Patent Abstract:
A deadbolt door lock assembly operates a deadbolt between unlocked and locked positions. It generally comprises an actuator, a ring, and a biasing member. The actuators has a pin that interlocks with the actuator fork and rotates, in the preferred embodiment, in a clockwise direction to lock the dead bolt on either a right hand or left hand door. Once the deadbolt is locked, a biasing member urges the ring as interlocked with the actuator and returns it to the rest position. The assembly, in the preferred embodiment, is operable in the clockwise direction without disconnecting the biasing member. Obviously, the assembly can be prefabricated to operate in a counterclockwise direction. This is all achieved for the first time on any deadbolt and deadbolt latch by relocating the locking cylinder and deadbolt body assembly to the exact center of the deadbolt. Further, the deadbolt latch has all connecting assemblies and cylinder torque blade holes aligned in the center of the latch when assembled. In this way, the deadbolt latch may be inverted, when converting from a right hand to a left hand door. The assembly may include a backstop, with indicia, to indicate the rotational direction of the ring to lock the deadbolt. The assembly may also include a stabilizing bridge to inhibit transverse rotation of mounting screws that secure the assembly to a door.

Full Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of the patent application having Ser. No. 13/385,915, filed on Mar. 14, 2012, which application is a non provisional of the provisional application having Ser. No. 61/465,208, filed on Mar. 16, 2011. This application is related to and claims the benefit of the subject matter of U.S. Pat. No. 7,389,661, U.S. Pat. No. 6,601,420, and published application No. 2010/0107707A1 having Ser. No. 11/993,179 and filing date of Jan. 15, 2010, and which application, as a National Stage filing, derives and claims priority from PCT/US2005/023574 having an international filing date of Jun. 24, 2005, published as International Publication No. WO 2007/001311 A1. All of these patents and applications are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates to deadbolt and deadbolt latch as a complete unit for door lock assemblies, and more specifically, pertains to a symmetrical centered cylinder deadbolt door lock assembly for use in combination with a symmetrical centered deadbolt latch means, and which latch can be inverted 180° to provide for its application to either a right hand or a left hand hinged door without any further disassembly of any other components of the deadbolt or deadbolt latch locks. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Deadbolt door lock assemblies are commonly installed on entry doors of commercial and residential buildings to lock the doors closed and to provide increased security against unwanted entry. In such lock assemblies, a deadbolt is selectively positioned between an unlocked position and a locked position. In the unlocked position, the deadbolt latch is recessed flush into the door, allowing the door to open. In the locked position, the deadbolt latch is extended into the door jamb, preventing the door from opening. In the locked position, the deadbolt latch extends out from the door for disposition within an opposing door frame jamb (when the door is closed), thereby securely locking the door. 
         [0004]    Single cylinder and double cylinder deadbolt lock assemblies may be used. Both generally include an oscillating crank to actuate the deadbolt between the unlocked and locked positions. In the single cylinder assembly, a torque blade connects the crank to a thumb turn mounted on the inside facing surface of the door (e.g., accessible from within the building) and to a lock cylinder accessible from the outside surface of the door. The thumb turn can be manually turned or a key can be used to operate the lock cylinder to rotate the torque blade and actuate the deadbolt between its unlocked and locked positions. 
         [0005]    While it is known that deadbolt door locks provide improved security, people often do not use them after closing the door from outside because it requires finding the correct key to operate the lock cylinder. To remedy this, some dead-bolt lock assemblies allow keyless locking operation from outside the door to lock the deadbolt. Examples are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,593,548 (Kendrick), U.S. Pat. No. 5,010,749 (Lin), U.S. Pat. No. 5,150,592 (Lin), U.S. Pat. No. 5,186,030 (Lin), and U.S. Pat. No. 5,797,286 (Armstrong). These deadbolt door lock assemblies typically include a ring surrounding the lock cylinder in operative connection with the torque blade to actuate the deadbolt to its locked position without having to use a key. 
         [0006]    The main drawback to these prior patents is pre-installation reconfigurations, the need for extra interchangeable parts and extra latches because of the non-centered design of their deadbolts. Still another problem is for the person remembering the correct direction to turn the locking ring either to the right or left when locking the door. Further, on the typical home, one door will be a left hand door and another will be a right hand door. The person will need to remember which deadbolt to turn to the right or to the left to lock their door. This can cause a door that is thought to have been locked that is in fact unlocked. Another drawback of these prior deadbolt door lock assemblies is that they are susceptible to binding or jamming during subsequent unlocking of the deadbolt. 
         [0007]    All prior keyless deadbolts have been designed to fit existing deadbolt latches. Thus, they could not be converted between left hand hung doors and right hand hung doors. In this invention, this is the first time a deadbolt and deadbolt latch assembly has been designed to not require any reconfiguration of the deadbolt, and its latch, or require any reassembly of its components, to make it work on left hand or right hand hung doors. 
         [0008]    In particular, the ring tends to interfere with the rotation of the torque blade back to a position corresponding to the unlocked position of the deadbolt. In addition, the force necessary to overcome binding of the lock accelerates wear of the internal mechanisms of the assembly. Another disadvantage of some prior keyless dead-bolt lock devices is that projection of the deadbolt may be dependent on the rotational speed imparted by the user to the ring. In such a design, the deadbolt may not fully project to its locked position, leaving the lock easily retracted without a key. 
