Patent Publication Number: US-2023160234-A1

Title: Lock assembly for non-pivotable door

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of and claims the benefit of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 16/815,165 filed on Mar. 11, 2020, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The disclosure relates to mechanisms for securing closure panels at points of ingress and egress. More particularly, the disclosure relates to lock assemblies for non-pivotable doors. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Door lock and latch assemblies are generally known in the art for use in latching and locking doors. Deadbolt locks are commonly and widely used in residential homes, apartments, commercial buildings, and other settings where it is desired to secure an entry against unwanted intrusion. Deadbolt locks are used in some instances as the sole means to lock an entry door, and in other instances in conjunction with other locking mechanisms. Latch and lock assemblies, including deadbolt locks, typically include one or more latch members mounted along a free side edge of a pivotable door and adapted to engage with associated keeper devices mounted on an adjacent doorjamb. 
     SUMMARY 
     A lock assembly for a non-pivotable door is provided. The lock assembly comprises a housing configured to receive a locking mechanism. The housing comprises a first face, a second face, a first side, a second side, and a housing interior positioned therebetween. The housing further defines an interior void space and a first plurality of bores. 
     The interior void space being defined by a first lateral end, a second lateral end, and a rear wall. The interior void space extends laterally between the first lateral end and the second lateral end and further extends into the housing interior from the first face to the rear wall. 
     Each bore of the first plurality of bores is configured to receive one of a plurality of fastening features that fastens the housing to a fixed substrate, such as a wall or floor. The first plurality of bores comprises at least a first bore positioned laterally between the first side of the housing and the first lateral end of the interior void space and a second bore positioned laterally between the second lateral end of the interior void space and the second side of the housing. The first bore and the second bore are positioned longitudinally between the rear wall of the interior void space and the second face of the housing. 
     The lock assembly further comprises a spacer plate defining a spacer plate bolt void and a strike plate defining a strike plate bolt void. The spacer plate and strike plate are configured to be coupled to one another, such that the spacer plate bolt void and the strike plate bolt void are aligned. The spacer plate and strike plate are further fixedly coupled to the non-pivotable door. 
     The housing is configured to receive a locking mechanism within the interior void space. The locking mechanism may be a deadbolt-style locking mechanism, such that the locking mechanism comprises a latch bolt that is moveable between a retracted position within the housing and a deployed position. In the deployed position the latch bolt extends outwardly from the housing and into each of the spacer plate bolt void and the strike plate bolt void, thereby locking the non-pivotable door to the housing. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a schematic elevation view of the lock assembly employed on double sliding doors, wherein the doors are in a first position, such that the doors are at least partially ajar. 
         FIG.  2    is a schematic elevation view of the lock assembly employed on double sliding doors, wherein the doors are in a second position, such that the doors are secured and locked. 
         FIG.  3 A  is a schematic perspective view of an example spacer plate. 
         FIG.  3 B  is a schematic perspective view of the example spacer plate of  FIG.  3 A  coupled with an example strike plate. 
         FIG.  4 A  is a first schematic perspective view of an example housing of the lock assembly. 
         FIG.  4 B  is a second schematic perspective view of an example housing of the lock assembly. 
         FIG.  5    is a schematic perspective view of an example housing of the lock assembly with a locking mechanism disposed within the housing. 
         FIG.  6 A  is a partial schematic perspective view of an example lock assembly employed on a sliding door, wherein the door is in an open position, such that the door is at least partially ajar, and the latch bolt is in the retracted position. 
         FIG.  6 B  is a partial schematic perspective view of an example lock assembly employed on a sliding door, wherein the door is in a closed position, and the latch bolt is in the deployed position, such that the door is secured or locked via the locking assembly. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     While the present disclosure may be described with respect to specific applications or industries, those skilled in the art will recognize the broader applicability of the disclosure. Those having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that terms such as “above”, “below”, “upward”, “downward”, etc., are used descriptively of the figures, and do not represent limitations on the scope of the disclosure, as defined by the appended claims. Any numerical designations, such as “first” or “second” are illustrative only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure in any way. 
     The terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, or components. Orders of steps, processes, and operations may be altered when possible, and additional or alternative steps may be employed. As used in this specification, the term “or” includes any one and all combinations of the associated listed items. The term “any of is understood to include any possible combination of referenced items, including “any one of the referenced items. The term “any of is understood to include any possible combination of referenced claims of the appended claims, including “any one of the referenced claims. 
