AU2015101241A4 - Adjustable strike and method of use - Google Patents

Abstract

An adjustable strike for a lock, the strike comprising: a faceplate adapted to receive a bolt or latch, the faceplate having a first dimension; a bracket adapted for location in a door frame, the bracket having a aperture for receiving the faceplate, the aperture having a second dimension, and a slider plate located between the faceplate and the bracket, the faceplate having a third dimension intermediate the first and second dimensions, wherein the slider plate is separate and independently movable between the faceplate and bracket. ~ >~~w 28 a 28b -k"21 ah 32b 26a 227a 2FIG 2at

Description

P1/00/002 Regulation 3.2B AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 ORIGINAL COMPLETE SPECIFICATION INNOVATION PATENT Application No. Lodged: Innovation Title: ADJUSTABLE STRIKE AND METHOD OF USE The following statement is a full description of this innovation, including the best method of performing it known to the Applicant: 2 ADJUSTABLE STRIKE AND METHOD OF USE FIELD OF INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to the field of lock technology. More particularly the present invention relates to strike that can be adjustably positioned. [0002] In one form, the invention relates to an adjustable strike for door locks having one lock, or multiple locks. [0003] In one particular aspect the present invention is suitable for use as a strike for a multi-lock having a primary latching and dead bolt action in one lock. [0004] In another particular aspect the present invention is suitable for use as an adjustable strike for separate locking functions with two or more mortice locks and/or mortice dead bolts. [0005] In another particular aspect the present invention is suitable for use as an adjustable strike for use with one primary mortice lock installed into a fire door. [0006] It will be convenient to hereinafter describe the invention in relation to security doors including fire doors, however it should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to that use only and can be used for a wide range of means for securing closures including doors and gates. [0007] Furthermore, it will also be convenient to describe the invention in relation to multi-locks, but it should be appreciated that the present invention is not so limited and can be used with single locking devices. BACKGROUND ART [0008] It is to be appreciated that any discussion of documents, devices, acts or knowledge in this specification is included to explain the context of the present invention. Further, the discussion throughout this specification comes about due to the realisation 3 of the inventor and/or the identification of certain related art problems by the inventor. Moreover, any discussion of material such as documents, devices, acts or knowledge in this specification is included to explain the context of the invention in terms of the inventor's knowledge and experience and accordingly, any such discussion should not be taken as an admission that any of the material forms part of the prior art base or the common general knowledge in the relevant art in Australia, or elsewhere, on or before the priority date of the disclosure and claims herein. [0009] Security doors are specially designed to secure an area and are often used on emergency exit routes. In some cases these doors are also fire "safety" doors designed to resist or prevent spread of fire. For example, they typically have a fire resistance rating and are used as part of a passive fire protection system to reduce the spread of fire or smoke between compartments of a building and to enable safe exit from a structure, such as a building or a ship, in the event of an emergency. [0010] Security doors comprise a door leaf, door frame and door hardware and are required to meet local standards and certification requirements. Security doors that are also fire doors, typically include special fire door hardware such as automatic closing devices, positive latching mechanisms and smoke seals. Fire doors are typically limited to having a primary mortice lock which is self latching instead of a dead bolt which could prevent the door from closing. [0011] Most security doors including fire doors, are designed to be kept closed at all times, although some are designed to stay open during normal circumstances and close automatically in the event of a fire or a security breach. They typically have a latch-type lock, and deadlock, and possibly other locks in special circumstances. For example fire, smoke and life safety doors in Australia have to be self-latching to comply with Australian standard AS1 905.1. For this reason they are limited to having a primary mortice lock to meet the self-latching requirement and dead bolts are not permissible. [0012] In order for the door to lock and unlock smoothly, the locks and strikes must be accurately aligned. In particular, the latch or bolt from the door must be able to move unhindered into and out of the holes in the strike componentry, including for example, componentry associated with an electric strike or dead bolt monitoring devices.

