GB2229488A - Multipoint lock - Google Patents

Abstract

A multipoint lock has a main unit and at least one auxiliary unit (11, 61, 91) illustrated in three embodiments in figures (1, 5a, 6a) coupled by an actuating member (10, 60, 90) which is operated by an operating member of the main unit to cause a locking element (13, 63, 93) of the auxiliary unit (11, 61, 91) to move between unlocked and locked positions, the auxiliary unit (11, 61, 91) comprising an actuating mechanism including a drive transmission element (48, 68, 94) to transmit drive from the actuating member (10, 60, 90) to the locking element (13, 63, 93), the drive transmission element (48, 68, 94) being engaged by the actuating member (10, 60, 90) such that with the locking element (13, 63, 93) in an unlocked position, upon an initial movement of the actuating member (10, 60, 90) to an intermediate position, the drive transmission element (48, 68, 94) moves from a first to a second position driving the locking element (13, 63, 93) to its locked position, and upon further movement of the actuating member (10, 60, 90) the drive transmission element (48, 68, 94) is locked in its second position until the actuating member (10, 60, 90) is moved back to the intermediate position. <IMAGE>

Description

Title: lMulti-?oint ock Description of Invention This invention relates to a multi-point lock hereinafter referred to as being "of the kind specified", the lock having a main unit and at least one auxilicry unit coup!ed by an actuating member which is operated by an operating member of the main unit to cause a locking element of the auxiliary unit to move between unlocked and locked positions.

According to a first aspect of the present invention we provide a multipoint lock of the kind specified, in which the auxiliary unit comprises an actuating mechanism including a drive transmission element to transmit drive from the actuating member to the locking element, the drive transmission element being engaged by the actuating member such that with the locking element in an unlocked position, upon an initial movement of the actuating member to an intermediate position, the drive transmission element moves from a first to a second position driving the locking element to its locked posit on, and upon further movement of the actuating mernber the drive transmission element is locked in its second position until the actuating member is moved back to the intermediate position.

Thus the invention provides a multi-point lock having an auxiliary unit of simple construction and operation.

In one embodiment, the locking element is adopted to move between its unlocked and locked positions in a direction generally parallel to the direction of movement of the actuating member. For example, the drive transmission element may drive a lathe which carries a locking element which may comprise a headed bolt, or a keeper, for examples, which co-operate with a respective corresponding keeper or headed bolt provided on the frame.

The drive transmission element may be pivoted relative to a casing of the auxiliary unit and thus may pivot between the first and second positions, and the Icthe may slide relative to the casing. Thus the locking element may slide between its unlocked and locked positions.

The drive transmission element ma" carrv a drive member which cooperates with a formation. such cs a slot, of the lathe, to transmit movement of the drive transmiss,:on element to the lathe.

The drive transm-isson element mav be coupled to the actuating member. For example, the drive transmission element may have an elongate slot which receives a cam of the actuating member. The cam may be guided by a cam follower in a manner such that as the actuating member is initially moved, the drive transmission elernent is pivoted to the second position, but when the actuating member is further moved, the co-operation between the cam and cam follower prevents the drive transmission element moving from its second position.

For example, the cam follower may have an arcuate region along which the cam moves as the drive transmission element pivots to and from its second position, and a straight region into which the cam is moved upon the further movement of the actuating member whereby the drive transmission element is then locked in its second position.

The straight cam follower region may be aligned with the elongate slot of the drive transmission element when the drive transmission element is in its second position.

The auxiliary unit casing maY comprise two co-operatinq parts. The cam follower may be provided conveniently by or in one of the parts bv an additional component within the casing, as required.

In a second embodiment of the invention, the drive transrnission element may itself carry the locking element which may be a hook element which, in use, when the multipoint lock is installed in a door, window, or other wing, co-operates with a corresponding keeper of the door or wing frame to lock the wing in the frame when the locking element is in its locked position.

Again the drive transmission element mav pivot relative to a casing of the auxiliary unit between the first and second positions and hence the locking element may pivot between its locked and unlocked positions.

