AU2021204205B2 - A Lock - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention is directed to a lock in the form of a night latch or rim lock yhat may be mounted to the inside facing surface of a door and operationally coupled to a cylinder lock inset through the outside facing surface of the door ("external cylinder lock"). To operate the inset cylinder lock and actuate the lock, a user can turn a key inserted therein. The lock comprises an actuator for operational coupling to a cylinder lock, the actuator being rotationally mounted for rotation around a first axis and operationally coupled to the latch bolt for withdrawing the latchbolt. The lock comprises an actuator rotation stop translatably mounted along a second axis transverse to the first axis and translatable into cooperation with the actuator to stop a rotation thereof. Activation of such a feature may in some circumstances, however, be inconvenient and unsafe, particularly when activated by a curious child or vulnerable elderly person. m * a) N C) m TT. C)U 00 m a) T r-U 00 T

Description

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Technical field

The disclosure herein generally relates to locks, and specifically but not exclusively to rim locks.

Background of invention

Some door locks, examples of which include but are not limited to some latches, night latches and rim locks, have a locking bolt or latch bolt that when in the door locked position projects from the lock and into a locking receiver in the door frame or surrounding structure. A lock in the form of a night latch or rim lock may be mounted to the inside facing surface of a door and operationally coupled to a cylinder lock inset through the outside facing surface of the door ("external cylinder lock"). To operate the inset cylinder lock and actuate the lock, a user can turn a key inserted therein.

It may sometimes be desirable to prevent operability of the external cylinder lock inset through the outside facing surface to gain entry. Activation of such a feature may in some circumstances, however, be inconvenient and unsafe, particularly when activated by a curious child or vulnerable elderly person.

Summary

Disclosed herein is a lock. The lock comprises a latch bolt outwardly biased and moveably mounted for movement thereof between a first position wherein the latch bolt is extended and a second position wherein the latch bolt is withdrawn. The lock comprises an actuator for operational coupling to a cylinder lock, the actuator being rotationally mounted for rotation around a first axis and operationally coupled to the latch bolt for withdrawing the latch bolt. The lock comprises an actuator rotation stop translatably mounted along a second axis transverse to the first axis and translatable into cooperation with the actuator to stop a rotation thereof.

In an embodiment, the actuator rotation stop is mounted for rotation around the second axis and is configured to be non-cooperative with the actuator when at a non-cooperation angular position. The actuator rotation stop may be configured to be cooperative with the actuator when at a cooperation angular position. The embodiment may comprise a rotation lock cooperatively arrangeable with the actuator rotation stop to selectively angularly fix the actuator rotation stop in one of the non-cooperation angular position and the cooperation angular position. The actuator rotation stop may comprise a plurality of translation stops between which the rotation lock can be disposed. The actuator rotation stop may be retainable by the rotation lock. The rotation lock may include first and second engaging means adapted to engage the actuator rotation stop in the cooperation angular position and in the non-cooperation angular position respectively. The first and second engaging means may be positioned differently from one another. Also, the first and second engaging means may be configured and dimensioned differently from one another. Preferably, the first engaging means is configured to allow the actuator rotation stop to translatably move along the second axis from a first position where the actuator rotation stop is incapable of stopping rotation of the actuator and a second position where the actuator rotation stop is capable of stopping rotation of the actuator. More preferably, the second engaging means is configured to prohibit the actuator rotation stop from being able to stop rotation of the actuator. The first engaging means may include a cam surface. Preferably, the rotation lock is cooperatively arrangeable with the cam surface to angularly fix the actuator rotation stop in the cooperation angular position. The second engaging means may include a slot with which the rotation lock is cooperatively arrangeable to angularly fix the actuator rotation stop in the non-cooperation angular position. The rotation lock may comprise a fastening feature. The rotation lock may comprise a screw pin.

In an embodiment, the actuator rotation stop comprises a button for user actuation.

In an embodiment, a biasing element operationally coupled to the actuator rotation stop and which outwardly biases the actuator rotation stop.

In an embodiment, the actuator defines an actuator stop receiving cavity.

In an embodiment, the cylinder lock is operationally coupled to the actuator. The cylinder lock may comprise a rim cylinder lock.