     The terms “a”, “an”, “the”, “at least one”, and “one or more” are used interchangeably to indicate that at least one of the items is present. A plurality of such items may be present unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. All numerical values of parameters (e.g., of quantities or conditions) in this specification, unless otherwise indicated expressly or clearly in view of the context, including the appended claims, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about” whether or not “about” actually appears before the numerical value. “About” indicates that the stated numerical value allows some slight imprecision (with some approach to exactness in the value; approximately or reasonably close to the value; nearly). If the imprecision provided by “about” is not otherwise understood in the art with this ordinary meaning, then “about” as used herein indicates at least variations that may arise from ordinary methods of measuring and using such parameters. In addition, a disclosure of a range is to be understood as specifically disclosing all values and further divided ranges within the range. 
     Features shown in one figure may be combined with, substituted for, or modified by, features shown in any of the figures. Unless stated otherwise, no features, elements, or limitations are mutually exclusive of any other features, elements, or limitations. Furthermore, no features, elements, or limitations are absolutely required for operation. Any specific configurations shown in the figures are illustrative only and the specific configurations shown are not limiting of the claims or the description. 
     The following discussion and accompanying figures disclose configurations of lock assemblies with housings, wherein the lock assembly  10  is used on a non-pivotable door  24 . Although the lock assembly  10  is depicted as a lock assembly  10  for a commercial single sliding door ( FIGS.  6 A and  6 B ) and/or commercial double sliding doors ( FIGS.  1 - 2   ), in the associated Figures, concepts associated with the configurations and methods may be applied to various types of doors, such as commercial single sliding doors, commercial double sliding doors, cannon ball doors, residential sliding doors, and overhead doors, such as garage doors. Although the locking mechanism  14  is depicted as an electrified deadbolt lock, in the associated Figures, concepts associated with the configurations and methods may be applied to various types of locking mechanisms  14 , which may also incorporate concepts discussed herein. 
     Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like components throughout the several views, a lock assembly  10  is provided. In a general sense, the lock assembly  10  of the present disclosure includes a housing  12  permanently attached to a fixed substrate  17 , such as a wall or floor, a spacer plate  16  ( FIG.  3 A- 3 B ) defining a spacer plate bolt void  18 , and a strike plate  20  ( FIG.  3 A- 3 B ) defining a strike plate bolt void  22 . The spacer plate  16  and the strike plate  20  are configured to be coupled to one another and further coupled to the non-pivotable door  24 , such that the spacer plate bolt void  18  and the strike plate bolt void  22  are aligned. The housing  12  is configured to receive and contain a locking mechanism  14 . The locking mechanism  14  may be a deadbolt-style locking mechanism, such that the locking mechanism  14  comprises a latch bolt  94  that is moveable between a retracted position  100  ( FIG.  6 A ) within the housing  12  and a deployed position  200  ( FIG.  6 B ). In the deployed position  200  the latch bolt  94  extends outwardly from the housing  12  and into each of the spacer plate bolt void  18  and the strike plate bolt void  22 , thereby locking the non-pivotable door  24  to the housing  12 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  4 A and  4 B , the locking assembly  10  includes a housing  12 . The housing  12  may be formed of a metallic material, a polymeric material, or another suitable material. The housing  12  may be further formed by machining or casting. In one example, the housing  12  comprises a metallic material. The metallic material may be an aluminum-based material. The metallic material may be a steel-based material or a steel alloy material. The polymeric material may be, for example, a thermoset polymer, a thermoplastic polymer, or a polymer-based composite material. 
     The housing  12  may comprise a first face  28 , a second face  30 , a first side  32 , a second side  34 , and a housing interior  36  having a housing thickness  35  positioned therebetween. The housing  12  may have a width  37  of from about 8.0 inches to about 9.0 inches, a thickness  35  of from about 2.0 inches to about 4.0 inches, and a height  39  of from about 3.0 inches to about 4.0 inches. 
     The housing  12  defines an interior void space  40 , a first plurality of bores  42 , a second plurality of bores  44 , and a third plurality of bores  46 . As shown in  FIG.  4 A , the interior void space  40  is defined by a first lateral end  48 , a second lateral end  50 , and a rear wall  52 , such that the interior void space  40  extends laterally between the first lateral end  48  and the second lateral end  50  and further extends into the housing interior  36  by a depth  41  measured from the first face  28  to the rear wall  52 . More particularly, the depth  41  of the interior void space  40  is from about 1.5 inches to about 1.75 inches, in that the rear wall  52  is spaced apart from the first face  28  by the depth  41 . As shown in  FIG.  5   , the housing  12  is configured to receive the locking mechanism  14  within the interior void space  40 . 