         [0009]    These drawbacks of these prior deadbolt door lock assemblies can cause binding or jamming during subsequent locking and unlocking of the deadbolt. In particular, the ring can interfere with the rotation of the biased torque blade back to a position corresponding to the unlocked position of the deadbolt. And, the force necessary to overcome binding of the lock accelerates wear of the internal mechanisms of the assembly. Some prior keyless deadbolt lock devices left the projection of the deadbolt dependent on the rotational speed imparted by the user to the ring. As stated, the deadbolt may not fully project to its locked position, leaving the lock easily retracted without a key. 
         [0010]    No other keyless deadbolt product has the convenience of a simple turn to the right, for either a right hand or left hand door. Plus there may be the possible use of a start and stop mark on the deadbolt to confirm that you have turned the lock to the fully locked position. It is also the simple turn to the right that is both natural and not confusing to the user. As to, do I turn this lock to the right or left to lock my door. Further there is no reconfiguration when installing the single symmetric action centered keyless deadbolt. Further, as in past patents, it was up to the installer to make sure all pre-configurations were done to make sure the deadbolt would work correctly after installation. This is a far superior new design that eliminates the steps for pre-configuration of the deadbolt needed for any installation. Only in the positioning of the deadbolt latch with a clear simple left hand or right hand stamped into the body for indication of installing the deadbolt on either a right hand or left hand door. Obviously, though, this lock assembly could also be preassembled during manufacturing for counterclockwise turning to attain a locking of the door. 
         [0011]    To this end, co-assigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,813,261, 6,601,420, 7,389,661 and RE40193, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference, all disclose keyless deadbolt door lock assemblies that inhibit binding upon unlocking of the deadbolt. In particular, the keyless ring is used to actuate the torque blade to move the deadbolt to its locked position, and is then returned to its initial position by a return spring biasing member so that the ring cannot interfere with subsequent movement of the torque blade (e.g., by using a key) back to the unlocked position of the deadbolt. 
         [0012]    However, the lock assemblies disclosed in these references in the past are generally usable on only a left hand door or a right hand door. Thus, two different models must be made available (one for use with a left hand door and one for use with a right hand door). Alternatively, the disclosed lock assembly may be disassembled, substantially re-configured and reassembled to switch from use on a left hand door or to use on a right hand door (or vise versa). 
         [0013]    There is a need, therefore, for a symmetrical uni-directional, centered cylinder, single action, right turn only keyless deadbolt with deadbolt latch door lock assembly which is operable on either a left hand door or a right hand door with no reconfiguration, and is substantially less susceptible to binding during unlocking of its deadbolt. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0014]    This invention contemplates the formation a symmetrical uni-directional single action centered cylinder keyless deadbolt with deadbolt latch door lock assembly, wherein in the preferred embodiment, its locking ring is exposed to the user and can be turned in one direction, for locking the door, regardless whether the deadbolt is applied to a left hand door, or right hand door, in its installation. 
         [0015]    The invention in the preferred embodiment is directed toward a deadbolt door lock assembly for simple uni-directional turn to the right, or clockwise, in a keyless operation of the deadbolt from an unlocked position to a locked position of its deadbolt. In one aspect of the invention, the assembly generally comprises an actuator, a ring, an actuator contact mechanism, a biasing member, and a backstop. The actuator is operatively connected to the dead-bolt and has a centered rotation axis. This centered axis is essential to the convenient installation, use, and operation of the lock assembly. The actuator is rotatable only to the right about its rotational axis from an unlocked position corresponding to the unlocked position of the deadbolt to a locked position corresponding to the locked position of the deadbolt. The ring of the assembly is rotatable relative to the actuator from an initial position to a rotated position, and the actuator contact mechanism is operatively connected to the ring for conjoint rotation. The actuator contact mechanism is configured and arranged for contact with the actuator in the unlocked position of the actuator. When the ring rotates from its initial position only to the right towards its rotated position, the actuator contact mechanism rotates therewith and rotates the actuator from its unlocked position to its locked position. In the locked position of the actuator, the biasing member urges the actuator contact mechanism to interlock with the actuator. This operation of the lock assembly to lock the deadbolt can take place in this embodiment, only in a clockwise operating mode. But, it is possible that the keyless operating of the deadbolt could also be prefabricated during assembly to function within the spirit of this invention by turning of its ring, and actuator, in a counterclockwise direction, and to yet function for application to both a right hand and left hand installed door, in its operations. This is due to the centered axis of the ring actuator and the key operations for the door, regardless if it is a right or left hand hung door. 
         [0016]    In a further aspect of this invention, a deadbolt and deadbolt latch door lock assembly for operation of a deadbolt between an unlocked position and a locked position of the deadbolt generally comprises a lock cylinder, a torque blade, a locator, at least one mounting screw, and a stabilizing bridge. The torque blade is operatively connected to the lock cylinder and extends longitudinally therefrom. The torque blade is also operatively connected to the deadbolt whereby the lock cylinder can operate to move the deadbolt latching between its unlocked and locked positions. The locator locates the lock assembly on a door, and the mounting screw mounts the lock assembly onto the door. The stabilizing bridge has openings corresponding to the mounting screws such that screws extend through the stabilizing bridge upon securing the lock assembly on the door. The stabilizing bridge inhibits rotational movement of the mounting screws in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of the mounting screw. 
