AU773829B2 - A locking system - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

(ORIGINAL)

Application Number: Class Int. Class Lodged: Complete Specification Lodged: Accepted: Published: Priority: Related Art: Applicant: ANTONY RHYS BEVAN 34 VIEW STREET, MAITLAND NSW 2323, AUSTRALIA Address for service in Australia: PHILLIPS ORMONDE FITZPATRICK 367 Collins Street MELBOURNE VICTORIA 3000 Tel: (03) 9614 1944 Fax: (03)9614 1867 Attorney Code: PO Complete Specification for the invention entitled: "A LOCKING SYSTEM" Our Ref: IRN 595751 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to applicant: forms\patform\capforms.doc A LOCKING SYSTEM The present invention relates generally to a locking system for a cover or facing element. The invention has been designed especially, but not exclusively, for mounting a plaque associated with a container housing the ashes of a deceased person to a structure such as a memorial wall, or in a lawn plot or the like, and the invention is herein described in that context. The invention also relates to an improved plaque or facing element for use with the system.

Traditionally, the ashes of a deceased person are commonly stored in a sealed box known as ashbox. The ashbox is often mounted in a recess in a memorial wall or placed in the ground in a lawn plot. A plaque is usually associated with the ashbox. In the case where the ashbox is secured within a memorial wall, the plaque is fitted over the recess in the wall and secured in place by glue or mortar. In a lawn plot, the plaque is typically mounted on a 15 support such as a stake or concrete block inserted into the ground over the ashbox.

Problems exist with both these systems. Specifically, the fixing of the plaque to a memorial wall is time consuming and requires regular maintenance Soas the glue or mortar deteriorates overtime. In the case of lawn plots, there is 20 often the need to remove the plaque for maintenance to the lawn and over time 000 it is common that the plaque becomes remote from the ashbox. This is particularly a problem if the ashbox needs to be recovered, as the plaque no longer acts as a good indicator to the location of the box.

In the Applicant's earlier application, Australian patent application 79928/98, the contents of which are herein incorporated by cross reference, there is disclosed a frame and plaque arrangement that incorporates a pair of locking plates that are designed to mount the frame over a recess in a wall that contains the ashbox.

The present invention relates to developments on the systems disclosed in this earlier patent application which further address the problems associated above with traditional fixing techniques for plaques and ashboxes. In particular, PA7992-1.DOC: 10-08-99 3 the present invention provides systems that are easier to install and provide more secure locking as compared to those disclosed in the earlier application.

According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a locking system for a facing element including opposite front and rear surfaces. The system includes first and second locking members, each connected to the facing element. The members are spaced apart and project outwardly from the rear surface and terminate at respective distal ends. The locking members are capable of inward and outward movement relative to one another so as to be able to vary the maximum spacing between the members. The system further includes an actuator that is operative to impart outward movement to the locking members.

i The facing element may take a variety of forms depending on its application. When used in conjunction with an ashbox, the facing element is typically a plaque, cover plate, frame, headstone or the like. In use, the facing 15 element is disposed over a recess in a structure. The locking members are inserted into the recess and moved outwardly to engage the inner wall of the structure under operation of the actuator, to thereby lock the facing element in place. The advantage of the present invention is that the locking members may S* be fully concealed yet still securely retain the facing element in place be virtue of their connection to the element.

In a preferred form, the locking members are arranged to hold a container such as an ashbox. In use, this arrangement allows the locking members and container to be inserted as a unit into the recess.

In one form, the locking members are arranged to be disposed on opposite sides of the container and include tabs which engage the container so as to hold it in place. In another form, the locking members are interconnected by a strut or similar spacing member. Preferably, the strut limits the amount the locking members are able to move towards each other to prevent crushing of the container on actuation of the locking system.

The locking system according to a preferred form of the present invention provides significant practical benefits. In particular, as the locking members are connected to both the facing element and the container, PA7992-1.DOC: 0-08-99 4 installation of these elements into a memorial wall or the like is greatly simplified. The elements are installed as a unit and are secured in place merely by operation of the actuator. Further, practically no maintenance is required to keep the elements secure, which enables substantial cost savings to be realised as compared to previous fixing techniques using mortar or glue.

