Patent Publication Number: US-10760303-B2

Title: Multi-point lock with single actuation and mishandling device and self-aligning engagement

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION 
     This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/314,050, filed Mar. 28, 2016, the entire teachings and disclosure of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention generally relates to multi-point lock arrangements and methods of using same. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Multi-point locking arrangements are typically used with door assemblies when it is desired to have a very secure locking relationship between two separate door components. The two separate door components could be a hinged panel (e.g. a hinged door) and a doorjamb; a sliding door and a doorjamb; a pair of hinged panels; etc. 
     The use of the multi-point locking arrangement provides multiple engagement locations between the door components to provide the improved engagement between the two components. Unfortunately, the increased securement comes at the price of increased complexity in the lock assembly, which can make these types of lock assemblies for doors difficult to actuate. More particularly, these types of lock assemblies may require a higher level of torque to actuate the various lock bolts. 
     As such, these types of lock assemblies often require a multi-step actuation procedure where the user first actuates a handle of the door assembly used to manipulate the latch and then a thumb turn or keyed lock cylinder is actuated to effectuate final locking of the lock assembly. The use of the handle helps the user generate greater torques to manipulate the more complex or resistive lock assembly between the locked and unlocked states. A further problem is created due to this type of arrangement. Namely, users often cannot figure out how to work the lock assembly as they are often not use to having to perform two separate manipulations to lock and unlock a door lock. This can lead to the user trying to force the key or thumb turn resulting in damage to the lock assembly. 
     The present invention provides improvements over the current state of the art. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one embodiment of the invention, a new and improved multi-point locking arrangement is provided. The multi-point locking arrangement includes a primary lock bolt; a first auxiliary lock bolt; a lock mechanism and a lockout device. The first auxiliary lock bolt is spaced from the primary lock bolt. The lock mechanism includes a rotational input device operably coupled to the primary lock bolt and first auxiliary lock bolt to drive the primary lock bolt and first auxiliary lock bolt when rotated. The rotational input device rotates between a locked state and an unlocked state. In the locked state, the primary lock bolt and first auxiliary lock bolt are extended. In the unlocked state, the primary lock bolt and first auxiliary lock bolt are retracted. The lockout device transitions between a released state and a lockout state. In the lockout state, the lockout device cooperates with the lock mechanism to prevent transitioning the rotational input device from the unlocked state to the locked state. In the released state, the lockout device permits the lock mechanism to transition the rotational input device from the unlocked state to the locked state. The lockout device is configured to transition from the lockout state to the released state when the lockout device is depressed. 
     In one embodiment, the lockout device contacts a lockout device strike plate to be carried by or forming part of a secondary door component to transition the lockout device to the released state. When the lockout device no longer contacts the lockout device strike plate, the lockout device transitions to the lockout state. 
     In one embodiment, manual actuation of the rotational input device only is required to actuate and extend the primary lock bolt and first auxiliary lock bolt when the lockout device is depressed and manipulation of a handle that controls a latch need not be actuated. 
     In one embodiment, the rotational input device is in the form of a thumb turn. 
     In one embodiment, the rotational input device is in the form of a keyed lock cylinder. 
     In one embodiment, the lockout device travels linearly along a lockout device axis. The lock out device is depressible along the lockout device axis. The lockout device includes a first catch component defining a first abutment. The lock mechanism includes a lock point actuation slide operably interposed between the rotational input and at least one of the primary lock bolt and first auxiliary lock bolt. The lock point actuation slide travels linearly along a lock point actuation slide axis between the unlocked state and the locked state. The lock point actuation slide includes a second catch component defining a second abutment. The first and second abutments interfere with one another when the lock mechanism is in the unlocked state and the lockout device is in the lockout state preventing movement of the lock point actuation along the lock point actuation slide along the lock point actuation slide axis. 
     In one embodiment the system further includes a handle and a latch. The latch is operably coupled to the handle. The latch is driveable from a latched state to an unlatched state by operation of the handle. Operation of the handle to drive the latch from the latched state to the unlatched state is operable to depress the lockout device and drive the lockout device from the lockout state to the released state. 
     In one embodiment, the latch travels along a latch axis as it transitions between the latched state and the unlatched state. The latch axis is generally parallel to and offset from the lockout device axis. The lockout device has a third abutment. The latch has a fourth abutment. The fourth abutment contacts the third abutment to drive the lockout device from the lockout state to the released state using the handle. 
     In one embodiment, the system includes a latch. The latch is operably driveable from a latched state to an unlatched state by pressing on a tapered surface of the latch. This may be done by contacting the tapered surface with a strike plate or manipulation of a handle, for example. Transitioning the latch from the latched state to the unlatched state is operable to depress the lockout device and drive the lockout device from the lockout state to the released state. 
     In one embodiment, the latch travels along a latch axis as it transitions between the latched state and the unlatched state. The latch axis is generally parallel to and offset from the lockout device axis. The lockout device has a third abutment. The latch has a fourth abutment. The fourth abutment contacts the third abutment to drive the lockout device from the lockout state to the released state due to actuation of the latch. 
     In one embodiment, a door arrangement comprising a locking arrangement described above is provided. The door arrangement includes a hinged panel carrying the primary lock bolt; the first auxiliary lock bolt; the lock mechanism; and the lockout device. A secondary door component carries a primary strike plate, a first auxiliary strike plate and a lockout device strike plate. The primary strike plate defines an opening receiving the primary lock bolt in the extended state when the hinged panel is in a closed position relative to the secondary door component. The first auxiliary strike plate defines an opening receiving the first auxiliary bolt in the extended state when the hinged panel is in a closed position relative to the secondary door component. The lockout device contacts the lockout device strike plate when the hinged panel is in a closed position relative to the secondary door component to transition the lockout device to the released state. When the hinged panel transitions from the closed position relative to the secondary door component such that the lockout device no longer contacts the strike plate, the lockout device transitions to the lockout state. 