         [0017]    It is, therefore, the principal object of this invention to provide a deadbolt door lock assembly that can be used for simple uni-directional turning of a keyless operation of a deadbolt, from an unlocked to a locked position, regardless weather it is applied to a right hand or a left hand assembled door. 
         [0018]    Another object of this invention is to provide a ring assembly that is rotatable relative to its actuator from an initial position to a rotated position, usually in the clockwise operating mode, to provide locking of the deadbolt, regardless whether the deadbolt is applied to a right hand or left hand assembled door. 
         [0019]    Still another object of this invention is to provide a locking mechanism for a door assembly, where it&#39;s key entrance and actuators or generally provided for centered rotation, to provide for movement of its deadbolt into a locking position, regardless whether the deadbolt is applied to a right hand or left hand assembled door. 
         [0020]    Another object of this invention is to provide a locking mechanism wherein its actuating ring can also lock its deadbolt latch by turning in a counter clockwise position, depending upon its preconfigured assembly when manufactured. 
         [0021]    Still another object of this invention is to provide a deadbolt door lock assembly wherein the deadbolt latch means is simply pivoted or inverted, as when it is shifted for usage from a right hand door, to a left hand door installation, approximately 180°, and this is due to the centered location of its lock cylinder within the assembly. 
         [0022]    These and other objects may become more apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the summary of the invention as provided herein, and upon undertaking a study of the description of its preferred embodiment, in view of the drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0023]    In referring to the drawings, 
           [0024]      FIG. 1  is a perspective exploded view of the keyless deadbolt lock assembly, with the latch removed; 
           [0025]      FIG. 1   a  shows the various shapes for the apertures that extend through the actuator and accommodate a similarly shaped torque blade there through during assembly of the locking mechanism; 
           [0026]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the keyless deadbolt and deadbolt latch lock assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention, showing it installed on an outer surface of an in-swinging left-hand door; 
           [0027]      FIG. 3  is a front view of the right turn single action keyless deadbolt lock assembly of this invention, showing its symmetric centered cylinder; 
           [0028]      FIG. 4  is a rear view of the keyless deadbolt lock assembly, in its rest position, ready to lock the deadbolt; 
           [0029]      FIG. 5  is a view of the rear surface of the keyless deadbolt lock assembly with the locking ring being turned to the right in the engaged position for locking of the deadbolt; 
           [0030]      FIG. 6  is a partial cross-sectional view of the deadbolt lock assembly, showing its extended torque blade; 
           [0031]      FIG. 7  is an exploded view of the symmetric centerline dead bolt latch assembly for moving its deadbolt into a locking position; 
           [0032]      FIG. 8   a  is a basic inside side view of the symmetric centerline deadbolt latch with centered line assembly apertures and center line torque blade interlock hole for the key cylinder for a right hand door installation; 
           [0033]      FIG. 8   b  is the basic inside side view of the symmetric centerline deadbolt latch with centered line assembly apertures and center line torque blade interlock hole for the key cylinder for a left hand installed door; 
           [0034]      FIG. 9  is another exploded view of a deadbolt latch as used in conjunction with the keyless unidirectional deadbolt lock assembly of this invention; 
           [0035]      FIG. 10  is an exploded view of the deadbolt lock assembly of this invention, as modified showing how the cast actuator ring and actuator is integrated into one part of the structure of the pivotal ring assembly, and its locator being restructured without the need of the locator bridge; 
           [0036]      FIG. 11  is an exploded view of the deadbolt and deadbolt latch variety of components that form the keyless deadbolt lock assembly, and its deadbolt latch mechanism, in preparation for installation for a left hand operative door; 
           [0037]      FIG. 12  shows the stamped keyless deadbolt lock assembly, without disclosing its latch mechanism, but incorporating the one part cast actuator ring; 
           [0038]      FIG. 13  shows an exploded view of the entire keyless deadbolt lock assembly, but incorporating the type of cast actuator ring of  FIG. 12 ; 
           [0039]      FIG. 14  is a view of the resurface of the keyless deadbolt lock assembly in its steady state condition; 
           [0040]      FIG. 15  is a rear view of the keyless deadbolt lock assembly and its deadbolt latch set up for a right hand door installation; and 
           [0041]      FIG. 16  is a view of the resurface of the keyless deadbolt lock assembly and its deadbolt latch set up for a left hand door installation. 
       
    
    
       [0042]    Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the various views of the invention illustrated in the drawings. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Reference Characters and Identified Parts of the Invention 
       [0000]    
       
         
           
               1 —The single action in a clockwise direction for locking the door. 
