Patent Publication Number: US-7712343-B2

Title: Dead locking deadbolt

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This non-provisional application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/606,211, entitled “Dead Locking Deadbolt,” filed Sep. 1, 2004, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/593,462, entitled “Dead Locking Deadbolt,” filed Jan. 17, 2005. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention relates to locking devices in general and “lock-out” devices for deadbolts in particular. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Bolts or deadbolts are well known devices for locking a door shut for security purposes. In such well-known arrangements, the deadbolt or bolt is mounted in the body of the door and the deadbolt is operated by mechanical operating devices mounted on either side of the door. When the deadbolt is operated to a locked position it typically extends or projects from the side of the door into an opening in the door jam or wall to which the door is mounted. Thus, the deadbolt when operated to an extended position, “bolts” or “locks” the door in a closed position. The mechanical operating devices also can operate to retract the bolt into the side of the door to unlock the deadbolt or bolt. 
   In typical arrangements, one mechanical device used to operate a deadbolt may be a key cylinder into which a key is inserted. The key then can rotate the cylinder which, in turn, operates the deadbolt through various mechanical linkages. Another mechanical device that may be used to operate a deadbolt includes a knob that can be turned manually that, in turn, operates the deadbolt through various mechanical linkages. 
   It is known to use a key cylinder and knob device together to operate deadbolts. The key cylinder is normally mounted on the exterior side of the door so that a user can use a unique key to operate and lock the deadbolt from the exterior side of the door. The manual knob is typically mounted on the interior of the door and operates the deadbolt from the interior side of the door without a key. Thus, the user can easily lock and unlock the deadbolt from the interior of the door without using or locating a key. 
   It is sometimes desirable for users to disable the mechanical device for operating the deadbolt that is mounted on the exterior of the door. This can occur in situations in which the user does not wish to permit a person with a key to operate the deadbolt from the exterior side of the door such as, for example, a landlord/tenant situation in which the tenant does not wish the landlord to enter a rental property. Another important use of this feature is to prevent unauthorized access through the manipulation of the deadbolt by lock “picks” or the like. Mechanisms that disable the operation of a mechanical device used to operate a deadbolt are called “lock-out” devices. 
   Known lock-out devices for deadbolts are unreliable, difficult and clumsy to use and have safety concerns in that they do not signal to a user when a lock-out mechanism is in operation. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The invention provides a lock-out device for a locking mechanism that is reliable and simple to use and, in some embodiments, signals to the user that the lock-out mechanism has been activated. The invention may be comprised of a shaft upon which a knob or handle is mounted that has openings or channels in the wall of the shaft. The openings in the shaft correspond to protrusions or protuberances in the shaft housing. To operate the lock-out device, a release mechanism is actuated and the handle or knob may be pulled which pulls the openings in the shaft into interlocking engagement with the protrusions in the shaft housing. As a result, a mechanical member that operates the locking mechanism is restrained, thus resulting in a “lock out” of the deadbolt bolt mechanism. Thus, the deadbolt can not be operated by a key through a key cylinder mounted on the exterior side of the door effecting a lock-out condition. In some embodiments, when the shaft is pulled into a lock-out position, a portion of the shaft becomes visible from the interior-side of the door. In some embodiments the visible portion of the shaft includes an indicator or warning mechanism to signal to the user that the deadbolt is now in lock-out condition. 

   
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     In the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, embodiments of the invention are illustrated, which, together with a general description of the invention given above, and the detailed description given below serve to illustrate the principles of this invention. The drawings and detailed description are not intended to and do not limit the scope of the invention or the claims in any way. Instead, the drawings and detailed description only describe embodiments of the invention and other embodiments of the invention not described are encompassed by the claims. 
       FIG. 1  is a partial cross-sectional view of the deadbolt lock-out mechanism of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the shaft used in the deadbolt lock-out mechanism of the present invention. 
       FIG. 3  is a side view of the shaft shown in  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 4  in an end view of the shaft shown in  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 5  is a side view of the shaft shown in  FIG. 2 , opposite from that shown in  FIG. 3 . 
       FIG. 6  is a side view of the shaft shown in  FIG. 2 , opposite from that shown in  FIG. 4 . 
