Modular Lock System

Abstract

A modular lock assembly for placement in an opening in a frame of a cabinet locker that is located adjacent to a door of the cabinet locker. The modular lock assembly includes a mounting plate for removeably being positioned in the opening. A locking plate is moveably connected to the mounting plate. An electromechanical actuator is connected to the mounting plate and coupled with the locking plate to automatically provide the movement of the locking plate. An input device is electrically connected to the electromechanical actuator for activating the electromechanical actuator in response to inputs. The mounting plate defines a custodian opening for receiving a custodian lock for locking the mounting plate to the frame. At least one tongue extends from the mounting plate in spaced relationship with the custodian opening for engaging the frame for further securing the mounting plate to the frame.

Claims

1. A modular lock assembly for placement in an opening in a frame of a locker that is located adjacent to a door of the locker, said modular lock assembly including: a mounting plate for removeably being positioned in the opening and configured to be selectively secured to the frame; a locking plate moveably connected to said mounting plate and moveable between a locked position for engaging the door to prevent the door from opening, and an unlocked position for being spaced from the door to allow the door to open; an electromechanical actuator coupled to said mounting plate and further coupled with said locking plate to automatically provide the movement of said locking plate between said locked position and said unlocked position; an input device electrically connected to said electromechanical actuator for activating said electromechanical actuator in response to inputs received; said mounting plate defining a custodian opening for receiving a custodian lock for locking said mounting plate to said frame; and at least one tongue extending from said mounting plate in spaced relationship with said custodian opening for engaging the frame for further securing said mounting plate to the frame.

2. A modular lock assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said electromechanical actuator includes a solenoid and a bolt coupled to said solenoid and said locking plate, wherein said bolt is moveable to provide said movement of said locking plate between said locked and unlocked positions, and wherein a biasing member is coupled with said bolt and biases said bolt in an extended bolt position which positions said locking plate in said locked position.

3. A modular lock assembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein said bolt is moveable between said extended position and a retracted position; wherein said bolt is configured to move to said retracted position in response to activation of said solenoid to move said locking plate to said unlocked position; and wherein said bolt is configured to move to said locked position when said solenoid is not activated to move said locking plate to said locked position.

4. A modular lock assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said input device is selected from the group consisting of at least one of a keypad positioned on said mounting plate, a Bluetooth receiver, a radio frequency identification receiver, or a near field communication receiver.

5. A modular lock assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said mounting plate has a generally rectangular shape and has an inside surface and an outside surface and extends between a top edge and bottom edge along a pair of side edges.

6. A modular lock assembly as set forth in claim 5 wherein said custodian opening is defined adjacent to said top edge; and said at least one tongue extends from said mounting plate adjacent to said bottom edge.

7. A modular lock assembly as set forth in claim 6 further including a custodian lock received by said custodian opening; wherein said custodian lock includes a key slot and a locking tab being rotatable relative to said mounting plate past said top of said mounting plate for engaging said frame to lock said mounting plate to said frame.

8. A modular lock assembly as set forth in claim 5 wherein said locking plate is coupled with said mounting plate, said locking plate overlies said inside surface of said mounting plate, and wherein said locking plate is linearly moveable past one of said sides in perpendicular relationship to said at least one of said sides toward said locked position.

9. A modular lock assembly as set forth in claim 5 further including a support member overlying said inside surface of mounting plate; a pair of guide fingers having an L-shape extending from said support member and positioned in spaced and aligned relationship with one another and each defining a channel; and wherein said locking plate is received by said channels of said guide fingers and moveable relative to said guide fingers.

10. A modular lock assembly as set forth in claim 9 wherein said locking plate has an upper surface and a lower surface, and wherein a pair of retaining fingers each extend from one of said upper and lower surfaces for engaging one of said guide fingers during movement of said locking plate toward said locked position to limit movement of said locking plate.