               2 —Lock faceplate 
               3 —Extension spring 
               4 —Single action right turn clockwise only locking ring 
               5 —Key cylinder 
               6 —Key cylinder torque blade 
               7   a —Actuator 
               8 —Actuator forked end 
               9   a —Actuator single action activation cam 
               10   a —Locator 
               11 —Locator bridge 
               11   a —Apertures 
               12 —Centered located assembly key hole latch 
               13 —Inside bell 
               14 —Lock face 
               17   a —Ring post for holding  17   b  and  18   
               18 —Post on ring to interlock with actuator forked end  8   a    
               19 —New unique fully centered cylinder and deadbolt latch allowing for single action right turns locking 
               20 —Left hand door 
               21 —Latch bolt 
               22 —Latch faceplate 
               22   a —Door edge 
               23 —In swing left hand door 
               24 —Lock body foundation interlock 
               25 —Locator interlock 
               26 —Spring post for extension spring 
               27 —Center line of dead bolt latch 
               28 —Dead bolt latch setup for left hand door in-swing 
               29 —Dead bolt latch setup for right Hand door in-swing 
               30 —Latch bolt assembly 
               31   a —Latch operator 
               33 —Integral back end 
               34 —Cylindrical shaped frame halve 
               35 —Cylindrical shaped frame halve 
               36 —Latch driving mechanism 
               56 —Bolt casing 
               60 —Hollow tube 
               72 —Spring 
               76 —Pin 
               88 —Rear flat plate 
               96 —Centrally aligned openings 
               106 —Leaf Spring 
           
         
       
     
         [0085]    In referring to the drawings,  FIG. 1  provides a perspective view of the uni-directional clockwise only right turn only keyless deadbolt lock assembly  1  of this invention. As shown in the drawing, therein is disclosed the ring assembly  4  which in this particular embodiment, will turn in a clockwise manner to lock the door, by engagement of its post  17   a  and with the pin  17   b , that is attached with or as in  FIGS. 10 ,  12 , and  13  has a combined ring and actuator that omits the bridge, the spring  3  and which is useful for turning of its finger  18  operatively associated with the ring  4 , that is applied for activating the keyless deadbolt lock manually, without the use of a key. Arranged somewhat forwardly of the ring  4  is the lock faceplate  2  which normally is identified as an end plate, that has connected with it the extension spring  3 , which tends to bias the ring  4  back into its inoperative position, once the door latch has been locked. Obviously, the tension spring  3  may also comprise a compression spring, a leaf spring, a spiral spring, or any other spring, which could operate just as effectively by connection with the spring post  26 , of the said external plate  2 , with the opposite end of the spring  3  connecting with the said post  17   b , mounted upon the ring  4 . 
         [0086]    The interlock  24  cooperates with the locator  10   a , and they attach together through usage of the assembly screws that fit thru the aligned apertures of the said locator, and the lock faceplate  2 . This is when the assembly is affixed to the opening provided through the door, for installation of this deadbolt lock assembly. The extension spring  3  is used to return the ring  4  to its rest position, as aforesaid, in preparation for the next locking engagement. The key cylinder torque blade  6  is configured for different embodiments, and can be the flat blade as shown in  FIG. 1 , or it can undertake other shapes, and co-operate with the single action actuation cam  9   a , depending upon the configuration of the blade  6  (see  FIG. 6 ). Thus, the shape of the blade, and the type of aperture provided through the activation cam  9   a , determines the structural method for locking of the deadbolt latch, into the door jamb, as the ring  4  is turned as, in the preferred embodiment, in a clockwise direction. See  FIG. 1   a  for cam apertures configuration. The actuator  7   a  has a bifurcated end, as noted at  8   a , and which is designed for riding upon the post  18 , for turning of the deadbolt latch into its door locking position, upon turning of the ring  4  of the lock assembly, during usage. The locator  10   a  serves a variety of purposes, generally as defined in my prior identified patents, and includes the lock body foundation interlock  24 , that is designed to stabilize and secure together all components of the complete deadbolt assembly with bolts, with the locator bridge  11 , and holds the actuator  7   a  in place to insure consistent operation of the lock, and its deadbolt latch, during its operation.  FIG. 6  shows all of these components assembled together. 
         [0087]    Reference character  12 , as noted in  FIG. 2 , shows the key cylinder, with its integral key accepting member, which engages centrally within the lock faceplate  2 , during assembly. In addition, the actuator  7   a  mounts onto the key cylinder  5 , and its torque blade  6 , during assembly of the mechanism. See also  FIG. 2 . 
         [0088]    In referring to  FIG. 2 , the keyless deadbolt door lock assembly, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, is generally indicated as being mounted within the door  20 . It is illustrated as being installed on an in swinging, left hand door, which generally means that the hinges for the door are provided at the left side of the installed door, and are fixed to the contiguous jamb of the door assembly thereat. Thus, the door  20  is hingedly mounted on the door frame (not shown). In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 1 , in addition to  FIG. 2 , the lock assembly  1  is mounted on the outside surface of the in swinging door  20  (i.e., the surface that is accessible from the exterior of the building to which the door is mounted). The door  20  opens into the building, e.g., in the direction indicated by the arrow “A”, of  FIG. 2 . It is understood, however, that the lock assembly  1  may be mounted on an inside surface of the door  20 , if desirable. It is also to be understood that the lock assembly  1  may be mounted on an outside surface or an inside surface of an out swinging door, which would open in a direction opposite to that as indicated by the arrow “A”, without departing from the scope of this invention. 
         [0089]    As used herein for the various described embodiments of this invention, it is to be noted that the terms “inner”, “inward”, “outer” and “outward” without being proceeded by the term “radial” refers to the longitudinal direction of the lock assembly, and more particularly refers to the relative positions of the various components of the lock assembly as viewed from the door looking inward through the lock assembly (e.g., from right to left, as in  FIG. 1 ). The term “radial” and “radially”, including the terms “radially inward”, “radially inner”, “radially outward”, and “radially outer” refer to a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the lock assembly  1 . The above terms otherwise do not require any particular orientation of the lock assembly  1  on the door  20 . 
