Locking mechanism

A locking mechanism is provided that has an unlocked position and a locked position. The locking mechanism comprises the following. A first handle. A first rose attached to the first handle with the first handle adapted for rotational movement relative to the first rose. A first longitudinal slot in the first rose. A locking cartridge cylinder at least partially contained within at least the first handle or the first rose. A locking tab operably connected to the locking cartridge cylinder adapted for movement: at least partially into at least the second slot in the first rose in a locked position; and completely out of the first longitudinal slot in the first rose in an unlocked position.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an improved locking mechanism for use with a door or other structure, for example.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The so-called American modern era door locking design surfaced circa 1932 and such locks were required but to keep the door handles locked. Such handles were usually round.

Now many handles have an elongated portion permitting a relatively large torque force to be more easily exerted upon the internal locking mechanism. This torque may distort/break sufficient internal parts/mechanisms to permit the lock to be relatively easily defeated and entry gained.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved internal lock assembly for use with door locks.

Other objects will appear hereinafter.

It has now been discovered that the above and other objects of the present invention may be accomplished in the following manner. Specifically, a locking mechanism is provided that has an unlocked position and a locked position. The locking mechanism comprises the following. A first handle. A first rose attached to the first handle with the first handle adapted for rotational movement relative to the first rose. A first longitudinal slot in the first rose. A locking cartridge cylinder at least partially contained within at least the first handle or the first rose. A locking tab operably connected to the locking cartridge cylinder adapted for movement: at least partially into at least the second slot in the first rose in a locked position; and completely out of the first longitudinal slot in the first rose in an unlocked position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The term “about” when referring to a numerical range or value is a convenience and is to be interpreted as plus or minus 10% of that value or range. For example “from about 100 to 1000” is to be interpreted as within the range of 90 to 1100 and “about 1000” is to be interpreted as from 900 to 1100.

One exemplary embodiment of the present invention utilizes a novel locking tab9/exterior rose longitudinal slot52B′ arrangement to achieve an exemplary door locking mechanism100with torque bearing parts/portions that may achieve door locking mechanisms capable of withstanding and resisting much higher torque applied to an exterior handle28without failure of the locking mechanism when in the locked position (see, for example,FIG. 7for the locked position). For example, door locking mechanisms100in the locked position and made in accordance with the teachings of the present invention may withstand/resist torques up to about 3000 pound torque without failure of the locking mechanism100.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is presented a novel hub core assembly1that may more strongly resist tampering.

Use of the Terms “Exterior”/“Outside” and “Interior”/“Inside”

In the instant invention, the terms “exterior”/“outside” (“exterior”) refers to elements/structures towards the exterior or outside of a door or other structure within which the door locking mechanism100is retained and the terms “interior”/“inside” (“interior”) refers to those towards the interior or interior of the door or other structure. The exterior/outside (exterior) is considered the direction from which third parties are prevented from entry by the locking of door locking mechanism100of the present invention in certain exemplary embodiments and the interior/inside (interior) is considered the direction from which occupants reside or are positioned to benefit from the locking of door locking mechanism100in certain exemplary embodiments.

It is noted that the teachings of the present invention may also be arranged to fortify unauthorized exit from the inside/interior of the door or from both the outside/exterior and inside/interior of the door or other structure by utilizing the locking tab9/rose longitudinal slot52B′ in the analogous interior structures or both the exterior and interior structures.

It is also noted that the terms “exterior,” “outside,” “interior,” and “inside” are used for ease of understanding with the illustrated exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limiting.

As shown inFIG. 1, an exemplary locking mechanism100is shown in partially exploded view. As will be described in greater detail, door locking mechanism100may include hub core assembly200(with enclosed lockcore retractor2showing) operably connected to an exterior/outside (exterior) handle assembly220at an exterior/outside (exterior) end and to an interior/inside (interior) handle assembly240at another opposing interior/inside (interior) end.

a key drive assembly7A retained within exterior handle28of exterior handle assembly220;

an exterior locking cartridge cylinder8at least partially received within the exterior handle assembly220proximate the exterior end300B of hub core assembly200;

exterior and interior retainer plates26B,26A positioned between respective exterior handle assembly220and interior handle assembly240;

interior locking cartridge11received within interior handle assembly240with plunger6extending from interior locking cartridge11and received within hub core assembly200and with lock button6A;

threaded interior rose screws31A for attachment of interior rose23A to exterior rose23B; and

longitudinal axis70that extends from the center of exterior and interior handles28,27through hub core assembly200

which may further comprise door locking mechanism100.