An embodiment comprises a rim lock. An embodiment comprises an actuator rotation stop latch.

Disclosed herein is a method for reconfiguring a lock. The method comprises translating an actuator rotation stop into cooperation with an actuator to stop a rotation thereof, the actuator being for operational coupling to a cylinder lock.

Brief description of the figures

Embodiments will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying figures in which:

Figures 1 and 2 show a front exploded view and a rear exploded view respectively of an embodiment of a lock.

Figures 3 and 4 show rear isometric and elevational views of the lock of figure 1 with the back plate in place.

Figures 5 to 21 show rear isometric and elevational views of the lock of figure 1 with a back plate removed.

Figures 22 to 27 show isolated internal parts of the lock of figure 1.

Figures 28 and 29 show rear isometric views of the lock of figure 1 with the back plate in place.

Figure 30 and 31 show a rear isometric view of a detail of the lock of figure 1 with the back plate removed.

Figure 32 shows a rear isometric views of the lock of figure 1 with the back plate in place.

Figure 33 shows a rear isometric view of a detail of the lock of figure 1 with the back plate removed.

Figures 34 to 37 show isolated internal parts of the lock of figure 1.

Figures 38 to 40 show various isometric and rear elevational views into an emptied cavity of the lock of figure 1.

Description of embodiments

Figures 1 and 2 show a front exploded view and a rear exploded view respectively of an embodiment of a lock in the form of a rim lock, specifically a night latch, the lock being generally indicated by the numeral 10. Figures 1 and 2 include a lock mounting plate 11. In use, the mounting plate 11 is fastened to a face of a door and adjacent to the swingable edge thereof, and the lock 10 is fastened to the mounting plate 11.

The lock 10 comprises a latch bolt 12. The latch bolt 12 is outwardly biased by the action of biasing elements in the form of torsion spring 14 and compression spring 16. The outward direction is indicated by arrow 13 in figure 3. The distal end 15 of the latch bolt 12 can enter and leave the housing 30 via lock bolt aperture 60 defined by the housing 30.

Figures 3 and 4 show an elevational and rear isometric view of the lock 10 with mounting plate 11 not installed.

Figures 5 to 21 show rear isometric and elevational views of the lock 10 with a back plate 38 removed from housing 30, revealing the latch bolt 12 and lock mechanism 40 disposed in the housing 30, the lock mechanism 40 being in various states. As best seen in figures 5, 7 and 8, the torsion spring 14 is mounted on a torsion spring boss 54.

Figures 38 to 40 show various isometric and rear elevational views into an emptied cavity 64 defined by the housing 30 to reveal a compression spring receiving cavity 58 defined by the housing 30. Whenthelock10 is fully assembled, the compression spring 16 is disposed in the compression spring receiving cavity 58 compressed.

The lock 10 comprises a latch bolt carriage 18. The latch bolt 12 is attached to one end of the latch bolt carriage 18. The latch bolt carriage 18 is attached to the latch bolt 12 with a screw fitting, however in an alternative embodiment the latch bolt carriage 18 may be operationally coupled to the latch bolt 12 in generally any other suitable way. In an alternative embodiment the latch bolt carriage 18 and the latch bolt 12 may be a single part. The latch bolt carriage 18 is generally movably mounted, in this embodiment slidably mounted - between guide rails 66 attached to the housing 30 for movement of the latch bolt carriage 18 between a first position wherein the latch bolt 12 is extended (figures 3, for example) and a second position wherein the latch bolt is withdrawn (figure 7, for example). One end of the compression spring 16 is in pushing contact with the housing 30 and the other end is in pushing contact with a spring engaging tab 62 of the latch bolt carriage 18 for outwardly biasing the latch bolt carriage and so also the latch bolt 12. One end of the torsion spring 14 contacts the housing 30 and the other end of the torsion spring 14 contacts an inwardly facing surface 56 of the latch bolt carriage 18.

