Year: 1887

page_text: Date of Application, 6th May, 1887
Specification Accepted, 17th June, 1887.
I, ALFRED JULIUS BOULT of 323 High Holborn in the County of Middlesex, M.I.M.E.
do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be
performed to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement:
The object of the invention is to design a simple lock which will work without any
springs, and a keeper which will not offer the slightest resistance to the passage of the
bolt when the door is being closed; and it consists essentially first in connecting the
inner end of the bolt to a block pivotted within the case and arranged so that its weight
shall be sufficient to hold the bolt out, and secondly in pivotting near the edge of the
keeper a friction roller which will revolve when the bolt comes in contact with it
substantially as hereinafter more particularly explained.
Fig. 1 is an inside view of this improved lock and keeper showing the bolt in its
normal position.
Fig. 2 is a similar view showing the bolt withdrawn to pass the keeper.
Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of this improved keeper.
In the drawing A represents the bolt the outer end of which is of the ordinary
shape, but its inner end is preferably curved as indicated so as to pass the winged
tumbler B.
C is a block pivotted at a within the case D. This block is also pivotted at 6 to the
bolt A. By thus connecting the pivotted block C to the bolt A the said bolt is held
in its normal position by the weight of the block C. The shank of the door handle
passes through the hole in the winged tumbler B the wings of which tumbler are
located below the block C so that when the handle is turned in either direction one of
the wings of the tumbler B will press upwardly against the block C and by raising it
on its pivot a will withdraw the bolt A into the position indicated in Figure 2.
In order to lock the bolt A a block E is provided, adjustably connected to the
case D in the position indicated.

page_text: A key-hole d permits the insertion of a key designed in any suitable manner to
operate the block E. In figure 1 the block E is shown thrown over the block C for
the purpose of locking the bolt A. In figure 2 the block E is. shown clear of the
block Cin which position it remains when the bolt A is free to move.
I do not claim any peculiarity in the internal construction of the block E. It is
simply to be made to suit any key desired..
I do not confine myself to the winged tumbler B as other means might readily be
provided for the purpose of moving the block C.
It will be noticed that near or on the edge of the keeper F a roller G is pivotted at
the point where the bolt A passes the said keeper. A roller located at the point shown
revolves freely on its pivot the instant that the bolt A comes in contact with it; con-
sequently practically speaking the bolt A does not meet with the slightest resistance
in passing the keeper which is otherwise quite as effective as though no roller was
located in the position mentioned.
I do not confine myself to the particular style of keeper shown as the friction roller
is applicable to mortice locks, gate latches, etc.
The introduction of the friction roller in the position indicated makes a gravity lock
quite as good as a lock in which the bolt is operated by a spring.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said invention
as communicated to me by my foreign correspondent, and in what manner the same is
to be performed, I declare that what I claim is :-
1. A bolt A in combination with the pivotted block C substantially as and for the
purpose specified.
2. The block C pivotted at a to the case D and at b to the bolt A in combination
with a device designed to move the block C on its pivot a substantially as and for the
purpose specified.
3. The block C pivotted at a to the case D and at b to the bolt A in combination
with the adjustable block E arranged substantially as and for the purpose specified.
4. The combination with a bolt or latch keeper of a friction roller substantially as
and for the purpose specified.
5. The friction roller G pivotted on or near the edge of the keeper F, in combination
with the bolt A substantially as and for the purpose specified.
Dated thin 5th day of Mo 1907