Abstract:
A multi-point lock assembly with shoot bolts adapted to fit a wide range of door heights with a limited number of standard components. The shoot bolts of the assembly can be trimmed to length and attached to other standard components to form the assembly.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/102,697, entitled SLIDING DOOR MULTIPOINT MORTISE LOCK WITH SHOOT BOLTS, filed Oct. 3, 2008, hereby fully incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to lock mechanisms for sliding doors. More particularly, a multi-point lock of the present disclosure provides for combinations of mortise lock(s) and shoot bolt(s) that can be easily adjusted to fit various door heights. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In a typical sliding door installation, such as often found in the case of patio doors, the door is latched by a mechanism mounted in the locked face of the stile of a sliding door. In a single-point latch mechanism, a single hook, or other latching component engages a receiving (keeper) component disposed in the door jamb to latch the door and maintains the door in a latched state. While single-point latch mechanisms often provide satisfactory performance, the use of a single hook often fails to provide the security desired by a homeowner. 
     In response to the desire for increased security by homeowners, a variety of multi-point latches have been developed for use in sliding door installations. These multi-point mechanisms can be mounted in the locked face of the stile of the sliding door with multiple latching elements engaging a receiving structure mounted on a door jamb. These multi-point latches increase the security of the latch mechanisms by providing additional locking strength, thereby diminishing the likelihood of forced entry. 
     Another response to the desire for increased security by homeowners is to provide sliding doors with shoot bolts as the locking mechanism. While a latch mechanism that is mounted in the locked face of a sliding door can be used with a sliding door of any height, a shoot bolt mechanism must be adapted for use with a particular door height, as the respective face plates must be flush with the top and bottom surfaces of the sliding door. Accordingly, prior art shoot bolt solutions have typically involved a multiplicity of shoot bolts and lock assemblies of different fixed lengths that must be mixed and matched to fit doors of different standard heights. Further, non-standard door heights typically cannot be accommodated with such prior shoot bolt systems without resorting to custom made components. 
     Accordingly, there is still a need in the industry for a multi-point door latch assembly with shoot bolts that is simple to install and operate, easily adapted to a wide range of door heights with a limited number of standard components, and is designed to provide increased security against forced entry. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention substantially meets the aforementioned needs of the industry by providing a multi-point door latch assembly with shoot bolts, that is simple to install and operate, easily adapted to a wide range of door heights, and is designed to provide increased security against forced entry. In an embodiment, the lock assembly is adapted to be installed in the moving panel of a sliding patio door. The lock assembly of this invention may have one or more locking points with additional locking points in separate modules. 
     In an embodiment, the lock assembly is equipped with two hook assemblies. In other embodiments, the lock assembly may be equipped with more than two hook assemblies. In embodiments where the drive bar assembly is equipped with two or more hook assemblies, at least two of the hooks may rotate into opposing locked positions. 
     A shoot bolt assembly according to an embodiment may include a drive assembly, that is mounted within a housing, and that is functionally coupled to a drive bar and a locking bolt. A face plate encloses these elements within the housing. The drive assembly may include one or more pinions, a fixed rack, and a driven rack. Linear movement of the drive bar causes the pinions to roll along the fixed rack, thereby driving the driven rack and connected bolt to extend and retract the bolt from the housing. A one unit linear movement of the drive bar may result in two units of linear travel of the bolt. 
     The shoot bolt assembly drive bar and face plate can be cut to enable an installation of the present invention to fit a range of door heights. Such a cut can be accomplished by positioning the locking bolt in the fully extended (locking) position, ensuring that the ends of the face plate and driver bar are registered, and then cutting the face plate and driver bar in one pass, eliminating any need to cut the face plate and driver bar separately. 
     The arrangement of the shoot bolt assembly components enables installation of the lock assembly to fit a range of door heights via the use of extension bar assemblies and by cutting the shoot bolt assemblies to a length appropriate for each installation. As will be immediately recognized by those skilled in the art, the use of an extension bar assembly or assemblies within a lock assembly further increases the range of door heights that can be accommodated. 
     The lock assembly of this invention is self-contained, but may be fitted with a variety of optional components, such as door handles, exterior pulls, and locks. Moreover, two or more of the described subassemblies can be simply and inexpensively integrated into a single assembled unit, which can also include one or more of the foregoing additional components. 
     According to an embodiment, a multi-point lock assembly adapted for accommodating a plurality of door panel height dimensions includes an active lock actuator assembly, a passive lock assembly operably coupled to the active lock actuator assembly, and a shoot bolt assembly operably coupled to the passive lock assembly, wherein a length dimension of the shoot bolt assembly is alterable to accommodate each of the plurality of door panel height dimensions. The multi-point lock assembly may further include a linking adaptor assembly interposed between the passive lock assembly and the shoot bolt assembly. The linking adaptor assembly may include a drive bar with a connector with the shoot bolt assembly including a drive bar having a proximal end with a serrated portion. The connector of the linking adaptor assembly engages with the serrated portion of the shoot bolt assembly drive bar. 
     In further embodiments, the shoot bolt assembly includes a face plate, a drive bar slidably disposed on the face plate, and a bolt assembly slidably disposed on the face plate and operably coupled with the drive bar. The shoot bolt assembly may also include a gear drive assembly operably coupling the drive bar and the bolt assembly. The gear drive assembly may include a fixed rack, a driven rack, and at least one pinion engaged with the fixed rack and the driven rack. The shoot bolt assembly may further include a housing fixed to the face plate, with the fixed rack fixedly attached to the housing or the face plate. The pinion may be carried on the drive bar of the shoot bolt assembly, and the drive rack carried on the bolt assembly. The multi-point lock assembly may further include an extension bar assembly interposed between and operably coupling the passive lock actuator assembly and the shoot bolt assembly. 
