Background Art Electronic locks are known which use electric motors and controls and mechanical components to place the lock into a locking condition or unlock the lock. The present invention is concerned with further developing electronic locks and overcoming some of the inherent problems with conventional locks.

Summary of the Invention A first aspect of the invention relates to the manner in which a latch bolt of the lock is moveable from a locking position to an unlocked position to allow opening of the door.

This aspect of the invention may be said to reside in a lock comprising: a latch bolt housing ; a pivotal mounting for mounting the latch bolt housing for pivotal movement ; a latch bolt coupled to the latch bolt housing so that upon pivotal movement the latch bolt moves with the latch bolt housing to move the latch bolt from an extended position to a retracted position to unlock the lock ; a support for supporting the latch bolt with respect to the housing so the latch bolt can move from the extended position out of the housing to a retracted position within the housing ; and biasing member for biasing the latch bolt towards the extended position out of the housing.

Thus, according to this aspect of the invention, the latch

bolt can be moved from the extended position in two ways.

The first way is by virtue of a rotation of the latch bolt and the latch bolt housing and the second way is by a retraction of the latch bolt into the latch bolt housing.

This enables the door to be opened, when unlocked, by pushing the door so that the latch bolt and latch bolt housing is caused to pivot to thereby retract the latch bolt from the extended position to a retracted position to allow the door to open. Upon closing of the door, engagement of the latch bolt, when in the extended position, with the striker element causes the latch bolt to retract into the housing against the bias of the biasing member so the latch bolt can retract as the latch bolt enters the striker and then be biased to the extended position to engage in the striker.

Preferably the lock includes an abutment element which is moveable from a first position, in which it prevents pivotal movement of the housing, to a second position in which pivotal movement of the housing can take place to move the latch bolt from the extended position to the retracted position.

Preferably the lock includes an actuator for moving the abutment element between the first position and the second position, biasing member between the abutment element and the actuator so that the actuator drives the abutment element between the first and second positions via the biasing member so that if the latch is loaded against the abutment element and prevents movement of the abutment element, the actuator loads the biasing member so that as soon as the load is released from the abutment element, the biasing member biases the abutment element to move between the first and second positions.

In one embodiment the actuator comprises a motor and a screw-threaded shaft, an actuating element mounted on the

screw-threaded shaft for driving along the screw threaded shaft, and wherein the biasing member comprises at least one spring arranged between the actuator element and the abutment element.

In one embodiment the abutment element comprises a swivel arm having a first portion provided with an opening through which the shaft passes, a pivotally mounted portion for pivotally mounting the swivel arm, an abutment portion for abutting the housing to prevent the housing from moving between the extended and retracted positions when the abutment arm is in registry with the housing and allows movement of the housing from the extended position to the retracted position when the swivel arm is moved to place the abutment portion out of registry with the housing.

In another embodiment the lock further includes a release member moveable from a first position to a second position for moving the abutment element to a position allowing movement of the housing from the extended position to the retracted position, a holding member for holding the release member in the released position, the holding member being engageable by the housing when the housing moves to the extended position, so as to disengage the holding member from the release member to enable the abutment element to return to a position preventing movement of the housing to the extended position.

Preferably the lock, further includes a deadlock mechanism comprising : a moveable deadlock member ; and a deadlock actuator, the deadlock member holding the deadlock actuator in an inactive position in one position, and releasing the deadlock actuator when moved to a second position so the deadlock actuator is moved to prevent movement of the release member and therefore the

locking element to place the lock in a deadlocked condition.

Preferably the release member carries a release lever which is moved upon movement of the release member to in turn move the locking element to allow the housing to move to the retracted position, the holder having a cut-out for engaging the lever to hold the lever in an actuated position to thereby hold the locking element in a position allowing the housing to move to the retracted position, and whereupon, when the housing moves to the retracted position, the holder is moved to release the lever to in turn allow the release member and therefore the locking element to return to the position preventing the housing from moving to the extended position after return of the housing from the retracted position to the extended position.

Preferably the holder is pivotally mounted and has a cut- out so that when the release member is moved, the lever moves to the vicinity of the cut-out, thereby allowing the holder to pivot to locate the lever in the cut-out and thereby hold the lever, and whereupon when the housing moves from the extended position to the retracted position, the holder is pivoted so that the lever becomes disengaged from the cut-out, thereby enabling the lever to return to the position locating the locking element in a position to prevent movement of the housing to the retracted position.

Preferably the deadlock mechanism includes a projection on the deadlock mechanism which engages in a slot in the deadlock actuator to thereby hold the deadlock actuator in an inactive position, and whereupon when the deadlock mechanism is moved, the stem is moved out of the slot, enabling the deadlock actuator to pivot so that the lever locates in a cut-out in the deadlock actuator to thereby

prevent movement of the lever to move the locking element into the position at which the housing can move from the extended position to the retracted position.

Preferably the actuator is moved by application of a key to drive the locking element to a position allowing movement of the latch to the extended position to thereby unlock the deadlocked lock, and whereupon movement of the locking element enables the housing to move to the extended position, whereupon movement of the latch engages the deadlock actuator to pivot the deadlock actuator to remove the lever from the cut-out and allow the deadlock mechanism to move to re-engage the stem in the slot to hold the deadlock actuator in the inactive position and allow opening of the lock by means of movement of the release member.

Preferably the drive means comprises a motor and a screw- threaded shaft, an actuator on the screw-threaded shaft for movement along the screw-threaded shaft upon rotation of the shaft, the swivel arm being located on the arm and first and second springs engaged between the actuator and the swivel arm for moving the swivel arm to a position allowing the latch to move to the retracted position to unlock the lock, and for driving the swivel arm to the position preventing the housing from moving to the retracted position to thereby lock the lock respectively.

Preferably the pivotal mounting includes a pivot biasing member for biasing the housing and the latch bolt into a position where the latch bolt is in the extended position.

In another embodiment the locking element comprises a swivel arm, the swivel arm having a pivotal mounting for mounting the swivel arm for pivotal movement, the swivel arm having a first component including an abutment member so that upon pivotal movement of the swivel arm, the

abutment member moves between the locking position and the unlocked position to lock and unlock the lock respectively, the swivel arm having a second component, the second component having a first portion moveable relative to the abutment member, the biasing assembly comprising a first spring and a second spring, the first spring biasing the abutment member towards the first component and the second spring biasing the swivel arm towards the locking position, so that if the abutment member becomes jammed in the locking position upon movement of the actuator, the second component is able to move relative to the abutment member against the bias of the first spring so the actuator is able to move to the position in which it would otherwise place the abutment member in the unlocked position, and when the abutment member becomes unjammed, the first spring biases the abutment member so the first component moves relative to the second component to thereby move the abutment portion from the locking position to the unlocked position, and if the abutment member becomes jammed in the unlocked position, the actuator is able to move in a manner which would otherwise move the abutment member from the unlocked position to the locked position, and when the abutment member becomes unjammed, the second spring biases the swivel arm to move the swivel arm and therefore the abutment member to the locking position.

Preferably the pivotal mounting comprises a pivot pin on which both the first component and second component are independently pivotally mounted.

Preferably the actuator comprises a cam for movement from a first position in which the second spring is able to bias the swivel arm to place the abutment member in the locking position, to a second position in which the cam engages the swivel arm to move the swivel arm and therefore the abutment member from the locking position to

the unlocked position.

Preferably the second component includes a second member fixed to the first member, and preferably the second spring engages the second member to bias the second member, and therefore the swivel arm, towards the locking position.

In one embodiment, the cam is mounted on a rotatable shaft, the shaft passing through an opening in the second member of the second component, and the second spring being mounted on the shaft.

Preferably the second member includes a finger for engagement by the cam to move the swivel arm from the locking position to the unlocked position.

Preferably the first member is provided with a stem which passes through an opening in the abutment member, the stem having a locator for locating the first spring on the stem between the locator and the abutment member so as to bias the abutment member into a position immediately adjacent the first member.

Preferably the stem and locator are comprised by a shank and a head of a screw which passes through the opening and is attached to the first member.

In another embodiment, the cam is locatable on a shaft for longitudinal movement.

In this embodiment, the shaft is moved longitudinally by a solenoid.

Preferably the support includes: a rod, the rod extending through the housing and coupling with the housing so as to prevent separation of

the latch bolt from the housing ; and the biasing member for biasing, being a spring mounted on said rod.

Preferably the housing includes secondary locking means for preventing retraction of the latch bolt into the housing.

Preferably the secondary locking element is pivotally mounted in the housing, biasing member for biasing the secondary locking element into a position in which the secondary locking element prevents retraction of the latch bolt into the housing, a dead latch for movement between an extended position and a retracted position, the dead latch being in the extended position when the door is open, the dead latch having an abutment portion, the abutment portion being in engagement with the secondary locking element to push the secondary locking element against the bias of the biasing member so the secondary locking element is clear of the latch bolt to enable the latch bolt to undergo the secondary retraction between the extended position and the retracted position within the housing, and wherein the dead latch element is moveable from the extended position to the retracted position so that the abutment portion is moved away from the secondary locking element, to enable the secondary locking element to pivot under the influence of the biasing member into a position in which it blocks movement of the latch bolt from the extended position to the secondary retracted position within the housing.

A further aspect of the invention is concerned with preventing the locking mechanism from jamming during an opening or closing action of the lock due to a load applied to the door which is intended to be opened and closed by manipulation of the lock. If a load is applied to the door during attempt to release the lock or re-

engage the lock, such as for example, if someone leans against the door or if there is a heavy wind pushing the door closed, the components of the lock which hold the lock in the closed position may be forced hard against one another, and this may prevent the components of the lock from moving to allow the lock to properly release or re- engage. This may necessitate the unlocking or locking sequence to be again performed by a user wishing to gain entry or exit from a premises after the load has been released from the door.

The object of this aspect of the invention is to provide a lock in which it is not necessary to again perform the unlocking or locking operation in the event of the lock temporarily jamming due to a load applied to the door during the opening or closing sequence of the lock.

This aspect of the invention may be said to reside in a lock, comprising: a latch for movement between an extended position which holds the door closed and a retracted position which allows the door to be opened ; a locking element for movement between a locking position which holds the latch in the extended position and an unlocked position allowing the latch to move to the . retracted position ; an actuator for moving the locking element between the locking position and the unlocked position ; biasing member between the locking element and the actuator so that the actuator drives the locking element between the locking and unlocked positions via the biasing member so that if the latch is loaded against the locking element and prevents movement of the locking element, the actuator loads the biasing member so that as soon as the load is released from the locking element, the biasing member biases the locking element to move between the locking and unlocked position.

This aspect of the invention also resides in a lock, comprising: a latch for movement between an extended position which holds the door closed, and a retracted position which allows the door to open ; a locking element for movement between a locking position which holds the latch in the extended position, and an unlocked position allowing the latch to move to the retracted position ; an actuator for moving the locking element between the locking element between the locking position and the unlocked position ; a biasing assembly associated with the locking element so that if the locking element is jammed and cannot move, the actuator is still able to move in a manner which would otherwise move the locking element between the locking position and the unlocked position ; and wherein when the locking element becomes unjammed, the biasing assembly is able to then move the locking element between the locking position and the unlocked position without a further movement of the actuator.

Thus, according to this aspect of the invention, it is not necessary to perform the locking or unlocking operation again in the event that the lock is jammed because of the loading of the latch against the locking element because, as soon as the load is removed, the biasing member simply moves the locking element to its required position, thereby allowing the lock to operate.

Preferably the biasing member comprises at least one spring.

Preferably the locking element comprises a swivel arm

having a first portion provided with an opening through which the shaft passes, a pivotally mounted portion for pivotally mounting the swivel arm, and an abutment portion for preventing the latch from moving from the extended position to the retracted position when the abutment portion is in the locking position and allows movement of the latch from the extended position to the retracted position when the swivel arm is moved to place the abutment portion in the unlocked position.

In another embodiment, the actuator includes a cam member for moving the locking element between the locking position and the unlocked position, and the locking element comprises a swivel arm having a first portion for engagement by the cam member to swivel the first portion and therefore the swivel arm from a first position to a second position, and a pin, the swivel arm having a second portion and the pin being in engagement with the second portion, and the biasing member comprising a first biasing member between the second portion and the pin, and a second biasing member for biasing the swivel arm towards the cam.

Preferably the pin has a large diameter portion and a small diameter portion, the second portion having an opening through which the small diameter portion passes, and the second portion abutting the large diameter portion so that the second portion can move relative to the pin against the bias of the first biasing member, and the first biasing member biases the second portion and the pin into locking engagement with the latch.

In one embodiment the cam is carried by a motor shaft for rotation with the motor shaft.

In another embodiment the cam is mounted on a shaft of a solenoid for longitudinal movement with the shaft of the

solenoid.

In another embodiment the locking element comprises a swivel arm, the swivel arm having a pivotal mounting for mounting the swivel arm for pivotal movement, the swivel arm having a first component including an abutment member so that upon pivotal movement of the swivel arm, the abutment member moves between the locking position and the unlocked position to lock and unlock the lock respectively, the swivel arm having a second component, the second component having a first portion moveable relative to the abutment member, the biasing assembly comprising a first spring and a second spring, the first spring biasing the abutment member towards the first component and the second spring biasing the swivel arm towards the locking position, so that if the abutment member becomes jammed in the locking position upon movement of the actuator, the second component is able to move relative to the abutment member against the bias of the first spring so the actuator is able to move to the position in which it would otherwise place the abutment member in the unlocked position, and when the abutment member becomes unjammed, the first spring biases the abutment member so the first component moves relative to the second component to thereby move the abutment portion from the locking position to the unlocked position, and if the abutment member becomes jammed in the unlocked position, the actuator is able to move in a manner which would otherwise move the abutment member from the unlocked position to the locked position, and when the abutment member becomes unjammed, the second spring biases the swivel arm to move the swivel arm and therefore the abutment member to the locking position.

Preferably the pivotal mounting comprises a pivot pin on which both the first component and second component are independently pivotally mounted.

Preferably the actuator comprises a cam for movement from a first position in which the second spring is able to bias the swivel arm to place the abutment member in the locking position, to a second position in which the cam engages the swivel arm to move the swivel arm and therefore the abutment member from the locking position to the unlocked position.

Preferably the second component includes a second member fixed to the first member, and preferably the second spring engages the second member to bias the second member, and therefore the swivel arm, towards the locking position.

In one embodiment, the cam is mounted on a rotatable shaft, the shaft passing through an opening in the second member of the second component, and the second spring being mounted on the shaft.

