Abstract:
A door locking device for a door cooperating with a door frame includes a cylinder lock, at least one elongated bolt, and an emergency unlocking mechanism. The elongated bolt is adapted to move linearly to engage to and disengage from the door frame. A transmission including an operating wheel translates circular motion of a rotor of the cylinder lock to a linear motion of the elongated bolt. The emergency unlocking mechanism includes a gear arm connected to a handle and adapted to turn the operating wheel when the handle is turned, disengaging the elongated bolt from the door frame.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a Continuation application of PCT patent application PCT/IL2009/000614 and claims priority from IL patent application No. 192350, filed Jun. 19, 2008 and IL patent application No. 196328, filed Jan. 1, 2009, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to locks. More specifically, the present invention relates to a lock with an emergency unlocking mechanism. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    In general, a door is held shut by means of a latch mechanism. The latch mechanism is spring-loaded so that it automatically catches on to a recess in the door jamb when the door is closed. The latch mechanism is released by means of a handle or knob. When the handle is turned, the latch retracts from the recess in the door jamb and allows the door to be opened. 
         [0004]    When closed, the door may be described as separating an inner enclosed area from an outer area. When closed, the door is be partially or fully surrounded by straight or curved structural elements making up the various sections of a door frame. The inner side of the door faces the inside area when the door is closed, while the outer side faces the outer area when the door is closed. Perpendicular to both the inner and outer sides of the door are edge surfaces. One edge surface abuts a door jamb when the door is closed. Other edge surfaces of the door may abut other section of a door frame. In general, door handles are provided on both sides of the door so that the door may be opened from either side. The handle on the inner side of the door may be provided with a handle locking mechanism that locks the latch inside the recess in the door jamb. In this case when the handle locking mechanism is locked, the handle on the outer side of the door cannot be used to open the door. However, simply turning the inside handle overrides the locking mechanism and permits quick exit in case of an emergency. 
         [0005]    Where additional security against intruders is required, a door will often be provided with a bolt mechanism. In the case of a relatively simple bolt mechanism, the bolts are inserted into recesses in the door jamb or into structures attached to the door jamb. In the case of a higher security bolt mechanism, additional bolts may be inserted into structures in other parts of the doorframe. Generally, a bolt mechanism does not engage automatically upon closing the door. Rather, in order to engage the bolts, a key is inserted into a keyway and turned, or a knob or handle that is separate from the door handle is turned. In order to disengage the bolts, the key or handle is turned in the opposite direction. 
         [0006]    An example of such a bolt mechanism is described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,991,595 (Bahry et al.). Bahry et al. describe a preferred embodiment in which a key-operated cylinder lock turns a wheel that extends four bolts by means of curved links. The bolts extend from various edge surfaces of a door. 
         [0007]    In an emergency situation, such as a fire inside a building, it is often necessary to exit quickly. Any delay in opening and exiting through the door could result in serious injury or loss of life. Although a latch mechanism is released simply by turning the door handle, disengaging the bolt mechanism is more time consuming and requires closer attention. Should the bolt release mechanism require a key and the key has been removed form the keyway, time may be wasted in locating the key and inserting it into the keyway. Even if the key is already in the keyway, or a handle is provided for opening the bolt, a panicked individual may waste time in finding the correct direction in which to turn the key or handle. In addition, finding the key or handle on the door may be difficult should the room be dark or filled with smoke. 
         [0008]    In WO 2006/003661 (Segev et al.) an intelligent lock was described comprising a mechanical element operative to provide two lock position upon a proper actuation, and an electromechanical (EM) trigger separate from and coupled to the mechanical element and operative to control the actuation. When included in an intelligent locking system, the lock is remotely controllable through a monitoring and control unit, operative to relay commands to the EM trigger. 
         [0009]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a lock with a bolt mechanism that may be easily and quickly disengaged in the event of an emergency. 
         [0010]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a lock with a bolt mechanism and a safety trigger with an emergency override mechanism. 
         [0011]    Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent after reading the present specification and reviewing the accompanying drawings. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0012]    There is thus provided, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, a door locking device for a door cooperating with a door frame, comprising: 
         [0013]    a cylinder lock; 
         [0014]    at least one elongated bolt adapted to move linearly to engage to and disengage from the door frame, with a transmission comprising an operating wheel for translating circular motion of a rotor of the cylinder lock to a linear motion of said at least one elongated bolt; and 
         [0015]    an emergency unlocking mechanism comprising a gear arm connected to a handle and adapted to turn the operating wheel when the handle is turned, disengaging said at least one elongated bolt from the door frame. 
