TW201600694A - A lock assembly and a method of operating same - Google Patents

Abstract

A lock assembly (20) including a first lock cylinder and one or more lock status indicators. The first lock cylinder has a first barrel (28) pivotable by a correctly coded key from a neutral key removal position to at least a first actuated position. The one or more lock status indicators (40a, 40b, 40c) is / are adapted to visually display a neutral status, whilst the first barrel (28) is in the neutral position, and a first actuated status, whilst the first barrel (28) is pivoted to the first actuated position. The neutral status and the first actuated status are each visually distinct from one another.

Description

Lock assembly and method of operation

The present invention relates to a lock assembly and method of operation thereof.

The present invention is primarily developed as a door lock for residential applications. However, the invention is not limited to this particular use, but is also applicable to other lock applications, such as storefronts and hotels, and has a lock cylinder that controls changes in the state or position of other devices, such as a key switch.

It is conventional to provide a door lock that visually indicates the state of the lock. For example, the lock of the indoor Lockwood's 001 (trademark) contains a window through which the indicator can be seen. When the lock is locked, the window is visible with a red indicator. When the lock is not blocked, the window shows a green indicator. The indicator is provided to the occupant of the house/room for an indication of the locked state.

A disadvantage of this type of indicator is that it is not suitable for external use, as it provides an indication of the locked/unlocked state to anyone outside the lock. Since it provides an indication that the house/room is unsafe to all passers-by, it is particularly problematic if the lock is unlocked inadvertently or intentionally. This type of indication may also pose a problem when used inside a house/room, especially where there may be an internal visual approach to the lock, for example, via a window.

It is an object of the present invention to substantially overcome or at least ameliorate the above disadvantages.

Thus, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a lock assembly comprising: a first lock cylinder having a first lock cylinder pivotable to at least a first actuated position by a correct coded key removal from a key a first lock tube; and one or more lock state indicators adapted to visually display a neutral state when the first lock tube is in the neutral position, and visually when the first lock tube is pivoted to the first actuated position A first actuation state is displayed, wherein the neutral state and the first actuation state are visually distinct from one another.

The first lock tube is also preferably pivotable to the second actuated position by a properly coded key, and one or more lock status indicators are adapted for use when the first lock tube is pivoted to the second actuated position The second actuation state is visually displayed, wherein the neutral state, the first actuation state, and the second actuation state are visually distinct from one another.

The first lock tube is also preferably pivotable to a third or more actuated position by a properly coded key and one or more when the first lock tube is pivoted to a third or more actuated position The lock status indicator is adapted to visually display a third or more actuation states, respectively, wherein the neutral state, the first actuation state, the second actuation state, and the third or more actuation states are visually distinct from one another.

The first coincident position and the first actuated state preferably each correspond to either the locked state or the unlocked state. More preferably, both the first actuated position and the first actuated state correspond to a locked state, and both the second actuated position and the second actuated state correspond to an unlocked state.

In a first embodiment, one or more of the lock status indicators comprise a window, and the lock status is indicated by seeing the first color element in the window, and the non-lock status is by seeing the second color element in the window The indication, as well as the neutral state, is indicated by not seeing the component in the window.

In a second embodiment, the one or more lock status indicators comprise windows, and the lock status is indicated by seeing the first color element in the window, the non-lock status being by the second color element in the window The indication, as well as the neutral state, is indicated by seeing the third color element in the window.

In a third embodiment, the one or more lock status indicators comprise a first window and a second window, and the locked state is obtained by not seeing the first color element in the first window and not seeing the element in the second window. Instructing that the unlocked state is indicated by not seeing the component in the first window by seeing the second color component in the second window, and the neutral state is indicated by not seeing the component in the first window and the second window .

In a fourth embodiment, the one or more lock status indicators include a first window and a second window, and the locked state is the third color seen in the second window by seeing the first color element in the first window The component indicates that the unlocked state is indicated by seeing the second color component in the second window and the third color component in the first window, and the neutral state is viewed in the first window and the second window Indicate to the third color element.

In a fifth embodiment, the one or more locking state indicators include a first opening and a second opening, and the locked state is indicated by protruding the first color element from the first opening and no element protruding from the second opening, The unlocked state is indicated by the second color element protruding from the second window and no element protruding from the first opening, and the neutral state is indicated by no element protruding from the first opening and the second opening.

The first color element is preferably red and the second color element is preferably green. The third color element is preferably substantially the same color as the lock assembly or of a neutral color, such as black, white or silver.