     In an embodiment, when extended, the primary lock bolt and first auxiliary lock bolt extend a first distance from a lateral edge of the hinged panel. When retracted, the primary lock bolt and first auxiliary lock bolt extend a second lesser distance from a lateral edge of the hinged panel or are recessed below the lateral edge of the hinged panel. 
     In an embodiment, the lockout device contacts a lockout device strike plate to be carried by or formed by a secondary door component to transition the lockout device to the released state. When the lockout device no longer contacts the lockout device strike plate, the lockout device transitions to the lockout state. 
     In another embodiment, a multi-point locking arrangement including a primary lock bolt, a first auxiliary lock bolt; a lock mechanism and a biasing auxiliary strike plate is provided. The first auxiliary lock bolt is spaced from the primary lock bolt. The lock mechanism includes a rotational input device operably coupled to the primary lock bolt and first auxiliary lock bolt. The rotational input device is rotatable between a locked state and an unlocked state. In the locked state, the primary lock bolt and first auxiliary lock bolt are extended. In the unlocked state, the primary lock bolt and first auxiliary lock bolt are retracted. The biasing auxiliary strike plate includes an opening through which the first auxiliary lock bolt extends when the lock mechanism is in the locked state. The biasing auxiliary strike plate includes a biasing mechanism for biasing the first auxiliary lock bolt in a direction transverse to a plane in which the first auxiliary lock bolt transitions as it transitions between the retracted and extended states and through the opening. 
     In one embodiment, the biasing mechanism is a spring biased roller. 
     In one embodiment, the biasing mechanism extends across the opening a first extent when the first auxiliary lock bolt is removed from the opening and a second lesser extent when the first auxiliary lock bolt extends through the opening. 
     In one embodiment, a primary strike plate is proved that includes an opening through which the primary lock bolt extends when the lock mechanism is in the locked state. 
     In one embodiment, a door arrangement including a lock assembly with a biasing auxiliary strike plate as described above is provided. The door assembly includes a hinged panel carrying the primary lock bolt; the first auxiliary lock bolt in spaced relation of the primary lock bolt. A secondary door component carries the biasing auxiliary strike plate such that receipt of the first auxiliary lock bolt into the opening of the biasing auxiliary strike plate locks the hinged panel to the secondary door component. 
     In an embodiment, the secondary door component is a door jamb. 
     In an embodiment, the secondary door component is a second hinged panel. 
     In an embodiment, the door jamb includes weather stripping against which the hinged panel is pressed when the hinged panel is in a closed state. The biasing mechanism biases the first auxiliary lock bolt and the hinged panel toward the weather stripping. 
     Methods of operating the multi-point lock arrangement and door assemblies are also provided including actuation and engagement of the various components. 
     In an embodiment, a multi-point locking arrangement including a primary lock bolt, a first auxiliary lock bolt, and a lock mechanism is provided. The first auxiliary lock bolt is spaced from the primary lock bolt. The lock mechanism includes a rotational input device operably coupled to the primary lock bolt and first auxiliary lock bolt, the rotational device rotatable between a locked state and an unlocked state. In the locked state, the primary lock bolt and first auxiliary lock bolt are extended. In the unlocked state, the primary lock bolt and first auxiliary lock bolt are retracted. The rotational input device is rotatable between the locked state and unlocked state without requiring manipulation of a secondary component. For example, the rotational input device can be rotated without first requiring manipulation of a handle connected to a hinged panel. 
     In one embodiment, the rotational input device is one of a thumb turn or a keyed lock cylinder. 
     Other aspects, objectives and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a door assembly according to an embodiment of the invention illustrated with the multi-point locking arrangement thereof in a retracted state and the door assembly in an open position; 
         FIG. 2  is the door assembly according to  FIG. 1  with the multi-point locking arrangement thereof in an extended state and the door assembly in an open position; 
         FIG. 3  is a partial illustration of the exterior of the door assembly of  FIG. 1  in a closed position; 
         FIG. 4  is a partial illustration of the interior of the door assembly of  FIG. 1  in a closed position; 
         FIG. 5  is an enlarged partial illustration of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is an enlarged partial illustration of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a simplified partial illustration of a portion of the multi-point locking arrangement of  FIG. 2  with the deadbolt in an extended state and the lockout device in a released state; 
         FIG. 8  is a simplified partial illustration of a portion of the multi-point locking arrangement of  FIG. 2  similar to  FIG. 8  with the deadbolt in a retracted state and the lockout device in a lockout state; 
         FIG. 9  is a simplified partial illustration of a portion of the multi-point locking arrangement of  FIG. 2  from an opposite side as  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 10  is an illustration of a biasing auxiliary strike plate according to an embodiment of the invention and as used in the door assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 11  is an illustration of an auxiliary lock bolt that cooperates with the biasing auxiliary strike plate of  FIG. 10  with the auxiliary lock bolt in an extended state; 
         FIG. 12  is a simplified illustration of the lock bolt assembly of  FIG. 11  engaging the biasing auxiliary strike plate of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a partial illustration taken about line  13 - 13  in  FIG. 12  of the strike plate and lock bolt combination of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a simplified illustration of  FIG. 13  illustrating the lock bolt inserted into the strike plate; 
         FIG. 15  is similar to  FIG. 14  with the lock bolt removed from the strike plate; 
         FIG. 16  is a simplified partial illustration of a portion of another embodiment of a multi-point locking arrangement with the deadbolt and latch extended and the lock out device in the lockout state; 
         FIG. 17  is similar to  FIG. 16  but viewed from the opposite side; 
         FIG. 18  is a simplified partial illustration of the embodiment of  FIG. 16  with the deadbolt retracted and the lockout device in the lockout state; 
         FIG. 19  is similar to  FIG. 18  but viewed from the opposite side; 
         FIG. 20  is a simplified partial illustration of the embodiment of  FIG. 16  with the deadbolt retracted and the lockout device in a released state; 
         FIG. 21  is similar to  FIG. 20  but viewed from the opposite side; 
         FIG. 22  is similar to  FIG. 21  but with the latch retracted actuating the lockout device to the released state; 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view of the lockout device removed from the rest of the multi-point locking arrangement; and 
         FIG. 24  is a perspective view of the lock point actuation slide removed from the rest of the multi-point locking arrangement. 