Preferably the second member includes a finger for engagement by the cam to move the swivel arm from the locking position to the unlocked position.

Preferably the first member is provided with a stem which passes through an opening in the abutment member, the stem having a locator for locating the first spring on the stem between the locator and the abutment member so as to bias the abutment member into a position immediately adjacent the first member.

Preferably the stem and locator are comprised by a shank and a head of a screw which passes through the opening and is attached to the first member.

In another embodiment, the cam is locatable on a shaft for longitudinal movement.

In this embodiment, the shaft is moved longitudinally by a solenoid.

In one embodiment of the invention, the latch comprises a latch bolt housing and a latch bolt coupled to the latch bolt housing, the latch bolt housing being mounted on pivotal mounting means for movement between the extended position and the retracted position so that the latch bolt is moved from an extended position to a retracted position to unlock the lock, and wherein the locking element engages the latch bolt housing when in the locking position to prevent the latch bolt housing from moving to the extended position to place the lock in a locked condition.

In another embodiment, the latch forms part of a striker recess and the latch is moveable from the extended position to the retracted position to allow a bolt of a door to be removed from the striker recess to open the door, and the locking element is moveable from the extended position to prevent movement of the latch to its extended position, to a released position to enable the latch to move to the retracted position to allow the bolt to move out of the striker recess.

Preferably the swivel arm is pivotally mounted on a pivot pin.

A further aspect of the invention relates to the structure of the locking and unlocking mechanism of the lock.

This aspect of the invention may be said to reside in a lock comprising: a latch for movement between an extended position in which the door is held closed to a retracted position allowing a door to be opened ;

a locking element for selectively preventing movement of the latch from the extended position to the retracted position ; a release member moveable from a first position to a second position for moving the locking element to a position allowing movement of the latch from the extended position to the retracted position; and a holding member for holding the release member in the released position, the holding member being engageable by the latch when the latch moves to the extended position so as to disengage the holding member from the release member to enable the locking element to return to a position preventing movement of the latch to the extended position.

Preferably the lock further includes a deadlock mechanism comprising : a moveable deadlock member ; and a deadlock actuator, the deadlock member holding the deadlock actuator in an inactive position in one position, and releasing the deadlock actuator when moved to a second position so the deadlock actuator is moved to prevent movement of the release member and therefore the locking element to place the lock in a deadlocked condition.

Preferably the release member carries a release lever which is moved upon movement of the release member to in turn move the locking element to allow the latch to move to the retracted position, the holder having a cut-out for engaging the lever to hold the lever in an actuated position to thereby hold the locking element in a position allowing the latch to move to the retracted position, and whereupon, when the latch moves to the retracted position, the holder is moved to release the lever to in turn allow the release member and therefore the locking element to return to the position preventing the latch from moving to

the extended position after return of the latch from the retracted position to the extended position.

Preferably the holder is pivotally mounted and has a cut- out so that when the release member is moved, the lever moves to the vicinity of the cut-out, thereby allowing the holder to pivot to locate the lever in the cut-out and thereby hold the lever, and whereupon when the latch moves from the extended position to the retracted position, the holder is pivoted so that the lever becomes disengaged from the cut-out, thereby enabling the lever to return to the position locating the locking element in a position to prevent movement of the latch to the retracted position.

Preferably the deadlock mechanism includes a projection on the deadlock mechanism which engages in a slot in the deadlock actuator to thereby hold the deadlock actuator in an inactive position, and whereupon when the deadlock mechanism is moved, the stem is moved out of the slot, enabling the deadlock actuator to pivot so that the lever locates in a cut-out in the deadlock actuator to thereby prevent movement of the lever to move the locking element into the position at which the latch can move from the extended position to the retracted position.

Preferably the actuator is moved by application of a key to drive the locking element to a position allowing movement of the latch to the extended position to thereby unlock the deadlocked lock, and whereupon movement of the locking element enables the latch to move to the extended position, whereupon movement of the latch engages the deadlock actuator to pivot the deadlock actuator to remove the lever from the cut-out and allow the deadlock mechanism to move to re-engage the stem in the slot to hold the deadlock actuator in the inactive position and allow opening of the lock by means of movement of the release member.

Preferably the drive means comprises a motor and a screw- threaded shaft, an actuator on the screw-threaded shaft for movement along the screw-threaded upon rotation of the shaft, the swivel arm being located on the arm and first and second springs engaged between the actuator and the swivel arm for moving the swivel arm to a position allowing the latch to move to the retracted position to unlock the lock, and for driving the swivel arm to the position preventing the latch from moving to the retracted position to thereby lock the lock respectively.

A further aspect of the invention relates to the electronic control of the lock.

This aspect of the invention may be said to reside in a lock comprising: a latch moveable from a locking position to an unlocking position to place the lock in a locked and unlocked condition respectively ; locking means for selectively locking the latch in the locking position ; processing means for controlling the locking means and for receiving a user input for activating the locking means to allow the latch to move from the extended position to the retracted position ; memory means for storing input codes ; and the processing means being for receiving a control input code to place the lock into a code storing mode and for thereafter receiving codes which can be stored in the memory and which, when presented to the lock, will enable the processing means to activate the actuating means to allow the latch bolt to move from the locking position to the unlocking position to open the lock.

Thus, this aspect of the invention enables the lock to be

effectively changed, or re-programmed, so that"valid keys"can then be presented to open the lock. The valid keys are stored in the lock by way of entry of relevant codes, which can be input of numbers, the touching of a tag to a sensor or the like so that the relevant codes are stored by the memory so that when they are represented the codes can be authenticated to enable the lock to be opened. This therefore enables additional keys to be used with the lock simply by adding those codes to the lock or completely"changing the lock"by deleting all previously stored codes and entering new codes. Thus, the lock can effectively be"changed"by a user without the need for a locksmith or replacing the actual hardware of the lock.

The invention, in a still further aspect, may be said to reside in a striker lock for mounting in a door frame and for receiving a bolt of a door to place the door in a locked condition, the striker lock comprising: a striker having a striker recess for receiving the bolt, the striker recess having a latch moveable from a locking position preventing movement of the bolt out of the striker recess to an unlocked position allowing movement of the striker bolt out of the recess; biasing member for biasing the latch into the locking position ; and a sensor for sensing when the latch has moved from the locked position to the unlocked position and then back to the locked position.

Preferably the sensor includes a microswitch which is actuated when the latch moves from the locked position to the unlocked position and when the latch moves from the unlocked to the locked position.

Preferably the sensor further includes an actuator for opening or closing the microswitch when the latch moves from the locked position to the unlocked position to

thereby actuate the microswitch, and for closing or opening the microswitch when the latch moves from the unlocked position to the locked position to again actuate the microswitch.

Preferably the microswitch has a microswitch arm which is spring biased for movement from a first position to a second position to thereby provide the two actuated conditions of the microswitch, the actuating means comprising a pivotally mounted bar having: (a) a finger portion for engaging the microswitch arm and holding the microswitch arm in the first position ; and (b) an abutment portion for engaging the latch when the latch is in the locked position to prevent rotation of the engaging portion of the bar and therefore movement of the finger away from the microswitch arm ; and wherein when the latch moves to the unlocked position, the bar is able to rotate to thereby move the finger away from the arm to enable the arm to move to the second position, and upon return of the latch to the locked position, the latch engages the abutment portion of the bar to pivot the bar so that the finger returns to the position in which the arm is held in the first position, thereby indicating that the latch is again in the locked position.

Preferably the bar further includes a pair of axel sections mounted in the lock to support rotation of the bar, a pair of transverse portions extending transversely and in the same direction from respective axel portions, and an intermediate portion joining the transverse portions and which forms the abutment portion of the bar.

Preferably the latch includes an abutment for engaging the bar and holding the bar, when the latch is in the locked

position, in the position in which the finger holds the arm in the first position.

Preferably the lock includes a locking element for registering with the abutment on the latch for preventing movement of the latch from the locked position to the unlocked position, the locking element being moveable away from the abutment on the latch to thereby free the latch and allow the latch to move from the locked position to the unlocked position.

Preferably the locking element is mounted on a screw threaded shaft which is rotated by a motor so that upon rotation of the screw threaded shaft, the locking element is moveable between a position registering with the abutment on the latch to prevent movement of the latch to the unlocked position, to a position out of registry with the abutment of the latch to allow the latch to move from the locked position to the unlocked position.

Preferably the lock includes a moveable support wall which includes a bearing for journaling the screw threaded shaft and for receiving one of the axel portions of the bar for journaling the bar for rotation.

Preferably the other axel of the bar is journaled in a notch provided in a wall remote from the removable wall.

In a still further aspect, the invention may be said to reside in a striker lock for location in a door frame and for receiving a bolt of a door to place the door in a locked condition, the striker lock comprising : a striker recess having a latch moveable from a locked position which prevents movement of the bolt out of the striker recess, to an unlocked position which allows the striker to move out of the recess to open the door ; biasing member for biasing the latch into the

locked position ; an abutment on the latch ; a locking element ; and a driver for driving the locking element between a position beneath the abutment so that an attempt to move the bolt out of the recess causes the abutment to engage the locking element to prevent movement of the latch from the locked position to the unlocked position and therefore movement of the bolt out of the striker recess to thereby place the striker lock in the locked condition, to a position out of registry with the abutment so that upon attempted movement of the door into an open position, the bolt engages the latch and can pivot the latch against the bias of the biasing member so that the latch moves from the locked position to the unlocked position, thereby enabling the bolt to leave the striker recess to open the door.

In one embodiment, the locking element could be moved by a solenoid or other drive element. Use of a solenoid has the advantage that the solenoid can be powered to place the lock in the locked position such that in the event of an emergency situation requiring the shut-off of power to the building or premises in which the lock is installed, the solenoid is de-energised so that the locking element is moved away from the abutment to enable the door to be opened to allow escape from the building or premises in the emergency situation.

Preferably the striker lock includes a sensor for sensing when the latch moves from the locked position to the unlocked position and then back to the locked position.

Preferably the sensor includes a microswitch which is actuated when the latch moves from the locked position to the unlocked position when the latch moves from the unlocked to the locked position.

Preferably the sensor further includes an actuator for opening or closing the microswitch when the latch moves from the locked position to the unlocked position to thereby actuate the microswitch, and for closing or opening the microswitch when the latch moves from the unlocked position to the locked position to again actuate the microswitch.

Preferably the microswitch has a microswitch arm which is spring biased for movement from a first position to a second position to thereby provide the two actuated conditions of the microswitch, the actuating means comprising a pivotally mounted bar having: (a) a finger portion for engaging the microswitch arm and holding the microswitch arm in a first position ; and (b) an abutment portion for engaging the latch when the latch is in the locked position to prevent rotation of the engaging portion of the bar and therefore movement of the finger away from the microswitch arm ; and wherein when the latch moves to the unlocked position, the bar is able to rotate to thereby move the finger away from the arm to enable the arm to move to the second position, and upon return of the latch to the locked position, the latch engages the abutment portion of the bar to pivot the bar so that the finger returns to the position in which the arm is held in the first position, thereby indicating that the latch is again in the locked position.

Preferably the bar includes a pair of axel sections mounted in the lock to support rotation of the bar, a pair of transverse portions extending transversely and in the same direction from respective axel portions, and an intermediate portion joining the transverse portions and

which forms the abutment portion of the bar.

Preferably the latch includes an abutment for engaging the bar and holding the bar, when the latch is in the locked position, in the position in which the finger holds the arm in the first position.

Preferably the lock includes a moveable support wall which includes a bearing for journaling the screw threaded shaft and for receiving one of the axel portions of the bar for journaling the bar for rotation.

Preferably the other axel of the bar is journaled in a notch provided in a wall remote from the removable wall.

Brief Description of the Drawings Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a plan view of a door comprising the lock of the preferred embodiment ; Figure 2 is a side view of the lock of Figure 1 separate from the door ; Figure 3 is a front view of the lock according to the preferred embodiment ; Figure 4 is a view along the line IV-IV of Figure 3 ; Figure 5 is a view along the line V-V of Figure 3 ; Figure 6 is a view along the line VI-VI of Figure 5 ; Figure 7 is a detailed view showing part of the mechanism of Figure 3 ; Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 7, but in the second position ; Figure 9 is a view along the line IX-IX of Figure 3 ;

Figure 10 is a view along the line X-X of Figure 3 ; Figure 11 is a perspective view of part of the mechanism of Figure 10 ; Figure 12 is a view showing operation of the component shown in Figure 11 ; Figure 13 is a view similar to Figure 12, but in a second position in which the door is deadlocked ; Figure 14 is a view showing the lock in an unlocked state ; Figure 15 is a detailed view of part of the mechanism shown in Figure 3 ; Figure 16 is a view of the part of Figure 15, but in a second orientation; Figure 17 is a view along the line XVII-XVII of Figure 16 ; Figure 18 is a plan of a circuit board used in the preferred embodiment ; Figure 19 is a modification to the embodiment of Figures 1 to 18 and which shows the most preferred form of the lock which includes the components of the lock in the part of the lock mounted on the door ; Figure 20 is a view along the line XXXVII-XXXVII of Figure 19 ; Figure 21 is a view of one of the parts of the lock shown in Figure 19 along the line A-A of Figure 19 ; Figure 22 is a plan view of the component of Figure 21 ; Figure 23 is a view of the component of Figure 22 along the line C-C of Figure 22 ; Figure 24 is a view of the modified form according to the embodiment of Figure 19 ; Figure 25 is a view along the line XXXIX-XXXIX of Figure 24 ; Figure 26 is a view along the line XXXX-XXXX of Figure 24 ; Figure 27 is a view along the line XXXXI-XXXXI of

Figure 26 ; Figure 28 is a view similar to Figure 26 but showing only some of the componentry ; Figure 29 is an exploded view of part of the structure shown in Figure 28 ; Figure 30 is a plan view similar to Figure 24 showing more detail of componentry and operation of the lock ; Figure 31 is a view similar to Figure 30 showing additional componentry added on to the componentry of Figure 26 ; Figure 32 is a front view of part of a swivel arm configuration according to a still further embodiment of the invention ; Figure 33 is plan view of the component of Figure 32 ; Figure 34 is a front view of another component of the swivel arm configuration according to the further embodiment of the invention ; Figure 35 is a plan view of the component of Figure 34 ; Figure 36 is a view of the component of Figure 35 along the line XXXVI-XXXVI of Figure 35 ; Figure 37 is a front view of the assembled swivel arm of Figures 32 to 36 ; Figure 38 shows the swivel arm of Figure 37 mounted for movement between a locking and unlocking position ; Figure 39 is a view similar to Figure 38 but showing the position in which the swivel arm is moved to allow the lock to unlock, and therefore the door to open ; Figure 40 is a view similar to Figure 39, but showing the configuration the swivel arm takes up if the swivel arm becomes jammed during unlocking of the door ; Figure 41 is a block circuit diagram of the electronic control of the lock of the preferred embodiment ;

