Elevator car door interlock

An apparatus for an elevator car to lock and unlock an elevator car door, the apparatus comprising:

• (a) an interlock selectively connectable with the elevator car door, the interlock comprising:
• (i) a locking member configured to selectively prevent the elevator car door from opening by moving between a disengaged position and an engaged position,
• (ii) a first and second sensor, wherein the first sensor is configured to detect whether the elevator car door is closed, wherein the second sensor is configured to detect whether the locking member is in the engaged position,
• (iii) a first and second arm, each having an open position and a closed position, wherein the first arm is in the closed position when the elevator car door is closed, wherein the second arm is in the closed position when the locking member is in the engaged position,
• (iv) a gate switch mounted on the second arm, wherein the switch is configured to contact the first arm when the first and second arms are in the closed position verifying the first sensor and position of the elevator as closed, and further verifying the second sensor and position of the locking member as in the engaged position;
• and
• (b) a control device in electrical communication with the interlock, the control device in further electrical communication with an elevator controller, wherein the control device communicates a signal to the interlock to prevent the elevator car door from opening unless the elevator car has stopped at a designated landing zone, wherein the switch being in contact with the first arm causes the control device to signal to the elevator controller to allow movement of the elevator car.