4 [0013] Manufacturers of lock sets often provide templates to assist installers designed on the assumption that the door panel is perfectly hung on its hinges in the door frame with even gaps around the door. Tolerances in manufacturing and measurements supplied are nominally ±2 millimetres. But often door frames are not perfectly vertical and square due to architectural constraints, structural movement, wind impact, or poor installation contributing to frame misalignment. Furthermore, standards such as Australian Standard 2688 permits a door panel to twist or bow and for this reason, alignment of a single lock on a door panel with its corresponding strike on a door frame can be difficult. The alignment becomes much more difficult if there are two or more locks. [0014] For wooden frames, it is often necessary to have several attempts at correct positioning of the strike on the frame. This may require repeatedly drilling fixing holes in the wood or chipping away some of the wood each time the strike is re-positioned. Adjustment of the position of a strike can be particularly difficult if the door frame is metal and the strike is being inserted into a cut out portion. Any modifications or re-positioning once the cut out has been made can weaken the frame. In some instances it may be necessary to alter the position of the door panel on its hinges, effectively re-hanging the door. [0015] For these reasons, once a lock and strike are affixed into position, there is often little or no ability for further adjustment without compromising the door or frame integrity. If the door panel drops on its hinges, or the panel or frame become bent due to flexing of the structure or hard impact the locks become misaligned and usually stop working properly. To maintain safety and security, it is usually necessary to replace the door panel, or door/frame combination. [0016] Attempts have been made to overcome this problem. For example, US patent 6,588,155 (Theune et al) describes a system for adjustably attaching a strike plate to a door frame. This system requires a slider plate to be moveably located on the back surface of the door frame and a strike plate and optional dust box to be mounted on the front side of the door frame. An emboss indentation in the door frame includes embossed slots that align with mounting holes in the strike plate and embossed tabs that limit movement of the slider plate. However, it is often not possible to access the back 5 surface of a door frame once it has been installed in a wall opening, thus it is extremely difficult, or not practical to retrofit this adjustable strike system. [0017] US patent 4,492,397 (Allenbaugh) relates to an adjustable strike including a strike plate residing in a recess in a door frame and having horizontally elongated slots for receiving screws. Upper and lower keeper plates have corresponding interlock surfaces that engage those of the strike plate in a selected position to prevent movement of the strike plate. However, in order to allow such movement the strike plate must be located in a recess in the door frame that is larger in the relevant dimension than the strike plate. This may be appropriate for wooden door frames in which some of the wood can be chipped away to enlarge the recess, but it is usually not possible to enlarge or modify recesses in metal frames. Furthermore, this type of adjustable strike cannot be used for fire doors because relevant regulations typically do not permit any gap or space between a strike and the door frame in which it resides. SUMMARY OF INVENTION [0018] An object of the present invention is to provide a means for aligning a door lock and strike. [0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide a means for adjusting the alignment of a door lock and strike. [0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide a means for adjusting the alignment of a door having two or more locks and corresponding strikes. [0021] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a means for adjusting the alignment of a fire door lock and strike. [0022] A further object of the present invention is to alleviate at least one disadvantage associated with the related art.

6 [0023] It is an object of the embodiments described herein to overcome or alleviate at least one of the above noted drawbacks of related art systems or to at least provide a useful alternative to related art systems. [0024] In a first aspect of embodiments described herein there is provided an adjustable strike for a lock, the strike comprising: * a faceplate adapted to receive a bolt or latch, the faceplate having a first dimension, * a bracket adapted for location in a door frame, the bracket having a aperture for receiving the faceplate, the aperture having a second dimension, and * a slider plate located between the faceplate and the bracket, the faceplate having a third dimension intermediate the first and second dimensions, wherein the slider plate is separate and independently movable between the faceplate and bracket. [0025] The adjustable strike of the present invention may further incorporate componentry required for a specific type of security door or specific solution. These would include for example, componentry for an electric strike, or a dead bolt monitoring device. The strike can be adjusted without compromising the integrity of the lock and security door and any associated product warranty. [0026] In a preferred embodiment the adjustable strike of the present invention is configured for two or more locks. Specifically the bracket may includes two or more apertures, each of which receives an adaptable compartment faceplate and a slider plate. Thus, the adjustable strike of the present invention can be used for multi-lock uses. For fire doors for example, a single compartment adjustable strike can be used. [0027] The faceplate can be of any type well known in the art and will typically comprise a metal plate having an opening of suitable size and shape to receive the latch or bolt of a lock.