Figure 42 is a view of a further embodiment of the invention which relates to a door striker lock, the locking elements are in the striker attached to a door frame rather than in the door; Figure 43 is a front view of the lock of Figure 42; Figure 44 is a view along the line XXV-XXV of Figure 43; Figure 45 is view of part of the mechanism shown in Figure 44; Figure 46 is an end view of the part of the mechanism in Figure 45; Figure 47 is a view of the front face with a cover open; Figure 48 is a view of the lock of Figure 43 with a cover open to expose the internal lock mechanism ; Figure 49 is a view along the line XXX-XXX of Figure 48; Figure 50 is a view along the line XXXI-XXXI of Figure 48; Figure 51 is a view along the line XXXII-XXXII of Figure 48 ; Figure 52 shows a view of the lock of Figure 35 in one operating condition; Figure 53 is a view of the lock in another operating condition; Figure 54 is a block circuit diagram illustrating electronic control of the lock of Figure 43; Figure 55 is a view of a still further and more preferred embodiment of the invention ; Figure 56 is a view along the line IL-IL of Figure 55; Figure 57 is a view of a pin used in the embodiment of Figure 55 ; . Figure 58 is a view along the line LI-LI of Figure 55; Figure 59 is a diagram showing a modification to

the embodiment of Figure 55; and Figure 60 is a view of the modification of Figure 59 in a second position.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment With reference to Figure 1, a lock 10 according to the preferred embodiment is shown which is mounted on a door 11. The lock 10 has a lock body 12 which forms a casing in which the lock mechanism, as will be described with reference to the drawings, is housed. A latch bolt 14 projects from the body 12 and can be received in a striker 16 fixed to a door frame 18 to hold the door in a closed and locked position.

A handle 22 also projects from the body 12 and is in the form of a lever which is moveable in the direction of double-headed arrow A to open the door 11 from the inside, as will also be described in more detail hereinafter.

A first sensor 24 is provided on the door 11 for unlocking the door from the inside, a second sensor 26 is mounted on exterior side of the door 11 and which can be provided in a circular hole provided in the door 11 and connected to the lock body 12 by suitable mounting 28. The sensor 26 is used to unlock the door from the outside.

The sensor 24 is mounted directly on the lock body 12 and the sensor 26 supported by screws (not shown) which can attach the mounting structure 28 and sensor 26 to the body 12.

With reference to Figure 3, the lock body 12 includes a first casing part 12', which comprises a base 13, side wall 15, end walls 17 and 19 and opposite side wall segments 19a and 19b which define a space or cut-out 31 therebetween. The lock body 12 is completed by a second casing part 12''which is shown in Figure 18 and which

closes the casing part 12'and is formed by a closure plate 21 having an end wall 133. The plate 21 also has a wall segment 25.

An internal lock case 29 can sit flush on the base 13 and extend partly up the side wall segments 19a and 19b merely to provide a mounting part on which the components, as will be described hereinafter, can be mounted for ease of assembly and manufacture.

With reference to Figures 3 and 4, the handle 22 is pivotally mounted in cut-out 31 on a pivot pin 32 which is journaled in a pair of lugs 34 connected to the wall segments 19a and 19b or part of the plate 29 which extends upwardly parallel to the wall segments 19a and 19b. The handle 22 has a pair of mounting bosses 36 which are integral with the handle 22 and through which the pin 32 extends so as to mount the handle 22 on the pin 32. The pin 32 projects beyond the lug 34 on the segment 19b and a spring 38 is provided on the part of the pin 32 which projects beyond the lug 34 so as to bias the handle 22 into a position in which the door is held in a locked condition, as will be described in more detail hereinafter. The spring 38 has a first arm 39 which presses against the segment 19b and a second arm 40 which presses against a rod 41 which is carried by the handle 22 so as to push the rod 41 in the direction of arrow B in Figure 4 and therefore the handle in that direction about the pivot pin 32 so that the handle is biased into a position in which the door is held locked or closed, as will be described in more detailed hereinafter.

When the handle 22 is not in the deadlocked condition, the handle 22 can be gripped by locating the user's hand behind the handle 22 (as shown in Figure 1) and pulling the handle in lever fashion in the direction of arrow C in Figure 1 away from the door 11 (and which is generally

downwardly in the view shown in Figure 4) to cause the handle 22 to open the door, as will be described in more detail hereinafter.

Thus, the lock 10 can be opened from the inside simply by a person locating his or her fingers behind the handle 22 and pulling the handle in the direction of arrow C, which means that the handle can be easily manipulated by any person, particularly those who may be handicapped or otherwise find it difficult to twist a doorknob or the like. Furthermore, pulling the handle 22 not only opens the lock 10, but also pulls the door in the direction the door is intended to open so that the pulling action on the handle 22 not only releases the door lock 10, but also pulls the door open in a generally single motion, therefore making it very easy to open the door.

Latch bolt 14 is mounted in latch bolt housing 50, which is pivotally mounted on pivot pin 52, which extends between lugs 54 and 56 connected to wall 15 of the lock body 12. The pivotal mounting of the housing 50 and latch 14 on the pivot pin 52 means that the housing 50 and latch bolt 14 can pivot in the direction of arrow D shown in Figure 1 into the housing 12, as will be described in more detail hereinafter, to open the door.

A rotary lock block 56 is pivotally mounted on a pivot pin 58 to the plate 29 or base 13. As will be described in detail hereinafter, the block 56 can be rotated into a position which the block 56 will prevent pivotal movement of the housing 50 and therefore the latch 14 to place the lock in an unlocked condition. When the block is in the position shown in Figure 3, the housing 50 and latch 14 can pivot in the direction of arrow D in Figure 1 so that the door can be opened. The block 56 is controlled by a first drive assembly 60 which comprises a drive housing 62. The drive housing 62 is best shown in Figures 5 and

6, as well as Figure 3, and includes a plate 64 which has a first perpendicular wall 66 and a second perpendicular wall 68. The wall 68 extends only partway down the plate 64 and may be formed by cutting the plate 64 along line 70 and folding the upper portion above the line 70 to form the perpendicular wall 68, thereby leaving lower extension section 64a of the wall 64, which is parallel with and an integral continuation of the plate 64. The wall 64a is provided with a slot 66 in which the rod 41 carried by the handle 22 locates. The drive housing 62 mounts an electric motor 72 which can be fixed to the plate 64 by any suitable method such as by adhesive or the like.

Electric leads 73 extend from the motor 72 for providing current to the motor 72 for driving the motor 72. The motor 72 has an output shaft 73 on which is mounted a gear 74.

A control shaft 75 is also mounted in the housing 68 by locating through holes 76 and 77, which are provided in the transverse walls 68 and 64. The control shaft 75 carries a gear 79 which is in mesh with the gear 74.

Thus, when the motor 64 is driven, the gear 74 is rotated to rotate the gear 79 which in turn rotates the control shaft 75.

As is best shown in Figure 7, the control shaft 75 has a screw threaded section 81 and the screw threaded section 81 is sandwiched between two non-screw threaded or plain sections 83a and 85 which are not provided with a screw thread and which are merely cylindrical in shape.

An actuator 80 is mounted on the shaft 75. The actuator 80 comprises a nut 83 which is screw threaded onto the screw thread 81. The nut carries an outwardly extending arm 85 which may be made integral with the nut 83 and the arm 85 has a finger 86 at its end which is arranged at right angles to the arm 85. The finger 86 carries a

flange 87 which extends down below the arm 85 and finger 86, as can be best seen in Figure 6.

The actuator 80 also carries a top plate 89 which is also integral with or connected to the nut 83. The top plate 89 has a downwardly projecting arm 90 which has a hole 92 through which the control shaft 75 extends so that the arm 90 can move relative to the shaft 75, as will be described in more detail hereinafter. The plate 89 locates in a cut-out 93 provided in wall 68 (as is best seen in Figure 6). Because the plate 89 is held in the cut-out 93, and therefore the entire actuator 80 is held against rotation, when the shaft 75 is rotated, the nut 83 moves along the shaft 75 by virtue of the screw threaded engagement between the shaft 75 and nut 73, in the direction of double-headed arrow E, depending on the direction of rotation of the shaft 75. Movement of the actuator 80 in the direction of double-headed arrow E obviously moves the flange 87, also in the direction of double-headed arrow E.

As is apparent from Figure 3, the arm 85 and finger 86 sit above the top of the block 56. The block 56 is provided with a notch or cut-out 94 and also an upstanding abutment post 95. The flange 87 abuts against the post 95 and the part of the flange 87 which projects below the arm 85 and finger 86 locates in the cut-out 94. Thus, when the actuator 80 is driven to the left in Figure 3, the flange 87 contacts the post 95 to rotate the block 56 about pivot pin 58 in the direction of arrow G so that the block can take up a position, as shown in Figure 3, in which it is clear of the housing 50 so that the housing 50 and latch bolt 14 can pivot in the direction of arrow D in Figure 1 to allow the door to be opened. If the actuator 80 is moved to the right in Figure 3, the part of the flange 87 which engages in the cut-out 94 will pull the block 56 so that it rotates in a direction opposite arrow G about the pivot pin 58 so the block 56 can locate between the

housing 50 and the base 13 (see Figure 12) to provide an abutment for preventing the housing 50 and therefore the latch bolt 14 from pivoting in the direction of arrow D and therefore holding the lock 10 in a locked condition.

Therefore, assuming that the door is in a locked condition in which the block 56 is rotated into a position in which it is between the housing 50 and the base 13 (as is shown in Figure 12) and the handle 22 is pivoted in the direction of arrow C in Figure 1, pivotal movement of the handle 22 about pivot pin 32 will move the rod 41 in pivotal fashion in the direction of arrow H in Figure 4.

Because of the engagement of the rod 41 in the slot 66, this will push the drive housing 62 in the direction of arrow J in Figures 5 and 6 so that the entire housing 60 moves in the direction of arrow J. This will cause the flange 87 to abut the post 95 and therefore push against the post so as to rotate the block 56 in the direction of arrow G to move the block into the position shown in Figure 3 in which it is withdrawn from a position between the housing 50 and the base 13. Pulling the handle 22 will also cause the latch bolt 14 to abut the internal surface 16a of the striker 16 and pivot in the direction of arrow D as the door is pulled open so that the latch bolt 14 and housing 15 pivot to a position completely within the latch body 12 (see Figure 10) so the latch bolt 14 is completely withdrawn from the striker 16 and the door can swing open by continued pulling movement on the handle 22.

Figure 10 shows the housing 50 and latch bolt 14 in the pivot condition in which latch bolt 14 is drawn into the latch body 12 and out of the striker 16 so the door can be opened. As can be seen in Figure 10, the housing 50 has a generally box or square configuration defined by a top wall 51, end wall 53 and a bottom wall 55. The bottom wall 55 has depending lugs 57 at each end (only one of

which is shown). The lugs 57 have a hole 59 through which the pivot pin 52 passes and the pivot pin 52 is journaled in the fixed lugs 54 so that the entire housing 50 can pivot in the direction of arrow D in Figures 1 and 10 on the pivot pin 52. The wall 15 of the housing 12 is provided with an opening 15a through which the latch bolt 14 passes during pivotal movement of the housing 50 and the latch bolt 14.

The pivot pin 52 is provided with a spring 95 which has an arm 97 which abuts the housing 12 and another arm 99 which abuts the housing 50 so that the housing 50 is always biased into the position shown in Figure 1 in which the latch 14 projects through the opening 15a. Thus, as soon as the door is opened by engagement of the bolt 14 on the striker surface 16a to pivot the housing 15 into position shown in Figure 4, and the striker 14 leaves contact with the striker 16, the housing 50 and latch 14 are biased back to the position shown in Figure 1 and Figure 3 in which the latch 14 projects out of the opening 15a.

The latch bolt 14 is mounted in the housing 50 by a rod 61 which is connected to the bolt 14 and which passes through hole 65 in wall 53. The rod 61 has a head 63 which secures the rod from moving further in the direction of arrow I in Figure 10. A spring 71 is provided about the rod 61 between wall 53 and bolt 14. Thus, the bolt 14 is able to move into the housing 50 in the direction of arrow K in Figure 10 and also in Figure 1 by compressing the spring 71 and simply pushing the bolt further through the hole 65, when the latch bolt 14 is pushed in the direction of arrow K. As soon as the pushing or abutment on the bolt 14 is stopped, the spring 71 again biases the latch bolt 14 back into position shown in Figure 10 and Figure 1.

Thus, when the door has been opened and it is desired to

close the door, the door can merely be pushed closed. As the door swings closed, the latch bolt 14 will contact the striker plate 16 and because of the inclined surface 14a of the bolt 14, the contact between the bolt 14 and the striker 16 will cause the bolt 14 to be pushed inwardly against the bias of the spring 71 into the housing 50 so the door can move into the fully closed position and the bolt 14 register with cavity 16b (see Figure 1) of the striker 16. When the bolt 14 registers with the cavity 16b of the striker 16, the bolt 14 is simply pushed into the striker 16 by the spring 71 to latch in the striker 16 to thereby hold the door in the closed position.

It should also be understood that when the door handle 22 is released to close the door, the door handle 22 is biased back into the position shown in Figures 1 and 3 by the spring 38 which pulls the drive housing 60 to the right in Figure 3 to thereby cause the flange 87 to rotate the block 56 into the position dispose between the housing 50 and base 13 so that the latch 14 is held in the locked position. Thus, when the door closes by the latch 14 moving laterally into the housing 50 against the bias of the spring 71, and then the latch 14 returning to the projecting position when it registers with the cavity of the striker plate 16a, the door is held in a locked position and cannot be opened by pushing from the outside.