     
    
    
     While the invention will be described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, there is no intent to limit it to those embodiments. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate a simplified representation of an embodiment of a door assembly  100 . The door assembly  100  includes a multi-point locking arrangement  102  for locking the door assembly  100  in a closed state. 
     The simplified door assembly  100  includes a hinged panel  104 , which may take the form of a hinged door in practice. The door assembly  100  further includes a secondary door component  106  which may take the form of a door jamb in a single panel door assembly or a second hinged panel or hinged door in a multiple panel door assembly. In the illustrated embodiment, the secondary door component  106  is representative of a doorjamb. 
     The door assembly  100  includes a handle  111  and latch  109  for selectively maintaining the hinged panel  104  and secondary door component in a closed state and which can, typically, be manipulated whether or not the multi-point locking arrangement  102  is in a locked state or unlocked state. The latch  109  will hold the hinged panel  104  in a closed state relative to the secondary door component  106  at least when the multi-point locking arrangement  102  is in an unlocked state. 
     The multi-point locking arrangement  102  operates to lock the hinged panel  104  in a closed state (see e.g.  FIGS. 3 and 4 ). 
       FIGS. 1, 2 and 4  illustrate the door assembly  100  from an interior point of view. In this embodiment, the multi-point locking arrangement  102  includes a rotational input device in the form of rotatable thumb turn  108  that is actuated to lock the multi-point locking arrangement  102 . The rotatable thumb turn  108  is operably connected to multiple bolts for locking the two door components  104 ,  106  together. In the illustrated embodiment, the thumb turn  108  is operably coupled to locking features including a primary lock bolt in the form of deadbolt  110  and first and second auxiliary lock bolts  112 ,  114 . 
     Rotation of the thumb turn  108  transitions the deadbolt  110  and auxiliary lock bolts  112 ,  114  from a retracted state also referred to as the unlocked state ( FIGS. 1, 5 and 8 ) to an extended state also referred to as the locked state ( FIGS. 2, 6 and 7 ). With reference to  FIG. 7 , in the extended state, the deadbolt  110  and auxiliary lock bolts  112 ,  114  extend a first extent (D 1 ) from a lateral edge  116  of the hinged panel  104  sufficient to operably interact with the secondary door component  106  to lock the two components together. The first extent the deadbolt extends could be different than a first extent that the auxiliary lock bolts extend. In the retracted state, the deadbolt  110  and auxiliary lock bolts  112 ,  114  are preferably retracted into the hinged panel  104  such that they do not extend outward beyond lateral edge  116 . However, the deadbolt  110  and auxiliary lock bolts  112 ,  114  need not be fully retracted and can extend outward beyond the lateral edge  116  if they are sufficiently retracted that they disengage the cooperating structure of/carried by the secondary door component. In  FIG. 8 , the deadbolt  110  is illustrated such that it is not fully retracted and extends outward a second extent D 2 . Again, while not illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the auxiliary lock bolts  112 ,  114  could extend a second extent that is different than the second extent of the deadbolt. 
     In  FIGS. 7 and 8  the lateral edge of the hinged panel is represented by a cover  120  that covers the multi-point locking arrangement  102  when it is installed in a narrow groove in the lateral edge of the hinged panel  104 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 7-9 , the multi-point locking arrangement  102  (illustrated in part) includes a lock mechanism that includes a keyed lock cylinder  122  that can be actuated by the user to transition the multi-point locking arrangement  102  between the locked state ( FIGS. 7 and 9 ) and the unlocked state ( FIG. 8 ). The lock cylinder  122  will be on the exterior of the hinged panel while the thumb turn  108  (see e.g.  FIG. 4  and illustrated in simplified form by tab  108  in  FIGS. 7 and 8  on which a thumb turn would be mounted) is typically on the interior of the hinged panel. In some embodiments of the lock mechanism, only keyed locks are provided or only thumb turns are provided. Keys or the keyed lock cylinder  122  as well as the thumb turn  108  may also be referred to as rotational input devices. 
     Rotation of the thumb turn  108  or keyed lock cylinder  122  will operably linearly drive lock point actuation slide  124  and the deadbolt  110  of the lock mechanism via a set of cooperating gears and/or linkages of the lock mechanism operably interposed therebetween. In the illustrated embodiment, rotation of the thumb turn  108  or keyed lock cylinder  122  operably drives the deadbolt actuator  126  which drives the deadbolt  110  between retracted and extended states illustrated by arrow  128  linearly along a deadbolt axis that is parallel to arrow  128 . The deadbolt actuator  126  is also operably engaged with the lock point actuation slide  124  to drive the lock point actuation slide  124  as illustrated by arrow  130  linearly along a lock point actuation slide axis parallel to arrow  130 . Typically, the thumb turn  108  or keyed lock cylinder  122  will be rotated 90 degrees between the locked and unlocked states and preferably less than 120 degrees. However, other degrees of rotation are contemplated, such as for example, 180 degrees, or any amount between 90 degrees and 180 degrees or even less than 90 degrees. 