         [0090]    What is the essence of this invention is that the lock assembly  1  can be used with out any further structural changes upon either a right hand door, or a left hand door, and all that is required is the inversion of the door latch assembly  30 , relative to the lock assembly  1 , because the lock assembly  1  has a centered key operational structure, and a centered manipulating torque blade  6 , that functions in combination with the ring  4 , to furnish a manually self locking door, without the use of a key, and one that can be used on either side of the door, regardless of how it is mounted within the door opening structure. This is due to the orientation of the centering of the key locking mechanism, and the cylinder  5  that can function with the door latch assembly, to attain its movement in either direction, for manual locking purposes, only through a pivotal manipulation of its ring  4 , during usage. The only manipulation required is to pivot the latch assembly  30  upon the torque blade approximately 180° during reassembly. 
         [0091]    The lock assembly  1  is operatively connected to a deadbolt latch apparatus, as to be subsequently described, and as indicated generally being installed on the door, having a deadbolt  21 , as can be noted in  FIG. 2 . This deadbolt  21  is movable between an unlocked position, and a locked position, simply through the turning of the lock assembly ring  4 , in this embodiment, in a clockwise direction. In the unlocked position, as shown in  FIG. 1 , and as noted in  FIG. 2 , in addition to  FIGS. 4 through 6 , the dead bolt  21  is recessed flush into the free side  22  of the door plate, of the door  22   a  and is arranged flush with its plate  22  on the openable side of the door as can be noted. In the locked position, the dead bolt  21  extends out from the surface of the door  20 , and its plate  22 , and into the contiguous or opposing door jamb, of the door frame (not shown) to lock the door closed. 
         [0092]    With particular reference to  FIG. 7 , the deadbolt apparatus comprises a deadbolt housing with its deadbolt  21 , and includes a suitable mechanism (e.g., and oscillating crank) for moving the deadbolt relative to the door  20 , between its unlocked and locked positions. This can be done either with the use of a key, or by simply turning the ring  4 , of the lock assembly, in the manner as previously described. The construction and operation of the deadbolt latch apparatus is known in the art, and will be briefly reviewed with regard to the embodiments of this invention as shown in  FIGS. 8   a  and  8   b , in addition to  FIGS. 7 and 9 . 
         [0093]    The symmetric uni-directional clockwise direction of movement of the ring  4 , as noted in  FIG. 2 , and as shown by its direction of pivot through the shown arrow is mounted onto the lock faceplate  2 , and has the “fully centered” cylinder lock  12 , that allows for the single action for right turn only for manipulation of the keyless deadbolt latching mechanism, generally as illustrated in  FIG. 7 , and as depicted for versatile usage in  FIGS. 8   a  and  8   b . The cylinder lock  12  is centered within the faceplate  2  of the lock, and has its key entry provided at  5 , and which is aligned with the center arranged tab or torque blade  6  of the lock mechanism, and with its key cylinder  5 . Thus, with the central alignment of all of these features of the locking mechanism, including the key receptive cylinder  12 , and its alignment with the key cylinder  5 , and the integral blade  6 , it can be seen that not only can the door be easily locked, through manipulation of its manual turning ring  4 , but the latch mechanism, operatively associated therewith, can move a deadbolt either to the right, when hung upon a left hand door, or can move an inverted latch to the left, when the lock assembly is applied to a right hand mounted door, in its installation. 
         [0094]    As can be seen in  FIG. 3 , which is a front faceplate view of the clockwise keyless deadbolt assembly  1 , a single action clockwise turning T direction for the ring  4  provides for locking of the door, through manipulation of its latch assembly  30 . This can be done simply by turning of its ring  4 , to attain movement of the door latch  21 , outwardly of its door edge  22   a , as previously explained. With the ring  4  pivotally mounted onto the body  2 , and the fully centered key lock cylinder  19  and centered torque blade  6 , it only takes a single action clockwise turn of the ring  4 , to attain a shifting of the latch either to the right, or to the left, as depicted in  FIGS. 8   a  and  8   b , after turning the latch  30  an apparently 180° in orientation, as shown. This is attained through the first center alignment of the deadbolt  21  with the various apertures  9   b , as noted in these figures, and the arrangement of the actuating cam  9   a , with its blade  6 , located fully centered in the structure of the lock assembly, as can be noted. As previously explained, the torque blade  6  of the operative lock assembly is also centered relative to the various lock components, which provides for manual locking of the door, without a key, regardless whether the door latch and bolt mechanism is applied to the right edge, or left edge of the structured door, as noted in these  FIGS. 8   a  and  8   b.    
         [0095]      FIG. 4  provides a rear face or rear view of the locking mechanism  1 , with a ring  4 , comprising the keyless deadbolt, in its rest position. In other words, the deadbolt lock can be locked without the use of a key. The spring has pulled the bifurcated end of the actuator  8   a , back into a steady state condition. The locator  10   a , with its cut away on the left side, for showing the extension spring  3 , being secured through the spring attachment post  18 , pulls the spring  3  back to its steady state condition. This is achieved, as previously reviewed, because of the attachment of the post  18  within the bifurcated end  8   a  of the actuator. Also shown is the locator bridge  11  that shows the interlocking of all of these components together, generally through the application of bolts provided through the apertures  11   a  that secure all of these components together, when assembled into the door. 