The lock cylinder of the first lock cylinder is preferably pivotable from a neutral position to a first actuated (locked) position and counterclockwise from a neutral position to a second actuated (unlocked) position.

In one form, the first color element, the second color element, and the third color element are coupled to the lock tube for pivotal motion therewith. Preferably, adjacent to the window, all of the first color element, the second color element, and the third color element form a portion that is coupled to the lock tube to pivot with one or more of the indicator members.

In another form, the first color element and the second color element are respectively associated with the first indicator member and the second indicator member, and the lock assembly includes a cam associated with the key lock tube, wherein the lock tube is locked In position, the cam drives the first color element to protrude from the first opening and, when the lock tube is in the unlocked position, drives the second color element to protrude from the second opening.

In another form, the first color element and the second color element are coupled to the lock tube for pivotal motion therewith. Preferably, adjacent to the window, the first color element and the second color element each form a portion of one or more indicator members that are coupled to the lock tube for pivoting therewith.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a method of operating a lock assembly that includes the steps of visually displaying a neutral state when the lock cylinder of the lock cylinder is in a neutral position of the key lock; The first actuated state is visually displayed when the correctly coded key is pivoted to at least the first actuated position; wherein the neutral state and the first actuated state are visually distinct from one another.

Preferably, the method further comprises visually displaying a second actuation state when the lock cylinder of the lock cylinder is pivoted to the second actuation position by correctly encoding the key, wherein the neutral state and the first actuation state and the The two actuation states are visually different from each other.

Preferably, the method further comprises visually displaying one of the third or more actuation states when the lock cylinder of the lock cylinder is pivoted to one of the third or more actuation positions by a correctly coded key, respectively. First, wherein the neutral state and the first actuation state and the second actuation state and the third or more actuation states are visually different from each other.

Preferably, the first coincident position and the first actuated state correspond to either the locked state or the unlocked state. More preferably, the first actuating position and the first actuating state both correspond to a locked state, and the second actuated position and the second actuated state both correspond to an unlocked state.

In a first embodiment, the method includes visually displaying a locked state by making the first color element visible in a window of the lock assembly, visually displaying the unlocked state by making the second colored element visible in the window, and by Make no components visible in the window and visually show a neutral state.

In a second embodiment, the method includes visually displaying the locked state by making the first color element visible in a window of the lock assembly, visually displaying the unlocked state by making the second colored element visible in the window, and borrowing The neutral state is visually displayed by making the third color element visible in the window.

In a third embodiment, the method includes visually displaying a locked state by making the first color element visible in the first window of the lock assembly and making no component visible in the second window of the lock assembly, by making the second color The component is visible in the second window and causes no components to be visible in the first window to visually display the unlocked state, and visually displays the neutral state by having no components visible in the first window and the second window.

In a fourth embodiment, the method includes visually indicating a locked state by making the first color element visible in a first window of the lock assembly and visualizing the third color element in a second window of the lock assembly The second color element is visible in the second window and causes the third color element to be visible in the first window to visually indicate an unlocked state, and to visually indicate a neutral state by making the third color element visible in the first window and the second window.

In a fifth embodiment, the method includes visually displaying the locked state by causing the first color element to protrude from the first opening of the lock assembly and projecting the element without the second opening of the lock assembly, by making the second color The element protrudes from the second opening and causes no element to protrude from the first window to visually display the unlocked state, and visually displays the neutral state by causing no element to protrude from the first opening and the second opening.

The first color element is preferably red and the second color element is preferably green. The third color element is preferably substantially the same color as the lock assembly, or a neutral color such as black, white or silver.

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a lock assembly 20 mounted on a door 22. The lock assembly 20 includes an escutcheon 24 that mounts a shaft lock tube 28. The lock tube 28 has a keyway 30 therein. The escutcheon cover 24 includes an opening therein in the form of a window 32. The color of the escutcheon 24 is shown in gray or silver (but may be other colors).

As best seen in Figures 3 and 4, the lock assembly 20 includes a bolt post assembly that includes a housing 34 in which the spool lock tube 28 is pivotally mounted. The base end of the lock tube 28 includes a pair of inserts 36 that engage corresponding recesses 38 formed in the indicator wheel 40. The indicator wheel 40 has a first segment 40a of a color that is silver or gray to correspond to the color of the escutcheon 24 (but may be other neutral colors), a second segment 40b that is green in color, and a third segment 40c that is red in color.

