Latch mechanism

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a latch mechanism for latching a door or window panel to a frame. The latch mechanism includes: a pair of first members, a first of the pair of first members being located in an upper region of either the door or window panel or the frame, and a second of the pair of first members being located in a lower region of either the door or window panel or the frame and a pair of second members, a first of the pair of second members being located in an upper region of the other of the door or window panel or the frame to the first of the pair of first members and a second of the pair of second members being located in a lower region of the other of the door or window panel or the frame to the second of the pair first members the second members being movable between an unlatched position and a latched position wherein the second members are brought into abutment with, or close proximity to, the respective first members, wherein the first members are adapted to move from the unlatched position to the latched position under a magnetic attraction to the respective second members when the door or window panel is brought into a closed condition and wherein the second members are coupled to a controller via one or more linkage members, wherein actuation of the controller results in moving the second members from the latched position to the unlatched position.

Claims

1. A latch mechanism for latching a door or window panel to a frame, wherein the door or window panel comprises a front surface, a back surface, and one or more edge surfaces extending between the front and back surfaces, the latch mechanism comprising: a pair of first members, a first of the pair of first members being located in an upper region of either the door or window panel or the frame, and a second of the pair of first members being located in a lower region of either the door or window panel or the frame; a pair of second members, a first of the pair of second members being located in an upper region of the other of the door or window panel or the frame to the first of the pair of first members and a second of the pair of second members being located in a lower region of the other of the door or window panel or the frame to the second of the pair of first members, each second member being movable between an unlatched position and a latched position wherein the first of the pair of second members is brought into abutment with, or close proximity to, the first of the pair of first members and the second of the pair of second members is brought into abutment with, or close proximity to, the second of the pair of first members; and a controller comprising a handle, wherein the second members are adapted to move from the unlatched position to the latched position under a magnetic attraction to the respective first members when the door or window panel is brought into a closed condition, wherein each second member is coupled to the controller via one or more linkage members, the linkage members comprising one or more cables and at least one linking arm, wherein a locking member, being located in the upper region of the other of the door or window panel or the frame to the first of the pair of first members, or being located in the lower region of the other of the door or window panel or the frame to the second of the pair of first members, engages at least one of the second members to prevent the at least one of the second members from being forced from the latched position to the unlatched position by force applied to an end of the at least one of the second members, and one of the at least one linking arm actuates the locking member to disengage from the at least one of the second members, wherein the latch mechanism is provided with a tension adjustment mechanism adapted to adjust the tension in the one or more linkage members, and wherein actuation of the controller results in moving each second member from the latched position to the unlatched position, and wherein slack is allowed to exist between the at least one linking arm and the second member when the second members are in the unlatched position such that, as the first and second members are brought into proximity with one another, the slack between the at least one linking arm and the second member is sufficient to allow movement under magnetic attraction of the second members towards the first members into the latched position.

2. A latch mechanism according to claim 1 wherein the first members are located on the frame and the second members are located on the door or window panel.

3. A latch mechanism according to claim 2 wherein the second members are magnetic rods, bars or bolts configured for mounting on or adjacent an upper and/or lower edge of the door or window panel.

4. A latch mechanism according to claim 2 wherein the second members are at least partially received in recesses within the door or window panel when in the unlatched position.

5. A latch mechanism according to claim 1 wherein the first members are ferromagnetic blocks mounted on the frame.

6. A latch mechanism according to claim 1 wherein the controller comprises one or more handles, buttons, levers, dials or a combination thereof.

7. A latch mechanism according to claim 1 wherein the tension adjustment mechanism includes one or more tension adjustment members that adjust the position of the at least one linking arm in order to increase or decrease the degree of slack between the linking arm and the second member.

8. A latch mechanism according to claim 1 wherein the latch mechanism further comprises a locking mechanism located on an edge surface of the door or window panel.

9. A latch mechanism according to claim 8 wherein the locking mechanism includes a key barrel that extends into the door or window panel at an angle substantially perpendicular to the edge surface of the panel.

10. A latch mechanism according to claim 8 wherein locking of the locking mechanism precludes the second members from moving between the unlatched position and the latched position.

11. A latch mechanism according to claim 1 wherein the latch mechanism further includes one or more biasing members adapted to bias the second members into the unlatched position once the magnetic attraction between the first members and the second members is broken.

