TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates generally to a locking mechanism; and more
specifically,a door lock assembly for changing a lock state of a door. Furthermore,
the present disclosure also relates to a latching apparatus for use in a door lock
assembly.
BACKGROUND
Door handles and door locks have an increasing demand for the purpose of
security. Every day, new types of door handles are designed and delivered to
consumer to address different functional as well as aesthetical requirements of the
consumer. Normally, a handle is mounted on the door and the consumer uses the
handle to open or close the door. However, with an advent in the technology, the
door handles are designed in such a way that the consumer can lock or unlock a
latching mechanism by using the door handle.
Conventionally, a door handle mount for a door having a rotatable spindle for
operating a latch includes a lever handle cantilevered on the spindle and a trim
plate having a spring resiliently biasing the spindle to seek a home position is
used. The home position sought by the trim plate spring may be changed by
relocating a movable stop. The user selectively biases the home position of the
spindle to accommodate the cantilevered weight of the lever handle, to alter the
bias from one direction to the other, or to temporarily cancel the bias during
installation of the latch mechanism and trim.
In another door assembly known in the art, a door handle mounting assembly
capable of being mounted on a door includes a lock platform having an opening
formed therein and a handle mounted on the lock platform without the need of
mechanical fasteners, staking or welding is disclosed. More specifically, the handle
has a gripper portion which is grasped by a person's hand for turning the handle,
and a shaft portion which is attached at one of its ends to the gripper portion. The
shaft portion extends through the opening of the lock platform and has a
circumferential groove formed therein. A retaining collar having an annular wall is
positioned to engage the lock platform, the collar having an inwardly projecting
annular ring connected to the annular wall. The assembly also includes a driver
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cam having a housing with a hollow boss extending through the opening of the
lock platform along a longitudinal axis. The hollow boss has a circumferential
groove formed therein which receives the annular ring of the retaining collar for
axially retaining the driver cam with respect to the lock platform. The housing also
has an aperture formed therein in communication with the opening of the housing
and hollow boss for receiving a catch therethrough. The catch is received within
the groove of the shaft portion of the handle for axially retaining the driver cam
with respect to the handle.
In another known and existing solution, an adjustable handle assembly for a lock
includes a mounting plate fixed to a side of a door, a spindle, a shank, and a
handle is disclosed. The spindle is mounted in a central hole of the mounting plate
and has a portion extending beyond the central hole of the mounting plate. The
shank is securely engaged to the spindle to turn therewith. The shank includes an
engaging portion having a polygonal outer periphery. The handle has an engaging
hole configured complimentary to the polygonal outer periphery of the engaging
portion of the shank. The handle has a grip extending therefrom. The engaging
hole extends from a side of the handle to the other side of the handle. The
engaging hole of the handle is releasably engaged with the engaging portion of
the shank, with the grip being located in one of at least three positions with
respect to the shank.
As in the existing solutions, the design of the door handle has become complex.
As a result, cost of manufacturing the door handle substantially increases. In
view of the foregoing reasons, there exists a need for a door handle which can be
fitted with locking mechanism with a simple design.
Therefore, in light of the foregoing discussion, there exist various problems
associated with conventional door lock assemblies and the complexity associated
therewith.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure seeks to provide adoor lock assembly for changing a lock
state of a door. Furthermore, the present disclosure seeks to provide a latching
apparatus for use in a door lock assembly.
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According to a first aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides
adoor lock assembly for changing a lock state of a door, the door lock assembly
comprising:
-a plate-based portion arranged on an outer surface of the door, wherein the
plate-based portion comprises:
-a front portion; and
-a rear portion including a cavity to accommodate a latching apparatus,
wherein:
- the latching apparatus comprises a circular male member and a
circular female member,
- the circular male member comprises at least two teeth and the
circular female member comprises apertures configured to receive
each of the at least two teeth of the circular male member,
- when the circular male member is rotated relative to the circular
female member in a first direction, the circular male member is
locked with the circular female member, and
- when the circular male member is rotated relative to the circular
female member in a second direction opposite to the first direction,
the circular male member is unlocked from the circular female
member; and
- an actuating arm mounted on the plate-based portion, wherein the actuating
arm is pivoted to change a state of the door lock assembly from a first position to
a second position.
According to another aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a
latching apparatus for use in a door lock assembly, the latching apparatus
comprising a circular male member and a circular female member, wherein
- the circular male member comprises at least two teeth and the circular female
member comprises apertures configured to receive each of the at least two teeth
of the circular male member,
- when the circular male member is rotated relative to the circular female member
in a first direction, the circular male member is locked with the circular female
member, and
- when the circular male member is rotated relative to the circular female member
in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the circular male member is
unlocked from the circular female member.
