extended position along a linear direction. A housing is embedded within the manual actuator. The housing includes guide rails located on opposite sides, and the manual actuator is mounted to slide along the guide rails of the housing along the first and second linear directions. The housing has a display that is visible when the bolt is in the retracted position and is hidden when the bolt is in the extended position. The display indicates that the bolt is in the retracted position. The manual actuator covers the internal components.

[0011] In another embodiment, the internal components include: a first manual actuator and a second manual actuator, each operable to slide along a parallel axis in opposite first and second linear directions; a first driver connected to the first manual actuator, the first driver being operable to slide in a first groove defined by a cover plate in the first and second linear directions, and the first driver including a first pivot point and a second pivot point; and a second driver connected to the second manual actuator, the second driver being operable to slide in a second groove defined by the cover plate in the first and second linear directions. The device comprises a first and a second slot spaced apart and parallel to each other, and a second actuator including a first pivot point and a second pivot point; a cam engaging between the first and second pivot points of the first actuator and the second actuator, wherein sliding of the first and second manual actuators along a first linear direction and a second linear direction causes the cam to rotate clockwise and counterclockwise; and a latch shaft engaging the cam, wherein rotation of the cam causes rotation of the latch shaft, and rotation of the latch shaft causes the latching member to move the bolt between a retracted position and an extended position in a linear direction. Sliding the first manual actuator along the first linear direction causes the second manual actuator to slide along the second linear direction, and sliding the second manual actuator along the first linear direction causes the first manual actuator to slide along the second linear direction. Sliding the first manual actuator along the first linear direction causes the bolt to move from the retracted position to the extended position, and sliding the second manual actuator along the first linear direction causes the bolt to move from the extended position to the retracted position. The cover plate is configured to be mounted onto an attachment plate, and the attachment plate is configured to be attached to the inside of the door by an elongated fastener that passes through the attachment plate, the bolt assembly, and into the outer assembly to securely fasten the latch to the door. A first manual actuator and a second manual actuator are offset relative to each other along parallel axes.

[0012] Various additional aspects will be set forth in the following description. These aspects may relate to individual features and combinations of features. It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and illustrative only, and are not intended to limit the broad inventive concept on which the embodiments disclosed herein are based. Attached Figure Description

[0013] The following figures illustrate specific embodiments of the present disclosure and are therefore not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. These figures are not drawn to scale and are intended to be used in conjunction with the description in the following detailed description. Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in conjunction with the figures, wherein like reference numerals indicate like elements.

[0014] Figure 1This is a perspective view of a latch installed on the inside of a door according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the latch is shown in the retracted position.

[0015] Figure 2 It is installed on the inside of the door. Figure 1 Another perspective view of the bolt lock, in which the bolt lock is shown in the extended position.

[0016] Figure 3 It is installed on the outside of the door. Figure 1 A perspective view of a bolt lock, in which the bolt lock is shown in the retracted position.

[0017] Figure 4 It is installed on the side of the door that is perpendicular to the inner and outer sides of the door. Figure 1 A view of the latch, in which the latch is shown in the retracted position.

[0018] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 An exploded 3D view of the mortise lock.

[0019] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 Another exploded perspective view of the mortise lock.

[0020] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the latch with the cover removed, where the latch is shown in the retracted position.

[0021] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the latch with the cover removed, wherein the latch is shown in the extended position.

[0022] Figure 9 It is a three-dimensional view of the inside of the cover plate.

[0023] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of a latch installed on the inside of a door according to another embodiment, wherein the latch is shown in the retracted position.

[0024] Figure 11 It is installed on the inside of the door. Figure 10 Another perspective view of the bolt lock, in which the bolt lock is shown in the extended position.

[0025] Figure 12 yes Figure 10 An exploded 3D view of the mortise lock.

[0026] Figure 13 yes Figure 10 Another exploded perspective view of the mortise lock.

[0027] Figure 14 yes Figure 10 A perspective view of the latch with the cover removed, where the latch is shown in the retracted position.

[0028] Figure 15 yes Figure 10 A perspective view of the latch with the cover removed, wherein the latch is shown in the extended position.

[0029] Figure 16 This is a perspective view of a latch installed on the inside of a door according to another embodiment, wherein the latch is shown in the retracted position.