12. A door or window panel including a latch mechanism for securing the panel to a frame, wherein the door or window panel comprises a front surface, a back surface, and one or more edge surfaces extending between the front and back surfaces, the latch mechanism including: a pair of first members, a first of the pair of first members being located in an upper region of the frame, and a second of the pair of first members being located in a lower region of the frame; a pair of second members, a first of the pair of second members being located in an upper region of the door or window panel and a second of the pair of second members being located in a lower region of the door or window panel, each second member being movable between an unlatched position and a latched position; and a controller comprising a handle, wherein the first of the pair of second members is brought into abutment with, or close proximity to, the first of the pair of first members and the second of the pair of second members is brought into abutment with, or close proximity to, the second of the pair of first members, wherein the second member is adapted to move from the unlatched position to the latched position under a magnetic attraction to one of the first members when the door or window panel is brought into a closed condition, wherein each second member is coupled to the controller via one or more linkage members, the one or more linkage members comprising one or more cables and at least one linking arm, wherein a locking member, being located in the upper region of the other of the door or window panel or the frame to the first of the pair of first members, or being located in the lower region of the other of the door or window panel or the frame to the second of the pair of first members, engages at least one of the second members to prevent the at least one of the second members from being forced from the latched position to the unlatched position by force applied to an end of the at least one of the second members, and one of the at least one linking arm actuates the locking member to disengage from the at least one of the second members, wherein the latch mechanism is provided with a tension adjustment mechanism adapted to adjust the tension in the one or more linkage members, wherein actuation of the controller results in moving the second members from the latched position to the unlatched position, and wherein slack is allowed to exist between the at least one linking arm and the second member when the second members are in the unlatched position such that, as the first and second members are brought into proximity with one another, the slack between the at least one linking arm and the second member is sufficient to allow movement under magnetic attraction of the second members towards the first members into the latched position.

13. A door or window assembly having a plurality of door or window panels, wherein at least one panel includes a latch mechanism for securing the at least one panel to a frame, wherein the door or window panel comprises a front surface, a back surface, and one or more edge surfaces extending between the front and back surfaces, the latch mechanism including: a pair of first members, a first of the pair of first members being located in an upper region of the frame, and a second of the pair of first members being located in a lower region of the frame; a pair of second members, a first of the pair of second members being located in an upper region of the door or window panel and a second of the pair of second members being located in a lower region of the door or window panel, each second member being movable between an unlatched position and a latched position; and a controller comprising a handle, wherein the first of the pair of second members is brought into abutment with, or close proximity to, the first of the pair of first members and the second of the pair of second members is brought into abutment with, or close proximity to, the second of the pair of first members, wherein the second member is adapted to move from the unlatched position to the latched position under a magnetic attraction to one of the first members when the door or window panel is brought into a closed condition, wherein each second member is coupled to the controller via one or more linkage members, the one or more linkage members comprising one or more cables and at least one linking arm, wherein a locking member, being located in the upper region of the other of the door or window panel or the frame to the first of the pair of first members, or being located in the lower region of the other of the door or window panel or the frame to the second of the pair of first members, engages at least one of the second members to prevent the at least one of the second members from being forced from the latched position to the unlatched position by force applied to an end of the at least one of the second members, and one of the at least one linking arm actuates the locking member to disengage from the at least one of the second members, wherein the latch mechanism is provided with a tension adjustment mechanism adapted to adjust the tension in the one or more linkage members, wherein actuation of the controller results in moving the second members from the latched position to the unlatched position, and wherein slack is allowed to exist between the at least one linking arm and the second member when the second members are in the unlatched position such that, as the first and second members are brought into proximity with one another, the slack between the at least one linking arm and the second member is sufficient to allow movement under magnetic attraction of the second members towards the first members into the latched position.

14. A door or window according to claim 13 wherein the door or window panels are sliding door or window panels or folding door or window panels.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

(1) Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

(2) FIG. 1a shows a bifold door having a latch mechanism in the latched position according an embodiment of the present invention.

(3) FIG. 1b shows the bifold door of FIG. 1a in which the latching mechanism is in the unlatched position.

(4) FIGS. 2a to 2d illustrate the unlocking and opening sequence of a bifold door according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(5) FIGS. 3a to 3d illustrate the closing and locking sequence of the bifold door of FIG. 3.

(6) FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of a controller for the latch mechanism shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

(7) FIG. 5a illustrates an end view of a latch mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(8) FIG. 5b illustrates a side view of a latch mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(9) FIG. 6 illustrates an isometric view of a latch mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(10) FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate cross-sectional views of a latch mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention in the latched condition and unlatched condition, respectively.

(11) FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate cross-sectional views of a latch mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention in the latched condition and unlatched condition, respectively.

(12) FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate a front view and a plan view, respectively, of a latch mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention when provided on a single panel door or window.