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The present disclosure seeks to providethe door lock assembly for changing a lock
state of a door, wherein the door lock assembly comprises the plate-based portion
and the actuating arm. The disclosed door lock assembly is less complex in
nature, and therefore more robust and has a longer life of operation.
It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to
being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the
present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative
embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended
drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary
constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present
disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein.
Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale.
Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers.
Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example
only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein:
FIG. 1is a perspective view of a door lock assembly for changing a lock state of a
door, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 2 is an exemplary implementation of the latching apparatus around which the
door handles are fitted, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present disclosure; and
FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the door lock assembly (such as the door lock
assembly of FIG. 1) arranged on a door, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure
In the accompanying drawings, an underlined number is employed to represent an
item over which the underlined number is positioned or an item to which the
underlined number is adjacent. A non-underlined number relates to an item
identified by a line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a
number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non5
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underlined number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is
pointing.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
In overview, embodiments of the present disclosure are concerned witha door lock
assembly for changing a lock state of a door, with door lock assembly comprising
a plate-based potion having a latching apparatus, and an actuating arm for
changing a state of the door lock assembly. Further, the embodiments of the
present disclosure are concerned with a latching apparatus for use in a door lock
assembly, the latching apparatus comprising a circular male member and a
circular female member.
Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of a door lock
assembly100for changing a lock state of a door102, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the door 102 is provided with
two door handles 104A and 104B. It will be appreciated that the door handle
104A is provided on one side of the door 102, whereas the door handle 104B is
provided on another side (opposite to the previously mentioned side) of the door
102. For the sake of simplicity and clarity, the structure and function of the door
lock assembly 100 is explained with respect to one side of the door102 having
the door handle 104A and may be inferred as identical for another side of the
door 102 having the door handle 104B.
Further, the doorlock assembly 100 comprises two plate-based portion 106A and
106B arranged on each side of the outer surface of the door102. Further, the
door lock assembly 100 comprises twoactuating arms108A and 108B. Notably,
the actuating arm 108A is mounted on the plate-based portion106A and the
actuating arm 108B is mounted on the plate-based portion 106B. As shown, the
door handle 104A is designed in such a way that the door handle 104Aincludes
the plate-based portion 106and the actuating arm108.When in operation, the
actuating arm108 is pivoted to change a state of the door lock assembly100 from
a first position to a second position. The actuating arm 108A and the 108B are
arranged in the same plane but on the opposite sides of the door 102. It will be
appreciated that the two actuating arms 108A and 108B are provided so as to
facilitate the locking and unlocking of the latching apparatus from either side of
the door. As shown, the actuating arm 108A is arranged in a longitudinal axis
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perpendicular to the plane of arrangement of the latching apparatus (as shown
clearly in FIG. 2). When in operation, the actuating arm 108A is rotated in a
direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis by applying a force in direction
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Henceforth, the state of the door lock
assembly 100 is changed from the first position to the second position.Herein, the
first position may be a locked state and the second position may be an unlocked
state. However, the terms "first", and "second" as used throughout the present
disclosure, do not denote any order or importance, but rather are used to
distinguish one state from another. The terms "first" and "second" should not
limit the scope of the appended claims. It will be appreciated that the actuating
arm 108 is provided to the user to facilitate locking and unlocking of the door lock
and thereby opening and closing of the door 102.
Optionally,the actuating arm 108is in a first position when the door lock is in
latched state and in a second position when the door lock is in an unlatched state.
Notably, the actuating arm 108enables the user to change the latching state of
the door lock. In an example, the actuating arm 108is an ergonomic arm for
providing comfort to the user while changing the state of the door lock from a first
position to a second position. Further, the actuating arm 108 comprises a
supporting portion to facilitate the change in lock state of the door lock
assembly100 by an angular movement of the door handle104A. The supporting
portion is provided for the user based actuation so that the user can hold the
supporting portion to change the state of the door lock through an angular
movement of the door handle104A.
Optionally, the actuating arm108 comprises a first end and a second end. Herein,
the first end is a free end and the second end is coupled to the plate-based
portion106. Furthermore optionally, the supporting portion is a longitudinal bar
between the first end and the second end of the actuating arm108. In an
example, the supporting portion is in a form of a longitudinal bar between the first
end and the second end. In another example, the first end and the second end of
the supporting portion rest on the plate-based portion 106. In a yet another
example, the supporting portion has a third end resting on the plate-based potion
and the first end and the second end are free.
Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown an exemplary implementation of the door lock
assembly 200 (such as the door lock assembly of FIG. 1) having a latching
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apparatus 202around which the door handles (not shown) are fitted, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the platebased portion comprises a latching apparatus 202. Herein the latching
apparatus202 is shown exclusively to form a better understanding of the disclosed
invention, by removing the door handle (such as the door handle of FIG.1). It will
be appreciated that the door handle also serves as a cover for the latching
apparatus202. The door handleprevents the latching apparatus202 from water,
moisture, dust and the like. Optionally, the plate-based portionis a multi-edged
portion. The different shapes of the multi-edged plate-based portionincludes, but
are not limited to, triangular, rectangular, square, conical, circular, spherical or
any other physical shape in design. It will be appreciated that the latching
apparatus202 is not limited to a particular shape of the plate-based portion.
Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown an exploded view of the door lock assembly
100 of FIG. 1, arranged on the door 102, in accordance with an embodiment of
the present disclosure. As shown, the plate-based portion 106 comprises a front
portion 302 and a rear portion 304. The rear portion includes a cavity to
accommodate a latching apparatus. Notably, the front portion 302is towards the
user whereas the rear portion 304is towards the surface of the door upon which
the plate-based portion106 is arranged. The rear portion 304of the plate-based
portion 106includes a cavity to include a latching apparatusof the door lock
assembly 100.It will be appreciated that the cavity is a small recess the rear
portion 304of the plate-based portion106. The dimensions of the cavity are such
to properly accommodate the latching apparatus therein. Notably, the front
portion 302 and the rear portion 304 of the latching apparatus together comprise
a housing for the latching apparatus enclosed therein. The housing protects the
latching apparatus from the water, dust, moisture and other natural conditions
present in the environment.
According to an embodiment, the latching apparatus comprises a circular male
member306 and a circular female member308. The circular male member 306
engages the circular female member 308. Notably, the circular female member
308 is held in captive with the circular male member 306. Optionally, themale
member306and the female member 308may be square in shape, or hexagonal in
shape or any other stable shape that can be used for latching. It will be
appreciated that the shape and size of the circular male member 306 and the
circular female member 308 will depend on the shape and size of the cavity in the
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rear portion 304of the plate-based portion 106. However, hereinafter for the
sake of clarity, the male member306and the female member308are considered
circular. Further, the circular male member306comprises at least two teeth and
the circular female member308comprises apertures configured to receive each of
the at least two teeth of the circular male member306. Optionally, the circular
male member 306 may have a plurality of teeth protruding from the
circumference of the circular male member 306, and the circular female member
308 may have a plurality of apertures to receive each of the plurality of teeth of
the circular male member 306.Notably, when the circular male member306is
rotated relative to the circular female member308in a first direction, the circular
male member306is locked with the circular female member308. The rotation of
the circular male member306 with respect to the circular female member308 is
facilitated by the actuating arm 108A. It will be appreciated that when the
actuating arm108A is rotated in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the
planeof the arrangement of the latching apparatus, the circular male member306
gets engaged with the circular female member308, thereby locking the door
102.Furthermore, when the circular male member306is rotated relative to the
circular female member308in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the
circular male member306is unlocked from the circular female member308.
Notably, the rotation of the circular male member 306 with respect to the circular
female member 308 is facilitated by the actuating arm 108A. It will be
appreciated that when the actuating arm 108A is rotated in a direction
perpendicular to the direction of the plane of the arrangement of the latching
apparatus, the circular male member 306 gets disengaged with the circular
female member 308, thereby unlocking the door 102.Herein, the terms "first
direction" and "second direction" are only representative of two different directions
irrespective of the order. However, the two different directions are in opposite
sense with respect to each other. For example, the first direction may be in a
clockwise sense and the second direction may be in an anti-clockwise sense.