         [0016]    Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the transmission comprises a curved link linking said at least one elongated bolt linked to the operating wheel. 
         [0017]    Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the device comprises a latch for engaging with the door frame, wherein the latch is operable by the handle for disengaging the latch from the door frame 
         [0018]    Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the handle is an inside handle, the device further comprising an outside handle operating only the latch. 
         [0019]    Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the inside-handle and the outside-handle turn coaxially. 
         [0020]    Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the inside-handle and the outside-handle engage separate plates of a door lock nut. 
         [0021]    Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the gear arm is adapted to turn the operating wheel after the handle is partially turned. 
         [0022]    Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the gear arm comprises teeth engaging with corresponding teeth of the operating wheel. 
         [0023]    Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the corresponding teeth of the operating wheel are located on an auxiliary wheel fixed coaxially to the operating wheel. 
         [0024]    Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the teeth of the gear arm engage the corresponding teeth of the operating wheel via an intermediary gear wheel, such that rotation of the gear arm causes the operating wheel to rotate in the same direction as the rotation of the gear arm. 
         [0025]    Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, said at least one elongated bolt comprises elongated bolts cooperating with different edges of the door frame. 
         [0026]    Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, at least three elongated bolts of said at least one elongated bolt are cooperating with a jamb of the door frame. 
         [0027]    Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the device further comprises a separately actuated catch mechanism used to immobilize the operating wheel and that is released when the handle is turned. 
         [0028]    Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the catch mechanism comprises an electromagnetic actuator. 
         [0029]    Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the electromagnetic actuator is cooperating with the catch using a cable. 
         [0030]    Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the catch mechanism is remotely controlled. 
         [0031]    Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the locking device comprises a MUL-T-LOCK 265 locking mechanism. 
         [0032]    Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the locking device comprises a Shiryonit Hosen 104/105 locking mechanism. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0033]    In order to better understand the present invention, and appreciate its practical applications, the following Figures are provided and referenced hereafter. It should be noted that the Figures are given as examples only and in no way limit the scope of the invention. Like components are denoted by like reference numerals. 
           [0034]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a lock mechanism with emergency unlocking capability, according to an embodiment of the present invention, in an engaged and locked state, as viewed from the inside of the door. 
           [0035]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the lock mechanism shown in  FIG. 1 , in an engaged and locked state, as viewed from the outside of the door. 
           [0036]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the lock mechanism with emergency unlocking capability, according to an embodiment of the present invention, in a disengaged unlocked state, as viewed from the outside of the door. 
           [0037]      FIG. 4  is a side view of the lock mechanism shown in  FIG. 3 , in a disengaged unlocked state, as viewed from the outside of the door. 
           [0038]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the lock mechanism shown in  FIG. 3 , in a disengaged unlocked state, as viewed from the inside of the door. 
           [0039]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a lock mechanism provided with an additional electromagnetic locking mechanism, according to an embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the inside of the door. 
           [0040]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the lock mechanism shown in  FIG. 6  as viewed from the outside of the door. 
           [0041]      FIG. 8  is a schematic illustration of the control of a remotely controlled electromagnetic catch mechanism. 
           [0042]      FIG. 9A  is a perspective view of components of an alternative lock mechanism with emergency unlocking capability, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0043]      FIG. 9B  shows a side view of the opposite side of the alternate lock mechanism shown in  FIG. 9A . 
           [0044]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of components of the emergency unlocking mechanism of the alternate lock mechanism shown in  FIG. 9B . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0045]    According to embodiments of the present invention a lock mechanism may include a bolt mechanism. The lock mechanism may also include a latch mechanism. A spring causes a latch of the latch mechanism to engage a door jamb when the door is closed. The latch is disengaged by turning a door knob or handle from either side of the door. When locked, the bolt mechanism extends elongated bolts that engage recesses or other structures in the door jamb. Bolts may also engage structures in other elements of a doorframe. The terms “door jamb” and “door frame” herein refer to structural elements that support, abut or engage the door, for example the inner surfaces of the opening in the wall in which the door is placed, or a door frame that is attached to the inner surfaces of that opening. The bolts may be engaged or disengaged from either side of the door through the use of a key. Alternatively, a bolt mechanism may be operated by means of a handle or knob from the inside, and by means of a key from the outside. In order to enable quick unlocking of the door in an emergency situation, both the bolts and the latch may be disengaged by turning the inside door handle. Turning the outside door handle only disengages the latch. Therefore, when the bolts are engaged, the door cannot be opened from the outside by means of the door handle alone. 