     In other embodiments, a method of installing a multi-point lock assembly in a door panel includes disposing an active lock actuator assembly and a passive lock actuator assembly in a mortise defined in an edge of the door panel, the active lock actuator assembly operably coupled with the passive lock actuator assembly, trimming a length of a shoot bolt assembly, and operably coupling the trimmed shoot bolt assembly with the passive lock actuator assembly and disposing the shoot bolt assembly in the mortise. Trimming the length of the shoot bolt assembly may include registering an end of a drive bar of the shoot bolt assembly with an end of a face plate of the shoot bolt assembly, and cutting the drive bar of the shoot bolt assembly and the face plate of the shoot bolt assembly together at the same location. The method may also include interposing an extension bar assembly between the passive lock assembly and the shoot bolt assembly and operably coupling the extension bar assembly with the passive lock assembly and the shoot bolt assembly. The method may further include interposing a linking adaptor between the passive lock assembly and the shoot bolt assembly, and operably coupling the linking adaptor with the passive lock assembly and the shoot bolt assembly. 
     In further embodiments, a multi-point lock assembly component kit for a door panel includes an active lock actuator assembly, a passive lock assembly adapted to operably couple to the active lock actuator assembly, a shoot bolt assembly adapted to operably couple to the passive lock assembly, wherein a length dimension of the shoot bolt assembly is alterable by trimming off a portion of the shoot bolt assembly, and instructions for trimming the shoot bolt assembly to accommodate each of a plurality of door panel height dimensions. The instructions may be in written form or may be provided in any other form, such as on computer readable media, video media, or sound media. The instructions may be provided with a kit or separate from the kit. 
     In further embodiments, the kit may include a linking adaptor assembly adapted to operably link the passive lock assembly and the shoot bolt assembly. The linking adaptor assembly may include a drive bar with a connector, the shoot bolt assembly may include a drive bar having a proximal end with a serrated portion, and the connector of the linking adaptor assembly may be adapted to engage with the serrated portion of the shoot bolt assembly drive bar. The shoot bolt assembly may include a face plate, a drive bar slidably disposed on the face plate, and a bolt assembly slidably disposed on the face plate and operably coupled with the drive bar. The shoot bolt assembly may further include a gear drive assembly operably coupling the drive bar and the bolt assembly. The gear drive assembly may include a fixed rack, a driven rack, and at least one pinion engaged with the fixed rack and the driven rack. The at least one pinion may be carried on the drive bar of the shoot bolt assembly, and the driven rack may be carried on the bolt assembly. 
     Throughout the specification, any references to such relative terms as top and bottom, and the like, are intended for convenience of description and are not intended to limit the present invention or its components to any one positional or spatial orientation. It will be further understood that various dimensions of the components in the attached figures may vary depending upon specific applications and intended use of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention. 
     These and other objects, features, and advantages of various embodiments will become apparent from the description which follows, when considered in view of the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view depicting a multipoint sliding door lock assembly for use with shoot bolts; 
         FIG. 1   a  is a perspective view of a sliding door assembly according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 1   b  is a side elevation view of a multipoint sliding door lock assembly with linking adaptors according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 1   c  is a front plan view of the multipoint sliding door lock assembly of  FIG. 1   b;    
         FIG. 1   d  is a rear plan view of the multipoint sliding door lock assembly of  FIG. 1   b;    
         FIG. 1   e  is a cross sectional view taken at section  1   e - 1   e  of  FIG. 1   b;    
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view depicting an active locking device and a lower passive locking device for use with shoot bolts according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 2   a  is a side elevation view of a shoot bolt assembly according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 2   b  is a front plan view of the shoot bolt assembly of  FIG. 2   a;    
         FIG. 2   c  is an opposite side elevation view of the shoot bolt assembly of  FIG. 2   a;    
         FIG. 2   d  is a top plan view of the shoot bolt assembly of  FIG. 2   a;    
         FIG. 2   e  is a rear plan view of the shoot bolt assembly of  FIG. 2   a;    
         FIG. 2   f  is a rear plan cutaway view of the shoot bolt assembly of  FIG. 2   a  depicting the bolt in the extended position; 
         FIG. 2   g  is a rear plan cutaway view of the shoot bolt assembly of  FIG. 2   a  depicting the bolt in the retracted position; 
         FIG. 2   h  is a cross-sectional view taken at section  2   h - 2   h  of  FIG. 2   b;    
         FIG. 2   i  is a cross-sectional view taken at section  2   i - 2   i  of  FIG. 2   a;    
         FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view depicting an active locking device and a lower passive locking device for use with shoot bolts according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 3   a  is a rear plan view of a shoot bolt assembly of  FIG. 2   a;    
         FIG. 3   b  is a rear/top isometric view of the shoot bolt assembly of  FIG. 3   a  with an extension bar assembly; 
         FIG. 4  is cross-sectional view depicting an active locking device for use with shoot bolts according to an embodiment, depicted in an unlocked position; 
         FIG. 4   a  is a side elevation view of an extension bar assembly according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 4   b  is a front plan view of the extension bar assembly of  FIG. 4   a;    
         FIG. 4   c  is a rear plan view of the extension bar assembly of  FIG. 4   a;    
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view depicting an active locking device for use with shoot bolts according to an embodiment, depicted in a locked position; 
         FIG. 5   a  is a side elevation view of a multipoint sliding door lock assembly with three hooks and linking adaptor assemblies linking shoot bolts at each end, the assembly adapted for a standard 69 inch height door panel; 
         FIG. 5   b  is a side elevation view of a multipoint sliding door lock assembly with three hooks and linking adaptor assemblies linking shoot bolts at each end, the assembly adapted for a standard 72 inch height door panel; 
         FIG. 5   c  is a side elevation view of a multipoint sliding door lock assembly with three hooks and linking adaptor assemblies linking shoot bolts at each end, the assembly adapted for a standard 77 inch height door panel; 
