Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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DOOR LOCK ASSEMBLY FOR A DWELLING
Related Applications
The present application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application
Serial No.
62/509,635, filed May 22, 2017, entitled, DOOR LOCK ASSEMBLY FOR A DWELLING;
and
the present application is also a continuation-in-part patent application of
U.S. patent application
Serial No. 15/200,749, filed July 01, 2016, and entitled DOOR LOCK ASSEMBLY
FOR A
DWELLING, which claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Serial
No. 62/187,580,
filed July 1, 2015, which is a continuation-in-part patent application of U.S.
patent application
Serial No. 14/194,284, filed February 28, 2014, entitled Door Lock Assembly
For A Dwelling,
now U.S. Patent No. 9,702,168, which claims priority to U.S. provisional
patent application
Serial No. 61/770,605, filed February 28, 2013, the contents of which are
herein incorporated by
reference.
Background of the Invention
Traditional entryways into a dwelling typically contain an entry door system.
The entry
door allows ingress and egress to the dwelling. A typical entry door system
includes a door
frame that includes a plurality of hinge mechanisms that pivotably mount a
door panel. The door
panel typically includes a handle that has a latch mechanism that cooperates
with a strike plate
mounted in the frame to hold the door in a closed position. One or more locks
can be provided
to secure or lock the door in the close position. These conventional locks
typically include a
handle based or mounted lock that locks or secures the latch in the deployed
position, thus
locking the door relative to the frame. In addition, entry door systems can
also include a
deadbolt that provides a further and separate means for locking the door in
the closed position.
A disadvantage of traditional door entry systems of this type are that they
have a single or
at most dual point of locking connection between the door panel and the frame.
Hence, by
applying the appropriate amount of force to the door panel at the locking
sites, the door panel can
typically be forced open. Further, the entry door system typically provides
one or more seals
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between the frame and the door in an attempt to provide a fluid tight seal.
However, the locking
mechanisms themselves do not function as sealing elements, and there is
typically an issue
associated with these types of door panel seals. In many instances, the seals
are not effective at
preventing the transfer of environmental elements such as noise, weather,
water, and insects from
one side of the panel to the other side.
Prior attempts have been made to address these issues by using various types
of weather
stripping between the panels and frame. For example, the weather stripping may
be a strip of
felt, foam, or a pile of flexible synthetic material. In many instances,
however, this weather
stripping fails to act as a sufficient seal between the door panel and the
frame. Another prevalent
issue associated with seals formed between the door frame and the door panel
or between
adjacent panels is that these seals can become disjoined. Either intentionally
or unintentionally,
the alignment between the frame and the panel or between adjacent panels may
be disturbed
which can degrade the quality of the seal, since, in many instances, the
integrity of the seal relies
upon these members having certain positional relationships relative to one
another.
Summary of the Invention
The present invention is directed towards a door panel based or a frame based
door lock
assembly or system that can lock, seal and secure an entrance to a dwelling.
The door lock
assembly of the present invention can be formed and mounted within a door
panel and has a
movable locking element that, when deployed, locks and seals the door to the
frame.
The present invention is directed to a door lock assembly that includes a
deadbolt or drive
assembly 720 that is adapted to mechanically cooperate with a movable locking
assembly 520 so
as to move the locking assembly between a locked position and an unlocked
position. The
present invention also includes a door latch assembly 810 that has integrated
therewith a coupler
element for coupling to the locking elements 522 of the movable locking
assembly 520. The
latch assembly operates independent of the operation of the locking assembly.
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The drive assembly of the present invention includes opposed housing parts
that are
adapted to mount or seat a hub element, a slider element, and a drive arm. The
hub element is
adapted to operate in connection with a manual operating element, such as a
latch element of a
deadbolt, to move the locking elements between the locked and unlocked
positions. The drive
arm includes a drive interface pin that is adapted to seat within a connector
portion that is
mounted within a chamber or cavity formed in at least one of the locking
elements. The movable
locking elements can include any selected number of locking elements, and
preferably have a
wedge-like shape.
The door latch assembly of the present invention has opposed housing parts
that are
adapted to house and seat a latch hub, a latch arm, and a biasing element. A
wedge coupler and a
latch element are also coupled to the housing to form an integrated latch
unit. The wedge
coupler is adapted to couple to an upper locking element at an upper end to a
lower locking
element at a lower end. The latch housing, wedge coupler, and latch element
are coupled
together through a series of hinge portions that are coupled together via a
latch pin.
According to another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a door
lock
assembly for use with a door. The door lock assembly includes a movable
locking assembly
having one or more elongated locking elements movable between a locked
position and an
unlocked position, a drive assembly coupled to the movable locking assembly
for moving the
locking assembly between the locked position and the unlocked position, and a
latch assembly
configured for coupling the door to a door frame. The locking elements are
elongated in an axial
direction that corresponds to the height or vertical direction of the door
panel.
The door lock assembly further includes an elongated frame element having a
main body
and a pair of opposed sides forming a channel therebetween, where one of the
sides has a first
connector portion formed integrally therewith and the frame element is sized
and configured for
mounting within an edge of the door. Specifically, a vertical channel is
formed along one side
edge of the door panel, and the frame element is mounted therein. Likewise, a
vertical channel is
formed along a corresponding edge or side of the door frame for mounting a
second frame
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member. The frame member within the door frame is adapted to seat at least a
portion of the
locking elements when disposed in the locked position.
According to another practice, the movable locking assembly includes a second
connector portion sized and configured for coupling to the first connector
portion of the frame
element, and wherein the movable locking assembly includes two or more
elongated wedge
shaped locking elements movable between the locked position and the unlocked
position. The
first connector portion of the frame element has a substantially C-shaped
configuration.
Further, the second connector portion of the movable locking assembly and the
first
connector portion of the frame element form a pivot region when coupled
together, thus enabling
the wedge shaped locking elements to move between the locked and unlocked
positions. Also,
when disposed in the unlocked position, the locking elements are disposed
substantially within
the channel formed in the frame element, and when disposed in the locked
position, at least a
portion of the locking elements extend outwardly from the channel of the frame
element.
Preferably, the wedge shaped locking elements seat within the channel formed
in the door frame.
According to another practice, the drive assembly comprises a housing having
opposed
first and second housing parts, a hub element having a latch element formed
thereon, a slider
element having a first end with a groove sized and configured for seating the
latch element of the
hub element and a second end having a hinge portion formed thereon, a drive
arm having a first
end with a hinge portion formed thereon that is adapted to mate with the hinge
portion of the
slider element and a second end having a drive interface pin formed thereon.
The drive interface
pin is adapted to be coupled to the movable locking assembly for moving the
locking assembly
between the locked and unlocked positions.
The drive assembly comprises a housing formed from first and second opposed
housing
parts that are configured to be mounted together, where the first housing part
includes a first end
having a head plate formed thereon, the head plate having a cut-out formed
therein, and a second
end having a first aperture and a first tab groove formed therein. The second
housing part has a
first end and a second end having a second aperture and a second tab groove
formed therein.
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The drive assembly further comprises a hub element having a latch element
formed
thereon where the hub element is sized and configured for seating within the
first and second
apertures, and a slider element having a main body having a first end with a
groove sized and
configured for seating the latch element of the hub element and a pair of tab
elements extending
outwardly therefrom from opposed sides of the main body. The tab elements are
sized and
configured for seating within the first and second tab grooves and the tab
elements are movable
within the first and second tab grooves. The main body also has a second end
having a hinge
portion formed thereon.
The drive assembly further comprises a drive arm having a first end with a
hinge portion
formed thereon that is adapted to couple with the hinge portion of the slider
element, and a
second end having a drive interface pin formed thereon, where the drive
interface pin is sized
and configured for seating within the cut-out of the head plate and extends
outwardly therefrom.
The drive interface pin is adapted to be coupled to the movable locking
assembly for moving the
locking assembly between the locked and unlocked positions.
The door lock also includes a locking element connector portion that is
coupled to the
locking element and has an aperture formed therein. The drive interface pin is
sized and
configured for seating within the aperture.
According to another practice, the latch assembly of the present invention
includes a
housing having opposed first and second housing parts where the first housing
part has a head
plate having a hinge portion formed thereon; a rotatable latch hub element
having an engagement
portion formed thereon; and a latch arm having a first end with first and
second opposed leg
elements where the engagement portion of the latch hub element is adapted to
engage the first
leg of the latch arm, and upon rotation of the latch hub, the engagement
portion moves the latch
arm in a linear direction, and a second end having a piston element formed
thereon. The latch
assembly further includes a wedge coupler disposed adjacent to the head plate
of the first
housing part and having a hinge portion formed thereon, and a latch element
having a hinge
portion formed thereon and a recess formed on an opposed end for seating a
least a portion of the
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piston element of the latch arm. The hinged portions of the first housing
part, the wedge coupler,
and the latch element cooperate together to form a single hinged assembly.
Specifically, the latch assembly includes a housing having opposed first and
second
housing parts. The first housing part has a first end having a head plate
formed thereon where
the head plate has a cut-out and has a hinge portion formed thereon, and a
second end having a
first aperture formed therein. The second housing part has a first end and a
second end where the
second end has a second aperture formed therein. The second housing part forms
in part a
chamber having an inner surface having a seat element integrally formed
thereon, where the seat
element has a boss element.
The latch assembly further includes a rotatable latch hub element having a
main body and
an engagement portion formed on the main body and extending outwardly
therefrom. The main
body of the latch hub element is sized and configured for seating within the
first and second
apertures of the first and second housing parts.
The latch assembly also includes a latch arm having a main body with a first
end and an
opposed second end. The main body further includes a cavity formed on a bottom
surface
thereof for seating a biasing element. The first end has formed thereon first
and second opposed
leg elements, wherein the engagement portion of the latch hub element is
adapted to engage the
first leg of the latch arm, and upon rotation of the latch hub, the engagement
portion moves the
latch arm in a linear direction. The second end has a piston element formed
thereon that is
adapted to seat within the cut-out of the head plate of the first housing
part, and wherein the
piston element includes a piston head that extends outwardly from the head
plate.
The movable locking assembly includes first and second elongated locking
elements
movable between the locked position and the unlocked position, and wherein the
latch assembly
further comprises a wedge coupler disposed adjacent to the head plate of the
first housing part,
wherein the wedge coupler has a main body having a first end, an opposed
second end, and an
intermediate portion. The intermediate portion has a hinge portion formed
thereon, wherein the
hinge portion is configured to be coupled to the hinge portion of the head
plate of the first
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housing part. The first end of the wedge coupler is adapted to be coupled to
the first locking
element and the second end of the wedge coupler is adapted to be coupled to
the second locking
element.
The latch assembly further comprises a latch element having a main body,
wherein the
main body includes a first end having formed thereon a hinge portion and a
second end having a
recess formed therein for seating the piston head of the latch arm. The hinged
portions of the
first housing part, the wedge coupler, and the latch element are coupled to
each other and
cooperate together to form a single hinged assembly for coupling the wedge
coupler to the latch
assembly in an integrated manner.
According to still another practice, the present invention is directed to a
door lock
assembly for use with a door, comprising a movable locking assembly disposed
within a recess
formed in an edge of a door panel having one or more movable wedge shaped
locking elements
disposable between a locked position and an unlocked position, a drive
assembly operatively
coupled to the movable locking assembly for moving the movable locking
elements between the
locked and unlocked positions, and a latch assembly configured for coupling
the door to a door
frame and operable independently of the movable locking assembly.
According to another feature of the present invention, which can be combined
with one
or more features of the above-described embodiments of the invention, a door
lock assembly for
use with a door comprised a first frame element configured for mounting within
the door having
a main body and a pair of opposed sides forming a first channel therebetween,
wherein one of the
sides has a connector portion coupled thereto; a movable locking assembly
pivotally coupled to
the connector portion of the frame element and having one or more elongated
locking elements
movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the
movable locking
assembly includes one or more locking elements having a main body having (i) a
locking
element connector portion disposed at one end thereof that is sized and
dimensioned for mating
engagement with the connector portion of the frame element, and (ii) a
plurality of first teeth
formed on an outer surface of the main body at a location different than the
locking element
connector portion; and a second frame element having a main body and forming a
second
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channel therein and being coupled to a support element having a plurality of
second teeth formed
thereon. When assembled, the locking element is disposed substantially within
the first channel
formed in the first frame element when disposed in the unlocked position, and
extends outwardly
from the first channel of the first frame element and extends at least partly
into the second
channel formed in the second frame element when disposed in the locked
position. Optionally
and yet further one or more of the plurality of first teeth of the locking
element are adapted to
selectively engage with one or more of the plurality of second teeth formed on
the support
element when a force is applied to the door. Optionally and still yet further,
the plurality of first
teeth of the locking element do not engage with the plurality of second teeth
formed on the
support element when a force is not applied to the door.
The movable locking assembly further comprises at least first and second
locking
elements each of which has a main body having a locking element connector
portion disposed at
one end thereof that is sized and dimensioned for mating engagement with the
connector portion
of the frame element, a coupler element having a main body having a first end
and a second end,
and a drive element having a main body having a first end and a second end.
When assembled,
the first end of the drive element is coupled to the first end of the coupler
element, the first
locking element is coupled to the second end of the drive element, and the
second end of the
coupler element is coupled to the second locking element, and wherein the
first end of the drive
element forms a coupler receiving end and has a cut-out formed therein.
The second channel of the second frame element is formed at a first end
thereof, and the
main body further comprises a third channel formed at an opposed end that is
sized and
configured for seating at least a portion of the door frame. The support
element is integrally
formed with the main body of the second frame element and is mounted within
the second
channel, and the support element is formed for example as a cross-brace,
although other shapes
are contemplated by the current invention. The cross-brace has a first leg
portion and a second
leg portion, and wherein the first and second leg portions of the cross-brace
are inclined relative
to each other, and wherein the plurality of second teeth are formed on one of
the first and second
leg portions.
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The movable locking assembly of claim 1, can also include a drive assembly
coupled to
the movable locking assembly for moving the locking assembly between the
locked position and
the unlocked position, and a latch assembly configured for coupling the door
to the door frame.
Still further, the present invention contemplates a door lock assembly for use
with a door,
comprising a first frame element configured for mounting within the door
having a main body
forming a first channel therein; a movable locking assembly disposed within
the channel formed
in the first frame portion and having one or more movable wedge shaped locking
elements
disposable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the
locking element has
a main body having a plurality of first teeth formed on an outer surface
thereof; and a second
frame element associated with a door frame and having a main body and forming
a second
channel therein and being coupled to a support element having a plurality of
second teeth formed
thereon.
The door assembly also includes a drive assembly operatively coupled to the
movable
locking assembly for moving the movable locking elements between the locked
and unlocked
positions, and a latch assembly configured for coupling the door to the door
frame and operable
independently of the movable locking assembly. When assembled, the locking
element is
disposed substantially within the first channel formed in the first frame
element when disposed in
the unlocked position, and extends outwardly from the first channel of the
first frame element
and extends at least partly into the second channel formed in the second frame
element when
disposed in the locked position, and wherein one or more of the plurality of
first teeth of the
locking element are adapted to selectively engage with one or more of the
plurality of second
teeth formed on the support element when a force is applied to the door.
Description of Illustrated Drawings
These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be more
fully
understood by reference to the following detailed description in conjunction
with the attached
drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout
the different views.
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The drawings illustrate principals of the invention and, although not to
scale, show relative
dimensions.
Figure lA is a perspective inner dwelling view of one embodiment of the door
lock
assembly or system of the present invention, and clearly illustrates the door
lock assembly
mounted within a door frame.
Figure 1B is a perspective view from outside the dwelling of the frame based
door lock
assembly of Figure lA according to the teachings of the present invention.
Figure 2A is a perspective view of the frame portion of the door lock assembly
according
to the teachings of the present invention.
Figure 2B is a perspective view of the frame portion of the door lock assembly
with a
portion removed for seating a modular control panel according to the teachings
of the present
invention.
Figure 2C is an unassembled perspective view illustrating the mounting of a
movable
locking element in the frame portion of the door lock assembly according to
the teachings of the
present invention.
Figure 2D is an assembled perspective view illustrating the mounting of the
movable
locking element in the frame portion of the door lock assembly with a portion
removed for
seating the modular control panel according to the teachings of the present
invention.
Figure 2E is an unassembled perspective view illustrating the mounting of the
control
panel to the frame and movable locking assembly of Figure 2D according to the
teachings of the
present invention.
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Figure 2F is an assembled perspective view illustrating the mounting of the
control panel
to the frame and movable locking assembly of Figure 2E according to the
teachings of the
present invention.
Figure 3 is a perspective view of a partial portion of the frame of the door
lock assembly
showing the mounting of guide pins for securing various components to the
frame according to
the teachings of the present invention.
Figure 4 is an exploded view of a portion of the elements of the door lock
assembly that
move the movable locking element between locked and unlocked positions
according to the
teachings of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a partially cut away view of the control panel of the door lock
assembly of the
present invention with the control panel removed.
Figure 6 is a perspective view of the manual control element according to the
teachings
of the present invention.
Figure 7 is an unassembled view of the ramp assembly according to the
teachings of the
present invention.
Figures 8A and 8B are perspective views of the movable locking element with
the ramp
assembly in unassembled and assembled form according to the teachings of the
present
invention.