7 [0028] The bracket is typically elongate, having a front surface, a back surface, a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction. The one or more apertures are also typically elongate, in the longitudinal direction. In a preferred embodiment each aperture is associated with an internal flange on which a slider plate may be located. Typically the slider plate has a narrower transverse dimension than the internal flange. [0029] The slider plate is typically an elongate planar metal plate that includes an opening to receive the latch or bolt of a lock. Typically, fixing points extend transversely. [0030] In another aspect of embodiments described herein there is provided a method of mounting the strike of the present invention to a door frame, the method comprising the steps of: * attaching the bracket to a door frame, * attaching the slider plate to the bracket, and * attaching the faceplate to the slider plate. [0031] Other aspects and preferred forms are disclosed in the specification and/or defined in the appended claims, forming a part of the description of the invention. [0032] In essence, embodiments of the present invention stem from the realization that including a moveable plate under a striker faceplate allows positional adjustment while avoiding any gaps between striker components, or the door frame in which it is located. Furthermore, the use of a moveable plate permits independent positional adjustment in a multilock door. [0033] Advantages provided by the present invention comprise the following: * can be adjusted during installation, or at any time during the life of the door; e can be fitted during initial manufacture of a door, or retrofitted; 8 * can be used for single lock, double lock or multiple lock doors; * can be used with any type of electrical or non-electrical (mechanical) lock or strike devices; * can be manufactured to accommodate all sizes and shapes of lock/strike combinations and any associated monitoring or activation devices; * can be used for transverse (horizontal) adjustment, or can be set diagonally if a door is bent (as relevant, for example to Australian Standard 2688) and vertically if the door has dropped or is otherwise required to be lifted; * is simple to manufacture, install and adjust; * can be located in any position on the door frame. [0034] Further scope of applicability of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the disclosure herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0035] Further disclosure, objects, advantages and aspects of preferred and other embodiments of the present application may be better understood by those skilled in the relevant art by reference to the following description of embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the disclosure herein, and in which: FIG. 1 a illustrates typical lock and strike arrangement or the prior art while FIG.1 b and FIG. 1c depict bolts of the prior art suitable for use with the adjustable strike of the present invention; 9 FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of an adjustable strike of the present invention in a disassembled format to show the parts (FIG. 2a) and in an assembled format (FIG. 2b); FIG. 3a illustrates the adjustable strike of FIG. 2b in top view. FIG. 3b is a section through AA with detail A magnified in FIG. 3c. FIG. 3d is a section through CC with detail C magnified in FIG. 3e. FIG. 4a illustrates the door bracket of the adjustable strike system of FIG. 2 in top view. FIG. 4b is a section through AA with detail A magnified in FIG. 4c. FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of an frame bracket of the strike of the present invention in a disassembled format to show the parts (FIG. 5a) and in an assembled format (FIG. 5b). DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0036] Doors normally require at least one lock so that the door can be secured in the closed position. Many doors have two locks - a latch mechanism and a dead latch for security - which are typically located adjacent the closing