LOCKCASE

Abstract

 A lock comprising a housing, at least one lock mechanism in the housing and at least two panels in the housing, wherein at least one panel is removably insertable into the housing and at least one panel comprises a lock interface to allow access to the lock mechanism.

Description

Introduction

[0001] The present invention relates to a lockcase for configuring a lock for use on doors and gates.

Background to the Invention

[0002] Various types of locks, lock mechanisms, lock interfaces and lock casings are known in the technical field. These are frequently fitted to doors, gates and the like.

[0003] Generally, lock mechanisms are not directly accessible in use, since it is desirable for users to require some kind of key or pin code in order to operate the lock mechanism. Typically, therefore, the lock will comprise a casing (or lockcase) that provides a barrier between the lock mechanism and the user.

[0004] Lockcases are often metallic (due to the robust nature of the material) and are formed as single units with access points to the lock mechanism which they encase. The access points can make accessible a specific part of the lock mechanism, e.g. for key entry, or for operating a bolt via a handle, or may provide a space for fitting e.g. a keypad. EP2915939, for example, describes a Euro cylinder lock mechanism with key entry; in use, i.e. when attached to a gate or door, a lockcase would be essential to prevent actuation of the mechanism without a key. A suitable lockcase for the mechanism of EP2915939 would, however, require an aperture therein to allow access of a key into the mechanism. Many other lock interfaces are known in the art.

[0005] A problem with known lockcases is that once a specific lock interface is integrated, in a given direction or orientation, the user can no longer change that interface without buying a new lock. This is because the lockcase has been specifically designed to be used with a given interface, e.g. a keypad, and hence made as a single, integral unit. An example of such a lockcase is visible in Item No. LAKQU2 supplied by Locinox.

[0006] A user such as a homeowner, construction worker or lock fitter can then not change their mind as to the chosen interface, or its handedness (if asymmetric), without requiring the purchase of an entirely new lock. Often holes in the door / gate frame matching the chosen lock will have been drilled which makes replacing the lock more difficult.

[0007] It is clear from the technical field that there exists a need for an alternative and preferably improved lock or lockcase, in which the user can change their mind as to the chosen interface, or simply vary it, without requiring a new lock to be purchased.

[0008] An aim of the present invention is to provide an alternative lockcase which overcomes one or more of the aforementioned problems and allows a user to change the interface of a lock without changing the entire lock. An aim of particular embodiments is to provide an improved lockcase.

Summary of the Invention

[0009] The invention provides a lock comprising a housing, at least one lock mechanism in the housing and at least two panels in the housing, wherein at least one panel is removably insertable into the housing and at least one panel comprises a lock interface to allow access to the lock mechanism(s).

[0010] It is preferred that both panels are removably insertable into the housing. This allows for both sides (panels) of the lock casing (lockcase) to be interchanged with each other and / or with other replacement panels. Advantageously, therefore, one or both of the panels can be changed, e.g. if the handedness of the lock needs to be changed, if the lock interface(s) needs to be changed or upgraded, or if one or more of the panels become damaged and need to be changed. It is particularly preferred that the two panels are non-identical and interchangeable; lock handedness is changed by swapping the panels.

[0011] Preferably, the lock interface is selected from a mechanical keypad, a digital keypad, an electrically-operated interface, a wirelessly-operated interface, a solenoid, a card reader, a contactless pad, a push button, a rotating knob, a handle, and an aperture for receiving a Euro cylinder lock mechanism. Suitable lock interfaces may be controlled by e.g. a proximity fob, a smart phone, face recognition, fingerprint recognition and/or a computer. Solenoids may be used e.g. for releasing a handle that can then be turned and/or moving a latchbolt into its retracted position.

[0012] In essence, any panel with a lock interface will comprise an aperture in that panel to allow communication with the lock mechanism within the lock. In some cases, e.g. with the Euro cylinder lock interface, the lock interface is simply an aperture to allow a key to be inserted into the keyhole of the Euro cylinder lock mechanism. In other cases, the lock mechanism is entirely obscured by the lock interface, e.g. in the case of a pin pad where input of a code by the user allows the lock mechanism to be actuated, e.g. to throw or retract a latchbolt or deadbolt. In further cases, there is no need for a key or pin, and the lock interface is merely in the form of e.g. a turning knob, a handle or a push button to assist actuation of the lock mechanism. Nevertheless, in any case, it is clear that the lock interface must be compatible with the lock mechanism, i.e. the interface must be capable of actuating the mechanism.

[0013] The lock is for use on doors, gates and the like. Preferably, the lock is for a gate.

[0014] One of the at least two panels may be blank.

