Patent Publication Number: US-6981724-B2

Title: Multi-point lock assembly

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to a multi-point lock assembly having locking hooks positioned in the stationary keeper of a door unit. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   In a typical sliding door installation, a lock unit having one or more hooked locking members is mounted into a movable door. A keeper unit is mounted into a stationary door opening member or jamb. The door is closed by bringing the lead edge into contact with the jamb and then locked by rotating a thumb turn to cause the locking hooks to extend out from the edge of the door and into the slots in the keeper plate. 
   A problem associated with this conventional configuration is that because the thumb turn can be operated in any door position, the hooks can be extended prior to the door being closed. If the door is forcibly closed with the hooks extended, damage can be caused to the hooks, to the keeper plate, or to both. 
   One way to solve this problem is to use hooks which collapse when slammed against the stationary keeper plate. This method of preventing damage to the lock mechanism is more expensive due to the complexity of the design. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention provides a multi-point lock assembly for sliding closures, such as patio doors, which eliminates the problems associated with the prior art devices as described above. 
   In general, this is accomplished in an assembly comprising a latch unit which is placed in the sliding closure and a keeper assembly which is placed on the stationary closure frame, typically called a jamb. In accordance with the invention, the keeper is provided with hooks which normally occupy a retracted position but which are rotated to a partially set position by bringing the leading edge of the closure near or into contact with the keeper unit. In the partially set position, the hooks extend into the latch unit, but do not provide a fully activated closure-to-jamb lock until a mechanism on the latch unit, typically a thumb turn or a key, is rotated to activate latches within the latch unit to complete the rotation of the hooks and fully lock the closure to the joint. 
   The invention can be used with any kind of sliding closure including both patio doors and sliding windows or closure panels. 
   In an illustrative embodiment of the invention, the multi-point latch assembly has a stop rod located in the keeper unit. A release button located on the latch unit engages the stop rod when the closure member is closed. The hooks and latches are incapable of being actuated until the release button is depressed by the stop rod. The release button is contacted and depressed by the stop rod when the closure member is in a closed position relative to the stationary member. 
   The hooks include a substantially J-shaped hook portion extending from a pivot center of rotation. The J-shaped hook portion engages a corresponding latch when the latch unit and keeper unit are locked to one another. The hook also includes a tab extending from a center of rotation at an oblique angle relative to the hook portion. An adjustable screw located in the latch unit engages the tab of each hook when the closure member closes. The adjustable screw causes the hook to rotate at a discreet angle out of the keeper unit and into the latch unit. 
   An actuator for actuating the latch mechanism is located in the latch unit. A pair of upper and lower channel bars, having first and second ends are connected to the actuator at the first ends thereof. The channel bars have an offset extension at the second ends thereof. The offset extension has an aperture for a pivot pin to engage with and extend between each pair of channel bars. The pivot pin pivotally connects with a corresponding latch positioned between the offset extensions. The channel bars include at least one rod extending between an inline portion of each pair of channel bars. The rod engages a corresponding hook that has rotated into the latch unit when the moveable member is closed. The rod then moves the hook into a locked position with the corresponding latches. 
   In one embodiment of the invention, an adjustable clip is operably associated with each keeper unit for positioning the hooks at a predetermined location relative to the latch unit. Each adjustable clip has two sides and a mounting member extending there between for connecting the clips to a keeper plate. 
   In an alternate embodiment of the invention, a U-shaped channel keeper is positionably adjustable by attaching a shim to the backside of the U-shaped channel keeper prior to attaching the keeper to the stationary member. A plurality of plastic filler pieces snap in the U-shaped channel keeper adjacent the hooks for providing a flush surface at the edge of the U-shaped channel. 
   In operation, the multi-point lock requires the closure member to be shut before the hooks can extend outwardly from the keeper during the locking sequence. As the closure member closes, the moveable member engages a tab on each hook causing the hook to rotate outwardly away from the keeper unit. The lock actuator is actuated by turning a key or a thumb turn. The actuator rotates the corresponding latches and the hooks until each are engaged with one another. The tension between the latches and hooks is automatically adjusted via biasing means integral to the actuator system. 