(13) FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate front views of a latch mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention when provided on a sliding door or window.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

(14) FIG. 1a illustrates a bifold door 10 having three door panels (only two shown) attached to a bifold door frame 12. One of the door panels 14 has two latch mechanisms 16a, 16b. One latch mechanism 16a is mounted proximate a top left corner of the door panel 14, and the other latch mechanism 16b is mounted proximate a bottom left corner of the door panel 14.

(15) Each latch mechanism 16a, 16b includes a magnetic bolt 18 mounted in the door panel 14 and a ferromagnetic block 20 mounted in the door frame 12. The door frame 12 defines a channel opening (not shown) directly below the ferromagnetic block 20 to allow magnetic engagement between the magnetic bolt 18 and the ferromagnetic block 20 when the latch mechanism 16 in the latched position as shown in FIG. 1a.

(16) When each latch mechanism 16a, 16b is in its latched position as shown in FIG. 1a, the respective magnetic bolt 18 is held within the respective channel opening of the door frame 12 so as to prevent movement of the door panel 14. The door panel 14 is thereby locked in position by the latch mechanisms 16a, 16b.

(17) Now referring to FIG. 1B, the door panel 14 can be unlocked from the door frame 12 by withdrawing the magnetic bolt 18 of each latch mechanism 16a, 16b from the respective channel opening of the door frame 12. Once the magnetic bolt 18 is withdrawn, the door panel 14 is freely movable relative to the door frame 12.

(18) FIG. 2a illustrates that in one embodiment of the present invention, the movement of the magnetic bolt 18 can be controlled by a lever handle 22. The magnetic bolt 18 of each latch mechanism 16 is coupled to the lever handle 22 via a respective linking arm 24a, 24b. When the lever handle 22 is moved in one direction (e.g. anticlockwise), the linking arms 24a, 24b pull on one end of the magnetic bolts 18 to thereby withdraw the magnetic bolts 18 from the door frame 12.

(19) The sequence of drawings FIGS. 2a to 2d illustrate the unlocking and opening of bifold door 10 in side view (left) and top view (right).

(20) In FIG. 2a, the bifold door 10 is closed and locked. For each latch mechanism 16, the magnetic bolt 18 is held by the ferromagnetic block 20 within the respective channel opening of the door frame 12.

(21) As shown in FIGS. 2b to 2c, the left most door panel is first opened in the conventional manner, then the lever handle 22 is moved anticlockwise to withdraw the magnetic bolts 18 from the door frame 12. Once the bolts 18 of the latch mechanisms 16 are withdrawn, the door panel 14 is unlocked and the bifold can be pushed open as shown in FIG. 2d.

(22) The sequence of drawings FIGS. 3a to 3d illustrate the closing and locking of bifold door 10 in side view (left) and top view (right).

(23) As shown in FIG. 3a, the bifold door 10 is fully open. To close the bifold door 10, the door panels are moved into alignment with the door frame 12 as shown in FIG. 3b. Once door panel 14 is properly aligned as shown in FIG. 3c, the magnetic bolt 18 of each latch mechanism 16 becomes aligned with the respective ferromagnetic block 20. Due to the magnetic attraction between the magnetic bolt 18 and the ferromagnetic block 20, the magnetic bolt 18 automatically moves into the respective channel opening of the door frame 12 so as to become magnetically engaged with the ferromagnetic block 20 as shown in FIG. 3c. In this position, the door panel 14 is locked against the door frame 12. Finally, the left most door panel is closed and locked against the door frame 12 in the conventional manner as shown in FIG. 3d.

(24) The lever handle 22 and the linking arms 24a, 24b can operate in a number of ways. The principle of operation for one example is shown in FIG. 4, wherein the linking arms 24a, 24b are connected by a transverse member 26. When the lever handle is moved anticlockwise, the transverse member 26 is also moved anticlockwise, causing a first end 28 of the transverse member 26 to move downwardly and an opposite second end 30 of the transverse member 26 to move upwardly. As linking arm 24a is connected to the first end 28 of the transverse member 26, the downward movement of the first end 28 causes the linking arm 24a to also move downwardly, thereby pulling the upper magnetic bolt 18 downwardly and away from the channel opening of the upper horizontal beam of the door frame 12. Similarly, as linking arm 24b is connected to the second end 30 of the transverse member 26, the upward movement of the second end 30 causes the linking arm 24b to also move upwardly, thereby pulling the lower magnetic bolt 18 upwardly and away from the channel opening of the lower horizontal beam of the door frame 12. Once the magnetic bolts 18 are moved out of their respective channel openings in the door frame 14, the door panel 14 is unlocked and no longer secured to the door frame 12.