         FIG. 5   d  is a side elevation view of a multipoint sliding door lock assembly with three hooks and linking adaptor assemblies linking a shoot bolt at one end and an extension bar and shoot bolt at the opposite end, the assembly adapted for a standard 85 inch height door panel; 
         FIG. 5   e  is a side elevation view of a multipoint sliding door lock assembly with three hooks and linking adaptor assemblies linking a shoot bolt at one end and an extension bar and shoot bolt at the opposite end, the assembly adapted for a standard 88 inch height door panel; 
         FIG. 5   f  is a side elevation view of a multipoint sliding door lock assembly with three hooks and linking adaptor assemblies linking a shoot bolt at one end and an extension bar and shoot bolt at the opposite end, the assembly adapted for a standard 93 inch height door panel; 
         FIG. 5   g  is a side elevation view of a multipoint sliding door lock assembly with three hooks and linking adaptor assemblies linking a shoot bolt at one end and an extension bar with incorporated additional passive locking assembly and shoot bolt at the opposite end, the assembly adapted for a standard 101 inch height door panel; 
         FIG. 5   h  is a side elevation view of a multipoint sliding door lock assembly with three hooks and linking adaptor assemblies linking a shoot bolt at one end and an extension bar with incorporated additional passive locking assembly and shoot bolt at the opposite end, the assembly adapted for a standard 104 inch height door panel; 
         FIG. 5   i  is a side elevation view of a multipoint sliding door lock assembly with three hooks and linking adaptor assemblies linking a shoot bolt at one end and an extension bar with incorporated additional passive locking assembly and shoot bolt at the opposite end, the assembly adapted for a standard 109 inch height door panel; 
         FIG. 5   j  is a side elevation view of a multipoint sliding door lock assembly with three hooks and linking adaptor assemblies linking a shoot bolt at one end and an extension bar with incorporated additional passive locking assembly and shoot bolt at the opposite end, the assembly adapted for a standard 117 inch height door panel; 
         FIG. 5   k  is a table showing some various potential combinations of the elements of the present disclosure to achieve a variety of desired door height configurations; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view depicting an active locking device for use with shoot bolts according to an embodiment, depicted in a locked position; 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view depicting a passive locking device for use with shoot bolts according to an embodiment, depicted in an unlocked position; 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view depicting a passive locking device for use with shoot bolts according to an embodiment, depicted in a locked position; 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view depicting a passive locking device for use with shoot bolts according to an embodiment, depicted in a locked position; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view depicting a partially disassembled active locking device for use with shoot bolts according to an embodiment, depicted in an unlocked position; and 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view depicting a partially disassembled active locking device for use with shoot bolts according to an embodiment, depicted in a locked position. 
     
    
    
     While the present invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 1 , and  1   b - 1   e , a multipoint sliding door lock assembly  100  for use with shoot bolt assemblies  30 , generally includes lock assemblies  102 , faceplate  104 , linking members  110 , and linking adapters  80 . The components of multipoint sliding door lock  100  can be fabricated from suitable materials of construction, including, for example, carbon steel, stainless, aluminum, nylon, and combinations thereof. 
     Shoot bolt assembly  30  is depicted in  FIGS. 2   a  through  2   g  and  3   a - 3   b . Shoot bolt assembly  30  generally includes face plate  32 , housing  34 , drive bar  36 , bolt assembly  38 , and gear drive assembly  40 . Housing  34  is secured to face plate  32  with rivets  42 , and defines an enclosure for receiving gear drive assembly  40 . 
     Drive bar  36  is slidably disposed on inner surface  44  of face plate  32 , and includes serrated portion  46  extending outward from housing  34 . Bolt  38  is also slidably disposed on face plate  32  and generally includes a pair of outer fork plates  48  and one or more internal spacer plates  50  held together with rivets  52 . Fork plates  48  extend into housing  34  on each side of rivet  42 . 
     Gear drive assembly  40  generally includes fixed rack  54 , driven rack  56 , and pinions  58 . Pinions  58  are rotatably coupled with and are carried on drive bar  36 . Fixed rack  54  is fixedly coupled with housing  34 , while driven rack  56  is coupled with bolt  38 . 
     In use, a translating force may be applied to shift drive bar  36  longitudinally along face plate  32 . As drive bar  36  is shifted into housing  34 , pinions  58  roll along fixed rack  54 , and cause driven rack  56  and bolt  38  to shift in the same direction, thereby extending bolt  38  outward from housing  34 . In a preferred embodiment, as depicted in  FIGS. 2   f  and  2   g , it will be appreciated that for a given stroke distance C of drive bar  36 , bolt  38  will be shifted outward twice stroke distance C ( 2 C). Of course it will also be appreciated that other stroke distance ratios can be achieved by varying the geometry and configuration of gear drive assembly  40 , and that such other configurations and geometries are contemplated within the scope of the present invention. 
     An extension bar assembly  60  according to embodiments of the invention is depicted in  FIGS. 4   a - 4   c . Extension bar assembly  60  generally includes faceplate  62 , drive bar  64 , fasteners  66 , and coupler  68 . Drive bar  64  is slidably disposed on faceplate  62  and defines elongate slots  70 . Further, serrated coupling portion  72  is defined at proximal end  74  of drive bar  64 , while coupler  68  is attached at distal end  76 . 
     In use, a translating force may be applied to proximal end  74  to shift drive bar  64  longitudinally along faceplate  62 . As drive bar  64  shifts, coupler  68  is shifted a corresponding distance in the same direction. 
     It will be appreciated that extension bar assembly  60  may be made in a variety of pre-determined lengths to accommodate various door heights and combinations of components as will be further described hereinbelow. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 1   e , linking adapter  80  generally includes faceplate  82  and drive bar  84 . Drive bar  84  is slidably disposed on faceplate  82  and defines slots  86 ,  87 . Rivet  88  extends through slot  86  to secure drive bar  84  to faceplate  82 . Proximal end  90  of drive bar  84  defines projections  92 , while coupler  68  is fastened at distal end  94 . Fastener  96  extends through slot  87  to attach linking adapter  80  to lock assembly  100 . 
     In use, a translating force may be applied to proximal end  90  to shift drive bar  84  longitudinally along faceplate  82 . As drive bar  84  shifts, coupler  68  is shifted a corresponding distance in the same direction. 