11. A locker including: a frame defining a storage compartment; a door pivotally connected to said frame and moveable to open and close said storage compartment; said frame defining an opening adjacent to said storage compartment; a modular lock assembly removeably received in said opening and configured to be selectively secured to said frame; said modular lock assembly including a mounting plate removeably disposed in said opening; at least one tongue extending from said mounting plate and engaging said frame for securing said mounting plate to said frame; a locking plate moveably connected to said mounting plate and moveable between a locked position engaging said door to prevent said door from opening, and an unlocked position being spaced from said door to allow said door to open; an electromechanical actuator coupled to said mounting plate and further coupled with said locking plate to automatically provide the movement of said locking plate between said locked position and said unlocked position; an input device electrically connected to said electromechanical actuator for activating said electromechanical actuator in response to inputs received; and said mounting plate defining a custodian opening in spaced relationship with said at least one tongue for receiving a custodian lock for locking said mounting plate to said frame.

12. A modular lock assembly as set forth in claim 11 wherein said electromechanical actuator includes a solenoid and a bolt coupled to said solenoid and said locking plate, wherein said bolt is moveable to provide said movement of said locking plate between said locked and unlocked positions, and wherein a biasing member is coupled with said bolt and biases said bolt in an extended bolt position which positions said locking plate in said locked position.

13. A modular lock assembly as set forth in claim 12 wherein said bolt is moveable between said extended position and a retracted position; wherein said bolt is configured to move to said retracted position in response to activation of said solenoid to move said locking plate to said unlocked position; and wherein said bolt is configured to move to said locked position when said solenoid is not activated to move said locking plate to said locked position.

14. A modular lock assembly as set forth in claim 12 wherein said bolt and said locking plate are linearly moveable.

15. A modular lock assembly as set forth in claim 11 wherein said input device is selected from the group consisting of at least one of a keypad positioned on said mounting plate, a Bluetooth receiver, a radio frequency identification receiver, or a near field communication receiver.

16. A modular lock assembly as set forth in claim 11 wherein said mounting plate has a generally rectangular shape and has an inside surface and an outside surface and extends between a top edge and bottom edge along a pair of side edges.

17. A modular lock assembly as set forth in claim 16 wherein said custodian opening is defined adjacent to said top edge; and said at least one tongue extends from said mounting plate adjacent to said bottom edge.

18. A modular lock assembly as set forth in claim 17 further including a custodian lock received by said custodian opening; wherein said custodian lock includes a key slot and a locking tab being rotatable relative to said mounting plate past said top of said mounting plate for engaging said frame to lock said mounting plate to said frame.

19. A modular lock assembly as set forth in claim 16 wherein said locking plate is coupled with said mounting plate, said locking plate overlies said inside surface of said mounting plate, and wherein said locking plate is linearly moveable past one of said sides in perpendicular relationship to said at least one of said sides toward said locked position.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated, as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0020] FIG. 1 is a front, perspective view of a conventional coin and key operated cabinet locker system;

[0021] FIG. 2 is the locker system of FIG. 1 with the lock assembly removed therefrom and the cabinet door in an opened position;

[0022] FIG. 3 is a side cutaway view of the lock assembly of the locker system of FIG. 1;

[0023] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a modular electronic lock assembly according to an aspect of the subject disclosure;

[0024] FIG. 5 is a front view of the modular electronic lock assembly of FIG. 4;

[0025] FIG. 6 is a side view of the modular electronic lock assembly of FIG. 4;

[0026] FIG. 7 is a rear view of the modular electronic lock assembly of FIG. 4;

[0027] FIG. 8 is a front view of an example embodiment of a modular electronic lock assembly including a plurality of connecting wires in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure;

[0028] FIG. 9 is a side view of the modular electronic lock assembly of FIG. 8;

[0029] FIG. 10 is a rear view of the modular electronic lock assembly of FIG. 8; and

[0030] FIG. 11 is a side view of the modular electronic lock assembly of FIG. 8.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0031] Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views, a modular electronic lock assembly 20 for a locker system 12 is generally shown for being received by an opening or slot 4 in a frame 1, such as the illustrated face frame, of a cabinet 2.

[0032] The modular electronic lock assembly 20 includes a mounting plate 22 that generally extends between a top edge 24 and bottom edge 26 along a pair of side edges 28. The mounting plate 22 of the present invention is generally rectangular shaped, however other shapes could be used, but the mounting plate 22 generally matches the shape of the mounting plate of the removed mechanical lock. The modular lock assembly 20 is generally formed out of modular parts that are easily replaced or substituted to fit other sizes or shapes, or even other functionality. The mounting plate 22 also presents a front face 30 and a back face 32. The lock assembly 20, particularly the mounting plate 22, is generally configured to fit into the opening 4 in the frame 1. The front face 30 is shaped such that when the mounting plate 22 is installed in the opening 4, the front face 30 forms a coextensive front with the frame 1. It should be appreciated that the mounting plate 22 could have various other shapes.