While not shown inFIG. 1, the door locking mechanism100may be retained within a door or other structure (1300—seeFIG. 13, for example) with: (1) exterior handle28and exterior rose (rosette)23B; and (2) interior handle27and interior scallop25covering interior rose (rosette)23A, exposed on the respective exterior and interior sides of the door.

Referral to FIG.11—Exploded View of Locking Mechanism100

FIG. 11illustrates a more detailed exploded view of the door locking mechanism100that may be referred to as necessary. It is noted thatFIG. 11includes an exemplary so-called “Function53” by which the door locking mechanism100may be used, i.e., e.g. that employs cam and plug12. Other Functions may be used, for example, but not limited to: (1) “Function80” that employs cam14by which a key33(see, for example,FIGS. 6A and 7) must be used to actuate the locking cartridge cylinder8and unlock the otherwise locked door locking mechanism100; (2) “Function70” in which exterior cylinder22replaces spindle key15(see next sentence) and spindle cylinder21as shown in, for example,FIGS. 8 and 10; and the further exemplary function described inFIGS. 12A to 12H(see below for a detailed description). Each of the Functions80and53also each employ spindle key15which is received within spindle cylinder21.

The specific parts required for the select Function of the door locking mechanism may be assembled and retained by hub core1that may be comprised of interior housing1A and exterior housing1B. Lockcore retractor (retractor)2and its associated parts3,4,4A,36comprise lockcore retractor assembly250(seeFIG. 8, for example) Retractor assembly250may also be assembled and retained within hub core1. While not shown inFIG. 1, a latch mechanism may be connected to retractor2so that when retractor2retracts within hub core1, a latch (1302—seeFIG. 13, for example) may retract within the latch mechanism and out of a latch hole (not shown) in, for example, an adjacent door jamb (not shown).

FIGS. 2A,2B andFIG. 3illustrate respective exterior and interior handle assemblies220,240in larger perspective. The following description of exterior handle assembly220may also apply to interior handle assembly240, and will not be repeated, except that the first longitudinal slot52B and longitudinal groove53B in exterior handle28and the second longitudinal slot52B′ in exterior rose23B may not be required in interior handle27and interior rose23A unless an interior locking cartridge cylinder (not shown), analogous to exterior locking cartridge cylinder8, is employed with interior handle27/interior rose23A. It is also noted that interior handle27may be identical to exterior handle28whether or not another interior locking cartridge cylinder (not shown) may be used.

As illustrated inFIG. 2A, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, exterior handle assembly220may include, for example, exterior handle28, exterior rose23B, exterior retainer spring20B, exterior positive stop19B and exterior retaining ring30B which may be assembled in the order illustrated. It is noted that positive stop19B is outside spindle21, that is spindle21may be received within positive stop19B (e.g., seeFIG. 6A).

It is noted that the interior and exterior positive stops19B,19A of the present invention are designed to be interchangeable. That is two positive stop elements may be used for the interior positive stop19B and the exterior positive stop19A. Further the same positive stops19B,19A may be used for a left hand opening door and a right hand opening door.

Exterior handle28may include an elongated handle302and a cylindrical portion304that may include a reduced outside diameter portion (reduced cylindrical portion)306. Reduced cylindrical portion306may include a circumferential groove310B within which exterior retaining ring30B may fit to retain exterior handle28adjacent exterior rose23B. Retaining ring30B may also retain exterior positive stop19B and exterior retainer spring20B adjacent to exterior rose23B as will be described in more detail below.

Exterior rose23B may include a central opening308B within which reduced cylindrical portion306B of exterior handle28may fit so that exterior handle28may rotate relative to exterior rose23B. It is noted that when the locking mechanism100is mounted within a door or other structure (1300), exterior and interior roses23B,23A may be fixed while exterior and interior handles28,27may be adapted for partial rotational movement within the limits of respective exterior and interior positive stops19B,19A (see below).