[0015] Preferably, one panel comprises a lock interface. It is further preferred that the lock has at least two panels which each comprise a lock interface to allow access to the lock mechanism(s).

[0016] It is separately preferred that there are two removably insertable panels. Optionally, however, there may be three or even four panels, particularly in cases where more than one lock mechanism is present within the lock.

[0017] In optional embodiments, a further aperture in the panel(s) is provided to allow access of a mechanical handle to the lock mechanism(s).

[0018] There are many options available for providing a lock with removably insertable panels. It is, however, preferred that the housing comprises at least one U-channel to allow controlled sliding of a panel in and out the housing. It is further preferred that the housing provides two U-channels. The U-channels effectively provide a tightly fitting space for the panels to be secured into the housing. The panels suitably comprise lips (or runners) specifically for insertion into the U-channels. Consequently, there must be enough space between the panels to accommodate a lock mechanism.

[0019] Other options for removably inserting panels into the housing include using clips to secure the panels within the housing. These clips are preferably interspersed to provide a tight fit of the panels into the housing. Screws and bolts may also be used to secure the panels within the housing, although it is preferred that no tools are required to remove the panels from the housing.

[0020] Also provided by the invention is a lock for a gate, comprising a lockcase and a lock mechanism, the lockcase forming a case for the mechanism and comprising a lock housing, a first lock panel, and a second lock panel, wherein the lock mechanism is located within the lockcase and comprises a bolt moveable in use between a first projected position, preventing opening of the gate, and a second retracted position, allowing opening of the gate, and wherein the first and second lock panels are interchangeable with each other.

[0021] It is preferred that one or both of the first and second panels comprise(s) an aperture allowing access through the panel to operate the lock mechanism. Such a configuration allows for panels with lock interfaces, as described above and below, to be changed as per an advantage of the invention.

[0022] It is preferred that the first and second panels are interchangeable so as to allow the handedness of the lock to be changed by interchanging the lock panels. Preferably, only the lock panels need to be changed so as to allow the handedness of the lock to be changed. As illustrated in a specific example below, a lock of the invention is assembled and comprises two removeable panels, with respective lock interfaces arranged in a first orientation. The panels can be swapped to change the orientation of the lock interfaces with respect to other lock components.

[0023] Preferably, the lock is in modular form and comprises at least the following as modular components: the housing, the first lock panel and the second lock panel. Optionally, one or both of a lock mechanism and an end plate are also included. At least one of the first or second lock panels is compatible with and/or allows access to the mechanism within the case.

[0024] Optionally, none of the panels are compatible with and/or allow access to the mechanism within the lockcase. In cases where all panels are blank (i.e. none comprise a lock interface), the door / gate may be opened by releasing a keeper on the door frame / gate post.

[0025] The lock can be provided as a kit, in dissembled form, with non-identical first and second lock panels, allowing assembly into a lock having a desired handedness. These panels can be chosen from a range, as described above and below. The lock, in assembled form, includes at least a housing, the two panels and a lock mechanism. Optionally, the lock further comprises an end plate to secure the panels and mechanism in place. Optionally, the kit further comprises a third panel.

[0026] Optionally, the lock mechanism can be operated using a mechanical handle protruding through the first or second lock panel. This mechanical handle can be provided as the lock interface itself or, in some cases, it may be provided in addition to another lock interface, e.g. a Euro cylinder interface.

[0027] It is preferred that the first and second panels are different, i.e. asymmetric. This allows users of the lock to have different interfaces depending on which side of the door / gate the user is approaching. Furthermore, providing a replacement panel is blank or compatible with the lock mechanism, it may be used to replace an existing panel so as to provide panel asymmetry to a lock with symmetric panels. By providing a third panel, still further options for assembling and if desired subsequently changing the lock components and its handedness / orientation are provided.

[0028] The lock can comprise (i) a latchbolt, (ii) a deadbolt, or (iii) both a latchbolt and a deadbolt. In cases where both a deadbolt and a latchbolt are provided, it is likely that two lock mechanisms are present within the lock. In such cases, at least one corresponding lock interface on at least one panel will be present to allow actuation of both lock mechanisms. For example, if the lock comprises a Euro cylinder deadbolt lock mechanism and also a latchbolt, a Euro cylinder lock interface will be present on one of the panels to allow actuation of the deadbolt, and e.g. a mechanical handle will be present on one of the panels to allow actuation of the latchbolt.

[0029] Optionally, the lock mechanism comprises a Euro cylinder, operated by a key that accesses the mechanism through one or both of the lock panels.

