Abstract:
A multi-point lock and method for locking with two remote mortise locks operated by a central actuator to which they are mechanically linked. The mortise locks are mounted with opposite orientation so that they simultaneously engage separate keepers from opposite directions. A housing of the multi-point lock is adapted to allow the placement of mounting screws along the entire length of the lock.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims benefit to provisional application 60/167,019 filed Nov. 22, 1999. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to locks for patio doors, and more particularly to a lock adapted to allow the placement of mounting screws at multiple points along the entire length of the lock. 
     Existing lock assemblies for sliding glass doors are limited in both the number and locations available for the placement of mounting screws. The typical lock assembly for a sliding glass door with its enclosed design can only accommodate placement of mounting screws at the extreme ends of the lock due to the fact that the entire lock assembly is enclosed within a housing assembly. 
     Multi-point latch mechanisms for sliding glass doors have been described in related art such as U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,170. This existing lock mechanism teaches the use of an upper and a lower actuator connected by a gang link. An upper link causes pivotal movement of the upper latch, and a lower link causes pivotal movement of a lower latch. Advantageously, in contrast to the prior art, the proposed design includes a central actuator coupled to two standard mortise locks-i.e. Commonly known to those skilled in the art of linkage assembly. The linkage assembly consists of two linkage rods connected to the top and bottom of this central actuator such that rotation of the hub of this central actuator causes the upper and lower mortise locks to become engaged or disengaged depending on the direction of rotation of the central actuator hub. 
     The use of a single central actuator hub for the deployment of the hooks in the mortise lock components also contributes to another advantage over the prior locks. Specifically, this hook deployment action is so precise that the translational movement of the opposed hooks within the keepers is so circumscribed that the size of the keepers may be reduced. Advantageously, the smaller keeper opening creates a stronger locking force for the multi-point lock. 
     The use of common, off the shelf mortise locks as components for the instant invention has additional advantages. Namely, the production and replacement costs of the lock of the present invention are reduced, thus making the instant design more competitive in the marketplace. In addition, the proposed locking system also uses fewer total components to achieve its multi-lock function. Advantageously, this also reduces the total cost of the lock assembly. 
     Accordingly, it is an object of the instant invention to provide an improved lock assembly whereby the number and location of sites for the placement of mounting screws is increased to incorporate the entire length of the lock. 
     Still another object of the instant invention is to provide a multi-point lock having a single central actuator hub which is responsible for the deployment of the opposed hooks in the mortise lock components in an efficient and reliable manner such that fewer total components are used in the design. 
     Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved multi-point lock with a precise hook deployment such that the size of the keeper holes with which said hooks become engaged can be reduced. 
     A further object of the instant invention is to provide an improved multipoint lock having reduced production and replacement costs attributed to a design which incorporates mortise lock components common to those skilled in the art. 
     These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent from a review of the description provided below. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The instant invention is organized about the concept of providing a multi-point lock, which may be used for sliding patio doors, in which the multi-points of engagement of the mortise lock hooks with their associated keepers is achieved by the use of a single central actuator hub which engages two remote actuators via a linkage rod assembly. 
     In an exemplary embodiment according to the instant invention, the multi-point lock comprises a central actuator hub, a linkage assembly pivotally engaged with the central actuator hub, two remote actuators, two mortise locks each of which has a hook which are in opposed orientation with each other. Rotation of the central actuator hub in turn causes movement of the linkage assembly that is pivotally attached to the central actuator hub. The linkage assembly is comprised of a straight actuator link and a dog leg actuator link. Movement of the straight actuator link in response to rotation of the central actuator hub in turn causes rotation of a first remote actuator. Likewise, movement of the dog leg actuator link in response to rotation of the central hub actuator causes rotation of a second remote actuator. Each of the remote actuators in turn actuates a mortise lock such that a hook in each of these mortise locks is deployed to engage a keeper mounted on the stile of the door. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is an exploded view of one important embodiment of the instant invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of the multi-point lock shown in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the multi-point lock of the instant invention wherein the multi-point lock may be recessed in an adapter prior to installation on a door stile. 
     FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective of one embodiment of the instant invention wherein the multi point lock is mounted to a door stile via a face plate. 
     FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective of the multi point lock shown in FIG. 4 depicting co action with a keeper structure on an associated door jam. 
     FIG. 6 is a magnified, partial top, partial side, view of the multi-point lock shown in FIG.  4 . 
     FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective of an alternative embodiment of the instant invention wherein the multi point lock is mounted to a door stile via a recessed adapter. 
     FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective of the multi point lock shown in FIG. 7 depicting co action with a keeper structure on an associated door jam. 
     FIG. 9 is a magnified, partial top, partial side, view of the multi-point lock shown in FIG.  7 . 
     FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective of yet another embodiment of the instant invention wherein the multi point lock is mounted directly to a door stile. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the instant invention wherein the main components of the multi-point lock for patio sliding doors generally include a central actuator hub  20  adapted to compact with a linkage assembly comprising two linkage rods, a straight actuator link  24  and a dog leg actuator link  26 , two mortise locks  14  and  14   a  each of which has a hook  16  and  16   a  which are in an opposed orientation in relation to each other, and a housing assembly having an inner housing  10 , and outer housing  12 . The straight actuator link  24  is pivotally attached to the top of the central actuator hub  20 . The dog leg actuator  26  may be pivotally attached to the bottom of the central actuator hub. 