     Although the structure and use of lock assembly  100 , is known though previous PCT Publication No. WO 2008/153707 A2, owned by the owners of the present invention, said application being hereby fully incorporated herein by reference, lock assembly  100  will be described herein to facilitate understanding of the present invention. Lock assembly  100  generally includes active locking device  106  and passive locking devices  108 . Passive locking devices  108  include upper passive locking device  108   a  and lower passive locking device  108   b . Linking members  110  have teeth  111  and grooves  113 . Active locking device  106  and upper passive locking device  108   a  are operably coupled by upper linking member  110   a . Active locking device  106  and lower passive locking device  108   b  are operably coupled by lower linking member  110   b . Upper passive locking device  108   a  and lower passive locking device  108   b  are substantially similar passive locking devices  108  apart from their orientation on faceplate  104  in relation to active locking devices  106 . 
     The terms “upper” and “lower” used to describe passive locking devices  108  generally refer to positions in relation to a sliding door (not shown) on which multipoint sliding door lock  100  may be mounted. Upper passive locking device  108   a  is positioned more proximate the top of the door, while lower passive locking device  108   b  is positioned more proximate the bottom of the door. The positions of upper passive locking device  108   a  and lower passive locking device  108   b  on a sliding door can also be switched without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. 
     Each lock assembly  102  generally comprises a discrete housing for enclosing, mounting, and protecting the functions performed by lock assembly  102 . Active locking device  106  includes active locking-device base  112  secured to active locking-device cover  114 . Upper passive locking device  108   a  includes passive locking-device base  116  secured to passive locking-device cover  118 . Lower passive locking device  108   b  including passive locking-device base  116  secured to passive locking-device cover  118 . 
     Faceplate  104  generally has top end  120 , bottom end  122 , latch channels  124 , mounting holes  126 , attachment holes  128 , anti-slam actuator hole  130 , and large depth-adjustment screw hole  132 . Adjustable latches  134  can move within and through lock channels  124 . Faceplate  104  can be mounted to a sliding door by way of suitable fasteners positioned within mounting holes  126 . Suitable fasteners for this purpose can include screws, bolts, rivets, nails, adhesives, combinations thereof, and the like. As an optional feature, mounting holes  126  can provide for fasteners to be countersunk for greater aesthetic appeal and safety. 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 1-6 , active locking device  106  generally includes active locking-device base  112 , active locking-device cover  114 , active latch  134   a , crank member  136 , active-lock positioner  138 , gear-drive system  140 , active-lock drive plate  142 , active-lock actuator  144  defining lower linking-member engager  146 , upper linking member-engager  148 , anti-slam mechanism  150 , depth-adjustment mechanism  152 , and several connecting pins. 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 2-6  and  10 - 11 , active locking-device base  112  generally includes main wall  154 , front wall  156 , back wall  158 , top wall  160 , and bottom wall  162 . Main wall  154  has several slots, including back-gear protrusion slot (not shown), back-gear guide slot (not shown), spring post hole (not shown), and front-gear guide slot  164   a . Main wall  154  also has crank-member hole (not shown), handle-fastener holes (not shown) and cog-protrusion hole  166   a . Extending from main wall  154  toward active locking-device cover  114  are fastening posts  168 , spring post  170 , and anti-slam brace  172 . Fastening posts  168  and spring post  170  are attached to main wall  154  using a suitable connection method, including, for example, welding, press-fit, and spin-fit techniques. Anti-slam brace  172  can be formed by bending toward active locking-device cover  114  a portion of main wall  112 . Front wall  156  has attachment holes  174 , small depth-adjustment screw hole  176 , anti-slam protrusion hole  178  and active-latch opening  179 . Attachment holes  174  of main wall  154  are generally aligned with attachment holes  128  of faceplate  104  so that fastening members are inserted through aligned attachment holes  128 , 174 , to secure active locking-device base  112  to faceplate  104 . Small depth-adjustment screw hole  176  of main wall  154  and large depth-adjustment screw hole  132   a  of faceplate  104  are generally aligned so as to receive depth adjustment screw  180   a . Anti-slam protrusion hole  178  of front wall  156  is generally aligned with anti-slam actuator hole  130  of faceplate  104  so as to receive anti-slam actuator  182 . In addition, active-latch opening  179  in front wall  156  of active locking-device base  112  is generally aligned with latch channel  124  of faceplate  104  so as to allow active latch  134   a  to freely pivot between locked and unlocked positions. 
     Active locking-device cover  114  generally includes cover plate  184  with a plurality of apertures and slots. The apertures includes crank-member hole  186 , cover-screw holes  188 , spring-post hole  190 , handle-fastener holes  192 , and cog-protrusion hole  166   b . The slots include back-gear protrusion slot  194 , back-gear guide slot  196 , front-gear guide slot  164   b , and anti-slam protrusion slot  198 . Cover plate  184  has a shape so as to conformingly fit over front wall  156 , back wall  158 , top wall  160 , and bottom wall  162  of active locking-device base  112 . Generally, crank-member hole  186  is aligned with crank member  136 , and cover-screw holes  188  are aligned with fastening posts  168 , cog-protrusion hole  166   a  of active locking-device cover  114  is aligned with cog-protrusion hole  166   b  of active-locking device base  112  so as to allow active latch  134   a  to freely pivot between locked and unlocked positions. In addition, handle-fastener holes  192 , back-gear protrusion slot  194 , back-gear guide slot  196 , and front-gear guide slot  164   b  of active locking-device cover  114  are generally aligned with handle-fastener holes (not shown), back-gear protrusion slot (not shown), back-gear guide slot (not shown), and front-gear guide slot  164   a  of active locking-device base  112  so as to allow active latch  134   a  to freely pivot between locked and unlocked positions. 
     Crank member  136  generally includes crank body  200 , top crank arm  202 , middle crank arm  204 , and bottom crank arm  206 . Crank body  200  generally defines actuator-pin slot  206  and crank-arm protrusion  210 . Top crank arm  202  and bottom crank arm  206  generally define spring holes  208   a,b . Middle crank arm  204  generally defines crank-arm protrusion  210 . 
     Active-lock positioner  138  generally includes positioner housing  212  generally defining crank holes  214 , small pivot-pin holes  216 , and adjustment-bolt recesses  218 . Crank holes  214  rotatably receive crank member  136 . Small pivot-pin holes  216  can fixedly receive pivot pin  220 . Adjustment-bolt recess  218  can rotatably receive threaded depth-adjustment bolt  222 . 