         [0096]      FIG. 5  illustrates a view of the lock after assembly, where the ring  4  has been turned clockwise, for engagement of the deadbolt lock within the door, against the bias of its spring  3 . 
         [0097]      FIG. 6  provides a sectional view of the keyless deadbolt lock assembly, and shows how the key latch cylinder  19 , the body of the lock  2  faceplate, and its pivotal ring  4  are all conveniently centered within the lock assembly, and in alignment with its torque blade or tab  6 , so that when the lock assembly is interconnected with its deadbolt latching means, as in  FIGS. 8   a  and  8   b , the latching means may be reversed between its usage for a right hand bolt action, as noted in said  FIG. 8   a , and showing its latch bolt  21 , or how the deadbolt latch may be inverted, to dispose its latch bolt  21  for extension to the left, when mounted for a left hand door operation, as shown in  FIG. 8   b . What is to be particularly noted, is that the hole  9   b  of the frame  34  is aligned with the latch cam  36 , is also centered, so that it can be inverted for usage for the purposes of this invention, as can also be understood from the  FIGS. 8   a  and  8   b  latch embodiments. You will also note that the apertures  11   a  are provided upon the center line of the deadbolt latch, to assure that the entire assembly can accept the bolts or screws that secure the entire lock assembly to the door, when it is installed, regardless whether it is applied for a right hand operative door or a left hand operating door. 
         [0098]    To provide a brief indication of the type of standard deadbolt lock latching mechanisms that can be used in combination with this invention,  FIG. 7 , in addition to  FIG. 9  shows a standard latch bolt assembly  30 , and its various operating components that are engaged by the torque blade  6 , extending through the aperture or hole  9   b , and securing with the latch cam  36 , can be seen. In addition, the apertures  11   a  that accommodate the securement bolts for holding the entire lock assembly in place, installed upon the door, can be also noted, and it can be seen how they are in alignment longitudinally of the latch means, so that the latch can be inverted, when installed on an opposite edge of the door, during its assembly, as desired. 
         [0099]    The various elements of the deadbolt lock, and its latch, as shown in  FIG. 7 , have been previously described in published application No. US2010/0107707 A1, and as stated, are incorporated herein by reference. 
         [0100]    Basically the description of the invention as provided herein, shows how a door lock assembly, with a manually operative locking means, without the use of a key, can be operatively connected with a redesigned door latch, so that the lock can be used either on the right edge of the door, of a left side hung door, as noted at  29 , or with the inversion of the latch, it can be installed for operation on the left side of the door, for a right hand in swinging door, as noted at  28 . 
         [0101]    The particular latch mechanism for operating in conjunction with the door lock assemblies, as previous reviewed, is shown in said  FIG. 7 , and also in  FIG. 9 , noted at  30 . This is an exploded view of the deadbolt latch mechanism. Generally, the integrated structure of this deadbolt latch is described in quite detail in said published application No. US2010/0107707 A1, and the description of its preferred embodiment, in view of its drawings, is incorporated herein by reference, for further clarification for the application of this latch mechanism, and its operation. Essentially, it includes its latch bolt  21 , which fits into the cylindrical tube  60 , which extends integrally rearwardly from its bolt casing  56 . This engages with the latch faceplate  22   a , when the two are screwed onto in the edge of the door, as can be noted in  FIG. 2 . The latch bolt  21  fits within the tube  60 , when assembled. Likewise, the spring  72 , and its associated pin  76 , fit within the latch bolt opening, and are pressed therein by means of the latch operator  31 . The front of the latch operator, as noted, at  31   a , presses the spring and its pin within the latch bolt  21 . The integral back end  33 , of the plate means  80 , cooperates with the latch plate sections  88 , to provide for urging of the latch bolt between its operative locking position, and its withdrawn unlocked location. The cylindrically shaped frame halves  34  and  35 , which when assembled together, form a cylindrical like member, and which locate inside the latch bolt  21 , and slide and locate interiorly of the hollow tube  60  of the bolt casing  56 . The integral backs of the frame halves  34  and  35 , as noted at  88 , are formed as flat plates, as noted, and these flat plates embrace the rear section  33  of the latch operator  31  therein, when installed. This rear section  33  is integrally revised and engaged by the tab  36  for shifting of its associated bolt  21 . As previously reviewed, the centrally aligned openings  9   b  provided through the rear flat plates  88  hold the latch driving mechanism  36  therein, and is held in position by means of the shown leaf spring  106 , and its latch driving mechanism  36  has the blade  6  provided therethrough, to furnish a turning of the driving mechanism  36 , when forcing the latch bolt  21  between its operative and in-operative positions, whether it be locked exteriorly by means of manipulation of the ring  4 , or through the use of a key. In addition, the internal operative mechanism for the door, such as a turn latch  50   a , also engages with the lock end of the torque blade for turning the latch driving mechanism  36 , between its various positions. 
         [0102]    As can be seen, once again in  FIGS. 8   a  and  8   b , the configuration of the latch  30 , and more particularly its rear flat plate sections  88 , are shown in detail, and it can be seen, once again, how the latch driving mechanism  36  locates within its aligned openings  9   b , in addition to the bolt receiving opening  11   a , for holding the door lock in place, when assembled and installed. In addition, as can be further seen in these figures, the same door latch can be used for either a right hand door, or left hand door, simply by inverting the same in its installation within the door lock assembly. The arm of the drive  36  fits into the opening of the operator  33  to shift the latch between an open and locked position. 