Exterior positive stop19B may be ring shaped with a central opening19C having two opposing interior tabs19D that partially project into central opening19C and two opposing exterior tabs19E that project outwardly from exterior positive stop19B. Exterior handle28may further include opposing slots53B within which the opposing interior tabs19D of exterior positive stop19B may fit so that rotation of exterior handle28may rotate exterior positive stop19B within the limits described herein. It is noted that reduced cylindrical portion306B of exterior handle28may fit within central opening308B of exterior rose23B. One skilled in the art would appreciate that the thickness of exterior rose23B, proximate central opening308B, may be sized so that opposing interior tabs19D may fit within the opposing slots of exterior handle28such that tabs19D nearly contact, or contact the respective opposing inward walls of the exterior handle28opposing slots. Exterior rose23B may include screw studs23C that projects toward hub core assembly200and between which opposing exterior tabs19E of exterior positive stop19B may contact upon rotation of exterior handle28, thus limiting the rotation of exterior handle28. (It is noted that interior rose23A may likewise include screw studs23C that projects toward hub core assembly200and between which opposing exterior tabs19E′ of interior positive stop19A may contact upon rotation of interior handle27, thus limiting the rotation of interior handle27.)

Exterior retainer spring20B may be a helical coil spring and may include as least one projecting terminal end20C which may fit within a spring hole19F in exterior positive stop19B. Exterior retainer spring20B may bias the extended portion of exterior handle28in a first position that is usually horizontal. When exterior handle28is rotated to open the door1300to which the door locking mechanism100is affixed, its limits of rotation may be defined by the rotation of positive stop19B and the engagement of opposing interior tabs19D against exterior rose screw studs23C.

As more dearly shown inFIG. 2B, exterior handle28may include, on its interior surface50B, a first longitudinal slot52B and a longitudinal groove53B parallel to, and offset from, first longitudinal slot52B. As shown inFIG. 2A.

In an alternate exemplary embodiment, exterior rose23B may include a second longitudinal slot52B′ that may be alignable with first longitudinal slot52B of exterior handle28when exterior handle28is in its biased horizontal position. Such a second longitudinal slot52W may be nonrotational in relation to the rest of handle28and may receive locking tab9when in the locked position (with or without second longitudinal slot52B′ of exterior rose23B).

As noted above, interior handle assembly240may be essentially identical to exterior handle assembly220described above so a detailed description need not be repeated here. However, interior handle assembly240includes an interior scallop25that may fit over interior rose24A so that the heads of threaded interior rose screws31A may be covered.

Referring back toFIG. 1, one key structural feature of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is that exterior locking cartridge cylinder8(that includes moveable locking tab9) may be at least partially retained within exterior handle28or exterior rose23B so that locking tab9may be removably inserted into second longitudinal slot52B′ of exterior rose23B. (Also see, for example,FIGS. 6 and 7described hereafter.)

As shown inFIG. 11, and which may be referred to during the following descriptions, an exemplary door locking mechanism100is shown in exploded view. Door locking mechanism100is shown with cam and plug12(unique to Function53), spindle key15, spindle cylinder21and interior cylinder22.

Exterior locking cartridge cylinder8may include locking tab9that may be connected to cylinder8by a lock pin9B (also see, for example,FIG. 6B). Locking tab9may be rotated about lock pin9B from an unlocked position (as shown inFIG. 6) to a locked position (as shown inFIG. 7) and may be biased by a lock pin spring9A in the unlocked position.

FIG. 4, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, illustrates just the central portion ofFIG. 1, that is hub core (assembly)1(with lockcore retractor2therewithin), exterior and interior retainer plates26B,26A, exterior locking cartridge cylinder8, key drive assembly7A and interior locking cartridge11with lock button6A and plunger6.

As shown inFIG. 4exterior locking cartridge cylinder8may further include, on its exterior surface56, a first longitudinal fin54aligned with locking tab9, and a second longitudinal fin54′ that may be parallel with, but offset from, first fin54. As shown inFIGS. 6A,7and11, for example, in exemplary embodiments of the present invention, locking cartridge cylinder8may be at least partially inserted into handle28so that: the cylinder's8first fin54may be received within exterior handle's28first slot52B; and the cylinder's8second fin54′ may be received within exterior handle's28longitudinal groove53B (also see, for example,FIG. 2B). This may prevent the rotation of exterior handle28independent of locking cartridge cylinder8. Thus, when locking cartridge8is prevented from rotation, exterior handle28may not rotate and the door locking mechanism100is locked.