Figure 9A is a front perspective view of selected components of the door lock
assembly
of the present invention disposed in the unlocked position.
Figure 9B is a top cross-sectional view of selected components of the door
lock assembly
of the present invention disposed in the unlocked position.
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Figure 10A is a front perspective view of selected components of the door lock
assembly
of the present invention disposed in the locked position.
Figure 10B is a top cross-sectional view of selected components of the door
lock
assembly of the present invention disposed in the locked position.
Figure 11A is a top cross-sectional view of selected components of the door
lock
assembly of the present invention disposed in the unlocked position and
showing the position of
the movable locking element relative to a door panel.
Figure 11B is a top cross-sectional view of selected components of the door
lock
assembly of the present invention disposed in the locked position and showing
the position of the
movable locking element relative to the door panel.
Figure 12 is a representation of an exemplary account registration interface
for use with a
suitable electronic device according to the teachings of the present
invention.
Figures 13A-13E are representations of an exemplary initial setup procedure
employing
set-up interfaces for the door lock assembly according to the teachings of the
present invention.
Figure 14 is a representation of an exemplary management interface 328 for
managing
the state of the door lock assembly according to the teachings of the present
invention.
Figures 15A-15C are representations of exemplary interfaces for offering
access rights to
a user that is not currently registered with the door lock assembly according
to the teachings of
the present invention.
Figure 16 is a representation of an exemplary administrative interface for a
particular
door lock assembly as identified in an identification frame assembly according
to the teachings
of the present invention.
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Figure 17 is a representation of an exemplary modification interface for
modifying a
user's rights assembly according to the teachings of the present invention.
Figure 18 is a representation of an exemplary search interface for searching
for available
locks according to the teachings of the present invention.
Figure 19 is a schematic representation of an electronic device suitable for
use with the
door lock assembly of the present invention and for performing one or more
lock operations
according to the teachings of the present invention.
Figure 20 is a schematic representation of a network implementation for use
with the
door lock assembly of the present invention that may be implemented in one or
more
embodiments.
Figure 21 is an exploded perspective view of the door lock assembly of the
present
invention according to a second embodiment, where the door lock assembly is
mounted within a
door panel.
Figure 22A is a cross-sectional view of the door panel based door lock
assembly of
Figure 21 showing the lock assembly disposed in the locked position according
to the teachings
of the present invention.
Figure 22B is a cross-sectional view of the door lock assembly of Figure 21
showing the
lock assembly disposed in the unlocked position according to the teachings of
the present
invention.
Figure 23A is a cross-sectional view of the door lock assembly of Figure 21
illustrating
the operation of a spring latch assembly of the door lock assembly according
to the teachings of
the present invention, and specifically illustrates the latch element of the
latch assembly disposed
in an engaged position.
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Figure 23B is a cross-sectional view of the door lock assembly of Figure 21
illustrating
the operation of a spring latch assembly of the door lock assembly according
to the teachings of
the present invention, and specifically illustrates the latch element of the
latch assembly disposed
in a disengaged position.
Figure 23C is a side view of the door latch assembly of the present invention
with a
portion of the external cover removed to illustrate the internal components as
the latch element
of the assembly is disposed in a retracted or stowed position.
Figure 23D is a side view of the door latch assembly of the present invention
with a
portion of the external cover removed to illustrate the internal components as
the latch element
of the assembly is disposed in an engaged or protruding position.
Figure 24A is a perspective view of a suitable deadbolt assembly configured
for use with
the door lock assembly of the present invention, and specifically illustrating
the actuator element
of the deadbolt assembly disposed in a retracted non-engaged position.
Figure 24B is a perspective view of a suitable deadbolt assembly configured
for use with
the door lock assembly of the present invention, and specifically illustrating
the actuator element
of the deadbolt assembly disposed in a projecting engaged position.
Figure 25A is a top view of a door latch assembly of the present invention.
Figure 25B is a side view of the door latch assembly of the present invention.
Figure 25C is a perspective view of a first side of the door latch assembly of
the present
invention.
Figure 25D is a perspective view of an opposed side of the door latch assembly
of the
present invention.
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Figure 26A is a perspective view of a spring latch element of the door latch
assembly of
the present invention.
Figure 26B is a perspective view of a piston guide or actuator element of the
door latch
assembly of the present invention.
Figure 26C is a perspective view of a latch hub element of the door latch
assembly of the
present invention.
Figure 26D is a perspective view of a latch piston element of the door latch
assembly of
the present invention.
Figure 27 is a perspective view of the movable locking element and associated
coupler
element of the door latch assembly of the present invention.
Figure 28A is a perspective view of the coupler element attached to a drive
element for
use with the movable locking element of the door latch assembly of the present
invention.
Figure 28B is a perspective view of the coupler element suitable for use with
the movable
locking element of the door latch assembly of the present invention.
Figure 28C is a perspective view of the coupler element suitable for use with
the movable
locking element of the door latch assembly of the present invention.
Figures 29A and 29B are perspective views of the movable locking element of
the door
latch assembly of the present invention showing the cut-out suitable for
accommodating the
actuator element of the deadbolt assembly.
Figure 30 illustrates a drive assembly of yet another embodiment of the door
lock
assembly according to the teachings of the present invention.
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Figure 31 is a perspective view of the assembled drive assembly of Figure 30
disposed in
an unlocked position according to the teachings of the present invention.
Figure 32 is a partial perspective view of the components of the drive
assembly of Figure
30 according to the teachings of the present invention.
Figure 33 is another perspective view of the components of the drive assembly
of Figure
30 according to the teachings of the present invention.
Figure 34 is a partial perspective view of the drive assembly with a housing
part removed
to show the inner components and coupled to a movable locking assembly
according to the
teachings of the present invention.
Figure 35 is a front view of a hub element of the drive assembly according to
the
teachings of the present invention.
Figure 36 is a perspective view of a connector portion used for coupling the
movable
locking assembly to the drive element according to the teachings of the
present invention.
Figure 37 is an exploded view of a latch assembly according to another
embodiment of
the invention.
Figure 38 is a perspective view of a latch hub of the latch assembly according
to the
teachings of the present invention.
Figure 39 is a perspective view of a latch arm of the latch assembly according
to the
teachings of the present invention.
Figure 40 is a perspective view of a housing part of the latch housing
assembly according
to the teachings of the present invention.
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Figure 41 is a perspective view of the other housing part of the latch housing
assembly
according to the teachings of the present invention
Figure 42 is a perspective view of a wedge coupler for coupling the door latch
assembly
to the movable locking assembly according to the teachings of the present
invention.
Figures 43A and 43B are perspective views of the latch element of the door
latch
assembly according to the teachings of the present invention.
Figure 44 is a perspective view of the assembled door latch assembly of Figure
37 with
the wedge coupler coupled thereto and hence integrated therewith according to
the teachings of
the present invention.
Figures 45 and 46 are partially broken perspective views of the door latch
assembly of
Figure 37 illustrating the internal components according to the teachings of
the present invention.
Figure 47 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the strike plate
according to the
teachings of the present invention.
Figure 48 is a perspective view of selected door components in isolation
showing the
mechanical coupling and cooperation between the drive assembly and the door
latch assembly
with the movable locking assembly, where the locking assembly is disposed in
the unlocked
position according to the teachings of the present invention.
Figure 49 is a perspective view of selected door components in isolation
showing the
mechanical coupling and cooperation between the drive assembly and the door
latch assembly
with the movable locking assembly, where the locking assembly is disposed in
the locked
position according to the teachings of the present invention.
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Figures 50 and 51 are partial views of the door locking system of the present
invention
showing the independent operation between the door latch assembly and the
movable locking
assembly according to the teachings of the present invention.
Figure 52 is a partial cross-sectional view of a door lock assembly according
to still
another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 53 is a perspective view of a door jamb frame element that forms part
of the door
lock assembly according to the teachings of the present invention.
Figure 54 is a partial cross-sectional view of the door lock assembly disposed
in an
unlocked position according to the teachings of the present invention.
Figure 55 is a partial cross-sectional view of the door lock assembly disposed
in a locked
position according to the teachings of the present invention.
Figure 56 is a cross-sectional view of a door jamb frame element that forms
part of the
door lock assembly according to the teachings of the present invention.
Figure 57 is a cross-sectional view of a locking element of the door lock
assembly
according to the teachings of the present invention.
Figure 58 is a cross-sectional view of a door panel frame element of the door
lock
assembly according to the teachings of the present invention.
Figure 59 is a partial cross-sectional view of selected components of the door
lock
assembly of the present invention illustrating the locking element disposed in
a locked position.
Figure 60 is a partial cross-sectional view of selected components of the door
lock
assembly of the present invention illustrating the locking element disposed in
an unlocked
position.
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Figures 61-63 are partial cross-sectional views of selected components of the
door lock
assembly of the present invention illustrating the locking element disposed in
various stages of a
locked position as a function of force applied to the door panel.
Detailed Description
The present invention is directed towards a frame based door lock assembly or
system
that can lock, seal and secure an entrance to a dwelling. The door lock
assembly of the present
invention is formed and mounted within a door frame and has a movable locking
element that,
when deployed, locks and seals the door to the frame. As used herein, the term
"dwelling" is
intended to include any partially or fully enclosed space that requires a
door, such as a residential
or commercial structure. Examples of dwellings contemplated by the present
invention include
houses.
The present invention is also directed towards a door panel based door lock
assembly or
system that can also lock, seal and secure an entrance to a dwelling. The door
lock assembly of
the present invention is formed and mounted within a door panel and has a
movable locking
element that, when deployed, locks and seals the door to the frame.
The present invention is also directed towards a system and method for a user
to register
the door lock assembly and to control and manage the state and access rights
of the door lock
assembly of the present invention.
Figures lA and 1B are perspective views of one embodiment of the door lock
assembly
of the present invention. According to this embodiment, the door lock assembly
is a frame based
door lock assembly 20 that is primarily and essentially mounted within a door
frame 10. The
illustrated door frame has a pair of door jambs 12, 14 and a header 16.
Although not illustrated,
the door frame can also include a door sill and can form part of an assembly
that includes a pre-
mounted or pre-hung door panel. The illustrated door jamb 14 is presently
shown as the hinged
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door jamb for mounting door hinges and the door jamb 12 is presently shown as
the strike plate
door jamb since it is configured to mount the strike plate of a door handle
assembly. Although
presently shown as a right mounted and hence swinging door, those of ordinary
skill in the art
will readily recognize that the door panel and hence the door lock assembly
can be mounted on
or to either door jamb depending on whether the door is a left or right
swinging door.
As shown in Figures 2A - 2F and 3, the door lock assembly 20 includes a frame
element
26 that forms part of the door jamb 12 of the door frame. The frame element
can be mated to
any particular exterior skin in order to give the frame element a finished
appearance. The frame
element can be formed from any suitable material capable of supporting and
retaining the
necessary door lock components, while providing the door frame with the
required strength and
rigidity. According to a preferred embodiment, the door frame is made of
extruded aluminum.
The illustrated frame element 26 includes a relatively flat portion 27 having
a front
surface and a back surface. The front surface of the frame element has formed
thereon a number
of surface features or protrusions. Specifically, the front surface of the
frame element includes a
channel housing 29 that forms a channel 28 therein. The channel is sized for
accommodating
any suitable wiring that needs to run along the door jamb. For example,
according to one
embodiment, the channel accommodates power conduits that connect at one end to
the control
panel and at the other end to a suitable power source. Examples of suitable
power sources
include door bell wiring and the like. The power conduits can include any
suitable wiring or
cable, such as electrical wiring, Ethernet cables and the like.
The front surface of the flat portion 27 of the frame also includes an
integrally formed
outwardly projecting lock connector portion 30 that includes a relatively flat
extension 30A that
has integrally formed therewith a curved connector element 30B that forms a
lock receiving
groove 30C. The lock receiving groove 30C is adapted to seat and mount a
portion of the
movable locking element 90 (Figures 2C-2D). The locking element 90 is coupled
to the groove
30C by slidingly inserting the locking element into the groove from a top
portion of the frame.
Once seated within the groove 30C, the locking element 90 is captured and
retained therein. The
locking element portion that seats within the groove forms a pivoting portion
that allows the
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locking element to move between the unlocked (Figures 9A, 9B, and 11A) and
locked (Figures
2D, 10A, 10B, and 11B) positions as described in detail below. Moreover, the
spatial separation
between the channel housing 29 and the lock connector portion 30 forms a
channel 92 that is
sized for seating and housing the movable locking element. The locking element
90 can be any
suitable rail-type locking element that is capable of moving when actuated
between the locked
and unlocked positions. According to this embodiment, the locking element has
a generally
wedge shaped configuration.
With reference to Figures 2E and 2F, the illustrated frame element 26 also has
a cut-out
portion 36 that is sized and dimensioned so as to receive the control panel
22. The control panel
is configured so as to seat on the multi-contoured frame element, and hence
has a surface that is
complementary in shape to at least portions of the frame element. The control
panel also mounts
a portion of the door lock assembly, such as the actuation mechanisms as well
as most of the
electronics of the assembly. The control panel can be a modular component that
is relatively
easily removable and replaceable. When mounted to the frame element 26, the
control panel is
also adapted to integrate with any decorative finish assembly or skin 31. As
will be readily
understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, the skin is a finish surface
that is intended to
match the interior finish of the dwelling or is relatively paintable.
As shown in Figures 3 through 7, the door lock assembly 20 includes a control
panel 22
that includes most of the electronics of the door lock assembly of the present
invention. Those of
ordinary skill will readily recognize that the electronics can also be
distributed throughout the
door frame. The control panel 22 includes a cover panel 24 (see Figures 1 and
2) that covers the
components mounted therein while concomitantly being integrated with the frame
in such a
manner as not to interfere with the operation of the door panel and door
locking assembly. The
cover panel 24 can be configured to mount or display any desired combination
of components.
For example, the cover panel 22 of the control panel 22 can be configured to
seat a keypad for
key pad initiated communication with the control panel (see Figures 1 and 2).
Alternatively, the
cover panel 24 can include a display, such as a touch screen, for allowing a
user to communicate
with the control panel. The cover panel can also have selected ports formed
therein that are sized
and dimensioned for mounting any suitable device, such as for example a visual
indicator such as
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an LED, an audio indicator such as a speaker, a battery 58, a microphone, a
camera, one or more
detectors such as a motion detector, one or more optical sensors, a circuit
board having a
processor and storage elements, other suitable electronics and the like. Those
of ordinary skill
will readily recognize that the cover panel can be configured to accommodate
any suitable device
necessary or desired for communication with the control panel or actuation of
the door lock
assembly.
The control panel 22 includes a motor 32 for providing the power necessary to
actuate the
door locking assembly. The motor 32 includes a cam 34 that mounts to a shaft
33 of the motor.
The cam is formed as an eccentric member that has a flanged end with a pin
receiving aperture
formed therein. The cam 34 is in turn coupled to a drive plate 40 via a cam
pin 38 that serves to
directly connect the plate to the cam. The cam when rotated by the motor shaft
moves in a
reciprocating manner, and this reciprocating motion is transferred to the
drive plate 40. The
shape of the cam element helps limit or define the axial movement of the drive
plate 40.
The illustrated drive plate 40 includes, when viewed from the front, a
substantially
vertically disposed and axially extending lock connector portion 42 and an
integrally formed,
substantially horizontally disposed and axially extending cam connector
portion 44. According
to one embodiment, the lock connector portion 42 and the cam connector portion
44 are
perpendicular relative to each other. The illustrated lock connector portion
42 includes a series
of channels that allow for substantially linear movement of the drive plate
when driving a
locking element between the locked and unlocked positions, as explained below
in further detail.
Specifically, the drive plate 40 includes a first elongated channel 50 that is
sized and configured
for seating a fastener 62. The fastener is adapted to couple to a guide pin 72
for securing the
drive plate to the frame element 26 of the lock assembly 20. The fastener 62
when mounted and
seated within the channel 50 is adapted to travel within the channel upon
movement of the drive
plate, thus guiding the drive plate when moving in the axial direction A. The
fastener thus
operates to help secure the drive plate to the door frame while concomitantly
ensuring that the
drive plate moves or translates in a horizontal or axial direction (i.e., a
direction perpendicular to
the axis of the motor and the door frame).
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The lock connector portion 42 of the drive plate 40 also includes a pair of
parallel
channels 52, 54 that are horizontally spaced in the axial direction from the
channel 50. The
channels 52 and 54 are also sized and configured for seating fasteners 64 and
66, respectively.
The length of the channels 52, 54 are sized to allow translation of the drive
plate in the axial
direction without impeding movement thereof. The fasteners 64 and 66
threadingly engage with
the guide pins 74 and 76, respectively, for also securing the drive plate to
the frame element.
The lock connector portion of the drive plate also includes a vertically
extending groove 56 that
seats an end portion of a drive pin 80. The drive plate at a terminal or
axially outwardly most
end terminates in a cut-out or groove. The groove 86 is sized and configured
for seating a
portion of a ramp assembly 100. Those of ordinary skill will readily recognize
that the
illustrated drive plate 40 can have any shape or configuration suitable for
converting the
rotational movement of the motor into linear movement of the plate, while
concomitantly seating
or mounting the required mechanical components.