     Referring back to  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B , the first plurality of bores  42  are formed in the housing interior  36  and extend vertically through the housing  12 . In one example, the first plurality of bores  42  comprises a first bore  42   a  and a second bore  42   b . The first bore  42   a  is positioned laterally between the first side  32  and the first lateral end  48 . More particularly, the center and/or central axis of the first bore  42   a  may be disposed about 0.375 inches from the first side  32 . The second bore  42   b  is positioned laterally between the second lateral end  50  and the second side  34 . More particularly, the center and/or central axis of the second bore  42   b  may be disposed about 0.375 inches from the second side  34 . The center of the first bore  42   a  and the center of the second bore  42   b  may be laterally spaced apart by about 7.25 inches. 
     Each of the bores of the first plurality of bores  42 , including the first bore  42   a  and the second bore  42   b , are positioned longitudinally between the rear wall  52  and the second face  30 . More particularly, the center and/or central axis of the first bore  42   a  and the center and/or central axis of the second bore  42   b  are each positioned longitudinally, from about 0.50 inches to about 0.60 inches from the second face  30  and may be preferably spaced apart by about 0.55 inches. Further, each bore of the first plurality of bores  42  is configured to receive a fastening feature  54  that fastens the housing  12  to a fixed substrate  17 , adjacent to the non-pivotal door  24 . The fixed substrate  17  may be a floor in sliding door applications or a wall in overhead door applications. In one example, the fastening features may comprise a combination of nuts, bolts, and washers or nuts, screws, and washers. The fastening features may have an overall diameter of from about 0.625 inches to about 0.75 inches. 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  4 A and  4 B , the housing  12  further comprises a third face  56  and a fourth face  58 . The third face  56  is laterally positioned between the first side  32  and the first lateral end  48  and longitudinally positioned between the first face  28  and the rear wall  52  of the interior void space  40 . The fourth face  58  is laterally positioned between the second side  34  and the second lateral end  50  and longitudinally positioned between the first face  28  and the rear wall  52  of the interior void space  40 . Said another way, the third face  56  and the fourth face  58  are laterally spaced apart by the interior void space  40 . 
     Referring still to  FIGS.  4 A and  4 B , the housing  12  further defines a second plurality of bores  44 . The second plurality of bores  44  are positioned on the third face  56  and the fourth face  58  and extends into the housing interior  36  toward the second face  30 . In one example, the second plurality of bores  44  includes a first bore  44   a  and a second bore  44   b . The first bore  44   a  is positioned on the third face  56  and extends into the housing interior  36  toward the second face  30 . The second bore  44   b  positioned on the fourth face  58  and extends into the housing interior  36  toward the second face  30 . The center and/or central axis of the first bore  44   a  and the center and/or central axis of the second bore  44   b  may be laterally spaced apart by from about 7.0 inches to about 7.25 inches and may be preferably laterally spaced apart by about 7.10 inches. Each of the second plurality of bores  44  is configured to receive a securing feature  60  that secures the locking mechanism  14  to the housing  12  within the interior void space  40 . The housing  12  may further define a third plurality of bores  46  that extend between the interior void space  40  and the fixed substrate  17 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  1 - 3 A , the locking assembly  10  may further include a spacer plate  16 . The spacer plate  16  may have a first spacer plate surface  62 , a second spacer plate surface  64 , a first lateral spacer plate side  68 , a second lateral spacer plate side  70 . The spacer plate  16  may have a width disposed between the first lateral spacer plate side  68  and the second lateral spacer plate side  70 , and the width may be from about 3.50 inches to about 3.60 inches. The spacer plate  16  may further have a predetermined spacer plate thickness  72  between the first spacer plate surface  62  and the second spacer plate surface  64 . The spacer plate thickness  72  may be from about 0.70 inches to about 0.80 inches and may be preferably about 0.75 inches. 
     The spacer plate  16  may define a spacer plate bolt void  18 . The spacer plate bolt void  18  may have a depth, that extends from the first spacer plate surface  62  and into the spacer plate thickness  72 , of from about 0.60 to about 0.75 inches, such that in some examples the spacer plate bolt void  18  extends through an entirety of the predetermined spacer plate thickness  72  between the first spacer plate surface  62  and the second spacer plate surface  64 , and in other example the spacer plate bolt void  18  extends through less than an entirety of the spacer plate thickness  72 . The center and/or central axis of the spacer plate bolt void  18  may be laterally disposed from about 1.80 inches to about 2.10 inches from the second lateral spacer plate side  70 . 