         [0046]    The following discussion refers to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a lock mechanism with emergency unlocking capability, according to an embodiment of the present invention, in an engaged and locked state, as viewed from the inside of the door.  FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the lock mechanism shown in  FIG. 1 , in an engaged and locked state, as viewed from the outside of the door. 
         [0047]    Lock mechanism  10  is mounted within a cavity within a door (not shown). Lock mechanism  10  is mounted such that faceplate  16  is flush with the edge surface of the door that faces the door jamb (not shown) when the door is closed. The spindle of inner door handle  18  is inserted into inner spindle opening  20   a,  which cooperates with lock mechanism  10 . The spindle of outer door handle  50  is inserted into an outer spindle opening (not shown), which does not cooperate with lock mechanism  10 . Both inner door handle  18  and outer door handle  50  rotate coaxially about the same spindle axis. However, inner door handle  18  and outer door handle  50  are each coupled separately to lock mechanism  10  and not to each other. Therefore, inner door handle  18  or outer door handle  50  have different functions, and each may each be turned without turning the other. 
         [0048]    Door lock nut  26  includes three separate cooperating plates, inner plate  26   a , middle plate  26   b,  and outer plate  26   c.  In screw  27  connects inner plate  26   a  to middle plate  26   b  so that they rotate together. As described below, rotation of middle plate  26   b  operates the emergency unlocking mechanism by means of pin  25  on middle plate  26   b . When middle plate  26   b  rotates, pin  25  presses on gear arm  22 , causing gear arm  22  to rotate. Outer plate  26   c  is free to rotate with respect to middle plate  26   b  and inner plate  26   a.  Inner plate  26   a  includes inner spindle opening  20   a  into which the spindle of inner door handle  18  may be inserted. Rotating inner door handle  18  rotates inner plate  26   a  and middle plate  26   b.  Thus, as described below, rotating inner door handle  18  operates the emergency unlocking mechanism. Inner spring  23   a  tends to restore inner plate  26   a , middle plate  26   b,  and inner door handle  18  to their original positions. Outer plate  26   c  includes an outer spindle opening into which the spindle of outer door handle  50  may be inserted. Rotating outer door handle  50  rotates outer plate  26   c.  Since outer plate  26   c  rotates independently of middle plate  26   b,  rotating outer door handle  50  does not operate the emergency locking mechanism. Outer spring  23   b  tends to restore outer plate  26   c  and outer door handle  50  to their original positions. 
         [0049]    Screw  27  may be detached from inner plate  26   a  and middle plate  26   b,  and reinserted so as to connect outer plate  26   c  to middle plate  26   b.  In such a case, the lock is reconfigured so that formerly outer plate  26   c  functions as the inner plate described above. Such reconfiguration may be necessary, for example, in adapting the lock to a door that opens in the opposite direction. Plates  26   a,    26   b  and  26   c  are mounted coaxially. In an alternative embodiment only the plates which are coupled by screw  27  (plates  26   a  and  26   b  in this figure, or plates  26   b  and  26   c  in an alternative configuration) are coaxially mounted. 
         [0050]    The spindles of inner door handle  18  and outer door handle  50  may be collinearly mounted on a single axis in such a manner as to rotate independently about the axis. Alternatively, the spindles of inner door handle  18  and outer door handle  50  may be separate, each separately inserted into a separate spindle opening. 
         [0051]    As drawn in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , lock mechanism  10  is in an engaged locked state. Latch  12 , bolts  14 , and rod brackets  30   a - 30   c  are all extended. When lock mechanism  10  is put into its locked state while the door is closed, the extended latch  12  and bolts  14  fit into and engage structures in the door jamb. Engaging the structures in the door jamb locks the door and prevents it from being opened. Bolts  14  are mounted on bolt arm  32 . Additional bolts in the form of long rods (not shown) extend from rod brackets  30   a - 30   c  for engagement with other parts of the doorframe. When the door is locked, rod brackets  30   a - 30   c  are extended. Extending rod brackets  30   a - 30   c  inserts the attached bolts into corresponding structures in the doorframe (not shown). The additional bolts provide additional security against forced entry through the door. A locking mechanism as described is found, for example, in the MUL-T-LOCK 265 locking mechanism. 
