Improved Replacement Door Lock Connector Mechanism

Abstract

A connector for a multipoint locking mechanism comprising first and second actuator strips 202 204 each with teeth 242 244 located on one edge which overlap in use for transmitting tensile and compres

Description

The present invention relates to a replacement door lock connector mechanism particularly for doors with multipoint locking. Background In recent years the installation of uPVC (unplasticized polyvinyl chloride) doors and windows has been widespread and these installations are now becoming worn and require repair and replacement. However, while standardised components are largely used the specific dimensions of such doors and windows vary greatly and replacement components therefore need to accommodate this. One significant component that needs replacement is the locking mechanism. A locking mechanism typically comprises a central mechanism comprising handle associated with a bolt or similar and extensions from that central mechanism to further lock portions to secure the extremities of a side of a window or door. This may be termed a multipoint locking system. A problem therefore arises that in replacing such locking mechanisms the placement of the central mechanism and the further lock portions is highly variable and any replacement mechanism needs to accommodate this. Currently this is achieved by providing a linking bar between the mechanisms which has to be cut and drilled along with securing using a suitable securing method such as a nut and bolt. Since the mechanisms are typically recessed in hollow portions of a door, such as a channel in a stile of a door, then this can be hard to measure, install and accurately set up. This is particularly so for an installer working on site, such as at the front door of a dwelling where the door cannot not be left unsecured for an extended period of time and where there is no specific workbench or similar to operate from. There is therefore a need for an improved method of providing replacement locking mechanisms, whether this is in you manufacture or replacement. Such mechanisms need to be simple, strong and accurate whilst being simple to adjust on installation. The present invention The present invention in its various aspects is as set out in the appended claims. The present invention provides a connector for a locking mechanism for use in uPVC windows and doors, the connector comprising: a. First and second, in use, overlapping metal actuator strips having on a first edge teeth and arrangeable in use for transmitting tensile and compressive loads between locks in a door frame; b. A joining member for engaging the edge teeth in the region of overlap, so as to, on a first side of the member, enable the loads to be transmitted along the strips when secured in place. This connector is a connector comprising a plurality of parts provides a simple and convenient mechanism for actuators, such as to further locking portions of a multipoint locking system, to be secured. In particular because the metal actuator strips overlap the degree of overlap, provided it is other than a trivial amount can be varied such that, provided the actuator strips are sufficiently long so is to provide that overlap, can be used in a wide range of applications with different lock component spacing. It is therefore preferred that for use in door applications the actuator strips are of length between 75cm and 125mm. This is longer than would normally be provided in such applications but allows for overlap between the actuator strips. Hence, unlike in prior art apparatus the actuator strips do not need to be cut to length and specifically do not need to be cut to length with any degree of accuracy, which can be problematic for an on-site installation. In the present invention the actuator strips are each at a first end coupled to a locking mechanism for directly actuating those mechanisms. Thereby the connector of the present invention enables actuation of a locking mechanism by interconnecting portions of locking mechanisms. In the present invention two sets of said first and second actuator strips are present, the first actuator strips extending in opposite directions from a locking hub with actuator handle to motivate said overlapping strips in longitudinal movement along their principal axis for actuating secondary locks attached to the second actuator strips. This enables a central mechanism, such as of a multipoint locking mechanism, to interact with subsidiary, such as upper and lower locks and the present invention allows the distance between the three locks to be accommodated without having to cut or otherwise modify the actuator strips, simply by placing the joining member over the actuator strips and securing it with a fastener to join the strips together to enable actuation between the lot mechanisms. in the present invention the actuator strips may have a same height, this provides ease of production and also means that the joining member can be made symmetrical for ease of placement and accuracy of registration. In the present invention the actuator strips preferably have an edge opposite the toothed edge which is linear and parallel to the elongate axis of the strip. This enables this, what might be thought of as rear edge, to slide along the face of the stile of the door (or window), the forward side being retained by means of the joining member is itself secured by means of the fastener. This is particularly effective with LIPVC doors which are Apollo construction