     The spacer plate  16  may further define a spacer plate magnet cavity  74 . The spacer plate magnet cavity  74  may have a depth, that extends from the first spacer plate surface  62  and into the spacer plate thickness  72 , of from about 0.20 inches to about 0.75 inches, such that in some examples the spacer plate magnet cavity  74  that extends through the entirety of the predetermined spacer plate thickness  72  between the first spacer plate surface  62  and the second spacer plate surface  64 , and in other example the spacer plate magnet cavity  74  extends through less than an entirety of the predetermined spacer plate thickness  72 . In one example, the spacer plate magnet cavity  74  has a depth of about 0.25 inches. The spacer plate magnet cavity  74  may be laterally disposed between the spacer plate bolt void  18  and the first lateral spacer plate side  68 , and more particularly, may be laterally disposed about 1.0 inches from the first lateral spacer plate side  68 . 
     The spacer plate  16  may further define a plurality of spacer plate attachment bores  90  that extend through the entirety of the predetermined spacer plate thickness  72  between the first spacer plate surface  62  and the second spacer plate surface  64 . At least one of spacer plate attachment bores  90  is disposed between the first lateral spacer plate side  68  and the spacer plate magnet cavity  74 , and more particularly the center and/or central axis of the respective attachment bore is from about 0.25 inches to about 0.30 inches from the first lateral spacer plate side  68 . At least another one of the spacer plate attachment bores  90  is disposed between the second lateral spacer plate side  70  and the spacer plate bolt void  18 , and more particularly, the center and/or central axis of the respective attachment bore is from about 0.25 inches to about 0.30 inches from the first lateral spacer plate side  68 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1 - 2  and  3 B , the locking assembly  10  may further comprise a strike plate  20 . The strike plate  20  may have a first lateral strike plate side  76 , a second lateral strike plate side  78 , first strike plate surface  80 , a second strike plate surface  82 . The strike plate  20  may have a width disposed between the first lateral strike plate side  76  and the second lateral strike plate side  78 , and the width may be from about 3.50 inches to about 3.60 inches. The strike plate  20  may further have a predetermined strike plate thickness  84  between the first strike plate surface  80  and the second strike plate surface  82 . The strike plate  20  may define a strike plate bolt void  22  and a strike plate magnet cavity  86 . The strike plate bolt void  22  extends through an entirety of the predetermined strike plate thickness  84  between the first strike plate surface  80  and the second strike plate surface  82 . The center and/or central axis of the strike plate bolt void  22  may be laterally disposed from about 1.80 inches to about 2.10 inches from the second lateral strike plate side  78 . 
     The strike plate magnet cavity  86  extends through the entirety of the predetermined strike plate thickness  84  between the first strike plate surface  80  and the second strike plate surface  82 . The strike plate magnet cavity  86  is further disposed between the first lateral strike plate side  76  and the strike plate bolt void  22 , and more particularly the center and/or central axis of the strike plate magnet cavity  86  may be laterally disposed about 1.0 inches from the first lateral strike plate side  76 . The strike plate magnet cavity  86  and the spacer plate magnet cavity  74  are configured to receive a magnet  88  therein, such that the magnet  88  disposed and/or seated within the strike plate magnet cavity  86  as shown in  FIG.  3 B . 
     The strike plate  20  may further define a plurality of strike plate attachment bores  92  that extend through the entirety of the predetermined strike plate thickness  84  between the first strike plate surface  80  and the second strike plate surface  82 . At least one of the strike plate attachment bores  92  is disposed between the first lateral strike plate side  76  and the strike plate magnet cavity  86 , and more particularly the center and/or central axis of the respective attachment bore is from about 0.25 inches to about 0.30 inches from the first lateral strike plate side  76 . At least another one of the strike plate attachment bores  92  is disposed between the second lateral strike plate side  78  and the strike plate bolt void  22 , and more particularly the center and/or central axis of the respective attachment bore is from about 0.25 inches to about 0.30 inches from the second lateral strike plate side  78 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  1 ,  2 , and  3 B , the strike plate  20  and the spacer plate  16  are configured to be coupled to each other, and collectively coupled to the non-pivotable door  24 . In this way, the first strike plate surface  80  is disposed adjacent to and in contact with the second spacer plate surface  64 , such that the spacer plate bolt void  18  is aligned with the strike plate bolt void  22  and the spacer plate magnet cavity  74  is aligned with the strike plate magnet cavity  86 , and each spacer plate attachment bore  90  is aligned with a strike plate attachment bore  92 . 
