FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a lock securing arrangement. More particularly, the present invention relates to an arrangement for securing a lock having a separate lock cylinder and bolt driving mechanism.

BACKGROUND

Deadbolts are used for locking doors. Typically, when a door is securely locked by a deadbolt, to withdraw the deadbolt into the door, a key is required. The key is used to rotate a lock mechanism, known as a cylinder. In some locking mechanisms the cylinder drives the bolt directly. In others the lock cylinder actuates a separate driving mechanism for driving the bolt.

Figs. 1 a and 1 b show an example of a prior art locking arrangement as described in United States Patent No. 4,154,070 to Bahry and Dolev, incorporated herein by reference. Fig. 1a shows the internal workings from the side facing the inside of the door and Fig. 1 b shows the internal workings from the side facing the outside of the door. Ό70 describes a locking arrangement 1 in which an actuating gear 8 mounted on a lock cylinder 7 turns a deadbolt driving wheel 9 coupled to a deadbolt 18. Rotation of the cylinder 7 in one direction or the other, actuates the deadbolt driving wheel 9 to extend or retract the deadbolt 18 from its keep, between locked and unlocked positions. A latchbolt is further provided which is spring biased to adopt the locked position. The latchbolt may be independently retracted by turning a handle through a small angle, or may be retracted by rotating the lock cylinder 7 beyond the unlocked position.

So as to better secure the bolts, some locks described in the prior art include more than one locking mechanism. For example, United States Patent No. 5,718,135 to Bertenshaw et al, titled, "Locks", describes an electrically operated door lock having a pair of pivotally mounted jaws which can be moved towards and away from each other to capture and release the end of a bolt or style. The bolt or style moves in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the jaws. The jaws are locked in the captive position by a cam which is controlled by a low power electric motor. The motor has three positions corresponding to release, locking and deadlocking of the jaws, the jaws being releasable by a handle in the locked position but not when deadlocked. An electronic control system is used to control the motor, and the lock can be released using an electronic coded proximity key.

Another example is United Kingdom Patent No. GB 2,413,822 to Viney, titled "Lock Mechanism", describing a bolt member and a deadbolt rotatable about a pivot between a locked position in which movement of the bolt member is inhibited and an unlocked position. An inner driving mechanism, such as a key cylinder, is located within an aperture through the deadbolt member. Various features disposed around the periphery of the rotating deadbolt allow it to interact with interchangeable components of the surrounding lock mechanism. The mechanism further consists of an outer driving mechanism having an electrical solenoid. The lock mechanism also includes microswitches to sense a position of the deadbolt. The lock mechanism may also comprise a shoot bolt mechanism, consisting of a drive pinion and a slave pinion.

It is noted that the mechanical part of the known solution is directed towards locking the cylinder of the arrangement. Accordingly, by damaging the cylinder the locking arrangement may be rendered ineffectual. Because the access to the cylinder is generally possible via the key hole, breaking or harming the cylinder is relatively easy for a skilled lock breaker. The effectiveness of prior art locking mechanism systems such as Viney's is therefore limited.

There is therefore a need for a locking arrangement having more than one locking mechanism that is not compromised through damage to the cylinder of the lock. The present invention addresses this need. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments described hereinbelow relate to a locking arrangement comprise a bolt-driving mechanism configured to extend at least one bolt; and a lock-cylinder configured to actuate the bolt-driving mechanism wherein the locking arrangement further comprises a fastening mechanism configured to inhibit movement of the bolt-driving mechanism in the absence of a release signal. According to various embodiments, the locking arrangement further comprises a receiver configured to receive the release signal; and an actuator configured to release the fastening mechanism when the receiver receives said release signal. Optionally, the receiver comprises a radio-frequency identification transceiver. In some embodiments, the actuator is selected from a group consisting of: solenoids, electromagnets and motors.

In some embodiments, the fastening mechanism of the locking arrangement comprises a holding pin configured to engage the bolt-driving mechanism. Optionally, the bolt-driving mechanism further comprises a socket configured to accommodate the holding pin.

Optionally, the fastening mechanism comprises a catch configured to secure the bolt-driving mechanism.

According to one aspect, the release signal comprises an electric signal. In some embodiments, the release signal is received from a remote transmitter. Typically, the remote transmitter is incorporated into a key configured to fit said lock-cylinder. Optionally, the remote transmitter comprises a radio-frequency identification chip.