(25) Advantageously, the magnetic attraction between the magnetic bolt 18 and the ferromagnetic block 20 allows each latch mechanism 16 to automatically move into a latched position from an unlatched position when the bifold door 10 is closed and aligned with the door frame 12. Accordingly, the user does not have to remember to separately lock the door panel 14 of the bifold door 10 after closing the bifold door. The bifold door 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention thereby provides improved security and convenience.

(26) In FIGS. 5a and 5b there is shown an end view and a side view, respectively, of a pair of latch mechanisms 16a, 16b. Latch mechanism 16a is located in an upper region of a door or window panel (not shown) while latch mechanism 16b is located in a lower region of a door or window panel (not shown).

(27) Each latch mechanism 16a, 16b includes a magnetic bolt 18 mounted in the panel and a ferromagnetic block 20 mounted in the door frame (not shown). The bolts 18 are shown in the latched position in which the magnetic attraction between the bolts 18 and the blocks 20 has resulted in the bolts 18 moving into abutment with the blocks 20 under a magnetic attraction.

(28) The bolts 18 are connected to a controller in the form of a lever 22 by linkage members in the form of cables 24a, 24b. Actuation of the lever 22 results in the magnetic attraction between the bolts 18 and the blocks 20 being broken, and the bolts 18 being returned to the unlatched position. The bolts 18 are retained in the unlatched position under the natural bias of a spring (obscured).

(29) The latch mechanisms 16a, 16b further comprise tension adjustment mechanisms. The tension adjustment mechanisms include a receiving portion 40 into which a tool (such as a screwdriver) is inserted. Rotation of the tool within the receiving portion 40 results in the lateral movement of pulleys 41 with which the cables 24a, 24b are associated. Depending on the direction in which the pulleys 41 are moved, the lateral movement of the pulleys 41 either increases or decreases the tortuous nature of the path along which the cables 24a, 24b travel. Increasing the tortuous nature of the path along which the cables 24a, 24b travel increases the tension in the cables 24a, 24b, thereby reducing any slack in the cables 24a, 24b. Conversely, decreasing the tortuous nature of the path along which the cables 24a, 24b travel decreases the tension in the cables 24a, 24b, thereby increasing any slack in the cables 24a, 24b. In this manner, the tension in the cables 24a, 24b may be adjusted as desired.

(30) The latching mechanism 16a, 16b further comprise a locking mechanism comprising a key barrel 42 into which a key 43 may be inserted for locking and unlocking of the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is located on an edge surface of the panel, and the key barrel 42 extends into the edge surface at an angle that is substantially parallel to the front surface of the panel.

(31) Locking of the locking mechanism results in the locking of the lever 22 such that the lever 22 cannot be operated. Thus, locking of the locking mechanism prevents the bolts 16a and 16b from being retracted from their extended condition. This will prevent someone from releasing the bolts from the latched condition and thereby opening the door.

(32) In FIG. 6 there is illustrated an isometric view of a latching mechanism (obscured) according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this Figure it may be more clearly seen that the locking mechanism is located on an edge surface 44 of the panel 14. The key barrel (obscured) and therefore also the key 43 extends into the edge surface 44 at an angle substantially perpendicular to the edge surface 44, and also substantially parallel to the front surface 45 of the panel 14.

(33) It may be seen in this Figure that the lever 22 is housed within a recess 46 in the edge surface 44 so that the lever 22 is not visible from the front of the panel 14. This ensures that the aesthetic appeal of the door panel 14 is not disturbed by the lever 22 being visible to a person viewing the panel 14 from the front.

(34) In FIGS. 7A and 7B there are illustrated cross-sectional views of a latch mechanism 50 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The latch mechanism 50 is shown in a latched condition in FIG. 7A and an unlatched condition in FIG. 7B.

(35) In FIG. 7A the bolt 18 is shown magnetically engaged with a ferromagnetic block 20 which is located within the head of a window or door frame (not shown). The latch mechanism 50 of FIG. 7A is shown in a locked condition in which a locking member in the form of a bar 51 is pivoted about pivot pin 52 into the locked condition in which the bar 51 is located vertically below the bolt 18. In this way, the bolt 18 is prevented from moving from the latched condition shown in FIG. 7A to the unlatched condition shown in FIG. 7B. This will prevent the bolt being forced to the retracted position, for instance by a burglar applying force to the end of the bolt. This provides an effective deadlocking action.

(36) Conversely, in FIG. 7B, the bar 51 has been pivoted about pivot pin 52 such that the bar 51 is no longer vertically below the bolt 18. Once the bar 51 is moved into this position, the bolt 18 may move from the latched condition to the unlatched condition when disengaged from the block (not shown in this Figure). Movement of the bolt 18 from the latched condition to the unlatched condition is achieved through actuation of the controller (not shown) that in turns results in the movement of linkage member 24a.