[0030] Figure 17 It is installed on the inside of the door. Figure 16 Another perspective view of the bolt lock, in which the bolt lock is shown in the extended position.

[0031] Figure 18 yes Figure 16 An exploded 3D view of the mortise lock.

[0032] Figure 19 yes Figure 16 Another exploded perspective view of the mortise lock.

[0033] Figure 20 yes Figure 16 A perspective view of the latch with the cover removed, where the latch is shown in the retracted position.

[0034] Figure 21 yes Figure 16 A perspective view of the latch with the cover removed, wherein the latch is shown in the extended position.

[0035] Figure 22 yes Figure 16 Cross-sectional view of the mortise lock.

[0036] Figure 23 This is a perspective view of a latch installed on the inside of a door according to another embodiment, wherein the latch is shown in the retracted position.

[0037] Figure 24 It is installed on the inside of the door. Figure 23 Another perspective view of the bolt lock, in which the bolt lock is shown in the extended position.

[0038] Figure 25 yes Figure 23 An exploded 3D view of the mortise lock.

[0039] Figure 26 yes Figure 23 Another exploded perspective view of the mortise lock.

[0040] Figure 27 yes Figure 23 A front view of the latch with the cover removed, where the latch is shown in the retracted position.

[0041] Figure 28 yes Figure 23 A front view of the latch with the cover removed, where the latch is shown in the extended position. Detailed Implementation

[0042] Various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals denote the same parts and components throughout the views. Reference to the various embodiments does not limit the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting, but merely illustrate some of the many possible embodiments for use in the appended claims.

[0043] This disclosure generally relates to a latch with the following features: a manual actuator replaces a rotatable rotating element, operable to slide in a linear motion to lock and unlock the door. In some embodiments, the linear motion is a horizontal motion defined by an axis parallel to the width of the door. In other embodiments, the linear motion is a vertical motion defined by an axis parallel to the height of the door.

[0044] While some embodiments involve operating the manual actuator with horizontal movement to extend and retract the latch and thereby lock and unlock the door, these embodiments can be adapted to operate the manual actuator with vertical movement. Similarly, embodiments involving operating the manual actuator with vertical movement to extend and retract the latch can be adapted to operate the manual actuator with horizontal movement.

[0045] Figures 1 to 4 The illustration shows a view of a latch 100 mounted on a door 102 according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 and Figure 6 This is an exploded 3D view of the mortise lock 100.

[0046] Door 102 has an inner portion 104, an outer portion 106, and a thickness 108 relative to the inner and outer portions of the door. A horizontal axis 110 is defined along the width of door 102 and a vertical axis 112 is defined along the height of door. The horizontal axis 110 and the vertical axis 112 are substantially orthogonal to each other.

[0047] The bolt lock 100 includes an inner component 114, an outer component 116, and a bolt assembly 118. The inner component 114 is mounted to the inner side 104 of the door 102. The outer component 116 is mounted to the outer side 106 of the door 102. The bolt assembly 118 is at least partially mounted in a hole formed in the door 102 on a thickness 108 laterally relative to the inner side 104 and the outer side 106 of the door.

[0048] The term "exterior" is widely used to refer to the area outside door 102, and the term "interior" is widely used to refer to the area inside door 102. For example, in the case of an exterior entry door, exterior component 116 is located outside the building when installed to the door, while interior component 114 is located inside the building. In the case of an interior door, exterior component 116 is located inside the building when installed to the door, but outside the space accessed through the door, and interior component 114 is located inside the space. The latch 100 can be installed to both interior and exterior entry doors, allowing door 102 to be any type of door.

[0049] Bolt assembly 118 includes a bolt 120 housed within a bolt latch 122. The bolt latch 122 includes a cam 124 rotatable about an axis orthogonal to the inner portion 104 and outer portion 106 of the door 102 to extend and retract the bolt 120. Figure 1 In the diagram, bolt 120 is shown in the retracted position 126. When in the retracted position 126, door 102 is unlocked when closed within the door frame, allowing door 102 to be opened relative to the door frame. Figure 2 In the diagram, bolt 120 is shown in the extended position 128. When in the extended position 128, door 102 is locked when closed within the door frame, preventing door 102 from being opened relative to the door frame.

[0050] The bolt assembly 118 also includes a panel 130 that receives one or more fasteners 132, such as screws, to secure and fasten the bolt assembly 118 to the door 102. In addition, the panel 130 protects the area of ​​the door 102 surrounding the bolt assembly 118 from wear and breakage each time the door 102 is opened and closed within the door frame.