Therefore, the door can be opened from the inside by simply pulling on the handle 22 unless the door is in a deadlocked condition, and then closed and returned to a locked position so the door cannot be opened from the outside unless a valid key is presented, as will be described hereinafter. Opening and closing from the inside therefore requires simple movement of the level handle 22 by a pulling action and pressing of button 251 which can easily be accomplished by handicapped people and those which otherwise may find difficulty in pivoting a doorknob or rotating a lever handle or the like in a plane

which is generally parallel to the door surface as distinct from a simple pulling action which is in a plane perpendicular to the door surface as in the present embodiment. Closing merely requires the door to be pushed closed and the door will automatically close by virtue of the lateral movement of the latch bolt 14 against the bias of the spring 71 into the housing 14 and then re-register in the striker 16 to lock the door. Simultaneously, release of the handle 22 causes the drive housing 60 to move the block 56 into a position in which the housing 50 is prevent from rotating thereby holding the latch bolt 14 in the locked position so the door cannot be opened from the outside until a valid key is presented.

Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the shaft 75 which carries the nut 83 and the remainder of the actuator 80 also has a first spring 110, nut 83 and the wall 66 (or a washer or the like located on the wall 66) and a second spring 112 arranged between the nut 83 and the wall 68 (or a washer located on the wall 68). The springs 110 and 112 are preferably in the form of conical collapsible springs because when compressed, they will easily collapse and occupy minimal space. However, conventional compression springs or other biasing elements could be used if desired.

If it is desired to open the door from the outside and the door is in a locked condition, it is necessary for the person wishing to gain entry to present a valid key to open the door. In the preferred embodiment, the key is in the form of an electronic touch pad which is located on the sensor 26. However, rather than provide a sensor 26, other forms of detector could be used such as biological or biometric detectors, swipe card readers, pin pads for entering a code, or the like. The sensor 26 will receive the code entered by the user either via the touch pad, biometrical or biological information or pin code, and the

processing circuitry, as will be described hereinafter, will determine whether the key is valid. If the key is valid, the processing circuitry (Figure 28) will cause an output current to be supplied to the electric motor 72.

This will cause the motor 72 to be energised to rotate the control shaft 75 via the gear chains 74 and 79. Rotation of the shaft 75 will cause the nut 83 to move in the direction of arrow L in Figure 7 thereby driving the actuator 80 in the direction L or to the right (in the direction of arrow J) in Figure 3, whilst the remainder of the housing 60 remains stationary. Movement of the actuator 80 will cause the flange 87 to contact the post 95 so that the block 56 is rotated around pivot pin 58 to remove the block from the interposed position between the housing 50 and base 13 shown in Figure 12 to the position where the block 56 is removed from beneath the housing 50 as shown in Figure 11. Thus, the housing 50 is now free to rotate in the direction of arrow D in Figure 1 so that when the door is pushed, the abutment between the latch bolt 14 and striker 16 will cause rotation of the housing 50 and latch bolt 14 in exactly the same manner as previously described so that the latch bolt 14 is withdrawn from the striker 16 and the door can swing open.

Once again, as soon as the force on the latch bolt 14 is removed by the door clearing the striker 16, the spring 95 will bias the housing 50 and latch bolt 14 back into the position shown in Figure 1 in which latch bolt 14 projects out of the housing 12 so that when the door is pushed closed, the door will be held closed by engagement of the latch bolt 14 in the striker 16.

When the motor 72 is actuated and the nut 83 is drive in the direction of arrow L in Figure 7, the nut 83, if the motor 17 is actuated for a long enough period, will cause the nut 83 to move off the screw threaded part 81 of the shaft 75 and onto the non-screw threaded part 84 of the shaft. Thus, if the motor continues to rotate, the nut 83

will just simply sit on the portion 84 with the spring 110 compressed and tending to push the nut 83 back towards the screw thread 81. Thus, continued rotation of the shaft will not tighten the nut 83 against any abutment or destroy the engagement between the nut 83 and the screw thread 81. The spring 110 which is compressed when the nut 83 moves in the direction of arrow L provides a bias to the nut 110 which pushes it back towards the screw thread 83. After the door has been opened, or if not opened in a predetermined time period, the circuitry of Figure 14 will cause the motor 72 to rotate in the opposite direction. Because the nut 83 is pushed by the spring 110 towards engagement with the thread 81, as soon as the shaft-75 is rotated in the opposite direction, the thread 81 picks up the nut 83 and drives the nut 83 in the direction of arrow M in Figure 8 thereby allowing spring 110 to expand and compressing the spring 112. The movement of the nut 83 draws the actuator 80 also in the direction of arrow M, which causes the actuator to pull the block 56 from the position shown in Figure 11 into the position shown in Figure 12 due to the engagement between the flange 87 and the cut-out 94. This therefore returns the block 56 to the position interposed between the housing 50 and the base 13 and therefore prevents the housing 50 and the latch 14 from pivoting in the direction of arrow D in Figures 1 and 10 to thereby hold the door in the locked position if the door is pushed from the outside. Once again, if it is desired to open the door from the inside, movement of the handle 22 will unlock the door in the manner described previously and the door will re-lock when the door swings closed so that it cannot be opened from the outside.

As is shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2, the lock 10 has a dead latch 20 which projects through an opening 20a in the wall 15. The dead latch 20 prevents the door from being opened by attempting to lever the latch bolt 14 to the

retarded position by jamming a cord or the like between the door and the striker.

As is best shown in Figures 9 and 10, the dead latch 20 has a sloping edge 20b and is generally in the form of a plate 120 which has a projecting wall 121. The plate 120 carries a lug 122 which projects at right angles to the plate 120. A lug 123 is fixed to the housing 50 on rear wall 53. A rod 124 is located in holes 125 and 126 in the lugs 122 and 123 and a spring 127 is located about the rod 124 for biasing the latch 20 into the position shown in Figure 10 in which it projects to its maximum extent out of the opening 20a. This is a position the dead latch 20, will take up when the door is free of the striker 16.

Figure 12 is a view from the top of Figure 10 showing the latch 20 with most of the detail of the housing 50 omitted and only some detail shown in dotted lines so that the latch 20 can be clearly illustrated. The plate 120 has a transversely extending finger 123 which registers with a cut-out in rear wall 53 of the housing 50. The finger 129 has a projection 131 which is arranged at right angles with respect to the finger 129 and which is parallel with the plate 120.

Figure 12 shows the orientation when the door is fully opened and the spring 127 is biasing the plate 120 in the direction of arrow M in Figure 12 so it projects to its maximum extent out through the opening 20a. In this orientation, the finger 129 is generally flush with rear wall 53. The housing 50 carries within it a holding latch 140. The holding latch 140 is shown in Figure 11 and comprises a plate 142 having turned flanges 143 on its opposite side. The plate 142 is provided with a pair of circular lugs 145 which have holes 147 through which a pin 150 can locate. A spring 152 is located on the pin 150 for biasing the latch 140 into a deadlocking position, as

will be described in more detail hereinafter. The pin 150 is secured in place between the top wall 51 and the bottom wall 55 of the housing 50 and is shown schematically in Figure 10 in the housing 50 but is not shown in the other drawings simply for ease of illustration.

When the door is in the open position, the spring 127 biases the latch 120 into position shown in Figure 12 so the finger 129 contacts heel 160 of the latch 140 which is merely the free end of the plate 142 adjacent the semi- circular lugs 145. This contact pivots the latch 140 in the direction of arrow P in Figure 12 so the latch 140 is drawn out of alignment with the latch bolt 14. Thus, the latch bolt 14 is free to move against the bias of the spring 71 laterally into and out of the housing 50 in the manner previously described without any interference from the holding latch 140. When the door is pushed into a closed position, as shown by Figure 13, and the latch bolt 14 locates in the striker cavity 16b, it will be noted that the dead latch 20 does not locate in the cavity 16b of the striker 16 but merely abuts a flush wall or plate portion 16c of the striker plate 16. As the door is closed, the inclined edge 20b will strike the surface 16c, which will push the dead latch 20 in the direction of arrow Q in Figure 13 against the bias of the spring 127 which pushes the rod 124 through the hole in the lug 123 which is fixed to the housing 50 and compresses the spring 127. The movement of the latch 20 into the position shown in Figure 13 will remove finger 129 away from heel 160 and the spring 152 will bias deadlock 140 about pin 150 in a direction opposite arrow P in Figure 12 and in the direction of arrow S in Figure 13 so free end 144 of the holding latch 140 is moved into a position where it is located directly behind the latch 14. Thus, when the door is closed, the holding latch 140 prevents the latch bolt 14 from being pushed into the housing 50 against the bias of the spring 71 so that the door cannot be opened from

the outside by someone trying to insert a card or appliance between the door 12 and the door jam 18 and simply pushing the bolt 14 in the direction of arrow K into the housing. Movement of the bolt 14 will be prevented by the end 144 of the holding latch 140. Thus, the only way the door can be opened is by presenting a valid key to the sensor 26 which will remove the block 56 from between the housing 50 and the base 13 and allowing the housing 50 and the deadlock 14 to pivot in the direction of arrow D as previously described. As soon as the door opens the dead latch 20 is disengaged from the striker plate 16c and is biased by the spring 127 from the position shown in Figure 13 back to the position shown in Figure 12. This causes the finger 129 to push against heel 160 and pivot the holding latch 140 in the direction of arrow P against the bias of the spring 152 and about pivot pin 150 into the position shown in Figure 12 so that the latch bolt 14 is free to move into the housing 50 when the door is pushed closed. Once again, as soon as the door is pushed closed and the latch bolt 14 registers in the striker 16, the dead latch 20 is moved into the position shown in Figure 13 so that the holding latch 140 can be biased by the spring 152 into the position of Figure 13 as soon as the latch bolt 14 is biased out of the housing and into the cavity 16b of the striker 16.

The embodiment of Figures 1 to 18 can also include a deadlock mechanism which prevents the door from being opened from inside the premises, unless a valid button is applied to the sensor 24. The deadlock mechanism can be used to block movement of the lever 22 unless a valid button is applied to the sensor 24. However, the preferred form of the deadlock mechanism will be described in relation to the next embodiment of the invention, which operates without the need for a handle 22 which moves in lever fashion in order to open the door.

Figures 19 to 31 show a modified form of the embodiment of Figures 1 to 18. The embodiment operates in accordance with the same principles as previously described and with the same form of control, but some modifications have been made to improve the operation of the lock and, in particular, to prevent jamming of the lock should a load be applied to the door which the lock secures when an attempt is made to either open the door or close the door.

In the earlier embodiment, if a load is applied to the door, such as by a person leaning on the door or by heavy wind pressure or otherwise, the housing 50 may be forced hard against the block 56. This may prevent the actuator 80 from being driven by the motor 72 because of the pressure exerted on the actuator 80 by the block 56.

Thus, the lock may not open until the pressure is released from the door, which in turn releases the pressure of the housing 50 on the abutment 56. This may entail a user having to commence the reopening sequence again by locating the valid touch pad against the sensor 24 previously described. Similarly, if a load is applied during the locking stage, this may also cause a jam and require the reactuation of the lock by the valid touch pad after the load has been removed to lock the lock.

The embodiment of Figures 19 to 31 overcomes this difficulty. Like reference numerals indicate like parts to those described in the earlier embodiment, but only those parts which are different to the parts described in the earlier embodiment are shown in Figures 19 to 31.

Other than the parts which are shown, the structure and function of the lock of Figures 19 to 31 is the same as that in the earlier embodiment.

This embodiment also provides the deadlock function without the need for a second motor and also does not need a pivoting handle to open the door.

With reference to Figure 19, motor 72 is provided with screw-threaded shaft 75 (which extends from the motor rather than be geared as in the earlier embodiment), with the screw threads being shown at 81. In this embodiment, actuator 80 includes nut 83 which is mounted on the screw thread 81, and the actuator 80 has an end wall 553 which is also supported on the shaft 75. A bottom wall 501 joins the nut 83 and the end wall 353.

In this embodiment, a swivel arm 520 is pivotally mounted on a pivot pin 521 which is fixed to bottom wall 13 of the lock casing.

The swivel arm 520 is best shown in Figures 21 to 23 and includes a plate 525 which has an elongate opening 526.

The plate 526 is formed integral with a post section 527 which carries a pair of lugs 528 through which pivot pin 521 passes to pivotally mount the swivel arm 520. The post 527 has an abutment arm 529 which extends generally at right-angles to the plate 525 and is provided with a slightly curved end 530.

As is best shown in Figures 19 and. 20, the plate 525 is mounted on the shaft 75 by the shaft passing through the elongate opening 526 in the plate 525.

As in the previous embodiment, the shaft 75 carries spring 110 and spring 112. In this embodiment, the spring 110 is arranged between the nut 75 and the plate 325, and the spring 112 is arranged between the plate 325 and the end wall 553. It should be noted that the springs are not shown in Figure 20 merely for clarity of illustration.

The springs 110 and 112 operate in the same manner as the previous embodiment to ensure that the nut 75 is driven onto the screw thread 81 at the respective ends of travel of the nut 75 along the screw thread 81. Thus, this

aspect of the embodiment of Figure 19 is exactly the same as the embodiment previously described.

However, in this embodiment, when the actuator 80 is moved, the springs 110 and 112 bias the swivel arm 520 to the position where it locks the housing 50 as shown in Figure 26 in solid lines, or pivots the swivel arm 520 into the position shown in dotted lines (as illustrated by the abutment 529 in dotted lines) to remove the abutment arm 529 from beneath the housing 50 and allow the lock to open in the same manner as in the earlier embodiment.

When it is desired to open the lock from the outside, a valid touch pad is located on the sensor as previously described in the earlier embodiment, and the motor 72 rotates the shaft 75 to drive the nut 83 to the right in Figure 19. This compresses the spring 110 and causes the spring to apply a force to the plate 525 which rotates the swivel arm 520 about pivot pin 521 in the direction of arrow Y in Figure 19 so as to move the abutment arm 529 from the position shown in solid lines in Figure 19 to the position shown in dotted lines in Figure 19. Thus, the abutment arm is moved out of registry with the housing 50 and the lock can be opened in the same manner as previously described. A stop 545 may be provided for limiting the amount of movement of the arm 529. The stop 545 is conveniently a post which is adapted to receive a screw to hold the casing of the lock together. However, any form of abutment could be used simply to limit the amount of movement of the arm 529 under the influence of the bias of the spring 110 when the nut 83 is driven to compress the spring 110.

