Acquires a read lock on a read/write lock with an optional timeout. Returns true if the read lock could be established. Returns false if the read lock could not be established or if the timeout value is reached.

A read/write lock allows many concurrent read accesses. However, if a write lock is requested it must wait until all current read accesses have been released before it is granted. Once a write lock is granted no read or write access will be granted until it is released.

Note: The use of thread tools is entirely voluntary. There is nothing in Lasso that prevents access to the same shared resource, but the diligent use of the thread tools will ensure predictable results.