Sliding door lock

Abstract

Lock assembly (10) for a sliding door or window, including a lock bolt (30) having a hook tongue (31) and mounted to the base (11) for movement between a deployed position for engaging a striker to inhibit movement of the panel relative to the jamb member (102), and a retracted position. An actuator (50) movable mounted in the base (11) and connected to the lock bolt (30) for moving the lock bolt (30) between the deployed position and the retracted position. An anti-crash mechanism (70) mounted to the base (11) for movement between an operative position and an inoperative position, the anti-crash mechanism (70) in the operative position being adapted to operatively prevent the lock bolt (30) being moved from the retracted position to the deployed position.

Description

SLIDING DOOR LOCKField

[0001] The invention relates to a lock assembly for a sliding panel supported in a frame to prevent inadvertent activation of the lock. The invention has been developed for use with a sliding door or window, however, the concept of the invention may also be applied to other locking assemblies and mechanisms.Background

[0002] Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.

[0003] Sliding mortice locks typically include a lock bolt having a hook formation which may be extended to engage behind a lock bolt catch of a striker to inhibit movement of the panel away from a jamb member of the frame. Typically, the lock bolt is extended into a receiving aperture in the striker plate for the hook formation to engage the catch when the panel is closed and in locking proximity to the jamb member. However inadvertent extension of the lock bolt may be possible while the panel is open. If the panel is subsequently closed with the lock bolt in the extended position, the lock bolt may collide with the striker plate and may cause damage to the lock assembly, plate or other parts of the panel, jamb member or frame.

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.Summary of Invention

[0005] Accordingly, the invention provides a lock assembly for a sliding door or window, the door or window including a fixed frame and a sliding panel supported in the frame, and movable between a closed position where the panel abuts a jamb member, and an open position where the door panel is spaced from the jamb member to provide an access opening, wherein the lock assembly includes: a base;a lock bolt having a hook tongue, said lock bolt mounted to the base for movement between a deployed position for engaging a lock bolt catch of a striker when the sliding panel is in the closed position to at least inhibit movement of the panel relative to the jamb member, and a retracted position of non-engagement with the lock bolt catch thereby allowing for movement of the panel relative to the jamb member; an actuator movable mounted in the base and operatively connected to the lock bolt for moving the lock bolt between the deployed position and the retracted position; and an anti-crash mechanism mounted to the base for movement between an operative position and an inoperative position, the anti -crash mechanism in the operative position being adapted to operatively prevent the lock bolt being moved from the retracted position to the deployed position.

[0006] Preferably, the anti-crash mechanism when in the operative position is adapted to block movement of the actuator thereby preventing the lock bolt being moved by the actuator from the retracted position to the deployed position.

[0007] Preferably, the anti-crash mechanism when in the inoperative position is adapted to allow the lock bolt to move from the retracted position to the deployed position.

[0008] Preferably, the anti-crash mechanism is configured to be held into the inoperative position when the panel is in the closed position.

[0009] Preferably, the anti-crash mechanism includes an anti-crash member configured for abutment with a complementary formation on the striker when the panel is in the closed position to hold the anti-crash mechanism in the inoperative position.

[0010] Preferably, the anti-crash member is biased toward the operative position of the anticrash mechanism.

[0011] Preferably, the anti-crash mechanism includes a resilient member mounted between the anti-crash member and the base to bias the anti -crash member toward the operative position of the anti-crash mechanism.

[0012] Preferably, the anti-crash member is elongate and slidably mounted to the base.

[0013] Preferably, the lock assembly includes a lock cylinder mounted to the base and operable selectively retain the lock bolt in the deployed position and to prevent the lock bolt being moved into the retracted position by the actuator.

[0014] Preferably, the actuator includes an actuator member movable between a between first position corresponding to the retracted position of the lock bolt and second position corresponding to the deployed position of the lock bolt.

[0015] Preferably, the anti-crash member includes a blocking projection engagable with a stop surface on the actuator member to prevent the actuator member being moved from the first position when the anti-crash mechanism is in the operative position.