       FIG. 7  is an exploded view of the shaft, mounting plate and knob subassembly of the deadbolt locking mechanism of the present invention. 
       FIG. 8  is a plan view of the mounting plate shown in  FIG. 7 . 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the mounting plate shown in  FIG. 7 . 
       FIG. 10  is a rear perspective view of the subassembly shown in  FIG. 7  in the lock-out position. 
       FIG. 11  is a front perspective view of the subassembly shown in  FIG. 7  in the lock-out position. 
       FIG. 12  is a side view of the subassembly shown in  FIG. 7  in the lock-out position. 
       FIG. 13  is a rear perspective view of the subassembly shown in  FIG. 7  in the operational deadbolt position. 
       FIG. 14  is a front perspective view of the subassembly shown in  FIG. 7  in the operational deadbolt position. 
       FIG. 15  is a side view of the subassembly shown in  FIG. 7  in the operational deadbolt position. 
       FIG. 16  is an assembly view of the mounting plate and shaft subassembly in the lock-out position. 
       FIG. 17  is an assembly view of the mounting plate and shaft subassembly in the operational deadbolt position. 
       FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional view of the mounting plate and shaft subassembly in lock-out position. 
       FIG. 19  illustrates a device for operating a locking device that can be operated through the use of a combination dial or a key cylinder. 
       FIG. 20  is a partial cross-sectional view of the deadbolt lock-out mechanism that incorporates a release mechanism. 
       FIG. 21  is an exploded view of a deadbolt lock-out mechanism incorporating a release mechanism. 
       FIG. 21A  is a detailed view of the shaft shown in  FIG. 21 . 
       FIG. 22  is an exploded view of a deadbolt lock-out mechanism incorporating a release mechanism. 
       FIG. 23  is an perspective view of a deadbolt lock-out mechanism incorporating a release mechanism. 
       FIG. 24  is an perspective view of a release mechanism for a deadbolt lock with flats on the shaft. 
       FIG. 25  is an perspective view of a release mechanism for a deadbolt lock with flats on the shaft. 
       FIG. 26  is an perspective view of a release mechanism for a deadbolt lock with flats on the shaft. 
       FIG. 27  is a schematic view of a release mechanism for a deadbolt lock. 
       FIG. 28  is a schematic view of a release mechanism for a deadbolt lock. 
       FIG. 29  is a schematic view of a release mechanism for a deadbolt lock. 
       FIG. 30  is a schematic view of a release mechanism for a deadbolt lock. 
       FIG. 31  is a schematic view of a release mechanism for a deadbolt lock. 
       FIG. 32  is a schematic view of a release mechanism for a deadbolt lock. 
       FIG. 33  is a schematic view of a release mechanism for a deadbolt lock. 
       FIG. 34  is a schematic view of a release mechanism for a deadbolt lock. 
       FIG. 35  is a schematic view of a release mechanism for a deadbolt lock. 
       FIG. 36  is a schematic view of a release mechanism for a deadbolt lock. 
       FIG. 37  is a schematic view of a release mechanism for a deadbolt lock. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a door  2  including one embodiment of the invention is shown. As can be seen, a deadbolt manipulation mechanism, such as a conventional key cylinder  4  is mounted on one side of the door  2  which permits the deadbolt mechanism  3  to be operated by a key  5 . The key cylinder  4  is normally mounted on the exterior side  6  of the door  2  in a protective housing  7 . The “exterior-side” of a door is the side which is on the outside wall of a dwelling or building or any space desired to be “locked” from unauthorized entry. However, this invention is not limited to such a configuration and the key cylinder may be mounted on the interior or exterior side of the door. A second deadbolt manipulation mechanism, such as a knob or handle  8  also for operating the deadbolt is mounted on the side of the door opposite the key cylinder  4 . The knob or handle  8  is mounted on a shaft  10  further described below. The shaft  10  is, in turn, mounted in an opening  12  in a shaft housing  14 . 
   The key cylinder  4  includes an elongated member  16  sometimes called a “tailpiece” that may be generally rectangular in cross-section, or may be adapted for other configurations. The elongated member  16  is connected to the rear of the key cylinder  4 . When the key cylinder  4  is rotated by key  5 , member  16  is also rotated. Member  16  is then connected by known mechanical linkages to a bolt or deadbolt (not shown). When member  16  is rotated in one direction the deadbolt is extended into a locked position. When member  16  is rotated in the opposite direction, the deadbolt is retracted into the door  2  into an unlocked position. This type of locking and unlocking action for a deadbolt through a key cylinder  4  is known. 