Further, the container can be safely stored in the recess without the danger that it will be damaged when the facing element is locked in place. In particular, there is no threat that that the container will be pierced as may occur if the facing element is secured by fasteners. If the container is not rigid, the use of the strut arrangement prevents it from being crushed.

Preferably, proximal ends of the locking members are integrally formed Swith, or connected to, the facing element. To allow the locking members to move inward or outward at least one of the locking members is able to move relative to the facing element. This movement may be through a pivoting action 15 or by translation along the rear surface of the facing element or a combination of both these movements.

Preferably, at least one of the locking members is connected to the facing elements through interfitting projections and recesses, one of either the projections or recesses being associated with the facing element, and the other being associated with that locking member. This arrangement provides a simple yet secure system of connecting the plaque to the locking members.

Further, in a preferred form, the recess is in the form of an elongate slot which allows for guided movement of the locking member relative to the facing element, whilst maintaining the connection between these elements.

To provide a secure locking action, both locking members are caused to move into engagement with the opposite walls of the recess. This induces an inwardly directed force on each member, which needs to be resisted. This resistance may come about by the actuator, by a container located between the members or by a strut element interconnecting the locking members, or by a combination of these elements.

In a particularly preferred form, the outward movement of the locking members is caused by a pivoting action of one of the members about an axis PA7992- 1.DOC:10-08-99 intermediate its proximal and distal ends. In this arrangement, preferably the actuator is caused to impart an inward directed movement to the proximal end of the or each pivoting locking member, which in turn causes the distal end of that locking member to rotate outwardly.

In this arrangement, the resisting force is provided by the actuator being on the proximal end of the locking member and the resisting force provided at the pivot axis. In one form, the pivot axis is designed to be at the point where that locking member engages the container. In another form, the pivot axis is designed to be about a strut element interconnecting the locking members.

The system used will largely depend on whether the container has the capability to resist the compressive loading induced in the locking action.

In this arrangement, in operation of the locking system, the elements may undergo sideways movement in the recess on initial movement of the actuator as the pivoting locking member is pushed inwards. This causes the S 15 other locking member to move into engagement with the wall of the structure.

The continued movement of the actuator, then causes the locking member to pivot to bring the distal end of that member into engagement with the opposite wall of the structure, thereby locking the facing element in place.

Further, engagement of the locking member with the recess wall prevents further movement of the locking member relative to the facing element. This occurs as further inward movement of the pivoting locking member is prevented by engagement of the distal end with the recess wall and outward movement is restricted by the actuator bearing against the proximal end of the pivoting locking member.

In a preferred form, the pivoting locking member includes a tail portion which projects outwardly at its distal end and which is caused to move into engagement with the wall under locking of the system. An advantage of this arrangement is that the locking member may be varied to some extent to suit the size of the recess. Specifically, the amount the tail portion projects outwardly can be varied merely by altering its angle of projection. Preferably, this may be achieved by manual bending of the respective locking member.

PA7992-1.DOC:10-8-99 It is to be appreciated that the actuator may take any suitable form.

However, in keeping with the simplicity of the design, preferably the actuator is in the form of a shaft, which is movable along a longitudinal axis so as to move into engagement with the proximal end of the pivoting locking member. To enable the actuator to resist the loading applied to it on operation of the locking system, preferably the shaft includes a thread on its outer surface which is coupled to a base surface by engagement with a complementary threaded aperture. It is to be appreciated that other suitable forms could be used to resist this loading.

In a particularly preferred form, the actuator is coupled to the facing element. The benefit of this arrangement is that the unit can be merely mounted to the structure without requiring any special purpose apertures to be formed in the structure. Further, preferably the actuator extends to the exterior of the facing element, thereby enabling it to be easily accessed when the facing 15 element and locking members are in place.

A particular advantage of the system in the above preferred form is that 2: the locking members are arranged to fully engage and retain the ashbox by a clamping action which does not necessitate any piercing of the ashbox itself.

S- Preferably the locking members are formed from sheet material. The 20 advantage of this arrangement is that it enables them to be inserted into the confined environment of the recess with the locking members located close to the sides of the container. Furthermore, such an arrangement also provides a relatively large surface on which the locking members can bear against the container thereby distributing the load. In a preferred form, the locking members are made from metal but they may be formed from other materials such as plastics or the like.