and typically have a channel along the edge of the stile within which the actuating strips may reside. This is further effective when a cover member is placed over the channel so as to stop the ingress of objects or other impediments hindering the operation of the lock. The cover member preferably comprises an aperture through which a screw type fastener may be loosened or tightened so that the joining member may be disengaged from the actuator strips so that the grips registration of the actuator strips relative to one another (i.e. so that all locks are simultaneously open or simultaneously closed can be achieved such as after otherwise installation of the present invention (either in its own rights, as part of a locking mechanism or as part of the door assembly as a whole). In the present invention the joining member preferably has a depth such that on engaging the edge teeth the member extends beyond the width of the strips. This enables a separate guiding member to be used upon which the rear edge of the actuator strips may slide thus allowing the actuator strips not requiring contact with the stile of the door. This can be advantageous were the channel in the door is worn or damaged uneven or otherwise unsuitable. Figure 8 shows a representative guiding member. In the present invention the joining member preferably comprises a securing aperture of the first side of the member for movably retaining the member against a sliding surface, such as the inner edge of a door. This securing aperture is preferably elongate so that a fixed fastener, such as a screw, may retain the joining member in engagement with the actuator strips by means of the teeth as the combination of the actuator strips and the joining member slide together over the face of the stile of the door. Alternative securing mechanisms are possible such as for example the bottom edge of the joining member clipping over the rear edge of the actuator strips stores to retain the joining member in place. This is best used in combination with the aforementioned guiding member to hold the rear face of the actuator strips away from the stile of the door. In the present invention joining member has a face or faces perpendicular to the first face for abutting, in use, the sides of the strips. This holds the strips perpendicular to the face upon which they can slide and enables the strips to fit into a relatively narrow channel such as in the stile of a door. It also stops the actuator strips rubbing against sides of a channel and provides for a more efficient and low friction connecting mechanism of the present invention. In the present invention the joining member, in use, bridges the actuator strips in the region of overlap. By having the actuator strips overlapping, the degree of overlap not being important for the purposes of determining the spacing between locks or lock portions, the joining member can be readily placed at any point in the region of overlap such as a point at which a faster may be more conveniently secured to retain the connector of the invention in place. This is particularly useful for any retrofit or repair whether may be damage or points of weakness not permitting efficient use of a fastener. In the present invention the teeth on the strips are the same, that is they are of the same profile. This has the advantage that the joining member may be made symmetrical and therefore provides one less degree of complication for the installer and hence more rapid and reproducible fitting. In the present invention the teeth on the strips are self-aligning. This is best explained by means of a preferred and illustrative form of tooth. Specifically, in the present invention the teeth on the strips are triangular. With this form of tooth when the joining member is placed over the actuating strips the sides of the triangles (formally prismatic teeth) but and as the components are pushed together the teeth self-aligning so as to fit accurately together. This is particularly useful on initial fitting where the present invention is used such as in the installation of replacement lock (or what the invention itself is defined as a replacement lock or door with lock). The components can be quickly brought together aligned and connected. It is further particularly useful in a final fitting were the registration of the positions of the locks, such as in a multipoint locking system need to be aligned, i.e. all locks simultaneously open or all locks simultaneously closed in which case the joining member can be partially detached, the actuating strips correctly positioned (such as were all the locks are closed) and then the joining member pressed into place to secure everything together, an action which can be carried out with one hand of an installer, while the other hand can be used to manipulate the locking mechanism in a desired manner to get the correct registration of the parts. To assist in this cover plates, to protect from snagging of fingers etc. being caught may be placed over the actuator strips, may be provided and specifically provided with slideable access covers with an access aperture. An installed connector, such as part of a full lock, therefore provides means to access and release a fastener of the joining member / lock component, with minimal access the joining member can be released from the strips, the strips correctly repositioned (such as with multiple locks in mutual registration, i.e., all closed all open etc) and the connector resecured simply by tightening the fastener (such as a