edge of the door. Fire doors are usually configured so that both locks can be simply and quickly manually operated by a handle, such as a lever or knob that turns, simultaneously unlocking both locks. As the handle is moved, a latch hook or bolts disengage with a strike that is attached to the frame, thus releasing the door. A strike is a plate attached to a door frame with one or more holes for removably receiving a latch or bolt from a lock. [0037] FIG. 1 a illustrates a typical lock/strike arrangement of the prior art, expanded to show typical parts. This lock type has two functions - a primary latching function and a dead bolt function - incorporated into one lock body. The lock 1 includes handle 2a, 2b intended to be located on either side of a door panel, each attached to its respective faceplate 3a, 3b. Between the two handles 2a, 2b and located within the door panel is the lock mechanism 5 which includes a latch 5a operated by the handles 2a, 2b and a bolt 5b operated by a key inserted in the keyway 4. The strike 10 is intended to be rebated into a door frame, affixed using screws or other convenient affixing means. The 10 strike 10 comprises a faceplate 6 having apertures 6a and 6b and a dust box 7. When operated, the latch 5a and bolt 5b can be removably inserted in apertures 6a and 6b respectively but operation of one of the handles 2a, 2b or a key in the keyway 4. [0038] In contrast to the lock shown in FIG. 1a, some doors have two separate locks of the type shown in FIG. 1b (dead bolt) and FIG. 1c (latching). In the strike described below with respect to FIG. 2, the dead bolt tongue 12 is received in the aperture 20a of the first faceplate, and the latch tongue 14 is received by the second faceplate 22 which is typically configured as an electric strike. [0039] FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of an adjustable strike of the present invention for a dual lock door such as a fire door. In FIG. 2a the parts are spaced apart to show the frame 23 of a door, having a recess 21 for receiving an adjustable strike according to the present invention for the two locks of the fire door panel (not shown). The door frame 23 has a front surface flush with a first faceplate 20 and second faceplate 22 (which must be aligned with the two locks of the fire door panel), a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction. [0040] The adjustable strike comprises a bracket 24 configured with two apertures 24a, 24b one for receiving a first slider plate 25 and the other for receiving a second slider plate 26. The first faceplate 20 for a deadlatch lock can be received in the first aperture 24a, and the second faceplate 22 for a latch lock can be received in the second aperture 24b. The second faceplate 22 may be associated with further componentry (not shown) that enables operation as an electric strike. [0041] The first aperture 24a in the frame bracket 24 has a first dimension and is configured to receive the first faceplate 20 having a second dimension. The first slider plate 25 locatable between the first faceplate 20 and the first aperture 24a has an intermediate dimension. The first slider plate 25 is thus separate and movable independently of the first faceplate 20 and the frame bracket 24. [0042] Similarly, the second aperture 24b in the frame bracket 24 has a first dimension and is configured to receive the second faceplate 22 having a second dimension. The second slider plate 26 locatable between the second strike faceplate 22 11 and the second aperture 24b has an intermediate dimension. The second slider plate 26 is thus separate and movable independently of the second faceplate 22 and the frame bracket 24. Furthermore, the first slider plate 25 and the second slider plate 26 are separate and independent of each other, meaning the strike of the present invention can be used to independently align the strike with each of the two locks. [0043] In use, the frame bracket 24 is affixed to the door frame 23 by screws inserted in the fixing points 27a, 27b, 27c, 27d, the