Either of these embodiments are particularly suited to an application for a sliding door, such as a patio door, or other wing.

In a third embodiment of the invention, the locking element may move linearly in a direction transverse e.g. generally perpendicular to the direction of movement of the actuating member, from a retracted unlocked position within a casing of the auxiliary unit, to cn extended ocked Dosition in which the locking element extends outwardly of the casing. Such an arrangement is more suited to a hinged ioor or other wing.

To achieve this, the drive transmission element mav again be pivoted relative to a casing of the auxiliary unit and be movable between first and second positions. The drive transmission element may carry a cam which is guided by a cam follower which may for example comprise a slot in a lathe movable within the casing, and secured or integral with the actuating member so as to provide an extension of the actuating member.Thus as the actuating member is initially moved to an intermediate position, the drive transmission element is pivoted from the first to the second position and as the actuating member is further moved, the co-operation between the cam and cam follower may prevent the drive transmission element moving from its second position until the actuating member is moved back to the intermediate position.

For example, the cam follower may be provided by a formation such as c slot, in the lathe, and may have c first straight region which extends in a direction transverse both to the direction of movement of the actuating member and the locking element, along which the cam moves as the drive transmission element pivots to and from its first and second positions when the actuating member ;s initially moved, and a further straight region which extends generally parallel to the direction of movement of the actuating member and lathe into which the cam is moved upon the further movement of the actucting member whereby the drive transmission element is then locked in its second position.

The locking element may include a drive member which co-operates with a formation such as a slot of the drive transmission element so that the locking element is moved between its locked and unlocked positions as the drive transmission element pivots between its first and second positions.

The casing of the auxiliary unit mav have guide means to guide the locking element during its movement. For example, the casing may have one or more slots in which a spigot or spigots of the locking element are received to guide the locking element in its linear path of movement from the unlocked retracted position, to the locked extended position.

The casing may have further guide means which co-operate with a pin of the drive transmission element to guide the drive transmission element in its pivoted movement.

The lathe may have a further cam follower with which the drive member of the locking element co-operates, the further cam follower having a first straight region which extends in a direction transverse both to the direction of movement of the actuating member and the locking element, preferably parcilel to the first straight region of the other cam follower along which the drive member moves as the locking element is driven by the drive transmission element between its unlocked and locked positions, and a further strcight region which extends generally parallel to the direction of movement of the actuating member into which the guide member is moved upon the further movement of the actuating member whereby the locking element is locked in its locked position.

In an alternative arrangement, the drive transmission element may carry the locking element, the actuating member having a cam which cooperates with a cam follower e.g. a slot of the drive transmission element whereby movement of the actuating member is transmitted to the locking element.

The cam follower may have a first straight region which extends generally transverse to both the dlrection of movement of the actuating member and the locking element, along which the cam moves as the locking element is moved between its locked and unlocked positions, and a second straight region which extends generally parallel to the direction of movement of the actuating member into which the cam is moved upon the further movement of the actuating member where the drive transmission element is moved from a first position when the locking element is in its unlocked position, to a second position when the locking element is in its locked position, and the drive transmission element is locked in its second position and hence the locking element is locked in its locked position when the actuating member is further moved.

In each case, the lathe, where provided, may include means to attach to the lathe, c further actuating member which is coupled to a further auxiliarv unit of the multi-point lock, whereby operation of the operating member of the main unit operates both the first mentioned and any further auxiliary unit.

According to a second aspect of the invention we provide an auxiliary unit for a multi-point lock in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIGURE 1 is a plan view or an auxiliary unit of a first embodiment of a mult-point lock in accordance with the invention in a first, unlockec! condition, with a lid rernoved for clarity.

FIGURE la is a plan view of the lid for use with the unit of Figure 1.

FIGURE 2 is a view similar to Figure 1, but showing the auxiliary unit in a second, locked condition.

FIGURE 3 is a side view of part of the lock of Figures 1, la and 2, but modified.