The lock 10 comprises a hand operable actuator 42, which in this embodiment is a handle in the form of a knob, and an actuator comprising a cam 44 rotatable by operation of the handle 42. In the context of the present document, a hand operable actuatoris the part of the lock that a user can actuate to withdraw the latch bolt 12. The hand operable actuator is at the front face of housing 30, and is actuated by hand rotation of the hand operable actuator around a hand operable actuator axis 43 shown in figure 1. The cam 44 is spin riveted to the handle 42, however in an alternative embodiment it may be threaded and engaged with a spindle engaged with the handle 42, or may be operationally coupled in generally any suitable way. In figures 5 and 6, the cam 44 is shown in a neutral cam rotational position, wherein the latch bolt 12 is extended. The handle 42 can be rotated in either one of a clockwise direction and a counter clockwise direction, causing rotation of the rotationally mounted cam 44. The cam 44 can be rotated to a counter clockwise rotation position shown in figure 7. The cam 44 can also be rotated to a clockwise rotation position shown in figure 8. Figures 22 and 23 show front isometric views of the lock 10 with back plate 38 and housing 30 removed, revealing the latch bolt 12 and lock mechanism 40. As best seen in figures 22 and 23, the cam 44 comprises first and second cam elements 68,70. The latch bolt carriage 18 comprises cam followers 72 and 74. When the cam 44 is rotated clockwise, cam element 68 engages with cam follower 72 resulting in the latch carriage 18 being withdrawn (figure 8 and 23). When the cam 44 is rotated counter clockwise, cam element 70 engages with cam follower 74 resulting in the latch carriage 18 being withdrawn (figure 7 and 22).

The latch bolt carriage 18 comprises a first part 22 that is slidingly mounted within the housing 30. The latch bolt carriage 18 comprises a second part 24 slidingly mounted within the housing 30. The second part 24 is coupled to the first part 22 by a lost motion joint formed by boss 26 being received by slot 28. The two-part carriage 18 and sliding joint enable operation of an optional anti-carding mechanism comprising anti-carding snib 85, anti-carding snib biasing spring 34, catch 38, and catch biasing spring 36. Anti-carding snib 85 can be disposed in snib aperture 120 of the housing 30.

The cam 44 is operationally coupled to the rotationally mounted handle 42, which is in the form of a knob.

The latch bolt carriage 18 can also be moved by rotation of an actuator 134 in the form of another cam that is rotationally mounted and that in use is operationally coupled via another spindle 138 in the form of a flat bar to a lock cylinder 136 in the form of a rim lock cylinder that is generally but not necessarily disposed within a door, with a keyhole at the outside facing surface of the door. Key operation of the lock cylinder 136 can cause rotation of other spindle 138, which can rotate cam 134 in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction around axis 133 (figure 1). The actuator 134 is operationally coupled to the latch bolt carriage 18. As best shown in figure 15, when cam 134 rotates in a clockwise direction cam element 87 of cam 134 contacts with face 89 of the latch carriage 18 (figure 14) and withdraws the latch bolt 12 into the housing 30. As best shown in figure 16, when cam 134 rotates in a counter-clockwise direction cam element 86 of cam 134 contacts with face 88 of the latch carriage 18 (figure 14) and withdraws the latch bolt 12 into the housing 30. The other cam 134 is rotationally mounted to the back plate 38 with a grommet that has its rim deformed to fasten it in place.

The lock 10 comprises a latch bolt carriage actuator stop mechanism 140 that is operable to prevent a rotation of the actuator 134. As shown in figure 24, for example, the latch bolt carriage actuator stop mechanism 140 comprising an actuator rotation stop 147. The actuator rotation stop 147 is biased to the actuator 134 by a resilient member in the form of a torsion spring 141.