screws being received in corresponding holes in the bracket 28a, 28b, 28c, 28d. The first slider plate 25 and second slider plate 26 are affixed to the frame bracket 24 by screws inserted in the circular fixing points 29a, 29b, 30a, 30b the screws being received in corresponding transversely elongated holes in the bracket 31 a, 31b, 32a, 32b. The first faceplate 20 and the second faceplate 22 are affixed to the frame bracket 24 by screws inserted in the circular fixing points 33a, 33b, 34a, 34b. It will be readily apparent to the person skilled in the art that any convenient mechanical alternative to screws may be used at the fixing points. [0044] FIG. 3a illustrates the assembled adjustable strike of FIG. 2b in top view. FIG. 3b is a cross section of the strike through AA with detail A magnified in FIG. 3c. FIG. 3d is a section through BB with detail B magnified in FIG. 3e. [0045] Detail A of FIG. 3c illustrates how the second faceplate 22 is seated on the second slider plate 24 in the door bracket 24 which in turn is attached to the door frame 23. The second slider plate 24 is seated on an internal bracket flange 24d. The door bracket 24 is thus configured includes a recess within which the second slider plate 24 can move transversely. [0046] In this configuration the second slider plate 22 can be moved transversely relative to the second faceplate 22 to ensure that there is no gap between the faceplate 22 and the door bracket 24, which may be important if the adjustable strike of the present invention is to be compliant with typical fire regulations. [0047] A packer 40 may be needed to compensate for the variations in faceplate thickness and to ensure that the outermost surface of the faceplate 22 is flush with the front surface of the frame 23. In this embodiment the door bracket 23 has a serrated 12 caged nut 42 to releasably engage a screw inserted through the fixing points 33a and 31 a. The caged nut 42 is captured within cage 44 integral with an internal bracket flange 23a on which the second slider plate 24 is seated. [0048] Detail B of FIG. 3e illustrates how the first faceplate 20 is seated on the first slider plate 25 in the door bracket 24, which in turn is attached to the door frame 23. The first slider plate 25 is seated on an internal bracket flange 24c. The door bracket 24 is thus configured includes a recess within which the first slider plate 25 can move transversely. [0049] In this configuration the first slider plate 25 can be moved transversely relative to the faceplate 22 to ensure that there is no gap between the faceplate 22 and the door bracket 24, which may be important if the adjustable strike of the present invention is to be compliant with typical fire regulations. [0050] FIG. 4a illustrates the door bracket 24 of the adjustable strike of FIG. 2 in top view. In this view the fixing points 27a, 27b, 27c, 27d, for affixing the frame bracket 24 the door frame can clearly be seen. The transversely elongated holes 31 a, 31 b, 32a, 32b for affixing the first faceplate 20 and the second faceplate 22 to the door bracket 24 can also be clearly seen. [0051] FIG. 4b is a section through AA with detail A magnified in FIG. 4c. Detail A of FIG. 3e illustrates the profile of the door bracket 24 including the internal flange 24d and transversely elongated screw hole 31a. A cage 51 integral with the door bracket 24 encapsulates a caged nut 50. [0052] FIG. 5 illustrates the frame bracket 24 of the strike of FIG. 2 in a disassembled format to show the parts (FIG. 5a) and in an assembled format (FIG. 5b). The frame bracket 24 includes a frame body 54 that defines the apertures 24a and 24b, each aperture associated with its respective bracket flange 24d, 24c. A spacer 55 may be located between the frame body 54 and a bracket flange 24c if necessary. The flanges may include a locking edge 56 or socket 57. Each of the transversely elongated fixing points 31a, 31b, 32a, 32b is associated with a caged nut assembly 58, 59, 60, 61. An elongate tab 63 is associated with the frame body 54.