[0016] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise”, “comprising”, and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”.Brief Description of Drawings

[0017] The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of an embodiment thereof, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: -

[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lock assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the lock assembly shown in Fig. 1;

[0020] FIG. 3 is perspective schematic of a sliding panel door and frame arrangement incorporating the lock assembly of Fig. 1;

[0021] FIG. 4 is a detailed perspective view of the lock assembly shown in Fig. 1 installed in an extruded frame member of a sliding panel;

[0022] FIG. 5 is an exploded detailed perspective view of Fig 4;

[0023] FIG. 6 is a front view of the lock assembly shown in Fig. 1 with the housing cover removed to allow inspection of the lock internals. The lock assembly is shown with the lock bolt in a retracted position and the anti -crash mechanism in an operative position;

[0024] FIG. 6a is a detail front view Fig. 6;

[0025] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of Fig. 6;

[0026] FIG. 8 is a front view of the lock assembly shown in Fig. 1 with the housing cover removed to allow inspection of the lock internals. The lock assembly is shown with the lock bolt in a deployed position and the anti-crash mechanism in an inoperative position;

[0027] FIG. 8a is a detail front view Fig. 8;

[0028] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of Fig. 8;

[0029] FIG. 10 is a front view of the lock assembly shown in Fig. 1 with the housing cover removed to allow inspection of the lock internals. The lock assembly is shown with the lock bolt in a deployed position, the anti-crash mechanism in an inoperative position and the locking mechanism operable to selectively retain the lock bolt in the deployed position;

[0030] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of Fig. 10;

[0031] FIG. 12 is a detail view of the housing shown in Fig. 2; and

[0032] FIGS 13 - 16 are detail views of the lock internals shown in Fig. 2.Description of Embodiments

[0033] Referring to the figures there is disclosed a lock assembly 10 for a movable access panel arrangement, the arrangement including a fixed frame and movable panel supported in the fixed frame for relative sliding movement. Typically, the movable panel is a window or door and hereinafter the invention will be described with reference to a sliding door panel 100 such as seen in Fig. 3, configured to slide along a slide path axis A-A between a closed position wherethe panel 100 abuts a jamb member 101 of the fixed frame 102, and an open position where the door panel 100 is spaced from the jamb member 101 to provide an access opening 104.

[0034] Typically, the lock assembly 10 is disposed in a periphery of the sliding door panel 100 so as to be positioned adjacent the jamb member 101 when the panel 100 is in the closed position. In some applications, the jamb member 101 may be incorporated into another moving panel, such as another sliding door panel. In other embodiments the lock assembly 10 may be located in the jamb and the lock bolt catch on the sliding panel.

[0035] Referring to the exploded view of Fig. 2, the lock assembly 10 includes a base 11 within which the lock internals are generally located. A lock bolt 30 is mounted to the base 11 for movement between a deployed position for engaging a latch bolt catch of a striker (obscured) to at least inhibit movement of the panel relative to the fixed frame, and a retracted position of non-engagement with the lock bolt catch thereby providing for free movement of the panel. An actuator 50 is mounted in the body for relative movement thereto and operatively connected to the lock bolt for moving the lock bolt between the deployed position and the retracted position. An anti-crash mechanism 70 is mounted to the base for movement between a blocking position and a free position. The anti-crash mechanism 70 in the blocking position being adapted to operatively prevent the lock bolt 30 moving from the retracted position to the deployed position.

[0036] In Figs. 4 & 5, a portion of horizontally sliding door panel 100 is depicted, the door panel 100 comprising a peripheral frame 110 formed from an extruded aluminum section and the lock assembly 10 is shown to be mounted in a vertical frame member 111 of the door panel so as to abut vertical jamb member 101 in the closed position of the door panel 100. In other embodiments the panel and / or panel frame may be formed of one or more other materials such timber, a metal, glass or a plastic. While lock 10 is typically to be mounted in the door panel and the striker to the jamb, in some instances lock 10 may be mounted in the jamb member of the fixed frame to abut a striker on the door panel. In alternative configurations, the lock 10 and striker may be mounted on respective ones of a double sliding door, or bi-parting doors, consist of two door panels that slide along a track away from each other, opening up the full doorway. In this configuration each door servers as a striker member for the other door.