As further illustrated in Figures 3 through 7, and with particular reference
to Figures 4
and 7, the door lock assembly 20 further includes a ramp assembly 100. The
ramp assembly 100
includes a ramp member 102 that is formed from a top portion 104 and a bottom
portion 106.
The top portion 104 is a multi-angled component that has formed at a first
axial end 108 a
generally flat overlay portion 110 that is adapted to overlay and be disposed
in intimate facing
contact with one end of the bottom portion 106 of the ramp member. The flat
overlay portion
110 has formed therein one or more fastener receiving apertures 136 for
receiving one or more
fasteners, such as the illustrated fasteners 138. The top portion 104 has
formed at an opposed
second terminal end 112 a flattened portion 116 that terminates in a tab
portion 114. The top
portion also includes a pair of intermediate sections including a sloped
surface 118 that
transitions to an intermediate portion 119. The intermediate portions extend
between the
opposed terminal ends 108, 112. The sloped surface is configured and
positioned to engage the
movable locking member in a manner such that the movable locking member moves
along the
sloped surface, displacing at least a portion of the locking member from the
channel 92.
The bottom portion 106 of the ramp member 102 includes a multi contoured top
surface
126 and a multi-stepped bottom surface 128 that are bounded at each end by a
flattened first
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terminal end 122 and a flattened second terminal end 124. The first terminal
end 122 includes
one or more fastener receiving apertures that are also adapted to seat the
fasteners 138, and the
opposed second terminal end 124 includes a flattened portion that has a tab
engaging channel
formed therein. The bottom surface 128 includes a series of steps that extend
between the
terminal ends and the step surface disposed adjacent the second terminal end
124 forms a drive
plate engaging surface 132 sized and configured for seating within the groove
86 of the drive
plate 40.
The multi contoured top surface 126 includes an initial flat surface 140
disposed adjacent
the second terminal end 124 that transitions to a sloped surface 142 that has
a rounded top
portion that transitions to a detent groove 120 for seating a portion of the
movable locking
element when engaged therewith.
The bottom portion 106 and the top portion 104 of the ramp member 102 can be
assembled together by inserting the tab portion 114 of the top portion of the
ramp member into
the tab engaging channel 130. When so assembled, the overlay portion 110 of
the top portion
overlies and mates with the first terminal end 122 of the bottom portion 106.
When so
assembled, the holes formed in the first ends of the top and bottom portion
are aligned so as to
receive the fasteners 138. The fasteners and the tab portion disposed in the
channel 130 help
secure the top and bottom portions of the ramp member together.
The illustrated door lock assembly also includes a pivot mechanism 150. The
pivot
mechanism 150 includes an aperture 156 formed at one end. The pivot mechanism
is secured to
the frame by way of fastener 152 that passes through the aperture 156 and
seats within the guide
pin 154. The guide pin in turn is secured to the frame element 26. A pair of
drive pins 80, 158
can also be coupled to the pivot mechanism. The first drive pin 80 seats
within a corresponding
aperture formed in a bottom portion of the pivot mechanism and is sized and
configured for
seating in the U-shaped channel 56 of the drive plate. The second drive pin
158 seats within an
aperture formed in a top portion, and specifically, an extension portion, of
the pivot mechanism
and is sized for seating in a channel 174 formed on a rear surface of a manual
control element
170.
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With reference to Figures 4-6 and 9A-9B, the manual control element 170 is
adapted to
seat within the door jamb in the vicinity of the control panel. As such, the
control panel can be
formed with a corresponding cut-out that exposes a portion of the manual
control element.
When mounted within the door jamb, one or more portions of the manual control
element are
movable in the vertical direction between locked and unlocked positions.
According to a
preferred embodiment, the manual control element is disposed along the
interior side of the door
jamb. The illustrated manual control element 170 includes a latch portion 176
that has a front
surface 176A and a back surface 176B. The front surface of the latch portion
includes a recess
196 that seats a manipulation element 178, such as a knob, for allowing a user
to manipulate the
manual control element 170 so as to move the element between the locked and
unlocked
positions. Those of ordinary skill will readily recognize that the
manipulation element can have
any suitable shape, such as a lever, tab and the like. The manipulation
element is movable in a
longitudinal direction within the recess.
The illustrated manual control element 170 also includes a guide portion 180
and a flange
182 extending outwardly the back surface 176B of the latch portion 176. The
guide portion 180
includes a pair of substantially parallel channels 184, 186. The inner channel
184 has an overall
length that is smaller than the length of the outer channel 186, and the inner
channel 184 is offset
from the outer channel 186 in the longitudinal direction of the guide portion.
The inner channel
184 is adapted to seat a fastener 188 that is coupled to a guide pin 190
disposed on the opposed
side of the channel. The outer channel 186 is adapted to seat a pair of
fasteners 192, each of
which is coupled to a guide pin 194. Similar to the other guide pins, the
guide pins 190, 194
secure selected elements of the door lock assembly to the frame element.
As shown in Figures 2C-2F, 3, 7 and 8A-8B, the movable locking element 90 can
be
formed as a single integrated component and is adapted to seat within both of
the receiving
groove 30C of the lock connector portion 30 of the frame element and the
channel 92. The
movable locking element 90 includes a main body that has formed on a first
side a pivoting rail
96 sized and dimensioned for seating by way of an interference fit in the lock
receiving groove
30C. The movable locking element 90 has formed on an opposed side a ramp rail
98 adapted for
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engagement with the ramp assembly 100. Those of ordinary skill in the art will
readily
recognize that the movable locking element can be formed from separate and
distinct
components that are secured or coupled together. The ramp assembly is coupled
to the
illustrated movable locking element 90. Specifically, the bottom portion 106
of the ramp
member 102 is positioned so that the ramp rail 98 of the movable locking
element 90 contacts a
top surface of the bottom portion, and specifically seats within the detent
groove 120 formed on
the top surface of the ramp element portion 106. The top portion 104 of the
ramp assembly 100
is then seated over the ramp rail portion and the second terminal end 112 is
positioned beneath
the pivoting rail 96. Specifically, the tab portion 114 of the flattened end
portion 116 is seated
within the channel 130 formed in the second terminal end 124 of the bottom
portion 106. The
fasteners are seated within the apertures 136 to secure the top and bottom
ramp portions together.
When assembled, the pivoting rail 96 contacts the top surface of the ramp
portion 104. The ramp
rail 98 is freely movable within or between the assembled top and bottom ramp
portions.
In operation, when the door lock assembly is fully assembled and integrated
within the
door frame, the movable locking element 90 can be moved between an unlocked
position where
the element is stored within the frame and specifically within the groove 92,
and a locked
position where the movable locking element is moved pivotably outwardly from
the groove 92
so as to seat within a channel formed in a side of the door panel. With
reference to the foregoing
Figures, and with particular reference to Figures 9A-11B, the control panel 22
includes suitable
electronics for actuating the door lock assembly 20. The door lock assembly
can be actuated by
any suitable actuation device, either electrical or mechanical or both, such
as a wireless
component, including for example, a key fob, smartphone, tablet, watch or any
other suitable
mobile electronic or mechanical device. The wireless device can communicate
with the door
lock assembly either through radio frequency waves such as WiFi or Bluetooth,
or through
infrared. The actuation device hence is capable of operating as a universal
key in the sense that
the device is not restricted to opening a particular entry into a dwelling,
but rather operates as an
identity based device since it is personal to the user.
When the unit is not actuated, the lock can be disposed for example in the
unlocked
position (Figures 9A-9B and 11A). When disposed in this position, the cam
portion of the motor
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is disposed in a rightward most position so that the cam pin 38 coupled
thereto pulls or moves
the drive plate into a rightward most position. The fastener 62 is positioned
within the drive
plate channel 50 at a leftmost end. The ramp assembly 100 that is seated
within the cut-out 86 of
the drive plate is also disposed in a rightward most position. In this
position, the ramp rail is
removed from the detent groove and seats in a lower region of the top surface
of the bottom
portion 106 of the ramp assembly 100. In this position, the movable lock
element is stowed or
seated within the channel 92 and does not extend outwardly therefrom to seat
within a channel
18A formed within the door panel 18.
When the unit is actuated, as shown in Figures 10A, 10B and 11B, the movable
locking
element is moved from the unlocked position into the locked position. In order
to actuate the
locking element, a signal is sent from an actuation device (not shown) to the
door lock assembly
20. The electronics within the door lock assembly actuate the motor 32. The
motor rotates its
axis, as indicated by arrow 201, so as to move the attached cam element 34 in
a lateral direction
from the rightmost position to a leftmost position, as indicated by arrow 200.
As the cam
element moves in this direction, it drives the drive plate 40 in the lateral
direction 200, which in
turn moves the ramp assembly 100. When the ramp assembly 100 is moved in the
lateral
direction, the ramp rail 98 captured between the top and bottom portion of the
ramp assembly
moves along the inclined outer surface of the bottom portion 106 until the
ramp rail seats within
the detent groove 120. As the ramp rail is moving along the top surface of the
bottom ramp
portion, the pivoting rail 96 of the movable locking element 90 pivots within
the lock receiving
groove 30C. This combined movement moves the movable locking element 90 from
the stowed
(retracted) unlocked position into the deployed locked position. The outer
surface of the locking
element moves into the channel 18a formed in the door panel and sealingly
engages or mates
with an engaging portion 204 of the sealing element 202 mounted within the
channel 18A. The
sealing element can be any suitable weather stripping element.
When the locking element 90 contacts the engaging portion 204 of the sealing
element
202, the locking element forms a strong sealing and locking connection.
Indeed, any additional
force applied to the door panel from an outside surface or side enhances and
strengthens the
sealing contact between the locking element 90 and the sealing element 202.
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Those of ordinary skill will readily recognize that the battery 58 housed
within the door
lock assembly 20 can power one or more of the other components of the assembly
either directly
or indirectly. The battery can be charged during periods of non-use by a power
source, such as
through any local electrical connection.
The control panel 22 which forms part of an overall control box can be formed
as a
modular component. As such, if the control box needs to be replaced, the old
box can be
disconnected or removed from the frame and a new box can be installed. Hence,
the control box
is a removable and replaceable component of the door lock assembly 20.
Another feature of the present invention is that the door lock assembly 20 can
be
constructed so that the motor drives the drive plate, cam and hence locking
element into the
locked or unlocked position to provide a final sealing function, if moved into
the locked position,
or a final stowing function if moved into the unlocked position.
In further operation, the door lock assembly may be controlled by a suitably
programmed
computing device. In one exemplary embodiment, the computing device may be a
mobile
computing device such as a cell phone, smart phone, watch, tablet computer, or
customized
device such as a fob, or any other suitable electronic device. The computing
device may include
a wireless transmitter, such as a radio antenna, for wirelessly communicating
with the lock. It
should be noted that the lock may be controlled by any alternative means which
include a
method for identifying a user, such as by entering a user-assigned pin number
on a keypad, or
biometric authentication (e.g., using a fingerprint, facial recognition, voice
commands, or other
means), among other possibilities.
The computing device may be programmed to set up and manage a door lock
assembly at
one or more access points in a dwelling or other secured area, which may
include identifying the
specific lock, designating an owner or administrator for the lock, and
registering users who have
rights to perform actions with respect to the lock. Such actions may include
locking or
unlocking the door lock assembly, viewing the current status of the lock
(e.g., "locked" or
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"unlocked"), accessing a camera associated with the lock, viewing a log of
when the lock's status
was changed, etc. Furthermore, such actions may include administrative
actions, such as
recognizing and registering a new lock, inviting users to have access rights
to the lock, restricting
users from using the lock and/or limiting access rights for existing users of
the lock.
Actions and rights may be applied to a particular door lock assembly, or may
be applied
together to a group of locks organized into common locations (e.g., the "My
House" location
may have a Front Door lock, a Back Door lock, and a Garage Door lock).
Similarly, individual
users may be managed using the computing device, or users may be grouped
together and
managed as a group.
Access and/or administrative rights over locks may be restricted to certain
times for
particular users. For example, a user may be assigned "guest" access rights
which last for a
specified period of time (e.g., one week) or until a specified time (e.g.,
until April 1 at 6:00 PM).
Exemplary interfaces for setting up and administering a lock and managing
users of the
lock are described below, with reference to Figures 12-18. Although Figures 12-
18 depict
exemplary interfaces such as those that might be found on actuation devices,
such as smart
phones or key fobs, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize
that the interfaces of
Figures 12-18 are intended to be exemplary. Any of the exemplary interfaces
described below
may be implemented on any suitable device. Suitable interfaces for controlling
and/or
administering locks implemented as part of a door lock assembly may include
more, fewer, or
different elements than those depicted in Figures 12-18.
In order to gain rights to access and manage locks, a user may first register
an account, as
shown in the exemplary account registration interface 300 of Figure 12.
The account registration interface 300 may include an identification dialog
302 for
entering an identifier, such as a name. The identifier may be, for example, an
alphanumeric
string. The identifier may be used to identify the account associated with the
user.
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The account registration interface 300 may further include a code entry 304
for entering a
secret or non-public code associated with the user's account. The code may be
required in order
to take actions related to the account, such as changing the status of a lock
to which the account
has access rights and/or administering a lock (e.g., adding guest users to the
lock). The code
may be selected by the user, or may be assigned by the registration software
(e.g., by choosing a
random number). The pin may be, for example, alphanumerical or strictly
numerical.
Optionally, the account registration interface 300 may include a remote
administration
option 306. The remote administration option may allow the user's account
settings to be stored
in a remote location, such as a centralized server. This option allows for
account recovery, in
case the user's account information is accidentally deleted from the local
actuation or mobile
device. Furthermore, by saving the user's account information remotely, the
user can access the
account from a device that is different than the actuation device on which the
original account
registration was completed.
In one embodiment, no account or lock information is saved remotely. Rather,
the
account and lock information resides solely on the user actuation devices and
the locks
themselves. For example, the lock may be provided with a non-transitory
storage medium which
is in physical contact or short range wireless communication (e.g., less than
100', or as
determined by typical ranges associated with a short-range wireless protocol
such as a typical
WiFi transmitter or Bluetooth transmitter) with the locking mechanism. Thus,
all the "keys"
associated with the lock may be stored securely in the locking mechanism
itself. In this way,
there is no central storage location which could be compromised, thereby also
compromising all
the locks and user accounts stored in the central storage location. Hence, the
actuation or mobile
device operates or functions as a universal key since it can be programmed to
open any particular
lock in any particular dwelling. As such, the actuation device can be deemed
to be an identity
based device since it is associated with the user and whether that user has
permission to enter a
specific dwelling rather than a lock specific device.
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When a user wishes to register a new lock so that the lock may be managed, the
user may
perform an initial setup procedure for the lock using registration software,
as shown in Figures
13A-13E.
Figure 13A depicts an exemplary search interface 308 for locating a new door
lock
assembly. A status bar 310 may indicate whether the registration software has
identified the
lock. For example, the registration software may attempt to contact the lock
using a suitable
protocol and/or algorithm, such as a WiFi or Bluetooth "handshake."
The lock and/or registration software may be provided with authentication
capabilities to
ensure that only an authorized user sets up the lock. For example, the lock
may be configured to
respond only to a handshake from a predetermined setup account. Upon
purchasing the lock, the
user may be provided with information allowing the user to access the
predetermined setup
account (e.g., an access code unique to the lock which, when entered into the
registration
software, allows the registration software to communicate with the lock), and
thereby set up the
lock.
Once the registration software has successfully connected to the lock, the
interface 308
may be updated so that the status bar indicates the identity of the lock, as
shown in Figure 13B.
The lock may be identified, for example, by a registration number or name. An
interface
configuration element 312, such as a button or slider, may be provided for
configuring the lock.
Upon selecting the interface configuration element 312, a configuration
interface 314
may be presented for configuring basic information about the lock, as depicted
in Figure 13C.
The configuration interface 314 may include fields, such as field 316, for
entering a name for the
lock and a location for the lock.
Multiple door lock assemblies may be associated with a particular location,
such as by
assigning the locks a common location identifier. In one embodiment, locks
with a common
location identifier may be administered and/or accessed together as a group or
a single entity.
For example, if a user is given access rights to lock/unlock a particular
location (e.g., "John's
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House"), then the user may lock or unlock any and/or all locks associated with
the location (e.g.,
"John's Front Door" or "John's Back Door").
A graphic identification element 318 may be provided for allowing a user to
create or
select a graphic representing the lock. For example, the graphic
identification element 318 may
present an option to select an existing photograph, such as a photograph
stored on the user's
mobile phone or on a remote server, to represent the lock. Alternatively or in
addition, if the
registration software detects that it is running on a device (such as a mobile
phone) that is
equipped with a camera, the graphic identification element 318 may prompt the
user to take a
picture of the lock or the fixture in which the lock is installed (e.g., a
door, garage door, window,
etc.). The picture may be used to identify the lock. Alternatively or in
addition, the registration
software may be provided with preconfigured graphics that may be used to
represent the lock.
Upon selecting the graphic identification element 318, the user may be
presented with the
preconfigured graphics and prompted to select a preconfigured graphic to
represent the lock.
Upon selecting or creating a graphic to represent the lock, an editing
interface 320 may
optionally be presented, as shown in Figure 13D. The user may use the editing
interface 320 to,
for example, scale, crop, brighten or darken, or otherwise adjust the created
or selected graphic.