In figures 9 and 10, the cam 134 is shown in a neutral cam rotational position, wherein the latch bolt 12 is extended. The cam 134 can be rotated to a counterclockwise rotation position shown in figure 16 and 17. The cam 134 can also be rotated to a clockwise rotation position shown in figure 15. When the latch bolt 12 is extended, the two cam elements 86 and 87 of cam 134 (figures 11 and 12) contact the two faces 88 and 89 of the latch carriage 18 (figure 14) aligning cavity 150 of cam 134 with blocking portion 146 of actuator rotation stop 147. The actuator rotation stop 147 is translatably mounted within the housing 30, allowing a sliding translation along a bearing structure 157 in the form of a linear bearing structure that defines a channel in the housing 30 (figures 38 to 40). The sliding translation direction of the actuator rotation stop 147 is in a direction transverse - in this but not all embodiments perpendicular - to the direction 13 (figure ) the latch bolt can be extended. As seen in figure 34, the translation of the rotation stop 147 is stopped by interference between the rotation lock 145 and either one of the translation stops 201,202 that are in the form of shoulders defining a longitudinal recess to one side of the rotation stop 147. The actuator rotation stop 147 is retained at the bearing structure 157 by the back plate 38 (figures 3 and 4), and the flange 185 (figure 35) of the rotation stop 147 also prevents the rotation stop 147 passing out of aperture 182 (figure 1) and so retain the rotation stop 147. The carriage actuator stop mechanism 140 optionally comprises an actuator rotation stop latch 143, which is biased to the actuator rotation stop by other biasing member 142 in the form of a compression spring.

The actuator rotation stop 147 is also mounted for rotation around an axis orientated in the same direction as the direction of its translation. The actuator rotation stop 147 is selectively operable to cooperate with the actuator 134 to perform its function, which is to rotationally lock the actuator 134 and so prevent operation of the lock 10 by a key 137 inserted in lock cylinder 136. As is explained further below, selecting a cooperative angular position for the actuator rotation stop 147 enables this function, and selecting a non-cooperative angular position for the actuator rotation stop 147 disables its function.

The carriage actuator stop mechanism 140 optionally comprises a rotation lock 145 in the form of a fastening feature that in this embodiment is a screw pin that is cooperatively arrangeable with the actuator rotation stop to angularly fix the actuator rotation stop in the non-cooperation angular position. Figures 24, 25, 26, 27 show the latch bolt carriage actuator stop mechanism 140 with the casing 30, screws 104, 130 and a holdback selector 84 removed for explanatory purposes. Figure 34 shows only the actuator rotation stop 147 and actuator rotation stop rotation lock 145. Figure 35 shows a cutaway view of the actuator rotation stop 147 and rotation lock 145. The actuator rotation stop 147 comprises other shoulders 204,206 to define a slot 208 on a side opposite translation stops 201,202 (figure 34). The separation of the shoulders is substantially the width of an engaging portion of the rotation lock 145. When the engaging portion of the rotation lock is received within between shoulders 204,206, the actuator rotation stop 147 is fixed in an actuator disengaged position, allowing free rotation of the actuator 134 (figure 37). The rotation lock 145 when engaged stops the actuator rotation stop 147 rotating around the longitudinal axis 173, while simultaneously allowing translation along the longitudinal axis 173. Cam surface 169 of actuator rotation stop 147, which is in the form of a lateral surface, sits at and has an axis parallel to surface 159 of rotation lock 145. When an attempt is made to rotate the actuator rotation stop 147 around the axis 173, the cam surface 169 jambs on the rotation stop 145, stopping a rotation of the actuator rotation stop 147 and so limiting rotation thereof. Consequently, the rotation lock 147 can angularly fix the actuator rotation stop 145 in the non-cooperative angular position. Actuator rotation stop biasing spring 141 is arranged to bias the actuator rotation stop 147 outwardly, as indicated by arrow 175 in figure 6, for example. As shown in figure 13, the actuator rotation stop 147 has a distal end 181 comprising a button. The button can protrude from the casing 30 via hole 182 (Figure 40) when the actuator rotation stop 147 is extended (figures 5,6), however the actuator rotation stop can in this but not all embodiments be retracted to not protrude from the casing 30 (figure 18).

The actuator rotation stop latch 143 is slidably mounted at bearing 174, which defines a channel in the housing 30 (figures 38 to 40) that received the actuator rotation stop latch 143. The actuator rotation stop latch 143 is retained at the bearing 174 by the back plate 38. An actuator rotation stop latch biasing spring 142 biases the actuator rotation stop latch in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the actuator rotation stop 147 in direction 184 (figure 6).