   An anti-slam feature for the multi-point lock assembly is provided for preventing the hooks and latches from rotating into the locking position when the latch unit, located on the moveable member, is displaced from an engaged position relative to the keeper-unit which is located in the stationary member. A release button, located in the latch unit, is engaged by a stop-rod, located in the keeper-unit, when the moveable member engages the stationary member during closing. Once the release button is depressed, the actuator can be be turned and the lock mechanism is free to complete the locking sequence. 
   A method for assembling a multi-point lock assembly includes adjusting rollers for aligning the moveable member with the stationary member. Once the moveable member is aligned, at least one pointed head screw is threaded into a trim plate located on the outer edge of the latch unit. The moveable member is then closed a sufficient distance for the pointed head screw to mark the stationary member. The keeper unit is then installed at the marked location so that perfect alignment with the latch unit is achieved. The pointed head screw is then reversed and threaded completely into the trim plate. 
   Other applications of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art when the following description of the best mode contemplated for practicing the invention is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The description herein makes reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is a view of a multi-point lock assembly including a latch unit positioned in a sliding door and a keeper unit positioned in a stationary jam; 
       FIG. 2   a  is a side view of a latch unit with latches in an unlocked position; 
       FIG. 2   b  is side view of the latch unit with latches in a locked position; 
       FIG. 2   c  is an enlarged view of the actuator unit shown in  FIGS. 2   b  and  2   c.    
       FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the latch unit; 
       FIG. 3   a  is an enlarged exploded view of the actuator unit of  FIG. 3 ; 
       FIG. 3   b  is a perspective view of an actuator cap; 
       FIG. 4   a  is a side view of the keeper unit with the hooks in an unlocked position; 
       FIG. 4   b  is a side view of the keeper unit with the hooks in a locked position; 
       FIG. 5  is a side view of the latch unit and keeper-unit locked together; 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a trim plate; 
       FIG. 7  is an exploded view of a keeper unit in a first embodiment; 
       FIG. 8  is an exploded view of a keeper unit in a second embodiment; 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a shim; 
       FIG. 10  is a view of the multi-point lock assembly with keeper positioning marking screws. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a multi-point lock assembly  10  located in a typical environment is shown therein. A latch unit  12  is operably positioned in a closure member  14 . A keeper unit  16  is operably positioned in a stationary member or jamb  18 . The closure member  14  is typically a sliding patio door and the stationary member  18  is typically a frame piece in the wall of building as depicted in  FIG. 1 . The multi-point lock assembly  10  is not limited to this particular configuration, however, because the moveable member can be a sliding window, pocket door, other similar types of apparatus. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 2   a ,  2   b , and  2   c , a side view of the latch unit  12  is shown therein. The latch unit  12  has pair of latches  20 ,  22 . Each latch  20 ,  22  has a slot  24  that simultaneously slides and pivotally engages with a stationary pin  26 . An actuator unit  28  for locking the multi-point lock assembly  10  is actuated by a key or a thumb-turn (not shown). The actuator unit  28  (best seen in  FIGS. 2   c  and  3   a ) includes two gears  30  and  32  that are rotationally coupled to one another such that when either gear  30  or  32  is rotationally actuated, the opposing gear  30  or  32  will also rotate at the same angular velocity, but in the opposite direction. The coupling mechanism includes a slot  36  positioned between the two gears  30 ,  32  such that a sliding pin member  38  can slide from one end  39  of the slot  36  to the other  41  when the gears  30 ,  32  are rotatingly actuated. Each gear  30 ,  32  has a pivotal mount  40   a ,  40   b  attached to a connecting member  42   a ,  42   b , respectively. The connecting members  42   a ,  42   b  are pivotally attached to the pivotal mounts  40   a ,  40   b  on the gears  30 ,  32  at a first end and pivotally attached to the sliding pin member  38  on the opposite end. For example if gear  30  is rotatingly actuated, the pivotal mount  40   a  rotates with the gear  30 . The connecting member  42   a  causes the pin member  38  to translate along the slot  36 . The opposing gear  32  is attached in the same manner as gear  30  with the same angular magnitude and velocity, but rotates in an opposite direction of gear  30 . 