screw) to re-engage the teeth. This provides a quick and secure adjustment mechanism. In the present invention the joining member is preferably made of metal, in particular steel, this provides a strong and low friction joining component. This is particularly useful for use with UPVC doors and windows were the joining member slides along the face, such as of the door, such as a channel in the stile of a door. Alternatively, they joining member is made of polyethylene, polypropylene or nylon. These materials optically useful as they provide a low degree of fit friction and facilitate any sliding motion, whilst being relatively strong. This is particularly useful were non-polymeric (such as UPVC) articles are being used as the substrate upon which the invention is mounted in use. An example being a wooden door. Drawings The present invention is illustrated by means of the following drawings in which like features are designated with like numerals. The figures provide: Figure 1 depicts an uPVC house door for use with the invention; Figure 2 depicts a representative locking mechanism incorporating or being the present invention. Figure 3 depicts a joining member, according to the invention, in perspective view; Figure 4 depicts the joining member, according to the invention, in a further perspective view; Figure 5 depicts the joining member located alongside an actuator strip, such as during assembly; Figure 6 depicts the present invention being the joining member located upon two overlapping actuator strips, in perspective view; Figure 7 depicts a guide for use with the actuator strips of the invention; and Figure 8 depicts a cover on the representative locking mechanism. The features of the drawings are listed as follows: 5 Door; 8 Arrow of motion; 10 Hinging stile of door; 20 Closing stile of door; 30 Locking Mechanism 32 Upper lock, with lock mechanism with which 204 engages; 34 Primary lock, with lock mechanism with which 202, and a 202’ engage; 36 Lower lock, with lock mechanism with which a 204’ engages; 40 Locking hub; 90 Aperture; 100 Joining member; 112 Left wall 114 Right wall 120 Main face of main wall; 122 (Right) face of side wall; 124 (Left) face of side wall; 132 (Left) Wall end; 134 (Right) wall end; 140 Toothing; 142 (Left) toothed channel; 144 (Right) toothed channel; 160, 166, End separator; 162, 164, Inner separator; 172 Sliding face of left wall; 174 Sliding face of right wall; 202 Left actuator strip; 204 Right actuator strip; 242 Left actuator strip teeth; 244 Right actuator strip teeth; 300 Fastener; 305 Fastener body; 310 Fastener head; 400 Guide; 422 Left Slot; 424 Right Slot; 430 Base; 480 Attachment support; 490 Affixture point; 510 Access cover with; 512 Access aperture Cover plate; 514 Cover plates; 516 Aperture for fastening cover plate 514’; and 530 Bar. Detailed description In the description, like features are given as numerals. Figure 1 depicts a door 5 comprising hinging stile 10 and closing stile 20 having a channel for receiving the locks and the interconnecting actuator strips. The strips may be in the form of rods, though strips as such as preferred as they are more space efficient as may be important in replacing an existing mechanism. The closing stile 20 comprises a locking mechanism 30. The locking mechanism resides in a channel in the stile of the door. The channel provides an enclosure having base and side walls so as to recess the mechanism and house the actuator strips. The locking mechanism 30 is comprised of a locking hub 40, a primary lock 34 and one or more secondary locks. The locking mechanism 30 actuates. Specifically, primary lock 34 actuates upper and lower locks 32, 36 by means of tensile and compressive forces along the actuator strips. As such upper lock 32 and lower lock 36 are secondary locks but this is optional. The door 5 allows is able to be opened and closed freely when in the unlocked state as the locks, the primary, upper and lower locks 32, 34, 36 are not engaged with door frame or entranceway. When in the locked state the same locks are simultaneously engaged such the doors motion is prevented. The locking mechanism 30 allows for transition between the locked and unlocked states. The closing stile of door 20 is comprises a recess or channel for housing a locking mechanism comprising the present invention. Figure 2 depicts the mechanism such as in use may be contained in the closing stile 10 and comprises the present invention. The present invention is preferably exemplified in such a mechanism and in such a use in a door as the problems addressed, such as simplified assembly and alignment are particularly relevant in those applications. Figures 3 and 4 depicts a joining member of the present invention. The joining member 100 comprises toothing 140. Toothing 140 is one or more teeth. The teeth are triangular in cross-section and are configured to correspond with equivalent teeth in the actuator strips 202, 204. An actuator strip 202, 204 is comprised of one or more teeth 140. In the event that the actuator strip has only one tooth then the joining member has a plurality of teeth and vice versa. Left actuator strip 202 is an actuator strip; Left actuator strip teeth 242 are teeth of left actuator strip 202; Right actuator strip 204 is an actuator strip; Left actuator strip teeth 242 are teeth of left actuator strip 202. The toothing 140 can be compartmentalised into toothed channels. (Left) toothed channel 142 and (Right) toothed channel 144 are toothed channels. The joining member 100 is configured