The end of the lock tube 28 includes a slot 42 that engages the drive shaft 44. The drive shaft 44 is located within the slot 42 by the retaining ring 46. Drive shaft 44 is used to pivotally drive other lock components, such as cams in a master lock mechanism, as is known to those skilled in the art.

Figures 3 and 4 also show the cleaning lens 48 received within the window 32 to prevent dirt and/or moisture from entering the lock assembly 20. FIGS. 3 and 4 also show three screws 50 for securing the outer casing 34 to the escutcheon cover 24 by engagement of the screws 50 with the three bosses 52.

The operation of the lock assembly will now be described with reference to Figures 5 through 7.

Figure 5 shows the lock assembly 20 when the lock tube 28 is in the neutral position, wherein the key can be inserted into the lock tube 28 and removed from the lock tube 28. When the lock tube 28 is in this position, the first segment 40a indicating that the wheel 40 is gray/silver is visible via the window 32 to visually indicate that the lock tube 28 is in the neutral or key removal position.

Figure 6 shows the lock assembly 20 when the lock tube 28 is pivoted to the (first actuated) unlocked position. In this position, the green second segment 40b of the indicator wheel 40 is visible via the window 32 to visually indicate the operator of the lock assembly that the lock assembly 20 is unlocked or unlocked. More importantly, once the unlocking operation is completed, the lock tube 28, as shown in Figure 5, must be pivoted back to the neutral/key removal position for removal of the key. Thus, even if the lock assembly 20 has been unlocked, this visual indication will not remain visible after the operation is completed.

Figure 7 shows the lock assembly 20 when the lock tube 28 is pivoted to the (second actuated) locked position. In this position, the red third segment 40c of the indicator wheel 40 is visible via the window 32 to visually indicate that the user is performing a locking operation. More importantly, once the locking operation is completed, the lock tube 28, as shown in Figure 5, must be pivoted back to the neutral/key removal position for removal of the key. Therefore, once the operation is completed, the visual indication of the lock is not maintained.

Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of a lock assembly 60 mounted in a door 62. The lock assembly 60 includes a escutcheon cover 64 into which a spool lock tube 66 having a keyway 68 is accessible. The escutcheon cover 64 also includes a first opening 70 and a second opening 72.

Preferably, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, the lock assembly 60 also includes a latch post assembly housing 74 having a first opening 76 and a second opening 78, respectively. The first spring 80 and the second spring 82 are located at the first opening 76 and the second opening 78 respectively with the first indicator shaft post 84 and the second indicator shaft post 86. The cover plate 88 is secured to the end of the lock tube 66 by screws 90. The color plate secures the drive shaft 92 relative to the lock tube 66. The cover plate 88 also includes a cam segment 94. The first indicator shaft post 84 and the second indicator shaft post 86 have base ends of red and green colors, respectively. In other forms (not shown), the base end of the shaft post is colored with the color (or other neutral color) of the escutcheon cover 64, with the side surfaces of the shaft posts 84 and 86 being red and green, respectively.

The operation of the lock assembly 60 will now be described with reference to Figs. 10 through 15.

Figures 10 and 13 show the lock assembly 60 when the lock tube 68 is in the neutral or key removal position. In this position, the cam segment 94 does not affect any position of the shaft post 84 or 86, and the shafts 84 and 86 are driven inwardly away from the escutcheon 64 by the respective springs 80 and 82 of the shaft posts 84 and 86. The surface is such that it does not protrude through the openings 70 and 72.

Figures 11 and 14 show the lock assembly 60 when the lock tube 68 is pivoted to the unlocked position. This causes a corresponding rotation of the cover plate 88 and causes the cam segment 94 to drive the green shaft post 86 forward with its base end protruding through the first aperture 70 from the escutcheon 64. The protruding green shaft post 86 provides a visual indication that the lock assembly 60 is unlocked or unlocked. More importantly, as shown in Figures 10 and 13, when the lock tube 68 is pivoted back to the neutral/key removal position, the shaft post 86 is retracted to the position shown in Figure 13.

Figures 12 and 15 show the lock assembly 60 when the lock tube 68 is pivoted to the locked position. In this position, the corresponding rotation of the cover plate 88 will cause the cam segment 94 to drive the red shaft post 84 forward with its base end passing through the second aperture 72 to protrude from the escutcheon. This provides a visual indication of the lock. Then, when the lock tube 68 returns to the neutral/key removal position, the shaft post 84 is retracted.

