MULTI-LOCK COMPRISING A KEYLESS LOCK FOR CLOSURES

Abstract

A multi-lock for a closure is described. The multi-lock includes a deadlock having a deadlock actuator operation of which moves a deadbolt between an unlocked retracted position and a locked extended position; a keyless lock having a keyless lock actuator wherein operation of the keyless lock moves a keyless locking component between a locked position and an unlocked position; and a linkage having a deadlock interaction segment in operative connection with the deadlock and a keyless lock interaction segment in operative connection with the keyless lock. A method of manufacturing the multi-lock for a closure and a method of installing the multi-lock are also described.

Claims

1. A multi-lock for a closure comprising: a deadlock comprising a deadlock actuator operation of which moves a deadbolt between an unlocked retracted position and a locked extended position; a keyless lock comprising a keyless lock actuator wherein operation of the keyless lock moves a keyless locking component between a locked position and an unlocked position; and a linkage comprising a deadlock interaction segment in operative connection with the deadlock and a keyless lock interaction segment in operative connection with the keyless lock.

2. A method of manufacturing a multi-lock for a closure comprising: providing a deadlock comprising a deadlock actuator operation of which moves a deadbolt between an unlocked retracted position and a locked extended position; providing a keyless lock comprising a keyless lock actuator wherein operation of the keyless lock moves a keyless locking component between a locked position and an unlocked position; and providing a linkage comprising a deadlock interaction segment in operative connection with the deadlock and a keyless lock interaction segment in operative connection with the keyless lock.

3. A method of installing a multi-lock for a closure comprising: installing a deadlock comprising a deadlock actuator operation of which moves a deadbolt between an unlocked retracted position and a locked extended position; installing a keyless lock comprising a keyless lock actuator wherein operation of the keyless lock moves a keyless locking component between a locked position and an unlocked position; and installing a linkage comprising a deadlock interaction segment in operative connection with the deadlock and a keyless lock interaction segment in operative connection with the keyless lock.

4. The method according to claim 3 wherein the installation is a new installation or a retro-installation into an existing closure.

5. A closure comprising a multi-lock for a closure according to claim 1.

6. The multi-lock according to claim 1 wherein the keyless locking component is in an extended position in the locked position and a retracted position in the unlocked position

7. The multi-lock according to claim 6 wherein the keyless locking component is operatively connected to the linkage.

8. The multi-lock according to claim 7 wherein the operative connection is such that movement of the keyless locking component directly results in corresponding movement of the linkage.

9. The multi-lock according to claim 1 wherein the linkage has an extended and locked orientation in which the keyless lock is locked and a retracted and unlocked orientation in which the keyless lock is unlocked.

10. The multi-lock according to claim 1 wherein the deadlock comprises a deadlock flange disposed to move with operation of a deadlock actuator.

11. The multi-lock according to claim 10 wherein the deadlock actuator concomitantly moves the deadlock flange.

12. The multi-lock according to claim 11 wherein the deadlock flange is dimensioned so that its movement from the locked orientation to the unlocked orientation is prevented when the linkage is in the extended and locked orientation.

13. The multi-lock according to claim 11 wherein the deadlock flange is dimensioned so that its movement is not restricted when the linkage is in the retracted and unlocked orientation.

14. The multi-lock according to claim 1 wherein the linkage comprises an intermediate component, movement of the intermediate component allowing relative movement of the deadlock interaction segment and the keyless lock interaction segment.

15. The multi-lock according to claim 14 wherein the intermediate component is positioned between the keyless lock interaction segment and the deadlock interaction segment

16. The multi-lock according to claim 14 wherein the intermediate component comprises a protrusion.

17. The multi-lock according to claim 14 wherein the intermediate component comprises a transient contact surface.

18. The multi-lock according to claim 14 wherein when the intermediate component is in a free or unbiased position, the relative movement allows the deadlock interaction segment to move relative to the keyless lock interaction segment.

19. The multi-lock according to claim 1 wherein the multi-lock comprises a safety override.

20. The multi-lock according to claim 1 further comprising a microswitch.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0074] In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to identical elements. The drawings are provided by way of example only, wherein:

[0075] FIG. 1A shows a top perspective, partial phantom view, FIG. 1B shows a top plan, partial phantom view of a multi-lock, with the cover removed and the keyless lock locked and dead bolt locked and extended according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1C is schematic diagram illustrating that in the orientation shown in FIG. 1A, the deadbolt lock cannot be moved.