According to other aspect, the locking arrangement further comprises an override switch configured to release the fastening mechanism. In further embodiments, the locking arrangement further comprises an override switch configured to deactivate said fastening mechanism.

Optionally, the locking arrangement further comprises an encoder for setting a remote source with said release signal. Additional embodiments described hereinbelow relate to a method for releasing a fastening mechanism configured to inhibit movements of a bolt- driving mechanism of a lock, the method comprises the following steps: step (a) providing a release code in a memory; step (b) waiting for trigger signal; step (c) receiving a trigger signal; step (e1) if the trigger signal does not match the release code returning to step (b) of waiting for trigger signal; and step (e2) if said trigger signal releasing the fastening mechanism.

Optionally, step (e2) of releasing the fastening mechanism comprises a release sequence comprises the following steps: step (f) sending and actuation signal to a switching unit; step (g) said switching unit connecting an actuator to a power supply; and step (h) said actuator releasing a fastening mechanism thereby freeing the bolt-driving mechanism.

In some embodiments, the method for release of a lock further comprises the following steps: step (i) disconnecting the actuator from said power supply, and step ) engaging the fastening mechanism. Optionally, the method for release of a lock further comprises the intermediate step (d) if the trigger signal is uncoded running a coding sequence. In some embodiments, the coding sequence comprises the following steps: step (k) connecting an initiator to a coder; step (I) initiating an encoder; and step (m) the encoder assigning a new code.

The locking arrangement may further comprise a linking bar extendable to a door side opposite to a hinged side of the door, the catch being capable of securing the linking bar, the door comprising an indoor side comprising an escutcheon, the catch being accessible via removal of the indoor escutcheon. According to another aspect, a door comprising one of the locking arrangements is provided.

According to yet another aspect, articles such as safes comprise such doors. The locking arrangements may further comprising a power supply, a switching unit and an actuator, the power supply, switching unit and actuator configured to allow releasing the fastening mechanism by delivery of an actuation signal to a switching unit, said switching unit connecting the actuator to the power supply, and said actuator releasing the fastening mechanism thereby freeing the bolt-driving mechanism.

In some preferred embodiments, the receiver is configured to receive the release signal upon insertion of the key in the lock-cylinder. For example, insertion of the key in the lock-cylinder may close an electrical cicrcuit, such that a current passes through the transmitter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

For a better understanding of the invention and to show how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, purely by way of example, to the accompanying drawings.

With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention; the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice. In the accompanying drawings:

Figs. 1a and 1 b show cross sections of a PRIOR ART locking arrangement having a separate locking cylinder and bolt-driving mechanism;

Fig. 2a and 2b show cross sections showing an improvement of the prior art locking arrangement of Figs. 1 a and 1 b in accordance with a first embodiment; Fig. 3a is an exploded isometric projection schematically representing the main elements of embodiments of the securable locking arrangement;

Fig. 3b represents a possible key incorporating a release-code transmitter for use with embodiments of the securable locking arrangement;

Fig. 4a is a schematic block diagram representing the main electronic elements of one possible embodiment of a driver for the fastening mechanism;

Figs. 4b and 4c are further block diagrams representing the main electronic elements of the driver shown in Fig. 4a when activated by a coded transmitter and a blank transmitter respectively;

Fig 5 is a flowchart representing a method for release of a lock for use with embodiments of the locking arrangement.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference is now again made to Fig. 1a and 1 b which show an example of a locking arrangement of the PRIOR ART. The prior art locking arrangement comprises a housing made of two parts, one facing the outside of a door and the other facing the inside. The key (not shown) inserted into keyhole from either side of the door rotates the cylinder 7 of the lock 6. On the cylinder an actuating gear 8 is keyed which is in mesh with two registering toothed wheels or driving wheel 9 mounted on shaft The driving wheel 9 is provided with teeth over part of its periphery. Three slotted linking bars 14 attached to locking bolts (not shown) extend to the three sides of the door frame; i.e., the top, bottom and the longitudinal side on which the door is hinged. A fourth slotted linking bar 14a extends to the side opposite to the hinged side and is shown substantially in the form of a triangle having three short bolts 18 integrally mounted thereto and extending therefrom.

Although the embodiment described herein is described in relation to locking mechanism 2000 similar to the locking mechanisms commonly provided by the Mul-T-Lock Ltd., it is noted that other embodiments may be configured to provide additional security to other locking mechanisms for example those supplied by Yale, Chubb, Joel or the like, particularly where the locking mechanism includes a separated bolt-driving mechanism.