[0051] External component 116 is operably connected to latch 122 to move bolt 120 between a retracted position 126 and an extended position 128. External component 116 includes a plug 142 received within outer housing 140. Plug 142 defines a keyhole 144 configured to receive a key. When a key is inserted into keyhole 144, the user can rotate plug 142 clockwise and counterclockwise.

[0052] like Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the tail piece 146 extends from the plug 142 and engages the cam 124 of the latch 122. When the key is rotated in the keyhole 144, the tail piece 146 rotates together with the plug 142 in clockwise and counterclockwise directions. The rotation of the tail piece 146 causes the cam 124 to move the bolt 120 between a retracted position 126 and an extended position 128 to lock and unlock the door 102.

[0053] Internal component 114 includes a manual actuator 150 and a cover plate 152. The manual actuator 150 is a handle that slides along a horizontal axis 110 in a first linear direction D1 to move the bolt 120 from a retracted position 126 to an extended position 128. In one embodiment, the first linear direction D1 is from left to right. In another embodiment, the first linear direction D1 is from right to left.

[0054] The manual actuator 150 can also be operated to slide along the horizontal axis 110 in a second linear direction D2 to move the bolt 120 from the extended position 128 to the retracted position 126. In one embodiment, the second linear direction D2 is from right to left. In another embodiment, the second linear direction D2 is from left to right.

[0055] Figure 7 and Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the latch 100, in which the cover plate 152 has been removed. Figure 7 In the diagram, bolt 120 is shown in the retracted position 126, while... Figure 8 In the diagram, the bolt is shown in the extended position 128. Now refer to... Figures 5 to 8 The internal component 114 also includes a driver 154 operably connected to a manual actuator 150 to slide along a first linear direction D1 and a second linear direction D2. For example, the driver 154 is mounted to slide along a guide rail 156 located on a middle plate 157 of the internal component 114.

[0056] The driver 154 has a first pivot point 164 and a second pivot point 166, which engage a cam 168 when the driver 154 slides along the guide rail 156 in a first linear direction D1 and a second linear direction D2. The cam 168 is substantially flush with the intermediate plate 157. When the driver 154 slides along the first linear direction D1 (e.g., from left to right), the first pivot point 164 causes the cam 168 to rotate clockwise. When the driver 154 slides along the second linear direction D2 (e.g., from right to left), the second pivot point 166 causes the cam 168 to rotate counterclockwise.

[0057] like Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, cam 168 is connected to latch shaft 170, which extends through aperture 173 in intermediate plate 157 and attachment plate 158 to engage cam 124 of bolt latch 122. When cam 168 rotates within internal assembly 114 via actuator 154, latch shaft 170 rotates together with cam 168 in clockwise and counterclockwise directions. Rotation of latch shaft 170 causes cam 124 to move bolt 120 between retracted position 126 and extended position 128 to lock and unlock door 102.

[0058] An intermediate plate 157 is mounted above an attachment plate 158 and is fixedly positioned within an internal assembly 114 relative to the attachment plate 158 by one or more grooves 169 corresponding to one or more flanges 165 extending orthogonally from the attachment plate 158. Additionally, the intermediate plate 157 is fixedly positioned relative to the attachment plate 158 by cutouts 161 located at each corner of the intermediate plate 157, the cutouts 161 aligning with pins 159 extending orthogonally from each corner of the attachment plate 158.

[0059] The attachment plate 158 is attached to the inner side 104 of the door 102 by an elongated fastener 160, such as a screw. The elongated fastener 160 passes through a hole 167 in the attachment plate 158 and through a corresponding hole 119 in the bolt assembly 118 and enters a fastener receiving hole 171 in the outer assembly 116. Thus, the elongated fastener 160 securely fastens the inner assembly 114, the bolt assembly 118, and the outer assembly 116 to the door 102.

[0060] The cover plate 152 includes a hole 155 that aligns with a corresponding hole 163 located on a flange 165 extending orthogonally from the attachment plate 158. Fasteners 162, such as screws, pass through holes 155 and 163 to secure the cover plate 152 to the attachment plate 158 located on the inner side 104 of the door 102.