Optionally, the latching apparatus further comprises a spring310coupled to the
circular female member308. The spring is arranged with the circular female
member308so as to create compression in the latching apparatus, thereby
enhancing the locking and unlocking of the door lock assembly100. Furthermore,
the spring 310 is provided to create a traction so as to facilitate the engagement
of circular male member 306 and the circular female member 308.Further, a cam312is coupled to the spring310. The cam312 is a type of fastener that
efficiently couples the spring310 to the circular female member308. It will be
appreciated that the spring 310 and the cam 312 ensure that the force applied on
the actuating arm 108A or 108B in order to change the state of the latching
apparatus is minimal. Further, the spring 310 and the cam 312 ensure that the
force applied on the actuating arm 108A or 108B is completely transferred to
engage or disengage the circular male member 306 from the circular female
member 308.Further,a washer314is coupled to the cam312. The washer314 is
employed to keep the cam312 in place, such that the cam312 is not displaced
from its position. Further, a circlip316is coupled to the washer 314. The
circlip316 is usually a retaining ringinstalled to retain the washer314, and the
cam312in its position. Further,a grub screw mounted with the circular male
member306is locked with the circular female member308. As shown, the circular
male member 306, the circular female member308, the spring310, the cam312,
the washer314, the circlip 316 and the grub screw are a part of the latching
apparatus which is being operated by the user by actuating arm 108A or 108B.
Optionally, the cavity includes one or more supporting elements to firmly retain
the latching apparatus of the door lock assembly100. In an example, the rear
portion 304 of the plate-based portion 106includes protruding surfaces and
grooves so that the latching apparatus of the door lock assembly 100remains
fitted within the cavity even during operation by a user thereof. In an example,
the protruding surfaces or grooves may be present along the circumference of the
rear portion 304 of the plate-based portion 106.
The door lock assembly for changing a lock state of a door, comprises the platebased portion and the actuating arm. The plate-based portion comprises the
latching apparatus that in operation locks and unlocks the door. The door lock
assembly is used is structurally simple. Henceforth, the assembly of the latching
apparatus is not complex. Even in case of failures, the door lock assembly is
time-efficient to reassemble and replace a part, if need. Furthermore, the
operation of the door lock assembly is simple and user-friendly.
Modifications to embodiments of the invention described in the foregoing are
possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the
accompanying claims. Expressions such as “including”, “comprising”,
“incorporating”, “consisting of”, “have”, “is” used to describe and claim the present invention are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely
allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be
present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural.
Numerals included within parentheses in the accompanying claims are intended to
assist understanding of the claims and should not be construed in any way to limit
subject matter claimed by these claims.

WE CLAIM
1. A door lock assembly for changing a lock state of a door, the door lock
assembly comprising:
-a plate-based portion arranged on an outer surface of the door, wherein the
plate-based portion comprises:
-a front portion; and
-a rear portion including a cavity to accommodate a latching apparatus,
wherein:
- the latching apparatus comprises a circular male member and a
circular female member,
- the circular male member comprises at least two teeth and the
circular female member comprises apertures configured to receive
each of the at least two teeth of the circular male member,
- when the circular male member is rotated relative to the circular
female member in a first direction, the circular male member is
locked with the circular female member, and
- when the circular male member is rotated relative to the circular
female member in a second direction opposite to the first direction,
the circular male member is unlocked from the circular female
member; and
- an actuating arm mounted on the plate-based portion, wherein the actuating
arm is pivoted to change a state of the door lock assembly from a first position to
a second position.
2. A door lock assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the latching apparatus
further comprises a spring coupled to the circular female member, a cam coupled
to the spring, a washer coupled to the cam, a circlip coupled to the cam, and a
grub screw mounted with the circular male member locked with the circular
female member.
3. A door lock assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuating arm
comprises a supporting portion to facilitate the change in lock state of the door
lock assembly by an angular movement of the door handle.
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4. A door lock assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuating arm
comprises a first end and a second end, and wherein the first end is a free end
and the second end coupled to the plate-based portion.
5. A door lock assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein the supporting portion is a
longitudinal bar between the first end and the second end of the actuating arm.
6. A door lock assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cavity comprises one
or more supporting elements to firmly retain the latching apparatus of the door
lock assembly.
7. A door lock assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rear portion further
comprises protruding surfaces and grooves to firmly accommodate the latching
apparatus within the cavity.
8. A door lock assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plate-based portion is
a multi-edged portion having any one of a: triangular shape, rectangular shape,
square shape, conical shape, circular shape, and spherical shape.
9. A latching apparatus for use in a door lock assembly, the latching apparatus
comprising a circular male member and a circular female member, wherein
- the circular male member comprises at least two teeth and the circular female
member comprises apertures configured to receive each of the at least two teeth
of the circular male member,
- when the circular male member is rotated relative to the circular female member
in a first direction, the circular male member is locked with the circular female
member, and
- when the circular male member is rotated relative to the circular female member
in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the circular male member is
unlocked from the circular female member.