After the lock is set up, the registration software may prompt the user to
define an
administrator for the lock in an administrator interface 322, as depicted in
Figure 13E. The lock
administrator is entitled to change lock settings, view logs associated with
the lock, and invite
other users to use (e.g., lock and unlock) the lock, among other
possibilities. A lock may have
more than one administrator.
The administrator may be a permanent administrator, or a temporary
administrator may
be defined. The administrator interface may include a timeline configuration
tool with a starting
input 324 and an ending input 326. The starting input 324 and the ending input
326 may be used
to identify, respectively, when the administrator's term as an administrator
begins and ends. A
permanent administrator may be established by setting, for example, the
starting input 324 to
"immediately" and the ending input 326 to "never." A temporary administrator
may be
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established by setting specific starting and ending times defining the
temporary administrator's
term. If a temporary administrator is established and the temporary
administrator's term expires
without providing a new administrator, then the temporary administrator may be
prompted to
select a new administrator.
When an administrator is removed from a lock, the lock may optionally be
placed into
escrow. This may be particularly applicable when a property such as a house is
sold and
administration of the locks on the house is passed to a new owner. Secure
ownership of locks
associated with a particular location may be transferred to a third party,
such as an escrow
company. When ownership of the property is transferred to a new owner, the
escrow company
may transfer ownership and administration privileges for the locks to the new
owner as well.
Similarly, if a transfer is made directly from the old owner to the new owner,
the old
owner may securely relinquish access rights directly to the new owner by
specifying that the new
owner should become an administrator on a certain date, and by specifying that
the old owner's
administration privileges expire on that date.
Alternatively, the old owner may relinquish administration privileges without
specifying
a new administrator. In this case, the lock may return to a factory-default
setting and await a
claim by an owner with the lock's original predetermined setup information. In
another
embodiment, the old owner may specify a code that, when entered by the new
owner, causes
ownership and/or administration privileges of the lock or locks at a
particular location to pass to
the new owner.
In the above-described embodiments, a user device such as a mobile phone may
be
configured to function with (e.g., administer or access) a lock by registering
the lock with a user
account associated with the user device. It should be noted that multiple user
devices may be
registered with the user account.
For example, if a user account is initially set up on a mobile device such as
a phone, the
user may also authorize a custom fob to work with the user account. The mobile
device may
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take ownership of the fob by programming the fob with a group ID or location
ID associated
with a location (e.g., a group of locks that are related to each other or in
proximity to each other,
such as locks on a particular house), or an account ID associated with the
user account. A device
ID and/or token associated with the fob may similarly be added to the user
account (e.g., in a
database or data structure on the mobile device or a central server which
stores registration
information for user accounts). Any number of hardware devices and/or access
methods may be
associated with a user account.
In a similar manner, a hardware device that is associated with a user account
may be
removed from the user account and/or associated with a different user account.
Thus, ownership
of the hardware device may be securely transferred between users.
Alternatively or in addition to the above registration procedures, a user who
initially does
not have access rights to access a particular lock may request such access
rights.
The lock may be a private lock associated with one or more owners, as noted
above, or
may be a common, public, or shared lock which may be accessible by a user if
the user meets
certain criteria. For example, a restroom may have a lock that is only
accessible by users of the
appropriate gender. In some cases, any member of the public may request access
to the public
lock, while in other cases access to the lock may be restricted (e.g., an
employees' restroom may
be accessible only to people who work at a particular company).
The user may approach the lock with a mobile device, fob, or other device and
place both
the lock and the device into a pairing mode. This may be accomplished in a
single action, for
instance by tapping the device to the lock. Alternatively, the lock and device
may be separately
placed into pairing mode by issuing commands to the lock and/or device.
The lock and device may attempt to pair with each other and, if successful,
the lock
and/or device may identify that the device is not authorized to access the
lock. Accordingly, a
message may be displayed to the user on the device indicating that the user
does not have access
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to the lock, and querying whether the user would like to request access. The
device may accept
the user's request to access the lock.
If the lock is a private lock, the request may be transmitted to one or more
owners of the
lock, who may then approve or deny the request. If the request is approved,
the user may be
provided with the necessary privileges to access the lock, as described in
more detail below.
Alternatively or in addition, the owner may simply be notified that the user
is waiting at the lock
(e.g., through a bell or chime similar to a doorbell), in which case the owner
may remotely
unlock the door. In another embodiment, tapping an unauthorized device to the
lock may cause
the device to initiate a telephone call or video chat with the owner of the
lock.
If the lock is a public lock, an interface may be presented for entering
information about
the user of the device. The information may include identifying information,
such as a name
and/or a phone number, and/or may be descriptive. The descriptive information
may be used to
determine whether the user is permitted to access the lock. In the example
above regarding the
restroom, the user may be queried as to whether they are male or female. Once
the information
is entered, the lock, device, and/or a remote server may determine, based on
the user's responses,
the user is authorized to access the lock. The lock may store records,
including the entered
information and/or a timestamp, relating to attempts to access the lock by the
electronic device.
In this way, a history of which users entered the room secured by the lock may
be maintained.
In some situations, the user may be requested to provide authenticating
information to
determine whether the user is permitted to access the lock. For example, if
the lock secures an
employees' restroom as in the example above, the user may be asked to provide
their employee
ID number, login password, or another identifier.
Accordingly, users without access to a private or public lock may request that
they be
granted access to the lock.
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After initial setup, users with appropriate access rights to the lock may
manage the state
of the lock through a suitable interface. For example, Figure 14 depicts an
exemplary
management interface 328 for managing the state of the lock.
The management interface 328 may include a selection mechanism 330 for
choosing a
particular lock associated with the user's account. In the exemplary
management interface 328,
two locks are associated with the user account, as indicated by the two dots
in the center/top of
the display, and the selection mechanism allows for a selection of one of the
two locks to be
made. Identification indicia 332 provides general information about the
currently-selected lock,
such as a name and/or address of the lock and a graphic representing the lock.
A locking mechanism 334, such as a button or a slider, may be presented for
changing the
status of the lock (e.g., to "locked" or "unlocked"). The locking mechanism
334 may display the
current status of the lock, or the current status may be displayed separately
from the locking
mechanism 334.
Upon activating the locking mechanism 334, a signal may be sent to a
processing device
associated with the lock, which actuates the lock to change the lock's status
to reflect the user's
selection. In exemplary embodiments, the user device may communicate with the
lock through a
wireless signal, such as a Bluetooth signal. The user device may be pre-
paired with the lock or
otherwise preauthorized to use the lock so that the user device can simply
transmit a "lock" or
"unlock" signal without the requirement of discovering the lock and performing
initial setup
when the lock is first encountered.
In one embodiment, the lock may communicate with user devices through a
courier that
connects the lock to a secure remote server. Accordingly, user devices may not
communicate
with the lock except through a secure connection. In other embodiments, the
lock may
communicate directly with user devices using a secure protocol.
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Upon receiving a lock or unlock signal, the lock may automatically take action
to actuate
the internal locking mechanism (as described in detail above), thereby locking
or unlocking the
lock.
A log of actions taken with respect to the lock may be maintained and viewed
by certain
users who have the right to access the log. For example, every time the lock
is unlocked or
locked, the time and user who initiated the action may be noted in the log.
When additional
users are given rights to the lock or when existing users are restricted from
using the lock or have
access rights restricted, such administrative changes may also be noted in the
log. The log may
be stored on a computing device associated with an administrator of the lock,
at a central
location connected to the lock and/or users of the lock through a network, or
on the lock itself.
The management interface 328 may include a log summary 336 describing the most
recent action take with respect to the lock. For example, the log summary 336
may display the
last time the lock's status was changed, what the status was changed to, and
which user changed
the status. This information may be retrieved from the log if the user has
sufficient privileges to
view the information in the log. If the user does not have sufficient access
rights to view the log,
then the registration software may abstain from displaying the log summary
336.
A user with administrator rights to a lock may invite additional users to have
access
rights to the lock. For example, Figures 15A-15C show exemplary interfaces for
offering access
rights to a user that is not currently registered with the lock.
The registration software may access a contacts list 338 of the administrator,
as shown in
Figure 15A. The contacts list may display one or more contacts 340 which may
be selected by
the administrator to assign the contact 340 access rights to the lock. The
contacts list 338 may be
derived, for example, from a contacts list on the administrator's mobile
device (e.g., a phone
directory or email contacts list) or any other suitable electronic device,
such as a computer.
Upon selecting a user 340, the administrator may be presented with a user
administration
interface 342, as shown in Figure 15B. The user administration interface 342
may include a list
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344 of locks to which the user may be given access rights. The list 344 may
include each lock
that the administrator is capable of assigning access rights to. The list 344
may also include the
locks associated with a particular location (e.g., "Home"). Checkboxes on the
list 344 may allow
the administrator to select which locks, from those available, to which the
user will be given
rights.
An access rights level selector 346 may be provided to assign different sets
of access
rights to the user. For example, a user who is designated is a "guest" may
have rights to change
the status of a lock (e.g., to lock or unlock the door lock assembly). A user
who is designated as
an "administrator" may be permitted to invite other users to have access
rights over the lock.
A temporal limitation selector 348 may allow the administrator to define a
time period for
which the invited user is permitted to access or administer the lock. The user
may be given
permanent rights to the lock by assigning a start time of "immediately" and an
end time of
"never." Alternatively, the user may be given temporary rights by defining a
particular time
frame in which the user is permitted to access the lock.
Upon selecting a user and configuring the user's rights with respect to the
lock, an
invitation may be generated and transmitted to the user. For example, the
invitation may be sent
to a mobile device defined by an identifier associated with the user in the
contacts list 338 (e.g., a
phone number or an email address).
When the invitation is sent to the user, the user may be presented with an
invitation
interface 350, as depicted in Figure 15C. The user may be presented with an
indication of the
location 352 of the lock, the name of the administrator 354 who sent the
invitation, and an option
356 to accept or decline the invitation.
If the invitation is accepted, the lock may be added to the user's account.
For example,
the user's mobile device or fob may include a non-transitory storage medium
storing one or more
tokens, where each token represents a lock or group of locks to which the user
has access rights.
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In one embodiment, locks may be represented on a client-side storage medium as
participants in a "chat room." One or more chat rooms on the client device may
represent
locations to which the client has access rights (e.g., "My House"). Within the
chat room, one or
more locks may be represented as participants (e.g., in the "My House" chat
room, participants
may include "My Garage," "My Front Door," "My Back Door," etc.). When
approaching a
particular location defined by a chat room (as determined, e.g., by GPS
coordinates), the
members of the chat room may be determined and any requisite setup may be
performed (e.g.,
pre-pairing the user device with the lock, as described in more detail below)
so that the user can
simply approach the lock and request that the lock be opened.
Thus, details about which locks a user has access to may be stored directly on
the user's
device, thereby turning a single "key" (i.e., the user's device) into an
access mechanism opening
any lock to which the user has rights. Instead of the conventional technique
where a key
provides access to a single lock, in exemplary embodiments of the present
invention a key is tied
to a user's identity and may open any lock to which the user has been assigned
access rights.
The lock may be pre-paired with the user's device so that the user will be
able to
immediately change the status of the lock without the need to search for,
discover, and/or
initially pair with the lock. For example, the invitation may include pairing
information for the
lock (such as an identifier, access code, protocol, and/or frequency which may
be used to
communicate with the lock) so that the user's device may be preconfigured with
sufficient
information to allow the user's device to communicate with the lock
immediately. In this
manner, the user device may be preauthorized to communicate with the lock.
A user with sufficient rights may be presented with administrative details
regarding the
lock. For example, Figure 16 depicts an exemplary administrative interface 358
for a particular
lock as identified in an identification frame 360.
The administrative details may include options 362 for enabling auto-locking
and auto-
unlocking of the door lock assembly. When auto-locking or auto-unlocking is
enabled, the status
of the lock may be changed based on the proximity of the user's device to the
lock. When the
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user's device approaches to within a predetermined distance of a door panel of
the dwelling or
enclosure where the door lock assembly is disposed in the locked position, the
lock may detect
the presence of the user's device and automatically move the lock into the
unlocked position.
The presence of the user's device may be determined, for example, by using a
predetermined
wireless signal such as a Bluetooth signal or a Wi-Fi signal. The distance to
the device may be
determined, among other options, using a Global Positioning System (GPS)
signal, triangulation
with cellular towers or other wireless transmitters/receivers.
Furthermore, the administrative details may include a list 364 of users who
have access
rights (as administrators and/or as guests) to the door lock assembly. Using
the list 364, the user
accessing the administrative interface 358 may access a profile of the
selected user to determine
what rights the user has with respect to the identified lock 360. If the user
accessing the
administrative interface 358 has sufficient rights, the user may be presented
with a removal
option 366 to remove all access rights from a selected user in the list 364.
Thus, a user with administrator privileges may remove a user's registration
from a
particular lock, thereby eliminating the removed user's rights to access the
lock. Alternatively, a
user may remain registered with the lock, but their rights may be modified
(e.g., by adding or
removing administrator privileges from the user, by changing a temporary guest
user into a
permanent user, or by changing a permanent user into a temporary guest user,
among other
possibilities).
Figure 17 depicts an exemplary modification interface 1700 for modifying a
user's rights.
As shown in Figure 17, the modification interface 368 is similar to the
registration interface 322
of Figure 13E. Using the modification interface 368, the administrator may
modify which locks
the selected user has access rights to, the level of access rights that the
selected user is provided,
and the timeframe in which the user is permitted to exercise the access
rights.
A user may also wish to determine whether they have access rights in a
particular lock.
Accordingly, a user may search for existing locks in order to (for example)
request access to the
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lock from the lock's owner or identify the presence or level of access rights
that the user has with
respect to a particular lock.
Figure 18 depicts an exemplary search interface 370 for searching for
available locks.
The search interface 370 may include a search bar 372. A user may enter
identifying
information, such as a name of a lock or an address or location, into the
search bar 372 in order
to locate locks matching the identifying information. The user device may
search among known
locks, either from information stored locally on the user device or centrally
on a remote server, to
determine which locks match the searched identifying information. Matching
results may be
shown in a results list 374.
A lock administrator may choose to have their lock appear in search results,
or not appear
in search results. In one embodiment, locks may appear in a user's search
results only if the lock
is administered by a person in the user's contact list (e.g., on the user's
mobile phone).
One or more of the above-described acts may be encoded as computer-executable
instructions executable by processing logic. The computer-executable
instructions may be stored
on one or more non-transitory computer readable media. One or more of the
above described
acts may be performed in a suitably-programmed electronic device.
Figure 19 depicts an example of an electronic device 400 that may be suitable
for use
with one or more acts disclosed herein. The electronic device 400 may take
many forms,
including but not limited to a computer, workstation, server, network
computer, Internet
appliance, mobile device, a smart phone, a pager, a tablet computer,
application specific
processing device, etc.
The electronic device 400 is illustrative and may take other forms. For
example, an
alternative implementation of the electronic device 400 may have fewer
components, more
components, or components that are in a configuration that differs from the
configuration of
Figure 19. The components of Figure 19 and/or other figures described herein
may be
implemented using hardware based logic, software based logic and/or logic that
is a combination
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of hardware and software based logic (e.g., hybrid logic); therefore,
components illustrated in
Figure 19 and/or other figures are not limited to a specific type of logic.
The processor 402 may include hardware based logic or a combination of
hardware based
logic and software to execute instructions on behalf of the electronic device
400. The processor
402 may include logic that may interpret, execute, and/or otherwise process
information
contained in, for example, the memory 404. The information may include
computer-executable
instructions and/or data that may implement one or more embodiments of the
invention. The
processor 402 may comprise a variety of homogeneous or heterogeneous hardware.
The
hardware may include, for example, some combination of one or more processors,
microprocessors, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application specific
instruction set
processors (ASIPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), complex
programmable
logic devices (CPLDs), graphics processing units (GPUs), or other types of
processing logic that
may interpret, execute, manipulate, and/or otherwise process the information.
The processor
may include a single core or multiple cores 403. Moreover, the processor 402
may include a
system-on-chip (SoC) or system-in-package (SiP).
The electronic device 400 may include one or more tangible non-transitory
computer-
readable storage media for storing one or more computer-executable
instructions or software that
may implement one or more embodiments of the invention. The non-transitory
computer-
readable storage media may be, for example, the memory 404 or the storage 416.
The memory
404 may comprise a RAM that may include RAM devices that may store the
information. The
RAM devices may be volatile or non-volatile and may include, for example, one
or more DRAM
devices, flash memory devices, SRAM devices, zero-capacitor RAM (ZRAM)
devices, twin
transistor RAM (TTRAM) devices, read-only memory (ROM) devices, ferroelectric
RAM
(FeRAM) devices, magneto-resistive RAM (MRAM) devices, phase change memory RAM
(PRAM) devices, or other types of RAM devices.
One or more computing devices 400 may include a virtual machine (VM) 405 for
executing the instructions loaded in the memory 404. A virtual machine 405 may
be provided to
handle a process running on multiple processors so that the process may appear
to be using only
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one computing resource rather than multiple computing resources.