FIGURE 4a is an enlarged plan view of part of a second embodiment of an auxiliary unit in accordance with the invention, similar to the assembly unit of Figures 1, la and 2 and shown in an unlocked condition.

FIGURE 4 is a view similar to Figure 4a but showing the auxiliary unit in a locked condition.

Figure 5a is a plan view of a casing of an auxiliary unit of a third embodiment of a multi-point lock in accordance with the invention with a lid, drive transmission element and locking element removed for clarity.

FIGURE 5b is a view of part of the auxiliary unit of figure 1, but with a drive transmission element and locking element shown, with the locking element in cn extended, locked, position, FIGURE Sc is a view similar to figure Sb but showing the locking element in a retracted, unlocked, position, FIGURE 5d is a plan view of the lid of the casing of the auxiliary unit shown in figures 5a,5b and 5c, FIGURE 6a is a plan view of an alternative auxiliary unit of a multipoint lock in accordance with the invention with the lid removed for clarity, but in a first, unlocked position, FIGURE 6b is a view similar to figure óa but showina the auxiliary unit in a locked condition, FIGURE 6a is a plan view of the lid of the auxiliary unit shown in figure 6a and 6b.

Referring first to figure 1, la and 2 of the drawings, a multi-point lock for, in this example, a sliding door, comprises a main unit (not shown) which has an operating member such as a handle and/or kev which is=are operated by a user to operate the lock.

The main unit is connected bv an elongate actuating member In to at least one auxiliary ! nit 11, the actuating member 10 '~erg moved longitudinally as the operating member of the main unit is operated.

The auxiliary unit X t comprises an outwardly proiectinq locking element comprising a bolt 13 which includes a shank 14 and ahead 15, which is moved by the actuating member 10 in the direction of movement of the actuating member 10 indicated by arrow A, via an auxiliary unit actuating mechanism to be described, between an unlocked position shown in figure 1, when the head 15 of the bolt 13 can be received in a larger dimension part ló of a keyhole slot 17 of a keeper 18 (part of which is shown in section) of a frame (not shown) in which the sliding door is received, to a locked position shown in figure 2, in which the head 15 of the bolt 13 is entrapped in a smaller dimension port 19 cf the keyhole slot 17 of the keeper 18.

The auxiliary unit II comprises a casing 20 of generally box-like configuration, the casing 20 including a base 21 which is closed by a lid 22, the base 21 having three turrets 23,24,25, with threcded openings to receive bolts which pass through respective openings 26,27,28 of the lid.

The casing 20 is adapted to be received in a recess in an edge of the sliding door at a position remote from the main unit, and a face plate 29 is secured to an edge wall 30 of the casing to close the recess.

The shank 14 of the locking bolt i3 extends through an opening P provided through the edge wall 30 of the face plate 29, and slides along the opening P when moving between locked and unlocked positions.

Mounted for sliding movement within the casing 20 is a lathe 32. The lathe 32 is generally plate-like in configuration and has a first upstand 33 to which the shank 14 of the locking bolt 13 is attached, a part 34 which extends through an opening P I in an end wall 35 of the casing 21, which part 34 comprises a second upstand to which an actuating member for a further auxiliary unit could be attcched if desired.

The lathe 32 has a slot 38 through which turret 23 extends, the slot 38 being necessary to permit the lathe 32 to slide.

An edge of the lathe 32 which lies adjacent edge wall 30 of the casing 20 is of stepped configuration, a first step 4! being dimensioned to slide through the opening Pl in the end wall 35, a second step 42 being dimensioned to be guided by G guide element 43 within the casing 21, and a third step 44 carrying the upstand 33 to which the locking bolt 13 is secured.

The second step 42 hcs a chcnne-shcpe- recess '15 to receive a drive member 4, movement of which in the direction of arrow A, causes the lathe 32 to slide.