   As can be seen in  FIG. 1 , shaft  10  is hollow in that it has a cavity  18  that extends along its entire length in a horizontal direction when shaft  10  is mounted in shaft housing  14 . Member  16  extends from key cylinder  4  into cavity  18  of shaft  10 . Thus, when knob  8  is rotated, shaft  10  rotates and then member  16  also rotates. Accordingly, the deadbolt can be operated through use of two different deadbolt manipulation mechanisms, such as handle  8  and key cylinder  4 . Thus, both handle  8  and key cylinder  4  may be used to operate the same deadbolt through the rotation of member  16 . 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 2-6 , shaft  10  is shown. Shaft  10  is comprised of four different subsections along its length. The first subsection is the knob mounting portion  20 . Knob mounting portion  20  is generally rectangular or square in cross-section in one embodiment, but could be comprised of any cross-sectional shape. When shaft  10  is mounted in shaft housing  14 , knob mounting portion  20  extends from the exterior of shaft housing  14 . Knob  8  is then mounted on knob mounting portion  20  by fitting mounting portion  20  into a recess on knob  8 . Knob  8  is then secured to mounting portion  20  through the use of known connective methods, such as, for example, a set screw. 
   The second portion of shaft  10  is signal portion  30 . Signal portion  30  is circular in cross-section in one embodiment, but similar to mounting portion  20 , its construction is not limited to any particular cross-sectional shape. Signal portion  30  has two boundary walls  32  that form a recessed area  34 . An indication mechanism, such as, for example, a colored, circular plastic clip  36  is snap-fit around shaft  10  to fit into recessed area  34  between walls  32 . An alternative indication mechanism is direct application of color to the signal portion  30  of the shaft  10 . The indication mechanism can be of any color, but a visually distinct color typically used to give alerts or signals such as red, orange or yellow should be used. Alternatively, other indication mechanisms can be used, such as, for example, engravings, knurling, demarcations, recesses, or other physical marking or add on portion that would provide a visible indication to the user that the shaft  10  was pulled-out and the deadbolt mechanism  3  was in lock-out position. Optionally, other indication mechanisms could be used, including electronic mechanisms or audible mechanisms. 
   The third portion of shaft  10  is camming portion  40 . Camming portion  40  has a cross-section that is not typical in that it is comprised of several cam surfaces  42 ,  44  and  46 . Camming portion  40  is essentially comprised of eight different sides. Four sides  47  of camming portion  40  are comprised of four camming surfaces  46 . The other four sides  48  are each comprised of two camming surfaces  42  and  44 . Sides  47  and sides  48  alternate around the circumference of camming portion  40 . 
   The fourth subsection of shaft  10  is head portion  50 . Head portion  50  is generally circular in cross-section in one embodiment, but is not limited in any way to any particular cross-sectional shape. Head portion  50  has a diameter or cross-sectional width that is greater than any of the other three shaft portions  20 ,  30 ,  40  such that a ridge or lip  52  is formed between head portion  50  and camming portion  40 . 
   Head portion  50  has two grooves, openings or depressions  54  in its otherwise generally circular perimeter. These depressions  54  are on opposite sides of head portion  50  and are parallel to the horizontal axis of the shaft  10  when mounted in shaft housing  14 . Depressions  54  need not be of any particular shape, but in the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  3  and  4  they are semi-circular in shape and form a groove-like depression. Depressions  54  could be located anywhere on head portion  50  in addition to the location shown in the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 2-6 . 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 7-9  shaft housing  14  is described. Shaft housing  14  is comprised of an outer decorative plate  60  and a mounting plate  62 . Both plates  60  and  62  have an opening  64  (as seen in  FIG. 11) and 66 , respectively, for accommodating shaft  10 . Between plates  60  and  62  a signal disk is mounted and is recessed from the surface of decorative plate  60 . Decorative plate  60  covers the exterior surface of mounting plate  62 . 