If, for some reason, the arm 529 is held by the housing 50, for example, which may occur if someone is leaning on the door when the door is attempted to be open, which would push the housing 50 down onto the arm 529, a

sufficient load may be exerted on the arm 529 which will hold the arm still and prevent it from rotating to the position shown in dotted lines in the manner previously described. If this occurs, the nut 83 is still moved by the screw threaded engagement on the shaft 75 so that the actuator 80 is still moved to the right in Figure 15. The spring 110 will be compressed and will be exerting a force on the plate 525. Thus, as soon as the load is released, the bias exerted by the spring 110 on the plate 525 will pivot the swivel arm 520 in the manner previously described to remove the abutment arm 529 from registry with the housing 50. Thus, it is not necessary to perform the unlocking operation again by again using the touch pad to touch against the sensor, etc. and the lock will simply open as soon as the load is removed. Thus, if a person does lean against the door while attempting to open the door, the door will open as soon as the person realises this and simply shifts his or her weight away from the door. It is not necessary for the person to again recommence the unlocking operation and no jamming of the motor or actuator occurs because all that has happened is that the spring 110 will have been compressed by the movement of the actuator 80, and as soon as the load is removed, the spring 110 will push the arm 525 to pivot the swivel arm 520 to the unlocked position. The movement of the plate 525 relative to the shaft 83 is accommodated by the elongate hole 526 in the plate 525 which allows the swivel arm 520 to rotate in the manner described above, notwithstanding the fact that the shaft 83 passes through the plate 525.

As previously described, the spring 110 will still perform the function of biasing the nut 83 back onto the screw thread 81 as in the earlier embodiment when the nut 83 travels to the end of the screw thread 81.

As in the embodiment of Figures 1 to 18, after the door is

opened, the opening is detected by a microswitch (not shown in Figures 19 to 25) and after the predetermined time interval, the motor 72 is actuated to rotate in the reverse direction so that the swivel arm 520 is returned to the locking position shown in Figure 19.

When the motor is rotated to return the swivel arm 520 to the locked position, the nut 83 is moved to the left and this movement will compress the spring 112 between the plate 525 and the end wall 553, which will therefore bias the plate 525 to rotate the swivel arm 520 in the direction of arrow W to return the abutment arm 529 to the position shown in solid lines in Figure 19, where it locates beneath the housing 50. Once again, if, for any reason, there should be a load on the arm 529 which prevents the pivoting movement, the spring 112 is nevertheless compressed and as soon as that load is removed, the spring 112 will force the swivel arm 520 to rotate about the pin 521 into the position shown in solid lines in Figure 19.

The post 545 previously described also acts to prevent the actuator 80 from rotating on the shaft 75 when the shaft is rotated and ensures that the actuator 80 is driven along the shaft 83 in either direction, as previously described. An abutment (not shown) may be provided on the other side of the actuator 80 to prevent rotation of the actuator in the opposite direction, to thereby ensure that the actuator always moves linearly along the shaft 75 when the shaft is rotated.

Thus, according to this embodiment of the invention, the movement of the locking element provided by the swivel arm 520 is not by way of rigid contact between the swivel 520 and the component which moves the swivel, but rather is moved by spring bias which therefore allows the actuator 80 to move regardless of whether a load is exerted on the

swivel arm 520 and then to move the swivel arm 520 as soon as that load is removed. Thus, this therefore overcomes the very small possibility of jamming occurring and the need to reactuate the lock if a load is applied to the door during the attempt to open the door or when the door is closing.

Referring to Figures 24 to 31 which show a further embodiment, a pivot pin 560 is mounted on a platform 652.

A deadlock bar 561 slides on top of the platform 652 and projects through a hole 562 in wall 15 of the lock. The end of the bar 561 which projects through the hole 562 will terminate inside an outer casing (Figure 1) and a hole 30 (Figure 1) will be provided in the outer casing so that access can be gained to the end of the bar 561 to deadlock the lock, as will be described hereinafter. In order to actuate the bar 561, the touch pads (not shown) which operate the lock can be provided with a projection (not shown) located at a suitable place so that the projection (not shown) can be inserted through the hole 30 in the outer casing and can then push against the bar 561 to push the bar to deadlock the lock. This ensures that the deadlock is not actuated erroneously and must therefore be deliberately moved, to prevent accidental deadlocking of the door. As also shown in Figures 26 and 28, the bar 561 has an elongate slot 563 through which the pivot pin 560 passes. The bar also carries a stud 564 which provides an abutment for a spring 565 which also engages a pivot pin 521 and stop 545 so that the bar 561 is biased to the left or in the direction of arrow Z in Figure 26.

As is best shown in Figures 28 and 29, the slide bar 561 mounts on top of the support platform 652, which has a tab 653 at one end which locates in a hole or groove in wall 19 to support the platform. The platform 652 is also supported on an upstanding support wall 654 which can

extend upwardly from the bottom wall 13 of the lock. The wall 654 forms part of the mount or support for motor 72 and is provided with a hole 655 through which motor shaft 75 can pass.

The support platform 652 has a slot 657 and a slot 658.

The slot 657 receives pin 659 which is formed on the underside of the deadlock bar 561 to support the bar 561 on the platform 652 and to facilitate sliding movement of the bar 561 relative to the platform 652. As previously described, the pivot post 560 passes through the slot 563.

The platform 652 has downwardly turned side walls 659 and end tab 660 which form a housing for also facilitating support of the motor 72.

The wall 654 is provided with an upstanding tab 661 which locates in slot 653 when the platform 652 is mounted on the wall 654, and the tab 661 ends flush with the upper surface of the platform 652 so it does not interfere with sliding movement of the bar 561.

A pushbutton release bar 570 is mounted below the bar 561 and slightly offset from the bar 561. The bar 570 is spring biased also in the direction of arrow S by a spring 571 which engages a fixed post 572 supported on bottom wall 13 of the lock. The bar 570 is engaged by a button 573 which is spring biased by spring 574 in the direction of arrow S. As shown in Figure 27, the spring 574 engages on a fixed support 575 within the lock to bias the button outwardly or in the direction of arrow S. When the button 573 is pushed, it presses against the end of the bar 570 and pushes the bar 570 in a direction opposite arrow S against the bias of the spring 571. A horizontally mounted pivot pin 675 mounts a lever arm 576. The pin 675 passes through an elongate slot 577 in the bar 570 so as to accommodate movement of the bar 570 in the manner previously described. The bar 570 also has an integral

lug 578 which engages in a notch or cut-out 579 in circular portion 580 of the lever 576. Thus, when the button 573 is pushed and the bar 570 moves in the direction opposite arrow Z, the engagement of the lug 578 in the notch 579 causes the lever arm 576 to pivot on the pivot pin 675 in the direction of arrow V in Figure 26.

- As is shown in Figure 26, the lever 576 engages the plate 525 of the swivel arm 520 so that when the lever 576 pivots in the direction of arrow V, the plate 525 is moved with the lever 576 so that the swivel arm 520 pivots about the pivot pin 528. This moves the abutment arm 529 from the position shown in solid lines in Figure 19 to the position shown in dotted lines in Figure 19, out of alignment with the housing 50 so the housing 50 can pivot inwardly into the lock as previously described to release the lock and allow the door to be opened.

As is shown in Figure 29, the bar 561 may have a cut-out section 670 which receives the lever 576 and simply limits the amount of pivoting movement of the lever between extremes defined by the end of the cut-out 670. This simply limits the amount of pivotal movement of the lever to that required to operate the lock in the manner previously described, and prevents the lever from rotating further than what is necessary for operation of the lock.

Thus, in this embodiment of the invention, the door can be opened from the inside simply by pressing the button 573 and pulling the door open so that the housing 50 is pivoted inwardly to release the latch 14 (Figures 1 to 18) from the striker 16 (Figures 1 to 18), as has been previously described with reference to Figures 14,15 and 16. Thus, in this embodiment, it is not necessary for a moveable handle to be used on the inside of the door in order to open the door. Rather, the handle can simply be a fixed lever or recess in which a person's fingers can be engaged or a handle associated with the door and not fixed

to the lock to allow the door to be pulled open.

As is best shown in Figure 24 (but not shown in Figure 26 for clarity of illustration), a release lever 580 is pivotally mounted on pivot pin 560. The release lever 580 has a leg 581 which has a guide surface 582 and a cut-out or notch 583 is arranged at the end of the leg 581.

As shown in Figure 24, the release lever 580 is biased by a leaf spring 582 about pivot pin 560 in the direction of arrow Q in Figure 24 (and also Figure 30). When the lever 576 is rotated on pin 675 by movement of the plate 570, the lever 576 slides along guide surface 582 until the lever 576 reaches cut-out 583. The spring bias applied to the lever 580 by the spring 582 then rotates the lever 580 in the direction of arrow Q so that the cut-out 583 engages the lever 576, or in other words, the lever is accommodated in the cut-out 583 (as is shown in Figure 24). Thus, the lever 576 is held in the pivoted position, which in turn holds the plate 525 in the position to which it has been moved so as to locate the abutment arm 529 out of registry with the housing 50. Thus, the door is in an unlocked condition having been unlocked from the inside by pushing the button 573 as previously explained, and will remain in that unlocked position until the door is opened.

As is shown in Figure 25, the locking lever 580 has a downwardly turned arm 590 which locates in front of housing 50. When the door is opened and the housing 50 is pivoted from the position marked 50'in Figure 25 to the position marked 50''in Figure 25 (ie. the position to which it pivots inwardly of the lock to allow the door to be opened), the housing 50 will engage the arm 590 as the housing 50 moves to the position 50'', and this will pivot the lever 580 against the bias of the spring 582 so that the cut-out 583 is moved away from the lever 576. As the housing 50 moves towards the position 50''in Figure 25,

the side surface 58 of the housing 50 simply slides on the arm 590 which facilitates the pivoting of the lever 580 under the influence of the spring 582 back to its position in which the notch 583 is disengaged from the lever 576.

The spring bias applied to the bar 570 will therefore be able to push the bar 570 to the right in Figure 26 and Figure 24, and this will pivot the lever 576 in the direction opposite arrow V in Figure 26 so the lever 576 returns back to its rest position as shown in Figure 26.

The spring bias of the spring 112 which has been compressed when the plate 525 was pushed by the lever 576 to rotate the swivel arm 520 will therefore be able to push the plate 525 to rotate the swivel arm 520 in the direction of arrow W in Figure 19 so that the abutment arm 529 is returned to a position beneath the housing 50.

Thus, as soon as the door swings shut, the latch 14 (Figures 1 to 18 and not shown in Figures 24 to 31) will retract into the housing 50 as the door is closed, and thereby lock the door because the housing 50 is blocked by the abutment arm 529.

If it is required to open the door from the outside, then a valid touch pad must be applied to the sensor on the outside of the door so as to actuate the motor 72 to drive the actuator 80 to move the abutment arm 529 in the manner previously described.

Referring to Figures 28 and 31, a deadlock lever 600 is pivotally mounted on pivot pin 560 on top of the release lever 580. The deadlock lever 600 has a shape somewhat similar to the release lever 580. The deadlock lever 600 is shown in solid lines in Figure 31 and the release lever 580 shown in dotted lines in Figure 31. The deadlock lever 600 is spring biased by spring 601 so as to rotate in the direction of arrow Q in Figure 31, which is the same direction as the lever 580 is biased by its spring 582.. The springs 582 and 601 engage against a post 603

located on platform 562 for providing a reaction for the springs 582 and 601.

The lever 580 has an open ended slot 605. The deadlock lever 561 which is previously described has an upstanding stem 607 which normally locates in the slot 605. The abutment of the stem 607 against wall 608 of the slot 605 holds the plate 600 in its inactive position against the bias of the spring 601, as shown in Figure 31.

When it is desired to deadlock the lock, the deadlock bar 561 is pushed in the manner previously described against the bias of the spring 565. This moves the stem 607 which is mounted on the bar 561 to the right in Figure 31 out of the slot 605. This enables the deadlock lever 600 to rotate in the direction of arrow Q under the influence of the spring 601 so that cut-out 610 provided in leg 611 of the lever 600 engages the lever 576. When the lever 576 is engaged in the cut-out 610, the lever 576 is prevented from pivoting in the direction of arrow V in Figure 26.

Thus, an attempt to open the door by pushing the button 573 will not open the door because the lever 576 is held fixed by the deadlock lever 600. In other words, an attempt to push the button 573 will not move the release bar 570, because the release bar 570 is effectively locked in place by the lever 576 being trapped in the cut-out 610. Thus, the door cannot be opened by pushing the button 573.

In order to release the deadlock, a valid tab needs to be applied to the sensor 26 or 24 (Figure 1) on either the inside or the outside of the door to drive the motor 72, so that the swivel arm 520 is rotated from the position shown in Figure 19 shown in solid lines to the position shown in dotted lines away from the housing 50. This enables the housing 50 to pivot inwardly when the door is pushed towards an open position as previously described.

Movement of the housing 50 will engage arm 613 of the lever 600 and will rotate the lever 600 on pivot pin 560 in a direction opposite arrow Q. This will realign the stem 607 with the slot 605, and the spring 565 will push the deadlocked bar 561 back to its original position so as to locate the stem 607 in the slot 605. The rotation of. the. lever 600 will also remove the cut-out 610 away from the lever 576. As soon as the housing 50 returns to its locked position after it has left the striker 16, the swivel arm 520 is biased by the spring 112 back to the locking position shown in Figure 19 so the door will lock when it closes. Thus, to open the door from the inside, the button 573 can again be used because the lever 576 is free of the cut-out 610. If it is desired to open the door from the outside, then the valid touch pad needs to be applied to the sensor 26 (Figure 1) on the outside of the door to actuate the motor 72 to cause the swivel arm 520 to move so that the abutment arm 529 is swung out of registry with the housing 50 so the housing 50 can pivot into the lock to enable the door to open.

Figures 32 to 40 show a further embodiment of the swivel arm arrangement described with reference to Figures 19 to 23. The embodiment of Figures 32 to 37 have the advantage that it is not necessary to drive a nut along a screw threaded shaft in order to operate the swivel arm, and the swivel arm can be operated by only a part rotation of the shaft 75 of the motor 72. Thus, battery power is significantly saved because less power is needed to actuate the lock and the possibility of jamming of the shaft 75 and the swivel arm is greatly reduced.

With reference to Figures 32 to 40, the swivel arm 930 is formed in two components 900 and 901 which are shown in Figures 32,33 and 34,35 respectively. The component 900 is in the form of a plate which has a reduced thickness section 903 which forms an abutment plate 103a and a pair

of lugs 904 which are provided with holes 905. The plate 903 includes an elongate slot 907 through which a screw 908 projects. A spring 909 is provided between head 911 of the screw 908 and the plate 903, and normally biases the head of the screw, and therefore the entire screw, in the direction of arrow V in Figure 33.