     It is a feature of embodiments of the invention that the multi-point locking arrangement includes a lockout device  134  that is transitionable between a released state ( FIGS. 7 and 9 ) and a lockout state ( FIG. 8 ). In the lockout state, the lockout device  134  cooperates with the lock mechanism, and in this embodiment, directly with the lock point actuation slide  124 , to prevent transitioning the rotatable thumb turn  108  and the keyed lock cylinder  122  from the unlocked state to the locked state. In the released state, the lockout device  134  permits transitioning the rotatable thumb turn  108  and keyed lock cylinder  122  from the unlocked state to the locked state. The lockout device  134  is configured to transition from the lockout state to the released state when the lockout device  134  is depressed illustrated by arrow  136  along a lockout device axis that is parallel to arrow  136 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the lockout device  134  includes a projection  138  that is selectively engaged with ( FIG. 8 ) and disengaged from ( FIG. 7 ) a cooperating notch  140  of the lock point actuation slide  124 . The lockout device  134  is carried such that it cannot move relative to the hinged panel parallel to arrow  130 . As such, when the projection  138  is received in notch  140 , the lock point actuation slide  124  is prevented from sliding and being actuated by deadbolt actuator  126 . Due to the gearing arrangement, this also prevents rotation of the keyed lock cylinder  122  or thumb turn  108 . Thus, when the lockout device  134  is engaged with the lock point actuation slide  124 , actuation of the deadbolt  110  and the auxiliary lock bolts is prevented. More particularly, projection  138  defines an abutment  138 A that cooperates with and can abut with abutment  140 A defined by notch  140 . The interference provided by abutments  138 A and  140 A inhibits sliding motion of lock point actuation slide  124  along lock point actuation slide axis (illustrated by arrow  130  in  FIG. 7 ). Thus, actuation of the deadbolt  110  and auxiliary lock bolts is prevented by the axial abutment of abutments  138 A and  140 A. 
     The lockout device  134  includes a contact end  142  that is configured to contact a strike plate  144  or other portion of the secondary door component  106  (e.g. a doorjamb) when the hinged panel  104  is in a closed position. The door jamb or strike plate may be referred to generically as a lockout device strike plate. When the contact end  142  contacts the strike plate  144 , the lockout device  134  is depressed, as illustrated by arrow  136  along the lockout device axis, which causes the projection  138  to be disengaged from notch  140  which transitions the lockout device from the lockout state ( FIG. 8 ) to the released state ( FIG. 7 ). With the lockout device  134  depressed, the abutments  138 A,  140 A will no longer engage or cooperate with one another. Thus, once the lockout device  134  is depressed, the lock point actuation slide  124  is freed to slide along the lock point actuation slide axis as illustrated by arrow  130 . With the lock point actuation slide  124  free to slide, the thumb turn  108  or keyed lock cylinder  122  are likewise free to be actuated to transition the deadbolt  110  and auxiliary lock bolts  112 ,  114  to their extended states and to lock the hinged panel  104  relative to the secondary door component  106 . It is noted that the lockout device axis and lock point actuation slide axis are transverse to one another and ideally perpendicular to one another. The relative orientations of these axes of motion allow for the lockout device  134  to be moved to prevent the lockout device  134  from interfering with the motion of the lock point actuation slide  124 . 
     Strike plate  144  may be the same strike plate that defines an opening for receiving the deadbolt  110  or a separate strike plate or a portion of the secondary door component as mentioned above. 
     The lockout device  134 , when in the lockout state, prevents actuation of the deadbolt  110  and the auxiliary lock bolts  112 ,  114 . This protects the secondary door component  106  as well as the multi-point locking arrangement from damage to a user trying to close the hinged panel  104  relative to the secondary door component  106  with the deadbolt  110  and auxiliary lock bolts  112 ,  114  in an extended state. 
     The lockout device  134  is spring biased toward the extended position illustrated in  FIG. 8  by biasing spring  146  that presses on downward extending tab  148  of the lockout device  134 . In the illustrated embodiment, the lockout device  134  is slidably carried in a channel  150  defined by opposed walls  152 ,  154  of a frame of the lock mechanism. 
     In this embodiment, the handle  111  (see  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) or thumb piece  113  are operably coupled to latch  109  to drive the latch  109  linearly along a latch axis between a latched state (see  FIGS. 7-9 ) and an unlatched state. In the unlatched state, the latch  109  is retracted relative to the edge of the hinged panel (illustrated by arrow  149 ). 
     With reference to  FIG. 8 , the lockout device  134  and latch  109  include corresponding abutments  148 A and  109 A that can engage one another if the lockout device  134  is in the lockout state and the latch  109  is transitioned from the latched state to the unlatched state. As the handle  111  or thumb piece  113  drives the latch  109  inward as illustrated by arrow  149 , the latch  109  and particularly abutment  109 A will engage abutment  148 A and retract the lockout device  134  (illustrated by arrow  136 ) and transition the lockout device to the released state. This allows a user to transition the multi-point locking arrangement  102  and particularly the deadbolt  110  and auxiliary lock bolts  112 ,  114  from the retracted state to the extended state by manually rotating thumb turn  108  or keyed lock cylinder  122 . Alternatively, a user can manually depress the lockout device  134  by pressing on contact end  142 . Further, this also allows the latch  109  to drive the lockout device  134  inward as a hinged panel is being closed preventing the contact end  142  from sliding across the strike plate preventing wear to either the strike plate or contact end  142 . Only when the latch  109  is extending into the hole of the strike plate will the contact end  142  contact the strike plate. 