   The interior or door facing side of mounting plate  62  includes a groove  80 . Groove  80  holds a spring or detent device  82 . Detent device  82  is a spring wire in the embodiment shown, but any type of known device that creates a spring, resilient or holding force can be used. The detent device  82  operates on cam surfaces  42  and  44  of shaft  10  as set forth below and serves to hold the shaft in, or urge it into, either a locked or unlocked position. The total shaft length can be of any dimension, but is preferably between 15 and 75 millimeters. 
   The mounting plate  62  also includes a collar  84  that extends from plate  62  around opening  66  except where biasing device  82  is located. In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 7-9 , collar  84  is circular or semi-circular in shape, but any shape that corresponds to the shape of head portion  50  of shaft  10  can be used. Collar  84  also has two protrusions or protuberances  86  that extend from the inside walls  83  of collar  84 . These protuberances  86  extend out from the wall of collar  84  approximately 2-3 millimeters to their tips and preferably can extend out from the inside walls of the collar anywhere from 1 millimeter to 2 centimeters. Protuberances  86  correspond to depressions  54  on the head portion  50  in shape and location, and, in this embodiment run parallel to the horizontal axis of shaft  10  when it is mounted in opening  66 . 
   Now referring to  FIGS. 10-18 , the operation of one embodiment of the invention is described. As shown in  FIGS. 13-15 , the deadbolt mechanism  3  is in an unlocked position. As can be seen, head portion  50  extends beyond collar  84 . Thus, handle  8  can be rotated clockwise or counter clockwise to a locked position which would extend the deadbolt into a locked position. When handle  8  is rotated to the locked position, one of camming surfaces  46  operates against detent device  82  to “snap” the shaft  10  into the locked position. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 10-12 , the shaft  10  is shown in the locked position. As can be seen, the depressions  54  correspond to and are “keyed” to protuberances  86  in the locked position. In this position, the deadbolt is extended from the door into the locked position. 
   To operate the lock-out function the handle  8  is pulled outwardly from the door  2 . This causes detent device  82  to act against camming surface  42  so that an adequate pulling force must be applied to handle  8  to overcome the spring or resilient force against the cam surface  42 . This tends to prevent accidental operation of the lock-out function. 
   As shaft  10  is pulled out by handle  8 , protuberances  86  fit into depressions  54  allowing the shaft  10  to continue to be pulled. When detent device  82  reaches the end of cam surface  42  it “snaps” or moves onto downward sloping cam surface  44 , effectively, pushing the head portion  50  into full interlocking engagement with the collar  84 , which is the lock-out position of the complete assembly. 
   In this lock-out position, as shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the protuberances  86  and the depressions  54  are in an interlocking relationship such that the deadbolt can not be operated by key cylinder  4  and key  5 . This is the result of member  16  being held stationary by engagement between the shaft  10  and housing  14 . The engagement of the shaft  10  with the housing  14  is a result of the head portion  50  of the shaft nesting within the collar  84  of the housing  14  with the depressions  54  engaging the protuberances  86  on the collar. 
   In the lock-out position, the signal portion  30  of the shaft  10  and indication mechanism  36  becomes visible to the user indicating that the lock-out function is in operation and must be disengaged to operate the deadbolt. 
   To disengage the lock-out function, the user simply pushes on handle  8 . The same “snapping” camming surface operation will occur when the pushing force overcomes the spring force of detent device  82  on camming surface  44 . This will cause the lock-out function to disengage, thereby allowing handle  8  to be rotated which rotates member  16  and moves the deadbolt to the unlock position. 
   In an alternate embodiment, a person ordinarily skilled in the art would understand that the depressions  54  could be present in the collar  84  and the corresponding protuberances  86  could be present in the head portion  50 . It should also be understood that deadbolt manipulation mechanisms are not limited simply to a key cylinder and handle, but may take the form of various mechanical devices. Neither is the invention limited to deadbolts or bolts, but can be used with any known locking mechanism. 