         [0052]    Extension or retraction of bolt arm  32  and rod brackets  30   a - 30   c  is governed by operating wheel  28 . In the example as shown in  FIG. 1 , counterclockwise rotation of operating wheel  28  puts lock  10  into its locked state. Clockwise rotation of operating wheel  28  results in an unlocked state. When operating wheel  28  rotates counterclockwise, curved links  52  linearly extend bolt arm  32  and rod brackets  30   a - 30   c . Extension of bolt arm  32  and rod brackets  30   a - 30   c  causes bolts  14  and the bolts connected to rod brackets  30   a - 30   c  to engage corresponding structures in the doorframe. Engagement of the structures in the doorframe locks the door. The end of spring-loaded arm  42  engages notch  46   a  of operating wheel  28 . Engaging notch  46   a  prevents operating wheel  28  from rotating in response to forces applied to bolts  14 , or in response to any other forces other than those applied via cylinder lock and handle mechanisms. 
         [0053]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , when operating wheel  28  rotates clockwise, bolt arm  32  and rod brackets  30   a - 30   c  are retracted. Retracting bolt arm  32  and rod brackets  30   a - 30   c  disengages bolts  14  and the bolts attached to rod brackets  30   a - 30   c  from the doorframe. Disengaging bolts  14  and the bolt rods from the doorframe unlocks the door. Clockwise rotation of operating wheel  28  also causes latch arm  36  to pivot counterclockwise about pivot point  38 . Counterclockwise pivoting of latch arm  36  pulls latch  12  toward the left. The movement of latch  12  to the left disengages it from the door jamb and allows the door to open. 
         [0054]    A cylinder lock with a keyway (not shown) may be mounted in bracket  40 . The cylinder lock may be used to rotate operating wheel  28 , thus locking or unlocking the door. Inserting a key into the cylinder lock and turning it turns gear  41 . The teeth on gear  41  engage teeth  34  on operating wheel  28 , causing operating wheel  28  to rotate. Alternatively, the end of the cylinder lock that faces the inside of the door may be provided with a knob. The knob allows rotation of the cylinder lock without the use of a key. 
         [0055]    When all bolts are disengaged and the door is unlocked, outer door handle  50  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) inserted into outer spindle opening  20   b  ( FIG. 3 ) may be used to retract the latch and open the door. Pushing down on the end of outer door handle  50  in a causes outer spindle opening  20   b  to rotate in a counterclockwise direction as viewed from outside the door ( FIG. 1 ). Rotating outer spindle opening  20   b  causes door lock nut  26  to rotate in a counterclockwise direction, rotating latch arm  36  in a counterclockwise direction and disengaging latch  12  from the door jamb. When the outer door handle is released, spring  24  causes latch  12  to return to its extended position. 
         [0056]    On the other hand, pushing down on the end of outer door handle  50  disengages only the latch from the door jamb. If outer door handle  50  is turned while the bolts engage the doorframe, the engaged bolts lock the door and prevent it from opening. Thus, when the door is been locked, it is not possible to open the door using the outer door handle alone. It is also necessary that a key be inserted into the keyway of the cylinder and turned in order to unlock the door and cause the bolts to disengage. 
         [0057]    We know refer to  FIG. 3  through  FIG. 5 . According to embodiments of the present invention a locking mechanism is provided that enables unlocking and opening the door by turning the inner door handle alone.  FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the lock mechanism with emergency unlocking capability, according to an embodiment of the present invention, in a disengaged unlocked state, as viewed from the outside of the door.  FIG. 4  is a side view of the lock mechanism shown in  FIG. 3 , in a disengaged unlocked state, as viewed from the outside of the door.  FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the lock mechanism shown in  FIG. 3 , in a disengaged unlocked state, as viewed from the inside of the door. Note that in  FIG. 3-5 , the configuration of the lock has been altered so from the configuration shown in  FIG. 1-2  for the sake of clarity of the presentation. In  FIG. 3-5 , the inner and outer sides of the lock are reversed with respect to the lock shown in  FIG. 1-2 . For example, in  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 5 , the positions relative to other components of inner handle  18  and of outer handle  50  are reversed with respect to their positions in  FIG. 2 . Also, inner spindle opening in  FIG. 1  becomes outer spindle opening  20   b  in  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4 . This alteration of the configuration may be accomplished by altering the placement of screw  27  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) on door lock nut  26 , as described above. 
