WO2000022267A1

WO2000022267A1 - A lock

Info

Publication number: WO2000022267A1
Application number: PCT/GB1999/003371
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Whitehead
Original assignee: David S. Smith Packaging Limited
Priority date: 1998-10-09
Filing date: 1999-10-11
Publication date: 2000-04-20
Also published as: GB9822111D0; AU6114999A

Abstract

The invention relates to a shoot lock or bolt (1) which comprises a lock member (2) having respective lateral releasably interengageable means (3) for retaining the member (2) in an extended position. The shoot lock (1) comprises an enlarged handle part (4) and the integral lock member (2) having a rebated part (5) on each side.

Description

A LOCK

The invention relates to a lock, particularly to a shoot or slide lock.

Such locks are often used in packaging being incorporated in a pallet and being slidable to engage in a sleeve mountable on the pallet by being stepped in a groove, usually a peripheral groove of the pallet.

In the past, such locks have a "play" which means that there is often not a positive engagement.

It is accordingly an object of the invention to seek to mitigate these disadvantages.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a shoot lock, comprising a locking member having respective lateral releasably interengageable means for retaining the lock member in an extended position.

The means may comprise resilient protuberances carried by the lock member and complementary recesses in a housing therefor. This provides for positive engagement particularly when the protuberances may comprise a domed configuration.

The protuberances may comprise a free end part of a limb extending substantially parallel to the lock member. This provides for ease of construction and operation. The limb may comprise strengthening means. This enhances longevity, particularly when the strengthening means may comprise a rib between the limb and the lock member.

The lock may be integrally formed from plastics material.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a pallet, including a shoot bolt as hereinbefore defined.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a package system comprising a pallet as hereinbefore defined and sleeve for mounting thereon.

A shoot lock according to the invention is hereinafter described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figs. 1 to 4 show a respective plan longitudinal sectional view, end elevational view and enlarged view of part 'A' of a shoot lock according to the invention; and

Figs. 5 and 6 show the shoot lock of Figs. 1 to 4, in a housing and in respective operative positions.

Referring to the drawings there is shown a shoot lock or bolt 1 which comprises a lock member 2 having respective lateral releasably interengageable means 3 for retaining the member 2 in an extended position. The shoot lock 1 comprises an enlarged handle part 4 and the integral lock member 2 having a rebated part 5 on each side. There is a limb 6 extending towards the handle 4, each of which has in the embodiment, an outwardly domed protuberance 7 forming the means 3. The limb 6 is separated from the member 2 by a slot 8, and there is strengthening means in the form of a rib 9 which strengthens the limb 6 against excess flexing, the lock 1 being integrally formed as by moulding from plastics material.

The lock 1 is mounted in a housing 10 which is formed from two superimposed skins of material, such as plastics, fused together and which defines an orifice 1 1 for access to the handle 4, and a part 1 2 receiving the lock member and which has at the distal end recesses

13 complementary in shape to the protuberances 7, there being walls

14 defining a guide part for the member 2. The housing 10 with the lock 1 form part of a pallet, of the kind which has a peripheral groove in which is stepped a sleeve such as a cardboard sleeve which defines a space for carrying or storing goods. The sleeves have slots at positions corresponding to the member 2 so that when the sleeve is stepped in the groove in the Fig. 5 position of the lock 1 , the member 2 being retracted for such stepping. When fully stepped and in position, the lock 1 is pushed manually using the handle 4 to the Fig. 6 position, the protuberances 7 riding along the walls 14 before springing out into the recesses 13 where they are retained against return by the walls 14. The free end of the member 2 enters the slots in the sleeve to hold same firmly in place. The walls 14 are a tight- sliding fit with the lateral edges of the member 2, so there is no lateral play, and a positive locking action is obtained. When the sleeve is to be removed, the lock 1 is retracted by pulling action on the handle 4 in the reverse direction, the limb and protuberance being flexed inwardly by riding on the walls 14 before springing behind shoulders 1 5 in the orifice to hold the lock in the Fig. 5 position.

Claims

1 . A shoot lock, comprising a lock member having respective lateral releasably interengageable means for retaining the lock member in an extended position.

2. A shoot lock according to Claim 1 , said means comprising resilient protuberances carried by the lock member and complementary recesses in a housing therefor.

3. A shoot lock according to Claim 1 , the protuberances comprising a domed configuration.

4. A shoot lock according to Claim 3, the protuberances comprising a free end part of a limb extending substantially parallel to the lock member.

5. A shoot lock according to Claim 4, the limb comprising strengthening means.

6. A shoot lock according to Claim 5, the strengthening means comprising a rib between the limb and the lock member.

7. A shoot lock according to any preceding claim, integrally formed from plastics material.

8. A shoot lock, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

9. A pallet, including a shoot bolt according to any preceding claim.

10. A package system comprising a pallet according to Claim 8, and a sleeve for mounting thereon.