[0061] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the interior of cover plate 152. Cover plate 152 has a groove 153 that allows a manual actuator 150 to slide along guide rails 156 of intermediate plate 157 in a first linear direction D1 and a second linear direction D2. Additionally, cover plate 152 may include an aperture 175 that aligns with pins 159 of attachment plate 158 to secure cover plate 152 to attachment plate 158.

[0062] Figures 10 to 15This is a perspective view and an exploded view of a bolt lock 200 mounted on a door 202 according to another exemplary embodiment of this disclosure. The bolt lock 200 includes an inner component 214, an outer component 216, and a bolt component 218. The outer component 216 and the bolt component 218 are substantially the same as the outer component 116 and the bolt component 118 described above with respect to the bolt lock 100.

[0063] Furthermore, as in the latch 100, the internal assembly 214 includes a manual actuator 250 that slides along a horizontal axis 210 in a first linear direction D1 and a second linear direction D2 to move the bolt 220 back and forth between a retracted position 226 and an extended position 228. A vertical axis 212 is defined along the height of the door 202. The horizontal axis 210 and the vertical axis 212 are substantially orthogonal to each other.

[0064] The internal component 214 has a cover plate 252 with a groove 253 on its front surface, which allows a manual actuator 250 to slide along the groove 253 of the cover plate 252 in a first linear direction D1 and a second linear direction D2. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the manual actuator 250 is a knob.

[0065] Now refer to Figure 12 and Figure 13 The attachment plate 258 is attached to the inner side of the door 202 by an elongated fastener 260. The elongated fastener 260 passes through the hole 267 in the attachment plate 258, and through the corresponding hole 219 in the bolt assembly 218 and enters the fastener receiving hole 271 in the outer assembly 216. Therefore, the elongated fastener 260 securely fastens the inner assembly 214, the bolt assembly 218, and the outer assembly 216 to the door 202.

[0066] An intermediate plate 257 is mounted above the attachment plate 258. In some embodiments, the intermediate plate 257 is fixedly positioned within the internal assembly 214 relative to the attachment plate 258 by one or more recesses 269, said one or more recesses 269 corresponding to one or more flanges 261 extending orthogonally from the attachment plate 258. Furthermore, the intermediate plate 257 is fixedly positioned relative to the attachment plate 258 by holes 259 in the intermediate plate 257, said holes 259 being aligned with pins 265 extending orthogonally from the attachment plate 258.

[0067] The cover plate 252 includes a hole 255 that aligns with a corresponding hole 263 positioned on a flange 261 extending orthogonally from the attachment plate 258. Fasteners 262, such as screws, pass through holes 255 and 263 to secure the cover plate 252 to the attachment plate 258 located on the inner side of the door 202. Additionally, fasteners 251 securely fasten the manual actuator 250 to the driver 254.

[0068] The strip 273 is mounted to the cover plate 252 and includes a groove 275 corresponding to the slot 253 of the cover plate 252. The strip 273 enhances the slidability of the manual actuator 250 by providing a smooth surface on which the manual actuator 250 can slide. Additionally, the strip 273 enhances the aesthetic appearance of the latch 200. The strip 273 can be attached to the cover plate 252 by adhesive or other similar fastening mechanisms.

[0069] Figure 14 and Figure 15 This is a perspective view of the latch 200, in which the cover plate 252 has been removed. Figure 14 In the diagram, bolt 220 is shown in the retracted position 226, while... Figure 15 In the diagram, the bolt is shown in the extended position 228. Now refer to... Figures 12 to 15 The actuator 254 is connected to the manual actuator 250 to slide along a first linear direction D1 and a second linear direction D2. The actuator 254 is mounted to slide along a slot 253 in the cover plate 252 of the internal assembly 214.

[0070] The driver 254 has a first pivot point 264 and a second pivot point 266 that engage the cam 268 as the driver 254 slides along the slot 253 in a first linear direction D1 and a second linear direction D2. The cam 268 is substantially flush with the intermediate plate 257. When the driver 254 slides in the first linear direction D1 (e.g., from left to right), the first pivot point 264 causes the cam 268 to rotate clockwise. When the driver 254 slides in the second linear direction D2 (e.g., from right to left), the second pivot point 266 causes the cam 268 to rotate counterclockwise.