     Active-lock actuator  144  generally includes upper engagement region  224 , middle region  226 , and lower engagement region  228 . Upper engagement region  224  generally defines actuator extension  230  defining front-gear protrusion hole  232 , small actuator-pin hole  234 , and crank-protrusion recess  236 . Middle region  226  generally defines lock-channel cover  238 . Lower engagement region  228  generally defines lower linking member engager  146  defining teeth  242  and grooves  244 . The interface between middle region  226  and lower engagement region  228  defines anti-slam recess  246 . 
     Active-lock drive plate  142  generally includes drive-plate body  248  and drive-plate head  250 . Drive-plate body  248  and drive-plate head  250  can occupy different planes. Drive plate body  248  generally defines pivot-pin slot  252  and drive-pin slot  254 . Pivot-pin slot  252  can transversely receive pivot pin  220  along a lateral axis. Drive-pin slot  254  can transversely receive drive pin  256  along longitudinal and lateral axes. Drive-plate head  250  generally defines large actuator-pin hole  258 . Large actuator-pin hole  258  can rotatably receive actuator rivet  260 . 
     Active latch  134   a  generally includes hook  262 , drive-pin hole  264 , and large pivot-pin hole  266 . Hook  262  is generally shaped so to engage a keeper (not shown) when active latch  134   a  is in a locked position. Drive-pin hole  264  can receive drive pin  256 . Large pivot-pin hole  266  can rotatably receive pivot pin  220 . 
     Upper-linking member engager  148  generally includes an upper region  268  and a lower region  270 . Upper region generally defines teeth  272  and grooves  274 . Lower region  270  generally defines back-gear protrusion hole  276 . Lower region  270  is bent toward main wall  154  of active locking-device base  112  to further secure upper linking member engager  148  within active locking device  106 . 
     Gear-drive system  140  generally includes cog  278 , front gear drive  280 , back gear drive  282 . Cog  278  generally defines cog protrusions  284  and gears  286 . Cog-protrusion holes  166   a - b  of main wall  154  and cover plate  184  receive cog-protrusions  284 . Front gear-drive  280  generally includes gears  288 , front-gear guides  290 , front-gear recess  292 , and front-gear protrusion  294 . Gears  288  of front-gear drive  280  engage gears  286  of cog  278 . Front-gear guide slots  164   a - b  transversely receives front-gear guides  290  so as to allow active latch  134   a  to freely pivot between locked and unlocked positions. Front-gear recess  292  can receive actuator extension  230  so that front-gear protrusion hole  232  receives front-gear protrusion  294 . Back gear drive  282  generally includes gears  296 , back-gear guides  298 , and back-gear protrusion  300 . Gears  286  of cog  278  engage gears  296  of back-gear drive  282 . Back-gear guide slots  196  transversely receive back-gear guides  298  so as to enable active latch  134   a  to freely pivot between locked and unlocked positions. Back-gear protrusion hole  276  of upper linking member engager  270  receives back-gear protrusion  300 . 
     Anti-slam mechanism  150  generally includes anti-slam actuator  182 , anti-slam body  302 , anti-slam protrusion  304 , and anti-slam spring hole  306 . Anti-slam mechanism  150  generally ensures that the door is shut, or that anti-slam actuator  182  occupy a non-extended position, in order for adjustable latches  134  to be actuated into locked positions. Referring to  FIG. 4 , anti-slam body  302  fits into anti-slam recess  246  and thereby prevents lateral movement of active-lock actuator  144  when anti-slam body  302  occupies an extended position, such as, for example, when a sliding door is open. Referring to  FIGS. 5-6 , anti-slam body  302  is located below anti-slam recess  246  and thereby permit lateral movement of active-lock actuator  144  when anti-slam body  302  occupies an non-extended position, such as, for example, when a sliding door is closed. Anti-slam actuator hole  130  of faceplate  104  and anti-slam protrusion hole  178  of front wall  156  of active locking-device base  112  receive anti-slam actuator  182 . Anti-slam protrusion slot  198  transversely receives anti-slam protrusion  304 . Anti-slam spring hole  306  receives anti-slam spring  308 . 
     Depth-adjustment mechanism  152  generally includes depth-adjustment screw  180   a  and threaded depth-adjustment bolt  222 . Depth-adjustment mechanism  152  adjusts active-lock positioner  138  to control the depth of active latch  134   a  within active locking device  106 . Small depth-adjustment screw hole  176  of front wall  156 , active locking-device base  112  and large depth-adjustment screw hole  132   a  of faceplate  104  receive depth-adjustment screw  180   a . Adjustment-bolt recess  218  of active-lock positioner  138  receives depth-adjustment bolt  222 . Depth-adjustment screw  180   a  generally includes depth-adjustment screw head  310 , depth-adjustment screw neck  312 , depth-adjustment screw collar  314 , and depth-adjustment screw body  316  having proximal end  318  and distal end  320 . At least a portion of depth-adjustment screw  180   a  is threaded so as to receive threaded depth-adjustment bolt  222 . 
     Upper passive locking device  108   a  and lower passive locking device  108   b  each include passive locking-device base  322 , passive locking-device cover  324 , passive latch  134   b , passive-lock positioner  328 , passive-lock drive plate  330 , passive-lock actuator  332 , depth-adjustment mechanism  152 , and several connecting pins. 
     Passive locking-device base  322  generally includes main wall  334 , front wall  336 , back wall  338 , top wall  340 , and bottom wall  342 . Main wall  334  has small positioner-pin hole  344   a . Extending from main wall  334  toward passive locking-device cover  324  are fastening posts  346 . Fastening posts  346  are attached to main wall  334  using a suitable connection method, including, for example, welding, press-fit, and spin-fit techniques. Front wall  336  has attachment holes  348 , passive-latch opening  350  and small depth adjustment screw hole  351 . Attachment holes  348  of passive-locking device base  322  are registered with attachment holes  128  of faceplate  104  so that fastening members inserted through aligned attachment holes  128 ,  348  to secure passive locking-device base  322  to faceplate  104 . In addition, passive-latch opening  350  is generally aligned with lock channel  124  of faceplate  104  so as to allow passive latch  134   b  to freely pivot between locked and unlocked positions. 