         [0058]    Turning inner door handle  18  causes rotation of components of door lock nut  26 , including pin  25 . Therefore, turning inner door handle  18  causes pin  18  to press against gear arm  22 . Gear arm  22  is mounted so as to rotate coaxially with inner door handle  18 . Depressing inner door handle  18  thus causes gear arm  22  to rotate in a counterclockwise direction as viewed from outside the door ( FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4 ). Outer spindle opening  20   b  may accommodate the spindle of outer door handle  50 . Rotation of outer spindle opening  20   b  does not cause rotation of pin  25 . Therefore, rotation of outer door handle  50  does not cause gear arm  22  to rotate. The movement of inner door handle  18  is not coupled to the movement of outer door handle  50  and inner door handle  18  moves independently of outer door handle  50 . The teeth of gear arm  22  engage the teeth of auxiliary gear wheel  48  that is affixed coaxially to operating wheel  28 . Counterclockwise rotation of gear arm  22 , as viewed from outside the door ( FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4 ) therefore causes auxiliary gear wheel  48  and the attached operating wheel  28  to rotate in a clockwise direction. As described above, clockwise rotation of operating wheel  28  causes, via a transmission mechanism (not shown), bolt arm  32  and bolt rod brackets  30   a - 30   c  to retract. Retraction of bolt arm  32  and bolt rod brackets  30   a - 30   c  disengages bolts  14  and the bolts attached to rod brackets  30   a - 30   c  (not shown) to disengage from the doorframe. The end of spring-loaded arm  42  of engages notch  46   b  of operating wheel  28 . Engaging notch  46   b  prevents operating wheel  28  from rotating from rotating when no intentional force is applied. Unintentional rotation of operating wheel  28  could cause the bolts to engage the doorframe, thus accidentally locking the door. Clockwise rotation of operating wheel  28  also causes latch arm  36  to rotate in a counterclockwise direction, disengaging latch  12  from the door jamb. Thus a single turning motion of inner door handle  18  both unlocks and unlatches the door. Unlocking and unlatching the door allows the door to swing or slide open. 
         [0059]    Spring  23   a  restores the position of door lock nut  26 , pin  25 , and inner door handle  18 . However, restoring pin  25  does not restore gear arm  22  to its original position. Therefore, the door remains unlocked until the door is locked until a cylinder mechanism is operated to rotate gear  41 , relocking the mechanism. 
         [0060]    Alternatively, in embodiments of the present invention, the lock mechanism is configured such that partially turning the inner door handle unlatches the door, while further turning of the inner door handle disengages the bolts. In such a configuration, the shape of gear arm  22  in  FIG. 1  is modified so as to engage auxiliary gear wheel  48  only after handle  18  has been partially turned. A mechanism so configured prevents accidental or unintentional unlocking of the door. 
         [0061]    In embodiments of the present invention, lock mechanism  10  may be provided with an electromagnetically actuated catch mechanism. The catch mechanism may be remotely controlled.  FIG. 8  is a schematic illustration of the control of a remotely controlled electromagnetic catch mechanism. A lock interface module (LIM)  204  is functionally coupled to a lock in door  200  via lock interface  304 . Lock interface  304  is controlled by microcontroller  302 . Microcontroller  302  communicates with memory  303  where data and programs are stored. In accordance with input from identification interface  306  and wireless interface  308 , and in accordance with predefined rules stored in memory  303 , microcontroller  302  causes lock interface  304  to lock or unlock the catch mechanism. Identification interface  304  identifies a unique identification device embedded in  110 . Wireless interface  308  may receive instructions from remote devices (not shown) via a wireless network  310 . In addition, microcontroller  302  may report events such as the door or lock being opened or closed to a remote device via wireless interface  308  and wireless network  310 . 