[0030] Optionally, the bolt(s) can be released via a mechanism on the door frame / gate post, instead of requiring retraction of the bolt(s). For example, an (electro)mechanical keeper can alternate between a position in which the bolt(s) is held in the keeper and a position in which the bolt(s) is free to be released from the keeper. Such a mechanism is particularly advantageous when a lock according to the invention does not comprise a lock interface, e.g. when the panels are blank.

[0031] Further still, there is provided a lockcase for a lock as described above and below, comprising the housing and at least two panels, wherein at least one panel is removably insertable into the housing and at least one panel comprises a lock interface. It is preferred that both panels are removably insertable into the housing. It is further preferred that the panels are interchangeable.

[0032] Consequently, the invention also provides a replacement panel for a lock as described above and below, the replacement panel being interchangeable with one or both of the panels of the lock.

[0033] The invention also provides a method of assembling a lock as described above and below, comprising providing the housing, the two panels and the mechanism and assembling these into the lock.

[0034] Preferably, the two panels are inserted into the housing before, with or after the lock mechanism, depending on the specific lock interfaces and lock mechanism used. Optionally, however, one of the panels is fixed to the housing, and hence only one panel needs to be inserted to configure the lock. In some embodiments, more than two panels need inserting, e.g. two on each side of the lock, in order to fully assemble the lock.

[0035] Preferably, the method comprises sandwiching the lock mechanism between the two panels, and inserting the sandwiched mechanism into the housing. It is particularly preferred that the housing comprises at least one U-channel for controlled sliding of panels into and out of the housing, and the method comprises sliding the sandwiched mechanism into the housing. Preferably, the housing comprises two U-channels; one for each panel.

[0036] Optionally, the method comprises assembling a lock, disassembling the lock, providing a replacement panel for one of the two panels, and reassembling the lock using the replacement panel.

[0037] Optionally, the method comprises assembling a lock, disassembling the lock, swapping the two panels, and reassembling the lock. The handedness of the lock can thus be changed.

[0038] It is also optional that a user secures the lock mechanism to an end plate before inserting it into the housing.

[0039] Preferably, the lock comprises two panels that can be interchanged or replaced. One or more of the panels may be replaced with replacement panels that have the same or different lock interfaces. In any case, not all of the panels require a lock interface, and thus one of the panels might be blank, i.e. have no lock interface.

[0040] As set out in the claims and elsewhere herein, the invention provides the following embodiments:

1. A lock comprising
a housing,
at least one lock mechanism in the housing and
at least two panels in the housing,
wherein at least one panel is removably insertable into the housing and at least one panel comprises a lock interface to allow access to the at least one lock mechanism.

2. A lock according to embodiment 1, wherein the at least two panels are both removably insertable into the housing.

3. A lock according to any previous embodiment, wherein the at least two panels both comprise a lock interface to allow access to the at least one lock mechanism.

4. A lock according to any previous embodiment, wherein the lock interface is selected from a mechanical keypad, a digital keypad, an electrically-operated interface, a wirelessly-operated interface, a solenoid, a push button, a knob, a handle and an aperture for receiving a Euro cylinder lock mechanism, and wherein the lock interface is compatible with the lock mechanism.

5. A lock according to any previous embodiment, wherein an aperture is provided on at least one panel to allow access of a mechanical handle to the at least one lock mechanism.

6. A lock according to any previous embodiment, wherein the housing comprises at least one U-channel for controlled sliding of the at least one panel into and out of the housing.

7. A lock for a gate, comprising a lockcase and a lock mechanism,
the lockcase forming a case for the mechanism and comprising
a lock housing,
a first lock panel, and
a second lock panel, wherein
the lock mechanism is located within the lockcase and comprises a bolt moveable in use between a first projected position and a second retracted position, and
wherein the first and second lock panels are interchangeable with each other.

8. A lock according to embodiment 7, wherein one or both of the first and second panels comprise(s) an aperture allowing access through the panel to operate the lock mechanism.

9. A lock according to either of embodiments 7 or 8, wherein the first and second panels are interchangeable so as to allow the handedness of the lock to be changed by interchanging the lock panels.

10. A lock according to embodiment 9, wherein the first and second panels are interchangeable so as to allow the handedness of the lock to be changed by interchanging only the lock panels.

11. A lock according to any of embodiments 7-10, wherein the lock is in modular form and comprises at least the following as modular components: the housing, the first lock panel, the second lock panel and, optionally, one or both of the lock mechanism and an end plate.

12. A lock according to any of embodiments 7-11, wherein the lock mechanism can be operated using a mechanical handle protruding through the first or second lock panel.