16 through 22 show a third embodiment of the lock assembly 100 mounted in the door 102. The lock assembly 100 includes a escutcheon cover 104 that is mounted with a spool lock tube 106. The lock tube 106 has a keyway 108 therein. The escutcheon cover 104 includes two openings therein in the form of slots 110 and 112 on its left and right hand sides, respectively.

As best shown in Figures 18 and 19, the lock assembly 100 includes a bolt post assembly that includes a housing 114 in which the spool lock tube 106 is pivotally mounted. The base end of the lock tube 106 includes a pair of inserts 116 that engage corresponding recesses 118 formed in the indicator section 120. The indicator segment 120 has a first segment 120a of green color and a second segment 120b of red color.

The end of the lock tube 106 includes a slot 122 that engages the drive shaft 124. The drive shaft 124 is located in the slot 122 by the retaining ring 126. Drive shaft 124 is used to pivotally drive other lock components, such as cams in a master lock mechanism, as is known to those skilled in the art. Figures 18 and 19 also show three screws 128 which are used to secure the outer casing 114 to the escutcheon 104 by screwing the three projections 130.

The operation of the lock assembly will now be described with reference to Figs. 20 to 22.

Figure 20 shows the lock assembly 100 when the lock tube 106 is in the neutral position, wherein the key can be inserted into the lock tube 106 and removed from the lock tube 106. When the lock tube 106 is in this position, the indicator section 120 does not protrude through either of the slots 110 or 112 to visually indicate that the lock tube 106 is in the neutral or key removal position.

Figure 21 (and also Figure 17) shows the lock assembly 100 when the lock tube 104 is pivoted to the (first actuated) unlocked position. In this position, the green first segment 120a protrudes from the slot 110 to visually indicate the operator of the lock assembly that the lock assembly 100 is unlocked or unlocked. More importantly, once the unlocking operation is completed, the lock tube 106 must be pivoted back to the neutral/key removal position for removal of the key as shown in FIG.

Figure 22 shows the lock assembly 100 when the lock tube 106 is pivoted to the (second actuated) locked position. In this position, the red second segment 120b of the indicator segment 120 protrudes from the slot 112 to visually indicate that the operator is performing a locking operation or has performed a locking operation. More importantly, once the locking operation is completed, the lock tube 106 must be turned back to the neutral/key removal position for removal of the key as shown in FIG.

The lock assembly described above advantageously provides an indication of the locking or non-locking caused by the rotation of the key to the user to provide a clear, visual indication whether or not it is properly operated under the lock assembly operating key. More importantly, once the operation is completed, the locked/unlocked visual indication is removed to avoid providing an indication of the status of the lock to any passerby, thus allowing the lock assembly to be utilized both internally and externally. It is particularly important to use the external setting if the user accidentally or intentionally unlocks the door. A clear lock/unlock indication during key operation also helps to avoid (potentially dangerous) inadvertently locking the occupant in the room or building.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments thereof, it is understood that the invention may be embodied in many other forms. For example, in a third embodiment (not shown), the lock assembly includes two windows having a neutral position indicating gray/neutral color in two windows, one window being green and the other window being gray/neutral The indication is a key unlocked position and is indicated as a locked position by the first window being gray/neutral and the second window being red.

20, 60, 100‧‧‧ lock components
22, 62, 102‧‧‧
24, 64, 104‧‧ ‧ buttonhole cover
28‧‧‧First lock tube
30, 68, 108‧‧‧ keyway
32‧‧‧ window
34, 74, 114‧‧‧ shell
36, 116‧‧‧ Insert
38, 118‧‧‧ Groove
40‧‧‧ indicating wheel
42, 110, 112, 122‧‧‧ slots
44, 92, 124‧‧‧ drive shaft
46, 126‧‧ ‧ retaining ring
48‧‧‧ cleaning lens
50, 90, 128‧‧‧ screws
52, 130‧‧ ‧ raised parts
66, 106‧‧‧ shaft column lock tube
70, 76‧‧‧ first opening
72, 78‧‧‧ second opening
80‧‧‧First spring
82‧‧‧Second spring
84‧‧‧First indicator shaft column
86‧‧‧Second indicator shaft column
88‧‧‧ cover
94‧‧‧Cam section
120‧‧‧Indicative paragraph
40a, 120a‧‧‧ first paragraph
40b, 120b‧‧‧ second paragraph
40c‧‧‧ third paragraph

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a lock assembly mounted on a door;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a lock assembly mounted on a door;

Figure 3 and Figure 4 are respectively exploded perspective views of the front and rear of the lock assembly shown in Figure 1;