     Passive locking-device cover  324  generally includes cover plate  352  defining a plurality of apertures, including positioner-pin hole  344   b  and cover-screw holes  356 . Cover plate  352  has a shape so as to conformingly fit over front wall  336 , back wall  338 , top wall  340 , and bottom wall  342  of passive locking-device base  322 . Positioner-pin hole  344   b  of passive locking-device cover  324  is registered with positioner-pin  371  and with positioner-pin hole  344   a  of passive locking device base  322  and cover screw holes  356  are aligned with fastening posts  346  so as to enable passive latch  134   b  to freely pivot between locked and unlocked positions. 
     Passive latch  134   b  generally includes hook  358 , drive-pin hole  360 , and large pivot-pin hole  362 . Hook  358  is shaped so to engage a keeper (not depicted) when passive latch  134   b  is in a locked position. Drive-pin hole  360  receives drive pin  522  and large pivot-pin hole  362  receives pivot pin  524 . 
     Passive-lock positioner  328  generally includes positioner housing  364  generally defining positioner-pin holes  366 , small pivot-pin holes  368 , and adjustment-bolt recesses  370 . Small pivot-pin holes  368  receive pivot pin  524 . Adjustment-bolt recess  370  receives threaded depth-adjustment bolt  222 . Large positioner-pin holes  366  receive positioner pin  371 . 
     Passive-lock actuator  332  generally includes upper engagement region  372 , middle region  374 , and lower engagement region  376 . Upper engagement region  372  and lower engagement region  376  define teeth  378  and grooves  380 . Middle region  374  defines lock-channel cover  382  and actuator shelf  384  defining actuator-pin hole  386 . 
     Passive-lock drive plate  330  generally includes drive-plate body  394  and drive-plate head  396 . Drive-plate body  394  and drive-plate head  396  occupy the same plane. Drive plate body  394  defines pivot-pin slot  398  and drive-pin slot  400 . Pivot-pin slot  398  transversely receives pivot pin  524  along a lateral axis. Drive-pin slot  400  transversely receives drive pin  522  along longitudinal and lateral axes. Drive-plate head  396  defines actuator-pin hole  402 . Actuator-pin hole  402  receives actuator rivet  526 . 
     Depth-adjustment mechanism  152  generally includes depth-adjustment screw  180   b  and threaded depth-adjustment bolt  222 . Depth-adjustment mechanism  152  adjusts passive-lock positioner  328  to control the depth of passive latch  134   b  within passive locking device  108 . Small depth-adjustment screw hole  351  of front wall  336  of passive locking-device base  322  and large depth-adjustment screw hole  132   b  of faceplate  104  receive depth-adjustment screw  180   b . Adjustment-bolt recess  370  of passive-lock positioner  328  receives threaded depth-adjustment bolt  222 . 
     Anti-slam spring  308  situated between anti-slam body  150  and back wall  158  of active locking-device base  112  biases anti-slam body  150 , causing anti-slam actuator  182  to extend through anti-slam actuator holes  130 ,  178  of front wall  156  of active locking-device base  112  and faceplate  104 . If an opposing force is not applied to anti-slam actuator  182 , anti-slam actuator  182  remains in an extended position. Anti-slam body  150  can, however, be pushed toward back wall  158  of active locking-device base  112  to enable lever  504  to actuate active locking device  104 . For example, by closing a sliding door against a door jamb, the force exerted against the sliding door causes anti-slam body  150  to compress anti-slam spring  308  and move toward back wall  158 . When front surface of anti-slam body  150  is pushed past back edge of anti-slam recess  246 , active-lock actuator  144  can be freely extended toward bottom end  122  of faceplate  104 , as depicted in  FIGS. 5-6 . 
     In the unlocked position, crank member  136  is oriented so that top crank arm  202  is situated against or near back wall  158  of active locking-device base  112 , as depicted in  FIG. 4 . Depending upon how lever  504  is disposed to actuator pin  502 , raising or lowering distal end  510  of lever  504  rotates crank member  136  so that bottom crank arm  206  becomes situated against or near back wall  158  of active locking-device base  112 . As crank member  136  rotates around axis A-A, middle crank arm  204  is also caused to rotate, moving from an upward orientation to a downward orientation, as depicted in  FIGS. 4-5 . As middle crank arm  204  rotates, crank-arm protrusion  210  moves away from top wall  160  and toward bottom wall  162  of active locking-device base  112 . Crank-arm protrusion  210 , which is situated within crank-protrusion recess  236  of active-lock actuator  144 , can thereby cause active-lock actuator  144  to move toward bottom end  122  of faceplate  104 . Crank-protrusion recess  236  is generally elongated so as to accommodate the lateral displacement of crank-arm protrusion  210  as crank-arm protrusion  210  moves longitudinally toward bottom wall  162 . The longitudinal displacement of active-lock actuator  144  is generally defined by an arc traversed by crank-arm protrusion  210 , which is defined by the length of middle crank arm  204 . 
     Longitudinal displacement of active-lock actuator  144  directly affects the motion of three additional components. Active-lock actuator  144  generally longitudinally displaces active-lock drive plate  142  and front gear drive  280  toward bottom wall  162  and lower linking member  110   b  toward bottom end  122  of faceplate  104 . Since the purpose of lower linking member  110   b  is to actuate lower passive locking device  108   b , additional description of lower linking member  110   b  will follow in connection with description of lower passive-locking device  108   b.    
     Active-lock actuator  144  is operably connected to active-lock drive plate  142  by actuator rivet  260 . Actuator rivet  260  is fixedly secured through large actuator-pin hole  258  in drive-plate head  250  of active-lock drive plate  142  and small actuator-pin hole  234  in active-lock actuator  144 . As active-lock actuator  144  is longitudinally displaced, active-lock drive plate  142  is generally longitudinally displaced by a similar distance and in a similar direction. The direction of movement of active-lock drive plate  142  is maintained by pivot pin  220 . Pivot pin  220  is fixedly secured through small pivot-pin holes  216  of active-lock positioner  138 , rotatably secured through large pivot-pin hole  266  of active latch  134   a , and transversely secured in pivot-pin slot  252  of active-lock drive plate  142 . As depicted in  FIG. 3 , active-lock drive plate  142  is secured beneath active latch  134   a  within active-lock positioner  138 . Pivot-pin slot  252  in drive-plate body  248  of active-lock drive plate  142  enables active-lock drive plate  142  to longitudinally slide about pivot pin  220 . 