13. A lock according to any of embodiments 7-12, wherein the first and second panels are different, i.e. asymmetric.

14. A lock according to any of embodiments 7-13, wherein the lock comprises (i) a latchbolt, (ii) a deadbolt, or (iii) both a latchbolt and a deadbolt, and wherein the latchbolt and deadbolt if present are accessible through one or both of the lock panels.

15. A lock according to any of embodiments 7-14, wherein the lock mechanism comprises a Euro cylinder, operated by a key that accesses the mechanism through one or both of the lock panels.

16. A lock according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the lock is provided as a kit, in dissembled form, with non-identical first and second lock panels, allowing assembly into a lock having a desired handedness.

17. A lockcase for a lock according to any of embodiments 1-6, comprising the housing and at least two panels, wherein at least one panel is removably insertable into the housing and at least one panel comprises a lock interface.

18. A lockcase for a lock according to any of embodiments 7-16, comprising the lock housing and the first and second interchangeable lock panels.

19. A replacement panel for a lock according to any of embodiments 1-6, the replacement panel being interchangeable with one or both of the panels of the lock.

20. A replacement panel for a lock according to any of embodiments 7-16, the replacement panel being interchangeable with the first and second panels of the lock.

21. A method of assembling a lock as defined in any of embodiments 1-6 or a lock for a gate as defined in any of embodiments 7-16, comprising
providing the housing, the two panels and the mechanism and assembling these into the lock.

22. A method of assembling a lock according to embodiment 21, comprising
sandwiching the lock mechanism between the two panels, and
inserting the sandwiched mechanism into the housing.

23. A method of assembling a lock according to the method of embodiment 21 or 22, wherein the housing comprises at least one U-channel for controlled sliding of panels into and out of the housing, comprising sliding the sandwiched mechanism into the housing.

24. A method of assembling a lock, comprising
assembling a lock according to the method of any of embodiments 21 to 23, disassembling the lock,
providing a replacement panel, optionally as per embodiment 19 or 20, for one of the two panels, and
reassembling the lock using the replacement panel.

25. A method of assembling a lock, comprising
assembling a lock according to the method of any of embodiments 21 to 23, disassembling the lock,
swapping the two panels, and
reassembling the lock.

[0041] The invention hence provides a modular lockcase, wherein the panels are interchangeable.

Examples

Reference Key

[0042] 

Lockcase housing (2)

Lockcase panel (4)

Mechanical handle (6)

End plate (8)

Lock mechanism (10)

Push button interface (12)

Euro cylinder interface (14)

Mechanical keypad interface (16)

Lock mechanism screw (20)

Lockcase screw holes (22)

Lockcase U-channels (24)

Aperture in lockcase panel for mechanical handle (26)

Locking latchbolt (28)

Lockcase panel lip (30)

Lock mechanism securing screw hole (32)

[0043] The invention is now illustrated in specific examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a lockcase housing having two U-channels;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a lockcase panel having a domed escutcheon of a Euro cylinder interface;

Fig. 3 is a rear view of the lockcase panel of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a configured (assembled) lock having an internal lock mechanism and mechanical handles protruding through each of the two lockcase panels;

Fig. 5 is an exploded view of the configured lock of Fig. 4 (excluding the mechanical handles);

Fig. 6 is a configured lock having different interfaces on each lockcase panel; and

Fig. 7 is a configured lock as in Fig. 6 but instead having the lockcase panels fitted to the opposite sides of the lockcase housing, hence with altered handedness.

Example 1 - Euro Cylinder Modular Lock

[0044] As illustrated in Fig.s 1-5, there is provided a housing (2) for a modular lockcase, in which are located a pair of U-channels (24) capable of receiving a pair of panels (4), one of which is shown in Fig. 2.

[0045] The panels (4) have protruding lips (30) which are slidable in and out of the housing's U-channels (24). These lips (30) can be seen also in Fig. 3 (rear view of panel). Furthermore, the panels (4) have an aperture (26) for inserting a mechanical handle (shown in Fig. 4 (6)) through the panel for access to the latchbolt (28), as well as a Euro cylinder interface (14) in the form of a domed escutcheon with an aperture to provide key access to a Euro cylinder lock mechanism fitted behind (shown in Fig. 4 (10)).

[0046] During assembly / configuration of the lock, the lock mechanism (10) is secured to an end plate (8) using a screw (20) that passes through a hole (32) in the end plate (8). The mechanism (10) is then sandwiched between the two panels (4), before the panels (4) are slid into their respective U-channels (24) in the housing (2) of the lockcase. Two screws (not shown) are passed through holes (22) in the end plate (8) and housing (2), so as to secure the end plate (8) and housing (2) together, as well as to secure the lock onto the gate or door to which it is to be fitted, e.g. by screwing through the box section of a gate bar to which the lock is to be fitted. Lastly, the end plate has another hole through which the latchbolt (28) of the lock mechanism protrudes. This is best illustrated in Fig. 5 which is an exploded view of the lock without the handle (6).