The drive member '16 in th;s example comprises a oeg carried on a drive transmission element 48 which element 48 is pivoted for movement in the casing 21 between pivot holes, one of which is provided by the guide element 43 and the other of which is provided in the lid 22 as shown at 49 so that the drive transmission element 48 can pivot about a pivot axis indicated at 50.

The drive tronsmission element 48 has an elongate opening 51 which receives a cam 52 which is attcched to the actuating member 10.

The cam 52 is sufficiently long to extend up through the casing 20 into a cam follower provided by a slot 53 in the lid 22. The cam follower slot 53 includes an arcucte region 54 and a straight region 55.

It will therefore be appreciated that as the actuating member 10 is moved longitudinally to the left in the direction of arrow A shown in figure I, the drive transmission element iS and hence the drive member 46 will be caused to pivot about pivot axis 50 to move the lathe 32, and the cam 52 will be guided in an arcuate path by the arcuate region 54 of the cam follower slot 53 in the lid 22.The position of the cam follower slot 53 in the lid 22 is indicated in dotted lines in figure When the lathe 32 is in the position shown in figure 1, the slot 51 in the drive transmission element 48 is transverse i.e. generally oerpendicular to the straight region 55 of the cam follower slot 53. The arcuate path of the drive member 5O cs the drive transmission element 48 pivots, is accommodated by the arcuate portion 54 of the cam follower slot 53.

Thus an initial movement of the actuating member 10 (to the left) will cause the drive transmission element 48 to pivot from a first position shown in figure I, to a second position shown in figure 2. Any further longitudinal movement of the actuating member 10 to the left in the direction of arrow A, will cause the cam 52 to enter the straight region 55 of the cam follower slot 43 which movement is permitted because the elongate slot 51 in the drive transmission element 48 and the straight region 55 of the cam follower slot 53, will be aligned, but although further longitudinal movement of the cam 52 along slot 51 and straight region 55 is permitted, pivoting movement of the drive transmission element 48 is then prevented.Moreover, it is not possible to pivot the drive transmission element 48 in a reverse sense of rotation until the cam 52 is moved beck into the arcuate region 54 of the cam follower slot 53.

Hence the lathe 32 will be deadlocked with the locking element i.e. bolt 13 in the locked position until the actuating member 10 is moved longitudinally to the right in the direction of arrow 3 in figure 2 to the position shown in dotted lines in figure la, which is an intermediate position just after having entered the arcuate region 54 of the cam follower slot 53.

Further movement of the actuating member 10 in the direction of arrow E3 in figure 2 will cause the drive transmission element 48 to pivot back from the second position shown, to the first position of figure I, to move the lockina element 13 back to its figure I position.

Referring to figure 3, instead of the lathe 32 carrying a bolt element 13 as indicated in figures I and 2, if desired, a headed bolt 13e may be provided by the frame in which the sliding door is received. The upstand 33 of the lathe 32 may thus have a slot 58 and so when the lathe 32 is in an unlocked position (figure 14 the headed bolt 13a of the frame may pass through the opening P in the face plate 2? and edge wall 30 of the casinq 21, but when the lathe 32 is moved to the locked position (figure 2) head I So of the locking bolt 13a is entrapped by the edges of the slot 58 in the upstand 33.

Referring to figures 4a and 4b, further alternatively instead of providing the lathe 32 with a bolt element 13 or slot 58, the drive transmission e!ernent 43 itself mav carry a locking element such as a hook H which is secured to a plane surface 59 of the drive transmission element 48 by any desired means. The surface 59 of the drive transmission element 48 is generally perpendicular to the edge wall 30 when the lathe 32 is an unlocked position, but lies generally alongside the edge wall 30 when the lathe 32 is in a locked position. In this event, an opening indicated in dotted lines at 53 in figure I would be required in edge wall 3G and face plate 29, for the hook 51 to move through, and opening P would not be required.The hock formation H when in the locked condition, could engage with a keeper 18a of the frame.

Thus the present invention provides an auxiliary unit II for a multipoint lock, of simple construction in which the lathe 32 and drive transmission element 48 are deadlocked when the locking element 13 is in a locked position.