When cam 134 is in the neutral position and outwardly facing surface 148 of the actuator rotation stop 147 is pressed by a user, the actuator rotation stop 147 moves in an inwardly direction 183 (figure 18), an actuator rotation stop engaging member 170 in the form of a tip enters cavity 171 of the actuator rotation stop (figure 24) prohibiting the actuator rotation stop extending in the direction 175 (figure 6). When the actuator rotation stop is held in this position by the tip of the actuator rotation stop latch, the portion 146 of the actuator rotation stop has entered the cavity 150 of cam 134 prohibiting rotation of cam 134 (figure 19). The cam 134 can no longer be rotated by the lock cylinder 136, and so the lock cannot be unlocked from a person at the outside facing surface of the door.

As described above, the lock 10 can be reversibly configured to prevent its actuation by the turning of a key inserted in the outside lock cylinder 136. This reversible configuration can be released by rotating the handle 42 to rotate coupled cam 44 in at least one direction, and in this but not all embodiments both clockwise and counterclockwise directions. As shown in figures 22 and 23, when the rotationally mounted cam 44 is rotated in either one of a clockwise and a counterclockwise direction the latch carriage 18 is driven in the direction as indicated by the arrows 158. Figure 24 shows the latch bolt carriage actuator stop mechanism 140 activated. Figure 25 shows cam 44 partially rotated, angled face 151 of actuator rotation stop latch in contact with radius edge 155 of latch carriage 18. Figure 26 shows cam 44 further rotated, actuator rotation stop latch moved into direction of 168 and tip 170 of actuator rotation stop latch 143 no longer positioned in cavity 171 of actuator rotation stop 147. Figure 27 shows portion 170 of actuator rotation stop latch 143 no longer positioned in cavity 171 of actuator rotation stop 147 and actuator rotation stop biasing spring 141 biasing actuator rotation stop 147 in the direction indicated by arrow 175 and the latch bolt carriage actuator stop mechanism deactivated. As best shown in figure 26, the latch carriage 18 contains a radius feature 155. When the latch carriage 18 is driven in the direction 158 (figure 22 and 23) by cam 44, radius feature 155 contacts with the angled face 151 of actuator rotation stop latch 143 and drives actuator rotation stop latch 143 in direction 176 (figure 25), moving tip 170 of actuator rotation stop latch 143 out of cavity 171 of actuator rotation stop 147 (figure 26). Actuator rotation stop biasing spring 141 then biases the actuator rotation stop in the direction indicated by arrow 175 as shown in figure 27 and cam 134 can now rotate in either one of a clockwise and counterclockwise direction allowing the latch to be withdrawn by the lock cylinder 136.

As described above, the lock 10 can be reversibly configured such that the latch 18 cannot be withdrawn by operation of the lock cylinder 136 and cam 134. This configuration can be disabled when the lock is not installed and mounting plate 11 not attached.

Figures 28 to 32 illustrate the steps in a method for disabling the latch bolt carriage actuator stop mechanism. Figure 36 shows only the actuator rotation stop 147 and cam 134 and actuator rotation stop rotation lock 145 in cutaway form and Figure 37 shows the actuator rotation stop 147, cam 134 and actuator rotation stop rotation lock 145 so that the relationship between the three parts can be easier described. The first step in disabling the latch bolt carriage actuator stop mechanism involves removing the actuator rotation stop rotation lock 145 in the direction arrow 160 (figure 28) so that the actuator rotation stop 147 can be rotated on axis 173 in the direction 172 (figure 34). When the actuator rotation stop rotation lock 145 has been removed and when an inward force (that is, in direction 162 shown in figure 29) is applied to outwardly facing surface 148 of the button at distal end 181 of actuator rotation stop 147, the actuator rotation stop will move inwardly and will be held in an inward position by the tip 170 of actuator rotation stop latch 143 entering actuator stop receiving cavity 171 of the actuator rotation stop 147. The actuator rotation stop 147 then needs to be rotated on its axis 173 and in the direction 164 (figure 30) through approximately 90 degrees, to its new rotated position as shown in figure 31. When the actuator rotation stop 147 has been rotated, a portion 165 of the actuator rotation stop 147 sits in cavity 166 of casing 30 (figure 38 and 39) prohibiting movement of the actuator rotation stop in the direction 167 (figure 33). The final step to disable the latch bolt carriage actuator stop mechanism is to reinsert the actuator rotation stop rotation lock 145 back into the lock assembly 10 as shown in figure 32. After reinserting the actuator rotation stop rotation lock 145, face 159 of the actuator rotation stop rotation lock now sits with minimal clearance, parallel to face 177 in cavity 180 of actuator rotation stop 147 (figures 33 and 36) and restricts rotation of actuator rotation stop 147 on axis 173 so that it cannot rotate back to its original position. Actuator rotation stop 147 is now restricted in movement in all directions and the latch bolt carriage actuator stop mechanism is now disabled. As best shown in Figure 37, portion 165 of actuator rotation stop 147 is now positioned parallel with face 179 of cam 134, providing a clearance 178 between cam 134 and portion 165 of actuator rotation stop 147, allowing either one of a clockwise rotation and a counter clockwise rotation of cam 134. At any point, disabling the latch bolt carriage actuator stop mechanism can be reversed by reversing the disabling process detailed above.