such that it can interface with one or more actuator strips, so as to conjoin any longitudinal movement of the actuator strips with the joining member. This is achieved by means of said teeth in conjunction with further features of the member. Specifically: Left wall 112 and Right wall 114 are provided, such as to, in use, abut the faces of the corresponding actuator strips to hold them in place perpendicular to the sliding face 172 such as for sliding along the base of a stile of the door. A joining member 100 may have an all aperture 90, for receiving a fastener 300. Aperture 90 is elongate so as to enable the fastener to retain the joining member and so restrict lateral movement and movements away from the stile of the door but not to restrict longitudinal movement of the conjoined joining member and actuator strips, at least along the length of aperture 90. Further, the joining member may have one or more separators. End separator 160, 166, and Central separator 162, 164, are separators. The end separators serve to locate the actuator strips against the walls of the joining member whilst displacing an actuator strip away from any fastener to reduce wear. End separator 160, 166, and Central separator 162, 164 separate (Left) toothed channel 142 from (Right) toothed channel 144, these assist in preventing debris entering the joining member and obstructing tooth engagement, such as may be an issue in practical lock repair on site. Figure 4 depicts the joining member 100, according to the invention, and shows the main face of main wall 120 of the joining member 100. The outer facing walls of the joining member 100 (Right) face of side wall 122, (Left) face of side wall 124 do not hinder movement of the joining member. The door facing edges of the joining member 100 are capable of locomotion against the door. Limited friction between elements such that the surfaces slide freely. The Sliding face of left wall 172 and Sliding face of right wall 174 are door facing edges, so as, in use to slide along and be constrained by the edge of a stile of a door Figure 5 shows joining member 100 as in figure 3 alongside an actuator strip. The actuator strip depicted is left actuator strip 202, having functionally the equivalent role to right actuator strip 204. Figure 5 arrow 8 depicts the direction of motion of joining member 100 towards the left actuator strip 202 to interface the Left actuator strip teeth 242 with (Left) toothed channel 142. The joining member 100 goes over the actuator strip 202, interlocking with the teeth on each 142, 242. Invention as assembled in practice, has one actuator strip extending in from direction and second in opposite direction such, both actuator strips are bound in the overlapping length to the joining member 100 and thus the actuator strips and joining member 100 move as one body. Motion can be transferred from one to the other. Figure 6 depicts joining member 100 as in figure 3 interfaced with two actuator strips and fastener 300. The two actuator strips are Left actuator strip 202 and Right actuator strip 204. Left actuator strip 202 is interfaced with (Left) toothed channel 142. Right actuator strip 204 is interfaced with (Right) toothed channel 144. The actuator strips 202,204 continue past the wall ends 132,134. One or more fastener 300 can be used for the joining member 100. The fastener 300 is comprised of a fastener body 305 and fastener head 310. The aperture 90 area is larger than the cross-sectional area of the fastener 300 where the fastener body 305 goes through the aperture 90. In use, the fastener 300 is anchored to the door 5 on the closing stile 20. Describing motion relative to the door; The fastener 300 is unable to move. In a preferred example the fastener is exemplified as a self-tapping screw sunk into the door stile. The fastener 300 partially constrains the motion of the joining member 100 such that it can only actuate in required direction. The fastener 300 constrains the joining member 100 to the closing stile 20 such that actuator strips 202, 204 are interlocked to the joining member 100 but not to the closing stile 20. This allows the actuator strips to and joining member 100 to slide vertically up and down the closing stile 20 of the door 5, with the fastener 300 keeping it against the door. Fastener body 305 is between the door 5 and fastener head 310; Fastener head 310 is against the Main face of main wall 120 such that it holds the joining member 100 to slide along the closing stile of the door 20. One or more guides 400 can be anchored to the door 5 on the closing stile 20 to constrain one or more actuator strips 202, 204 to slide within, preventing deflecting and preventing bending. This provides a more definite locking action. A guide 400 can contain one or more slots, Left Slot 422 Right Slot 424. A base 430 on a guide 400 elevate the slot 422, 424 position. The guide 400 has an affixture point 490 at which it will be anchored to the door 5, this is accommodated by the guide’s 400 attachment support 480. The construction between locks is a bar 530. As a shield and guard an additional part can be added over the moving components to be a cover plate, 514. This preferably comprises two overlapping plates 514, so as with the actuator strip to readily enable application to various lengths of stile. To observe and manipulate the fixture an aperture 512 in an access plate 510 is provided. The plate is securable with screw in aperture 516. It is noted that a stile of a door may also of a window or rail of a window.