As illustrated inFIGS. 5,6A and7, for example, when an exemplary embodiment of the door locking mechanism100of the present invention is assembled, locking tab9may be proximate second longitudinal slot52B′ in, for example, exterior rose23B such that tab9may rotate about lock pin9B and may be inserted within exterior rose second longitudinal slot52B′ in the locked position. Exterior rose23B (and interior rose23A) may be fixedly attached to hub core assembly200to prevent rotation of exterior and interior roses23B,23A when locking tab9is inserted within exterior rose slot52B′ in the locked position, exterior locking cartridge cylinder8may be prevented from rotating and thus prevents rotation of exterior handle28.

This novel arrangement may provide great resistance to any torque applied to exterior handle28such as a burglar attempting to defeat the locking mechanism by physically shearing off locking tab9. As the parts of the present invention may be formed of cast, not rolled, metal this may add additional strength to resist any torque applied to exterior handle28. Not only the arrangement of locking tab9, locking cylinder8, exterior handle28and exterior rose23B, but also the thickness of locking tab9, that may be, for example, preferably from about 5.5 to 6.5 cm and more preferably about 6.0 cm (15/64″), renders almost any manual application of torque to exterior handle28impotent. It is noted that second longitudinal slot52B′ may have a width of from about 31/64″ to 35/64″ and preferably about 33/64″ within which locking tab9may be inserted.

The inventors has found that the locking mechanism of the exemplary door locking mechanism100of the present invention may not be defeated by torque up to about 3000 pound torque. Thus torque of about 1500, 2000 and 2500 and up to about 3000 pound torque applied to exterior handle28have been found not to have opened a locked door locking mechanism100made in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. It is noted that in many conventional door locking mechanisms, only about 700 pound torque is necessary to defeat their locking mechanisms.

FIG.13—Door Locking Mechanism Mounted Within Door1300

It is noted thatFIG. 13illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the present invention having locking mechanism100installed in a door1300having an interior side1304and an exterior side1306. Latch1302is retractable (and from within a door jamb, opening when door1300is closed) in the unlocked position.

FIG. 5, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, illustrates the complete assembly of the exemplary door locking mechanism100ofFIG. 1sans a door or other structure within which the locking mechanism100may be mounted. Although not shown inFIG. 5, a latch (1302—seeFIG. 13, for example) may be operably connected to lockcore retractor2which (with lockcore retractor2) may be biased in its extended position such that the latch may seat within an opening in an adjacent door jamb, or the like, to maintain the door (or other structure) in a dosed position. In the unlocked position, rotation of either exterior handle28or interior handle27, may retract lockcore retractor2into hub core assembly200to withdraw the latch into the door and unseat it from the door jamb opening to permit opening of the door.

FIGS.6A—Side View of Unlocked Locking Mechanism100Sans Door

FIG. 6A, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, is a side, cross-sectional view in the unlocked position of the locking mechanism100of the present invention shown inFIG. 5with some details omitted. WhileFIG. 6Aillustrates a so-called Function53embodiment, other Functions may be utilized as may be understood by an ordinary person skilled in the art. Function53cam and plug12may be received within spindle key15(which itself may be received within spindle cylinder21) (also see, for example,FIG. 11).

As illustrated inFIG. 6B, for example, cam and plug12may include a depression12′ within which, in the unlocked position, locking tab9may rest, biased by lock pin spring9A. Cam and plug12may be biased away from exterior handle28by, for example, a spring such as key drive plunger spring7C as shown in the Figures, to permit locking tab9to rest therein maintaining the door locking mechanism100in the unlocked position for, for example, Function53.

FIG.7—Side View of Locked Locking Mechanism100Sans Door

As illustrated inFIG. 7, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, to place the locking mechanism100ofFIG. 6Ain the locked position, the cam and plug12may be translated to the left fromFIG. 6AtoFIG. 7to force locking tab9from depression12′ and into second longitudinal slot52B′ in unmoveable exterior rose23B (see above). This prevents rotation of exterior handle28and locks the door.

Cam and plug12may be so translated to the left by, for example, the pushing inwardly (towards the exterior handle28) and turning of lock button6A of interior locking cartridge11which may force plunger6to the left and in turn may force cam and plug12to the left (towards the exterior of the door/door locking mechanism100) inFIGS. 6A and 7. As shown inFIG. 11, it is noted that when lock button6A is so engaged, first and second plunger notches6B and6C may engage the respective open ends of U-shaped catch slide4of the lockcore retractor assembly250.