Virtualization may be
employed in the electronic device 400 so that infrastructure and resources in
the electronic
device may be shared dynamically. Multiple VMs 405 may be resident on a single
computing
device 400.
A hardware accelerator 406 may be implemented in an ASIC, FPGA, or some other
device. The hardware accelerator 406 may be used to reduce the general
processing time of the
electronic device 400.
The electronic device 400 may include a network interface 408 to interface to
a Local
Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN) or the Internet through a variety
of
connections including, but not limited to, standard telephone lines, LAN or
WAN links (e.g., Ti,
T3, 56kb, X.25), broadband connections (e.g., integrated services digital
network (ISDN), Frame
Relay, asynchronous transfer mode (ATM), wireless connections (e.g., 802.11,
Bluetooth ),
high-speed interconnects (e.g., InfiniBand, gigabit Ethernet, Myrinet) or some
combination of
any or all of the above. The network interface 408 may include a built-in
network adapter,
network interface card, personal computer memory card international
association (PCMCIA)
network card, card bus network adapter, wireless network adapter, universal
serial bus (USB)
network adapter, modem or any other device suitable for interfacing the
electronic device 400 to
any type of network capable of communication and performing the operations
described herein.
The electronic device 400 may include one or more input devices 410, such as a
keyboard, a multi-point touch interface, a pointing device (e.g., a mouse), a
gyroscope, an
accelerometer, a haptic device, a tactile device, a neural device, a
microphone, or a camera that
may be used to receive input from, for example, a user. Note that electronic
device 400 may
include other suitable I/0 peripherals.
The input devices 410 may allow a user to provide input that is registered on
a visual
display device 412. A graphical user interface (GUI) 414 may be shown on the
display device
412.
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A storage device 416 may also be associated with the computer 400. The storage
device
416 may be accessible to the processor 402 via an I/0 bus. The information may
be executed,
interpreted, manipulated, and/or otherwise processed by the processor 402. The
storage device
416 may include, for example, a storage device, such as a magnetic disk,
optical disk (e.g., CD-
ROM, DVD player), random-access memory (RAM) disk, tape unit, and/or flash
drive. The
information may be stored on one or more non-transient tangible computer-
readable media
contained in the storage device. This media may include, for example, magnetic
discs, optical
discs, magnetic tape, and/or memory devices (e.g., flash memory devices,
static RAM (SRAM)
devices, dynamic RAM (DRAM) devices, or other memory devices). The information
may
include data and/or computer-executable instructions that may implement one or
more
embodiments of the invention
The storage device 416 may store files 418, applications 420, and the
electronic device
1900 can be running an operating system (OS) 1926. Examples of OS 422 may
include the
Microsoft Windows operating systems, the Unix and Linux operating systems,
the MacOS
for Macintosh computers, an embedded operating system, such as the Symbian OS,
a real-time
operating system, an open source operating system, a proprietary operating
system, operating
systems for mobile electronic devices, or other operating system capable of
running on the
electronic device and performing the operations described herein. The
operating system may be
running in native mode or emulated mode.
The storage device 416 may store details relating to a user account 424
associated with
the electronic device 400. For example, the user account 424 may include an
account ID and
information pertaining to the user who owns or operates the electronic device
400.
The storage device 416 may further include one or more data structures
corresponding to
the above-described chat room 426. The chat room 426 may be represented, for
example, as a
database, table, matrix, or other data structure which identifies a location
or user account, and an
identifier representing locks within the location, or locks to which the user
account a user who
has access rights to the lock. The identifier may be, for example, an
alphanumeric string or a
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token. Alternatively, the chat room 426 may identify a user, and furthermore
identify all of the
locks to which the user associated with the user account 424 has access
rights.
One or more embodiments of the invention may be implemented using computer-
executable instructions and/or data that may be embodied on one or more non-
transitory tangible
computer-readable mediums. The mediums may be, but are not limited to, a hard
disk, a
compact disc, a digital versatile disc, a flash memory card, a Programmable
Read Only Memory
(PROM), a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Read Only Memory (ROM),
Magnetoresistive
Random Access Memory (MRAM), a magnetic tape, or other computer-readable
media.
Figure 20 depicts a network implementation that may implement one or more
embodiments of the invention. A system 428 may include a computing device 400,
a network
430, a service provider 432, a server 434, and a cluster 436. The embodiment
of Figure 20 is
exemplary, and other embodiments can include more devices, fewer devices, or
devices in
arrangements that differ from the arrangement of Figure 20.
The network 430 may transport data from a source to a destination. Embodiments
of the
network 430 may use network devices, such as routers, switches, firewalls,
and/or servers (not
shown) and connections (e.g., links) to transport data. Data may refer to any
type of machine-
readable information having substantially any format that may be adapted for
use in one or more
networks and/or with one or more devices (e.g., the computing device 400, the
service provider
432, etc.). Data may include digital information or analog information. Data
may further be
packetized and/or non-packetized.
The network 430 may be a hardwired network using wired conductors and/or
optical
fibers and/or may be a wireless network using free-space optical, radio
frequency (RF), and/or
acoustic transmission paths. In one implementation, the network 430 may be a
substantially
open public network, such as the Internet. In another implementation, the
network 430 may be a
more restricted network, such as a corporate virtual network. The network 2012
may include
Internet, intranet, Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN),
Metropolitan Area
Network (MAN), wireless network (e.g., using IEEE 802.11), or other type of
network The
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network 2012 may use middleware, such as Common Object Request Broker
Architecture
(CORBA) or Distributed Component Object Model (DCOM). Implementations of
networks
and/or devices operating on networks described herein are not limited to, for
example, any
particular data type, protocol, and/or architecture/configuration.
The service provider 432 may include a device that makes a service available
to another
device. For example, the service provider 432 may include an entity (e.g., an
individual, a
corporation, an educational institution, a government agency, etc.) that
provides one or more
services to a destination using a server and/or other devices. Services may
include instructions
that are executed by a destination to perform an operation (e.g., an
optimization operation).
Alternatively, a service may include instructions that are executed on behalf
of a destination to
perform an operation on the destination's behalf.
The server 434 may include a device that receives information over the network
430. For
example, the server 434 may be a device that receives user input from the
computer 400.
The cluster 436 may include a number of units of execution (UEs) 438 and may
perform
processing on behalf of the computer 400 and/or another device, such as the
service provider 432
or server 434. For example, the cluster 436 may perform parallel processing on
an operation
received from the computer 400. The cluster 436 may include UEs 438 that
reside on a single
device or chip or that reside on a number of devices or chips.
The units of execution (UEs) 438 may include processing devices that perform
operations
on behalf of a device, such as a requesting device. A UE may be a
microprocessor, field
programmable gate array (FPGA), and/or another type of processing device. UE
438 may
include code, such as code for an operating environment. For example, a UE may
run a portion
of an operating environment that pertains to parallel processing activities.
The service provider
432 may operate the cluster 436 and may provide interactive optimization
capabilities to the
computer 400 on a subscription basis (e.g., via a web service).
Units of Execution (UEs) may provide remote/distributed processing
capabilities for the
applications 420. A hardware unit of execution may include a device (e.g., a
hardware resource)
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that may perform and/or participate in parallel programming activities. For
example, a hardware
unit of execution may perform and/or participate in parallel programming
activities in response
to a request and/or a task it has received (e.g., received directly or via a
proxy). A hardware unit
of execution may perform and/or participate in substantially any type of
parallel programming
(e.g., task, data, stream processing, etc.) using one or more devices. For
example, a hardware
unit of execution may include a single processing device that includes
multiple cores or a
number of processors. A hardware unit of execution may also be a programmable
device, such
as a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated
circuit (ASIC), a
digital signal processor (DSP), or other programmable device. Devices used in
a hardware unit
of execution may be arranged in many different configurations (or topologies),
such as a grid,
ring, star, or other configuration. A hardware unit of execution may support
one or more threads
(or processes) when performing processing operations.
A software unit of execution may include a software resource (e.g., a
technical computing
environment) that may perform and/or participate in one or more parallel
programming
activities. A software unit of execution may perform and/or participate in one
or more parallel
programming activities in response to a receipt of a program and/or one or
more portions of the
program. A software unit of execution may perform and/or participate in
different types of
parallel programming using one or more hardware units of execution. A software
unit of
execution may support one or more threads and/or processes when performing
processing
operations.
The term 'parallel programming' may be understood to include multiple types of
parallel
programming, e.g. task parallel programming, data parallel programming, and
stream parallel
programming. Parallel programming may include various types of processing that
may be
distributed across multiple resources (e.g., software units of execution,
hardware units of
execution, processors, microprocessors, clusters, labs) and may be performed
at the same time.
For example, parallel programming may include task parallel programming where
a
number of tasks may be processed at the same time on a number of software
units of execution.
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In task parallel programming, a task may be processed independently of other
tasks executing,
for example, at the same time.
Parallel programming may include data parallel programming, where data (e.g.,
a data
set) may be parsed into a number of portions that may be executed in parallel
using, for example,
software units of execution. In data parallel programming, the software units
of execution and/or
the data portions may communicate with each other as processing progresses.
Parallel programming may include stream parallel programming (sometimes
referred to
as pipeline parallel programming). Stream parallel programming may use a
number of software
units of execution arranged, for example, in series (e.g., a line) where a
first software unit of
execution may produce a first result that may be fed to a second software unit
of execution that
may produce a second result given the first result. Stream parallel
programming may also
include a state where task allocation may be expressed in a directed acyclic
graph (DAG) or a
cyclic graph.
Other parallel programming techniques may involve some combination of task,
data,
and/or stream parallel programming techniques alone or with other types of
processing
techniques to form hybrid-parallel programming techniques.
The foregoing description may provide illustration and description of various
embodiments of the invention, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit
the invention to the
precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations may be possible in light
of the above
teachings or may be acquired from practice of the invention. For example,
while a series of acts
has been described above, the order of the acts may be modified in other
implementations
consistent with the principles of the invention. Further, non-dependent acts
may be performed in
parallel.
In addition, one or more implementations consistent with principles of the
invention may
be implemented using one or more devices and/or configurations other than
those illustrated in
the Figures and described in the Specification without departing from the
spirit of the invention.
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One or more devices and/or components may be added and/or removed from the
implementations of the figures depending on specific deployments and/or
applications. Also,
one or more disclosed implementations may not be limited to a specific
combination of
hardware.
Furthermore, certain portions of the invention may be implemented as logic
that may
perform one or more functions. This logic may include hardware, such as
hardwired logic, an
application-specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array, a
microprocessor,
software, or a combination of hardware and software.
No element, act, or instruction used in the description of the invention
should be
construed critical or essential to the invention unless explicitly described
as such. As used
herein, the article "a" is intended to include one or more items. Where only
one item is intended,
the term "a single" or similar language is used. Further, the phrase "based
on," as used herein is
intended to mean "based, at least in part, on" unless explicitly stated
otherwise. In addition, the
term "user", as used herein, is intended to be broadly interpreted to include,
for example, an
electronic device (e.g., a workstation) or a user of an electronic device,
unless otherwise stated.
Figures 21 through 29B illustrate various views and components of a second
embodiment
of the door lock assembly 500 of the present invention. According to this
embodiment, the door
lock assembly 500 is a door panel based door lock assembly that is primarily
and essentially
mounted within a door panel 18. Like elements are designated with like
reference numerals
through out the various Figures and views. The door panel 18 can be a
separately installed unit
or can form part of a pre-hung or pre-mounted door assembly that includes the
door frame 10.
The general components of the door frame 10 have been previously described
herein in
connection with the first embodiment of the present invention. Although
presently shown as a
left side mounted and hence swinging door, those of ordinary skill in the art
will readily
recognize that the door panel 18 and hence the door lock assembly 500 can be
mounted in either
side of the door panel and door jamb depending on whether the door is a left
or right swinging
door.
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Figure 21 is an exploded perspective view of the door lock assembly 500 of the
present
invention. As illustrated, the door panel 18 has a vertical groove or channel
502 that is sized and
dimensioned for seating a frame element 510 that serves to securely couple the
movable locking
assembly or element 520 to the door panel when assembled. The frame element
510 is secured
to the door panel when mounted within the channel by a pair of header plates
506 that can be
fastened to the door panel 18 by known conventional fasteners, such as screws,
and which seat
within corresponding grooves formed in the top and bottom of the door panel.
Similarly, a channel or groove 504 is formed within the door jamb of the door
frame 10.
A frame element 550 is mounted or seated within the channel 504 and is secured
therein
according to known techniques. For example, the frame element can be secured
therein by
fasteners, by an adhesive, or by known pressure fit techniques.
The door panel 18 can also have one or more holes or apertures 505, 507 formed
therein
for mounting for example a door handle or latch assembly 600 and a deadbolt
assembly 570.
The door panel apertures can be formed therein by a user or other skilled
professional or can be
pre-drilled by the manufacturer. As shown in Figure 21, a first aperture 505
is formed in the
door panel and is of a conventional size that is sufficient to mount a
deadbolt assembly 570. The
deadbolt assembly can be any conventional commercially available deadbolt
assembly or can be
a specially designed assembly that is customized for operation with the
movable locking
assembly 520 while concomitantly providing specific additional functionality,
such as one or
more of the functionalities set forth above in connection with the first
embodiment. The door
panel 18 may also have a second aperture 507 formed therein. The aperture 507
is suitable for
mounting any commercially available door latch assembly or the door latch
assembly 600 as
described below.
As illustrated in Figures 21, 22A and 22B, the illustrated frame element 510
of the door
panel has a main body that includes a relatively flat back or base portion 512
and a pair of
outwardly projecting sides or leg portions 514, 515. The leg portion 514 of
the frame element
510 includes a lock connector portion 516 that is sized and configured for
cooperatively
mounting at least a portion of the movable locking assembly 520. The lock
connector portion
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516 includes a curved connector element or portion 516A that extends outwardly
therefrom and
which forms a lock receiving groove 516B. The curved connector portion 516A
can have any
suitable shape sufficient to receive and engage at least a portion of the
movable locking assembly
and to allow movement of the assembly when coupled thereto. As shown, the
curved connector
portion can have a generally C-shaped design. The lock receiving groove 516B
is adapted to
seat and mount a portion of the movable locking assembly 520. The movable
locking assembly
520 is coupled to the groove 516B by slidingly inserting at least a portion of
the locking
assembly into the groove from a top portion of the frame element. Once seated
within the
groove 516B, the locking assembly 520 is captured and retained therein. The
locking assembly
portion that seats within the groove forms a pivoting portion that allows at
least a portion of the
locking assembly to pivot about a point corresponding to the lock connector
portion between a
locked position (Figures 22A and 24B) and an unlocked position (Figures 22B
and 24A), as
described in further detail below. Moreover, the spatial separation between
the lock connector
portion 516 and the leg portion 515 forms a channel or space 518 that is sized
and dimensioned
for seating and housing the locking element 522.
Those of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the frame
element 510 can
have any suitable shape or configuration, provided that the shape is suitable
for its intended
purpose. The illustrated frame element 510 can be made of any suitable
material, and is
preferably made of aluminum.
With reference to Figures 21, 22A-23B, and 27-29B, the movable locking
assembly 520
of the present invention can comprise a plurality of interconnected
components. The illustrated
assembly 520 includes one or more, and preferably a pair, of movable locking
elements 522, 522
that are adapted to pivot into and out of the space 518 formed by the frame
element 510. Each of
the movable locking elements 522 has a main body 524 that includes a
connecting portion 526
formed at a first end. The connecting portion 526 is sized and dimensioned for
seating within the
groove 516B formed in the lock connector portion 516 of the frame element 510.
The
connecting portion 526 can have any suitable shape or configuration that
allows the connecting
portion to seat within and move relative to the lock connecting portion 516.
According to one
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practice, the lock connector portion has a shape that is complementary to the
shape of the groove
516B, and preferably has a substantially C-shaped configuration.
The opposed end or an intermediate portion of the main body 524 of the locking
element
522 has a groove 586 formed therein that is adapted to mount a resilient
member 528. The
resilient member 528 provides a sound dampening function during operation of
the door lock
assembly. Specifically, the resilient member 528 is adapted to contact one leg
portion 515 of the
frame element when the locking assembly is disposed in the locked or
protruding position, as
shown in Figure 22A. The resilient member is the only portion of the locking
element to contact
the frame element 510, thus helping reduce the noise created when the locking
assembly contacts
the frame element. This substantially eliminates a loud, unwanted clicking
noise when the
locking element is moved between the locked and unlocked positions.
The main body 524 of the illustrated locking element 522 has opposed ends, the
first end
of which, as set forth above, includes the connecting portion 526 and the
opposed second end
wraps around to form in essence a hollow passage 590. The actuator of the
deadbolt assembly
described below is positioned in part within this passage during operation.
The main body of the
locking element also includes a notch or cut-out portion 588. The notch allows
the locking
element, when assembled to the frame element 510 mounted in the door panel, to
seat about the
actuator of the deadbolt assembly.
The illustrated locking element 522 can have any selected size and shape,
provided that
the locking element is capable of contacting the frame element 550 of the door
frame in order to
lock or secure the door panel 18 to the frame 10. The locking element 522 can
be any suitable
rail-type locking element that is capable of moving when actuated between the
locked and
unlocked positions. According to this embodiment, the locking element has a
generally wedge-
shaped configuration. The locking element can be made from any suitable
material, and is
preferably composed of aluminum. The resilient member can also have any
selected size, shape
or configuration, and can be composed of any suitable material, such as
rubber.