[0037] As noted, the lock assembly 10 is typically received in a cavity of the frame of the door or window such is seen with reference to detailed view Fig. 4 where the assembly is generallyhoused within a cavity 116 of the extruded frame member 111. Apertures 117 & 118 are provided in the lateral faces of the extrusion and in the peripheral, jamb member facing front face respectively. As can be seen a pair of “furniture plates” 80, 81 provide a cover to the lateral apertures and afford a pleasing aesthetic when the lock is installed. In this embodiment furniture plates 80 and 81 includes a grab handle 82 in the form a depression to enable the user to slide the door, whilst furniture plate 80 further includes an activation handle 83 for activating the lock bolt and a cutout 84 for receiving a lock barrel.

[0038] With reference to Fig. 2, base 11 comprises a housing 12 and a housing cover 13 for enclosing the housing 12 and retaining the lock internals. Detailed views of the housing 12 and lock internals are provided in Fig 12 and Figs. 13 - 16 respectively. The cover 13 is attachable to the housing by threaded connectors 14. A face plate 15 is provided which may be integral with the housing 12 or attachable thereto. The face plate 15 forms a peripheral edge of the lock mechanism and faces the doorjamb. Apertures 16 in the face plate may receive threaded fasteners 17 for attaching the lock assembly 10 to the door frame. With the door closed and locked, the threaded fasteners 17 are concealed and inaccessible thereby preventing tampering.

[0039] As can be seen with reference to Fig. 6 & 7, the lock bolt 30 is slidably mounted within a cavity 17 of the housing 12 for movement between the retracted and deployed positions. Lateral surfaces 18 of the cavity serve as guidance surfaces or rails to guide slidable movement of the lock bolt 30 between the retracted and deployed positions along a lock bolt sliding axis B-B which is parallel with the slide path axis A-A of the door panel 1. In the deployed position, which can be seen in Figs. 8 & 9, a portion of the lock bolt 30 extends from the cavity through an aperture 18 in the faceplate 15. In this way, when deployed, the lock bolt 30 may extend in the plane of the panel 1 to engage with the striker in the doorjamb when the door panel is in the closed position. Typically, the striker includes a space for receiving the extended lock bolt 30 when in the deployed position. In the retracted position illustrated in Figs. 6 & 7, the lock bolt 30 is generally wholly disposed within the cavity 17 so as to present a leading surface generally flush with face plate 15 as can be seen in Fig. 4.

[0040] The lock bolt 30 includes a hook tongue 31, particularly a pair of hook tongues 31, each of which is housed within a slot 33 in the lock bolt 30 and moveable between a withdrawn position where it is disposed within the slot 33 and an extended position where it extends from the slot. In this embodiment each hook tongue 31 is pivotally mounted to the lock bolt forrotation about a respective pivot axis by means of a pin 35 received in a respective bore 36 in the lock bolt 30.

[0041] A cam surface 37 on each hook tongue 31 acts on corresponding surfaces 21 on the housing 12 to push each respective hook tongue 31 into the extended position when the lock bolt 30 moves into the deployed position, and rotate the hook tongue 31 into the withdrawn position when the lock bolt 30 moves to the retracted position. A hook formation 38 on each hook tongue 31 provides a reverse facing hook abutment surface 39 for capturing and seating behind a complementary respective catch formation on the striker when the hook tongue 31 is in the extended position and the lock bolt 30 is in the deployed potion to prevent the lock assembly withdrawing from the striker so as to secure the door panel 1 in the closed position. Conversely, moving the lock bolt 30 to the retracted position simultaneously withdraws each hook tongue 31 into the slot 33 to the withdrawn position so as to withdraw the hook formation 38 from behind the catch formation on the striker and allow the door panel 1 to moved away from the jamb to the open position.

[0042] In other embodiments the hook tongue may be configured for slidable movement rather than pivotable movement. In other embodiments, the lock bolt 30 may be pivotally mounted and may incorporate a fixed formation forming a hook tongue having a reverse facing hook abutment surface for capturing and seating behind a complementary respective catch formation on the striker when the hook tongue is in the extended position.