     To secure the coupled spacer plate  16  and the strike plate  20  to the non-pivotable door  24 , the first spacer plate surface  62  is disposed adjacent to and in contact with the non-pivotable door  24 , and each spacer plate attachment bore  90  and each strike plate attachment bore  92  are configured to receive one of a plurality of connection features therein, such that the connection features fix the spacer plate  16  and strike plate  20  to each other and further fix the spacer plate  16  and strike plate  20  to the non-pivotable door  24 . In one example, the connection features may be one of a bolt or a screw. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  5 - 6 B , the lock assembly  10  may further comprise a locking mechanism  14 . The locking mechanism  14  may be a deadbolt lock, and more particularly an electrified deadbolt lock. In an illustrative and non-limiting example, the deadbolt lock may be an electrified deadbolt lock as is commercially available from SCHLAGE® (example models PB405 and PB405S), SDC® (260HV, 2090AU, 1291AHV), as well as other compatible commercially-available examples. 
     The housing  12  is configured to receive different types and configurations of locking mechanisms  14 . Accordingly, the spacer plate  16  is likewise compatible with and configured to receive different types and configurations of locking mechanisms  14  and strike plates  20  associated therewith. The collective use of the spacer plate  16  and housing  12  as detailed herein allows for a variety of different makes, models, and configurations of locking mechanisms  14  to be adaptable to or utilized with existing and/or previously installed and operating non-pivotable door systems. For example, a traditional deadbolt lock alone, without the use of the housing  12  and spacer plate  16 , would likely be incompatible with many existing non-pivotable doors  24 , as the deadbolt lock alone would require that the same is inserted into the door itself and has an associated keeper device and strike plate  20  disposed within the fixed substrate  17 . The housing  12  further provides the advantage of securing the locking mechanism  14  from potential tampering and further protects any associated electronics and/or electrical wiring  99  from the environment and/or surroundings. 
     In an illustrative example wherein the locking mechanism  14  is an electrified deadbolt lock, the locking mechanism  14  may include a latch bolt  94 , a deadbolt hub  96 , a faceplate  98 , and a proximity sensor  95 . The latch bolt  94  may be a cylindrical bolt comprised of a metallic material. The latch bolt  94  may have a diameter of greater than 0.5 inches. Further, the latch bolt  94  may have a first bolt end  81  and a second bolt end  83 . 
     The locking mechanism  14  may further include a deadbolt hub  96  that defines a hub void space  47  therein, wherein the deadbolt hub  96  is configured to retain the latch bolt  94  within the hub void space  47 . The deadbolt hub  96  is configured to be inserted into and contained in the housing  12  interior void space  40 . 
     The faceplate  98  may have a first faceplate side  89  and a second faceplate side  91 , and further defines a faceplate aperture  87  therein between the first faceplate side  89  and the second faceplate side  91 . The faceplate  98  is configured to enclose the deadbolt hub  96  and the hub void space  47 , such that the latch bolt  94  is contained within the deadbolt hub  96  on the first faceplate side  89 , and is further seated and/or contained within the faceplate aperture  87 . 
     A proximity sensor  95  may be positioned within the deadbolt hub  96  near the faceplate  98  or within the faceplate  98 . The proximity sensor  95  may be operatively connected to a smart switch, wherein the proximity sensor  95  is configured to detect proximity of the magnet  88 , disposed within the strike plate magnet cavity  86  and the spacer plate magnet cavity  74  respectively, to the proximity sensor  95 . 