     Handle  111  and thumb piece  113  are operably coupled to a rotational actuation mechanism  151  that operably drives the latch  109  to retract the latch  109  when rotated. Thumb piece  113  is linked to the actuation mechanism  151  by link  153  while handle  111  has a component that extends axially through and rotationally engages square bore  155 . Rotation of corresponding components of the rotational actuation mechanism  151  causes one or more of fingers  155 A,  155 B to press on projection  157  operably connected to latch  109  to retract the latch  109 . 
     Unlike the lock bolts, e.g. deadbolt  110  and auxiliary lock bolts  112 ,  114 , the latch  109  is spring loaded and has a tapered face  159  (see  FIG. 9 ) that allows the latch  109  to be retracted when contacting a strike plate or similar component of the secondary door component  106 . Thus, the latch  109  will not be damaged if it is extended while the hinged panel is in an open position and is then closed. 
     While being illustrated as cooperating with the lock point actuation slide  124 , in other embodiments, the lockout device  134  could cooperate and directly engage other components between or including the keyed lock cylinder  122  or thumb turn  108  and the lock bolts (deadbolt  110  and auxiliary lock bolts  112 ,  114 ) to prevent actuation thereof when the hinged panel  104  is not in a closed position. For instance, the lockout device  134  could have or cooperate with a dog or pawl that engages one of the gears in the drive train of the lock mechanism to selectively prevent actuation. 
     The lockout device  134  is configured such that it extends laterally outward from the lateral edge of the hinged panel or cover  120  a first extent in the lockout state and a second lesser extent (which may include being fully depressed or recessed) in the released state. 
     It is a further feature of embodiments that the multi-point locking arrangement is a single actuation locking system. Most multi-point locking arrangements that utilize more than a deadbolt typically require multiple actuations to drive the deadbolt and auxiliary lock bolts to the locked state. More particularly, the units would require the user to close the hinged panel and then manually actuate the handle that operates the latch of the door and then the keyed lock cylinder or thumb turn could be manipulated to actuate the deadbolt and auxiliary lock bolts. However, in embodiments of the present invention, the user simply closes the hinged panel  104  and then manipulates only the thumb turn  108  or the keyed lock cylinder  122 . 
     Driverails  160  operably engaged with lock point actuation slide  124  are used to operably actuate the auxiliary lock bolts  112 ,  114 . While only one driverail  160  is illustrated, attached to a top end of the lock point actuation slide  124 , it should be understood that a second driverail could be coupled to a bottom end of the lock point actuation slide  124 . The driverails will be driven axially within a groove formed in the lateral edge of the hinged panel  104 . The groove is typically closed with cover  120  or could be in the form of a bore formed in the hinged panel  104 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 10 , the secondary door component  106  carries an auxiliary strike plate for each of the auxiliary lock bolts  112 ,  114 .  FIG. 10  illustrates a single auxiliary strike plate however it shall be understood that a strike plate is provided for each auxiliary lock bolt. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the auxiliary strike plate is in the form of biasing auxiliary strike plate  170 . The biasing auxiliary strike plate  170  defines an opening  172  that receives the auxiliary lock bolt  112 ,  114  to lock the hinged panel  104  to the secondary door component  106 . Further, the biasing auxiliary strike plate  170  includes a biasing mechanism in the form of a spring loaded roller  174  that may be displaced when the auxiliary lock bolt  112 ,  114  is inserted into opening  172 . The spring loaded roller  174  applies a force to the auxiliary lock bolt  112 ,  114  to bias the auxiliary lock bolt  112 ,  114  and consequently the hinged panel  104  in a direction perpendicular to a plane along which the auxiliary lock bolt  112 ,  114  travels as it is extended and inserted through opening  172 . Preferably, the biasing force provided by the spring loaded roller  174  biases the hinged panel  104  into and against weather stripping (not shown) to improve the interaction of the hinged panel  104  with a corresponding piece of weather stripping. 
     The auxiliary lock bolt  112 ,  114  has a tapered design that promotes easier insertion into opening  172 , but as the lock bolt  112 ,  114  is inserted further into the opening, the wider portion of the lock bolt  112 ,  114  promotes a tighter fit between the biasing auxiliary strike plate  170  and the auxiliary lock bolt  112 ,  114 . 
     The width W 1  of the opening  172  is sized to be larger than the width W 2  of the auxiliary lock bolt  112 ,  114  to facilitate easy alignment and insertion of the auxiliary lock bolt  112 ,  114  into the opening  172 . The spring loaded roller  174  allows the biasing auxiliary strike plate  170  to be self-aligning as the spring loaded roller  174  can translate parallel to arrow  176  to compensate for slight misalignment between the strike plate  170  and the auxiliary lock bolt  112 ,  114  but to still provide an engagement between the two components that does not exhibit undesirable slop or play. In a preferred embodiment, the spring loaded roller  174  is allowed to translate at least 0.0625″ and will typically be allowed to translate at least 0.138″. This amount of translation will allow for the lock bolts  112 ,  114  to be mis-aligned to these values but still be able to be received in the opening  172 . 