[0071] Cam 268 is connected to latch shaft 270, which extends through intermediate plate 257 and attachment plate 258, and engages cam 224 of bolt assembly 218. As cam 268 rotates within internal assembly 214 via actuator 254 fixedly attached to manual actuator 250, latch shaft 270 rotates clockwise and counterclockwise together with cam 268. Rotation of latch shaft 270 causes cam 224 to move bolt 220 between retracted position 226 and extended position 228 to lock and unlock door 202.

[0072] Figure 16 and Figure 17 This is a perspective view and an exploded view of a latch 300 installed on the inner side of a door 302 according to another embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 16 In the design, the latch 300 includes a bolt 320, which is shown in the retracted position 304. Figure 17In the diagram, bolt 320 is shown in the extended position 306. The latch 300 includes a manual actuator 350 operable to slide along a vertical axis 308 in a first linear direction D1 and a second linear direction D2 to move bolt 320 between a retracted position 304 and an extended position 306.

[0073] The manual actuator 350 can also be operated to slide along the vertical axis 308 in the first linear direction D1 to move the bolt 320 from the retracted position 304 to the extended position 306. Figure 16 and Figure 17 In the embodiment depicted, the first linear direction D1 is from top to bottom. In an alternative embodiment, the first linear direction D1 is from bottom to top.

[0074] The manual actuator 350 can also be operated to slide along the vertical axis 308 in the second linear direction D2 to move the bolt 320 from the extended position 306 to the retracted position 304. Figure 16 and Figure 17 In the embodiment illustrated, the second linear direction D2 is from bottom to top. In an alternative embodiment, the second linear direction D2 is from top to bottom.

[0075] Figure 18 and Figure 19 This is an exploded view of the bolt lock 300. The bolt lock 300 includes an internal component 314, a bolt assembly 316, and an external component 318. The bolt assembly 316 and the external component 318 are substantially similar to the external component 116 and the bolt assembly 118 described above with respect to the bolt lock 100.

[0076] The internal assembly 314 includes a manual actuator 350 mounted above the housing 366. In addition to being operable to move the bolt 320 between a retracted position 304 and an extended position 306, the manual actuator 350 also advantageously covers other internal components of the housing 366 and the internal assembly 314.

[0077] The housing 366 is fitted within the manual actuator 350 such that the manual actuator 350 slides relative to the housing 366. The housing 366 has a guide rail 367 on the opposite side, and the manual actuator 350 slides along the guide rail 367 in a first linear direction D1 and a second linear direction D2.

[0078] The housing 366 includes a bottom portion 368. In some embodiments, the bottom portion 368 may include a display 371 that is visible when the manual actuator 350 is in the retracted position and is covered by the manual actuator 350 when the manual actuator is in the extended position. The display 371 may be attached to the bottom portion 368 by an adhesive, such as glue or tape. Alternatively, the display 371 may be painted onto the bottom portion 368.

[0079] In some embodiments, the display 371 indicates that the latch 320 is in the retracted position 304, thus the door 302 is unlocked. For example, the display 371 may be colored green to indicate that the door 302 is unlocked. In alternative embodiments, the display 371 indicates that the latch 320 is in the extended position 306, thus the door 302 is locked. For example, the display 371 may be colored red to indicate that the door 302 is locked.

[0080] The housing 366 includes a slot 373 that receives a first actuator 352 and a second actuator 354. The slots 373 are spaced apart and generally parallel. The first actuator 352 and the second actuator 354 are attached to a first socket 356 and a second socket 358 located on the inner surface 360 ​​of the manual actuator 350. The first actuator 352 and the second actuator 354 are secured to the manual actuator 350 such that, when operated by a user, the first actuator 352 and the second actuator 354 move together with the manual actuator 350 along a first linear direction D1 and a second linear direction D2. The first actuator 352 and the second actuator 354 secure the manual actuator 350 to the housing 366 in a plane orthogonal to the front surface of the housing 366 such that the manual actuator 350 cannot detach from the housing 366.

[0081] The first fixing screw 362 and the second fixing screw 364 are respectively positioned below the first driver 352 and the second driver 354 and engage with the inner surface 369 on the bottom portion 368 of the housing 366. Figure 19 As shown, the first actuator 352 includes a linear gear 370. The second actuator 354 does not include a linear gear. In an alternative embodiment, the second actuator 354 may include the linear gear 370, while the first actuator 352 does not include a linear gear.