[0076] FIG. 2A shows a top perspective, partial phantom view, FIG. 2B shows a top plan, partial phantom view of a multi-lock, with the cover removed and the keyless lock unlocked and dead bolt is unlocked and extended according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2C is schematic diagram illustrating that in the orientation shown in FIG. 1A, the deadbolt lock can be moved.

[0077] FIG. 3A shows a top perspective, partial phantom view, FIG. 3B shows a top plan, partial phantom view of a multi-lock, with the cover removed and the keyless lock unlocked and dead bolt unlocked and extended, but free to move to the retracted orientation, according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3C is schematic diagram illustrating that in the orientation shown in FIG. 1A, the deadbolt lock can be moved.

[0078] FIG. 4A shows a top perspective, partial phantom view, FIG. 4B shows a top plan, partial phantom view of a multi-lock, with the cover removed and the keyless lock unlocked and dead bolt unlocked and retracted according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] FIG. 5 is a schematic, perspective, partial phantom showing the actions taken to unlock and open the closure when the override is used. (1) The biased intermediate component is moved to allow (2) the deadlock interaction segment to be moved relative to the keyless interaction segment which frees (3) the deadlock actuator to move to withdraw the deadbolt.

[0080] FIG. 6 is a schematic, perspective, partial phantom view of a multi-lock for a closure according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0081] FIG. 7A is a schematic, perspective, partial phantom, partially exploded view of a multi-lock for a closure according to another embodiment of the invention, showing the safe side and allowing visualisation of the safety actuators according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0082] FIG. 7B is a schematic, perspective, partial phantom, partially exploded view of a multi-lock for a closure according to another embodiment of the invention, showing the safe side.

[0083] FIG. 8 is a schematic, perspective, partial phantom view of a multi-lock for a closure according to another embodiment of the invention, showing the attack side.

[0084] FIG. 9 is a schematic, perspective, partially exploded view of a multi-lock for a closure according to another embodiment of the invention, showing the break glass assembly.

[0085] FIG. 10 is a schematic, perspective, partially exploded view of a multi-lock for a closure according to another embodiment of the invention, showing the insertion of keyless lock body into the chassis.

[0086] FIG. 11 shows a top perspective, partial phantom view with the cover removed and the keyless lock locked acting against a bias and the dead bolt locked and extended according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] FIG. 12 shows a top perspective, partial phantom view with the cover removed and the keyless lock unlocked, bias operational and the dead bolt unlocked and retracted according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0088] FIG. 13 shows a top perspective, partial phantom view with the cover removed and the keyless lock unlocked, bias operational so the dead bolt is unlocked and retracted and the intermediate component moved against the biasing mechanism.

[0089] FIG. 14 shows a top perspective, partial phantom view with the cover removed showing another embodiment of a safety actuator according to the invention.

[0090] Skilled addressees will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the relative dimensions of some elements in the drawings may be distorted to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE OF PARTS 100 multilock 102 chassis 104 channel 106 microswitch 110 linkage 111 intermediate component 112 biasing mechanism (spring) 113 (opposing) deadlock abutting surface 114 (opposing) keyless lock abutting surface 115 biased surface 116 channel surface adjacent surface 118 protrusion 119 transitory contact surface 120 intermediate component safety actuator 121 intermediate component base 125 deadlock interaction segment 127 deadlock interaction segment engagement flange 128 segment biasing mechanism 130 keyless lock interaction segment 131 keyless lock interaction segment engagement flange 132 gap 135 safety override 136 linkage safety actuator 137 housing 140 Deadlock 142 deadlock actuator (knob) 144 Deadbolt 146 deadlock flange 160 break glass assembly 161 break glass window 162 fenestrations 164 top plate 180 keyloss lock 182 Actuator 184 keyless locking component 186 Motor 188 keyless lock body 190 distal lock

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0091] For purposes of description herein, the terms upper, lower, right, left, rear, front, vertical, horizontal, interior, exterior, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1A. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. Additionally, unless otherwise specified, it is to be understood that discussion of a particular feature or component extending in or along a given direction or the like does not mean that the feature or component follows a straight line or axis in such a direction or that it only extends in such direction or on such a plane without other directional components or deviations, unless otherwise specified.