In use, the mounting plate 11 is fastened to a face of a door - generally the inside face - using fasteners in the form of screws or bolts, or generally any suitable form of fastening, for example a rivet or adhesive. The lock , in this embodiment specifically the housing 30, and the mounting plate 11 are cooperatively configured for fastening the housing 30 to the mounting plate 11. The housing 30 is configured to slidingly receive longitudinal tags 122 and receive therein end flanges 124. Mounting plate fasteners (not shown) are inserted in fastener apertures 126 of the housing 30 and engage threads 128 at the end flange 124. The lock's internal assembly can be accessed by removing the mounting plate fasteners, slidingly disengage the tags 122, separating the lock 10 from the mounting plate 11, and removing back plate screws 130.

Now that embodiments have been described, it will be appreciated that some embodiments may have some of the following advantages:

• Prior to installation, a locksmith or other lock installer may selectively enable or disable the ability for an operator of the lock to disable key operation of the external cylinder lock. • A user may reconfigure the lock after it is installed as the need arises. • Parts may be retained within the lock to prevent their loss. Loss of part may prevent reconfiguration of the lock.

Variations and/or modifications may be made to the embodiments described without departing from the spirit or ambit of the invention. For example:

• There may be only one latch bolt biasing element of generally any suitable form, examples of which include but are not limited to a torsion spring, a compression spring, an extension spring, and a resilient pad (e.g. A resilient foam pad). Alternatively, there may be more than two latch bolt biasing elements of generally any suitable form. • Generally, and as suitable, the other illustrated biasing elements may take alternative forms (e.g. compression spring, extension spring, torsion spring, resilient pad etc.). • The latch bolt carriage may be one piece, or may comprise more than two pieces. A one piece latch bolt carriage may be suitable for locks without anti-carding, for example. • The latch bolt may be attached to the latch bolt carriage by at least one fastener in the form of a rivet or screw, or alternatively or additionally at least one of a weld, a braze, adhesive or generally by any suitable means. • The latch bolt may be integral with the latch bolt carriage. • The handle may take the form of a knob, lever or generally any suitable form. • There may be a second cylinder lock at the handle, which may allow deadlocking. • The lock may take the form of a mortice lock, or generally any suitable form of lock. • The anti-carding mechanism is optional and may not be present in some embodiments.

* The latch bolt carriage may be mounted on at least one guide rail. • The latch bolt carriage may not be slidingly mounted. For example, the latch bolt carriage in an alternative embodiment rolls on bearings. In an alternative embodiment, another cam is intermediately coupled between the latch bolt carriage (as it is in the illustrated embodiments) and the latch bolt such that the latch bolt is rotated (i.e. Swung) into and out of the cavity. • The handle and the cam may be coupled by an idler gear, for example, such that they rotate in opposite directions. • While in present embodiments the guide rails are integral with the housing, they are in an alternative embodiment distinguishable from the housing and attached with fasteners, a weld, a braze, an adhesive or generally any suitable means. • An alternative embodiment does not have a mounting plate, but does have perforated lugs attached to the housing 14 for door fasteners. Generally, any suitable fastening system may be used to fasten the lock 10 to the door. • Fasteners other than screws may be used as suitable and appropriate, for example a bolt, rivet or generally any suitable form of fastener. Welds or adhesives, for example may also be used as suitable and appropriate. • The latch bolt may not be attached to the carriage, but may cooperate to engage with it (e.g. Using pins, pin apertures etc). • The cam 134 may be driven by alternative means such as a hand operated actuator or electronic motor • The Cam 134 may be attached to the backplate by alternative means such as riveting or fastener • While in present embodiments the latch bolt carriage actuator stop mechanism 140 features a push button arrangement, the latch bolt carriage actuator stop mechanism could incorporate a switch. • While in present embodiments the push button is positioned at the opposite end of the lock to the latch, it could however be positioned on any external face of the housing 30. • The rotation lock may take any suitable form, examples of which include but are not limited to a screw, a bolt, a clip, and a rivet.