[0033] A tongue 34 extends from an edge of the mounting plate 22, such as the bottom edge 26, for engaging the frame 1 for securing the an edge 26 of the mounting plate 22 to the frame 1 when the lock assembly 20 is disposed in the slot 4 of the frame 1. Of course, any other edge may be configured to be secured to the frame 1. More specifically the tongue 34 creates a fixed mounting edge that is secured behind the back surface of the outer portion of the frame 1, such as the illustrated ledge 35 in FIG. 4 on which the mounting plate 22 sits on the edge of the opening 4 on the frame 1, with the rest of the tongue 34 extending behind the back surface of the front portion of the frame 1. In other words, the tongue 34 is offset from the front face 30 (via the ledge 35) of the mounting plate 22 by approximately the thickness of the metal forming the frame 1. While some tolerance is allowed, generally a tight fit is desired to hold the frame 1 and mounting plate 22 in a tight grip with little movement when the key lock is engaged, as described below, such as to prevent noise and improper function of the lock assembly. In addition, the mounting plate 22 includes various flanges or wings 38, 40 on the edges 24, 26, 28. These flanges or wings 38, 40 overlap and engage the frame 1 of the cabinet. Therefore, while the flanges or wings 38, 40 overlap the frame 1 on the sides, the lower ledge and tongue 34 engage the back or opposite side, and as described below, the lock assembly 20 has a custodian lock 37 that rotates to also engage the back side of the frame 1, creating two side members engaging one side of the frame 1 and two other members engaging the other side of the frame 1 for a secure fit within the opening 4. It should be understood that these lock assemblies 20 need to be robust and take substantial abuse as people, particularly in unsupervised locations try to access what is in locked lockers. One advantage of an electronic system is that all of the doors may be locked and it isn't clear which contain goods, as compared to conventional keyed rental lockers that immediately let people know which lockers are in use.

[0034] The mounting plate 22 further defines an opening 36 adjacent to the top edge 24 of the mounting plate 22 for receiving the custodian lock 37. The custodian lock 37 releasably secures the top edge 24 of the mounting plate 22 to the frame 1 when the lock assembly 20 is disposed in the slot 4 of the frame 1. More specifically, as best illustrated in FIG. 8, the custodian lock 37 can be adjusted between a locking position that secures the top edge 24 of the mounting plate 22 to the frame and an unlocking position that releases the top edge 24 of the mounting plate 22 from the frame 1 to allow the lock assembly 20 to be removed from the slot 4. The custodian lock 37 may include a key slot 39 and locking tab 41. The locking tab 41 is rotatable between the locking position in which it engages the frame 1, and the unlocking position in which it is spaced from the frame 1. It should be appreciated that the opening 36 and custodian lock 37 could be positioned at other locations, however, they should be spaced from the tongue 34 and flange or wings 38, 40 to provide a locking interface at more than one location of the mounting plate 22.

[0035] As discussed above, a first wing or flange 38 and a second wing or flange 40 each extend from one of the side edges 28 of the mounting plate 22 in perpendicular relationship with the mounting plate 22 for aligning the mounting plate 22 inside the slot 4 of the frame 1. The first wing 38 defines a niche 42 that extends between a pair of edges 44.

[0036] A generally square-shaped lock member 46 overlies the back face 32 of the mounting plate 22 adjacent to the niche 42. It should be appreciated that the lock member 46 could have other shapes, e.g., a generally oval shape, without departing from the scope of the subject disclosure. A pair of generally L-shaped guide fingers 48 each extend from the lock member 46 adjacent to one of the side edges 28 of the niche 42. Each of the guide fingers 48 includes a first portion 50 that extends perpendicularly to the lock member 46 and a second portion 52 that extends perpendicularly to the first portion 50 with the second portions 52 of the guide fingers 48 extending toward one another to define a channel 54 between the first and second portions 50, 52 of each of the guide fingers 48.