[0092] Closures, such as doors, normally require at least one lock so that the closure can be secured in the closed position. Many doors have two locksa latch lock (such as a mortise lock) and a deadbolt lock for securitywhich are typically located adjacent the closing edge of the door. Fire and/or security doors are usually configured so that both locks can be simply and quickly, manually operated by a handle, simultaneously unlocking both locks. As the handle is moved, a latch hook or bolt disengages with a strike that is attached to the frame, thus releasing the door. A strike is a plate attached to a door frame with one or more holes for removably receiving a latch or bolt from a lock.

[0093] For convenience, the invention will be described in relation to a swing door. However, the invention has broader application to securing a range of closures, including sliding doors and other closures such as gates.

[0094] The invention is directed to a multi-lock for a closure, the multi-lock comprising a keyless lock. Particular embodiments relate to a multi-lock comprising a deadlock and a keyless lock. Other particular embodiments relate to a combined deadlock and keyless lock with a safety override.

[0095] A Table of Parts is provided in Table 1 above.

[0096] FIG. 1A shows a multi-lock 100 for a closure 200 (not shown) according to one embodiment of the invention. Multi-lock 100 comprises a deadlock 140 comprising a deadlock actuator 142 operation of which moves a deadbolt 144 between an unlocked retracted position and a locked extended position.

[0097] FIG. 1A also shows a keyless lock 180 comprising a keyless lock actuator 182 (not shown) wherein operation of the keyless lock 180 moves a keyless locking component 184 between a locked position and an unlocked position.

[0098] Linkage 110, is also shown in FIG. 1A, comprising a deadlock interaction segment 125 in operative connection with deadlock 140 and a keyless lock interaction segment 130 in operative connection with the keyless lock 180.

[0099] As shown by comparing FIGS. 1A, 2A and 3A, the keyless locking component 184 is in an extended position in the locked position and a retracted position in the unlocked position.

[0100] Also shown in FIGS. 1A, 2A and 3A, is that keyless locking component 184 is operatively connected to linkage 110, such that movement of the keyless locking component 184, shown as a locking bolt, directly results in corresponding movement of linkage 110. The operative connection may be a join, an integral formation or a magnetic connection. In the illustrated embodiment, keyless locking component 184 is operatively connected to keyless lock interaction segment 130.

[0101] FIGS. 1A, 2A and 3A illustrate linkage 110 to have an extended and locked orientation in which the keyless lock 180 is locked and a retracted and unlocked orientation in which the keyless lock 180 is unlocked.

[0102] FIGS. 1A, 2A and 3A also show, in phantom, deadlock 140 to comprise a deadlock flange 146 disposed to move with operation of a deadlock actuator 142, that is movement of deadlock actuator 142 concomitantly moves deadlock flange 146. Deadlock flange 146 is illustrated to have a locked orientation and an unlocked orientation, which are different. Deadlock flange 146 is dimensioned so that its movement from the locked orientation to the unlocked orientation is prevented when linkage 110 is in the extended and locked orientation and so that its movement is not restricted when linkage 110 is in the retracted and unlocked orientation.

[0103] Although not illustrated, deadlock flange 146 may be dimensioned to abut the linkage 110 when the linkage 110 is in the extended and locked orientation.

[0104] Deadlock 140 is constructed so that movement of the deadlock actuator 142 and thereby deadbolt 144 is not possible without the concomitant movement of deadlock flange 146. Correspondingly, deadlock 140 is disposed so that movement of deadlock actuator 142 and thereby deadbolt 144 is not possible unless linkage 110 is in the retracted and unlocked orientation.

[0105] As illustrated, in the locked orientation the deadlock flange 146 does not extend into the channel and when in the unlocked orientation the deadlock flange 146 does extend into the channel.

[0106] From the teaching herein, the skilled person readily understands that deadlock actuator 142 may be in any suitable form such as, a lever, handle or knob, which may be rotated or be pushed. A deadlock actuator 142 may be comprised on both sides of the closure 200 (not shown).

[0107] Again, as shown in FIGS. 1A, 2A and 3A, linkage 110 comprises an intermediate component 111, movement of which allows relative movement of deadlock interaction segment 125 and keyless lock interaction segment 130. The movement of intermediate component 111 is from a blocking position, in which it is held by a biasing mechanism 112, illustrated to be a spring. In the blocking position, the relative movement is prevented.