   The invention can be used with any mechanical device that can operate any locking mechanism, including a combination-type mechanical device or a device that can be operated by a combination dial or a key cylinder alternatively and interchangeably. In such a device, a user can operate a locking mechanism, including a deadbolt, by rotating a dial using an authorized numerical combination or by using the key cylinder. Such a device is depicted in  FIG. 19 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 20 , an alternative embodiment is described. In this embodiment a further feature limits the possibility of inadvertently placing the device in a lock-out position. A release mechanism  100  is incorporated into a deadbolt mechanism  101 . The release mechanism  100  enters the deadbolt mechanism  101  through the shaft housing  14  and is in direct or indirect contact with the shaft  102 . As described above, the lock-out function can be either active (i.e. the shaft  102  is in a lock-out position and a key cylinder can not operate the deadbolt) or the lock-out function is inactive (i.e. the shaft  102  is not in a lock-out position and the deadbolt can be operated with a key cylinder). The shaft  102  can be placed in a lock-out position only when the release mechanism  100  is manually actuated, thus a user needs to use two hands, one to manipulate the release mechanism  100  and one to manipulate the knob or handle  8 , in order to place the shaft  102  in a lock-out position. This added constraint decreases the likelihood that a user would inadvertently place the lock-out mechanism in an undesired state. 
   Although a user would need to use two hands to place the shaft  102  in a lock-out position, which activates the lock-out function, the user can deactivate the lock-out function by simply manipulating the knob or handle  8  with one hand. Typically, the lock-out function can be deactivated by pushing on the knob  8 , which removes the shaft  102  from the lock-out position and allows the key cylinder to manipulate the deadbolt. 
   In an alternative embodiment, the user must actuate the release mechanism  100  to either activate or deactivate the lock-out function. A person skilled in the art would recognize that the release mechanisms  100 , as described herein, are only exemplary illustrations. A number of variations will occur to those reading and understanding the description. It is intended that such variations be included in the specifications. 
     FIGS. 21-23  illustrate one embodiment of a release mechanism  100 .  FIGS. 21 and 22  are exploded views illustrating the various components of a deadbolt mechanism  101  incorporating a release mechanism  100 . Similar to the description above for a deadbolt mechanism  3 , a deadbolt mechanism  101  that incorporates a release mechanism  100  includes a shaft  102  that is mechanically coupled to the deadbolt (not shown) such that rotation of the shaft  102  operates the deadbolt. The shaft  102  can be rotated by either a key cylinder or a handle  104 . Also as described above, the handle  104  can be pulled outward away from a mounting plate  106  to place the deadbolt in a lock-out position and prevent rotation of the shaft  102 . 
   The shaft  102  includes a head portion  108 , an intermediate portion  110 , and a stop groove portion  112 . In this embodiment, all three portions  108 ,  110 ,  112  of the shaft  102  are circular in cross-section; however, the shaft  102  is not limited to any particular cross-sectional shape. As best seen in  FIGS. 21 and 21A , the head portion  108  is located on one end of the shaft  102 . The intermediate portion  110  is located next to the head portion  108  and has a smaller diameter than the head portion  108 . The stop groove portion  112  is located next to the intermediate portion  110  and positioned so that the intermediate portion  110  is between the stop groove portion  112  and the head portion  108 . The diameter of the stop groove portion  112  is smaller than the diameter of the intermediate portion  110 . The difference in diameter between the head portion  108  and the intermediate portion  110  forms a lock-out lip  114  at the transition point between head portion  108  and the intermediate portion  110 . The difference in diameter of the intermediate portion  110  and the stop groove portion  112  forms an operational lip  116  at the transition point between the intermediate portion  110  and the stop groove portion  112 . The stop groove portion  112  includes a groove or cavity  118 . As best seen in  FIGS. 21 and 21A , the groove  118  is generally a cutout portion that extends circumferentially around the shaft  102  and is bounded by the operational lip  116  on one side and another larger diameter  119  on the other side. 
   In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 21-23 , a pin  120  is used as part of a release mechanism  100 . As best shown in  FIG. 23 , the pin  120  is placed in a channel or opening  122  surrounding the head portion  108  of the shaft  102 . The pin  120  includes a button  124  and a stop  126 . A spring  128  is used to bias the pin  120  downward, such that the button  124  moves away from the shaft  102 . The button  124  extends through the mounting plate  106  such that the button  124  can be manually manipulated to move or operate the pin  120 . In this specific embodiment, the button  124  is used to move the pin  120  upward against the spring force. As described below, such movement will disengage the stop  126  from the shaft  102 , thereby allowing the handle  104  to be pulled outward away from the mounting plate  106  to place the shaft in the lock-out position and prevent rotation of the shaft  102 . 