5, 6, and 7 are partial rear views of the lock assembly of Fig. 1 during a key neutral position, an unlocked position, and a locked position, respectively;

Figure 8 and Figure 9 are respectively exploded perspective views of the front and rear of the lock assembly shown in Figure 2;

10, 11 and 12 are plan views of the lock assembly shown in Fig. 2 during a key neutral position, an unlocked position and a locked position, respectively;

Figure 13, Figure 14, and Figure 15 are perspective views of the lock assembly of Figure 2, respectively, during a key neutral position, an unlocked position, and a locked position;

Figure 16 and Figure 17 are perspective views of a third embodiment of the lock assembly mounted on the door indicating a neutral state and an unlocked state, respectively;

Figure 18 and Figure 19 are exploded perspective views of the front and rear of the lock assembly shown in Figure 16;

20, 21, and 22 are rear views of the lock assembly of Fig. 16, respectively, during a key neutral position, an unlocked position, and a locked position.

24‧‧‧Lockhole cover

28‧‧‧First lock tube

30‧‧‧ keyway

34‧‧‧Shell

36‧‧‧ Insert

38‧‧‧ Groove

40‧‧‧ indicating wheel

40a, 40b, 40c‧‧‧Lock status indicators

44‧‧‧ drive shaft

46‧‧ ‧ retaining ring

48‧‧‧ cleaning lens

50‧‧‧ screws

Claims (34)

