Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of locking systems. In particular, it pertains to a lock assembly.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] A locking system plays a vital role in modern safety arrangements. From a suitcase to an airplane cockpit door, there is an evident and significant presence of one or another lock assembly to safeguard an article or premises. With time, the application of a lock assembly demands an evolution in its mode of operation so as to achieve better functionality at a lesser manufacturing and operational cost.
[0004] There have been many innovations for the fulfillment of the above-mentioned requirements. However, the constraints related to the cost and mode of operation of the lock assembly could not be satisfactorily curtailed.
[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a lightweight, robust lock assembly that comprises a better mode of operation, and can be manufactured and assembled at a relatively lower cost.

OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0006] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as listed herein below.
[0007] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a lock assembly that comprises a simpler mode of operation.
[0008] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a lock assembly that is lightweight without affecting robustness.
[0009] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a lock assembly that comprises
a lesser number of parts for its operation.

[0010] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a lock assembly that can be manufactured and assembled at a relatively lower cost.

SUMMARY
[0011] The present disclosure relates to the field of locking systems. In particular, it pertains to a lock assembly.
[0012] The present disclosure pertains to a lock assembly that comprises a follower configured with a hub for engagement with a handle of the lock assembly such that the handle rotates the follower corresponding to a latched position and an unlatched position of the lock assembly. Further, the follower includes an arm that extends in general radially from the hub, where the arm is configured to engage with a latch pin and a spring such that the spring retracts the arm back to the latched position.
[0013] In an aspect, the hub includes a pair of mountings joined through one or more pin and hole arrangements with a first end of the follower placed therebetween to affix and locate the follower to the hub.
[0014] In an aspect, the latch pin includes a latch bolt and a latch bracket mounted at first end, and second end of the latch pin respectively, such that the arm of the follower propels the latch bracket to slide the latch pin.
[0015] In an aspect, the arm of the follower may be a plate including a concave curl at a middle portion of the arm, and a protrusion at a second end of the arm such that the concave curl propels a latch bracket mounted on the latch pin and the protrusion compresses the spring.
[0016] In an aspect, a guiding plate may be operatively coupled with the hub, wherein the guiding plate is configured to slide the latch pin independent of the handle.
[0017] In an aspect, the handle may be rigidly coupled with a shaft of a square cross-section that engages with the hub and the follower through corresponding holes in the hub and the follower for driving the lock assembly.
[0018] In an aspect, an arrangement may include one or more mountings is configured to guide the latch pin.
[0019] In an aspect, the lock assembly includes a frame and a cover that may be crimped and joined to each other at one or more points.
[0020] In an aspect, the hub is made of any or a combination of a lightweight polymer and composite material.
[0021] In an aspect, the assembly includes a helical spring made of nickel-chromium steel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0022] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. The diagrams are for illustration only, which thus is not a limitation of the present disclosure.
[0023] In the figures, similar components and/or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label with a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is operated in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.
[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary representation of an isometric view of the latch follower mechanism in the lock assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary representation of an isometric view of the lock assemblyin accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary representation of an isometric view of back side of the lock assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0028] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details.
[0029] The present disclosure relates to the field of locking systems. In particular, it pertains to a lock assembly.
[0030] The present disclosure pertains to a lock assembly comprising a follower configured with a hub for engagement with a handle of the lock assembly such that the handle rotates the follower corresponding to a latched position and an unlatched position of the lock assembly. Typically, lock assemblies of instant type include a follower with multiple arms such that different arms of the follower engage with a latch pin of the lock assembly and a spring that biases the follower to a corresponding unlatched position. In an aspect of the present invention, the follower includes a single arm that extends in general radially from the hub, and engages with both a latch pin and a spring such that the spring retracts the arm back to the latched position.
[0031] In an embodiment, the hub includes a pair of mountings joined through one or more pin and hole arrangements with a first end of the follower placed therebetween to affix and locate the follower.
