Clearview 241 - December 2021 | Page 35

Doors & Windows
supplying these companies and supporting them with our expert product knowledge of this ever-growing industry of new and discontinued locking systems .
Although we as a company , stock probably one of the largest ranges of UPVC hardware of any retail locksmiths , we can ’ t stock everything as there are 400 + multipoint systems alone . So , we began stocking universal hook bolt systems for the desperate need where a door needs to be secured on the same day . We sold five of these systems and all were returned to us with various reasons that they couldn ’ t install them . This being a national problem for the entire maintenance industry as well as the locksmith ’ s industry , particularly with the increasing discontinued systems . I began studying the existing systems for a solution , the objective being it had to avoid the need to cut to size , therefore eliminating any irreversible errors , use the existing frame keeps where possible to reduce installation time and be far more versatile , reducing the need to replace door furniture .
I needed to come up with a way of moving the hook bolt casing along a fixed length rail system , then I had a lightbulb moment of a twin toothed rail design that the hook bolt could fit between . In theory I knew this could work , so I headed off to
Patented Design
my father-in-law ’ s ( Eric Crowhurst ) garage which I knew was full of all the engineering tools I required to make a basic prototype to prove my theory one way or the other . Several hours later , I had it made and installed into an old UPVC door I had picked up from my local double-glazing company . To my great delight it operated perfectly first time . I knew my next step would have to be obtaining a patent before I could show the product to any potential manufacturers , which I applied for and obtained in 2017 . At this point I set up a new company and also obtained a trademark for Adaptalock registering the new company , which coincidently fell on the 40th anniversary of my dad registering the locksmith business .
I was able to show my dad the final prototype although by now it had already been several years since he was diagnosed with Alzheimer ’ s . After spending his remaining two years in a care home , he contracted Covid-19 and passed away in November last year . He will always and forever be my hero in life and has taught me everything I need to know , mainly to never give up !
Adaptalock is in constant development to be the best solution for Multipoint Lock Replacements and to upgrade existing systems .
RE-INVENTING THE MPL
To create the System in my vision , it meant going back to the drawing board and completely changing the design which has served all MPL ’ s since their conception .
THE JOURNEY
After applying for the UK and European Patents , which were granted in 2020 , we travelled around the UK and Europe demonstrating the original 3-piece System prototypes , which met with a very positive response everywhere we went . When it came to finding manufacturing support , we were confronted with a muted and often defensive reaction , because we have a product that is simply too good and potentially a threat to existing MPL sales . So , we decided to manufacture and assemble Adaptalock ourselves , here in the UK , using very experienced engineers creating a very high quality System with stainless steel components .
VERSATILITY
Available with Single and Twin follower Gearboxes in both 16 / 20mm Faceplates and selectable Hook Bolt directions , enabling the use of the existing Frame Keeps for a very rapid installation .
ADDITIONAL SECURITY
This already very secure System , with Sold Secure Accreditation , can be upgraded still further if required , with the option of adding additional Hook Bolts .
FUTURE VISIONS - ACCESS CONTROL
With Adaptalock ’ s ability to retrofit a customer ’ s existing MPL , it has huge potential for a very secure access control system . We are therefore developing a motor drive attachment for the drive rails so it can be operated with a Smart phone as well as a manual key operation .
Adaptalock . co . uk
CLEARVIEW-UK . COM DECEMBER 2021
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