The second component 901 shown in Figures 34 and 35 comprises a first plate portion 912 which has a hole 913 and a second plate 914 which is arranged in step configuration relative to the plate 912. Lugs 915 are provided at the edge of the plate 914 and are provided with holes 916.

As is best shown in Figures 35 and 36, a first arm 918 extends substantially at right angles with respect to the plates 912 and 914 and a finger 919 is arranged slightly above the arm 918 and is slightly curved so that it is angled away from the arm 918. The arm 918 is provided with an elongate slot 920, as is shown in Figure 36.

The components 900 and 901 are assembled as shown in Figure 37 so that the lugs 904 and 915 are aligned and the pin 521 previously described can pass through the holes 905 and 916 to thereby pivotally mount swivel arm 930, which is. made up from the components 900 and 901 as shown in Figure 37. When the components 900 and 901 are assembled in the manner shown in Figure 37, the end of the screw 908 locates in hole 913 and is welded or otherwise fixed in place in the hole 913 so the screw is fixed to the component 901 and passes through the elongate slot 907 in the component 900 as previously described. The spring 909 biases the screw 908 in the manner previously described so that the component 901 usually sits flush against the component 900, as is best shown in Figure 38.

Figure 38 shows the swivel arm 930 mounted on the pivot

pin 521 and also on shaft 75 of motor 72. As can be seen in Figure 38, in its locking position the swivel arm 930 locates beneath the housing 50 so the housing 50 cannot pivot into the retracted position, as has been previously described. Thus, in this configuration the swivel arm 930 performs exactly the same function as the swivel arm 520 shown in Figure 19.

As is shown in Figure 38, the shaft 75 is supported in an end plate 931 and also in a bracket 932. The shaft 75 is provided with a cam 933 which is in the form of a pin which has a shaft 934 and a cylindrical head 935. The shaft 75 passes through the elongate slot 920 in the arm 918. The slot 920 is elongated so that it can accommodate the angular relationship between the shaft 75 and the arm 918, as is shown in Figure 38. In the locking position, the shaft 75 is positioned so that the cam 933 is beneath the finger 919 and out of contact with the finger 919.

The shaft 75 carries an end abutment stem 938 and a spring 936 is located between the abutment 935 and the arm 918 for biasing the swivel arm 930 on pivot pin 521 into the position shown in Figure 38, in which it is in the locking position preventing movement of the housing 50 into the retracted position. Thus, the door is locked in the same manner as described in the earlier embodiments.

When it is desired to open the door, the touch button is supplied to the sensor 26 in the manner previously described, and this operates the motor 72 so the motor 72 rotates the shaft 75 90° of rotation from the position shown in Figure 38 to the position shown in Figure 39.

Thus, the shaft 75 is rotated so that the cam 933 effectively pivots out of the plane of the paper in Figure 38 to the position shown in Figure 39. As the shaft 75 rotates, the cylindrical head 935 contacts the finger 919 and pushes the finger 919 and therefore the component 901 in the direction of arrow U in Figure 39 against the bias

of the spring 936. Because the abutment plate 903a of the component 900 is effectively connected to the component 901 by the screw 908 and the spring 909, the abutment plate 903a is moved out of registry with the housing 50 so the housing 50 can pivot into the retracted position as previously described.

In order to return the swivel arm 930 to the locking position, the motor 72 drives the shaft 75 in the opposite direction to return the cam 933 from the position shown in Figure 39 back to the position shown in Figure 38. The bias of the compressed spring 936 therefore biases the swivel arm 930 on pin 521 back to the position shown in Figure 38 where the plate 903a is located beneath the housing 50 to again lock the lock.

Thus, it will be appreciated that in order to lock and unlock the lock, the shaft 75 need only undergo about 90° of rotation. Thus, the amount of battery power required to operate the motor to perform that motion is considerably less than in the previous embodiments, therefore battery power is saved and the battery in the lock has a considerably longer life time than in the earlier embodiments. Furthermore, since a nut member does not have to be driven along the shaft 75, as in the earlier embodiments, the potential for jamming of the nut on the shaft 75 is eliminated, thereby providing more reliability in operation. The shaft 74 may also include a projection or abutment (not shown) which limits the amount of rotation of the shaft to the amount of 90° previously mentioned, so the shaft is not rotated more than is necessary to actuate the lock, thereby ensuring minimal requirement of power and the longest possible battery life.

As in the earlier embodiment, should the swivel arm 930. be jammed because the door is loaded either when the swivel

arm is in the locking position shown in Figure 38, or in the unlocked position shown in Figure 39 the lock can still be operated and will perform the unlocking or locking function-as soon as the load is removed from the door, as in the earlier embodiment.

Thus, if the swivel arm 930 is jammed in the position shown in Figure 38 by, for example, the housing 50 being forced down onto the plate 903a so as to hold the plate 903a in the position shown in Figure 38, all that will happen is that the rotation of the shaft 75 to the position shown in Figure 39 will cause the component 901 to move exactly in the same manner as previously described. However, because the plate 903a is prevented from moving, the plates 912 and 914 will move relative to the plate 903, as is shown in Figure 40, against the bias of the spring 909 so that the spring 909 is compressed, as is shown in Figure 40. The spring 936 is also compressed, as has been previously described with reference to Figure 38. Thus, as soon as the load is released from the plate 903a, the compressed spring 909 will push the plate 903a in the direction of arrow U in Figure 40 so that it again moves into abutment with the plates 912 and 913, as is shown in Figure 39. Thus, the housing 50 is then free to pivot into the retracted position to open the door.

If the swivel arm 930 becomes jammed in the position shown in Figure 39 and the shaft 75 is rotated back to its locking position shown in Figure 38, the swivel arm 930 will simply remain in the position shown in Figure 39 until the cause of the jam is removed. The spring 936 will then bias the swivel arm 930 back to the position shown in Figure 38 in the same manner as previously described.

Thus, as in the earlier embodiments, if the swivel arm 930 does become jammed, the door will open as soon as the load

is removed which caused that jamming because of the bias supplied by the springs 909 and 936. Thus, it is not necessary to completely recommence the opening or locking sequence in order to unlock or relock the lock.

Figure 41 is a block diagram of the control circuitry according to the preferred embodiment of the invention.

The circuitry is arranged on a pivot circuit board 250 which is arranged in the casing part 12'. The circuit board 250 is shown in plan view in Figure 18 and is configured so that it will extend around the componentry previously described and allow movement of the componentry as also previously described. Batteries for supplying power to the components on the circuit board is provided by batteries (not shown) which can be located between the circuit board and base 13 of the casing part 12'. The circuit board 250 carries, amongst electronic componentry, a first micro switch 201 and a second micro switch 202.

The micro switch 201 is positioned so that when the housing 50 is in the position shown in Figures 3 and 9, an abutment finger 197 connected to the housing 50 closes the micro switch 201 to provide a signal from the micro switch 201 indicative of the fact that the housing 50 is in the position shown in Figures 3 and 9. As soon as the housing 50 begins to pivot in the manner previously described, the abutment finger 197 moves away from the micro switch 201 and the micro switch 201 changes state to thereby indicate that the housing 50 has moved away from the position shown in Figures 3 and 9 towards the position in which the housing 50 is fully pivoted and the latch bolt 14 drawn with the housing 50 into the lock to open the lock.

The micro switch 202 is located in a position on the circuit board 215 where it is contacted by an abutment finger 199 which may extend off the finger 42 previously described. When the handle 22 is in its usual position and the door is closed, the abutment finger 199 closes the

micro switch 202, thereby indicating that the handle 22 is in the closed position. When the handle is moved in the direction of arrow C to open the door, the finger 199 is moved away from the micro switch 202 to thereby open the micro switch and cause it to change state to provide a signal indicative of the fact that the handle 22 has been moved from the closed position to a position to open the lock in the manner previously described.

The control circuitry includes a processor 200 to which is connected a memory 204 for storing codes for enabling the lock to be opened, closed or deadlocked. A memory 206 is also provided for storing software for operating the processing circuitry of Figure 28.

The micro switches 201 and 202 are also coupled to the processor 200 for supplying signals to the processor 200 when the micro switches are triggered.

The sensors 24 and 26 are also connected to the microprocessor 200 for supplying signals to the processor 200 so that input data can be supplied to the processor 200 for matching with codes stored in the memory 204 for. enabling the lock to be opened or closed.

The processor 200 is also coupled to the motor 72 for providing output signals to drive the motor 72.

The lock according to the preferred embodiment of the invention is preferably provided with a master tag which may be in the form of a touch button of the type previously described which can be located on the sensor 26 (or the sensor 24) in order to initiate various master functions of the lock.

The first master function which can be initiated is the storage of codes in the memory 204 which will be used to

open the lock of the preferred embodiment.

When it is desired to store codes the master tag is presented to the sensor 24 for example. The processor 200 will therefore read the code input by the master tag and recognize the master tag and also that the presentation of the master tag in this fashion is intended to initiate a storage operation in which codes will be selectively stored in the memory 204.

Touch tags in the form of buttons which the lock of the preferred embodiment is intended to be used can be purchased and which have a random code number already stored in them. Thus, for a household, each member of the household can be provided with a tag. For a building which may have a large number of people requiring entry, all of those people can be presented with a tag.

After the master tag has been presented to the sensor 24, each of the tags in turn can be presented to one of the sensors 24 and 26. The sensor 24 will read the tag and will store the code in the memory 204 so that next time that tag is presented to one of. the sensors 24 and 26, the lock can be controlled in the manner which will be described hereinafter.

After all of the tags have been presented to the sensor 24 and all the codes stored in the memory 204 or, when the capacity of the number of tags intended to be stored in the memory 204 is reached, the processor 200 will discontinue the storage routine. This can be done when the number of tags reaches the limit which can be stored in the memory 204 or after no tag is presented to the sensor 24 for a predetermined time period of say 30 seconds.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, if one of

the tags is lost and it is therefore necessary to delete those tags, the lost tag can be replaced and all of the tags deleted from the memory 204. All of the tags then need to be re-programmed in the manner described above.

This form of re-programming is preferred because it does not require any memory of individual codes or addresses for individual codes and therefore simplifies the operation of the processor and the programming of the circuitry of Figure 41. However, it would certainly be possible to identify each of the tags 204 with an address which can be remembered and presented so that if one particular tag is lost, its address and therefore its code can be deleted from the memory 204 without the need to delete all other codes. This will enable only one additional code for the new tag to be presented and stored rather than all of the tags.

In order to delete all of the codes stored in the memory 204, the master tag is again presented to the sensor 30 and a button 210 is depressed such as by pushing a pin into a hole which will activate the button 210 so that it cannot be erroneously pressed or operated. The pressing of the button 210 and the presentation of the master tag to the sensor 24 will place the processor 200 into the delete mode in which all codes stored in the memory 204 in the manner described above will be deleted.

The processor 200 then reverts to its normal condition and the new tag and all of the old tags which are still current, can be re-programmed into the memory 204 in the manner described above.

It should be noted that additional valid user IDs can be added to those stored in the memory 204 if the memory 204 is not already at its capacity, simply by presenting the master tag to the sensor 24 in the manner described above and then presenting the new tag to the sensor 24 so that

its code is stored in the memory 204.

If the master tag is lost, the master tag can be replaced by a re-programming of a new master code into the processor 200 by an authorized person. Alternatively, the householder or business operator can insert a new master tag by obtaining a new master tag and mechanically manipulating the lock by, for example, disconnecting the sensor 26 by unscrewing it from its mount 28 and unplugging electrical connection from the sensor 26 to the processor 200, reconnecting the plug and then reconnecting the sensor 26 in place and then presenting the new master tag to the sensor 24 so that the master tag is read by the sensor 24 and stored as a new master tag code in the processor 200.

The presentation of tags to the sensors 24 and 26 to cause the lock to operate in the manner described with references to Figures 1 to 18 is as follows.

Assuming first that the lock is closed and in a deadlocked condition, a person wishing to enter from the outside needs to present a valid tag to the sensor 26. The microprocessor will read the code on the tag and compare the code with codes stored in the memory 204. If there is a match, the processor 200 will supply an output signal first to the motor 72 to drive the motor 72 in the required direction to move the actuator 80 so that the block 56 is rotated to withdraw the block 56 from between the housing 50 and the base 13. The door can then be pushed from the outside so that the latch bolt 14 and housing 50 pivot about pivot pin 52 in the manner previously described to enable the door to be opened. The micro switch 201 will sense the pivoting of the housing 50 by the housing 50 moving away from the switch 201 and triggering the switch 201 to change its state so that the processor 200 knows that the door has been opened. The

pivoting of the housing 50 only occurs when the door is pushed open in the manner described above and therefore the change in state of the micro switch 201 is an indication that the door has in fact been opened. The motor 72 is operated for a predetermined time period such as 0.5 to 1 second, which is sufficient time to rotate the shaft 75 to drive the nut 83 to cause unlocking of the door. Overdriving of the motor is not of consequence because if the nut moves off the screw threaded parts of the shafts, it simply moves on to the non-screw threaded portion and sits on the non-screw threaded portion while the shaft 75 rotates in the manner which is described above. As soon as rotation finishes the spring 110 pushes the nut back towards the screw threaded part to be picked up when the shaft rotates in the opposite direction.

After the motor 72 is actuated the processor 200 goes into a time account for a predetermined period of, for example, 10 seconds in which it looks for actuation of the micro switch 201, thereby indicating that the door has in fact been opened. If the micro switch 201 has changed state, indicating that the door has been opened, the countdown . immediately stops and the processor 200 activates the motor 72 to rotate the shaft 75 in the opposite direction, thereby causing the block 56 to be rotated so that it again moves between the housing 50 and base 13 to prevent pivotal movement of the housing 50 and latch 14. Thus, when the door is pushed closed, the latch 14 can move into the housing 50 as previously described and then locate in the striker 16 to again lock the door.

If the micro switch 201 is not actuated within the 10 second count period, then the door has not been opened and the processor 200 causes the motor 72 to be reversed so as to again lock the door and deadlock the door. if a person wishes to enter, the tag needs to be presented to the sensor 26 to again open the door in the manner described

above. This feature prevents a user from unlocking the door and then changing his or her mind about entry and moving away from the premises whilst leaving the lock unlocked. If the door is not opened, the lock is merely re-locked into the condition it was in before presentation of the tag to the sensor 26.

Similarly, when the handle 22 is moved, the handle triggers the micro switch 202 to provide the signal indicative of the fact that the handle has been opened.