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The movable locking assembly 520 also includes an intermediate coupler element
530
and a drive element 540, as shown for example in Figures 28A-28C. The
intermediate coupler
element 530 has a main body 531 that has a narrow intermediate portion 532 and
wider end
portions 533 and 534. The end portions have a skirt or flange portion 535 and
536, respectively,
formed thereon at inner portions of the end region. The end portions 533, 534
also terminate at
outer end regions in narrow connecting bosses 537, 538 that are opposed to the
skirt portions
535, 536. As shown the bosses are narrower than the other portion or region of
the end region.
The bosses can have formed thereon any suitable connecting or securing
element, such as for
example locking tabs 539 that enable the intermediate coupler element 530 to
be securely
coupled to the locking element and/or the drive element 540.
The illustrated drive element 540 also has a main body 541 that includes a
central
rectangular portion that has an elongated channel 542 formed therein. The
drive element 540 has
a first coupler receiving end 543 having a general cut-out portion 544 and a
tab hole 545 that is
sized and dimensioned for mounting over and engaging a respective end portion
534 of the
intermediate coupler element 530. When coupled thereto, the end portion 543 of
the drive
element 540 seats over the boss 538 such that the tab 539 is positioned within
the tab hole 545.
This helps secure the drive element to the intermediate coupler element 530.
The drive element
540 also includes a second opposed end 546 that extends outwardly from the
main body and
which has a partially formed channel or groove 547 formed thereon. The boss
537 formed on the
end portion 533 of the intermediate coupler element 530 is coupled to one of
the locking
elements 522, and the second end of the drive element 546 when coupled to the
end portion 534
of the intermediate coupler element 530 is coupled to the other locking
element 522.
The drive element 540 helps constrain and trap an actuator mechanism, as
described
below, such that when the actuator moves the movable locking assembly into the
locked
position, it contacts and exerts a force on a portion of the drive element,
such as the second end
546. The drive element in turn exerts a force on the locking elements 522
since they are coupled
together. This in turn moves the locking elements into the locked position.
Further, when the
actuator mechanism moves the movable locking assembly 520 into the unlocked
position, the
actuator pulls back away from the drive mechanism and hence contacts (as shown
in Figure 22B)
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in inner portion or lip of the locking element to drive the locking elements
into the unlocked
position.
The various elements of the movable locking assembly 520 as illustrated in the
Figures
and as described herein can be formed of any suitable material, and is
preferably formed of
aluminum.
As illustrated in Figures 21, 22A and 22B, the frame element 550 is mounted in
a channel
that is formed in the jamb of the door frame 10. The frame element 550 has a
main body 552
that has formed therein a central channel 554 that is sized and dimensioned
for receiving at least
a portion of the locking elements 522 when disposed in the locked position.
The main body 552
of the frame element 550 also includes a secondary groove 556 that is adapted
to receive a
resilient member 558. During use, the locking element when moved from the
unlocked position
to the locked position contacts the resilient member rather than the main body
552. The resilient
member 558 hence also provides a sound dampening function during operation of
the door lock
assembly (similar to the resilient member 528) by reducing the sound that the
system makes
when the locking element is moved into the locked position. Specifically, the
locking elements
522 are adapted to contact the resilient member 558 rather than the frame
element 550 when the
locking assembly is disposed in the locked or protruding position, as shown in
Figure 22A. The
resilient member 558 is the only portion of the frame element 558 to contact
the locking
elements 522, thus helping reduce the noise created when the locking assembly
contacts the
frame element. This substantially eliminates a loud, unwanted clicking noise
when the locking
element engages the frame element.
The door lock assembly 500 of the present invention also contemplates the use
of an
actuator mechanism for moving the locking assembly between the locked and
unlocked
positions. The actuator mechanism can optionally form part of the door lock
assembly, although
this element can also be separately provided, such as being formed for example
as part of a
deadbolt assembly. According to the current embodiment, the actuator mechanism
can be a
deadbolt assembly 570. As illustrated in Figures 22A, 22B, 24A and 24B, the
deadbolt assembly
570 can be mounted in the bore or aperture 505 formed in the door panel 18.
The deadbolt
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assembly includes a general housing 572 that includes a face plate 574 that
has several apertures
formed therein. These apertures include fastener receiving holes for receiving
fasteners, such as
the illustrated screws 576, for helping secure the deadbolt assembly to the
door panel 18. The
apertures also include an actuator opening that allows an actuator, such as
the piston 578, to pass
therethrough. As indicated by the arrows in Figure 24B, the piston moves
transversely (e.g.,
linearly) within and through the aperture in order to move the locking
assembly between the
locked (Figure 22A) and unlocked (Figure 22B) positions. The piston 578 can
include, if
desired, a piston head 580 that is integrally formed therewith. The piston
head 580 provides a
greater force applying area thereby ensuring a greater degree of contact
between the locking
assembly and the deadbolt assembly.
The illustrated deadbolt assembly 570 preferably includes within a chamber
formed by
the assembly housing a suitable actuation assembly that is capable of moving
the actuator
mechanism (e.g., piston 578). The present Figures simply illustrate for the
sake of convenience
and simplicity a general actuation assembly, which can include the actuation
assembly of a
conventional deadbolt which converts manual force applied by the user, such as
via a latch or a
key, into translational or linear movement of the piston (e.g., bolt or
actuator). Alternatively, the
actuation assembly can include any suitable arrangement of mechanical and
electrical
components that are capable of moving the piston. For example, the actuation
assembly can
include a motor that is powered by a battery or by electrical power supplied
at the installation
site to move the actuator. Examples of potential functionality and arrangement
of components
were described in some respects in connection with the first embodiment. Those
of ordinary
skill will readily recognize that for the purposes of the present invention it
does not matter the
type of actuation mechanism that is used provided that the mechanism is
capable of moving the
actuator (piston) linearly so as to properly interact with the locking
elements 522, 522. As such,
the actuator mechanism hence must be able to effect movement of the locking
elements between
the locked and unlocked positions.
As illustrated with reference to Figures 22A and 24B, the piston 578 can be
disposed in a
deployed position thus moving the locking assembly into the locked position.
In this scenario,
the actuator or piston 578 is moved transversely outwardly away from the
housing of the
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deadbolt assembly 570, as indicated by the arrow. The piston contacts the
drive element 540 of
the movable locking assembly, thus driving the locking elements 522 outwardly
so as to move
them from an unlocked position, where the locking elements are housed or
stowed within the
space 518 formed by the frame element 510 into a locked position (as indicated
by the arrow)
where the locking elements are moved outwardly into the channel 554 formed in
the frame
element 550 that is mounted in the door frame. As illustrated, the locking
elements 522 pivot
about the connecting portion 526 when mounted in the lock connector portion
516 of the frame
element 510.
Further, as illustrated in Figures 22B and 24A, the piston 578 can be disposed
in a
retracted or stowed position thus placing the locking assembly into the
unlocked position. In this
scenario, the piston 578 is moved transversely or linearly inwardly into or
towards the housing of
the deadbolt assembly 570, as indicated by the arrow. When doing so, the
piston contacts the
drive element 540 of the movable locking assembly, thus pulling or driving the
locking elements
inwardly so as to move the assembly 520 from the locked position to the
unlocked position (as
indicated by the arrow).
The present invention also contemplates the use of a door latch assembly 600.
The door
latch assembly can, if desired, form part of the door lock assembly 500 of the
present invention.
The door latch assembly 600 is illustrated in Figures 21, 23A-23D and 25A-26D.
The door latch
assembly 600 includes a main body that is formed of two main body portions, a
first main body
portion 604 and a second main body portion 606. The first main body portion
604 seats and
mounts the general components of the door latch assembly 600, and the second
main body
portion functions as a cover so as to essentially place and secure the
components within the
housing or main body. The second main body portion 606 is secured to the first
main body
portion 604 by fasteners, such as screws, as illustrated in Figures 23C, 23D
and 25D. The first
main body portion 604 includes a head portion 604A that has a groove 604B
formed therein.
The head portion 604A also includes a hinge-like protrusion 608, Figure 25C,
which extends
outwardly therefrom. The hinge-like protrusion is adapted to mate with the
latch element 680.
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The illustrated door latch assembly 600 includes, in addition to the first and
second main
body portions, a latch piston element 610, a latch hub element 630, a piston
actuator element
650, a biasing element 670, and a spring latch element 680. The latch piston
element 610, Figure
26C, includes a main body 612 that includes a pair of opposed legs extending
from a first end,
illustrated as latch guide legs 614 and 616. Each of the latch guide legs 614,
616 has a channel
formed therein, although one of ordinary skill in the art will readily
recognize that only one leg
can have a channel formed therein. For example, the first latch guide leg 614
has a channel 618
formed therein, and the second latch guide leg 616 has a channel 620 formed
therein. The
channels are sized and dimensioned to seat during use a portion of the piston
actuator element
650. The legs 614, 616 have formed on inner surface thereof, and which face
each other, a guide
rail 621 and 622, respectively. The guide rails help guide and seat the latch
hub element 630.
The legs 614, 616 are joined together at an opposed second end at a hub or
junction portion 623.
The illustrated latch piston element 610 also includes a space 626 having an
inner wall or surface
628A that is formed adjacent to the hub portion for accommodating the biasing
element 670.
The hub has integrally formed thereon and extending outwardly therefrom a
piston element 624
that terminates in a piston head 626. The latch piston element 610 is seated
and positioned
within the first main body portion 604 such that the piston portion 610 seats
within the groove
604B formed in the head portion 604A and extends outwardly therefrom.
The latch piston element 610 is adapted to move in a linear direction as
illustrated in
Figures 23C and 23D by the associated arrows. The linear movement of the latch
piston element
610 within the main body moves the piston element 624 and an associated latch
element 680
between an engaged position (Figures 23A and 23D) and a retracted position
(Figures 23B and
23C).
As illustrated in Figure 26C, the latch hub element 630 has a main body 632
that has a
central portion 634 and opposed first and second end portions 636 and 638. The
central portion
634 has a groove 640 formed on each side thereof and the grooves are sized and
dimensioned for
mating engagement with the corresponding guide rail 622, 621 of the latch
piston element 610.
The central portion also includes a hemispherical boss 642 portion formed on a
flat top portion.
The boss 642 functions as a biasing element retaining feature for helping seat
and retain a biasing
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element between the top region of the central portion 634 of the latch hub
element 630 and an
inner surface 628A of the space 628 defined by the latch piston element 610
and the main body
602. The legs 636 and 638 of the latch hub element 630 can have the same or
different shapes
and sizes, depending upon the size and shape of the various components of the
door latch
assembly 600. As illustrated, the legs 614, 616 have different configurations.
A biasing element 670 is mounted about the boss 642 and is coupled thereto.
The boss
element this functions as a biasing element seat during use. The latch hub
element 630 and
associated biasing element are then mounted within the main body of the door
latch assembly
600 such that the end of the biasing element opposite to the end coupled to
the boss 642 contacts
the inner surface 628A. The biasing element can be any suitable element
sufficient for applying
a biasing force to the latch piston element 610. According to a preferred
embodiment, the
biasing element is a spring.
As illustrated in Figure 26B, the piston actuator element 650 has a
substantially circular
main body 652 that has a cam feature or element 654 formed thereon and
protruding outwardly
therefrom. The cam feature 654 extends across a portion of the main body in an
arc-like manner.
The cam feature 654 is sized and dimensioned to seat within at least channel
620 of the latch
piston element 610. The main body also has a central cavity 656 that is shaped
and sized to
receive a standard door handle attachment for use with the door latch assembly
600 of the
present invention. The piston actuator is also mounted within the main body of
the door latch
assembly 600 and is positioned between the opposed latch guide legs 614 and
616 of the latch
piston element 610. The cam feature is adapted to convert rotational movement
of the main
body, such as by the door handle, into linear movement, such as by moving the
latch piston
element 610 in the linear direction. Movement of the piston element in the
linear direction
moves the latch element between the engaged and retracted positions.
As illustrated in Figure 26A and the other related Figures the latch element
680 can be
mounted to the hinge-like protrusion 608 of the main body of the door latch
assembly 600. The
latch element 680 has a main body 682 that has a top or front surface having a
generally wedge-
shaped configuration and a back or bottom surface that has a hinge-like
protrusion 684 formed
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thereon. The hinge-like protrusion 684 is adapted to couple to the hinge-like
protrusion 608 in
an inter-digitated manner so as to form a hinge assembly. The hinge-like
protrusions 608 and
684 are coupled together by a pin 690. The bottom surface of the latch element
680 also
includes a space or channel 686, Figure 26A, that is adapted to seat the
piston head 626 of the
latch piston element 610.
The door latch assembly 600 and associated components can have any selected
shape or
configuration, in addition to those illustrated and described herein. The
various elements other
than the biasing element can be formed from any suitable material, such as
plastic.
The door latch assembly 600 of the present invention operates as follows. With
reference
to Figures 23A-23D, the door latch assembly 600 is assembled by placing the
latch piston
element 610, the latch hub element 630 and associated biasing element 670, and
piston actuator
element 650 into the main body 602, as illustrated. The second main body
portion 606 is then
secured to the first main body portion 604 to secure the elements therein. The
latch element 680
is then secured to the piston head and hinge-like protrusion 608 of the main
body. When coupled
as such, the latch element 680 is pivotably mounted to the main body about the
hinge formed by
the pair of hinge-like protrusion 608, 684. For purposes of explanation, a
door handle (not
shown) is deemed to be attached to the door latch assembly 600 via the central
aperture or cavity
656 formed in the piston actuator element 650. When the door panel is closed
relative to the
frame, the latch element is disposed in the normally disposed engaged
position. In this position,
as shown in Figures 23A and 23D, the cam feature 654 of the piston actuator
element 650 is
removed from the channel formed in one of the legs of the latch piston element
610.
Consequently, no linear force is applied to the latch piston element 610 to
counteract the force
generated by the biasing element 670. As such, the biasing element pushes the
latch piston
element 610 in the direction noted by the arrow. This forward movement of the
latch piston
element linearly moves the piston 624 and corresponding piston head 626 in the
same direction.
The piston head applies a force to the latch element 680, which in turn pivots
into the cavity 692
formed in the door frame. The latch element extends outwardly from the main
body of the door
latch assembly 600 and seats within a channel or cavity 692 formed in the
frame element 550. A
strike plate 694 is disposed about or adjacent to the cavity for helping
ensure that the latch
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element seats within the cavity 692 during use. This disposes the door latch
assembly 600 in the
engaged position. In this position, the door is closed relative to the door
frame.
If a user wishes to open the door, the user rotates the door handle (not
shown), which
applies a rotational force to the piston actuator element 650, Figures 23B and
23C. The main
body 652 of the piston actuator element rotates and moves the cam element 654
into the channel
620 formed in the latch guide leg 616 of the latch piston element 610. The cam
feature converts
the rotational motion of the door handle and corresponding piston actuator
element 650 into
linear movement of the latch piston element 610. The piston latch element
moves linearly when
the cam element 654 is disposed in the channel by the rotational movement, and
then eventually
contacts or engages the end portion of the channel, thus moving the latch
piston element in the
direction opposite to the direction of the force that is applied by the
biasing element. When this
counter force exceeds the force applied by the biasing element, the latch
piston element 610
moves in the direction of the arrow thus compressing the biasing element. This
linear movement
forces the piston element 624 to move in the same direction, thus pivotably
moving the latch
element 680 in the same direction. This movement removes the latch element
from the cavity
692, thus disengaging the door panel from the frame. This disposes the door
latch assembly 600
in the retracted position. In this position, the door can be opened relative
to the door frame.
The operation of the door latch assembly 600 is separate and independent from
operation
of the movable locking assembly. Thus, the door latch assembly 600 can move
the latch element
between the engaged and retracted positions independent of the position of the
locking assembly.
Further, selected features of the first and second embodiments of the door
lock assembly
illustrated herein can be shared as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill
in the art.
Figures 30-51 illustrate various views and components of another embodiment of
the
door lock assembly of the present invention. According to this third
embodiment, the door lock
assembly 700 includes a differently configured door latch assembly 810 and
deadbolt or drive
assembly 720. The door lock assembly is also configured for mounting in a door
panel 18,
Figure 21. Like elements are designated with like reference numerals
throughout the various
Figures and views. The door panel 18 can be a separately installed unit or can
form part of a pre-
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hung or pre-mounted door assembly that includes the door frame 10, Figure 1A.
The general
components of the door frame 10 have been previously described herein in
connection with the
first embodiment of the present invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art
will readily
recognize that the door lock assembly can be mounted in either side of the
door panel depending
on whether the door is a left or right swinging door.
The elements of the door lock assembly 700 can be essentially the same as the
elements
disclosed in connection with the second embodiment of the invention unless
otherwise noted
below. As previously shown for example in Figure 21, the door panel 18 has a
vertical groove or
channel 502 that is sized and dimensioned for seating a frame element 510 that
serves to securely
couple the movable locking assembly or element 520 to the door panel when
assembled. The
frame element 510 is secured to the door panel when mounted within the channel
by a pair of
header plates 506 that can be fastened to the door panel 18 by known
conventional fasteners,
such as screws, and which seat within corresponding grooves formed in the top
and bottom of
the door panel.