Reference is now made to Fig 2a and 2b which show an embodiment of an improved locking arrangement incorporating a fastening mechanism 1000 (Fig 3a) configured to inhibit the action of the bolt-driving mechanism 20 (Fig 3a). Four links 12 are connected at one end to linking bars 14, 14a and connected at a second end to a driving wheel 9. The bolt-driving mechanism 20 is typically configured to extend at least one bolt 18 into a keep (not shown in figure). A lock-cylinder 7 is configured to actuate the bolt-driving mechanism 20. Upon rotation of the lock-cylinder 7, a driving wheel 9 will rotate, will actuate bolt-driving mechanism 20 and will actuate locking bolts 18 into the keep.

It is a particular feature of embodiments of the improved locking arrangement that, in order to further secure the lock, the arrangement additionally comprises a fastening mechanism 1000 (Fig 3a) configured to inhibit the movement of bolt-driving mechanism 20 in the absence of a release signal.

In some embodiments, the fastening mechanism 1000 (Fig 3a) comprises a catch 300 configured to secure the bolt-driving mechanism 20 (Fig 3a). The catch 300 is attached to or in the locking arrangement 2000 and mechanically prevents movement of the driving wheel 9. Optionally, catch 300 may comprise a socket that is provided in driving wheel 9, preferably positioned not in proximity of the lock-cylinder 7. The socket 300 is configured to accommodate a holding pin 104 which functions as the clutch.

Reference is now made to Fig 3a schematic representing an exploded isometric projection of the main elements of an embodiment of an improved securable locking arrangement 2000. In its locked configuration, a holding pin 104 is accommodated in a socket 300 and the driving wheel 9 is mechanically prevented from rotating even if a legitimate key is provided to rotate the lock- cylinder 7. The fastening mechanism 1000 further comprises a receiver 160 (Fig. 4a) for detecting release signals. Upon receiving the release signal, the holding pin 104 may be withdrawn from the socket 300. Consequently movement of driving wheel 9 is enabled. In contradistinction to prior art systems such as the lock described in United Kingdom Patent No. GB 2,413,822 to Viney, the fastening mechanism 1000 described above engages the bolt-driving mechanism 20 rather than the lock cylinder 7. It will be appreciated therefore, that embodiments of the locking arrangements disclosed herein are not vulnerable to attacks damaging the lock cylinder 7. Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment (not shown) the catch is advantageously situated distant from the cylinder, the catch being capable of securing the linking bar that extends to the side opposite to the hinged side of a door. For example, a socket may be drilled the area of the base of the triangle form of the linking bar 14a, such that the socket is surrounded by a substantial layer of metal. In addition, the fastening mechanism is easily installable or accessible via removal of an indoor escutcheon on the door.

It will occur to skilled in the art that such embodiments may be particular useful in safes (not shown), as breaching the locking arrangements of a safe typically focuses on manipulation of the cylinder, which however will not enable opening the safe's door in safes including the embodiments. Should a skilled in the art realize that a fastening mechanism has to be manipulated to disengage and release the locking mechanism, the mechanism will nevertheless be exceedingly difficult to access from without the safe, as access to the fastening mechanism through the door requires both penetrating through the door panel and through the locking arrangement itself.

Simple doors such as light wooden doors may have very simple locking arrangements, which may include a single bolt. It is stressed that some embodiments the fastening mechanism is configured to extend that single bolt and considerably improve the imperviousness of the door to unauthorized entry.

In some embodiments, the fastening mechanism 1000 may be configured to engage at least one linking bar 14, 14a to prevent the movement of at least one bolt in absence of the release signal. In still other embodiments, the fastening mechanism 1000 may be configured to decouple at least one bolt linking bar 14, 14a from the driving wheel 9 thereby preventing at least one deadbolt from being retracted even if the cylinder 7 and driving wheel 9 are allowed to turn.

According to certain embodiments, the fastening mechanism may comprise a magnetic mechanism provided in the driving wheel 9. The catch includes two jaws that may be magnetically coupled to each other. When the jaws are engaged, they inhibit driving wheel 9 from moving. Upon receiving the release signal, the magnetic jaws may be disengaged allowing driving wheel 9 to rotate.