[0037] A locking plate 56 overlies the lock member 46 and is received by the channels 54 of the guide fingers 48 and extends between a proximal end 58 and a distal end 60. The locking plate 56 is moveable toward and away from the second wing 40 between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the distal end 60 of the locking plate 56 extends through the niche 42 past the first wing 38 for engaging the door 3 for preventing the door 3 from being opened. In the unlocked position, the distal end 60 of the locking plate 56 is spaced from the door 3 to allow the door 3 to be opened. For example, while in the unlocked position, the distal end 60 may be aligned with the side edge 28 of the mounting plate 22. It should be appreciated that the distal end 60 may be received by a slot or other feature of the door 3 to ensure that the distal end 60 fixedly engages the door 3 to ensure that the door 3 is locked in place.

[0038] A pair of retaining fingers 64 extend transversely from the proximal end 58 of the locking plate 56, each in alignment with one of the guide fingers 48 for limiting movement of the locking plate 56 away from the second wall. Further, a flange 66 extends transversely from the distal end 60 of the locking plate 56.

[0039] An electromechanical actuator 71 is connected to the mounting plate 22 and is coupled with the locking plate 56 to automatically provide the aforementioned movement of the locking plate 56 between the locked and unlocked positions. The electromechanical actuator 71 includes a bolt 68 that is disposed in engagement with the retaining flange 66 and is moveable toward and away from the retaining flange 66 for moving the locking plate 56 between the locked and unlocked positions. More specifically, the bolt 68 is moveable between an extended position and a retracted position. When the bolt 68 is in the extended position, the locking plate 56 is in its locked position, and when the bolt 68 is in its retracted position, the locking plate 56 is in its unlocked position. A biasing member 70 is connected to the bolt 68 for biasing the bolt 68 in its extended position toward the retaining flange 66 to bias the locking plate 56 in the locked position. It should be appreciated that the biasing member 70 may be positioned at various locations, e.g., it may be disposed about the bolt 68 or it may engage a surface of the bolt 68. It should also be appreciated that various types of biasing members may be utilized including, but not limited to, a spring or rubber band. In the example embodiment, the bolt 68 and locking plate 56 are configured to move linearly, however, it should be appreciated that they could be configured to move in other patterns, e.g., in an arc-shape.

[0040] The electromechanical actuator further includes a solenoid, servo, or other electromechanical device 72 (hereinafter referred to as solenoid) that is disposed against the back face 32 of the mounting plate 22 and connected to the bolt 68 for selectively providing the movement of the bolt 68 toward and away from the retaining flange 66. As best illustrated in FIGS. 9-11, a plurality of wires 74 extend away from the solenoid 72 for providing power to the solenoid 72. The wires 74 may also extend to a controller for controlling activation of the solenoid 72 in response to a command that is provided by an input device 76, e.g., a keyboard 76 on the front face 30 of the mounting plate 22 or a remote kiosk. The input device 76 may include other types of input devices including, but not limited to, a Bluetooth receiver, an radio frequency identification (RFID) receiver, or a near field communication (NFC) receiver.

[0041] A cover 78 is disposed about the solenoid 72 for protecting the solenoid 72. A pair of fasteners 80 extend though the cover 78 and into the mounting plate 22 for securing the cover 78 to the mounting plate 22. It should be appreciated that any number of fasteners 80 could be utilized and various types of fasteners 80 could be used including, but not limited to, bolts 68, adhesives and screws.

[0042] It should be appreciated that the simple, modular design of the lock assembly 20 makes it easy to retrofit the lock assembly 20 onto an existing coin and key operated locker system 12. More specifically, the existing coin and key lock assembly may be removed and the subject lock assembly 20 may easily be installed in its place. The present invention allows simple replacement of a coin operated lock, simply by using a custodial key to remove the mechanical device and insert in place the electronic lock assembly 20 of the present invention. The subject lock assembly 20 may be configured to have a keypad 76 and may be battery powered for independent operation, however, it is expected that the lock assembly 20 will be connected to a controller to allow for smart rental of the lockers. With the subject lock assembly 20 now being so easy to replace, all the remains is the routing of the wires through the channels already formed by the existing frames, back to a controller or kiosk.

[0043] Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings and may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described while within the scope of the appended claims. These antecedent recitations should be interpreted to cover any combination in which the inventive novelty exercises its utility. The use of the word said in the apparatus claims refers to an antecedent that is a positive recitation meant to be included in the coverage of the claims whereas the word the precedes a word not meant to be included in the coverage of the claims.