         [0062]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a lock mechanism provided with an additional electromagnetic catch mechanism, according to an embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the inside of the door.  FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the lock mechanism shown in  FIG. 6  as viewed from the outside of the door. Electromagnetic actuator  52  is remotely controlled. In response to remote activation, actuator  52  pushes or pulls cable  54 . Pushing or pulling cable  54  moves catch  56 . When the electronic locking mechanism is locked, catch  56  presses on spring-loaded arm  42  and holds it in notch  46   a.  Holding spring-loaded arm  42  in notch  46   a  prevents motion operating wheel  28  so that the lock may not be opened with a key. When the electronic locking mechanism is unlocked, catch  56  does not hold spring-loaded arm  42  in notch  46   a . Operating wheel  28  is then free to rotate and the lock may be opened with a key. However, rotating inner door handle  18  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) causes pin-release mechanism  58  to cause catch  56  to release spring-loaded arm  42 . The bolt-release and latch release mechanisms described above are then free to unlock and unlatch the door, allowing the door to open. Thus, when turning inner door handle  18  releases the electromagnetically actuated locking mechanism, the bolt mechanism and the latch mechanism. 
         [0063]    In embodiments of the present invention described above, during operation of the emergency unlocking mechanism, inner door handle  18  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) and gear arm  22  rotate together in one direction. Gear arm  22  engages auxiliary gear wheel  48 , causing auxiliary gear wheel  48  and operating wheel  28  to rotate together in the opposite direction. In other embodiments of the present invention, the operating wheel is designed to rotate in the same direction as the inner door handle during operation of the emergency unlocking mechanism. 
         [0064]      FIG. 9A  is a perspective view of components of an alternative lock mechanism with emergency unlocking capability, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.  FIG. 9B  shows a side view of the opposite side of the alternate lock mechanism shown in  FIG. 9A . The lock mechanism shown in  FIG. 9  is similar to that of lock model  104 / 105  produced by Shiryonit Hosen Ltd. Rotation of operating wheel  28  causes extension or retraction of one or more rods, such as rod  60 . Screw  66  is attached to the proximal end of rod  60 . Screw  66  extends through, and is confined by, slot  62   a  in arm  64   a  of slot plate  64 . Slot in arm  64   a,  only partially visible, is shaped similarly to one of slots  62 . Screw  66  also extends through and is confined by curved slot  68  in operating wheel  28 . Therefore, when operating wheel  28  is rotated in the direction indicated by arrow  72 , the curved shape of curved slot  68  causes screw  66  to travel outward along slot  62   a.  The outward travel of screw  66  extends rod  60 . Conversely, rotation of operating wheel in the direction opposite the direction indicated by arrow  72  retracts rod  60 . 
         [0065]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of components of the emergency unlocking mechanism of the alternate lock mechanism shown in  FIG. 9B . When turning the inner handle in order to operate the emergency unlocking mechanism, gear arm  22  rotates in the direction indicated by arrow  74 . Operation of the emergency unlocking mechanism retracts any extended rods or bolts by rotating operating wheel  28  in the direction indicated by arrow  76  (opposite the direction of arrow  72  shown in  FIG. 9B ). Since arrows  74  and  76  indicate the same direction of rotation, intermediary gear wheel  70  is provided. Intermediary gear wheel  70  engages gear arm  22  and auxiliary gear wheel  48 . When gear arm  22  is rotated in the direction indicated by arrow  74 , gear arm  22  turns gear wheel  70  in the direction indicated by arrow  75 . Intermediary gear wheel  70  turns auxiliary gear wheel  48  and operating wheel  28 , which is attached to auxiliary gear wheel  48 , in the direction indicated by arrow  76 . Rotation of operating wheel in the direction indicated by arrow  76  retracts any extended rods or bolts, enabling opening of a door provided with the emergency unlocking mechanism. 
         [0066]    Thus, when a door is provided with a lock that is an embodiment of the present invention, a person who is capable of turning the door handle will be able to unlock and open the door in an emergency situation. 
         [0067]    It should be clear that the description of the embodiments and attached Figures set forth in this specification serves only for a better understanding of the invention, without limiting its scope. 
         [0068]    It should also be clear that a person skilled in the art, after reading the present specification could make adjustments or amendments to the attached Figures and above described embodiments that would still be covered by the present invention.