     Rotation of the central actuator hub  20  in turn causes the straight actuator link  24  to actuate a rotatable end cam  32  which is rigidly affixed to a first remote actuator  22 . In turn, the first remote actuator  22  is adapted to compact with a first mortise lock hub  18 . Rotation of the first mortise lock hub  18  in turn creates translation al motion such that a first opposed hook  16  of the mortise lock  14  may become engaged -i.e. In a locked position- or disengaged- i.e. In an unlocked position- with a keeper  30  attached to a face plate  28  disposed in a mortise (not shown) that is attached to a stile (not shown) in a manner familiar to those skilled in the art of mortise locks. 
     Referring again to FIG. 1, a 90 degree rotation of the central actuator hub  20  causes the dog leg actuator  26  to actuate a rotatable end cam  32 a which is rigidly affixed to a second remote actuator  22   a . In turn, the second remote actuator  22   a  is adapted to compact with a second mortise lock hub  18   a . Rotation of the second mortise lock hub  18   a  creates a translation al motion such that a second opposed hook  16   a  of the mortise lock  14   a  may become engaged- i.e. In a locked position- or disengaged i.e. In an unlocked position- with a keeper  30   a  attached to a face plate  28  disposed in a mortise (not shown) that is attached to a stile (not shown) in a manner familiar to those skilled in the art of mortise locks. 
     Turning again to FIG. 1, advantageously the housing assembly consists of a two piece case cover the inner housing  10  and the outer housing  12  which are held together with appropriate fasteners in a manner familiar to those skilled in the art. Unlike closely related art such as U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,170 where the housing includes bottom, top, rear, front and side walls to create an completely enclosed lock, this two piece housing assembly allows for the use of additional mounting screws in the center of the lock. In contrast, existing lock assemblies allow for mounting screws only on the extreme ends of the lock due to their completely enclosed design. As shown in FIG. 2, the aforementioned advantage of multiple mounting screw locations  40 ,  40   a  located in the center of the lock is readily apparent. 
     Another advantageous feature of the instant invention associated with the central actuator hub  20  link assembly hook deployment action is that this hook deployment action allows for a smaller keeper opening which in turn creates a stronger locking force. As shown in FIG. 3, the two opposed hooks  16 ,  16   a  located in the two mortise locks  14 ,  14   a  are deployed by the rotation of the two remote actuators  22 ,  22   a  which in turn have been actuated by the straight actuator link  24  and the dog leg actuator link  26  respectively as a consequence of rotation of the central actuator hub  20 . The instant invention&#39;s hook deployment action is characterized by the precise translation al motion of the opposed hooks  16 ,  16   a  triggered by the rotational movement of rotational remote actuators  22 ,  22   a . Another advantageous feature of the instant invention is that fewer total components -i.e. Nine (9) including the two piece housing assembly reduces both the production costs as well as the costs associated with normal wear and tear of the lock assembly. These reductions in the total costs associated with the instant lock are directly attributed to the fact that there are fewer parts that will either wear out or break. Referring again to FIG. 1, the lock is comprised of (2) mortise locks  14 ,  14   a , (2) remote actuators  22 ,  22   a , (2) linkage rods, a straight actuator link  24 , and a dog leg actuator link  26 , and (1) central actuator hub  20  enclosed within a (2) piece housing assembly, inner housing  10  and outer housing  12 . 
     Advantageously, reduction of production costs for this instant multi-point lock is also attributed to the use of “off the shelf components.” As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the two mortise locks  14 ,  14   a  are well known to those skilled in the art. Use of these known locks shall make the instant invention more competitive in the marketplace. 
     Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the multi-point lock  100  is adapted to be fitted in a mortise  62  or opening in the lock face of the stile  60  of the sliding door (not shown) and is arranged for co action with keepers  30 ,  30   a  positioned on the associated door jam  102  and for co action with a handle assembly (not shown) mounted on the inside face of the stile  60  of the sliding door (not shown) in a manner well known to those skilled in the art. 
     With regard to the mounting of the multi-point lock, alternative embodiments of the multi-point lock are shown in FIGS. 4-10. Referring again to FIGS. 4 and 5, the multi point lock  100  may be mounted to the door stile  60  with a face plate  28 . The face plate  28  is secured to the multi point lock  100  with fasteners in a manner well known to those skilled in the art. The face plate  28  mounting embodiment for the multi point lock is further detailed in FIG.  6 . Advantageously, as shown in this magnified perspective, the face plate  28  has excised areas complementary in size and shape to the mortise locks  14 ,  14   a  so as to permit the opposed hooks  16 ,  16   a  to deploy freely from an engaged to a disengaged position. 
     In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7-8, the multi-point lock  100  may be mounted in a recessed adapter  104  that in turn is mounted into a door stile  60 . The recessed adapter  104  is secured to the multi point lock with fasteners in a manner well known to those skilled in the art. This alternative embodiment with the recessed adapter  104  is further illustrated in FIG.  9 . This magnified perspective of the alternative mounting embodiment depicts the advantageous configuration of the recessed adapter  104 . The recessed adapter  104  has excised areas complementary in size and shape to the mortise locks  14 ,  14   a  so as to permit the opposed hooks  16 ,  16   a  to deploy freely from an engaged to a disengaged position. 
     As shown in FIG. 10, yet another embodiment of the instant invention envisions the multi point lock assembly  100  mounted directly to the face of the door stile  60 . 
     Thus, according to the instant invention there is provided an improved multi-point lock that includes features for reducing the manufacturing costs, steps, and/or number of parts required in the production of such a multi-point lock while maintaining high quality and reliability. Additionally, the construction of the housing assembly of instant invention provides additional screw mounting sites in the center of the lock such that the user has greater flexibility with regard to the installation of the multi-point lock. The embodiments which have been described herein, however, are but some of the several which utilize this invention and are set forth here by way of illustration but not of limitation. It is obvious that many other embodiments, which may be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, may be made without departing materially from the spirit and scope of this invention.