Similarly, a channel or groove 504 can also be formed within the door jamb of
the door
frame 10. A frame element 550 is mounted or seated within the channel 504 and
is secured
therein according to known techniques. For example, the frame element can be
secured therein
by fasteners, by an adhesive, or by known pressure fit techniques.
The door panel 18 can also have one or more holes or apertures 505, 507 formed
therein
for mounting for example a door handle or latch assembly and a deadbolt
assembly. The door
panel apertures can be formed therein by a user or other skilled professional
or can be pre-drilled
by the manufacturer. As shown in Figure 21, a first aperture 505 is formed in
the door panel and
is of a conventional size that is sufficient to mount a deadbolt or drive
assembly 720. The
deadbolt or drive assembly can be any conventional commercially available
deadbolt assembly
or can be a specially designed drive assembly that is customized for operation
with the movable
locking assembly of the present invention while concomitantly providing
specific additional
functionality, such as one or more of the functionalities set forth above in
connection with the
first and second embodiments. The door panel 18 may also have a second
aperture 507 formed
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therein. The aperture 507 is suitable for mounting any commercially available
door latch
assembly or the door latch assembly 810 as described below.
As illustrated in Figures 21, 22A and 22B, the illustrated frame element 510
of the door
panel has a main body includes a relatively flat back or base portion 512 and
a pair of outwardly
projecting sides or leg portions 514, 515. The leg portion 514 of the frame
element 510 includes
a lock connector portion 516 that is sized and configured for cooperatively
mounting at least a
portion of the movable locking assembly 520. The lock connector portion 516
includes a curved
connector element or portion 516A that extends outwardly therefrom and which
forms a lock
receiving groove 516B. The curved connector portion 516A can have any suitable
shape
sufficient to receive and engage at least a portion of the movable locking
assembly and to allow
movement of the assembly when coupled thereto. As shown, the curved connector
portion can
have a generally C-shaped design. The lock receiving groove 516B is adapted to
seat and mount
a portion of the movable locking assembly 520. The locking assembly portion
that seats within
the groove forms a pivoting portion that allows at least a portion of the
locking assembly to pivot
about a point corresponding to the lock connector portion between a locked
position (Figures
22A and 24B) and an unlocked position (Figures 22B and 24A), as described
above.
The movable locking assembly 520 of the present invention according to the
current
embodiment can also comprise a plurality of interconnected components. The
illustrated
assembly includes one or more, and preferably a pair, of movable locking
elements 522, 522 that
are adapted to pivot into and out of the space 518 formed by the frame element
510. Each of the
movable locking elements 522 has a main body 524 that includes a connecting
portion 526
formed at a first end. The connecting portion 526 is sized and dimensioned for
seating within the
groove 516B formed in the lock connector portion 516 of the frame element 510.
The
connecting portion 526 can have any suitable shape or configuration that
allows the connecting
portion to seat within and move relative to the lock connecting portion 516.
According to one
practice, the lock connector portion has a shape that is complementary to the
shape of the groove
516B, and preferably has a substantially C-shaped configuration.
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The opposed end or an intermediate portion of the main body 524 of the locking
element
522 has a groove 586 formed therein that is adapted to mount a resilient
member 528. The
resilient member 528 provides a sound dampening function during operation of
the door lock
assembly. Specifically, the resilient member 528 is adapted to contact one leg
portion 515 of the
frame element when the locking assembly is disposed in the locked or
protruding position, as
shown in Figure 22A. The resilient member is the only portion of the locking
element to contact
the frame element 510, thus helping reduce the noise created when the locking
assembly contacts
the frame element. This substantially eliminates a loud, unwanted clicking
noise when the
locking element is moved between the locked and unlocked positions.
The main body 524 of the illustrated locking element 522 has opposed ends, the
first end
of which, as set forth above, includes the connecting portion 526 and the
opposed second end
wraps around to form in essence a hollow passage 590. The actuator of the
deadbolt assembly
720 described below is positioned in part within this passage during
operation.
The main body 524 of the illustrated locking element 522 has opposed ends, the
first end
of which, as set forth above, includes the connecting portion 526 and the
opposed second end
wraps around to form in essence a hollow passage 590. The actuator of the
deadbolt assembly
described below is positioned in part within this passage during operation.
The illustrated locking element 522 can have any selected size and shape,
provided that
the locking element is capable of contacting the frame element 550 of the door
frame in order to
lock or secure the door panel 18 to the frame 10. The locking element 522 can
be any suitable
rail-type locking element that is capable of moving when actuated between the
locked and
unlocked positions. According to this embodiment, the locking element can have
a generally
wedge-shaped configuration. The locking element can be made from any suitable
material, and
is preferably composed of aluminum. The resilient member can also have any
selected size,
shape or configuration, and can be composed of any suitable material, such as
rubber.
The movable locking assembly 520 can employ a connector portion 738 that is
adapted to
couple to the drive portion of the deadbolt or drive assembly 720. This
connector 738 serves to
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matingly and operatively couple the deadbolt assembly to the movable locking
assembly 520 so
as to move the locking assembly between the locked and unlocked positions.
Further, rather than
employ an intermediate coupler element 530 and a drive element 540 as in the
second
embodiment, the movable locking assembly of this embodiment employs a wedge
coupler
element 880 that can be integrated with the latch assembly 810, as described
in further detail
below, Figures 42 and 44. The wedge coupler element is adapted to couple to
the locking
elements 522, 522 at either end.
As shown in Figures 30-36 and 48-51, the illustrated deadbolt or drive
assembly 720 is
sized and configured to seat at least partly within the aperture 505 and any
corresponding
transverse bore and includes a pair of opposed housing parts 722 and 724. The
housing part 724
can include for example a head plate 726 that is integrally formed therein.
The head plate can
include a cut-out or groove 728 that seat a portion of a drive element. The
head plate 726 can
also include a pair of apertures sized and dimensioned for receiving a
respective fastener for
mounting the deadbolt assembly to the door panel. The drive element portion or
assembly of the
deadbolt assembly 720 can include a hub portion 740 that is adapted to seat
within and between
the housing parts 722, 724. The hub element includes a main body 742 having
formed along an
outer surface thereof a latch element 746 that extends outwardly therefrom.
The latch element
746 is adapted to engage a groove 756 formed in the slider element 750 of the
deadbolt assembly
720. The hub element main body 742 further includes an opening 744 formed in a
central
portion thereof for receiving a manipulation element (not shown), such as a
tab or a manual
latch, that allows a user to manually lock and unlock the door.
The slider element 750 includes a main body 752 having a first end that is
adapted to
engage the hub portion 740. Specifically, the first end of the main body of
the slider element has
formed therein a groove 756 that is sized and dimensioned for receiving the
latch element 746.
The latch element when mounted within the groove serves to move the drive
element assembly
axially within the housing parts so as to move the lock assembly between the
locked and
unlocked positions. The first end also includes a pair of opposed tab portions
754 that are
adapted to seat within a corresponding groove 732 formed in the housing parts
722, 724. The tab
portions 754 are configured to axially move within the groove when the hub
element is rotated.
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The slider element 750 has a main body that includes an opposed second end
that
includes a hinge portion 760 that is configured to mate with, in a movable
manner, an end of a
drive arm 770. Specifically, the illustrated drive arm 770 includes a first
end that has formed
thereon a hinge portion 774 that is sized and dimensioned to mate with the
hinge portion 760 of
the slider element 750. The hinge portions can be interleaved together and
then secured in this
state by a hinge pin 792. The drive arm 770 has formed on an opposed second
end a drive
interface pin 778. The pin is adapted to be inserted into a connector portion
738 of the movable
locking assembly. The main body of the drive arm 770 also includes an
intermediate body
portion disposed between the first and second ends and has an aperture 782
formed therein. The
aperture is sized to seat an arm guide element or restrictor 790. The arm
guide element can be
mounted on either side of the drive arm within the aperture and is intended to
restrict movement
of the drive arm in that direction.
As shown in Figure 36, the illustrated connector portion 738 includes a main
body 801
that is sized and configured to be mounted or coupled to the locking element
522. The connector
portion can be secured within the hollow passage 590 by any suitable means,
including by
frictional or interference fit. The connector portion has opposed end regions,
one of which has
an aperture 802 formed therein. The aperture is intended to seat the drive
interface pin 778 of
the drive arm 770. The end of the connector portion can also include one or
more radially
extending flanges 803 that enable the connector portion to be retained within
the locking element
522.
The deadbolt assembly 720 of the present invention can be assembled as
follows. The
hinge portions of the slider element 750 and the drive arm 770 are assembled
and secured
together with the hinge pin 792 to form part of the drive assembly. The mated
hinge portions
allow the drive arm the ability to move in a curved or oscillating path with
movement of the
locking assembly 520 during use. The tab portions 754 of the slider element
750 are disposed in
the grooves 732 of the housing parts 722, 724 and the second end of the drive
arm 770 is
disposed within the cut-out 728 of the head plate 726. The hub element 740 is
then placed
between the housing parts and the latch element 746 of the hub is disposed
within the groove 756
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of the first end of the slider element 750. The arm guide 790 is then disposed
in the aperture 782
formed in the drive arm 770. If the door is a right swinging door then the arm
guide is disposed
in the aperture on a particular side of the drive arm (e.g., the side can be
marked "R" if needed,
which is the top surface of the drive arm illustrated in Figure 30) so as to
restrict leftward
movement of the drive arm 770 within the cut-out 728. Alternatively, if the
door is a left
swinging door then the arm guide 790 is disposed in the aperture on the side
of the drive arm
marked "L" (not shown) so as to restrict rightward movement of the drive arm
within the cut-out
728. The arm guide 790 serves to keep the drive arm aligned within the cut-out
728 while
concomitantly allowing freedom of motion in the proper direction for the
respective swing of the
door panel. The housing parts 722 and 724 are then secured together by way of
fasteners 796.
The assembled deadbolt or drive assembly is then placed in the bore 505 formed
in the door
panel 18. The drive interface pin 778 is then coupled to the movable locking
assembly 520.
Specifically, the movable locking assembly includes at least a pair of movable
locking elements
522. The upper movable locking element 522 includes a connector portion 738
mounted within
the hollow 590 of one of the locking elements 522. The drive interface pin 778
is inserted within
the connector portion 738, thus securing the drive assembly to the movable
locking assembly
520. The deadbolt assembly 720 when mounted within the bore can have a latch
portion
mounted on the interior side of the door panel and a keyed interface on the
exterior side of the
deadbolt assembly. The latch element can be manipulated by a user.
When disposed in the unlocked position, Figure 48, the slider element 750 and
the drive
arm 770 are disposed in an innermost or retracted position within the housing
parts 722, 724. In
this position, the tab portions 754 are disposed at one end of the grooves
732, Figure 31. The
drive interface pin 778 is coupled to the movable connector assembly and hence
pulls the
movable connectors into the unlocked or stowed position. When the user wishes
to lock the
door, the user moves the latch element portion (not shown) of the deadbolt
assembly in the
opposite direction. When the latch element is turned by a user, the hub
element 740 which is
coupled to the slider element 750 through the latch element 746 that seats
within the groove 756,
helps drive the slider element 750 linearly towards the door frame. The slider
element 750 is
hingedly or pivotably coupled to the drive arm 770 through the mating hinge
portions 760, 774.
The slider element drives the drive arm towards the door frame. The drive
interface pin 778
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which is connected to the movable locking elements through the connector
portion 738 drives the
movable locking assembly from the stowed or unlocked position to the deployed
or locked
position, Figure 49. The connector portion 738 helps constrain and trap the
drive interface pin
such that when the actuator or drive elements moves the movable locking
assembly into the
locked position, it contacts and exerts a force on at least one of the movable
locking elements.
Since the movable locking elements can be generally or substantially wedge-
shaped, the
movement of the drive arm travels in a small arc as the wedge-shaped movable
locking elements
move from the unlocked to the locked position. The hinged coupling of the
slider element to the
drive arm allows the drive assembly to move in an axial or linear direction
while concomitantly
allowing the drive arm to move in an arc like motion as the arm follows the
movement of the
wedge-shaped locking elements.
Conversely, when the user wishes to unlock the locked door, the latch of the
deadbolt
assembly is moved in the opposite direction. As such, the hub element drives
the slider element
and in turn the drive arm in the opposite axial or linear direction. When the
drive mechanism
moves the movable locking assembly 520 into the unlocked position from the
locked position,
the drive interface pin pulls on one or more of the movable connector elements
via the connector
portion 738 and hence moves the movable connector assembly from the deployed
position into
the stowed or retracted position.
The present invention also contemplates the use of a door latch assembly 810
suitable for
use with the door lock assembly 700 according to the teachings of the present
invention. The
door latch assembly can, if desired, also form part of the door lock assembly
500. The door latch
assembly 810 is illustrated for example in Figures 37-46 and 48-51. The door
latch assembly
810 includes a main body that is formed of two main body housing portions,
namely, a first main
body housing portion 812 and a second main body housing portion 814. As shown
in Figures
37, 40, and 41, the main body housing portions 812, 814 seat and mount the
general components
of the door latch assembly 810 while concomitantly functioning as a cover to
essentially position
and secure the components within the main body. The housing portions 812, 814
are secured
together by suitable fasteners 818, such as screws.
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The illustrated second main body housing portion 814 includes a head plate 822
that has
a groove 824 formed therein. The groove is adapted to seat a portion of a
latch arm 850. The
head plate 822 also includes a hinge-like protrusion 828 which extends
outwardly therefrom.
The hinge-like protrusion is adapted to mate with a wedge coupler 880 and a
latch element 900,
as described below. The housing portion 814 also has formed therein at an end
opposed to the
head plate 822 an aperture 832 for seating a portion of a latch hub 840 and a
latch or door handle
(not shown) of a conventional handle assembly. The first main body housing
portion 812 also
includes at an end portion a similar aperture 834 for seating a portion of the
latch hub 840. An
inner surface of the housing portion 812 also has formed thereon a protruding
seat element 836
that has formed on an end portion thereof a boss element 838. The boss element
838 is adapted
to seat one end of the biasing element 870.
The illustrated door latch assembly 810 includes, in addition to the first and
second main
body housing portions, a latch hub 840, a latch arm 850, a biasing element
870, a wedge coupler
880, a latch element 900, and latch pin 920. As shown in Figures 37 and 38,
the illustrated latch
hub 840 includes a main body 842 having a central opening 844 for
accommodating the handle
of a door handle assembly. The main body 842 also has protruding outwardly
therefrom an
engagement portion 846 formed as a hook element for engaging operatively with
the latch arm
850. The engagement portion 846 can be formed at any selected location along
the main body,
including along a terminal end, and is preferably spaced from an end by a
selected distance, as
illustrated. The latch hub is rotatably movable when mounted within the
apertures of the housing
portions 812, 814 and can be specifically rotated by rotational movement of a
door handle. That
is, the engagement portion 846 is adapted to convert rotational movement of a
door handle into
linear movement, such as by moving the latch arm 850 in a linear direction.
Movement of the
piston element 864 in the linear direction moves the latch element between
engaged and retracted
positions.
Figures 37 and 39 illustrate the latch arm 850 of the present invention. The
illustrated
latch arm 850 includes a main body 852 that includes a pair of opposed legs
extending from a
first end, illustrated as latch guide legs 854, 854. Each of the latch guide
legs has a cut-out 858
formed therein, although one of ordinary skill in the art will readily
recognize that only one leg
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can have a cut-out formed therein. The cut-out in essence forms an outwardly
extending
engagement portion 862 that is adapted to operatively engage the engagement
portion 846 of the
latch hub 840. The legs 854, 854 are joined together at an opposed second end
at a hub or
junction portion 855. The illustrated junction portion has a space or cavity
860 formed therein
for housing and seating the biasing element 870. Specifically, the cavity has
an inner wall or
surface that is formed adjacent to the hub portion for accommodating the
biasing element 870.
The hub 855 also has integrally formed thereon and extending outwardly
therefrom a piston
element 864 that terminates in a piston head 866. The illustrated latch arm
850 is seated and
positioned between the housing portions 812, 814 such that the piston element
seats within the
groove 824 formed in the head plate 822 and extends outwardly therefrom. The
latch arm is
adapted to move in a linear direction during use. The linear movement of the
latch arm 850
within the main body852 moves the piston element 864 and an associated latch
element 900
between an engaged position and a retracted position, as is well understood by
those of ordinary
skill in the art.
The biasing element 870 is mounted within the cavity 860 of the latch arm 850
and a first
end is adapted to abut an inner wall 868 of the cavity 860 and the opposed end
is adapted to seat
about the boss element 838 of the housing portion 812. The boss element 838
thus functions as a
biasing element seat during use. The biasing element 870 can be any suitable
element sufficient
for applying a biasing force to the latch piston element 864. According to a
preferred
embodiment, the biasing element is a spring.