         [0103]      FIG. 10  shows a modification to the keyless deadbolt lock assembly  1  of this invention. As structured, the assembly includes its lock faceplate  2 , which is provided for having pivotally mounted thereon the single action pivotal turning locking ring  4 , but in this particular instance, the ring has been modified to provide for an integral cast connection with the actuator  7   a  as can be noted. It can be seen that there is still a ring post  17   a  and  17   b  that will connect with the type of spring  3  as previously reviewed with respect to  FIG. 1 . And, there is available the locator  10   a  that engages the back edge of the ring  4 , when the deadbolt lock is assembled for installation into a door aperture, in the manner as described, and as known in the art. This shows an example as to how the structure of the lock assembly can be modified; certain of its components can be integrated together, so as to reduce the number of independent parts that make up the assembled lock, for usage. Essentially, the actuation cam  9   a  is integrally formed upon the structure of the ring  4 . 
         [0104]      FIG. 11  shows an exploded view of the variety of components for both the door locking assembly, and its latching mechanism, generally as previously shown and explained with respect to  FIGS. 1 and 7 . One can see where the latch mechanism  30  and its various components are integrated into the structure of the locator bridge  11 , when it is assembled for either a right hand deadbolt operation, or a left hand deadbolt operation, in the manner as previously reviewed. In addition, the fasteners  50  extend through the variety of apertures of the back plate  51 , which is normally arranged interiorly of the door, through the various apertures of the locator bridge  11 , through the aligned apertures of the plate sections  88 , and screw into the threaded apertures  52  of the lock faceplate  2  of the lock assembly  1 . 
         [0105]      FIG. 12  shows the lock assembly  1  but in this instance, incorporating the locking ring  4  with its integrally structured actuator  7   a , that may be cast with the ring, when it is formed. 
         [0106]      FIG. 13  provides a view similar to  FIG. 11 , of the entire assembly, but incorporating the locking ring  4 , as previously reviewed with respect to the embodiments as shown in  FIGS. 10 and 12 . 
         [0107]    As previously reviewed, it is just as likely that the entire assembly for the centering of the key locking cylinder, and the actuator assembly, when operating upon the latch mechanism, could just as easily be fabricated to function upon turning of the locking ring from a counterclockwise direction of turn. This would only necessitate the rearrangement of the spring means, in an opposite arcuate configuration, to allow the latch to force the deadbolt into its extended and locking position, and then provide for the reverse turn of the locking ring to its steady state position, without affecting the deadbolt locking of the door in place, once manipulated. This can just as easily be achieved from the components of this invention, to once again allow for the latching of the deadbolt for locking of the door in which it is installed, whether it is located on a right hand door, or a left hand door, upon its installation, in the manner as previously reviewed herein. 
         [0108]    With previous designs for keyless deadbolt lock assemblies, because all of these previous locks did not give consideration to the centering of all of the operative components for the locking assembly, the user had several very cumbersome steps to substantially take the lock body and its parts apart, and put them all back together in a different configuration, before starting the installation process on the door. And, since the cylinder locking mechanisms and its torque blade were not centered within the lock structure, in all instances, it would not be possible to shift the latch from one side, to the other, depending upon whether a right hand or left hand installed door was being assembled. Depending upon the installation of the keyless locking deadbolt for an “in swing” or “out swing” left hand door or right hand door; one will have four different configurations to figure out. To further cause confusion and improper locking operations, the installer previously needed to properly follow several different directions for installation. The need to remove the reconfiguration screw, to turn a ring to the correct configuration depending upon the installation, to turn the actuator to the proper position, followed by lining up the turning ring perfectly over the turntable hole below, and reinstalling the reconfigured screw through the ring and into the turntable hole, was a very complex process. If the reconfiguration process is not done with total precession, the user will have a lock that could bind or fail completely, making it impossible to use the unit, or configured to unlock the door when turning the ring. 
         [0109]    There is a further confusion with the usage of the prior art devices regarding which way to turn the ring to lock the door. If the user does not keep this in mind, with each and every time the user locks the door, one can easily think that the lock on the door is secured, when it is not. For example, if the front door is a left hand door, and the side door of a building is a right hand door, the user must remember what direction to turn the ring on each door to lock the door, with the prior type of assemblies. Depending upon the four possible configurations, the user installs the keyless deadbolt, and then needs to remember which way to turn the ring, to lock the door, when leaving their homes or their office. The user will be confused as to which direction to turn the locking ring, whether to the right, or to the left. The cause of the design in previous disclosures require a substantial need of reconfiguration of all previous keyless locking deadbolt devices, depended upon the use of the longstanding traditional offset lower cylinder deadbolt latch, which was just not center located within the structure, but allowed for a simple reassembly of the current invention, into the door, only requiring a clockwise turn for locking the deadbolt, regardless whether the lock assembly is applied to a right hand door, or a left hand door, in its assembly. There really was no way with the prior devices to achieve universality of application, and usage, as can be done with the current invention, due to the precise centering of all of its operating components, including its key cylinder, within the structure of the locking assembly, which accommodates a mere pivot to its latch assembly, to achieve either left hand operation, or right hand operation, for locking a door in place. This current invention adds symmetry to the assembly, installation, and usage of this unidirectional deadbolt concept, primarily due to the location of the centered arranged configuration of all of its operative components, which allows its latch to be shifted, depending upon the type of door installation sought. 