[0043] The actuator 50 is mounted in the base 11 and moved relative thereto and operatively connected to the lock bolt 30 for moving the lock bolt between the deployed position and the retracted position. As can be seen with reference to a comparison of Figs. 6 & 7 to Figs 8 & 9, in this embodiment, the actuator 50 includes an actuator member 51 mounted for slidable movement with respect to the housing 12. The actuator member 51 is formed as an elongate bar and is received within a channel 24 in the housing 12. Lateral sidewalls 25 of the channel 24 act to retain and guide the actuator member 51 to slide along a longitudinal slide axis C-C within the housing 12. In addition, a boss 52 on the rear surface of the actuator member 51 is received within an elongated aperture 20 in the housing 12 to limit the longitudinal travel of the member along longitudinal slide axis C-C. In this embodiment, the slide axis C-C of the actuator member is orthogonal to the slide axis B-B of sliding of the lock bolt.

[0044] A pin 54 on the actuator member 51 is configured to engage the lock bolt 30 to move the lock bolt 30 between the retracted and deployed positions. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the pin 54 on the actuator member 51 is received in oblique slot 40 on the lock bolt 30 so as to translate orthogonally the movement of the actuator member 51 to the lock bolt 30.

[0045] The actuator member 51 is movable between first and second positions (shown respectively in Figs.6 & 7 and Figs. 8 & 9), each position corresponding respectively to the retracted and deployed positions of the lock bolt 30. A mounting formation is provided for attachment of lever 83 to enable a user to move the actuator member between the first and second positions thereby causing movement of the lock bolt 30 between the retracted and deployed positions respectively. As can be seen with reference to Fig 13, the mounting formation in the actuator member 51 is in the form of an aperture 56 configured to receive a spindle 58 (seen in Fig. 5) for connecting the actuator member 51 to the lever 83 which is mounted on one or both of the furniture plates 80 within the handle cut out.

[0046] The actuator member 51 includes a bore 59 receiving a locating finger in the form of a resiliently biased ball bearing 60. In this embodiment the ball bearing 60 is urged by a spring member 62 into contact with one of the lateral sidewalls of the channel space. The ball bearing 60 may be received and located by a pair of spaced indents 26, 27 in the sidewall 25 which each correspond to the first and second positions of the actuator member. The ball bearing 60 and indents provide a tactile operation for the user when sliding the actuator member 51 between the first and second positions by the lever.

[0047] The anti-crash mechanism 70 is mounted to the base 12 for movement between an operative position and an inoperative position. In the operative position, the anti-crash mechanism 70 is adapted to operatively prevent the lock bolt moving from the retracted position to the deployed position, whilst in the inoperative position, movement of the lock bolt is unrestricted by the anti-crash mechanism 70.

[0048] In this embodiment the anti-crash mechanism 70 includes an elongate anti-crash member 71 in the form of an elongate rod, mounted within the housing 12 for longitudinal slidable movement between the operative position and the inoperative position along a longitudinal axis D-D parallel to the slide path axis A-A of the door panel 1. In the operative position, which can be seen in Figs. 6 & 7, a contact tip 72 disposed at a distal end of the anti-crash member 71extends from the housing through an aperture 28 in the faceplate 15. In this way, the anti-crash member 71 may extend in the plane of the panel 1 to engage with the striker in the doorjamb as the door panel 1 is moved to the closed position. As the door panel approaches the closed position, the tip 72 of anti-crash member 71 is configured to contact the striker and be moved to the inoperative position illustrated in Figs. 8 & 9. Here, the anti-crash member 71 is generally wholly disposed within the housing 12. A step in the anti-crash member 71 provides a stop surface to limit travel of the anti-crash member 71 trough aperture 28.

[0049] The anti-crash member 71 is resiliently biased into the operative position by a spring 74, which acts to urge the anti -crash member 71 to the operative position when the door panel is moved away from the closed position toward the open position. The spring is received in a longitudinally orientated bore, which is concealed in the figures, located in a proximal end the anti-crash member 71 and extends to abut a receiving formation 29 in the housing 12.