[0032] In an embodiment, the latch pin includes a latch bolt and a latch bracket mounted at first end, and second end respectively, such that the arm of the follower propels the latch bracket to slide the latch pin.
[0033] In an embodiment, the arm of the follower is a plate including a concave curl at middle and a protrusion at second end of its length, such that the concave curl propels a latch bracket mounted on the latch pin and the protrusion compresses the spring.
[0034] In an embodiment, a guiding plate is operatively coupled with the hub, wherein the guiding plate is configured to slide the latch pin independent of the handle.
[0035] In an embodiment, the handle comprises a shaft of a square cross-section that engages with the hub and the follower through corresponding holes in the hub and the the follower to drive the assembly.
[0036] In an embodiment, an arrangement including one or more mountings is configured to guide the latch pin.
[0037] In an embodiment, the lock assembly includes a frame and a cover that are crimped and joined at one or more points.
[0038] In an embodiment, the hub, as it does not carry any load, is made of any or a combination of a lightweight polymer, and a composite material
[0039] In an embodiment, the assembly includes a helical spring made of nickel-chromium steel.
[0040] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary representation of an isometric view of the latch follower mechanism in the lock assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0041] According to the illustration, the present disclosure pertains to a lock assembly 100, where the assembly 100 comprises a follower configured with a hub 102 for engagement with a handle of the lock assembly 100 such that the handle rotates the hub 102 corresponding to a latched position and an unlatched position of the lock assembly 100, where the follower includes an arm 104 that extends in general radially from the hub 102, and the arm 104 is configured to engage with a latch pin 106, and a spring 108 such that the spring 108 retracts the arm 104 back to the latched position.
[0042] In an embodiment, the follower is configured with a hub 102, where the hub 102 comprises a pair of couplings such that each coupling of the hub 102 resembles a stepped cylinder and is mounted on a shaft that is rigidly coupled with the hinged end of a handle for operating the lock assembly 100. Additionally, hub 102 affixes and locates a first end of arm 104 of the follower through one or more pin and hole arrangements in between the pair of couplings so that the arm 104 of the follower rotates along with the shaft.
[0043] Further, the arm 104 of the follower is a flattened sheet that is concavely curled at middle of its length, and comprises a protrusion at its second end. In operation, the handle is rotated to operate the assembly that leads to rotation of the arm 104 of the follower that prismatically propels a latch bracket 112 mounted on the latch pin 106 through the lateral surface of the concavely curled part of the arm 104, and compresses a spring 108 through the protrusion at second end of the arm 104.
[0044] In an embodiment, the latch pin 106 can be an axial rod with a latch bolt 110, a latch square bracket 116, and the latch bracket 112 mounted at first end, at middle, and at second end respectively of the latch pin 106. Further, the latch pin 106 can be operatively coupled with a latch bolt spring 118 that is mounted in between the latch square bracket 112 and the latch bolt 110 such that latch square bracket 116 constrains first end of the latch bolt spring 118 so as to compress the latch bolt spring 118 along with the sliding of the latch pin 106.
[0045] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary isometric view of the lock assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0046] As illustrated, the present disclosure pertains to a follower enclosed within frame 114, wherein the follower is configured with a hub 102 that comprises a pair of couplings, where each coupling may resemble a stepped cylinder and is mounted on a shaft such that the shaft is rigidly coupled to a handle. The hub 102 can be affixed a first end of an arm 104 through one or more pin and hole arrangement between the pair of couplings, thereby locating the follower . The arm 104 can be a sheet metal component and can be concavely curled at a middle portion of its length. The arm 104 can further include a protrusion at its second end. Operationally, the arm 104 may rotate along with the shaft, and propel a latch bracket 112 through the lateral surface of the concavely curled part of the arm 104, and simultaneously compress the spring 108 through the protrusion provided at the second end of the arm 104. The protrusion can be configured as a seat for one end of the spring 108 and the other end of the spring 108 may be rested against a housing of the lock assembly.