[0047] The lockcase is hence modular and can be easily repaired or modified or reconfigured at any time, e.g. by replacing one of the panels (4). Any such replacement panel may be e.g. blank or compatible with the lock mechanism (10).

Example 2 - Push button / Mechanical Keypad Modular Lockcase

[0048] Fig. 6 shows a modular lockcase having a housing (2) in which are located a number of clips (not shown) capable of receiving and securing a pair of panels (4).

[0049] During assembly / configuration of the lock, the lock mechanism (10) is secured to an end plate (8) using a screw (not shown) that passes through a hole (32) in the end plate (8). The panels (4) are slid into and clipped into the housing (2) of the lockcase, before the the mechanism (10) is slid between the two panels (4). Two screws (not shown) are passed through holes (22) in the end plate (8) and housing (2), so as to secure the end plate (8) and housing (2) together, as well as to secure the lock onto the gate or door to which it is to be fitted. Lastly, the end plate has another hole through which the latchbolt (28) of the lock mechanism protrudes.

[0050] The panels (4) have different interfaces. On one of the panels (4) is a push button interface (12), whereas on the other panel (4) is a mechanical keypad interface (16). As is commonly known in the art, the push button interface (12) works by a user pressing the button to activate a mechanism that retracts the latchbolt (28). The mechanical keypad interface (16), on the other hand, requires the user to input a code first before a knob can be turned to activate a mechanism that retracts the latchbolt (28).

[0051] The lockcase is hence modular and can be easily reconfigured at any time, e.g. by replacing one or both of the panels.

Example 3 - Mechanical Keypad / Push Button Modular Lockcase

[0052] As seen in Fig. 7, the lock shown here uses all the same modular components described above in Example 2.

[0053] Nevertheless, it can be seen that the lock has been reconfigured to change its handedness so that the interfaces (12, 16) are provided on opposite sides of the housing (2).

[0054] The invention hence provides a modular lockcase.

Claims

1. A lock comprising
a housing,
at least one lock mechanism in the housing and
at least two panels in the housing,
wherein the at least two panels are removably insertable into the housing, allowing assembly into a lock having a desired handedness.

2. A lock according to claim 1, comprising non-identical panels.

3. A lock according to any previous claim, comprising a lock interface to allow access to the at least one lock mechanism, wherein the lock interface is selected from a mechanical keypad, a digital keypad, an electrically-operated interface, a wirelessly-operated interface, a solenoid, a push button, a knob, a handle and an aperture for receiving a Euro cylinder lock mechanism, and wherein the lock interface is compatible with the lock mechanism.

4. A lock according to any previous claim, wherein an aperture is provided on at least one panel to allow access of a mechanical handle through the at least one panel to the at least one lock mechanism.

5. A lock according to any previous claim, wherein the housing comprises at least one U-channel for controlled sliding of at least one panel into and out of the housing.

6. A lock according to any previous claim, wherein the at least two panels are interchangeable so as to allow the handedness of the lock to be changed by interchanging the lock panels.

7. A lock according to any previous claim, wherein the lock is in modular form and comprises at least the following as modular components: the housing, a first lock panel, a second lock panel, a lock mechanism and, optionally, an end plate.

8. A lock according to any previous claim, wherein the lock mechanism comprises (i) a latchbolt, (ii) a deadbolt, or (iii) both a latchbolt and a deadbolt, and wherein the latchbolt and deadbolt, if present, are accessible through one or both of the lock panels.

9. A lock according to any previous claim, wherein the lock is provided as a kit, in dissembled form, with non-identical first and second lock panels, allowing assembly into a lock having a desired handedness.

10. A lock according to claim 9, wherein the kit providing the lock comprises a third lock panel.

11. A lockcase for a lock according to any previous claim, comprising the housing and at least two removably insertable panels that are interchangeable.

12. A replacement panel for a lock according to any previous claim, the replacement panel being interchangeable with one more of the panels of the lock.

13. A method of assembling a lock as defined in any previous claim, comprising
providing the housing, at least two panels and the mechanism and assembling these into the lock.

14. A method of assembling a lock according to claim 13, comprising
sandwiching the lock mechanism between the panels, and
inserting the sandwiched mechanism into the housing.

15. A method of assembling a lock, comprising
assembling a lock according to the method of either claim 13 or 14, disassembling the lock,
swapping the panels, and
reassembling the lock.

Drawing