[0050] Furthermore, the anti-crash member 71 includes a laterally extending blocking projection 76 at the distal end portion thereof configured to fit within a stepped cut out 64 in the actuator member 51. With reference to Fig. 6 and in particular details Fig 6a, when the anti-crash mechanism 70 is in the operative position and the actuator member 51 is in the first position, the blocking projection 76 is located adjacent a stop surface 66 formed by a step in the cut out 64 of the actuator member 51. Movement of the actuator member 51 from the first position toward the second position drives the stop surface 66 into abutment against the blocking projection 76 thereby preventing the actuator member 51 moving from the first position into the second position and accordingly preventing the deployment of the lock bolt 30 from the retracted position to the deployed position.

[0051] However, with reference to Fig. 8 and in particular details Fig 8a, moving the anti-crash member 71 to the inoperative position by sliding it along longitudinal axis D-D moves the blocking projection 76 out of the path of the stop surface 66 of the actuator member 51 allowing the actuator member 51 to freely slide from the first position to the second position so that the lock bolt 30 may be deployed.

[0052] In use the anti-crash member 71 is intended to prevent deployment of the lock bolt 30 from the retracted position to the deployed position when the door is open. This prevents damage to the lock assembly lock bolt 30, and more particularly the extended hook tongues, bybeing inadvertently driven into the striker on the doorjamb. However, when the door is in the closed position, the anti-crash mechanism 70 is automatically deactivated due to abut of the anticrash member 71 with the striker allowing the lock bolt 30 to be deployed by the actuator.

[0053] While in this embodiment the anti-crash member 71 is configured to engage and prevent movement of the actuator thereby preventing the actuator from moving the lock bolt 30, in other embodiments the anti-crash mechanism 70 may be configured to engage directly with the lock bolt 30 preventing its movement to the deployed position.

[0054] In this embodiment, as can be seen in the Figures, the lock assembly includes a locking mechanism 90 for locking the lock bolt 30 in the deployed position. The locking mechanism 90 includes a lock cylinder 91 and a main lock member 92 operable to selectively retain the lock bolt 30 in the deployed position and to prevent the lock bolt being moved into the retracted position by the actuator 50.

[0055] A cam 93 on the lock cylinder 91 operable by means of a key (not shown) to engage a piston 95 on the main lock member 92 which is connected a rod 96. The distal end of the rod 96 is received in an aperture in the lock bolt 30 to prevent movement of the lock bolt when the key is selectively operated in the lock cylinder 91.

[0056] In use, when the door is in the open position (as seen in Fig. 3), and the lock bolt 30 is in the retracted position within cavity 17 of the housing 12 and the actuator member in the first position (as seen in Figs, 6 & &), the anti-crash member 71 is biased into the operative position by resilient member 74 so that the tip 72 of anti-crash member 71 extends from aperture 28 in the faceplate 15. In the operative position, the blocking projection 76 is located within the step portion in the cut out 64 of the actuator member 51, adjacent the stop surface 66 (see Fig. 6a). Deploying the lock bolt 30 requires the user to slide the lever 83 upwardly (on the page) so that the actuator member 51 slides along axis B-B so that pin 54 of the actuator member 51 slides with the slot 40 of the lock bolt to move lock bolt 30 along axis C-C into the deployed position. However movement along axis B-B of the actuator member 51 is prevented by booking pin 54 abutting the stop surface 66. Accordingly, the user is unable to inadvertently deploy the lock bolt 30 when the door panel is in the open position thereby reducing the likelihood of damage to the lock assembly, plate or other parts of the panel, jamb member or frame due to collision of the deployed lock bolt with the striker plate.