   The actuator units include actuator caps  44   a ,  44   b  operably connected to each gear  30 ,  32  such that the actuator caps  44   a ,  44   b  operate independently from one another. A spring  46  is positioned between each actuator cap  44   a ,  44   b  and their associated gears  30 ,  32 . The springs  46  are compressed when the latch unit is in the unlocked position as shown in  FIG. 2   a . The springs  46  are expanded when the latch unit  12  is in a locked position as shown in  FIG. 2   b.    
   Now referring to  FIG. 3 , an exploded view of the latch unit  12  is shown therein. The latch unit  12  has a first set of sliding channels bars  48  for actuating the upper latch  20 . The first set of sliding channel bars  48  include left  52   a  and right  52   b  channel bar. Each bar  52   a ,  52   b  of the upper set of sliding channel bars  48  includes a first end  56  for pivotally connecting with the upper latch  20 . The left and right channel bars  52   a ,  52   b  of the upper channel bar set  48  each have a second end  58  for pivotally connecting with the actuator unit  28 . The latch unit  12  includes a second lower set of channel bars  50  having left and right channel bars  54   a  and  54   b . The left and right channel bars  54   a ,  54   b  of the lower set of channel bars  50  have a first end  60  for pivotally connecting with the lower latch  22 . Each channel bar  54   a ,  54   b  of the lower set of channel bars  50  has a second end  62  for pivotally connecting with the actuator unit  28 . The upper latch  20  is pivotally connected to a pin  64   a  extending between the first ends  56  of the left and right channel bars  52   a ,  52   b  of the upper set of channel bars  48 . Similarly, the lower latch  22  is pivotally connected to a pin  64   b  extending between the first ends  60  of the left and right channel bars  54   a ,  54   b  of the lower set of channel bars  50 . The upper actuator cap  44   a  is operably connected to the second ends  58  of the upper channel bar set  48  via pivot pin  67   a . The lower actuator cap  44   b  of the actuator unit  28  is operably connected to the second end  62  of the lower set of sliding channel bars  50  via pivot pin  67   b . A pair of side members  66   a ,  66   b  extend longitudinally along the length of the latch unit  12  for providing support for both sets of sliding channel bars  48 ,  50  and the actuator unit  28 . The upper and lower set of sliding channel bars  48 ,  50  are positioned between the side members  66   a ,  66   b  for holding the latch unit assembly together with a plurality of fasteners  68  extending between the side members  66   a  and  66   b . Each fastener  68  has an internally threaded rod  68   b  extending through one of the side members  66   b  and a threaded member  68   a  extending from side member  66   a  for threadingly engaging a corresponding threaded rod  68   b . A second set of stationary pins  69  include a threaded fastener  69   a  extending from side member  66   a  for engaging a corresponding internally threaded rod  69   b  extending through side member  66   b . A stationary pin  69  engages an elongated groove  65   a ,  65   b  located in the left  52   a ,  54   a  and right  52   b ,  54   b  channel bars of both the upper and lower sets  48 ,  50  of sliding channel bars, respectively. The elongated grooves  65   a ,  65   b  slidingly engage with the stationary pins  69  as the upper and lower sets  48 ,  50  of sliding channel bars are reciprocated back and forth during the locking and unlocking sequence of the latch unit  12 . 
   Referring again to  FIGS. 2   a ,  2   b , and  2   c  the latch unit  12  has a release button  70  that is slidingly moveable between a first position  72  (shown in  FIG. 2   a ) and a second position  74  (shown in  FIG. 2   b ). In the first position  72 , the release button is extended outward towards the keeper unit  16 . The release button  70  is normally biased via actuator caps  44   a ,  44   b  in the first position  72  when the moveable member  14  is apart from the stationary member  18 . The release button  70  is forced towards the latch unit  12  when the moveable member  14  is closed. A detailed description of this procedure is hereinafter provided. 