For a Function80embodiment (seeFIG. 9, for example) that substitutes cam14for Function53cam and plug12that is shown inFIGS. 6Aand7, for example, locking mechanism100is normally in the locked position as cam14does not have an analogous Function52depression12′ so locking tab9normally is maintained at least partially within second longitudinal slot52B′ in unmoveable exterior rose23B. A Function80locking mechanism100door is opened by inserting and turning a key, for example key33, which turns spindle key15as described in more detail below.

FIG.8—Exploded View of Hub Core Assembly1(Function70) and Lockcore Retractor Assembly250

As shown inFIG. 8, lockcore retractor assembly250may comprise: lockcore retractor2, latch springs36, catch slide4, catch slide spring4A and spring slide holder3. This engagement of notches6B,6C (seeFIG. 6A, for example) with catchslide4maintains lock button6A in the locked position until lock button6A is turned in the other direction so that cam spring18pushes lock button6A back out and away from hub core assembly200.

As shown inFIG. 9, in another alternative exemplary embodiment in achieving the locked position is to lock the exterior door by inserting a key33(seeFIGS. 6 and 7, for example) into the exposed exterior end of key drive assembly7A and turning key33. A portion of key drive plunger7of key drive assembly7A may be inserted into, for example, the cross-shaped opening15C of spindle key15(seeFIG. 9, for example). Spindle key15may rotate upon the turning of key33and spindle key cam15F may then engage lockcore retractor2to retract lockcore retractor2into hub core assembly200which may retract latch (1302) into the door (1300) and out of door jamb opening adjacent latch1302when door1300is dosed (see, for example,FIG. 13). For example, use of a key, such as, for example, key33is the only way to open any door or other structure utilizing a Function80locking mechanism100in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

It is noted the novel and unique structure of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention may not only have the essential elements of locking mechanism100made of strengthened elements, i.e., for example, exterior handle28, exterior rose23B and locking tab9, but these elements may also be arranged in such a manner that greatly increases the amount of torque necessary to apply to exterior handle28to defeat the door locking mechanism100of the present invention as noted above.

FIG. 8, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, illustrates novel features of the outside/exterior housing1B and the inside/interior housing1A that may partially comprise hub core assembly1. It is noted thatFIG. 8also illustrates interior cylinder22together with exterior cylinder22B used for a Function70embodiment (also see, for example,FIG. 10). In a Function70embodiment, exterior cylinder22B replaces spindle key15and spindle cylinder21shown in, for example,FIGS. 10 and 8. Also shown in retractor assembly250which may be seated within hub core assembly1.

Hub core assembly200may include a first housing1A and an opposing second housing1B. The second housing1B includes a protruding first portion60A having a notch62A and a protruding second portion (analogous to protruding second portion64B of first housing1A—see below). The first housing1B includes a protruding first portion60B having a notch62B and a protruding second portion64B. The second housing1B and first housing1A are substantially mirror images of each other so that the second housing protruding second portion seats within the first housing notch62B and the first housing protruding second portion MB seats within the second housing notch62A.

Second housing1B may include a first threaded opening66A and a second threaded opening68A. First housing1A may include a first threaded opening66B and a second threaded opening68B. A first threaded screw65A may be inserted and threaded within second housing second threaded opening68A and into first housing first threaded opening66B, and a second threaded screw65B may be inserted and threaded within first housing second threaded opening68B and into second housing first threaded opening66A to fixedly retain second housing1B to first housing1A. These unique structural features of second and first housings1B,1A permit them to mate to avoid any relative rotational movement to each other and to render such relative rotational movement essentially impossible when properly affixed to each other by, for example, using first and second threaded screws65A,65B.

Interior cylinder22may include cam22C which may ride on cam follower2C of lockcore retractor2. Exterior cylinder22B may include cam22D which may ride on either cam follower2D,2E of lockcore retractor2upon the respective rotation of interior cylinder22and exterior cylinder22B.

As shown inFIG. 8, for a Function70embodiment, inside/interior cylinder22may be inserted within interior housing central opening63A (also for Function53and80embodiments) so that its end300A opposite cam22C protrudes from second housing1B (also the inside end of hub core assembly1—seeFIG. 1, for example). Outside/exterior cylinder22B may be inserted within exterior housing central opening63B so that its end300B opposite cam22B (also the outside end of hub core assembly1—seeFIG. 1, for example) protrudes from first housing1A.

FIG. 9, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, illustrates alternate exemplary Function53and Function80embodiments. Each Function53and Function80embodiment utilizes cylindrical spindle21and cylindrical spindle key15which may be received within spindle21.