Claims

1. A connector for a locking mechanism for use in uPVC doors, the connector comprising:a. First and second, in use, overlapping actuator strips having on a first edge teeth and arrangeable in use for transmitting tensile and compressive loads between locks in a door frame;b. A joining member for engaging the edge teeth in the region of overlap, so as to, on a first side of the member, enable the loads to be transmitted along the strips when secured in place.

2. The connector of claim 1 in which the actuator strips are each at a first end coupled to a locking mechanism for directly actuating those mechanisms.

3. The connector of claim 2 in which two sets of said first and second actuator strips are present, the first actuator strips extending in opposite directions from a locking hub with actuator handle to motivate said overlapping strips in longitudinal movement along their principal axis for actuating secondary locks attached to the second actuator strips.

4. The connector of any preceding claim whereina. The actuator strips have a same height;b. The actuator strips have an edge opposite the toothed edge which is linear and parallel to the elongate axis of the strip;c. the joining member has a depth such that on engaging the edge teeth the member extends beyond the width of the strips;d. the joining member comprises a securing aperture of the first side of the member for movably retaining the member against a sliding surface, such as the inner edge of a door;5. The connector of any preceding claim wherein the joining member has a face or faces perpendicular to the first face for abutting, in use, the sides of the strips.

6. The connector of claim 5 wherein the joining member, in use, bridges the actuator strips in the region of overlap.

7. The connector of any preceding claim wherein the teeth on the strips are the same.

8. The connector of any preceding claim wherein the teeth on the strips are selfaligning.

9. The connector of any preceding claim wherein the teeth on the strips are triangular.

10. The connector of any preceding claim wherein the joining member is made of metal.

11. The connector of any preceding claim wherein the actuator strips are made of metal.

12. The connector of any of claim 1 to 10 wherein the joining member is made of polyethylene, polypropylene or nylon.

13. A locking mechanism comprising the connector of any preceding claim.

14. The locking mechanism which is a three point locking mechanism having two of said connectors.

15. Claims relating to the channel in the stile of the door in which the actuator strips are located16. claims related to a cover for the actuator strips so as to enclose the channel17. cover strip with access portal to allow release of the fastener so as to enable the actuator strips to be brought into sync with the locking mechanism for subsequent securing in the correct place when installed on a door.

18. The use of the connector of any of claims 1 to 12 or the locking mechanism of claims 13 or 14 to repair a door by replacing a pre-existing locking mechanism.

19. A method of installing a multiple action door lock the method comprising the steps of:a. Providing a locking mechanism if claim 13 or claim 14b. Cutting actuator strips to lengths so as to sit in a channel of a stile of a uPVC door, the actuator strips overlapping;c. Joining the actuator strips by placing the joining members over the strips in the region of overlap,d. Securing the joining member to the door stile by means of a fastener inserted through an aperture in the joining member so as to slidably secure the member over the actuator strips for enabling the actuator strips to convey longitudinal forces between the strips for operation of the lock.

20. Insulation version of earlier claim regarding Claims relating to the channel in the stile of the door in which the actuator strips are locateda. benefit of present invention when used with a UPVC door which is inherently hollow21. Insulation tape step placing cover over strip claims related to a cover for the actuator strips so as to enclose the channel- benefit of protecting fingers of user22. Installation step including subsequent adjustment of actuator strips when lock is installed in door cover strip with access portal to allow release of the fastener so as to enable the actuator strips to be brought into sync with the locking mechanism for subsequent securing in the correct place when installed on a door.- Benefits post installation adjustment to get locks in sync23. A kit of parts comprising the connector of claim 1 in the form of a first lock24. A door comprising or created with any prior claims.13

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