[0047] Further, the latch pin 106 can be an axial rod comprises the latch bolt 110, a latch square bracket 116, and the latch bracket 112 mounted at first end, at middle, and at second end of its length respectively. In an addition, the latch pin 106 can be operatively coupled with a latch bolt spring 118 that is mounted in between the latch square bracket 112 and the latch bolt 110, where the latch square bracket 116 constrains first end of the latch bolt spring 118 to compress the latch bolt spring 118 along with the sliding of the latch pin 106.
[0048] In an embodiment, a guiding plate 202 can be operatively coupled on the hub 102, where a first arm of the guiding plate 202 is hinged at one end of a slider 204, and a second arm of the guiding plate 202 is coupled with the latch bracket 112 mounted on the latch pin 106. Thus, in operation the second arm of the guiding plate 202 can propel the latch bracket 112 to slide the latch pin 106 and the latch bolt 110 from a latched position to an unlatched position, independent of the rotation of the arm 104.
[0049] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary isometric view of back side of the lock assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0050] As illustrated, the present disclosure pertains to a lock assembly 100 comprising a frame and cover arrangement 114, where frame 114 can include a slot 304 for insertion of the shaft that is coupled to handle for operating the lock assembly 100. In operation, the handle rotates the follower that is configured with a hub 102 comprising a pair of couplings, where each coupling resembles a stepped cylinder and is rigidly mounted on the shaft coupled to the hinged end of the handle.
[0051] Further, frame 114, and cover are crimped and joined to each other at one or more points 302, that may replace a screw and hole arrangement for joining the frame 114, and cover arrangement. The latch pin 106 is operatively coupled with a latch bolt spring 118 that is mounted in between the latch square bracket 112 and the latch bolt 110, where the latch square bracket 116 constrains first end of the latch bolt spring 118 to compress the latch bolt spring 118 along with the sliding of the latch pin 118.
[0052] Thus, the system provides a lightweight, robust lock assembly that comprises a better mode of operation, and can be manufactured and assembled at a relatively lower cost.
[0053] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0054] The proposed disclosure provides a lock assembly that has a simpler mode of operation.
[0055] The proposed disclosure provides a lock assembly that is lightweight without affecting robustness of its configuration.
[0056] The proposed disclosure provides a lock assembly that includes a lesser number of parts for its operation.
[0057] The proposed disclosure provides a lock assembly that can be manufactured and assembled at a lower cost.
, Claims:1. A lock assembly, said assembly comprising:
a follower configured with a hub for engagement with a handle of the lock assembly such that the handle rotates the follower corresponding to a latched position and an unlatched position of the lock assembly, wherein the follower comprises an arm that extends general radially from the hub, and the arm is configured to engage with a latch pin and a spring such that the spring retracts the arm back to the corresponding latched position.
2. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hub comprises a pair of mountings joined through one or more pins and holes arrangement with locate a first end of the follower placed therebetween to locate and affix the follower to the hub.
3. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the latch pin includes a latch bolt mounted at a first end of the latch pin and a latch bracket mounted at a second end of the latch pin such that the arm of the follower propels the latch bracket to cause the latch pin to move between the corresponding latched position and the unlatched position.
4. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the follower is made of a plate and includes a concave curl at a middle portion of the arm, and a protrusion at a second end of the arm, such that the concave curl propels the latch bracket mounted on the latch pin and the protrusion functions as a seat of the spring.
5. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein a guiding plate is operatively coupled with the hub, wherein the guiding plate is configured to slide the latch pin independent of the handle.
6. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the handle is rigidly coupled with a shaft that engages with the hub and the follower through corresponding holes in the hub and the follower to drive the assembly.
7. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein an arrangement including one or more mountings is configured to guide the latch pin.
8. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lock assembly includes a frame and cover arrangement that are crimped and joined to each other at one or more points.
9. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hub is made of any or a combination of a lightweight polymer and a composite material.
10. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the spring is a helical spring made of nickel-chromium steel.