This also provides a signal to the processor 200 indicative of movement of the handle.

When the micro switches 201 and 202 have been triggered by movement of the housing 50 and handle 22 respectively and then re-close by return of the housing 50 and handle 22 to their usual closed position, the micro processor knows that it is able to operate the motor 72 so that the block 56 can return to its blocking position without crashing against the housing 50. This prevents possibility of the motors being actuated while the housing 50 is in a position in which movement of the block 56 or abutment 188 would contact the housing 50 or finger 42, thereby damaging the lock.

The processor 200 also is connected to a current state sensing circuitry 215 which senses overload currents supplied to the motor 72 so that the protection of improper operation of the motor can be determined, if for example the motor jams, so that the motor can be switched off, or the motor reversed. The processor 200 then monitors the micro switches 201 and 202 to determine the position of the lock before again attempting to operate the motor 72. The return of the micro switch 201 to its normal position also indicates that the housing 50 has returned to its original position and that the block 56 can be moved without contacting the housing 50 to occupy

its correct position between the housing 50 and base 13.

This prevents the block 56 from being rotated into the locking position before the housing 50 has returned to its original position, thereby clearing way for rotation of the block 56 into the position interposed between the housing 50 and the base 13.

The lock 10 can also be placed into a hold-back mode or passage mode in which the door is maintained in an unlocked condition. This mode is useful if it is intended for the occupier or any authorized person to move in and out of the premises a large number of times in a short period such as if furniture is being moved into or out of the premises or the like, without the need to use the tag to unlock the door every time access is required. In order to initiate the passage mode, a valid tag is presented to the sensor 26 whilst the door is in an open position. With the door in the open position, the latch 14 and housing 50 is manually manipulated into its retracted position so that the micro switch 201 is contacted. When the micro switch detects the change of state of the micro switch 201 and also a code at sensor 26, the master tag must then be presented to sensor 24 while continuing to hold the latch bolt 14 in the unlocked position. The latch bolt 14 can then be released. Once the processor receives these conditions the processor will not cause the motor 72 to be actuated to return the block 56 to the position between the housing 50 and base 13, thereby maintaining the door in an unlocked condition so that the door can be pushed open from the outside or opened by the handle 22 from the inside.

Once it is desired to switch off the passage mode, the master tag is presented to the sensor 24 and the processor 200 will disconnect the passage mode and operate the motor 72 so as to cause the block 56 to be rotated into a position where it is interposed between the housing 50 and

the base 13 to hold the latch bolt 14 and the housing 50 in the locked extended condition. Thus, when the door is again closed if it is not already closed, the door will remain locked and cannot be opened from the outside until a valid tag is presented to the sensor 26.

When the lock is in the deadlocked condition, which is initiated by pressing push bar 561, the lock can be released from the deadlocked condition by presenting a valid tag to the sensor 24 which will cause the motor 72 to operate.

Figures 42 to 54 show a further embodiment of the invention which relates to a striker lock in which the components of the lock are maintained in the striker rather than in the component of the lock which is mounted on a door.

With reference to Figure 42 which shows a view of this embodiment of the invention in which striker lock 300 is mounted in door frame 301. The striker lock 300 includes a striker 302 which has a striker recess 303 which is intended to receive bolt 304 located on door 305, which is shown partially open and which is closing in the direction of arrow R in Figure 20. The striker lock 300 also includes a striker plate 319 for guiding the bolt 304 to the striker recess 303 so that the bolt does not engage the wooden door frame as the door 305 opens and closes, which would otherwise damage the door frame. The latch 304 does not include any locking mechanism but is spring bias so that it can retract into the door. When the door closes, inclined surface 304a of the bolt 304 contacts the striker 302 so that the bolt 304 will be pushed into the door until the door moves into a fully closed position and then the bolt 304 can be biased outwardly to locate in the striker recess 303 to place the door in a locked condition. This mode of operation is the conventional

manner in which striker locks operate.

In order to open the lock, a valid key (such as a touch button of the type previously described) needs to be located on sensor 310 which is coupled by lead 311 to the striker lock 300 to activate the lock 300.

The lock 300 has a front face 312 which includes a cover plate 313 and a rear face 314 which includes a cover plate 316. The cover plate 313 and 316 expose chambers within the lock in which the electronic componentry and actuating mechanisms are enclosed as will be described hereinafter.

Figure 43 shows a view of the lock 300 when looking at front face 312.

The lock 300 is intended to be located in a cavity formed in the door frame 301 and can be secured in place by screws which locate through flanges 312a which are flush with the front face 312.

The striker recess 303 is in the form of a generally triangular shaped space, as is best shown in Figure 44..

The recess 303 is defined by an inclined wall 314, end walls 315 and 316 and striker latch 320, which is pivotally moveable from the position shown in Figures 43 and 44 in the direction of arrow Q in Figure 44 about pivot pin 321, to place the latch in an open position so that the bolt 304 of the door can move out of the recess 303 to unlock the door when the lock is actuated.

As described above, when the door closes, the inclined surface 304a of the bolt 304 will contact the latch 320 and be pushed into the door 305 so that the door can completely close with the bolt 304 thereafter registering with the recess 303. When the bolt 304 clears the latch 320, the bolt 304 is biased outwardly of the door into the

recess 303 to place the door in the locked position.

Without unlocking the lock. 300 if an attempt is made to open the door, the flat surface 304b of the bolt 304 will simply contact the latch 320, thereby preventing the door from being opened.

The latch 320 is shown in Figures 45 and 46 and includes an arm 322 which has at its end adjacent the pivot pin 321 an abutment 324 which projects outwardly of the arm 322.

A spring 325 is provided on the pin 321 for biasing the latch 320 into the closed position shown in Figures 43 and 44. The spring 320 has an arm 325a which projects outwardly and engages beneath the inclined wall 314 and another free arm which engages on the latch 320 so the latch is biased into the position shown in Figure 44.

When the latch is moved to the unlocked position in the direction of arrow Q, the latch 320 pivots against the bias of the spring so that as soon as the latch 320 is released (as will be described in more detail hereinafter) the latch 320 is biased to pivot back into the locking position shown in Figures 43 and 44.

Figure 47 is a more detailed view of the front face 312 in which the cover plate 313 is open to expose chamber 330, in which part of the operating mechanism of the lock is included. The chamber includes a wall 331 at one end which divides the chamber 330 from a second chamber 341, which will be described with reference to Figure 48 and which is accessible when cover 316 is removed. The wall 331 may include a hole 331a for receiving a screw to fasten the cover 313 in place when the cavity 330 is to be closed.

The chamber 330 houses a circuit board 333 on which the electronic components of the lock are mounted. A connecter 334 is also mounted on the board 333 for receiving a lead from the sensor 310 described with

reference to Figure 42. A battery 334a is also housed in battery terminals within the chamber 330 and a microswitch 335 is mounted on the circuit board 333 for detecting when the latch 320 has been opened and closed, as will be described in more detail hereinafter.

The microswitch 335 has a contact arm 336 which is biased outwardly in the direction of arrow S in Figure 25 and which, in this embodiment of the invention, is held in an inward position by bar 340, which will be described in more detail hereinafter. As will also be described in more detail hereinafter, when the latch 320 is unlocked and pushed to the open position to enable the door to open, the bar 340 moves away from the microswitch 335 generally in the direction of arrow S so the arm 336 can open to provide a signal that the latch 320 has opened, and when the latch 320 returns to its closed position, the bar 340 is moved back to the position shown in Figure 25, thereby closing the arm 336 to provide an indication that the latch 320 is in the closed or locked position.

Figure 48 is a view of the rear surface 314 of the lock 300 with the cover 316 removed to expose chamber 341 in which the mechanical components of the lock are included.

Part of the circuit board 333 shown in Figure 47 can also be seen, but it should be understood that the side of the circuit board which can be seen in Figure 48 is the opposite side to that shown in Figure 52.

As can be seen in Figure 48, latch 320 is provided with pivot pin 321 which is journaled in a boss 342 located in the cavity 341 and in wall 331. The latch 320 has a hollow portion 320a which is best shown in Figure 49, in which spring 325 locates and the spring 325 can be located in the hollow portion 320a through cut-out 320b.

A motor 345 is located in the chamber 341 and sits on

inclined wall 314. As shown in Figures 48 and 49, a wall 346 extends across the chamber 341 and includes a generally V-shaped notch or cut-out 346 in which drive shaft 348 of the motor 345 is located. The cut-out 347 forms a journal for the shaft 348, and when the cover 316 is closed the motor 345 is securely held within the chamber 341, with the drive shaft 348 supported in the cut-out 347.

The drive shaft 348 has a screw threaded section 349 on which actuator 350 is located. The actuator 350 is of generally the same configuration as the actuator 80 previously described. The actuator 350 includes an arm 351 which carries screw threaded nut 352 so that the drive shaft 348 passes through the nut 352 and the arm 351. The drive shaft 348 is journaled in a hole 353 of opposed arm 354 of the actuator 350. The arms 351 and 354 are connected by locking wall 355 so that the arms 351,353 and wall 355 generally form a U-shaped configuration, as best shown in Figure 48.

As is apparent from the cross-sectional view of Figure 50, wall 351 (and opposed wall 354) are. slightly higher than abutment wall 355. As is also apparent from Figure 50, the wall 355 is slightly below the level of abutment 324 (as seen in the orientation shown in Figure 50). Thus, when the motor 345 is actuated and the drive shaft 348 is driven, the actuator 350 can be moved back and forward in the direction of double-headed arrow T in Figure 35 to selectively locate the abutment wall 355 in registry beneath the abutment 324 which will prevent the latch 320 from pivoting in the direction of arrow Q, or selectively move the actuator 350 into the position generally shown in Figure 48 in which the wall 355 is moved out of registry with the abutment 324 to enable the latch 320 to pivot in the direction of arrow Q.

As is best shown in Figures 48 and 51, a drive support wall 361 is removably located between boss 342 and locater 362. The locater 362 has a groove 365 and the boss 342 includes a groove 364 so the wall 361 can slide down into the chamber 341 in the groove 364 and the groove 365. As best shown in Figure 51, the wall 361 has a cut-out corner section 367 which defines an upper flange 368 so that the abutment wall 355 is free to move through the cut-out 367 without interference from the wall 361. The flange 368 is the part of the wall 361 which locates in the groove 364 to secure the wall 361 in place. The fact that the wall 361 can slide into and out of the chamber 341 in the grooves 364 and 365 enables easy assembly of the mechanism shown in Figure 48.

The wall 361 has a bearing ring 369 which supports the drive shaft 348. It will also be apparent that because of the proximity of the top of the wall 355 to the flange 368, when the shaft 348 is rotated, the actuator 350 will be driven back and forward along the screw thread 349 without rotating itself, because rotation of the actuator 350 is prevented by engagement of the wall 355 with the flange 368 of the wall 361.

As in the earlier embodiments, a first spring 360 is located to bias the actuator 350 in one direction so that when the actuator 350 is in the position shown in Figure 48 and off the screw thread 349, the spring 360 tends to bias the actuator 350 (and, in particular, nut 352) back onto the screw thread 349, and a second spring 370 which, when the actuator 350 is driven to the opposite end of the screw thread 349, will tend to bias the actuator 350 away from the wall 361 in the direction of arrow Y in Figure 48 to push the nut 352 back onto the screw thread 349. The spring biasing of the nut 352 back onto the ends of the screw thread 349 is exactly the same as in the earlier embodiments and operates in the same manner as previously

described.

Figure 48 also shows the pivot bar 340 which has been previously described. The pivot bar 340 is journaled in a cut-out notch 371 in the wall 331 and includes finger 340a, which is the part of the bar 340 shown in Figure 47, axel section 340b which sits in the cut-out 371, and opposite axel portion 340c which locates in a hole 375 in the removable wall 361, so that the bar 340 is journaled in the cut-out 371 and the hole 375. The axel portions 340b and 340c have right angle arms 340d which are joined by intermediate section 340e. As is apparent, intermediate section 340e is located to one side of the axels 340b and 340c on which the bar 340 is journaled. As is also apparent from the previous description, finger 340a is located against microswitch arm 336 which tends to bias the finger 340a to the right in Figure 48 which will tend to pivot the intermediate section 340e into the plane of the paper in Figure 48.

As is best shown in Figure 50, the intermediate portion 340e sits on top of the abutment 324 so that when the latch 320 is in the closed position shown in Figure 50, the bar 340e is prevented from pivoting into the plane of the paper in Figure 55 or in the direction of arrow X in Figure 50, thereby holding the finger 340a in the generally vertical portion (ie. into the plane of the paper in Figure 48) to in turn hold the microswitch arm 336 in the closed position.

When it is desired to unlock the lock so that the bolt 304 of door 305 can leave the striker recess 303, a valid touch pad is applied to the sensor 310. The motor 345 is therefore actuated to rotate the drive shaft 348 to drive the actuator 350 into the position shown in Figure 48 in which the abutment wall 355 is removed from registry with the abutment 324. When the door is pulled into the open

position, the bolt 304 will therefore contact the latch 320 and will pivot the latch 320 in the direction of arrow Q shown in Figures 49 and 50, against the bias of the spring 325, into the position shown in Figure 52 so the bolt 304 can move out of the striker recess 303 as the latch 320 pivots into the position shown in Figure 52. As soon as the bolt 304 clears the latch 320, the latch 320 is immediately pivoted back into the closed position shown in Figures 26 to 28 by the bias of the spring 325.

As is shown in Figure 52, when the latch 320 moves into the open position shown in Figure 39, the abutment 324 is moved away from the intermediate portion 340e of the bar 340 and the spring pressure of the microswitch arm 336 therefore pushes the finger 340a in the direction of arrow V in Figure 52 so that the intermediate portion 340e pivots in the direction of arrow X shown in Figure 52 and also shown in Figure 50, about the axel portions 340b and 340c. The movement of the arm 336 therefore provides a signal indicative of the fact that the latch 320 has moved to the open or unlocked position. As soon as the bolt 304 clears the latch 320 and the latch is biased back into the closed position, the abutment 324 will contact the intermediate portion 340e and pivot the intermediate portion 340e in the direction opposite arrow X back into the position shown in Figure 50. This will pull the finger 340a back into the vertical position shown in Figure 40, thereby pushing the microswitch arm 336 into the closed position to provide a signal indicating that the latch 320 has returned to the closed position.