   The stop  126  engages and disengages the shaft  102  along the groove  118 . When the stop  126  is engaged to the groove  118  the lock-out function is inactive and the shaft  102  is free to rotate allowing the deadbolt to be locked and unlocked. When unopposed, the bias of spring  128  forces the stop  126  into engagement with the groove  118 . When the button  124  is sufficiently pushed upward against the spring force, the stop  126  disengages the groove  118 . As the button  124  is pushed upward, the stop  126  can be displaced enough to cause the bottom of the stop  126  to clear the operational lip  116 . When the stop  126  is in this position, the shaft  102  can be pulled outward away from the mounting plate  106 , which activates the lock-out function. As the shaft  102  is pulled outward from the mounting plate  106 , the stop  126  can ride along the intermediate potion  110  of the shaft  102  until the stop comes into contact with the lock-out lip  114 , which can restrains the shaft  102  from being pulled any farther away from the mounting plate  106 . A visual signal, such as a colored band  130  can be placed on a portion of the shaft  102 , to let users know when the deadbolt is inoperable. To deactivate the lock-out function, a user can push the handle  104  back towards the mounting plate  106 . The stop  126  can ride along the intermediate portion  110  until it passes the operational lip  116  and reengages the groove  118 . In this position the deadbolt becomes operable and the key cylinder or handle  104  is capable of operating the deadbolt. 
   In another embodiment, as seen in  FIGS. 24-26 , the groove  118  is comprised of four flats  132  positioned ninety degrees apart from each other. When the lock-out function is inactive and the stop  126  is engaged with the groove  118 , the handle  104 , as it is turned, can be positioned in ninety degree increments. The flats  132  interact with the stop  126  to create these ninety degree increments. Each increment positions the deadbolt either in fully extended or a fully retracted position. 
   In another embodiment, the shaft  102  includes a second groove (not shown) such that the stop  126  coincides with the second groove when the lock-out function is activated. In this embodiment, the release mechanism  100  must be actuated to move the shaft  102  from the lock-out position to a position where the deadbolt is operable. 
   The release mechanism  100  can be achieved with a number of different embodiments.  FIGS. 27-37  illustrate only some of the many additional embodiments. 
     FIG. 27  shows a release mechanism  100  comprising a bent pin  140 , a button  124  attached to the bent pin  140 , a ball  142  in contact with the bent pin  140 , and a spring  144  in contact with the bent pin  140 . In this embodiment, when a force F is applied to the button  124  the bent pin  140  moves upward and disengages the release mechanism  100  from the groove  118  and allows the shaft  102  to move axially into a lock-out position. The bent pin  140  is biased downward by the spring  144 . When the spring  144  biases the bent pin  140  downward to its lowest position (not shown in  FIG. 27 ), the ball  142  is wedged into the groove  118  by an inclined section  146  on the bent pin  140 . When the bent pin  140  travels upward to its highest position, due to a force F placed on the button  124 , the ball will fall down the inclined section  146  due to gravity and settle in a facet  148  on the bent pin  140 . This moves the ball away and out of the groove  118  and past the outer diameter of the intermediate portion  110  (shown by dashed line), thereby releasing the ball  142  from the groove  118  and allowing the shaft  102  to move axially into a lock-out position. 
   In  FIG. 28 , the ball of  FIG. 27  is replaced with a small protrusion or pin  150 , which is secured to the bent pin  140 . The protrusion  150  acts as a stop when engaged with the groove  118 . As in  FIG. 27 , the bent pin  140  is biased downward by a spring  144 . As a force is applied to the button  124  and the button  124  moves upward, the protrusion  150  will move upward, past the outer diameter of the intermediate portion  110  and out of the groove  118  in the shaft  102 . This will release the shaft  102  to be moved into a lock-out position. 