Spindle key15may include slot15D having a stop15E. Spindle key15may further include cam15F and opening15C, which may be cross-shaped as shown. Key drive plunger7of key drive assembly7A may be received within cross-shaped opening15C. Thus, turning of key33turns key drive plunger7and so spindle key15retracts retractor2further within hub core assembly1to retract a latch (not shown) attached to retractor2from a latch opening (not shown) in an adjacent door jamb (not shown) or the like so the door or other structure (not shown) may be opened.

Function53may include cam and plug12. Cam and plug12may include cam and plug opening12A within which a cam and plug pin12C may be received. Pin12C may be inserted within spindle slot15D/spindle cylinder slot21D and move translationally therein with respective spindle stop15E/spindle cylinder stop21E limiting movement of pin12C.

Function80may include, instead of cam and plug12, cam14. Cam14may include cam opening14A within which a cam pin14C may be received. Pin14C may be inserted within spindle slot15D/spindle cylinder slot21D and move translationally therein with respective spindle stop15E/spindle cylinder stop21E limiting movement of pin14C.

FIGS. 10A and 10B, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, illustrate a Function70embodiment.

Function70may include cam and rod13A that may comprise off-center rod portion13and off-center rod cylinder13B. Off-center rod cylinder13B may include protruding pin13C and longitudinal opening13D within which the off-center rod of the off-center rod portion13may be inserted. Pin13C may be received within slot22D of spindle22and limited by stop77F

FIG.11—Exploded View of Locking Mechanism100

As discussed above,FIG. 11, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, illustrates an exploded view of locking mechanism100of the present invention (but see the above discussion of the Function53,70and80embodiments) that may be used as an overall reference as needed.FIG. 11also illustrates, for example, interior locking cartridge11with lock button6A removed from one end of plunger6and lock button collar17and biased outwardly by spring11A.

FIGS. 12A through 12Hillustrate a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, that is an alternate locking tab mechanism102for which the previously described invention may accommodate in place of the previously described locking tab mechanisms. For example, alternate locking tab mechanism102may be substituted for cam and plug12and with removal of locking tab9(shown in, for example,FIG. 11).

As illustrated inFIGS. 12A and 12B, for example, alternate locking tab mechanism102includes a central tubular section108within which spring-loaded locking tab109is retained by, for example, opposing retaining sleeves110,112.

As illustrated inFIG. 12H, for example, central section108may include a cut out130within which spring-loaded locking tab109may fit. Central section108may include opposing reduced sections132,134(seeFIG. 12D, for example) on either side of middle section136over which respective retaining sleeves110,112may be placed and then maintained by suitable means after placement of locking tab109.

As best shown inFIGS. 12E(a side view ofFIG. 12F) and 12F, for example, locking tab structure111includes locking tab109, lower opposing posts115each receiving a spring117adapted for compression and a lower depression119that may be generally midway between opposing posts115as shown inFIG. 12F, for example. A central balancing bar150may also be employed of which opposing ends are adapted to move with each spring117. Balancing bar150may assist in ensuring a smooth and essentially perpendicular movement of locking tab109through cutout130(seeFIG. 12H, for example) and in relation to a longitudinal axis152(seeFIG. 12Dfor example) of central tubular section108of locking tab mechanism102. Balancing bar150may also minimize jamming of springs117.

As further illustrated inFIGS. 12B,12D and12G, for example, each retaining sleeve110,112includes a respective shoulder cutout140,142. When retaining sleeves110,112are inserted over respective reduced sections132,134of central tubular section108after the insertion of locking tab109through cutout130, the upper ends of each opposing post115of locking tab109protrude from shoulders140,142while retaining springs117within central tubular section108which interengage respective shoulders140,142. Shoulders140,142are adapted to permit unimpeded translational movement of posts115therethrough, essentially perpendicular to longitudinal axis152. Springs117bias locking tab109in the unlocked position as shown inFIG. 12C, for example.

Locking tab109is adapted for translational movement from a locked position as shown in, for example,FIG. 12B(with retaining sleeves110,112shown next to central section108) and an unlocked position as shown in, for example,FIGS. 12A and 12C(sans opposing sleeves110,112). In the locked position (as shown inFIG. 12B, for example), locking tab109is at least partially inserted into opening52B′ of rose23B (as well as into opening52B of lever28) to prevent rotational movement of lever28in relation to rose23B. In the unlocked position (FIG. 12C, for example), no part of locking tab109is within at least rose opening52B′ to permit unrestricted rotational movement of lever28in relation to rose23B.