     Displacement of active-lock drive plate  142  toward bottom wall  162  exerts force upon drive pin  256 . As depicted in  FIG. 3 , drive pin  256  is rotatably secured through drive-pin hole  264  of active latch  134   a  and transversely secured through drive-pin slot  254 . The force exerted upon drive pin  256  causes active latch  134   a  to rotate about pivot pin  220  and causes drive pin  256  to be displaced within drive-pin slot  254  of active-lock drive plate  142 . The shape of pivot-pin slot  252  generally permits drive-pin slot  254  to be displaced so as to accommodate the arc-shaped displacement of drive pin  256  created by the rotation of active latch  134   a  about pivot pin  220 . The interaction of the arc-shape of drive pin slot  254 , drive pin  256 , and pivot pin  220  prevents latch  134   a  from backdriving. As active latch  134   a  rotates about pivot pin  220 , hook  262  moves through active-latch opening  179  in active locking-device base  112  and latch channel  124  in faceplate  104  so as to occupy a locked position, as depicted in  FIGS. 5-6 . 
     Active-lock actuator  144  is also operably connected to front gear drive  280  by front-gear protrusion  294 . As depicted in  FIGS. 2-3 , actuator extension  230  at upper engagement region  224  of active-lock actuator  144  is situated within front-gear recess  292  of front gear drive  280  so that front-gear protrusion  294  is fixedly secured through front-gear protrusion hole  232  of active-lock actuator  144 . As active-lock actuator  144  is longitudinally displaced, front gear drive  280  is generally longitudinally displaced by a similar distance and in a similar direction. The direction of movement of front gear drive  280  is maintained by front-gear guides  290 . Front-gear guides  290  are transversely secured through front-gear guide slots  164   a - b  of main wall  154  and plate cover  184 . Front-gear guide slots  164   a - b  allow front gear drive  280  to longitudinally slide toward or away from top wall  160  and bottom wall  162 . 
     Displacement of active-lock actuator  144  toward bottom wall  162  exerts a force upon front gear drive  280  that causes front gear drive  280  to be displaced toward bottom wall  162 . Displacement of front gear drive  280  causes gears  288  of front gear drive  280  to engage gears  286  of cog  278 . Cog  278  is rotatably secured in place by cog protrusions  284 . Cog protrusions  284  are rotatably secured in cog-protrusion holes  166   a - b  of main wall  154  and cover plate  184 . 
     Gears  286  of cog  278  also engage gears  296  of back gear drive  298 . As the displacement of front gear drive  280  causes cog  278  to rotate, the rotation of cog  278  displaces back gear drive  282  in a direction opposite the direction of displacement of front gear drive  280 , or toward top wall  160  of active locking-device base  112 . To ensure that lower linking member  110   b  and upper linking member  110   a  are displaced by a substantially similar amount, the gear ratio between gears  288  of front gear drive  280  and gears  286  of cog  278  and the gear ratio between gears  296  of back gear drive  282  and gears  286  of cog  278  are 1:1. 
     Back gear drive  282  is operably connected to upper linking-member engager  148  by back-gear protrusion  300 . Back gear protrusion  300  is fixedly secured through back-gear protrusion hole  276  in lower region  270  of upper linking-member engager  148 . As back gear drive  282  is longitudinally displaced, upper linking-member engager  148  is generally longitudinally displaced by a similar distance and in a similar direction. 
     Upper linking-member engager  148  and lower-linking member engager  146  of active-lock actuator  144  generally operate in a similar manner to actuate passive latches  134   b . Upper linking-member engager  148  has teeth  272  and grooves  274  matingly engaged to teeth  111  and grooves  113  of upper linking member  110   a . As upper-linking member engager  148  is displaced toward top end  120  of faceplate  104 , upper-linking member engager  148  can cause upper linking member  110   a  to be displaced by a similar amount and in a similar direction. Similarly, lower linking-member engager  146  has teeth  242  and grooves  244  matingly engaged to teeth  111  and grooves  113  of lower linking member  110   b . As lower-linking member engager  146  is displaced toward lower end  122  of faceplate  104 , lower-linking member engager  146  can cause upper linking member  110   a  to be displaced by a similar amount and in a similar direction. Referring to  FIGS. 2-3 , upper linking member  110   a  and lower linking member  110   b  are generally transversely secured to faceplate  104  by retainers  550  and retainer rivets  552 . Retainer rivets  552  are fixedly secured through retainer-screw holes  554  of retainer  550  and mounting holes  128  of faceplate  104 . Upper and lower linking members  110   a - b  can be slidably disposed intermediate faceplate  104  and retainer  550  such that retainer rivet  552  is situated within link-member channel  556 . Upper and lower linking members  110   a - b  can thereby be secured proximal to faceplate  104  so as to slide about retainer rivet  552 . 
     The description that follows primarily describes the operation of lower passive locking device  108   b . It will be appreciated, however, that the direction of operation of upper passive locking device  108   a  is similar. Referring to  FIGS. 2-3 , lower linking member  110   b  is operably connected to upper engagement region  372  of passive-lock actuator  332 . Lower linking member  110   b  has teeth  111  and grooves  113  matingly engaged to teeth  378  and grooves  380  of passive-lock actuator  332 . As lower linking member  110   b  is displaced toward bottom end  122  of faceplate  104 , lower linking member  110   b  can cause passive-lock actuator  332  to be displaced by a similar amount and in a similar direction. 
