NZ779110B2 - Lock for sliding closure - Google Patents

Abstract

Closures, such as windows or doors, are often used to close off areas for convenience or security purposes. For high security applications, conventional locks may not engage sufficiently strongly to prevent opening of the closure against malicious attacks. This can be a particular problem with sliding doors, which struggle to meet higher security industry standards in areas such as pull tests. It would be desirable to provide a lock for a sliding door which provides a stronger engagement than in conventional locks. A locking apparatus for a sliding closure slidable within a frame is disclosed. The locking apparatus comprises at least one locking tang movable transversely to the closure plane, between a locking position and a release position wherein, when in the locking position the locking tang extends laterally to the side of the sliding closure, in a direction transverse to the closure plane, beyond the closure to be received within a corresponding locking recess in the frame, such that the locking tangs resist opening of the closure. When in the release position the locking tang is withdrawn within the dimensions of the frame, such that the closure may be opened or closed. An actuating tang which is extendible longitudinally from the closure in a direction of sliding of the sliding closure, to move the locking tang into its locking position wherein the actuating tang includes a terminal end. The locking tang comprises a cam surface whereby extension of the actuating tang causes the terminal end to contiguously contact, and push on, the cam surface of the respective locking tang. This results in translation of the extension of the actuating tang into lateral movement of the locking tang to the locking position. The locking mechanism may also comprise a sensor configured to detect when at least one of the locking tangs are in the locked or released position, and, optionally to trigger an alarm if the locking tang is disengaged.

Claims (16)

1. Locking tus for a sliding closure slidable within a frame defining a e plane. the locking apparatus comprising: at least one locking tang movable transversely to the closure plane, between: a locking position where the at least one locking tang extends laterally to the side of the sliding closure. in a direction transverse to the closure plane. beyond the closure to be received within a corresponding locking recess in the frame, such that the at least one locking tang resists opening ofthe closure; and a release on where the at least one locking tang is withdrawn within the dimensions ofthe frame. such that the closure may be opened or closed; and an actuating tang which is extendible longitudinally from the closure in a direction of sliding ofthe sliding closure, to move the at least one locking tang into its locking on, wherein the actuating tang includes a terminal end, wherein the at least one locking tang comprises a cam surface whereby extension of the actuating tang causes the terminal end to uously contact, and push on, the cam surface ofthe respective at least one g tang resulting in translation of the extension of the actuating tang into lateral movement ofthe at least one locking tang to the locking position.

2. The locking apparatus ofclaim 1, sing two locking tangs which extend laterally on opposite sides ofthe closure when in their respective locking positions. to be ed within corresponding recesses in opposite sides ofthe frame.

3. The locking apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the terminal end comprises at least one cam e oblique to the ion of extension ofthe actuating tang.

4. The locking apparatus ofclaim 1. wherein the at least one locking tang is biased to the e position by a spring.

5. The g apparatus ofclaim I. wherein the at least one locking tang is biased to the release position by a mechanical linkage.

6. The g tus ofclaim I. wherein the locking apparatus is a ck, and the actuating tang is movable by one or more of: ion ofa key or a turn snib, and spring force.

7. The locking apparatus ofclaim 1. wherein the locking apparatus is a mortice lock and: the actuating tang is biased outwardly from the closure to an extended position. to thereby bias the at least one locking tang to the locking position; and the at least one locking tang comprises an external cam surface. such that when the closure is slid to a closed position, the external cam surface s with the frame to push the at least one locking tang to its release position. until it reaches the recess within the frame and is biased back to the locking position.

8. The locking apparatus ofclaim 7. wherein the actuating tang is lockable in the extended position.

9. The locking apparatus ofclaim 8. wherein the actuating tang is locked by a key in the extended position.

10. The locking apparatus ofclaim I. further comprising a sensor.

11. 1 1. The g apparatus ofclaim 10. n the sensor is operatively connected to send a signal when the at least one locking tang is in the locking position or the release position.

12. The locking apparatus ofclaim 10. wherein the sensor is con?gured to trigger an alarm when the at least one locking tang is disengaged from the locking position or the release position.

13. The locking apparatus m 1. wherein the closure is a door.

14. A closure assembly comprising: a frame ng an opening and de?ning a closure plane; a closure slidable within the frame to open or close the opening; and one or more locking apparatus m 1.

15. The locking apparatus ofclaim 10. wherein the sensor is configured to detect when the at least one locking tang is in the locking position or the e position.

16. The locking apparatus ofclaim 1. wherein the extension ofthe actuating tang causes the terminal end to contiguoust contact. and push on, the cam surface ofthe respective at least one locking tang at a location axially aligned with the corresponding locking recess as Viewed along an axis normal to the closure plane.