   The latch unit  12  has a threaded member  76  extending from a forward edge  71  of the latch unit  12  towards the actuator unit  28 . A ramp  78  having a nodule  79  with a substantially horizontal surface at the lower end thereof is connected proximate the second ends  62  of the lower set of channel bars  50 . The ramp  78  is angled from the nodule  79  back towards the actuator unit  28 . The nodule  79  rests adjacent the threaded member  76  and is prevented from moving past the threaded member  76  when the release button  70  is in the first position  72  as shown in  FIG. 2   a . The threaded member  76  prevents the sliding channel bars  48 ,  50  from moving when the nodule  79  is in contact with the threaded member  76 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b , an enlarged view of the actuator unit  28  is shown in exploded detail. The actuator caps  44   a ,  44   b  include a spring housing  202  for engaging one end of the spring  46  internally therein. The gears  30 ,  32  include a lower spring housing  204  for engaging the opposite end of the spring  46 . The actuator caps  44   a  and  44   b  are connected with a pin (not shown) extending through apertures  206   a  of channel bar  52   a , through aperture  208  in the actuator cap  44   a , and through the aperture  206   b  of the channel bar  52   b . Similarly, the lower actuator cap  44   b  is operably connected through the lower set of channel bars  54   a  and  54   b  with a pin (not shown). The pin extends through aperture  210   a  of the channel bar  54   a  through an aperture  212  in the lower actuator cap  44   b  and through an aperture  210   b  of channel bar  54   b . A substantially U-shaped guide  214  integrally extends from each gear  30 ,  32 . Each actuator cap  44   a ,  44   b  include a pair of ears  216   a ,  216   b  that slidingly engage with a substantially U-shaped slot  220  in the U-shaped guide  214 . The ears  216   a ,  216   b  of each actuator cap  44   a ,  44   b  are snapped into the corresponding U-shaped slots  220  of the U-shaped guides  214  such that the actuator caps  44   a ,  44   b  will not disengage from the U-shaped slots  220  without forcibly spreading the ears  216   a ,  216   b  apart from one another. The U-shaped guide  214  slides through a slot  222  formed in the actuator caps  44   a ,  44   b . When the latch unit  12  is in the unlocked position, the actuator caps  44   a ,  44   b  are spaced relatively close to the gears  30 ,  32  and the springs  46  are in a compressed state. The U-shaped guides  214  extend completely through the slot  222  and out the top of the actuator caps  44   a ,  44   b  in the unlocked position. When the latch unit  12  is in the locked position, the actuator caps  44   a ,  44   b  are spaced farther apart from the gears  30 ,  32 , and the springs  46  expand to maximize the travel of the channel bars  48 ,  50 . 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b , a stop rod  80  is located in the keeper unit  16 . The latching unit  12  is restricted from movement until the stop rod  80  contacts the release button  70  when the moveable member is closed. When the moveable member  14  is closed, the stop rod  80 , shown in  FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b , contacts the release button  70  and forces the release button  70  into the second position  74  adjacent the front edge  71  of the latch unit  12  (best seen in  FIG. 2   b ). The release button  70  forces the ramp  78  towards the actuator unit  28  far enough to slip past the threaded member  76 . The ramp  78  and associated nodule  79  can be moved towards the actuator unit  28  because the upper and lower sets of sliding channel bars  48 ,  50  are operably connected to the actuator caps  44   a ,  44   b  which provide the required play in the assembly. Once the ramp  78  is pushed inward towards the actuator unit  28 , the nodule  79  can slide past the threaded member  76 , thus permitting the locking unit  12  to continue the locking sequence. The locking unit  12  is restricted from movement until the stop rod  80  contacts the release button  70  when the moveable member is in the closed position. The stop rod  80  includes a tip  82  made of resilient material for easing the impact load of the moveable member  14  when the latch unit  12  of the moveable member  14  contacts the stationary keeper unit  16 . 