     Passive-lock actuator  332  is operably coupled to passive-lock drive plate  330  by actuator rivet  526 . Actuator rivet  526  is fixedly secured through large actuator-pin hole  402  in drive-plate head  396  of passive-lock drive plate  330  and small actuator-pin hole  386  in actuator shelf  384 . As passive-lock actuator  332  is longitudinally displaced, passive-lock drive plate  330  is generally longitudinally displaced by a similar distance and in a similar direction. The direction and movement of passive-lock drive plate  330  is defined by pivot pin  524 . Pivot pin  524  is fixedly secured through small pivot-pin holes  368  of passive-lock positioner  328 , rotatably secured through large pivot-pin hole  362  of passive-latch  134   b , and transversely secured in pivot-pin slot  398  of passive-lock drive plate  330 . As depicted in  FIG. 3 , passive-lock drive plate  330  is secured above passive latch  134   b  within passive-lock positioner  328 . Pivot-pin slot  398  in body drive-plate  394  of passive-lock drive plate  330  allow passive-lock drive plate  330  to longitudinally slide about pivot pin  524 . 
     Displacement of passive-lock drive plate  330  toward bottom wall  342  of passive locking-device base  322  exerts force upon drive pin  522 . As depicted in  FIG. 3 , drive pin  522  is rotatably secured through drive-pin hole  360  of passive latch  134   b  and transversely secured through drive-pin slot  400 . The force exerted upon drive pin  256  causes passive latch  134   b  to rotate about pivot pin  524  and cause drive pin  522  to be displaced within drive-pin slot  400  of passive-lock drive plate  330 . The shape of pivot-pin slot  400  generally permits drive-pin  522  to be displaced as to accommodate the arc-shaped displacement of drive pin  522  created by the rotation of passive latch  134   b  about pivot pin  524 . As passive latch  134   b  rotates pivot pin  524 , hook  358  moves through passive latch opening  350  in active latch device-base  322  and latch channel  124  in faceplate  104  so as to occupy a locked position, as depicted in  FIG. 5-6 . 
     According to an embodiment of the invention, projections  92  of drive bar  84  of each linking adapter  80  engage in grooves  380  of lower engagement region  376  of passive-lock actuator  332  of each of passive lock assemblies  108   a ,  108   b , as depicted in  FIGS. 1   b - 1   d , to link drive bar  84  to passive lock assemblies  108   a ,  108 , and active locking device  106 . Hence, couplers  68  of linking adapters  80  are translated away from passive locking assemblies  108   a ,  108   b , when active locking device  106  is actuated to latch the door, and are translated toward passive locking assemblies  108   a ,  108   b , when active locking device  106  is actuated to unlatch the door. 
     Shoot bolt assemblies  30  can be directly coupled to the drive bars  84  to each of linking adapters  80  by engaging coupler  68  with the serrations of serrated portion  46  of drive bar  36 . Alternatively, extension bar assembly  60  can be interposed between either or both of linking adapters  80  and shoot bolt assemblies  30  to extend the length of the assembly to accommodate taller doors. In this case, coupler  68  of linking adaptors  80  are engaged with serrated coupling portion  72  of extension bar assembly  60  while coupler  68  of extension bar assembly  60  is engaged with serrated portion  46  of drive bar  36 . 
     As depicted in  FIG. 1   a , a sliding door assembly  600  according to an embodiment of the invention is disposed in an opening defined in a wall  602  of a structure and generally includes door panels  604 ,  605 , slidably disposed in tracks  606 . Lock assembly  100 , shoot bolts  30 , and if used, extension bar assembly  60 , are disposed in a mortise defined in a vertical side surface  608  of door panel  604 . 
     According to another aspect of the invention, as depicted in  FIG. 3   a , shoot bolt assemblies  30  can also be trimmed in length to accommodate various door heights. With end  450  of drive bar  36  registered with end  452  of face plate  32 , drive bar  36  and face plate  32  can be cut off at any position S along the length L 1  of drive bar  36 . Advantageously, since serrations are provided along the full length L 1  of drive bar  36 , coupler  68  of linking adaptor  80  or extension assembly  60  can be subsequently engaged with the remaining length of drive bar  36  after trimming to the desired length. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5   a - 5   j  and the chart of  FIG. 5   k , it will be appreciated that by using various combinations of shoot bolt assemblies  30 , extension bar assemblies  60 , and additional passive lock assemblies  108 , and by trimming shoot bolt assemblies  30  to length, a lock assembly according to the present invention can be made to accommodate a door panel  604  of virtually any height, while still enabling shoot bolts at the top and bottom of the door. In particular, the assembly can be adapted to any of various standard door heights by using standard components and without resorting to any custom-made components. 
     For example, as depicted in  FIGS. 5   a - 5   c , shoot bolt assemblies  30  can be attached directly to linking adaptors  80  at each end of lock assembly  100 , and the upper shoot bolt assembly  30  trimmed to an appropriate length, to accommodate standard door heights of 69 inches, 72 inches, and 77 inches, or any intermediate non-standard door height. As depicted in  FIGS. 5   d - 5   f , an extension bar assembly  60  can be interposed between the upper linking adaptor  80  and the upper shoot bolt  30  to accommodate standard door heights of 85 inches, 88 inches, and 93 inches, or any intermediate non-standard door height, with appropriate trimming of the upper shoot bolt  30 . Still further, as depicted in  FIGS. 5   g - 5   h , an additional passive lock  108  can be incorporated into extension bar assembly  60  to accommodate standard door heights of 101 inches, 104 inches, 109 inches, and 117 inches, or any intermediate non-standard door height, with appropriate trimming of upper shoot bolt  30 .  FIG. 5   k  is a chart depicting various combinations of components for various standard door heights assuming standard actuator handle heights of 36 inches and 41.344 inches. 
     Various modifications to the invention may be apparent to one of skill in the art upon reading this disclosure. For example, persons of ordinary skill in the relevant art will recognize that the various features described for the different embodiments of the invention can be suitably combined, un-combined, and re-combined with other features, alone, or in different combinations, according to the spirit of the invention. Likewise, the various features described above should all be regarded as example embodiments, rather than limitations to the scope or spirit of the invention. Therefore, the above is not contemplated to limit the scope of the present invention. 
     For purposes of interpreting the claims for the present invention, it is expressly intended that the provisions of Section 112, sixth paragraph of 35 U.S.C. are not to be invoked unless the specific terms “means for” or “step for” are recited in a claim.