         [0110]    The essence of the invention is that there is no required disassembly or no reconfiguration required with the deadbolt door lock assembly of this invention, unlike what had to be done with the prior art structures. One need only to reorient the deadbolt latch, by pivoting it 180°, when the same deadbolt and deadbolt latch is used for hanging either a right hand door, or a left hand hung door, when using this invention. 
         [0111]    Another primary advantage of this invention, as previously referred to, is that the deadbolt lock, with its centered key lock cylinder, will remain in its usual position upon the door when the lock is used either on a left hand hung door or a right hand hung door. The only item reversed, 180°, is the latch bolt assembly  30 . Thus, the various pins of the cylinder lock  19  remain upwardly within the cylinder, and therefore, no water can leak into the door lock, at this location, and corrode those operative pins, with which the lock key functions, to provide for an unlocking of the deadbolt, when access through the door is required. In other words, the various key pins remain in the upper portion of the cylinder lock, and since the cylinder lock and its deadbolt lock are never pivoted or reversed, this enhances the useful life of the door lock, for a prolonged period of time. When the dead bolt lock is reversed for use upon one or the other of a right hand or left hand hung door, only the latch mechanism  30 , as shown in  FIGS. 7 ,  8   a , and  8   b , gets reversed, but the lock face plate  2 , its locking ring  4 , its locator  10   a , and all of its components, as shown in  FIG. 1 , and as disclosed in  FIGS. 2-6 , remain in their same upright position, as shown therein, and does not get turned upside-down when the lock is used either for a right hand or left hand hung door. 
         [0112]      FIG. 14  shows a rear view of the one piece locking ring and actuator of the lock assembly  1  of this invention. It shows its external plate  2  and the actuator  7   a  that is integrally formed with its ring, generally as can be seen in  FIG. 10  of the drawings. As noted in  FIG. 15 , the deadbolt  21  and its latch bolt assembly  30  are set up for installation upon a right hand hung door, or for installation upon the right edge of the door, in preparation for its usage for that purpose. And,  FIG. 16  shows the latch bolt assembly  30  and its associated deadbolt  21  in preparation for installation upon the left edge of a door, for its installation for usage. As previously stated, the only component that is reversed, is the deadbolt latch  30 , relative to the center key lock cylinder as previously identified at  19 , which requires no internal reconfiguration of any of the components of this uni-directional single action center cylindrical key less deadbolt lock assembly, when applied for either right or left hand hung doors, for operation. The lock assembly  1  is never changed in its upright setting, as can be seen. 
         [0113]    Since the prior art devices do not have a centered key cylinder, obviously, they can not be simply reversed upon the door, for right hand or left hand operation, since the latch assembly will require a completely different reconfiguration, due to the off set positioning of its key latch cylinder, as can be noted from their structured door locks. 
         [0114]    As previously reviewed, all existing deadbolts have a vertically off centered axis from the top down, whereas, the key cylinder lock  19  of the current invention is fully centered both upon a vertical and horizontal axis, of the deadbolt assembly. The prior art does not have this configuration. You can not use the one piece ring and actuator of the current invention for any of the prior art style of key locks, because they are off centered vertically, whereas, with the current invention, the ring and its actuator can be used either for a left hand or right hand hung door installations. The prior art would require a two part type of the ring and actuator, that would further require reconfiguration when its door latch is positioned from a right hand hung door, to a left hand hung door for operation. Thus, with prior locks, there must be a total reconfiguration of the assembly, to make it work upon both edges of the hung door. This becomes quite obvious upon review of the prior U.S. Pat. No. 5,813,261, because its key center aperture  66  is below the center of its tumbler assembly  12 , are vertically off set, as can be noted. You just can not reverse that lock assembly, as its deadbolt, without a total reconfiguration and reassembly of its lock and deadbolt, as can be noted. 
         [0115]    As previously explained, the deadbolt must be installed in the upright position with the cylinder pins and springs in the upright position for proper and correct installation, and usage. The cylinder pins and springs for the cylinder key way must be in the upright position to protect the pins and springs from the elements of weather, water, dust, debris, that will enter this cylinder key way at the bottom. Turning the deadbolt upside down will cause failure of the cylinder with any foreign material and rust that enters therein, and attains access to the key way, and its keys, that will cause a failure of the deadbolt to work. 
         [0116]    The benefits of this new design is that it simplifies the key less locking deadbolt where there is no need for any reconfiguration of the deadbolt before installation, regardless what side of the door it is applied. This device also eliminates the need to turn the key less locking ring clockwise and counterclockwise, to lock the deadbolt based on the door being either a left hand, right hand, in-swing or out-swing entry door. This device, because none of its components need to be reconfigured, eliminates the possibility of binding of the two part type of ring and actuator, as known in the prior art, particulars when applied to either a right hand or a left hand hung door. These where the improvements provided by the claimed subject matter of this invention. 
         [0117]    Variations or modifications to the subject matter of this invention may be contemplated by those skilled in the art upon review of the invention as described herein. Such variations, if within the spirit of this invention, are intended to be encompassed within the scope of any claims to patent protection issuing hereon. The depiction of the invention in the drawings, and its description in the preferred embodiment, are set forth for illustrative purposes only.

Technology Classification (CPC): 4