The illustrated door latch assembly 810 also includes a wedge coupler 880. As
shown in
Figures 37 and 42, the wedge coupler has a main body 882 that has a central
portion 884 that has
formed thereon a hinge element 886. The hinge element 886 is adapted to
cooperate with the
hinge like protrusion or element 828 of the head plate 822. The wedge coupler
also includes first
and second opposed ends 888 and 890, respectively, that are adapted to couple
to the movable
locking elements 522. The wedge coupler thus enables the door latch assembly
810 to be
directly assembled and hence integrally coupled with a portion of the movable
locking assembly
520, such as the locking elements 522, 522. Specifically, when the wedge
coupler is coupled to
the latch assembly 810, the end 890 of the wedge coupler 880 can be mounted to
the upper
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locking element 522 and the other end 888 of the wedge coupler can be mounted
to the lower
locking element 522, Figure 21.
With reference to Figures 37, 43A, and 43B, the latch element 900 has a main
body 902
having a top or front surface with a generally wedge-shaped configuration and
a back or bottom
surface that has a hinge portion 904 formed thereon. The hinge portion 904 is
adapted to couple
to the hinge element 886 of the wedge coupler and to the hinge-like protrusion
828 of the head
plate in an inter-digitated manner so as to form a hinge assembly. The various
hinge-like
protrusions are coupled together by a hinge pin 920. The bottom surface of the
latch element
900 also includes a space or channel 906 formed therein that is adapted to
seat the piston head
866 of the latch arm 850.
The deadbolt assembly 720 and the door latch assembly 810 and associated
components
can have any selected shape or configuration, in addition to those illustrated
and described
herein. The various elements other than the biasing element can be formed from
any suitable
material, such as plastic or metal or a combination of both.
As shown in the foregoing figures, and with particular reference to Figures 44-
46, the
door latch assembly 810 of the present invention is assembled and operates as
follows. The door
latch assembly 810 is assembled by aligning the latch hub 840 with the
apertures 832 and 834 of
the housing portions 812, 814 then placing the latch hub within one of the
apertures, for
example, the aperture 832 of the housing portion 814. The latch arm 850 is
then disposed
between the housing parts and the engagement portion 846 of the latch hub is
disposed so as to
engage the legs 854 of the latch arm. The piston element 864 is then placed
within the groove
824 of the head plate 822. The biasing element 870 is then disposed within the
cavity 860 and
one end of the biasing element is seated on the boss 838 of the housing
portion 812 and the other
end abuts the wall 868. The housing portions 812, 814 are then mounted
together and secured by
the fasteners 818.
The hinge portions of the head plate, wedge coupler 880 and latch 900 are
assembled and
the components are secured together by the hinge pin 920. When assembled
together, the piston
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head 866 seats within the space 906 formed on the underside of the latch
element 900. The
mating together of the piston head 866 and the latch element 900 allows the
latch arm 850 to
move the latch element between selected positions, such as between an engaged
or deployed
position and a disengaged or retracted position. For purposes of explanation,
a door handle (not
shown) is deemed to be attached to the door latch assembly 810 via the central
opening 844
formed in the latch hub 840 and the apertures 832, 834 formed in the housing
portions 812, 814.
When the door panel is closed relative to the frame, the latch element 900 is
disposed in the
normally disposed engaged position. In this position, the engagement portion
862 of the latch
hub does not apply an axially inward force on the legs 854 of the latch arm
850. Consequently,
no linear force is applied to the piston element 864 to counteract the force
generated by the
biasing element 870. As such, the biasing element pushes the latch piston
element towards the
head plate. This forward movement of the latch piston element linearly moves
the piston head
866 in the same direction. The piston head 866 applies a force to the latch
element 900 and since
the piston head seats within the space 906, pivots the latch element into an
engaged position.
That is, the latch element extends outwardly from the main body of the door
latch assembly 810
and seats within a channel or cavity 692 formed in the frame element 550. A
strike plate, such as
strike plate 694, is disposed about or adjacent to the cavity for helping
ensure that the latch
element seats within the cavity 692 during use. This disposes the door latch
assembly 810 in the
engaged position. In this position, the door is closed relative to the door
frame.
If a user wishes to open the door, the user rotates the door handle (not
shown), which
applies a rotational force to the latch hub 840. The main body of the latch
hub rotates and the
engagement portion 846 engages the legs 854 of the latch arm and axially or
linearly moves the
latch arm in an inward linear direction, that is, in the direction opposite to
the direction of the
force that is applied by the biasing element 870. The engagement portion 846
converts rotational
movement of the door handle and latch hub into linear movement of the latch
arm 850. When
this counter force exceeds the force applied by the biasing element, the latch
arm moves
inwardly thus compressing the biasing element. This linear movement forces the
piston element
864 to move in the same direction, thus pivotably moving the latch element 900
in the same
direction. This movement removes the latch element from the cavity 692, thus
disengaging the
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door panel from the frame. This disposes the door latch assembly 810 in the
retracted position.
In this position, the door can be opened relative to the door frame.
The operation of the door latch assembly 810 is separate and independent from
operation
of the movable locking assembly. Thus, the door latch assembly 810 can move
the latch element
between the engaged and retracted positions independent of the position of the
locking assembly.
This feature is shown for example in Figures 50 and 51. Further, selected
features of the first
and second embodiments of the door lock assembly illustrated herein can be
shared as would be
apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.
An advantage of employing a drive arm 770 that is hingedly or pivotably
coupled to the
slider element 750 is that the drive arm can better track the movement of the
movable locking
elements 522, which tend to move along a curved path (i.e., an arc). Further,
the deadbolt
assembly is compatible with both left and right swinging doors by simply
switching the location
of the arm guide 790. The arm guide serves to keep the drive arm aligned and
at the proper
location while concomitantly preventing movement of the drive arm in the
incorrect direct while
facilitating movement in the correct direction.
An advantage of the latch assembly 810 of the present invention is that the
coupler
element that coupled together the separate movable locking elements 522 forms
part of the door
latch assembly. When integrated as such, the door lock assembly 700 is easy to
assemble.
Moreover, integrating the wedge coupler 880 with the other components of the
latch assembly
810 allows the door handle to be rotated even when the movable locking
assembly is disposed in
the locked position. Specifically, the latch element 900 of the latch assembly
can move freely
independent of the locking position of the movable locking assembly since the
coupler element
for coupling together the movable locking elements does not inadvertently
interfere with
movement of the latch element. Further, forming a hinge like joint between the
latch arm 850,
the wedge coupler 880 and the latch element 900 ensures that the elements
pivot at the same
location or along the same axis.
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Figure 47 illustrates another embodiment of the strike plate 930 according to
the
teachings of the present invention. The illustrated strike plate 930 has a
main body 932 that has
a first flange 934 formed at one end and a second flange 936 formed at an
opposite end. The
second flange 936 further includes an angled protrusion 938 that extends
outwardly from the
flange 936. The strike plate can be mounted within a cavity formed within the
door jamb. The
cavity can be preferably formed in an off-set center manner in the door jamb.
The off-set
positioning of the strike plate when mounted within the cavity positions the
latch element and
hence the door relative to the door frame such that the movable locking
elements can seat within
the door frame in a repeatable manner without requiring excessive force by the
drive assembly to
move the locking assembly from the unlocked to the locked position. Further,
the angled
protrusion which extends outwardly from the door frame is adapted to contact
the latch element
and not the movable locking element if the door is accidentally closed with
the movable locking
elements disposed in the deployed or locked position.
Those of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the various
components set
forth above can have different shapes and configurations and can be formed of
various well
known materials. Those of ordinary skill will also recognize that the various
components of the
door lock assembly can be mounted within the door panel in a reverse manner.
Figures 52-63 illustrate yet another embodiment of the door lock assembly 1000
of the
present invention. The illustrated door lock assembly 1000 can be employed
with the above
mentioned drive assemblies 570, 720 and door latch assemblies 600, 810 and
associated
mechanical couplers. The door lock assembly 1000 can be mounted in a door
panel 18 and a
door jamb 10.
As shown in Figures 52-56, the door panel 18 has a vertical groove or channel
502 that is
sized and dimensioned for seating a frame element 1004 that serves to securely
couple the
movable locking assembly or element 520 to the door panel when assembled. The
frame
element 1004 is secured to the door panel according to any known mechanism,
including by a
pair of header plates that can be fastened to the door panel 18 by known
conventional fasteners,
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such as screws, and which seat within corresponding grooves formed in the top
and bottom of
the door panel.
Similarly, the door jamb 10 can be configured so as to include an extruded
frame element
1008. The frame element 1008 can include a portion that forms a channel 1026
that seats an end
portion of the door jamb and is secured thereto according to known techniques.
For example, the
frame element 1008 can be secured therein by fasteners, by an adhesive, or by
known pressure fit
techniques.
With reference to Figure 56, the illustrated frame element 1008 includes a
main body
having a first frame portion 1016 that forms a channel 1010 for accepting a
wedge lock element.
The channel 1010 is formed by the first frame portion that includes a support
element 1012 in the
shape of a cross brace that has a substantially X-shape. The support element
1012 thus has a pair
of legs forming the cross-brace, for example, arms or legs 1012A and 1012B.
The support
element thus includes a pair of converging legs 1012A, 1012B that are slanted
or canted
inwardly relative to each other. The support element 1012 has formed on a
selected leg, such as
leg 1012B, a series of teeth 1022. The frame element 1008 also includes a
second frame portion
1018 that forms the channel 1026. The first and second frame portions 1016 and
1018 have a
series of sealing nubs 1019 formed thereon.
As shown in Figures 52, 54-55 and 58, the illustrated door frame element 1004
of the
door panel 18 has a main body that includes a relatively flat back or base
portion 1036 and a pair
of outwardly projecting sides or leg portions 1038, 1040. The leg portion 1040
of the frame
element 1004 includes a lock connector portion 1042 that is sized and
configured for
cooperatively mounting at least a portion of the movable locking assembly of
the invention. The
lock connector portion 1042 includes a curved connector element or portion
1042A that extends
outwardly therefrom and which forms a lock receiving groove 1042B. The curved
connector
portion 1042A can have any suitable shape sufficient to receive and engage at
least a portion of
the movable locking assembly as described herein and throughout and multiple
embodiments and
to allow movement of the locking assembly when coupled thereto. As shown, the
curved
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connector portion 1042 can have a generally C-shaped design. The lock
receiving groove 1042B
is adapted to seat and mount a portion of the movable locking assembly of the
present invention.
With reference to Figures 52, 54-55 and 57, the movable locking assembly 1060
which
includes one or more wedge shaped locking elements 1062 is coupled to the
groove 1042B by
slidingly inserting at least a connecting portion 1066 of the locking element
1062 into the groove
from a top portion of the frame element. Once connecting portion 1066 of the
locking element is
seated within the groove 1042B, the locking element is captured and retained
therein. The
locking element 1060 that seats within the groove 1042B forms a pivoting
portion that allows at
least a portion of the locking assembly to pivot about a point corresponding
to the lock connector
portion between a locked position (Figs. 55 and 59) and an unlocked position
(Figs. 54 and 60),
as described in further detail below. Moreover, the spatial separation between
the lock connector
portion 1042 and the leg portion 1038 of the door frame element 1004 forms a
channel or space
1046 that is sized and dimensioned for seating and housing the locking element
1062 of the
movable locking assembly 1060.
Those of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the frame
elements 1004 and
1008 can have any suitable shape or configuration, provided that the shape is
suitable for its
intended purpose. The illustrated frame element can be made of any suitable
material, and is
preferably made of aluminum.
The movable locking assembly 1060 of the present invention can comprise a
plurality of
interconnected components, as shown in Figures 21 and 48. The locking assembly
1060 includes
one or more, and preferably a pair, of movable locking elements 1062 that are
adapted to pivot
into and out of the space 1046 formed by the door frame element 1004. Each of
the movable
locking elements 1062 has a main body that includes a connecting portion 1066
formed at a first
end. The connecting portion 1066 is sized and dimensioned for seating within
the groove 1042B
formed in the lock connector portion 1042 of the door frame element 1004. The
connecting
portion 1066 can have any suitable shape or configuration that allows the
connecting portion to
seat within and pivotably move relative to the lock connecting portion 1042.
According to one
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practice, the lock connector portion has a shape that is complementary to the
shape of the groove
1042B, and preferably has a substantially C-shaped configuration.
The main body of the illustrated locking element 1062 has opposed ends, the
first end of
which, as set forth above, includes the connecting portion 1066 and the
opposed second end
includes a series of teeth 1070 formed on an outer surface. The locking
element also includes an
internal chamber or space 1074. According to one practice, the actuator of the
deadbolt
assembly described above can be positioned in part within this space during
operation.
The illustrated locking element 1062 can have any selected size and shape,
provided that
the locking element is capable of contacting the frame element 1008 of the
door frame in order to
lock or secure the door panel 18 to the frame of the door jamb 10. The locking
element 1062 can
be any suitable rail-type locking element that is capable of moving when
actuated between the
locked and unlocked positions. According to this embodiment, the locking
element has a
generally wedge-shaped configuration. The locking element can be made from any
suitable
material, and is preferably composed of aluminum. The resilient member can
also have any
selected size, shape or configuration, and can be composed of any suitable
material, such as
rubber.
The illustrated door lock assembly 1000 of the present invention also
contemplates the
use of an actuator mechanism for moving the locking assembly between the
locked and unlocked
positions. The actuator mechanism can optionally form part of the door lock
assembly, although
this element can also be separately provided, such as being formed for example
as part of a
deadbolt assembly. According to the current embodiment, the actuator mechanism
can be a
deadbolt assembly, such as the deadbolt assemblies 570, 720 described above.
As previously described, the piston or actuator of the drive assembly can be
disposed in a
deployed position thus moving the locking assembly and specifically the
locking elements 1062
into the locked position, Figures 55 and 59. In this scenario, the actuator is
moved transversely
outwardly away from the housing of the deadbolt assembly, thus driving the
locking elements
1062 outwardly so as to move them from an unlocked position, where the locking
elements are
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housed or stowed within the space 1046 formed by the frame element 1004 into a
locked position
where the locking elements 1062 are moved outwardly into the channel 1010
formed in the
frame element 1008 that is mounted in the door frame. As illustrated, the
locking elements 1062
pivot about the connecting portion 1066 when mounted in the lock connector
portion 1042 of the
frame element 1004.
Further, the actuator can be disposed in a retracted or stowed position thus
placing the
movable locking elements 1062 of the locking assembly 1060 into the unlocked
position, Figures
54 and 60. In this scenario, the actuator is moved transversely or linearly
inwardly into or
towards the housing of the deadbolt assembly. When doing so, the actuator
contacts the movable
locking assembly, thus pulling or driving the locking elements 1062 inwardly
so as to move the
assembly from the locked position to the unlocked position.
The present invention also contemplates the use of a door latch assembly, such
as latch
assemblies 600 and 810 described above. The door latch assembly can, if
desired, form part of
the door lock assembly 1000 of the present invention.
The teeth 1070 of the locking element 1062 typically do not engage with the
teeth 1022
of the frame element 1008 during normal operation. However, if a force
perpendicular to the
plane of the door panel is applied thereto, such as when an intruder tries to
force the door open,
the teeth 1022, 1070 are adapted to engage with each other, thus providing
additional structural
integrity to the door panel to prevent the door from opening, as shown in
Figure 61. The teeth
1022 of the frame element 1008 and the teeth 070 of the locking element 1062
are configured to
keep the force transference perpendicular to the plane of the door jamb, so
only the bending flex
of the door panel can cause any widening of the gap between the teeth of the
locking element
1062 and the frame element 1008. The teeth 1022 and 1070, which forms steps in
their
respective surfaces, are designed to allow the locking element 1062 to re-
engage at each
increment of wider gap as the door panel flexes under load, thus allowing the
locking element to
grab and hold several times under varying degrees of panel deformation and
pressures. The
angles of the stepped faces are slightly undercut beyond 90 degrees to further
facilitate a bite,
similar to the teeth of a ratchet. The teeth 1022, 1070 only engage under an
applied load. Under
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load, the door panel 18 initially flexes toward the outer edge of the door
jamb and the teeth 1070
of the locking element 1062 make contact with the teeth 1022 of the frame
1008. Then, as the
door panel 18 flexes further and widens the gap between the door panel 18 and
the frame 10, the
wedge type locking element 1062 moves stepwise along the teeth 1022, 1070
until the uppermost
tooth of the wedge is holding at the outermost tooth of the frame, as shown in
Figures 61-63.
The frame element 1008 of the door jamb 10 of the illustrated embodiment is
also larger
relative to the other frame element 550, and hence can be sized and configured
to replace the
entire front side of the door jamb. This configuration allows for perfect
alignment and
positioning of the strike plate, as well as provides a much more solid means
for attachment of the
plate. This hence largely eliminates the sensitivity to plumb and square of
the strike plate and
frame element 550, 1008. Further, the illustrated insert-type frame element
1008 integrated with
the door jamb provides for precise positioning of the frame element relative
to the door frame
and other components of the door lock. The frame element 1008 can also
accommodate wood
block inserts 1084 (Figure 53).
It will thus be seen that the invention efficiently attains the objects set
forth above, among
those made apparent from the preceding description. Since certain changes may
be made in the
above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is
intended that all
matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying
drawings be interpreted
as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
It is also to be understood that the following claims are to cover all generic
and specific
features of the invention described herein, and all statements of the scope of
the invention which,
as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.
Having described the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be
secured by
Letters Patent is:
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