[0057] As noted above, moving the door panel into the closed position intrinsically and automatically depresses the anti-crash member due to contact of the tip with the striker without inconvenience to the user thereby moving the anti-crash member to the inoperative position. The user is then able to move the actuator member to deploy the lock bolt 30 and secure the door panel to the jamb. If desired the user may selectively operate the lock cylinder to key-lock the lock bolt in the deployed position.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A lock assembly for a sliding door or window, the door or window including a fixed frame and a sliding panel supported in the frame, and movable between a closed position where the sliding panel abuts a jamb member , and an open position where the sliding panel is spaced from the jamb member to provide an access opening, wherein the lock assembly includes: a base; a lock bolt having a hook tongue, said lock bolt mounted to the base for movement between a deployed position for engaging a lock bolt catch of a striker when the sliding panel is in the closed position to at least inhibit movement of the sliding panel relative to the jamb member, and a retracted position of non-engagement with the lock bolt catch thereby allowing for movement of the sliding panel relative to the jamb member; an actuator movable mounted in the base and operatively connected to the lock bolt for moving the lock bolt between the deployed position and the retracted position; and an anti-crash mechanism mounted to the base for movement between an operative position and an inoperative position, the anti-crash mechanism in the operative position being adapted to operatively prevent the lock bolt being moved from the retracted position to the deployed position.

2. The lock assembly of claim 1 wherein the anti-crash mechanism when in the operative position is adapted to block movement of the actuator thereby preventing the lock bolt being moved by the actuator from the retracted position to the deployed position.

3. The lock assembly of claim 1 or 2 wherein the anti -crash mechanism when in the inoperative position is adapted to allow the lock bolt to move from the retracted position to the deployed position.

4. The lock assembly of any one of the preceding claims wherein the anti-crash mechanism is configured to be held into the inoperative position when the sliding panel is in the closed position.

5. The lock assembly of claim 4 wherein the anti-crash mechanism includes an anti-crash member configured for abutment with a complementary formation on the striker when thesliding panel is in the closed position to hold the anti-crash mechanism in the inoperative position.

6. The lock assembly of claim 5 wherein the anti-crash member is biased toward the operative position of the anti-crash mechanism.

7. The lock assembly of claim 6 wherein the anti-crash mechanism includes a resilient member mounted between the anti-crash member and the base to bias the anti-crash member toward the operative position of the anti-crash mechanism.

8. The lock assembly of any one of claims 5 to 7 wherein the anti-crash member is elongate and slidably mounted to the base.

9. The lock assembly of any one of the preceding claims further including a lock cylinder mounted to the base and operable selectively retain the lock bolt in the deployed position and to prevent the lock bolt being moved into the retracted position by the actuator.

10. The lock assembly of any one of the preceding claims wherein the actuator includes an actuator member movable between a between first position corresponding to the retracted position of the lock bolt and second position corresponding to the deployed position of the lock bolt.

11. The lock assembly of claim 10 wherein the anti-crash member includes a blocking projection engagable with a stop surface on the actuator member to prevent the actuator member being moved from the first position when the anti -crash mechanism is in the operative position.

12. The lock assembly of any one of the preceding claims wherein said hook tongue includes a hook formation for capturing a complementary respective catch formation on the striker when the lock bolt is in the deployed potion to prevent the lock assembly withdrawing from the striker.

13. The lock assembly of claim 12 wherein the hook formation includes a reverse facing hook abutment surface for capturing and seating behind a complementary respective catch formation on the striker when the hook tongue is in the extended position and the lock bolt is in thedeployed potion to prevent the lock assembly withdrawing from the striker so as to secure the sliding panel in the closed position.

14. The lock assembly of any one of the preceding claims wherein said hook tongue is moveable between a withdrawn position to be housed within the lock bolt when the lock bolt is in the retracted position and an extended position where it extends from the lock bolt when the lock bolt is in the deployed position.

15. The lock assembly of claim 14 wherein the said hook tongue is housed within a slot in the lock bolt such that in the withdrawn position where the hook tongue is substantially disposed within the slot and an extended position where the hook tongue at least partially extends from the slot.

16. The lock assembly of claim 14 or 15 wherein the hook tongue is pivotally mounted to the lock bolt for rotation about a respective pivot axis between withdrawn and extended positions.

17. The lock assembly of claim 14 or 15 wherein the hook tongue is slidably mounted to the lock bolt for slidable moveable between withdrawn and extended positions.

18. The lock assembly of any one of claims 12 to 16 wherein the lock bolt includes a pair of said hook tongues.

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