Both of the embodiments disclosed, are particularly suited for application to a sliding door e.g. a patio door, or other sliding wing, because the locttjng element movement, is particularly suited to a sliding door or other s'idira wing appi'-;cation.

'various rnodificstiorEs mcv be made to these embodiments without departing from the scooe of the invention. For example. the shape of the casing 20, the lathe 32, and drive transmission element 48 may be altered as required.

The lid 22 need not provide the cam follower 52 but a suitable cam follower may be provided by an additional component in the casing 20 or even by a suitable formation in or on the base 2' of the casing 20, although the cam would in this case need to extend downwardly, not upwardly, as in the drawings.

The arrangement for connecting the lid 22 and base 21 are only examples, and in other examples, the casing may comprise two parts which cre not a lid and base.

The drive transmission element 48 need not be pivoted between base 21 and lid 22 cs described. but could be provided on, for example, a spindle connected only to the base 21 and/or the lid 22.

The actuating member 10 need not be of the configuration shown and the cam 52 may be provided otherwise than by a spigot 52 shown in the drawings.

Referring now to figures Sc,Sb.5c, and Sd, a further embodiment of the invention is shown in which an auxiliary unit ! has a locking element comprising a dead bolt 63 which moves linearly from a retracted position (seen in figure 5c) to an extended position (seen in figure Sb) in a direction shown by arrow C which is generally perpendicular to the direction of movement A/B of an actuating member 60.

The auxiliary unit ól comprises a casing having a base 71, and a lid 72 which is shown in figure 5d, the casing having a pair of turrets 64,65, which receive fasteners which pass through corresponding apertures ó7,68 in the lid 72 to enable the lid 72 to be secured relative to the base 71.

Mounted for sliding movement in the base 71 is a lathe 73, the lathe 73 having elongate slots S which receive the turrets 64,65, and permit the lathe 73 to slide, and a pair of cam follower formations 74,75. Each formation 74,75 has a respective first straight region 76,77 which each extend in a direction transverse to both the direction of movement of the actuatinq member 60 (arrow A/B! and a direction of movement of the bolt 63 (arrow C), and a respective straight region 78,79, each of which extends in a direction generally parallel to the direction of movement of the actuating member Ç0.

The base 71 hcs a pair of guide slots 80.so. Slot 80 extends in a direction generally perailel to the direction of movement of the bolt 63 and when the lathe 73 is slid to the left as seen in figure So and 5b, when the locking element 63 will be extended, the region 78 of the cam follower formation 74 communicates with the guide slot 80.

When the lathe 73 is stid to the right (figure Sc) when the bolt 63 will be retracted, the region 76 of the slot 74 will be aligned with the guide slot 80.

The guide slot 81 is arcuate and when the lathe 73 is in the far left position (figures 5a,5b) with bolt 63 extended, the arcuate guide slot 81 communicates with the region 79 of the cam follower formation 75. When the lathe 73 is slid to the right, the arcuate guide slot 71 communicates with the region 77 of the cam follower formation 75.

It can be seen that the lathe 73 is secured directly to the actuating member 60 so as to provide an extension of the actuating member 60, which moves therewith.

If desired, a further actuating member may be attached to the lathe 73 to enable further auxiliary units 61 to be operated by the operating member of the main unit of the multi-point lock.

A drive transmission element ó8 is pivoted on turret 65, the element ó8 having a cam comprising a pin 82 which is received in the cam follower formation 74 and the arcuate guide slot 81.

The drive transmission element ó8 further comprises a slot 83 in which a camíguide pin 84 of the bolt 63 is received. The cam 84 extends through slot 83 into the cam follower formation 74 beneath and into the guide slot 80.

It will therefore be appreciated that the drive transmission element 68 can pivot about an axis 70 of turret 65 driving the locking element 63 back and forth in the direction of arrow C, in response to movement of the actuating member ó0 and lathe 62.