In yet a further aspect of the present invention, a facing element is provided which is designed to be used in association with the system described above. In particular, the facing element is characterised in that it incorporates a coupling element on its rear surface to enable it to be connected to the locking members.

PA7992-1 .DOC:10-08-99 In one particular preferred form, the facing element incorporates flanges which extend outwardly from the rear surface and which incorporate recesses therein. The recesses form part of the connection with the locking member and are arranged to interfit with projections which extend from those members.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a locking system as described above in combination with a facing element.

In yet a further aspect, the invention relates to the locking system as described above in combination with a facing element and a related structure.

In this aspect of the invention, the structure comprises a recess to receive the ashbox. In this form the invention is particularly suited to use in lawn plots and preferably the structure is made from concrete or similar rigid material.

It will be convenient to hereinafter describe the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is to be appreciated however that the particularity of the drawings is to be understood 15 as not superseding the generality of the preceding broad description of the drawings.

In the drawings: FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a locking system for a plaque *and ashbox according to an embodiment of the present invention. For clarity the ashbox is disclosed in phantom; FIG. 2 illustrates a rear side of the plaque of FIG.1: FIG. 3 is a variation of the plaque of FIG. 2; FIG. 4 illustrates the locking system of FIG. 1 installed in a wall in a released configuration; FIG. 5 illustrates the locking systems of FIG. 4 in a locked configuration; FIG. 6 is a schematic elevation of the locking system securing a plaque and ashbox in a lawn plot; FIG. 7 illustrates a frame for use in the locking system of FIG. 1; FIG. 8 is a sectional view along section line VIII-VIII of FIG. 7; FIG. 9 is a variation of the locking system of FIG. 1.

PA7992-1.DOC:10-08-99 8 Turning firstly to FIG.s 1 to 3, a locking system 10 is disclosed which is for use with a plaque 50 and ashbox 51. For clarity, the ashbox is shown in phantom in the drawing of FIG. 1.

The locking system 10 includes two locking plates 11 and 12. Each locking plate is formed of sheet material which is preferably mild steel, however, it is to be appreciated that other materials may be used such as plastics or the like. The plates 11 and 12 include opposite proximal and distal ends 13 and 14 respectively. Each plate is profiled at its proximal end 13 so as to include a pair of outwardly extending projections 16 which form part of a connecting assembly for connecting the locking members to the plaque The plaque 50 includes a front surface 52 and rear surface 53. A peripheral skirt 54 projects outwardly from the rear surface 53. The rear surface further includes two sets of parallel slots 55. In the embodiment of 2, the slots are formed from lugs which are connected to the rear 15 surface 53 whereas in the embodiment of FIG. 3 they are formed within the inner surface of the peripheral skirt 54. It is to be appreciated that instead of providing two sets of slots, a continuous slot may be provided on each end side of the plaque.

Each pair of the slots 55 is arranged to receive the opposite projections 16 of respective ones of the locking plates 11, 12. Once located within the slots 55, the locking plates are capable of limited movement towards and away from each other through movement of the projections 16 within the slots 55. As will be appreciated, the locking plates 11, 12 can each be located within its respective pair of slots by orientating the locking plate at an angle to a line which extends perpendicular to the line of the slots. However, once the locking plates are brought back to the perpendicular, the plates remain captured within their respective slots A threaded aperture 56 is also formed in the peripheral skirt 54. The aperture is arranged to receive a complementary threaded shaft 15 which forms the actuator for the locking system 10 The shaft 15 is arranged for movement along its longitudinal axis so as to be able to project into the space defined by PA7992-1 .DOC: 10-08-99 the peripheral surface 54 so as to be engageable with the proximal end 16 of one of the locking plates 11.

Each of the locking plates also includes tabs 17 which extend outwardly from an edge region intermediate the proximal and distal ends 13 and 14. The purpose of the tab 17 is to enable the locking plates to hold the ashbox 51.

Typically, the tabs can be folded either inwardly or outwardly so as to match the width of the ashbox 51 such that the respective locking plates firmly grip the ashbox.