[0082] like Figure 18 As shown, when the manual actuator 350 slides along the guide rail 367 located on the housing 366 in the first linear direction D1 and the second linear direction D2, the circular gear 372 is engaged by the linear gear 370 to rotate in clockwise and counterclockwise directions. In some examples, the circular gear 372 and the linear gear 370 are rack and pinion drive assemblies.

[0083] An intermediate plate 330 is mounted above the attachment plate 340. The intermediate plate 330 and the attachment plate 340 are substantially similar to the attachment plate 258 and the intermediate plate 257 described above with respect to the mortise lock 200.

[0084] The attachment plate 340 is attached to the inside of the door 302 by an elongated fastener 344, such as a screw. The elongated fastener 344 passes through a hole 345 in the attachment plate 340, and through a corresponding hole 347 in the bolt assembly 316 and into a fastener receiving hole 349 in the outer assembly 318. Thus, the elongated fastener 344 securely fastens the bolt lock 300 to the door 302.

[0085] like Figure 18 and Figure 19 As shown in the figure, housing 366 includes hole 361, which aligns with a corresponding hole 363 located on flange 342 extending orthogonally from attachment plate 340. Fastener 365, such as screw, passes through holes 361 and 363 to secure housing 366 to attachment plate 340 located on the inner side of door 302.

[0086] Figure 20 and Figure 21 This is a perspective view of the latch 300, in which the manual actuator 350 has been removed and the bolt 320 is in the retracted position 304. Figure 21 In the diagram, bolt 320 is shown in the extended position 306. Figure 22 This is a cross-sectional view of the mortise lock 300. Now refer to... Figures 18 to 22 When the manual actuator 350 slides along the first linear direction D1 and the second linear direction D2, the linear gear 370 causes the circular gear 372 to rotate clockwise and counterclockwise. For example, when the manual actuator 350 slides along the first linear direction D1 (e.g., downward), the linear gear 370 causes the circular gear 372 to rotate counterclockwise. When the manual actuator 350 slides along the second linear direction D2 (e.g., upward), the linear gear 370 causes the circular gear 372 to rotate clockwise.

[0087] A circular gear 372 is connected to a latch shaft 374, which extends through the intermediate plate 330 and the attachment plate 340, and engages a cam 324 of the latch latch 322. As the circular gear 372 rotates within the internal assembly 314 via the linear gear 370, the latch shaft 374 rotates together with the circular gear 372 in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions. Rotation of the latch shaft 374 causes the cam 324 to move the bolt 320 between a retracted position 304 and an extended position 306 to lock and unlock the door 302.

[0088] Figure 23 and Figure 24This is a perspective view of a latch 400 installed on the inner side of a door 402 according to another embodiment. Figure 23 In the example, the mortise lock 400 includes a bolt 420, which is shown in the retracted position 404. Figure 24 In the diagram, bolt 420 is shown in the extended position 406. The latch 400 includes a first manual actuator 410 and a second manual actuator 412, each operable to slide along parallel vertical axes 408 and 409 in opposite first linear directions D1 and second linear directions D2, thereby moving bolt 420 between a retracted position 404 and an extended position 406.

[0089] like Figure 23 and Figure 24 As shown, the first manual actuator 410 and the second manual actuator 412 are offset relative to each other along parallel vertical axes 408 and 409. In one example embodiment, the first manual actuator 410 and the second manual actuator 412 are each rectangular in shape.

[0090] The first manual actuator 410 is operable to slide along the vertical axis 408 in a first linear direction Dl to move the bolt 420 from the retracted position 404 to the extended position 406. In the depicted embodiment, the first linear direction Dl is from bottom to top. In an alternative embodiment, the first linear direction Dl is from top to bottom.

[0091] When the first manual actuator 410 is operated by the user to slide along the first linear direction D1, the second manual actuator 412 slides along the vertical axis 409 along the second linear direction D2. In the depicted embodiment, the second linear direction D2 is from top to bottom. In an alternative embodiment, the second linear direction D2 is from bottom to top.

[0092] The second manual actuator 412 is operable to slide along the vertical axis 409 in a second linear direction D2 to move the bolt 420 from the retracted position 404 to the extended position 406. When the second manual actuator 412 slides along the second linear direction D2, the first manual actuator 410 slides along the vertical axis 408 in a first linear direction D1.