       FIG. 12  illustrates an auxiliary lock bolt assembly  180  in cross-section. The auxiliary lock bolt assembly  180  includes auxiliary lock bolt  112  that is operably coupled to drive rail  160  to be driven angularly about pin  181  between its extended ( FIG. 12 ) and retracted (not shown) states. Other auxiliary lock bolt assemblies may be used that simply linearly actuate the auxiliary lock bolt and may take the form of a shootbolt assembly. 
     The strike plate  170  defines a housing that holds spring loaded roller  174  and opening  172  through which the auxiliary lock bolt  112  extends when extended into the locked state. The housing includes a front strike plate panel  182  and a rear housing  184 . 
       FIG. 13  illustrates the engagement of the auxiliary lock bolt  112  and the spring loaded roller  174 . Further,  FIG. 13  illustrates force  187  being applied to one side of the auxiliary lock bolt  112  by springs  186 . The springs  186  press against pin  188  that carries roller  190  of the spring loaded roller  174 . This force will ideally be at least 2.5 lbf per strike plate  170  and may be up to 8 lbf. Preferably, the force will be between 3.8 lbf and 6.7 lbf per strike plate  170 . 
       FIGS. 14 and 15  schematically illustrate the translation of the spring loaded roller  174 .  FIG. 14  illustrates the position of spring loaded roller  174  when an auxiliary lock bolt is inserted into opening  172 . In this position, the spacing between the spring loaded roller  174  and edge  192  of the opening  172  has a width W 3  that will correspond to width W 2  of the auxiliary lock bolt. In this illustration, bottom spring  186  is illustrated as compressed and the pin  188  is shown against the end of the bottom spring  186  to represent the auxiliary lock bolt biasing the spring loaded roller  174 . 
       FIG. 15  illustrates the spring loaded roller  174  in relaxed state representing a position when the auxiliary lock bolt is not inserted into opening  172 . The width W 4  is smaller than width W 3  as the spring loaded roller  174  has not been translated by the auxiliary lock bolt. Pin  188  is illustrated proximate the end of extended upper spring  186 . The spring loaded roller  174  extends across a greater extent of opening  172  in  FIG. 15  (when no auxiliary locking bolt is received in opening  172 ) than in  FIG. 14  (which represents when an auxiliary locking bolt is received in opening  172 ). The compression of springs  186  when the auxiliary lock bolt is inserted into opening  172  provides the biasing force. 
     The use of the biasing auxiliary strike plate  170  helps reduce the amount of force necessary to drive the auxiliary lock bolts  112 ,  114  into the corresponding strike plates to assist in allowing for a single actuation step for transitioning the multi-point locking arrangement from the retracted (unlocked) state to the extended (locked) state while only using a key in the keyed lock cylinder  122  or the thumb turn  108 . To the number of components and potential for misalignment which would cause increased friction or potential mechanical interference, the flexibility provided, in part, by the biasing auxiliary strike plate  170 , the key or thumb turn  108  can be used even though these components are small and provide a limited lever arm to generate torque. For instance, in some embodiments, the width of the thumb turn  108  or key that would cooperate with the keyed lock cylinder would be no more than 2.5″. At most, the lever arm from its rotational axis would be 2.5″ to an end of the thumb turn. However, the thumb turn or key may be centered on the corresponding rotational axis such that the maximum lever arm for the thumb turn or key from the axis of rotation would be approximately 1.25″. In a preferred embodiment, the width of the thumb turn  108  is between 1.25″ and 1.5″. In a preferred embodiment of a key, the width is between 1″ and 1.25″ and more preferably approximately 1.0625″. The lever arm for the thumb turn or key would again be at most these values. However, the rotational axis is typically inboard of the ends and is most typically centered within these widths such that the lever arm would be approximately half of those values. 
     In prior assemblies, the handle for driving the latch was required to be used to drive the components of the multi-point locking arrangement so that a sufficient lever arm was available to actuate the lock components. For instance, a handle may extend outward from the rotational axis thereof by 3″ or more and can be gripped by an entire hand rather than simply the thumb and index finger as in a thumb turn  108  or key. In embodiments, the multi-point lock arrangement is configured such that the torque required to actuate the deadbolt  110  and auxiliary lock bolts is less than 17.7 in-lbs. 
     Secondarily, the biasing auxiliary strike plate  170  increases the biasing of the hinged panel into any weather stripping that may be provided to further improve the sealing of the two door components to one another while still allowing some flexibility in the mounting of the components of the lock assembly to the various door components. 
       FIGS. 16-22  illustrate, in part, a further embodiment of a multi-point locking arrangement  302 . This embodiment will be described as if it were installed in hinged panel  104 .  FIGS. 16 and 17  illustrates the multi-point locking arrangement  302  with the deadbolt  310  illustrated in an extended state. It is noted that, while not illustrated, the auxiliary lock bolt(s) would also be extended similar to auxiliary lock bolts  112 ,  114  of the prior embodiment. 
       FIGS. 18-22  illustrate the multi-point locking arrangement  302  with the deadbolt  310  illustrated in a retracted state. As outlined above, in the extended state, the deadbolt  310  and auxiliary lock bolts extend a first extent (D 3 ) from an outer surface of cover  320  or alternatively lateral edge  116  ( FIG. 2 ) of the hinged panel  104  sufficient to operably interact with the secondary door component  106  to lock the two components together like the prior embodiment. In the retracted state, the deadbolt  310  and auxiliary lock bolts are preferably retracted into the hinged panel  104  such that they do not extend outward beyond lateral edge  116  or cover  320 . However, the deadbolt  310  and auxiliary lock bolts need not be fully retracted and can extend outward beyond the lateral edge  116  or cover  320  if they are sufficiently retracted that they disengage the cooperating structure of/carried by the secondary door component. 