   During the unlocking sequence the upper and lower sets of sliding channel bars  48 ,  50  are actuated such that each set  48 ,  50  reciprocatingly move in the opposite direction relative to the locking sequence. The ramp  78  is angled to permit the ramp  78  to slide past the threaded member  76  until the nodule  79  is reset adjacent the threaded member  76 . The hooks  92 ,  94  and latches  20 ,  22  are disengaged prior to the nodule  79  being reset after which the moveable member  14  can then be displaced from the stationary member  18 . The release button is biased in the second position  74  due to the actuator caps  44   a ,  44   b  acting though the channel bar set  50  causing the ramp to forcibly move the release button  70 . The latch unit  12  can not be actuated again until the moveable member  14  is closed. 
   Referring back to  FIGS. 2   a ,  2   b , and  2   c , a pair of actuator cradles  84   a ,  84   b  are included for supporting each actuator cap  44   a ,  44   b  as the actuator caps  44   a ,  44   b  rotate into position during the locking sequence. The actuator cradles  84   a ,  84   b  include two orthogonally positioned ribs  86 ,  88  for contacting an end and a side of each actuator cap  44   a ,  44   b . The distal ends of the actuator caps  44   a ,  44   b  extend away from the actuator cradles  84   a ,  84   b  as the actuator caps  44   a ,  44   b  force the channel bar sets  48 ,  50  outward during the locking sequence. 
   The latches  20 ,  22  include substantially L-shaped extensions  90  for engaging corresponding hooks  92  and  94  that are rotated into the latch unit  12  from the keeper unit  16 . The hooks  92 ,  94  have a substantially J-shaped portion  96 , as shown in  FIGS. 4   a , and  4   b . The J-shaped portion  96  extends from a pivot center  98  of rotation. The J-shaped portion  96  engages the L-shaped extensions  90  of the corresponding latches  20 ,  22  when the latch unit  12  and the keeper unit  16  are locked to one another. A tab  100  on each hook  92 ,  94  extends from the center rotation  98  at an oblique angle relative to each hook portion  96 . Adjustable screws  102   a ,  102   b  shown in  FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b  are located on the latch unit  12  for engaging the tabs  100  of each hook  92 ,  94  and rotating the hooks  92 ,  94  at a discrete angle into the latch unit  12  when the moveable member  14  closes relative to the stationary member  18 . Each hook  92 ,  94  includes biasing means  104  (best seen in  FIGS. 7 and 8 ) for rotating each hook  92 ,  94  away from each corresponding latch  20 ,  22  when the latch unit  12  is unlocked. The biasing means  104  can be a torsional spring wrapped around the pivotal center  98  of each hook  92 ,  94 . The torsional spring is connected to the hooks  92 ,  94  and to the keeper unit  16 . 
   Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a side view of the latch unit  12  and the keeper unit  16  is shown in a locked position. The latches  20 ,  22  are engaged with the hooks  92 ,  94  along engaging surfaces  23 . The upper and lower sets  48 ,  50  of the sliding channel bars have offset extensions  105   a ,  105   b  integral with inline end portions  93   a ,  93   b , respectively. The inline end portions  93   a ,  93   b  of the upper and lower channel bars  48 ,  50  include two pins  95   a ,  97   a  extending between the left and right upper channel bars  52   a ,  52   b . A pair of lower pins  95   b ,  97   b  extend between the lower set of sliding channel bars  50  between the left and right lower channel bars  54   a ,  54   b . The upper set of pins  95   a ,  97   a  contact the back side of the hook  92  and continues to rotate the hook  92  until the hook  92  is engaged with the latch  20 . At the same time the hook  92  is rotating into locking position, the corresponding latch  20  being pivotally connected to the offset extension  105   a , through pivot pin  64   a  is also being rotated into locking position with the upper channel bar set  48 . Simultaneously, the lower set of pins  95   b ,  97   b  contact the back side of the hook  94  and continues to rotate the hook  94  until the hook  94  is engaged with the latch  22 . At the same time the hook  94  is rotating into locking position, the corresponding latch  22  being pivotally connected to the offset extension  105   b , through pivot pin  64   b  is also being rotated into locking position with the lower channel bar set  50 . 