A lock assembly comprising: a first lock cylinder having a first lock tube pivotable to a position of at least one first actuating position by a correct key to remove a neutral position from a key; and one or more a locking state indicator adapted to visually display a neutral state when the first locking tube is in the neutral position, and visually display a first result when the first locking tube is pivoted to the first actuating position a moving state, wherein the neutral state and the first actuated state are visually different from each other. The lock assembly of claim 1, wherein the first lock tube is also pivoted to a second actuated position by the correct coded key, and when the first lock tube is pivoted to the second The one or more lock state indicators are adapted to visually display a second actuated state, wherein the neutral state, the first actuated state, and the second actuated state are visually distinct from one another. The lock assembly of claim 2, wherein the first lock tube is also pivoted to a third or more actuated position by the correct coded key, and when the first lock tube is pivoted to the The third or more actuation state indicators are adapted to visually display one of a third or more actuation states, wherein the neutral state, the first actuation state The second actuated state and the third or more actuated states are visually different from each other. The lock assembly of claim 1, wherein the first actuation position and the first actuation state each correspond to either a locked state or an unlocked state. The lock assembly of claim 2, wherein the first actuating position and the first actuating state both correspond to a locked state, and the second actuating position and the second actuating state respectively correspond to In an unlocked state. The lock assembly of any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the one or more lock state indicators comprise a window, and the lock state is by causing a first color element to be The window is visible to indicate that the unlocked state is indicated by making a second color element visible in the window, and the neutral state is indicated by making no elements visible in the window. The lock assembly of any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the one or more lock state indicators comprise a window, and the lock state is by causing a first color element to be The window is visible to indicate that the unlocked state is indicated by making a second color element visible in the window, and the neutral state is indicated by making a third color element visible in the window. The lock assembly of any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the one or more lock state indicators comprise a first window and a second window, and the lock state is Having a first color element visible in the first window and having no element visible in the second window, the non-locking state being made visible in the second window by the second color element and having no element in the A window is visible to indicate, and the neutral state is indicated by making no elements visible in the first window and the second window. The lock assembly of any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the one or more lock state indicators comprise a first window and a second window, and the lock state is Instructing a first color element to be visible in the first window and visualizing a third color element in the second window, the inactive state being made visible in the second window by the second color element The three color elements are visible in the first window, and the neutral state is indicated by making the third color element visible in the first window and the second window. The lock assembly of any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the one or more lock state indicators comprise a first opening and a second opening, and the locked state is Projecting a first color element from the first opening and no element protruding from the second opening, the non-locking state is by protruding a second color element from the second opening and no element protrudes from the first opening The indication, and the neutral state, is indicated by no element protruding from the first opening and the second opening. The lock assembly of any one of clauses 6 to 10, wherein the first color element is red. The lock assembly of any one of clauses 6 to 11, wherein the second color element is green. The lock assembly of any one of clauses 7, 9, 11 or 12, wherein the third color element is substantially the same color as the lock assembly. The lock assembly of any one of clauses 7, 9, 11 or 12, wherein the third color element is a neutral color, such as black, white or silver. The lock assembly of any one of clauses 2 to 14, wherein the first lock tube of the first lock cylinder is pivoted clockwise from the neutral position to the first actuated position And the counterclock is pivoted from the neutral position to the second actuated position. The lock assembly of any one of clauses 7, 9 or 11 to 15, wherein the first color element, the second color element, and the third color element are coupled to the first lock The tube pivots with it. The lock assembly of any one of clauses 7, 9 or 11 to 15, wherein all of the first color element, the second color element, and the third color element are formed adjacent to the window A portion of one or more indicator members that are coupled to the first lock tube for pivoting therewith. The lock assembly of any one of clauses 6 to 15, wherein the first color element and the second color element are respectively associated with a first indicator member and a second indicator member group And the lock assembly includes a cam associated with the first lock tube of the key, wherein the cam drives the first color element to protrude from the first opening when the first lock tube is in the locked position And when the first lock tube is in the unlocked position, the second color element is driven to protrude from the second opening. The lock assembly of any one of clauses 6 to 15, wherein the first color element and the second color element are coupled to the first lock tube to pivotally move therewith. The lock assembly of any one of clauses 6 to 15, wherein the first color element and the second color element are coupled to the lock tube to be adjacent thereto A portion of one or more indicator members that pivot. A method of operating a lock assembly, comprising the steps of: visually displaying a neutral state when a lock tube of a lock cylinder is in a neutral position of a key removal; when the lock tube of the lock cylinder is properly encoded The first visually displayed state is visually displayed when the key is pivoted to the at least one first actuated position; wherein the neutral state and the first actuated state are visually distinct from one another. The method of operating a lock assembly of claim 21, wherein the method further comprises: visually displaying when the lock tube of the lock cylinder is pivoted to a second actuated position by the correct coded key a second actuated state, wherein the neutral state and the first actuated state and the second actuated state are visually different from one another. The method of operating a lock assembly of claim 22, wherein the method further comprises: pivoting the lock tube of the lock cylinder to a third or more actuated position by the correct coded key Visually displaying one of a third or more actuation states, wherein the neutral state and the first actuation state and the second actuation state and the third or more actuation states visually interact with each other different. The method of operating a lock assembly according to any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein the first actuating position and the first actuating state both correspond to a locked state or an unlocked state. Any one. The method of operating a lock assembly according to any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the first actuating position and the first actuating state both correspond to a locked state, and the second Both the actuated position and the second actuated state correspond to an unlocked state. The method of operating a lock assembly of any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein the method comprises: visually displaying by visualizing a first color element in a window of the lock assembly The locked state visually displays the unlocked state by making a second color element visible in the window, and visually displays the neutral state by having no elements visible in the window. The method of operating a lock assembly of any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein the method comprises: visually displaying the first color element by visualizing a window of the lock assembly The locked state visually displays the unlocked state by making a second color element visible in the window, and visually displays the neutral state by making a third color element visible in the window. The method of operating a lock assembly of any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein the method comprises: by causing a first color element to be visible in a first window of the lock assembly and No component is visible in a second window of the lock assembly to visually indicate the locked state, the visual indication of the unlocked state by visually indicating that a second color element is visible in the second window and that no component is visible in the first window, And visually indicating the neutral state by having no components visible in the first window and the second window. The method of operating a lock assembly of any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein the method comprises: by causing a first color element to be visible in a first window of the lock assembly and A third color element is visible in a second window of the lock assembly to visually indicate the locked state by making a second color element visible in the second window and making the third color element visible in the first window The non-locked state is visually indicated, and the neutral state is visually indicated by making the third color element visible in the first window and the second window. The method of operating a lock assembly of any one of clauses 22 to 25, wherein the method comprises: projecting a first color element from a first opening of the lock assembly and causing No element protrudes from a second opening of the lock assembly to visually indicate the locked state, by causing a second color element to protrude from the second opening and causing no element to protrude from the first window to visually indicate the unlocked state, And visually indicating the neutral state by causing no elements to protrude from the first opening and the second opening. The method of operating a lock assembly of any one of clauses 26 to 30, wherein the first color element is red. The method of operating a lock assembly of any one of clauses 26 to 30, wherein the second color element is green. The method of operating a lock assembly of any one of clauses 27 or 29, wherein the third color element is substantially the same color as the lock assembly. The method of operating a lock assembly of any one of clauses 27 or 29, wherein the third color element is a neutral color, such as black, white or silver.