   In  FIGS. 29 and 30 , a rack and pinion mechanism  160  is used to alternatively restrict and allow axial movement of the shaft  102 . This embodiment includes a button  124  attached to a button rack  162 , a stop  164  attached to a stop rack  166 , and a pinion  170  in contact with both racks  162 ,  166 . The button rack  162  is biased or tensioned downward by a spring  168 . When the button  124  is pushed upward, the button rack  162  moves upward thereby driving a pinion  170 . The rotation of the pinion  170  moves the stop rack  166  downward, which moves the stop  164  out of the groove  118  in the shaft  102 . When the stop  164  is moved past the outer diameter of the intermediate portion  110 , the shaft  102  is released from the stop  164 . Although  FIG. 30  shows the spring  168  biasing the button rack  162 , it should be understood that a spring could also be positioned to bias the stop rack  164  upward, or a number of other spring or biasing configurations can be used to hold the stop  164  in the groove  118  when the release mechanism  100  is not actuated. 
   The mechanism of  FIG. 31  includes a button  124 , a bent pin  180 , a straight pin  182 , and a protrusion  184 . The protrusion  184  is secured to the straight pin  182  and acts as a stop. The button  124  is attached to the bent pin  180 . Both the bent and straight pins  180 ,  182  include inclined surfaces  186 ,  188  and are biased by springs  190 ,  192 . The biasing of the springs  190 ,  192  results in a force that moves the bent pin  180  downward. When the button  124  is pressed upward, the bent pin  180  moves upward and transfers motion to the straight pin  182  through the inclined plane  186  of the bent pin  180  sliding along the inclined plane  188  of the straight pin  182 . As the protrusion  184  travels along with the straight pin  182  it will move out of the groove  118  in the shaft  102 . When the protrusion  184  moves past the outer diameter of the intermediate portion  110  of the shaft  102 , the shaft  102  is free to move and can be placed in a lock-out position. 
   The mechanism shown in  FIG. 32  operates in a similar manner as the mechanism of  FIG. 31 . However, a ball  194  and inclined plane facet or recession  196  replace the protrusion  184 . When the bent pin  180  is moved upward, the straight pin  182  moves the ball out of the groove  118 , allowing for the shaft  102  to be moved into a lock-out position. 
   The mechanism shown in  FIG. 33  operates in a similar manner as the mechanism described in  FIGS. 21-23 . In this embodiment, the size of the button  198  has been increased to allow for easier operation or the release mechanism  100 . The size of the button  198 , which is increased to the size of a handle that fits inside a hand, can provide a blunt engagement surface that may allow the user to more easily use the palm of the hand to place force on the button  198 .  FIG. 33  illustrates the flexibility of modifying the button and insert to support the release mechanism  100 . A handle can be used in place of a button in any embodiment herein described. 
   In  FIGS. 34 and 35 , a pulley  200 , a button  124 , a button pin  201 , a stop  202 , a spring  204 , and a high strength string or wire  206  (e.g. 20 lb test fishing line) are used to activate and inactive axial movement of the shaft  102 . The button  124  is attached to the button pin  201 , which is attached to the wire  206 . The wire rides along the pulley  200  and is attached to the stop  202 . The spring  204  biases the stop upward and into the groove  118 . As the button  124  is pushed upward, the line  206  transfers the motion around the pulley  200  to pull the stop  202  downward. As the stop  202  travels downward and out of the groove  118  of the shaft  102 , the shaft  102  is released and is free to be moved into a lock-out position. 
   In  FIG. 36 , a button  124 , a lever  208  with a stop  210 , and a spring  212  are used to activate axial movement of the shaft  102 . The button  124  is attached to a button pin  214 , which has a rounded end  216  for contacting the lever  208 . The lever end  218  has a radius to receive the rounded end  216  of a button pin  214 . A spring biases the lever  208  towards the shaft and when unopposed, moves the stop  210  into the groove  118 . When the button  124  is moved upward by a force F, as shown in  FIG. 36 , the lever  208  will rotate and the stop  210  will move out of the groove  118 . When the stop  210  has moved past the outer diameter of the intermediate portion  110  (as seen in  FIG. 36 ), the shaft  102  is free to be moved into a lock-out position. 
   In  FIG. 37 , a button  124 , pin  220 , stop  222 , and spring detent  226  are integrated as a single piece or sub-assembly  224 . When the button  124  is moved upward, that motion is transferred such that the stop  222  is released from engagement with the groove  118  in the shaft  102 . Once the stop  222  is disengaged from the groove  118  in the shaft  102 , the shaft  102  may be moved axially and into a lock-out position. 
   The invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiment. Clearly, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of this specification. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.