The locking plate 12 is arranged to be generally planar. In contrast, the locking plate 11 includes a tail portion 18 at its distal end 14 which is inclined at an angle relative to the remaining part of that locking member. With this arrangement, inward movement of the proximal end 13 of the locking plate 11, such as can occur through engagement through the shaft 15, will cause the locking plate 11 to pivot resulting in the tail portion 18 extending outwardly 15 relative to the other locking plate 12. As a result of this movement, the maximum spacing between the locking plates will increase.

The operation of the locking system 10 is illustrated with reference to FIG.s 4 and 5. These drawings illustrate the locking system used in conjunction with a memorial wall 100. Specifically, the wall 100 incorporates a recess 101 which is defined by opposite wall surfaces 102 and 103. In a first stage, the locking plates are connected to the plaque 50 and ashbox 51. This is achieved by location of the projection 16 within the slots 55 and engagement of the tabs 17 on the ashbox 51. The assembly is then inserted into the recess 101 in the memorial wall so that the peripheral skirt 54 of the plaque 50 engages the outer surface of the wall, whereas the locking plates 11, 12 and ashbox 51 are housed with recess 101. When inserted into the wall, the locking plate 11 is disposed at an angle relative to the locking plate 12 so that the distance between the plates 11 and 12 is not at a maximum.

Once in position, the plaque 50 and ashbox 51 are secured in place under operation of the actuator shaft 15 which is screwed into the recess defined by the peripheral skirt 54 of the plaque 50. As a result, the shaft 15 is caused to engage the proximal end 13 of the locking plate 11. This initially PA7992-1.DOC::10-08-99

L-

causes the locking plate to move upwardly so that the opposite locking plate 12 is moved into engagement with the wall 103. Thereafter, the locking plate 11 begins to rotate about its point of contact 19 with the ashbox, causing the distal end 18 to move outwardly and into engagement with the recess wall 102. Once the locking plates are engaged with their respective recess walls 102, 103, they thereby form an interference fit with the recess walls preventing removal of the plaque 50. Further movement of the locking plates 11, 12 relative to the plaque 50 is prevented as the actuator shaft 15 prevents the plates releasing, thereby providing a secure structure.

To prevent inadvertent removal of the plaque 50 or ashbox 51, the shaft 15 may be provided with a one-way drive head or similar mechanism to prevent it being unscrewed from the plaque FIG. 6 illustrates the locking system 10 when used in a lawn plot 110. In o *.this arrangement, an associated housing 60 is provided which is designed to 15 provide the recess to enable operation of the locking system 10. Typically, the housing 60 is in a form of a concrete tube for similar rigid structure. In use, the housing 60 is first inserted into the lawn plot 110. The plaque and ashbox and associated locking system 10 are then installed in the cavity 61 formed within *the housing 60 and locked in a similar manner as described above in reference to FIG.s 4 and FIG.s 7 and 8 illustrate a further arrangement where, instead of a integrated plaque 50, a frame assembly70 is used in conjunction with the locking system 10. In this arrangement, the frame 70 includes a lip 71 which is disposed adjacent a front surface 72 of the frame. In a similar manner to the plaque 50 disclosed above, a skirt 73 is provided in the frame which incorporates the slots 55. In use, a standard plaque (not shown) is arranged to be mounted in the frame 70 between the slot 55 and the lip 71. The plaque is retained in position on connecting of the locking plates 11 and 12 with the respective slots FIG. 9 illustrates a further embodiment of the locking system 10. As the second embodiment includes many of the features of the earlier described embodiment, like features have been given like reference numerals.

PA7992-1.DOC:10-08-99 11 The main difference in the embodiment of FIG. 9 as compared to the earlier embodiment is strut members 20 are incorporated which interconnect the locking plates 11 and 12. .The strut members are formed from first and second parts 21,22 which are interconnected and are arranged for limited telescopic movement. In the illustrated form, one of the strut parts 22 incorporates a recess 23 in which a projection 24 mounted to the other part 21 is received. The purpose of the strut members 20 is to restrict the amount of inward movement of the locking plates 11 and 12 so as to prevent crushing of the ashbox 51 and to transfer load from one locking member to the other. In other respects, the locking system 10 disclosed in FIG. 9 operates in the same manner as that previously described. Specifically, the locking plate 11 is arranged to pivot under operation of the actuator shaft 15. However, in the embodiment of FIG. 9, the locking plate 11 is connected to the strut part 22 by virtue of a pin connection 25 so as to provide the pivot axis for the plate 11.