[0108] As shown in FIGS. 1A, 2A and 3A, movement of intermediate component 111 to the free position allows independent movement of both the deadlock interaction segment 125 and the keyless lock interaction segment 130.

[0109] Also illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 2A and 3A is that the relative movement and/or movement between the two orientations of linkage 110 is within a channel 104 comprised in a multi-lock chassis 102. While the relative movement is illustrated to be lateral movement within the channel 104, other movement types are possible. The bias of the intermediate component 111 is shown to be in a different direction to the lateral movement. While this is illustrated to be orthogonal, to the lateral movement, other orientations are possible.

[0110] As shown in FIGS. 1A, 2A and 3A, the intermediate component 111 is positioned between keyless lock interaction segment 130 and deadlock interaction segment 125. From the teaching herein, the skilled person readily understands that positioned between includes a positioning between respective distal ends of the keyless lock interaction segment 130 and the deadlock interaction segment 125. That is, as illustrated, the intermediate component 111 is positioned between the distal ends of the keyless lock interaction segment 130 and the deadlock interaction segment 125 and within an extent of the keyless lock interaction segment 130. The intermediate component 111 comprises opposing deadlock abutting surface 113 and a keyless lock abutting surface 114. The biasing mechanism 112 acts on a biased surface 115 of intermediate component 111, with the biased surface 115 oriented perpendicularly to opposing surfaces 113, 114.

[0111] FIGS. 1A, 2A and 3A also show intermediate component 111 to comprise a protrusion 118 which extends from an intermediate component base 121. The intermediate component base 121 is wider than protrusion 118. When the intermediate component is in the free position, the deadlock interaction segment 125 may be free to move relative to the keyless lock interaction segment to occupy space occupied by the protrusion 118 when the intermediate component is in the biased position.

[0112] As illustrated, intermediate component 111 is received in a gap 132 comprised in the keyless lock interaction segment 130. From the teaching herein, the skilled person readily understands that in other embodiments, the deadlock interaction segment 125 may comprise a gap in which the intermediate component 11 is received.

[0113] Intermediate component 111 also comprises a transient contact surface 119 which is shown to make contact with the deadlock interaction segment 125, specifically the deadlock interaction segment engagement flange 127 in a blocking or biased position and not in a free or unbiased position. The transient contact surface 119 is illustrated to be in a different plane to the opposing surfaces 113, 114. The different plane is illustrated to be an orthogonal plane. The transient contact surface 119 is illustrated to be parallel to a surface on which protrusion 118 extends from.

[0114] While the intermediate component 111 is illustrated to be L-shaped, from the teaching herein, the skilled person is readily able to select other suitable shapes.

[0115] Intermediate component 111 is shown to comprise a channel surface adjacent surface 116 which moves away from channel surface when intermediate component 111 is moved from the blocking position to the free position. As illustrated, protrusion 118 extends from or is part of the channel surface adjacent surface 116.

[0116] When in the locked orientation, the deadlock flange 146 does not extend into the channel 104 and when in the unlocked orientation the deadlock flange 146 does extend into the channel 104.

[0117] When the intermediate component 111 is in a free or unbiased position, the relative movement may allow the deadlock interaction segment 125 to move relative to the keyless lock interaction segment 130.

[0118] As illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 2A and 3A, deadlock interaction segment 125 and the keyless lock interaction segment 130 comprise two separate segments (125,130).

[0119] The two separate segments 125, 130 of the linkage 110 may each comprise an engagement flange 127, 131. The engagement flanges 127, 131 may be engaged so that movement of one segment 125, 130 concomitantly moves the other segment 130, 125. The engagement flanges 127, 131 may be engaged so that movement of one segment 125, 130, in one direction, concomitantly moves the other segment 130, 125 in the same direction and concomitant movement in the other direction may be dependent on the position of the intermediate component 111. The deadlock interaction engagement flange 127 and the keyless lock interaction segment engagement flange 131 may be dimensioned so that, independent of the intermediate component 111 position, the two segments 125, 130 move concomitantly in only one direction. The deadlock interaction engagement flange 127 and the keyless lock interaction segment engagement flange 131 may be dimensioned so that, when the intermediate component 111 is in either the free position or the blocking position, movement of the deadlock interaction segment 125 towards the deadlock 140 concomitantly moves the keyless lock interaction segment 130 in the same direction.