Plunger120is adapted for translational movement roughly parallel to longitudinal axis152as driven by a key or other locking/unlocking means.FIG. 12D illustrates a cross sectional view of a portion of rose23B and lever28; proximate tubular section108with opposing sleeves110,112affixed thereto and plunger120apart from tubular section108. As best illustrated inFIG. 12D, plunger is elongated with a forward end158having cut out160and terminating in projection162that are each adapted to move spring-loaded locking tab109through cutout130in a roughly perpendicular motion relative to longitudinal axis152.

That is, for example, in an unlocked position illustrated inFIG. 12C, for example, plunger120is withdrawn from section108to permit plunger projection162to fit within locking tab lower depression119and allowing locking tab109to ‘turtle’ back within section108and without at least rose opening52B′. As noted above, springs117bias locking tab109in this unlocked position.

In the locked position as shown inFIG. 12B, for example, plunger120is moved further within central section108roughly parallel to axis152so that plunger projection162rides on one sloped side of lower depression119of locking tab109to urge locking tab109out of central section108through cutout130so that at least an upper, distal portion of locking tab is inserted within rose opening52B′ to the locked positon.

Use of Outside Handle,28, Key33and Inside Handle27To Open Door (1300)

In a Function53or80assembly, for example, it is noted that rotation of outside handle28may rotate spindle cylinder21whose cam21F may ride on retractor cam follower2D to retract retractor2and hence the latch1302from within the door jamb, opening to permit opening of the door1300or other structure within which the locking mechanism100resides. For example, seeFIG. 13. Insertion and rotation of key33may rotate key drive plunger7of key drive assembly7A which may rotate spindle key15whose cam15F may ride on retractor cam follower2E to retract retractor2, etc. as before to permit opening of the door1300. Rotation of inside handle27may rotate interior cylinder22whose cam22C may ride on retractor cam follower2C to retract retractor2, etc. as before to permit opening of the door1300.

In a Function70assembly, for example, exterior cylinder22B replaces spindle key15and spindle cylinder21so that exterior cylinder cam22D may ride on retractor cam follower2D,2E to retract retractor2, etc. as before to permit opening of the door1300. Other Function assemblies may be used with the locking mechanism100in a manner to permit opening of the door1300in an analogous manner as just described. Thus, key33and inside handle27may open the door1300regardless of the position of locking tab9be it within or without second longitudinal slot52B′ in exterior rose23B, for example. It is noted that if a second, interior locking cartridge is utilized with interior handle27/interior rose23A, then the position of the interior locking cartridge locking tab within or without the interior rose longitudinal slot may affect the ability of interior handle27to rotate and open the door1300.

Use of the Present Invention with Larger Escutcheons

It is noted that the present invention permits attachment of handles27,28without rotating them on threaded shafts or the like to circumscribe a radius about the outer tips T of handles27,28. In prior designs, such handles would be mounted on a threaded shaft or the like requiring rotation of the handles at assembly. As is evident by the exemplary design of handles27,28shown inFIG. 11, for example, any such rotation of the handles would cause the outer tips of handles27,28to contact any escutcheon E, that is an ornamental or protective plate around a keyhole or door handle, that would exceed a radius R scribed by the tips T of handles27,28(e.g., seeFIG. 13).

In the instant invention, the fixing of handles27,28do not require rotation of handles27,28so that escutcheons E sized to exceed any radius R defined by rotation of the handle tips T may be used in conjunction with the instant design. For example such large square or rectangular escutcheons (e.g., see the dashed lines defining the width and partial length of escutcheon E) that may be quite ornamental may easily be used with the instant design. For example,FIG. 13may illustrate a door opening mechanism, comprising: (1) an opening mechanism adapted to open a door or other structure; (2) at least one handle (27,28) operatively connected to the opening mechanism by means other than rotation of the least one handle about the door or other structure; and (3) an escutcheon (23B,25) positioned between the at least one handle and the door or other structure, the escutcheon (e.g., see the dashed lines defining the width and partial length of escutcheon E) sized to exceed a radius R defined by the length of the at least one handle (28,27) (with the length equal to the radius R).

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it is not intended to limit the invention, except as defined by the following claims.