[0093] When the first manual actuator 410 slides along the second linear direction D2, the second manual actuator 412 slides along the vertical axis 409 along the first linear direction D1. When the second manual actuator 412 slides along the first linear direction D1, the first manual actuator 410 slides along the vertical axis 408 along the second linear direction D2.

[0094] Figure 25 and Figure 26This is an exploded perspective view of the bolt lock 400. The bolt lock 400 includes an internal component 414, an external component 416, and a bolt assembly 418. The external component 416 and the bolt assembly 418 are substantially the same as the external component 116 and the bolt assembly 118 described above with respect to the bolt lock 100.

[0095] Internal component 414 includes a first manual actuator 410 and a second manual actuator 412 mounted above cover 430. Cover 430 includes slots 432 and 434 that receive a first actuator 436 and a second actuator 438. Slots 432 and 434 are spaced apart and generally parallel.

[0096] The first actuator 436 and the second actuator 438 are attached to corresponding sockets 440 and 442 located on the inner surfaces of the first manual actuator 410 and the second manual actuator 412. The first actuator 436 and the second actuator 438 are fixed to the first manual actuator 410 and the second manual actuator 412 such that when the first manual actuator 410 and the second manual actuator 412 are operated by the user, the first actuator 436 and the second actuator 438 slide along a first linear direction D1 and a second linear direction D2. The first actuator 436 and the second actuator 438 fix the first manual actuator 410 and the second manual actuator 412 to the cover plate 430 in a plane orthogonal to the cover plate 430 such that the manual actuators cannot detach from the cover plate 430.

[0097] A cover plate 430 is mounted to an attachment plate 444, and an intermediate plate 446 is positioned within an inner assembly 414 between the cover plate 430 and the attachment plate 444. The attachment plate 444 and the intermediate plate 446 are substantially similar to the attachment plates 258 and 257 described above with respect to the latch 200. For example, the intermediate plate 446 is fixedly positioned within the inner assembly 414 relative to the attachment plate 444 by one or more recesses 448 corresponding to one or more flanges 450 extending orthogonally from the attachment plate 444.

[0098] The attachment plate 444 is attached to the inside of the door 402 by an elongated fastener 456, such as a screw. The elongated fastener 456 passes through a hole 458 in the attachment plate 444 and through a corresponding hole 460 in the bolt assembly 418, and enters a fastener receiving hole 462 in the outer assembly 416. Thus, the elongated fastener 456 securely fastens the inner assembly 414, the bolt assembly 418, and the outer assembly 416 to the door 402.

[0099] The first actuator 436 has a first pivot point 464 and a second pivot point 466, and the second actuator 438 includes a first pivot point 468 and a second pivot point 470. A cam 472 engages between the first pivot point 464 and the second pivot point 466 of the first actuator 436 and between the first pivot point 468 and the second pivot point 470 of the second actuator 438. As the first manual actuator 410 and the second manual actuator 412 (and the corresponding first actuator 436 and the second actuator 438) slide along a first linear direction D1 and a second linear direction D2, the cam 472 rotates clockwise and counterclockwise.

[0100] Figure 27 and Figure 28 This is a front view of the mortise lock 400, where the cover plate 430 has been removed from the mortise lock 400. Figure 27 In the diagram, the mortise lock 400 is shown in the retracted position 404, while... Figure 28 In the diagram, the mortise lock 400 is shown in the extended position 406. Now refer to... Figure 27 and Figure 28 When the first manual actuator 410 slides along the first linear direction D1 (e.g., downward), the cam 472 rotates counterclockwise via the first pivot point 464 and the second pivot point 466 of the first driver 436. Similarly, when the second manual actuator 412 slides along the second linear direction D2 (e.g., upward), the cam 472 rotates counterclockwise via the first pivot point 468 and the second pivot point 470 of the second driver 438.

[0101] When the first manual actuator 410 slides along the second linear direction D2 (e.g., upward), the cam 472 rotates clockwise via the first pivot point 464 and the second pivot point 466 of the first driver 436. Similarly, when the second manual actuator 412 slides along the first linear direction D1 (e.g., downward), the cam 472 rotates clockwise via the first pivot point 468 and the second pivot point 470 of the second driver 438.