[0120] The two separate segments 125, 130 of the linkage 110 are illustrated to be dimensioned so that when the intermediate component 111 is in the free position, each segment 125, 130 may move independently of the other.

[0121] The deadlock interaction segment 125 is illustrated to comprise an L-shape. The engagement flange 127 may extend from one end of the L-shape such as, the foot of the L-shape, as illustrated. The keyless lock interaction segment 130 is shown to comprise an S-shape. The engagement flange 131 may comprise one end of the S-shape. The intermediate component 111 may be housed between two parallel arms of the S-shape.

[0122] Although illustrated to be comprised of component parts, in other embodiments linkage 110 may be an integral or one-piece component.

[0123] Deadlock interaction segment 125 is illustrated to be adjacent to deadlock 140 and keyless lock interaction segment 130 is adjacent to keyless lock 180.

[0124] Multi-lock 100 is illustrated to comprises a safety override 135 which allows manual movement of linkage 110 and thereby manual movement of the deadlock actuator 142 to unlock deadlock 140 and open closure 200. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1A; 1B; 1C; 2A; 2B; 2C; 3A; 3B; 3C; 4A; 4B; 5; 6; 7A; 7B; 8; 9 and 10, safety override 135 is illustrated to comprise two safety override actuators 120, 136 in the form of intermediate component safety actuator 120 and a linkage safety actuator 136. Linkage safety actuator 136 is illustrated to be comprised on deadlock interaction segment 125.

[0125] Each of the one or more safety actuators 120, 136 as illustrated in FIG. 7A, to be dimensioned to be gripped by hand, optionally in the form of a pin or rod. Each of the one or more actuators may be removable optionally from a housing 137. One housing 127 may be comprised on deadlock interaction segment 125 and one housing 137 may be comprised on intermediate component 111.

[0126] Operation of the intermediate component safety actuator 120 is shown to move the intermediate component 111 against the biasing mechanism 112. Also, the operation of linkage safety actuator 136 moves deadbolt 144 from the locked extended position to the unlocked retracted position.

[0127] FIGS. 11 to 14 illustrate another embodiment of multi-lock 100, which comprises a segment biasing mechanism 128 which applies a bias, or force, to the deadlock interaction segment 125 so linkage 110 is in the extended and locked orientation. While segment biasing mechanism 128 is illustrated to be a spring, from the teaching herein, a person of skill in the art is readily able to select other suitable biasing mechanisms.

[0128] The keyless locking component comprises sufficient force to overcome the segment biasing mechanism 128 to move linkage 110 when keyless lock 180 is locked. When keyless lock 180 is unlocked, the segment biasing mechanism 128 is operational, in that the bias is applied, to move linkage 110 into the extended and locked orientation.

[0129] FIG. 14 illustrates that with segment biasing mechanism 128 present, the linkage safety actuator 136 may be omitted and only the intermediate component safety actuator 102 is required.

[0130] While rods or pins may be used with the intermediate component safety actuator 120 and linkage safety actuator 136 of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1A; 1B; 1C; 2A; 2B; 2C; 3A; 3B; 3C; 4A; 4B; 5; 6; 7A; 7B; 8; 9 and 10, in the embodiment of FIGS. 11 to 14, the intermediate component safety actuator 120 is shown in the form of a handle.

[0131] Safety override 135 is illustrated to be located on and operable only on a safe side of the closure 200.

[0132] Advantageously, the safety override 135 allows opening of the closure 200 independent of the keyless lock 180 and with the deadlock locked 140.

[0133] In the embodiment of FIGS. 1A; 1B; 1C; 2A; 2B; 2C; 3A; 3B; 3C; 4A; 4B; 5; 6; 7A; 7B; 8; 9 and 10, safety override 135 is illustrated to be behind a break glass assembly 160, which in the embodiment illustrated is positioned over the one or more safety override actuators 120, 136. The break glass assembly 160 comprises a break glass window 161, optionally comprised of frangible glass. In other embodiments other frangible materials may be used such as, a polymer or other material. Preferably the break glass window 161 is transparent. The break glass window may be disposed distal to the deadbolt actuator. The break glass window may comprise one or more fenestration for fitting underneath a top-plate. The break glass assembly may comprise a packing cassette with a side wall. The sidewall may have a height to create space inside the break glass assembly.