   Referring now to  FIG. 6 , a trim plate  106  is connectible to the latch unit  12  for covering the forward front edge  71  thereof. The trim plate  106  includes tapped apertures  108   a ,  108   b  that are threadingly engagable with pointed head marking screws  110  (shown in  FIG. 5 ). The trim plate  106  is fixedly held to the latch unit  12  by a plurality of fasteners (not shown) in addition to the pair of marking screws  110 . The trim plate  106  includes through bores  112   a ,  112   b  for each hook  92 ,  94  to extend through as the hooks  92 ,  94  rotate into the latch unit  12  from the keeper unit  16 . Each bore  112   a ,  112   b  has a bevel  114  formed on a perimeter edge  116  of the side facing the latch unit  12 . The beveled edge  114  is operable for preventing the hooks  92 ,  94  from catching on the back side perimeter edge  116  and jamming therein when the latch assembly  10  moves through the unlocking sequence. The trim plate  106  shown in  FIG. 6  is only one example of the various trim plate designs contemplated by the present invention. The trim plate  106  can include flat or pocket designs to coordinate with a variety of back sets. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 7 , a first embodiment of the keeper unit  16  is shown therein. Adjustable clips  118   a ,  118   b  are operably associated with each hook  92 ,  94  for positioning the hooks  92 ,  94  at a predetermined location such that the hooks  92 ,  94  will engage the latch unit  12  at the correct spacial position relative to the keeper unit  16  when the moveable member  14  is in the closed position. Each adjustable clip  118   a ,  118   b  has two sides  120   a ,  120   b  with a mounting member  122   a ,  122   b  extending therebetween for connecting the adjustable clips  118   a ,  118   b  to a keeper plate  124  via fasteners  121   a ,  121   b . The keeper plate  124  has a plurality of longitudinally extended ribs  126  for increasing the strength of the keeper plate  124  and for forming a counter-bore area  128  for the heads of the threaded fasteners (not shown) to lie therein for connecting the keeper plate to the stationary member  18 . 
   Each adjustable clip  118   a ,  118   b  includes an upper pair of apertures  125   a ,  125   b  and a lower pair of apertures  129   a ,  129   b  extending through the sides  120   a  and  120   b  respectively. Threaded fasteners  123   a  extend through apertures  125   a  and  129   a  located in the side  120   a  for threadably engaging with internally threaded posts  123   b  entering through apertures  125   b  and  129   b  located in the side  120   b  of the adjustable clips  118   a ,  118   b . The threaded fasteners  123   a  and posts  123   b  prevent sides  120   a ,  120   b  of the adjustable clips from inadvertently spreading too far apart from one another. The hooks  92 ,  94  are connected through a pivot center  98  with a pivot pin  131  extending through an apertures  127   a  and  127   b  formed in the sides  120   a ,  120   b  respectively of each clip  118   a ,  118   b . Torsional springs  104  are operably associated with the hooks  92 ,  94  to ensure each hook rotates out of the latch unit  12  when the closure member  14  is opened. 