This is achieved because the cam 82 is moved as the lathe 73 moves by virtue of the cam follower slot 75, to pivot the drive transmission element ó8. The pin 84 is thus moved in response to movement of the drive transmlssion element 68. The pin 84 is constrained to move in direction C by guide slot 80 and by virtue of being cammed by the cam follower formation 74.

Starting from the figure 5c position. initial movement of the actuating member ó0 to the left in the direction of arrow A, will cause the pin 84 to be moved along region 75 of the cam follower formation 7h. and the pin 82 of the drive transm;ss-on element óS to move along the reqion 77 of the cam follower formation 75 to drive the bolt ó3 from the retracted, unlocked position, to an extended, locked, position. The pins 82/84 will reach the ends of the slot parts 77,76, when the actuating member ó0 is in an intermediate postion.

However, further movement of the actuating member 60 to the left, which is permitted by virtue of slot 83 in the drive transmission element 68, will cause the respective pins 82,84, to enter their respective further regions 79,78 of the cam follower formations 75,74. When the pins are in these regions 79,78, the bolt ó3 is locked out against movement to retract the bolt, i.e. the bolt 63 and the drive transmission element ó8. will become deadlocked.

To cssist movement of the bolt ó3, the bolt has a pair of guide pins 86,8" which extend from the bolt ó3 in a direction opposite to pin 84, which pins 86,87, ride in slots 88,89, provided in the lid 72. The pin 86 is in this example, centered on the axis of pin 84.

In figure 5d, the pins 86,87 are shown in full lines when the bolt is in an extended position, and in dotted lines when the bolt 63 is in a retracted position.

If desired, the configuration oF the casing, lathe 72 and drive transmission element 58 could be changed as desired in this arrangement. For example, it is not essential for both the drive transmission element 68 and bolt 63 to have cams receivable in cam followers, but only one of these may have such a cam. It will be appreciated that if either the drive transmission element 68 or the bolt 63 are locked out, so will the other.

The guide slots 80, 81,88,89 of the casing, are not essential, but in the example described. do add to the smoother action of the bolt 63.

Referring now to figures óa,6b and 6c, another auxiliary unit 91 of a multi-point lock in accordance with the invention is shown, which is operated by an actuating member 90.

A locking element 93 agcin comprises a bolt which moves in the direction of arrow C from a retracted position shown in figure 6a to an extended position shown in figure ób. The bolt 93 is formed integrally with a drive transmission element 94, the drive transmission element 94 having a cam follower formation 95 comprising a first region ó which extends in a direction transverse both to the direction of movement of the actuating member 9 (shown by arrow A/P) and transverse to the direction of movement of the bolt 93 (shown by arrow C) and a second region 97 which extends generally parallel to the direction of movement of the actuating member 90.

The actuating member 90 comprises a cam 98 which is a pin which rides in the cam follower formation 95 and in a guide slot 9 in a base 100 of the casing of the unit 91. The guide slot 99 extends in a direction generally parallel to the direction of movement of the actuating member 90.

Thus as the actuating member 0 moves to the left to move the cam 98 from a first position as seen in figure 6a, the cam 98 will ride along the first region 9ó of the cam follower formation 95 and in the guide slot 99 to drive the bolt 93 to the extended/locked, position as shown in figure 6b, when the drive transmission element 94 is in a second position.When the cam 98 reaches the end of the first region 6, an intermediate position, the bolt 93 will be fully extended, but further movement of the actuating member 90 to the left, will cause the pin 98 to enter the region 97 of the cam follower formation 95 and hence the bolt 93 will become locked out or deadlocked in its extended locked position as indicated in figure ceb.

To guide the bolt 93 along the path indicated by arrow C, the bolt is provided by a pair of guide pins 103,104, which ride in respective slots 1105,10o, in a lid 107 of the casing. The base 106 of the casing has a pair of turrets 108,109, and the lid has a pair of openings 110,111, which receive fasteners to enable the lid and base of the casing to be secured toaether. In the example shown, the actuating member 90 is cranked adjacent the cam 98 at R, but in another arrangement, could be straight.