With reference now to Fig 3b, representing an embodiment of a key 40 for use with embodiments of the securable locking arrangement 2000, an authorized remote transmitter 204 is typically housed in a suitable key 40. The remote transmitter is configured to release the fastening mechanism 1000, such that the key 40 may unlock the locking mechanism 2000.

Reference is now made to the block diagrams of Figs. 4a-c schematically representing the main electronic elements of a possible embodiment of a driver 100 for a fastening mechanism 1000 used in various embodiments of the securable locking arrangement 2000. The fastening mechanism 100 includes a receiver 160, a coding block 110 and a release block 180.

The receiver 160 is configured to receive trigger signals from a remote transmitter 200. In response to appropriate trigger signals the receiver 160 may be configured to activate the release block 180 or the coding block 1 10. Alternatively, the receiver 160 may not respond at all.

The receiver 160 is typically connected to the power supply 20 via a power regulator 140. According to some embodiments, the power supply 120 may be an external source such as an electrical connection to a mains power network. Alternatively, the power supply may include an integral power storage unit such as an electrochemical cell, capacitor bank or the like. It will be appreciated that where an external power supply is used, it may be advantageous to additionally provide a power storage unit as a back up in case of power failure. Where necessary, the power regulator 140 may include a transformer for providing a suitable operating voltage for the receiver 160 and a rectifier for converting an alternating current power supply to a direct current output. Optionally, the power regulator 140 may further provide driving electronics for producing an oscillating voltage for operating an inductive transmitter such as is used in radio frequency identification (RFID) systems, near field communication (NFC) systems or the like.

Preferably, embodiments installed in safes have power supplies which are internal sources such as battery placed inside safe.

The release block 180 includes a first switching unit 182 and an actuator 184. The actuator 184 is a component such as a solenoid, motor or the like which is configured to disengage a clutch from the bolt-driving mechanism 20 when connected to the power supply 120. The switching unit 182 is in communication with the receiver and is configured to control the connection between the power supply 182 and the actuator 184.

Various switching units 182 are known in the art and may be used with embodiments of the locking apparatus as suit requirements. For example, a power metal oxide semiconductor field effect transformer (MOSFET) may be provided having a source terminal connected to the power supply, a drain terminal connected to the actuator and a gate terminal connected to the receiver 160. Advantageously, the switching unit 182 may further comprise a timer configured to disconnect the power supply from the actuator after a time delay. It will be appreciated that typically, a time delay of between 5 to 15 seconds or so may be sufficient to allow a legitimate user to unlock the locking arrangement 2000 using a legitimate key. It is noted that in other embodiments longer or shorter time delays may be preferred. In particular embodiments, indicators may be provided to indicate to users when the actuator 184 is active and the fastening mechanism 1000 released. Indicators may be visual indicators, such as lights, LEDs and the like; audio indicators, such as beepers, buzzers and the like; or tactile indicators such as vibrating mechanisms, magnets or the like. In still preferred embodiments, an override (not shown) may be provided configured to connect the power supply to the actuator, or otherwise disengage the fastening mechanism from the bolt-driver for an extended period.

In a referred embodiment, upon disengagement and deactivation of the fastening mechanism by the override, the locking arrangement becomes entirely mechanical and manipulation of the arrangement between locked and unlocked states may simply entail manual turning of the key in the cylinder.

In some even more preferred embodiments, the override itself is entirely mechanical, thus allowing both deactivation of the fastening mechanism and locking-unlocking without requiring power supply to the locking arrangement.

Such embodiments are useful on occasions when there is a problem with the power supply to the fastening mechanism, allowing using the locking arrangement until the power supply is fixed. In addition, the preffered embodiments may satisfy the needs of religiously observant users, for locking arrangements that may be converted into entirely mechanical devices at religious occasions, such as Sabbath.

Most preferably, the override includes a widget such as a knob on the indoor side of the door that allows a user to easily manipulate the fastening mechanism.