     In  FIGS. 16-22 , the lateral edge of the hinged panel may be represented by cover  320  that covers the multi-point locking arrangement  102  when it is installed in a narrow groove in the lateral edge of the hinged panel  104 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 16-22 , the multi-point locking arrangement  302  (illustrated in part) includes a lock mechanism that includes a keyed lock cylinder  322  that can be actuated by the user to transition the multi-point locking arrangement  302  between the locked state ( FIGS. 16 and 17 ) and the unlocked state ( FIGS. 19-22 ). The lock cylinder  322  will be on the exterior of the hinged panel while a thumb turn  308  (e.g. thumb turn  108  in  FIG. 4 ) is typically on the interior of the hinged panel. In some embodiments of the lock mechanism, only keyed locks are provided or only thumb turns are provided. Keys or the keyed lock cylinder  322  as well as the thumb turn  308  may also be referred to as rotational input devices. 
     Rotation of the thumb turn  308  or keyed lock cylinder  322  will operably linearly drive lock point actuation slide  324  and the deadbolt  310  of the lock mechanism via a set of cooperating gears or linkages of the lock mechanism operably interposed therebetween. In the illustrated embodiment, rotation of the thumb turn  308  or keyed lock cylinder  322  operably drives the deadbolt actuator arrangement  326  which drives the deadbolt  310  between retracted and extended states illustrated by arrow  328  linearly along a deadbolt axis  329 . The deadbolt actuator arrangement  326  is also operably engaged with the lock point actuation slide  324 , via a rack and pinion arrangement, to drive the lock point actuation slide  324  as illustrated by arrow  330  linearly along a lock point actuation slide axis  325 . As used herein, “along” shall also include simply being “parallel to”. Typically, the thumb turn  308  or keyed lock cylinder  322  will be rotated 90 degrees between the locked and unlocked states and preferably less than 120 degrees. However, other angular degrees of rotation are contemplated. 
     It is a feature of embodiments of the invention that the multi-point locking arrangement includes a lockout device  334  (see also  FIG. 23 ) that is transitionable between a released state ( FIGS. 20-22 ) and a lockout state ( FIGS. 16-19 ). In the lockout state, the lockout device  334  cooperates with components of the lock mechanism, and in this embodiment the lock point actuation slide  324 , to prevent transitioning the rotatable thumb turn  308  and the keyed lock cylinder  322  from the unlocked state to the locked state. In the released state, the lockout device  334  permits transitioning the rotatable thumb turn  308  and keyed lock cylinder  322  from the unlocked state to the locked state. The lockout device  334  is configured to transition from the lockout state to the released state when the lockout device  334  is depressed illustrated by arrow  336 . It is noted that the lockout device  334  is configured such that, in the lockout state, if the lock mechanism is in the locked state (e.g.  FIGS. 16 and 17 , the thumb turn  308  and keyed lock cylinder  322  can be rotated between the locked state to the unlocked state without needing to manually manipulate other components other than the thumb turn  308  or keyed lock cylinder  322 . This will be described more fully below. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the lockout device  334  includes an abutment  338  (see  FIG. 17  for the abutment  338 ) that selectively engages or interferes) with a cooperating abutment  340 A (see  FIG. 17  for the abutment  340 A) provided by a cooperating projection  340  of the lock point actuation slide  324 . When in the lockout state and as illustrated in  FIG. 18 , the amount of motion parallel to the lock point actuation slide axis  325 , e.g. parallel to arrow  330 , is limited because abutment  338  will contact projection  340  and particularly abutment  340 A. The lockout device  334  is carried such that it cannot move relative to the hinged panel parallel to arrow  330 . As such, when the abutment  338  abuts against projection  340 , the lock point actuation slide  324  is prevented from sliding in the direction illustrated by arrow  331  in  FIGS. 18 and 19  and being actuated by deadbolt actuator arrangement  326 . This also prevents or limits rotation of the keyed lock cylinder  322  or thumb turn  308 . Thus, when the lockout device  334  is engaged with (e.g. abuts with) the lock point actuation slide  324  in this manner, actuation of the deadbolt  310  and the auxiliary lock bolts to the locked/extended state is prevented. More particularly, abutment  338  cooperates with and can abut with abutment  340 A defined by projection  340 . The interference provided by abutments  338  and  340 A inhibits sliding motion of lock point actuation slide  324  along lock point actuation slide axis  325  in the direction of arrow  331  parallel to axis  325 . 
     The lockout device  334  includes a contact end  342  that is configured to contact a strike plate  144  ( FIG. 1 ) or other portion of the secondary door component  106  (e.g. a door jamb) when the hinged panel  104  is in a closed position. While it is typically understood that the strike plate is a separate component secured to the doorjamb, for simplicity of explanation, the door jamb or strike plate may be referred to generically as a strike plate. When the contact end  342  contacts the strike plate  144 , the lockout device  334  is depressed, as illustrated by arrow  336  ( FIGS. 16-19 ) along a lockout device axis  337 , which causes the abutment  338  be moved laterally out of the way of projection  340  so that abutment  340 A will not engage abutment  338  which transitions the lockout device  334  from the lockout state ( FIG. 18 ) to the released state ( FIGS. 20 and 21 ). With the lockout device  334  depressed, the abutments  338 ,  340 A will no longer engage or cooperate with one another. Thus, once the lockout device  334  is depressed, the lock point actuation slide  324  is freed to slide along the lock point actuation slide axis  325 . With the lock point actuation slide  324  free to slide, the thumb turn  308  or keyed lock cylinder  322  are likewise free to be actuated to transition the deadbolt  310  and auxiliary lock bolts to their extended states and to lock the hinged panel  104  relative to the secondary door component  106 . It is noted that the lockout device axis  337  and lock point actuation slide axis  325  are transverse to one another and ideally perpendicular to one another. The relative orientations of these axes of motion allow for the lockout device  334  to be moved to prevent the lockout device  334  from interfering with the motion of the lock point actuation slide  324  and consequently preventing the lockout device  334  from preventing transitioning to a locked state. 