'Nhereas the embodiments of figures I to 4 are suited to a sliding door or other wing, the embodiments of figures 5a to 6e are particularly suited to a hinged door or other hinged wing when extension of the respective bolt 63/93 into its locked position will prevent the door or other wing being hinged from its locked position.

In the latter embodiments, the locking element instead of comprising a boit 63/93, could comprise a shoot bolt for example, but in each case the locking element o'3,O3, when in its locked position, is engaged by a keeper of a frame in which the door or other wing is mounted.

The fectures disclosed in the foregoing description or the accompanying drawings expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed res'jlt, or a clcss or group of substances or compositions, as appropriate, may, separately or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims (1)

1. A multipoint lock of the kind specified, in which the auxiliary unit comprises an actJoting mechanism including a drive transmission ele-ient to transmit drive from the actuating member to the locking element, the drive transmission element being engaged by the actuoting mernber such that with the locking element in an unlocked position, upon an initial movement of the octjatinc- member to an intermediate position, the drive transmission element moves from a first to a second position driving the locking element to its locked position, and upon further movement of the actuating member the drive transmissior. element is locked in its second position until the actJatng member is moved back to the intermediate position.

2. A lock according to claim 1 wherein the locking element is adapted to move between its unlocked and locked positions in c direction generally parole' to the direction Or movement of the actuating member, 3. A lock according to oZoim 2 wherein the drive transmiss;or. element drives c lathe which carries a locking element comprising a headed bolt, or a keeper. which co-operates with c respective correspondinq keeper or headed bolt provided on the frame.

4. A lock according to Claim 3 wherein the drive transmission element is pivoted relative to a casing of the auxiliary unit and thus may pivot between the first and second post ions, and the lathe may slide relative to the casing.

5. A lock according to Claim 3 or Claim 4 wherein the drive transmission element carries o drive member which co-o3erates with a formation, such as a slot, of the lathe. to transmit movement of the drive transmission element to the lathe.

6. A lock according to Claim 5 wherein the drive transmission element ha an elongate slot which receives a cam of the actuating member.

7. A lock according to Claim 6 wherein the cam is guided by a follower in a manner such that as the actuating member is initially m@ tie drive transmssior element is pivoted to the second position. but when the actuating member is further moved, the co-operation between the cam and the cam follower prevents the drive transmission element moving from its second position.

8. A lock according to Claim 7 wherein the cam follower has an arcuate region along which the cam moves as the drive transmission element pivots to and from its second position, arid c straight region into which the cam is moved upon the further movement of the actuating member whereby the drive transmission element is then locked in its second position.

9. A lock according to Claim 8 wherein the straight cam follower region is aligned with the elonaate slot of the drive transmission element when the drive transmission element is in its second position.

10. A lock according to any one of claims 7 to 9 wherein the auxiliary unit casing comprises two co-operat;ng parts, the cam follower being provided by or in one of the parts or by an additional component within the casing.

II. A lock according to Claim I wherein the drive transmission element carries the locking element which is G hoolZ element which, in use, when the multipoint lock is installed in c door, window, or other wing, co-operates with c corresponding keeper of the door or wins frame to lock the wing in the frame when the locking element is in its locked position.

12. A lock according to Claim II wherein the drive transmission element pivots relative to c casing of the auxiliary unit between the first and second positions and hence the locking element pivots between its locked and unlocked pastions.

13. A lock according to any one of the preceding claims when installed in a sliding door, such as a patio door, or other wing.

14. A lock according to Claim 1 wherein the locking element is adapted to move linearly in a direction transverse to the direction of movement of the actuating member, from a retracted unlocked position within a casing of the auxttiatv unit. to an extended locked position in which the locking element extends outwadly of the casing.

!5. ; lock according to Claim 14 wherein the drive transmission element is pivoted relative to a casing of the auxiliary unit and is pivotally movable between the first and second positions.