     The latch bolt  94  is moveable between the retracted position  100  and the deployed position  200 . The locking mechanism  14  may further comprise an actuator  93  operatively connected to the second bolt end  83  and configured to move the latch bolt  94  between the retracted position  100  and the deployed position  200 . The actuator  93  may be operatively connected to an electrical wiring  99  or an electrical connection, wherein the electrical wiring  99  is configured to be electrically connected to each of the actuator  93  and a power source. When proximity of the magnet  88  to the proximity sensor  95  is detected, the proximity sensor  95  activates the smart switch, and allows an electric current to be supplied to the actuator  93  via an electrical wiring  99  or electrical connection. The power source may supply the actuator  93  with about 0.9 Amps at 12 Voltage Direct Current (VDC) and/or 0.45 Amps at 24 VDC via the electrical wiring  99  when the smart switch is activated. At least one of the third plurality of bores  46  is configured to receive and house the electrical wiring  99 . In one example, the electrical wiring  99  is routed through the respective bore  46  and out of the housing  12  on one of the first side  32  and the second side  34  along the fixed substrate  17 ; in such an example, the wiring is covered by a cover plate  45  to reduce the likelihood that the electrical wiring  99  and the lock assembly  10  in total may be tampered with. In another example, the electrical wiring  99  is routed through the respective bore of the third plurality of bores  46  and to the power source which is disposed within the housing  12 ; in such an example, the electrical wiring  99  is fully contained within the housing  12  to reduce the likelihood that the electrical wiring  99  and the lock assembly  10  in total may be tampered with. 
     As shown in  FIG.  6 A , when the latch bolt  94  is positioned in the retracted position  100  the latch bolt  94  is seated within the faceplate aperture  87 . When the latch bolt  94  is seated within the faceplate aperture  87 , the first bolt end  81  is aligned with the second faceplate side  91  and the second bolt end  83  is within the deadbolt hub  96 . The latch bolt  94  is configured to occupy the retracted position  100  in a failsafe mode and in an unlocked mode. In this instance, the smart switch remains deactivated, as the magnet  88  has not achieved proximity to the proximity sensor  95 , and no electrical current is supplied to the actuator  93  from the power source via the electrical wiring  99 . Accordingly, the latch bolt  94  remains in the retracted position  100  or failsafe position. 
     When the proximity sensor  95  detects proximity of the magnet  88 , as the door  24  approaches a closed position, the proximity sensor  95  activates the smart switch, and allows electric current to be supplied from the power source to the actuator  93  via the electrical wiring  99 , such that latch bolt  94  is actuated from the retracted position  100  to the deployed position  200 . 
     Said another way, while an electric current is supplied to the actuator  93 , if the proximity sensor  95  detects proximity of the magnet  88 , the smart switch is activated such that the actuator  93  moves the latch bolt  94  from the retracted position  100  to the deployed position  200 . In the deployed position  200 , the latch bolt  94  extends outwardly through the faceplate aperture  87  and into each of the spacer plate bolt void  18  and the strike plate bolt void  22 , thereby locking the non-pivotable door  24  to the housing  12 . The latch bolt  94  may extend from the faceplate  98  into the spacer plate bolt void  18  and the strike plate bolt void  22  by a throw length of from about 0.6 inches to about 0.7 inches. 
     When the non-pivotable door  24  is locked to the housing  12  via the locking mechanism  14 , and the latch bolt is in the deployed position  200 , the non-pivotable door  24  may be selectively unlocked by eliminating the electrical current supplied to the actuator  93  from the power source via the electrical wiring  99 . In one example, the locking mechanism  14  may be operable on a key card system, such that when a user swipes a key card, the electrical current supplied to the actuator  93  from the power source via the electrical wiring  99  is dropped or discontinued. When the electrical current is dropped to the locking mechanism  14 , the actuator  93  actuates the latch bolt  94  from the deployed position  200  to the retracted position  100  allowing the non-pivotable door  24  to open. 
     In the key card system example, when a key card is swiped the electrical current is dropped to the actuator  93  in a time increment of from about 3.0 seconds to about 9.0 seconds, thereby allowing the non-pivotable door  24  to open for the specified time increment and/or to allow the user to pass through the port of ingress and egress. Upon the expiration of the time increment, the electrical current from the power source to the actuator  93  will be restored, and the non-pivotable door  24  will return to a closed position, such that the proximity sensor  95  will detect the proximity of the magnet  88 , and thereby actuate smart switch, such that the actuator  93  moves the latch bolt  94  from the retracted position  100  to the deployed position  200 , so the non-pivotable door  24  is once again locked to the housing  12 . 
     The detailed description and the drawings or figures are supportive and descriptive of the present teachings, but the scope of the present teachings is defined solely by the claims. While some of the best modes and other embodiments for carrying out the present teachings have been described in detail, various alternative designs and embodiments exist for practicing the present teachings defined in the appended claims. 
     While various embodiments have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the embodiments. Any feature of any embodiment may be used in combination with or substituted for any other feature or element in any other embodiment unless specifically restricted. Accordingly, the embodiments are not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the attached claims. 
     Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems, and any element or elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced, however, are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all of the claims, unless such benefits, advantages, solutions, or elements are expressly stated in such claims.