When the latch has returned to the closed position, the motor 345 can again be actuated to rotate the drive shaft 348 in the opposite direction to drive the actuator 350 in a direction opposite arrow Y in Figure 48 to place the abutment wall 355 in registry below the abutment 324 to prevent the latch 320 from pivoting into the open

position. Thus, a valid touch pad needs to be located on the sensor 310 before the lock will be actuated to move the abutment wall 355 away from the abutment 324 to enable the latch 320 to pivot into the open position to open the door.

Therefore, when the door is pushed closed, the bolt 304 will again register in the striker recess 303 in the manner previously described and because the latch 320 is already in the locked condition, the door will be automatically locked and cannot be opened until a valid touch pad is located on the button 310.

As will be apparent from Figure 50, when the striker lock is in the locked condition with the abutment wall 355 in registry with the abutment 324, an extremely strong mechanical locking of the lock is provided. This is because any attempt to open the door by the bolt on the door engaging the latch 320, and attempting to push the latch 320 in the direction of arrow Q will cause the abutment 324 to engage the top of the wall 355 which is located on the bottom wall 390 of the casing 392 of the lock to thereby provide strong mechanical resistance to movement of the latch 320 which will be extremely difficult to break.

Figure 54 shows in block diagram for the electronic control of the lock of Figures 42 and 53. Microprocessor 400 is connected to the touch pad 310 and also to the microswitch 335 for receiving signals from the touch pad 310 and microswitch 335. A buzzer or alarm 399 may also be actuated by the microprocessor 400 as will be explained below.

When a valid button is applied to the pad 310, the microprocessor provides a signal to actuate the motor 345 so the door can be opened by allowing the latch 320 to

pivot to the unlocked position as previously described.

Movement of the latch to the unlocked position releases the arm 336 of the microswitch 335, providing an indication that the door has been locked. The microprocessor 400 can actuate the motor 345 immediately upon receipt of the valid signal from the pad 310 or, if a time delay lock is required, can commence a countdown which must be completed before the signal is applied to the motor 345 to activate the motor. The motor is preferably activated for a period of about 0.5 to 1 second. A timer is also started in the microprocessor 400 to countdown for a predetermined period, such as 10 seconds, to determine whether the microswitch 335 does change state, thereby indicating that the latch 320 has been opened and the bolt 304 of the door removed from the latch recess. If there is no change in state of the microswitch after 10 seconds, indicative of the fact that the door has not in fact been opened, the microprocessor 400 reverses the motor 345 so that the door is again placed in a locked condition by moving the abutment wall 355 back into registry with the abutment 324.

If the microswitch has changed state, indicating that the door has been opened, the countdown is stopped and the microprocessor now awaits for another signal from the microswitch 335, indicative of the fact that the latch 320 has returned to its locked position in which the finger 340a causes the arm 336 of the microswitch to return to its original position, thereby indicating that the latch 320 has returned to its locked position. The microprocessor 400 can then activate the motor 345 to return the abutment wall 355 to the position where it prevents opening of the latch 320. The return of the microswitch arm 336 to its original position means that the motor can be activated without a possibility of it jamming against the partially opened latch 320.

However, the control system of this embodiment may have a current overload sensing capability (not shown) to ensure that if the motor is jammed, the electronics detects the current increase and reverses the motor to return the motor to its previous position. If three unsuccessful attempts are made to relock or unlock the lock, the microprocessor 400 can output a signal to alarm 399 to provide a volt warning which may either be a beeping sound or a flashing light.

As is apparent from the above description, if the door is properly opened, the latch 320 moves from the locked position to the unlocked position and then is biased back to the locked position in a very short time period after the bolt 304 moves passed the latch 320. If it is desired to place the door into a condition where the door can be opened without the need to unlock the door by placing a valid tag on the pad 310, the door can be opened in the manner referred to above and the latch 320 held in the unlocked position for a predetermined period, such as 10 or 15 seconds, so that the microprocessor 400 can count the time between the microswitch 335 being activated when the door opens and then closed when the latch 320 is returned to its original position and, if in accordance with this time period, determine that it is desired to place the door in an unlocked condition. If this is determined, the microprocessor does not activate the motor 345 to return the abutment wall 355 to the position in registry with the abutment 324 but retains the abutment wall 355 in the unlocked position so that the door can be opened and closed simply by pushing the door without the need to present a valid tag to the pad 310. This simply enables the door to be placed in a condition where it can be opened and closed by any person, should unrestricted entry or exit be required for any particular reason. To place the door in the usual locked condition, a valid tag needs to be presented to the pad 310 to indicate that the

motor 345 should be activated to return the abutment wall 355 to the locking position. valid codes can be stored in the microprocessor 400 by presenting a master tag to the touch pad 310 and then presenting touch buttons to the pad 310 so that the code in the touch buttons is stored in the memory 400 for comparison purposes when a touch button is applied to the pad 310. Alternatively, the lock can be supplied with a master tag and user tags already programmed into the microprocessor 400. If a master tag is lost, a new master tag can be programmed into the lock by removing the lock from the door, unplugging the lead 311 from the lock, reconnecting the plug to the lock, replacing the striker lock in the door frame and then presenting a new master tag to the pad 310. The new code from the master tag will be stored in the microprocessor 400 as the new master button. All existing user button codes in the microprocessor remain valid.

It should be noted that rather than use the touch button sensor pad, as described in the previous embodiment, other input systems such as a keypad could be used in which pin numbers are keyed into the keypad to identify a master code and also user codes.

To add a new tag, the master tag is presented to the pad 310 and the new user tag presented to the pad 310 so that the code in the user tag is stored in the microprocessor 400 as a new valid tag. This can continue until the master tag is presented to the pad 310 indicating that all user tags have been entered, or the capacity of the microprocessor is reached, or no user tag is presented within a time period of say 30 seconds.

If a user tag is lost, the user tags can be deleted from memory. This could be done by deleting all user tags if

user tags are stored at random locations rather than known locations, or if the tags are stored in specific locations, only the code relating to the lost tag needs to be deleted. In order to delete one or more tags, the door is opened and a delete button which may be recessed in a hole within the front face 312 of the lock is activated.

The master tag is then presented to the pad 310 and all tags will be deleted. The processor 400 will then return to the inactive mode and valid ID tags can be programmed in the manner referred to above.

If the entry system is by way of a keypad, the microprocessor 400 can prevent access if more than four attempts are made within a predetermined time period to enter a valid pin number into the keypad. This prevents someone from tempting to gain access by simply guessing and continuously entering pin numbers into the keypad until the door opens. The time that the lock will remain inactive may be programmed into the microprocessor 400, dependent upon user requirements.

The processor 400 may also be programmed with a staff lockout mode in which all valid inputs are prevents from opening the lock for any required purpose. This may prevent access to particular users at particular time periods or for particular reasons. This mode can be activated by presenting the master tag or master pin number to the pad 310 and then entering a lockout code which may be another tag or a pin number into the keypad.

To cancel the lockout mode, the master pin or tag is again presented and a cancellation code entered into the pad 310 by a tag or pin number. The control of this embodiment may also include all of the functions of the previous embodiment and also all conventional functions of electronic locks such as storage of valid tags which have been presented and which have allowed access to the premises, etc.

In other embodiments not shown, the lock may include both a pad 310 for receiving a touch button and a keypad so that codes can be entered either by way of the pad 310 or a keyboard for entry of a pin number, as well as a push button switch 999 which can provide a signal to processor 400 to open the door to allow exit from inside the premises.

Figures 55 to 60 show further embodiments of the invention in which an alternative mechanism to the screw-threaded shaft and spring actuator arrangement of the previous embodiment are altered. This embodiment still provides the advantages of allowing the mechanism to work if the lock is loaded during opening or closing, but provides a more simple and reliable mechanism.

Like reference numerals indicate like parts to those previously described.

In this embodiment, motor shaft 348 is provided with an abutment pin 800 and a wall 801 is arranged below the pin 800. The pin 800 restrains the shaft 345 for rotation of only 180° in either direction because of abutment of the pin 800 with the top of the wall 801 as the shaft 348 rotates. The shaft 348 carries a cam 804. A swivel arm 810 is pivotally mounted below the shaft 348 on a pivot pin 811. The swivel arm 810 has a first arm portion 812 and a second arm portion 813 which are arranged at about an angle of 90° with respect to one another. The arms 812 and 813 are joined by a cylindrical boss 814 which sits on pivot pin 811. The pin 811 is fixed to the bottom 314 of the lock. The striker latch 320 is mounted on pivot pin 321 for rotation as in the earlier embodiments, and is of the same configuration as in the earlier embodiments. The only alteration is that the striker latch 320 is provided with a hole or recess 815 at its end generally opposite the pivot pin 321. A boss 818 is mounted in the lock

adjacent the end of the striker latch 320 which carries. the hole 815.

Swivel arm 810 is arranged so that the arm. 812 is adjacent the cam 804 and a spring 819 is provided between the arm 812 and the boss 818. The spring can be connected to both the arm 812 and boss 818 so the spring is properly retained in place and tends to bias the arm 812 towards the cam 804.

The arm 813 is provided with a slot 820 and a pin 821 passes through the slot 820 through a bore 822 in the boss 818 to thereby lock the latch 320 in the extended position shown in Figures 55 to 58.

As is best shown in Figure 57, the pin 821 has a large diameter shaft 825 and a narrow diameter shank 826. A head 827 is provided a the end of the shank 826. A shoulder 828 is provided where the shaft 825 and shank 826 meet. As is best shown in Figure 55 and Figure 56, the pin 821 is so arranged that the shaft 825 is on the upper side of the arm 813 shown in Figure 55 and the shoulder 825 sits flush with the arm 813. The narrow diameter shank 826 passes through the slot 820. A spring 830 is arranged between the arm 813 and the head 827, and biases the arm 813 and therefore the pin 821 in the direction of arrow V in Figure 55.

When the motor is actuated to open the lock, the shaft 348 is rotated counterclockwise in Figure 56 so the abutment pin 800 moves with the shaft until the abutment pin 800 and shaft 348 have rotated about 180° whereupon the pin 800 again hits the top of the wall 801 to prevent further rotation of the shaft 348. This rotation of the shaft 348 also rotates the cam 804 which is provided on the arm so the cam surface 831 contacts the arm 812, and therefore pivots the arm 812 against the bias of the spring 819 in

the direction of arrow U shown in Figure 55. This movement compresses the spring 819 and also the spring 830, which therefore tends to bias the head 827 of the pin 821 so the pin is withdrawn in a direction opposite arrow V out of the hole 815. Thus, the latch 320 is therefore free to rotate to the retracted position as previously described, so the bolt 304 (not shown in Figures 55 to 58) can move out of the striker and a door to which the bolt is connected opened.

As in the previous embodiment, if a load is applied to the striker latch 320 so that the pin 818 is jammed and cannot move, the rotation of the shaft 348 will still move the swivel arm 810 so that the swivel arm moves in the direction of arrow U. Movement will be accommodated by the slot 820 moving relative to the shank 826 and by compressing the spring 830. Thus, even though the pin is not able to move, the mechanism will still move into its position to release the door 320. As soon as the load is released from the latch 320, the compression of the spring 830 will simply drive the pin in the direction opposite arrow V so the pin is withdrawn from the hole 815 and the striker latch 320 can pivot into the retracted position.

Thus, the mechanism does not become jammed because of the fact that the pin 820 is not able to move during actuation of the motor 345 and movement of the swivel arm 810.

As soon as the striker latch returns to its extended position, the motor 345 is again actuated to rotate the shaft 348 in the opposite direction to move the cam 804 back to the position shown in Figure 55. The spring 819 can then bias the swivel arm 810 in the direction opposite arrow U so the swivel arm returns to the position shown in Figure 55. Movement of the swivel arm in this direction will push the pin 821 back into the position where the pin engages with the hole 815 because of the arm 813 pushing on the shoulder 827. Thus, the lock is relocked awaiting

for the next actuation to open the lock.

If for some reason the latch 320 has not fully returned back to its extended position where the hole 815 is aligned with the pin 821, and the motor 345 is actuated to relock the lock, the swivel arm 810 will still be rotated by the bias of the spring 819 and the pin moved until the end of the pin 819 contacts the side wall 833 of the latch bolt 320. Because the pin has not fully moved into the locking position, the swivel arm 810 will not be moved back to its position shown in Figure 55, and the spring 819 will still be slightly compressed, as will be the spring 830. Thus, as soon as the striker latch 320 does return to its fully extended position, and the hole 815 is aligned with the pin 822, the bias of the springs 819 and 830 will simply bias the spring into the hole 815 to lock the lock. Thus, once again, even though the pin 821 may be jammed or loaded so it cannot fully return to its locking position, will still operate and the lock will simply complete the locking movement as soon as the hole 815 is aligned with the pin 821.

Thus, as in the earlier embodiments, the fact that the pin 821 may become loaded and therefore not moved during opening or closing of the lock, will not cause the mechanism to bind or otherwise cease up, and the closing or opening sequence will simply complete once the load has been removed from the lock. Thus, as in the earlier embodiment, the user does not have to go through the full opening or locking sequence again in order to open or close the lock.

Figures 59 and 60 are schematic diagrams of a modification to the embodiments of Figures 55 to 58. In this embodiment, instead of using a motor 345 and a rotatable shaft 348 to move the swivel arm 810, a solenoid 850 is provided with a shaft 860 which carries a cam head 870.

The cam head 870 is shaped so that upon longitudinal movement of the shaft 860 out of the solenoid 850, the head 870 contacts the arm 812 so as to pivot the arm 812 from the position shown in Figure 59 to the position shown in Figure 60. This pivoting movement is the same as that previously described and will withdraw the pin 821 from the hole 815 in the same manner as previously described.

Upon return of the shaft 860 and cam 870, the swivel arm 810 is able to be biased back into the position shown in Figure 59 to relock the lock. This embodiment has the same advantage as the previous embodiment, in that should a load be applied to the pin to prevent the pin from moving, the opening or closing sequence will complete as soon as the load has been removed. This embodiment also has the further advantage that the solenoid 52 can be powered by mains supply rather than a battery supply, and can be configured such that power is required in order to maintain the lock in the locked condition, so that in the event of an emergency situation in which power is cut off, the lock will automatically release and allow the door to be opened.

The shaft 860 may include a return spring 890 for pushing the shaft 860 towards the position shown in Figure 60 so that if there is a power failure and the doors are required to be opened, the spring 860 will ensure that the solenoid is pushed to the position shown in Figure 60 to unlock the door.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word"comprise", or variations such as "comprises"or"comprising", is used in an inclusive sense, ie. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.