[0102] Now refer to Figure 25 and Figure 26 Cam 472 is connected to latch shaft 474, which extends through intermediate plate 446 and attachment plate 444, and engages cam 424 of bolt assembly 418's latch 422. As cam 472 rotates within internal assembly 414 via first actuator 436 and second actuator 438, latch shaft 474 rotates clockwise and counterclockwise together with cam 472. Rotation of latch shaft 474 causes cam 424 of latch 422 to move bolt 420 linearly between retracted position 404 and extended position 406 to lock and unlock door 402.

[0103] The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed as limiting the appended claims. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that various modifications and changes can be made without following the exemplary embodiments and applications shown and described herein and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A bolt lock, comprising: A bolt assembly configured to be installed within a cavity located between an inner and outer portion of a door, the bolt assembly including a bolt received within a latch member; An external component configured to be mounted on the outer side of the door, the external component being operably connected to the latch to move the bolt between a retracted position and an extended position; as well as An internal component configured to be mounted on the inner side of the door, the internal component being operably connected to the latch and including a manual actuator operable to slide along opposite first and second linear directions, thereby causing the latch to move the bolt between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the manual actuator is at least capable of being positioned in a first position and an opposite second position, the first position being in the first linear direction and corresponding to the retracted position of the bolt, and the second position being in the second linear direction and corresponding to the extended position of the bolt, wherein the first and second positions of the manual actuator hold the bolt in position until the manual actuator is manually actuated and slid along the first or second linear direction to move the position of the bolt, and wherein the internal component further includes: A linear gear, the linear gear being attached to the manual actuator; A circular gear, which engages with the linear gear such that when the manual actuator is operated to slide along the first linear direction and the second linear direction, the linear gear causes the circular gear to rotate clockwise and counterclockwise; and A latch shaft engages with the circular gear, wherein rotation of the circular gear causes rotation of the latch shaft, and rotation of the latch shaft causes a cam in the latch to move the bolt in a linear direction between the retracted position and the extended position.

2. The bolt lock according to claim 1, wherein, The first linear direction and the second linear direction are a first horizontal direction and a second horizontal direction along an axis parallel to the width of the door.

3. The bolt lock according to claim 1, wherein, The first linear direction and the second linear direction are a first vertical direction and a second vertical direction along an axis parallel to the height of the door.

4. The bolt lock according to claim 1, wherein, The external components also include: A plug, the plug being housed within the external component, the plug defining a keyhole; and A tail piece extends from the plug and rotates when the key inserted into the keyhole is rotated, wherein the rotation of the tail piece causes the latch to move the bolt between the retracted position and the extended position.

5. The mortise lock of claim 1, further comprising a housing embedded within the manual actuator, the housing including guide rails located on opposite sides, and wherein, The manual actuator is mounted to slide along the first linear direction and the second linear direction on the guide rail of the housing.

6. The bolt lock according to claim 5, wherein, The housing has a display that is visible when the bolt is in the retracted position and is hidden when the bolt is in the extended position, the display indicating that the bolt is in the retracted position.

7. The bolt lock according to claim 1, wherein, The manual actuator covers the internal components.

8. The bolt lock according to claim 1, wherein, The internal components also include: An attachment plate configured to be mounted on the inner side of the door; An intermediate plate is mounted above the attachment plate, wherein the latch shaft extends through the intermediate plate and engages with the mortise latch; Housing, the housing being fitted within the manual actuator; and A first driver and a second driver are fixed to the manual actuator.

9. The bolt lock according to claim 8, wherein, The housing includes a display configured to indicate the position of the bolt.

10. The bolt lock according to claim 9, wherein, The display is visible when the manual actuator is positioned such that the bolt is in the retracted position.

11. The bolt lock according to claim 9, wherein, The display is painted green to indicate that the door is unlocked.

12. The bolt lock according to claim 9, wherein, The housing includes a bottom portion, and the bottom portion has the display.

13. The bolt lock according to claim 8, wherein, The first drive includes the linear gear.

14. The bolt lock according to claim 8, wherein, The second drive does not include the linear gear.

15. The bolt lock according to claim 8, wherein, The manual actuator defines an internal surface that defines a first socket and a second socket for attaching the first driver and the second driver, respectively.

16. The bolt lock according to claim 8, wherein, The first driver includes a first retaining screw and the second driver includes a second retaining screw, the first retaining screw and the second retaining screw being configured to engage the inner surface of the housing.

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