15 Accordingly, the locking system 10 of the invention provides a simple, yet secure system for mounting facing elements such as frames or plaques to a 0" "structure such as a memorial wall or within a special housing adapted for location within a lawn plot.

S.It is to be appreciated that variations and or modifications may be made to the parts previously described without departing from the spirit or ambit of the invention as defined in the accompanying statement of claim.

*DI

PA7992- I.DOC: 10-08-99

Claims (21)

1. A locking system for a facing element including opposite front and rear surfaces, the system including first and second locking members, each connected to the facing element, the locking members being spaced apart and projecting outwardly from the rear surface and terminating at respective distal ends, the locking members being capable of inward and outward movement relative to one another so as to be able to vary the maximum spacing between the members, the system further including an actuator operable to impart outward movement to the locking members.

2. A locking system according to claim 1, wherein the locking members further include retaining elements operable to retain a container between said members.

3. A system according to claim 2, wherein the retaining element includes tabs which extend outwardly from the respective locking members intermediate its ends.

4. A locking system according to any one of the preceding claims, further including at least one strut element which is adapted to interconnect the locking members, wherein the length of the strut element can vary by a 20 predetermined amount.

A locking system according to claim 4, wherein the strut element includes first and second parts, the parts being coupled together but capable of relative movement so as to vary the length of the strut element.

6. A locking system according to any one of the preceding claims, 25 wherein a proximal end of each locking member is integrally formed with, or connected to, the facing element, and wherein at least one of the locking members is movable relative to the facing element to allow the said inward or outward movement of the locking members.

7. A locking system according to claim 6, wherein at least one of the locking members is connected to the facing element through interfitting projections and recesses, one of either the projections or recesses being associated with the facing element, and the other being associated with that locking member.

8. A locking system according to claim 7, wherein the recesses are in the form of elongate slots which allow for guided movement of the locking member relative to the facing element whilst maintaining the connection between these elements.

9. A locking system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outward movement of the locking members is caused by a pivoting action of one of the members about an axis intermediate its ends, and wherein the actuator is caused to impart an inward directed movement to a proximal end of the or each pivoting locking member, which in turn causes the distal end of that locking member to rotate outwardly.

A locking system according to claim 9, wherein the pivoting locking member includes a tail portion located at the distal end, the tail portion being disposed in a plane which is inclined to the remaining part of that locking member.

11. A locking system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator is in the form of a shaft coupled to a support structure :and movable along a longitudinal axis so as to be operative to move into "engagement with one of the locking members.

12. A locking system according to claim 11, wherein the actuator shaft 20 includes a thread on its outer surface, which is coupled to the support structure by engagement with a complementary threaded aperture.

13. A locking system according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the actuator is coupled to the facing element.

14. A locking system according to any one of the preceding claims, S. 25 wherein the locking members are formed from sheet material.

15. A facing element for use with a locking system according to any one of the preceding claims, the facing element including opposite front and rear surfaces and incorporating coupling elements on its rear surface to enable it to be connected to the locking members.

16. A facing element according to claim 15, wherein the facing element is coupled to the locking members by interfitting projections and recesses, the projections being disposed on said locking members and the recesses being 14 incorporated in said facing element and wherein the facing element incorporates flanges which extend outwardly from the rear surface and which incorporates said recesses therein.

17. A facing element according to claim 16, wherein the facing element incorporates a peripheral skirt which extends outwardly from the rear surface, and wherein said peripheral skirt incorporates the recesses therein.

18. A facing element according to claim 17, wherein the peripheral skirt is adapted to support the actuator operable to impart outward movement to said locking members.

19. A locking system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, when used in combination with a facing element according to any one of claims 15 to 18. S•

20. A locking system substantially as herein described with reference to accompanying drawings.

21. A combination locking system and facing element substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. .DATED: 10 August 1999 PHILLIPS ORMONDE FITZPATRICK Attorneys for ANTHONY RHYS BEVAN C.k 4AP PA7992-1 .DOC:10-08-99