(37) Typically, movement of the bar 51 between the locked condition shown in FIG. 7A and the unlocked condition shown in FIG. 7B is actuated by an initial translation of linkage member 24a before it begins to pull the bolt 18 against the magnetic force holding it in the extended condition.

(38) It will also be noted that the latching mechanism 50 includes a biasing member in the form of a spring 53. In FIG. 7B, the spring 53 is naturally slightly compressed, such that movement of the bolt 18 towards the block 20 under magnetic attraction is assisted by the spring 53, but the compression of the spring 53 is not sufficient to overcome the effect of gravity when the bolt 18 is in the unlatched condition. Thus, unwanted movement of the bolt out of the latched condition except under the effect of a magnetic attraction to the block 20 is prevented.

(39) In FIGS. 8A and 8B there are illustrated cross-sectional views of a latch mechanism 60 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The latch mechanism 60 is shown in a latched condition in FIG. 8A and an unlatched condition in FIG. 8B.

(40) In FIG. 8A the bolt 18 is shown magnetically engaged with a ferromagnetic block 20 which is located within the sill of a window or door frame (not shown).

(41) Conversely, in FIG. 8B, the bolt 18 has moved from the latched condition to the unlatched condition upon disengagement from the block (not shown in this Figure). Movement of the bolt 18 from the latched condition to the unlatched condition is achieved through actuation of the controller (not shown) that in turns results in the movement of linkage member 24b.

(42) It will also be noted that the latch mechanism 60 includes a biasing member in the form of a spring 53. In FIG. 8B, the spring 53 is naturally slightly compressed, such that the effect of gravity is not sufficient to cause unwanted movement of the bolt 18 out of the unlatched condition except under the magnetic attraction between the bolt 18 and the block 20. However, the magnetic attraction between the bolt 18 and the block 20 is sufficient to overcome the bias of the spring 53 and move the bolt 18 from the unlatched condition to the latched condition.

(43) The latch mechanism 60 of FIGS. 8A and 8B further comprises a guide pin 54 associated with the bolt 18 and adapted to ensure that the bolt 18 moves consistently in a vertical direction.

(44) In FIGS. 9A and 9B there are illustrated side and plan views, respectively, of an upper latch mechanism 16a and a lower latch mechanism 16b provided on a single swinging door or window panel 61.

(45) In FIG. 9B the panel 61 is shown in the open position such that access is provided through the door or window frame 62. The panel 61 is hingedly attached to a jamb 63.

(46) In order to actuate latch mechanisms 16a, 16b, the panel 61 is closed by moving the panel 61 in the direction represented by arrow 64 in order to close the panel 61 within the frame 62. Once closed, the bolts 18 in the upper and lower latch mechanisms 16a, 16b move into the latched condition under a magnetic attraction with blocks 20 in the head and sill of the frame 62; respectively.

(47) The bolts 18 are connected by linkage members 24 to a controller in the form of a handle 22. In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, actuation of the handle 22 both moves the bolts 18 from the latch condition to the unlatched condition and allows a user to open the door or window to provide access therethrough.

(48) In FIGS. 10A and 10B there are illustrated front views of an upper latch mechanism 16a and a lower latch mechanism 16b according to an embodiment of the present invention when provided on a sliding door or window. The sliding door or window comprises a fixed panel 65a fixed to a jamb 63 of a door or window frame 62 and a moveable panel 65b capable of sliding movement relative to the fixed panel 65a.

(49) In FIG. 10A, the sliding door or window is open, and the upper and lower latch mechanisms 16a, 16b are shown in the unlatched condition. However, when the sliding door or window is closed (by moving the sliding panel 65b in the direction of arrow 66 to the position shown in FIG. 10B) the upper and lower latch, mechanisms 16a, 16b move into the latched condition in which the bolts 18 move into the latched condition under a magnetic attraction with blocks 20 in the head and sill of the frame 62, respectively.

(50) The bolts 18 are connected by linkage members 24 to a controller in the form of a handle 22. In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, actuation of the handle 22 both moves the bolts 18 from the latch condition to the unlatched condition and allows a user to open the door or window (by sliding the sliding panel 65b relative to the fixed panel 65a) to provide access therethrough.

(51) In the present specification and claims (if any), the word comprising and its derivatives including comprises and comprise include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

(52) Reference throughout this specification to one embodiment or an embodiment means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases in one embodiment or in an embodiment in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

(53) In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.