The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Reference to a feature disclosed herein does not mean that all embodiments must include the feature. Prior art, if any, described herein is not to be taken as an admission that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in any jurisdiction.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, that is to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Claims (19)

WE CLAIM

1. A lock comprising: a latch bolt outwardly biased and moveably mounted for movement thereof between a first position wherein the latch bolt is extended and a second position wherein the latch bolt is withdrawn; an actuator for operational coupling to a cylinder lock, the actuator being rotationally mounted for rotation about a first axis and operationally coupled to the latch bolt for withdrawing the latch bolt; an actuator rotation stop translatably mounted along a second axis transverse to the first axis and translatable into cooperation with the actuator to stop a rotation thereof; the actuator rotation stop being rotatable about the second axis between a non-cooperation angular position where the actuator rotation stop is configured to be non-cooperative with the actuator and a cooperation angular position where the actuator rotation stop is configured to be cooperative with the actuator; and a rotation lock cooperatively arrangeable with the actuator rotation stop to selectively angularly fix the actuator rotation stop in one of the non-cooperation angular position and the cooperation angular position.

2. A lock defined by claim 1, wherein the rotation lock includes first and second engaging means adapted to engage the actuator rotation stop in the cooperation angular position and in the non-cooperation angular position respectively, the first and second engaging means being positioned differently from one another.

3. A lock defined by claim 2, wherein thefirst and second engaging means are configured and dimensioned differently from one another.

4. A lock defined by any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first engaging means is configured to allow the actuator rotation stop to translatably move along the second axis from a first position where the actuator rotation stop is incapable of stopping rotation of the actuator and a second position where the actuator rotation stop is capable of stopping rotation of the actuator.

5. A lock defined by any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second engaging means is configured to prohibit the actuator rotation stop from being able to stop rotation of the actuator.

6. A lock defined by any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the first engaging means includes a cam surface with which the rotation lock is cooperatively arrangeable to angularly fix the actuator rotation stop in the cooperation angular position.

7. A lock defined by any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the second engaging means includes a slot with which the rotation lock is cooperatively arrangeable to angularly fix the actuator rotation stop in the non-cooperation angular position.

8. A lock defined by any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator rotation stop comprises a plurality of translation stops between which the rotation lock can be disposed.

9. A lock defined by any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator rotation stop is retainable by the rotation lock.

10. A lock defined by any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotation lock comprises a fastening feature.

11. A lock defined by any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotation lock comprises a screw pin.

12. A lock defined by any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator rotation stop comprises a button for user actuation.

13. A lock defined by any one of the preceding claims comprising a biasing element operationally coupled to the actuator rotation stop and which outwardly biases the actuator rotation stop.

14. A lock defined by any one of the preceding claims wherein the actuator defines an actuator stop receiving cavity.

15. A lock defined by any one of the preceding claims comprising a cylinder lock operationally coupled to the actuator.

16. A lock defined by claim 14 wherein the cylinder lock comprises a rim cylinder lock.

17. A lock defined by any one of the preceding claims comprising a rim lock.

18. A lock defined by any one of the preceding claims comprising an actuator rotation stop latch.

19. A method for reconfiguring a lock of claim 1, the method comprising translating an actuator rotation stop into cooperation with an actuator to stop a rotation thereof, the actuator being for operational coupling to a cylinder lock.

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