1O. A lack according to Cloim 15 wherein the drive transmission element carries a cam which is guided by a cam follower.

17. A lock according to Claim 16 wherein the cam follower comprises a slot in a lathe movable within the casing and secured to or integral with the actuating member so as to provide an extension of the actuating member wherebv as the actuating member is initially moved to or intermediate pO 4ion. the drive transmission element is pivoted from the first to the second position and as the actuating member is further moved, the co operation between the cam ond cam follower presents the drive transmission element moving from its second position until the actuating member is moved back to the intermediate position.

18. A lack according to Claim 17 wherein the cam follower is provided by c formation such as G slot, in the lathe, which has a first straight region which extends in a direction transverse both to the direction of movement of the actuating member and the locking element, along which the cam moves as the drive transmiss;on element pivots to and from its first and second positions when the actuating member is initiolly moved and a further straight region which extends generally parallel to the direction of movement of the actuating member and lathe into which the cam is moved upon the further movement of the actuating member whereby the drive transmission element is then locked in its second position.

A A lock according to any one of Claims 15 to 18 wherein the locking element includes a drive member which co-operåtes with a formation such as c slot of the drive transmission element so that the locking element is moved between its locked and unlocked positions as the drive transmission element pivots between its first and second postions.

20. A lock according to any one of claims 14 to 1 wherein the casing of the auxiliary unit has guide means to guide the locking element during its movement.

21. A lock according to Claim 20 wherein the casing has one or more slots in which a spigot or spigots of the locking element are received to guide the locking element in its linear path of movement from the unlocked retracted position, to the locked extended position.

22. A lock according to any one of Claims 15 to 21 where appendant to Claim 15 wherein the casing has further guide means which co-operate with a pin o: the drive transmissior element to guide the drive transmission element in its pivoted movement.

23. A lock according to any one of Claims 1 to 22 where appendant to Claim 1 wherein the lathe has a further cam follower with which the drive member of the locking element co-operates. the further cam follower having o first strcight region which extends in c direction transverse both to the direction of movement of the actuating member and the locking element (preferably parallel to the first straight region of the other cam follower), along which the drive member moves as the locking element is driven by the drive transmission element between its unlocked and locked positions, ond a further straight region which extends generally parallel to the direction of movement of the actuating member into which the guide member is moved upon the further movement of the actuating member whereby the locking element is locked in its locked position.

24. A lock according to Claim 23 wherein the first straight region of the further cam follower is parallel to the first straight region of the other cam follower.

25. A lock according to Claim 14, Claim 15, or Claim 15, wherein the drive transmission element carries the locking element, the actuating member having c cam which co-oDerctes with a cam foliower of the drive transm.ssio element whereby movement of the actuating member is transmitted to the lacking element.

24. A lack according to Claim 25 wherein the cam foliohler or the drive transmission element is a slot.

27. A lock according to Claim 26 wherein the cam follower has a first region which extends generallv transverse to both the direction of movement of the actuating member and the locking element, along which the cam moves as the locking element is moved between its locked and unlocked positions, and a second straight region which extends generaliy parallel to the direction of movement of the actuating member into which the cam is moved upon the further movement of the actuating member whereby the drive transmission element is moved from G first position when the locking element is in its unlocked position, to a second position when the locking element is in its locked position, and the drive transmission element is locked in its second position and hence the locking element is locked in its locked position when the actuating member is further moved.

25. A lock according to anv one of the preceding claims wherein the lathe, where provided, inciudes meons to attach to the lathe, c further actuating member which is coupled to c further auxiliary unit of the multipoint lock, whereby operation of the operating member of the main unit operates both the first mentioned and any such further auxiliary unit.

2?. A lock substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in Figures I to 3 or Figures 4a and 4b or Figures 5a to 5d or Figures 6a to o'c of the accompanying drawings.

30. An auxiliary unit for a multipoint lock in accordance with any one of the preceding claims.

31. Any novel feature or novel combination of features herein defined and /or shown in the accompanying drawings.