     As noted previously, strike plate  144  may be the same strike plate that defines an opening for receiving the deadbolt  110  or a separate strike plate or a portion of the secondary door component as mentioned above. 
     The lockout device  334 , when in the lockout state, prevents actuation of the deadbolt  310  and the auxiliary lock bolts. This protects the secondary door component  106  as well as the multi-point locking arrangement from damage to a user trying to close the hinged panel  104  relative to the secondary door component  106  with the deadbolt  310  and auxiliary lock bolts in an extended state. 
     The lockout device  334  is spring biased toward the extended position illustrated in  FIG. 16  by biasing spring  346 . In the illustrated embodiment, the lockout device  334  is slidably carried by a frame of the lock mechanism. 
     In this embodiment, the handle  311  (see  FIG. 16 ) or thumb piece  313  are operably coupled to latch  309  to drive the latch  309  linearly along a latch axis  307  between a latched state (see  FIGS. 16-21 ) and an unlatched state ( FIG. 22 ). In the unlatched state, the latch  309  is retracted relative to the edge of the hinged panel (illustrated by arrow  349 ). 
     The lockout device  334  and latch  309  include corresponding abutments  348 A and  309 A (identified in  FIG. 20 ) that can engage one another if the lockout device  334  is in the lockout state and the latch  309  is transitioned from the latched state to the unlatched state. As the handle  311  or thumb piece  313  drives the latch  309  inward as illustrated by arrow  349  the latch  309  and particularly abutment  309 A will engage abutment  348 A and retract the lockout device  334  (illustrated by arrow  336 ) and transition the lockout device  334  to the released state. This allows a user to transition the multi-point locking arrangement  302  and particularly the deadbolt  310  and auxiliary lock bolts from the retracted state to the extended state by manually rotating thumb turn  308  or keyed lock cylinder  322 . Alternatively, a user can manually depress the lockout device  334  by pressing on contact end  342 . 
     Another benefit of having the latch  309  able to cooperate with and depress the lockout device  334  is that as the hinged panel  104  is swinging closed the contact end  342  of the lockout device  334  does not contact the strike plate or jamb until the latch  309  is received in the corresponding hole of the strike plate  144 . This prevents the lockout device  334  from sliding on the strike plate or door jamb preventing wear of the lockout device or visible scratching or wear on the strike plate  144  or doorjamb. Thus, the latch  309  is preferably sized and configured to contact the strike plate  144  or jamb and begin to actuate the lockout device  334  before the lockout device  334  contacts the strike plate  144  or jamb. Only after the latch is aligned with and extends back outward to be received into the hole of the strike plate or jamb does the free end  342  abut the strike plate  144  or jamb. However, because the jamb or strike plate  144  does not have a corresponding hole or recess for the contact end  342  of the lockout device  334 , the lockout device stays recessed and in the released state such that the multi-point lock  302  can be transitioned to the locked/extended state. It shall be noted that is a preferred arrangement, but other arrangements may not require this configuration and the lock out device  334  can contact the strike plate  144  or jamb as the hinged panel  104  closes. 
     Handle  311  and thumb piece  313  are operably coupled to a rotational actuation mechanism  351  that operably drives the latch  309  to retract the latch  309  when rotated. Thumb piece  313  is linked to the actuation mechanism  351  by link  353  (see  FIG. 20 ) while handle  311  has a component that extends axially through and rotationally engages square bore  355  (see  FIG. 22 ). Rotation of corresponding components of the rotational actuation mechanism  351  causes one or more of fingers  355 A,  355 B to press on projection  357  (see  FIG. 22 ) operably connected to latch  309  to retract the latch  309 . 
     Unlike the lock bolts, e.g. deadbolt  310  and auxiliary lock bolts, the latch  309  is spring loaded and has a tapered face  359  (see  FIGS. 16, 18, 21 ) that allows the latch  309  to be retracted when contacting a strike plate or similar component of the secondary door component  106 . Thus, the latch  309  will not be damaged if it is extended while the hinged panel is in an open position and is then closed. 
     The lockout device  334  is configured such that it extends laterally outward from the lateral edge of the hinged panel or cover  120  a first extent in the lockout state and a second lesser extent (which may include being fully depressed or recessed) in the released state. 
     To allow the lockout device  334  to transition to the released state from the locked or extended state by manipulation of the thumb turn  308  or lock cylinder  322  when the lock mechanism is in a locked state, see e.g.  FIG. 16 , the lockout device  334  defines a tapered abutment surface  365  (see e.g.  FIG. 23 ) that will be contacted by an opposite side of the projection  340  as abutment  340 A if the lock point actuation slide  324  is driven in the direction of arrow  333  in  FIG. 16  when in the state illustrated in  FIG. 16 . The tapered abutment surface  365  will drive the lockout device  334  inward toward the released state and allow the projection  340  to pass by the portion of the lockout device  334  that defines abutment  338 . This situation could occur if the hinged panel  104  is an open state, such as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , and the multi-point lock arrangement  302  is in the locked state but a user would like to transition the multi-point lock arrangement  302  to the unlocked or retracted state. 
     All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein. 
     The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) is to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention. 
     Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.