The block diagram of Fig. 4b represents the driver 100 unit receiving a release signal SR from an authorized remote transmitter 202. The authorized remote transmitter 204 is typically housed in a suitable key 40 for unlocking the locking mechanism 2000 once the fastening mechanism 1000 is released. Accordingly, when the key 40 hosting the authorized remote transmitter 202 approaches the locking mechanism 2000, the receiver 160 receives the release signal SR emitted by the remote transmitter 202. In response, the receiver sends an activation signal S _A to the switching unit 182. According to certain embodiments the activation signal S _A may include an electronic signal triggering the gate terminal of a power MOSFET as described above. Alternative activation signals S _A may be used as appropriate. In a preferred embodiment, the key 40 does not include an energy source, as the inclusion of an energy source might facilitate copying the key 40 by intercepting the release signal SR. Rather, the master locking mechanism 2000, optionally the fastening mechanism 1000, provides energy to the slave remote transmitter 204 to evoke a response of a release signal SR. For example, insertion of the key 40 in the cylinder 7 closes an electrical cicrcuit, such that a current passes through the transmitter 204, upon which the key 40 transmits SR. The release signal does not have to be electrical.

The coding block 1 10 includes a second switching unit 114, an initiator 1 12 and an encoder 1 16. With particular reference to the block diagram of Fig. 4c showing the driver 100 unit receiving a trigger signal ST from a blank remote transmitter 204. Such a scenario is typical during the initiation or setting up of the locking mechanism 2000. A blank transmitter 204 which has not previously been initiated transmits a trigger signal S _T when brought into the vicinity of the receiver 160. Accordingly, the receiver 160 sends an activation signal SA' to the second switching unit 114. When the switching unit 1 14 receives the activation signal S _A ', the initiator 1 12 is connected to the encoder 1 16. Where appropriate, the encoder 1 16 may be a transceiver unit, such as an RFID or NFC transceiver, further serving as the receiver 160 of the system.

The initiator 112 is a component configured to initiate the coding of the blank transmitter 204. Typically the initiator is a manual switch to be activated while the switching unit 114 is also active. Such a switch may be concealed within the body of the door itself and therefore inaccessible during normal operation. Alternatively, the locking mechanism may provide systems allowing multiple coding of transmitters 204.

It is noted that in certain embodiments, the system may be configured to accept a predetermined number of coded transmitters. Such a limitation may be an advantage in high security applications.

Reference is now made to the flowchart of Fig. 5 representing a method for releasing a lock in accordance with an embodiment of the abovedescribed locking arrangement. The method includes three sequences, an initiation sequence - Sequence I, a release sequence - Sequence II and an encoding sequence - Sequence III.

The initiation sequence includes the following steps: step (a) providing a release code in a memory; step (b) waiting for a trigger signal; step (c) receiving a trigger signal; step (d) identifying if the trigger signal is a coded signal, and step (e) identifying if the trigger signal matches the release code so that if the trigger signal does not match the release code, the sequence returns to step (b) and the system waits for another trigger signal.

In step (a) a release code is provided in a memory. The release code is used to secure the lock so as that if a user is trying to open the lock without having the correct release code, the lock remains closed. Optionally, the release code may be changed periodically. Step (b) of waiting for a trigger signal is a step that may be repeated. The lock needs to receive a trigger signal in order to be released, and until a triggering signal is received, the lock is in a closed and holding state. In step (c) a triggering signal is received. The received signal may comprise the release code or other code. In step (e) the release code is checked and identified. If it does not match the release code, the lock will not open and will continue waiting for the correct release code, and therefore step (b) is repeated.

In the event that, during step (e), the trigger signal does match the release code then the release sequence is run. The release sequence includes the following steps: step (f) an activation signal is sent to a switching unit; step (g) the switching unit connects an actuator to the power supply, and step (h) the actuator releases the fastening mechanism. Typically, the release sequence also includes the steps: step (i) the switching unit disconnecting the actuator from the power supply, and step (j) the fastening mechanism engaging the bolt-driving mechanism again. Thereafter, the sequence returns to step (b) of waiting for another trigger signal.

In the event that, during step (d), the trigger signal is found to be uncoded, then the coding sequence is run. The coding sequence includes the following steps: step (k) connecting an initiator to an encoder; step (I) initiating an encoder and step (m) assigning a new code to a transmitter. If the encoder is not initiated then no new code is assigned and the system returns to step (b) and waits for another trigger signal.

In certain embodiments, a limit may be applied to the number of times that the coding sequence may be run so that no more than say five coded key transmitters may be issued for a given lock. It will be appreciated that such embodiments may be required to provide additional security and to avoid the risk of a coded key falling into the wrong hands.

The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and includes both combinations and sub combinations of the various features described hereinabove as well as variations and modifications thereof, which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description.

In the claims, the word "comprise", and variations thereof such as "comprises", "comprising" and the like indicate that the components listed are included, but not generally to the exclusion of other components.