13 [0053] The various parts shown in FIG. 5a can be assembled to form the frame bracket 24 by any convenient means, such as welding or bolting them together. [0054] The striker of the present invention may be incorporated into a door frame at the time of manufacture, or alternatively retrofitted to an existing door frame, for example to replace an existing non-adjustable strike. [0055] To retrofit the strike of the present invention to an existing frame, it is necessary to cut an appropriate section out of the frame in which the strike would be mounted. The bracket may be attached to the door frame by any convenient means well known to the person skilled in the art such as by welding or by inserting bolts or screws in the fixing points 27a, 27b, 27c, 27d of the bracket 24 to be received in the fixing points 28a, 28b, 28c, 28d of the door frame 23. [0056] The slider plates 25, 26 are attached to the bracket 24 by inserting bolts in the respective pair of fixing points 29a, 29b and 30a, 30b to be received in the transversely elongated fixing points 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d, and retained by the associated nuts in cage nut assemblies 58, 59, 60, 61. The slider plates 25, 26 can thus be moved in the transverse direction before being secured. [0057] The faceplates 20, 22 can then be attached to their respective slider plates 25, 26 by a bolt or screw passing through fixing points 33a, 33b, 34a, 34b, and received in the fixing points 29a, 29b, 30a, 30b of their respective slider plates 25, 26. [0058] The strike of the present invention may alternatively be included in a new frame 23, for example during manufacture. In this case the aperture 21 and corresponding fixing points 28a, 28b, 28c and 28d will already exist, having been formed during manufacture of the frame 23. The front edge of aperture 21 may have an elongate member 70 fastened to the inside face. This member 70 defines a groove and may form part of a secure tongue and groove retaining system for the bracket 24. Bracket 24 has a tongue attached to the inside of the front edge. The back edge of bracket 24 also has an upstanding member. To fit the bracket 24 to the frame, the upstanding member is first hooked at the rear of the bracket 24 under the back edge of aperture 21 and the bracket 24 is pivoted down until the tongue and groove interlock to 14 provide a flush external fitment. The tongue and groove provide a sufficiently strong interlock for the frame and door to be used for security applications. Fixing points 27a, 27b, 27c and 27d align with fixing points 28a, 28b, 28c and 28d. Retaining screws can then be fitted to these fixing points to secure the bracket 24 into the frame 23. [0059] Sliding plates 25 and 26 can then be inserted into their respective recess surrounding the apertures 24a and 24b. First the back edge of each sliding plate can be inserted into the appropriate recess at a shallow angle. There is enough room for the plates to be fully inserted and then dropped into the recess to lie flush. A small backward movement is sufficient to centralise the plates 25, 26 and ensure the plates 25, 26 are retained during further installation steps. [0060] Electric wires (previously fitted to the internal space of the frame 23 but not shown) can be pulled through the apertures 24a and 24b. The wires can be connected to the corresponding electronic strikes and the strikes fitted to the respective recess. The strikes are secured in position through fixing points 34a, 34b and 33a, 33b, the screws engaging the threaded serrated captive nut 42. To compensate for manufacturing tolerances during fitting and any warping associated with the door or frame, the alignment of each strike can be readily adjusted for secure fitment. [0061] In the event of building movement, or other changes in alignment of the door and frame over time the strike can be adjusted by loosening, re-aligning and re tightening the screws at fixing points 33a, 33b and 34a, 34b. [0062] While this invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that it is capable of further modification(s). This application is intended to cover any variations uses or adaptations of the invention following in general, the principles of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice within the art to which the invention pertains and as may be applied to the essential features hereinbefore set forth. [0063] As the present invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the spirit of the essential characteristics of the invention, it should be understood 15 that the above described embodiments are not to limit the present invention unless otherwise specified, but rather should be construed broadly within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative only and not restrictive. [0064] Various modifications and equivalent arrangements are intended to be included within the spirit and scope of the invention and appended claims. Therefore, the specific embodiments are to be understood to be illustrative of the many ways in which the principles of the present invention may be practiced. In the following claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover structures as performing the defined function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. [0065] "Comprises/comprising" and "includes/including" when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof. Thus, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words 'comprise', 'comprising', 'includes', 'including' and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to".

Claims (4)

1. An adjustable strike for a lock, the strike comprising: * a faceplate adapted to receive a bolt or latch, the faceplate having a first dimension, * a bracket adapted for location in a door frame, the bracket having a aperture for receiving the faceplate, the aperture having a second dimension, and * a slider plate located between the faceplate and the bracket, the faceplate having a third dimension intermediate the first and second dimensions, wherein the slider plate is separate and independently movable between the faceplate and bracket.

2. A method of mounting the strike of claim 1 to a door frame, the method comprising the steps of: * attaching the bracket to a door frame, e attaching the slider plate to the bracket, and * attaching the faceplate to the slider plate.

3. A method of retrofitting the strike of claim 1 to a door frame, the method comprising the steps of: * cutting an door frame to form an elongate recess having a perimeter, e attaching the bracket to the perimeter, e attaching the slider plate to the bracket, and 17 attaching the faceplate to the slider plate.

4. A door frame comprising the adjustable strike of claim 1.