   The stop rod  80  is fixedly held in place with a threaded fastener  133  extending through the keeper plate  124  and a cushioned bumper  135  prior to threadably engaging the stop rod  80 . The cushioned bumper  135  ensures that the release button  70  of the latch unit  12  is not damaged if the closure member  14  is slammed shut. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 8 , a second embodiment of the keeper unit  16  is shown therein. A substantially U-shaped channel keeper  134  having a pivot pin  135  for attaching each hook  92 ,  94  within the U-shaped recess  136 . The channel keeper  134  operable for positioning the hooks  92 ,  94  at a predetermined location relative to the latch unit  12 . The channel keeper  134  has a plurality of apertures  138  for fastening members (not shown) to engage therethrough and fasten the channel keeper  134  to the stationary member  18 . A plurality of substantially U-shaped filler members  140  are positioned in the U-shaped channel keeper  134  for covering the U-shaped recess  136  adjacent to the hooks  92 ,  94 . At least one protruding element  142  extends from each side of each U-shaped filler member  140  for releasibly snap-locking with apertures  144  formed in the U-shaped channel keeper  134 . The U-shaped channel keeper  134  is typically made of a metal material and the filler members  140  are typically made of a plastic, however, suitable substitute materials for each are contemplated by the present invention. The filler members  140  include a longer member  146  positioned between the hooks  92 ,  94 . The longer filler member  146  has a thicker portion  148  to coincide with the positioning of the stop rod  80 . A threaded fastener  133  engages through an aperture located in the thicker portion  148  of the filler member  146  and a cushioned bumper  135  before threadably connecting the stop rod  80  to the U-shaped channel member  134 . 
   Referring now to  FIG. 9 , a shim  150  can be installed between the keeper unit  16  and a wall jamb of the stationary member  18 . The shim  150  is used for correctly positioning the keeper unit  16  such that the hooks  92 ,  94  are engagable with the latches  20 ,  22 . A plurality of elongated apertures  151  are formed in the shim  150  for allowing threaded fasteners (not shown) from the keeper unit  16  to pass therethrough and attach to the stationary member  18 . The shim  150  can be pre-installed on the back side of the keeper unit  16  for ease of installation or installed straight into the jamb as desired. 
   In operation, the multi-point latch assembly  10 , requires the moveable member  14  to be shut relative to the stationary member  18  before the locking sequence can be initiated. When the closure member  14  closes, the adjustable screws  102   a ,  102   b  located on the latch unit  12 , engage the tabs  100  of each hook  92 ,  94 . The hooks  92 ,  94  are rotated out of the keeper-unit  16  and into the latch unit  12  when the moveable member  14  is fully closed. 
   A latch actuator  28  can be actuated after the moveable member  14  is closed. The actuator unit rotates the latches  20 ,  22  and the corresponding hooks  92 ,  94  until each engage with one another. The actuator unit  28  automatically adjusts the tension between the hook  92 ,  94  and the latches  20 ,  22  via biasing means  44   a ,  44   b . The engaged surfaces of the latches  20 ,  22  and the hooks  92 ,  94  are angled relative to a vertical axis to prevent sliding disengagement caused by an attempted forced entry. While angles greater than zero degrees have been found effective to remain securely engaged with one another, a twelve degree angle on each surface is most preferred. The combination of the angled surfaces and the biasing means  44   a ,  44   b  advantageously cooperate to prevent forced entry into a locked area. 
   A method for preventing the impact of extended hooks  92 ,  94  with the moveable member  14  is contemplated by the present invention. The anti-slam feature prevents the hooks  92 ,  94  and latches  20 ,  22  from rotating into a locking position when the latch unit  12  is displaced from an engaged position relative to the keeper-unit  16 . The hooks  92 ,  94  and latches  20 ,  22  can be moved into a locking position only after the release button  70  located on the latch unit  12  is depressed by the stop rod  80  located on the keeper unit  16  when the moveable member  14  is closed. 
   A method for assembling a multi-point latch assembly  10  is also defined by the present invention. Adjustable rollers on the moveable member  14  are adjusted such that the moveable member  14  is aligned with the stationary member  18 . After installing the latch unit  12  into the moveable member  14 , at least one screw  110 , having a pointed head is threadingly engaged into a trim plate  106  located on the outer edge  71  of the latch unit  12  as shown in  FIG. 10 . The moveable member  14  is then closed a distance required to mark the stationary member  18  with the at least one pointed head screw  110 . The moveable member  14  is then opened and the keeper-unit  16  is aligned with the pre-marked location and installed into the stationary member  18 . The pointed head screw  110  is then reversed and threaded into the trim fit plate  106  for fastening the trim plate onto the moveable member. 
   While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims, which scope is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures as is permitted under the law.