[0134] Break glass assembly 160 is illustrated as being disposed on only the safe side of closure 200.

[0135] In the embodiment of FIGS. 11 to 14, no such break glass assembly 160 is implemented.

[0136] From the teaching herein, the skilled person is readily able to select a suitable keyless lock actuator 182 such as a dial, a keypad or biometric authenticator or authentication input. The keyless lock 180 may be a permutation lock. Operation of the actuator 182 may unlock the keyless lock 180.

[0137] The keyless lock actuator 182 may require unlocking for operation. The unlocking may require entry of a correct combination or biometric authentication or authentication.

[0138] The keyless lock actuator 182 is illustrated to be disposed on only the attack side of closure 200.

[0139] The keyless lock 180 may be a restricted item, for purposes of security.

[0140] As shown in the figures, deadlock 140 comprise a deadbolt 144 which is moved from an extended position in the locked position to a retracted position in the unlocked position. The retracted position is illustrated to be within multi-lock chassis 102. The extended position extends out of a multi-lock chassis 102 to effect the locking of the closure 200.

[0141] As shown in FIGS. 1A, 2A and 3A, a microswitch 106 makes contact with linkage 110 when linkage 110 is in the extended and locked orientation but no contact with the linkage 110 in the retracted and unlocked orientation. This extended and locked orientation of linkage 110 requires the keyless lock 180 to be locked and the keyless locking component 184 to be extended. The microswitch 106 contact status may be reported to a monitor. A change in status may trigger an alarm. The alarm may comprise sending of one or more electronic communication.

[0142] The multi-lock 110 may comprise a distal lock 190 (not shown), which may be a deadlock or a mortice lock. The distal lock 190 may be connected to the deadlock 140 with a linkage mechanism (not shown). The multi-lock chassis 102 may comprise the distal lock 190.

[0143] As shown in FIG. 10 the multi-lock chassis 106 comprises one or more void and/or one or more insertion flange for receiving the keyless lock body 188.

[0144] Additionally, the multi-lock chassis 102 may comprise tamper-resistant or tamper-proof fasteners.

[0145] Although not shown, either or both of deadlock 140 and keyless lock 180 may comprise a drive mechanism to drive the deadbolt 144 and/or keyless locking component 184. From the teaching herein, the skilled person readily appreciates that the drive mechanisms may comprise any suitable automated drive mechanism such as, various electrically operated drive mechanisms. For example, the drive mechanism may comprise a motor to drive movement. However, other drive mechanisms may be used, such as electronic or electromechanical mechanisms, including a solenoid, a sprung pin activated by a solenoid, or other motor driven cam arrangements. The electronic or electromechanical mechanisms may draw power from a power supply. The drive mechanism may be internally located.

[0146] When the drive mechanism is a solenoid, the solenoid may actuate between different orientations or positions.

[0147] Either or both of the drive mechanisms may be controlled electronically by an electronic control. The electronic control may comprise one or more of a circuit board or computer such as, a programmable logic controller. The electronic control may be disposed inside or external to the chassis. The drive mechanism may be connected or connectable to a main door or building access controller.

[0148] Advantageously, either one or both drive mechanism may be actuated when a particular event is detected such as, when a person activates a safety feature of a buildingsuch as a break glass switch.

[0149] The drive mechanism may operate in a vertical or a horizontal direction.

[0150] The invention also provides a method of manufacturing a multi-lock 100 for a closure and a method of installing a multi-lock 100 for a closure. The installation method may be a new installation or a retro-installation into an existing closure.

[0151] Except where otherwise specified, the components of the multi-lock 100 may all be formed from steel, although different materials may be used for different applications. The components may be formed as castings or mouldings, extrusions, and/or may be machined to take their final shape for installation.

[0152] In this specification, the terms comprises, comprising or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include those elements solely, but may well include other elements not listed.

[0153] Throughout the specification the aim has been to describe the invention without limiting the invention to any one embodiment or specific collection of features. Persons skilled in the relevant art may realize variations from the specific embodiments that will nonetheless fall within the scope of the invention.