GB2229761A

GB2229761A - Improvements in or relating to handle assemblies for doors, windows

Info

Publication number: GB2229761A
Application number: GB8906899A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Nicholas George Luckett
Original assignee: Hardware and Systems Patents Ltd
Current assignee: Hardware and Systems Patents Ltd
Priority date: 1989-03-28
Filing date: 1989-03-28
Publication date: 1990-10-03
Anticipated expiration: 2009-03-28
Also published as: GB8906899D0; GB2229761B; IE64117B1

Abstract

The handle assembly is provided with a keyoperated locking arrangement for securing a pivotally mounted handle 1 relative to a base plate 2 wherein the locking arrangement comprises a barrel 12 mounted in the handle 1 for rotation about an axis B transverse to the pivot axis and a catch 13 pivotally mounted in the handle 1 for engagement with a recess 22 in the base plate 2 on rotation of the barrel 12 by a key, the barrel 12 having a cam groove 19 engaged by a follower 18 integral with the catch 13. The cam groove 19 provides a cam face 20 which may be smooth or of stepped profile - various forms are described. A spring loaded detent mounted in the barrel or handle may be released on insertion of the key to allow barrel rotation. The handle may be of cockspur type or may be connected to a spindle for actuating on espagnolette bolt as well as tilt/turn gear. Various other modifications are disclosed. <IMAGE>

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO HANDLE ASSEMBLIES This invention concerns improvements in or relating to handle assemblies for doors, windows and the like, and in particular to handle assemblies of the type comprising a handle pivotally mounted on a base plate and having an arrangement for securing the handle relative to the base plate.

It is already known to provide key-operated locking devices in which a locking member is arranged for movement in a direction parallel to but offset from the pivot axis of the handle for engagement with the base plate to secure the handle relative to the base plate. However, in many of these devices the entry for the key is provided in the top face of the handle remote from the base plate which detracts from the aesthetic appearance of the assembly. In addition, many of these devices are complex having a sprungloaded locking member which adds to the cost and is susceptible to failure in operation.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a handle assembly having an arrangement for securing the handle relative to the base plate which overcomes or reduces the afore-mentioned problems and disadvantages.

According to the present invention we provide a handle assembly for doors and windows comprising a base plate, a handle pivotally mounted on the base plate, a barrel mounted in the handle for rotation by a key about an axis transverse to the pivot axis of the handle, the barrel having a cam groove engaged by a follower on a catch such that the catch is pivotal for engagement with the base plate or a part associated therewith to secure the handle relative to the base plate on rotation of the barrel in one sense, the catch being released from such engagement on rotation of the barrel in the opposed sense.

By such transverse arrangement of the barrel, the entry for the key-way can be provided in the side face of the handle. As a result, fitment of the barrel in the handle does not detract significantly from the aesthetic appearance of the assembly.

Furthermore, by such pivotal arrangement of the catch, the locking and unlocking action of the catch can be achieved by positive rotation of the barrel by the key without any spring loading of the catch. In this way, mounting of the catch is simplified and the catch is reliable in operation.

Preferably, the catch has an arm that is received in a recess in the base plate to secure the handle against pivotal movement relative to the base plate.

Conveniently, the recess is bounded by respective abutment shoulders on opposed sides in the direction of arcuate movement of the handle and the arm is received between the abutment shoulders.

Advantageously, the base plate and catch have cooperating formations arranged to restrict upward lifting movement of the handle relative to the base plate when the arm is received in the recess.

Conveniently, the co-operating formations comprise an undercut ledge on the base plate and a projection on the arm that is received beneath the ledge.

Alternatively, the co-operating formations may comprise a projection on the base plate that is received in a recess in the arm.

Preferably, the opposed ends of the cam groove provide abutment faces engaged by the follower to limit rotational movement of the barrel and define operative and inoperative positions of the catch.

Conveniently, the bottom of the cam groove is shaped to provide a cam face engaged by the follower for controlling pivotal movement of the catch on rotation of the barrel.

Preferably the cam face is of stepped profile in the direction of rotation of the barrel to provide a rebated portion at one end of the groove that is of increased depth relative to the portion at the other end of the groove for reception of the follower to locate and hold the catch in the operative positiOn, and at least one of the follower and cam face has a ramp surface for releasing the follower from the rebated portion on rotation of the barrel to return the catch to the inoperative position.

Advantageously, the handle is formed with a housing provided by a pocket opening to the underside of the handle in which the barrel and catch are received. The housing may be formed integrally with the handle or be provided by a separate insert mounted in the handle.

Preferably, the barrel is rotatably mounted in aligned holes on opposite sides of the housing and has a key-way accessible externally of the handle for reception of the key. The key-way may have an opening at one end of the barrel for insertion of the key from one side of the handle. More preferably, however, the key-way has openings at both ends of the barrel for insertion of the key from either side of the handle.

Alternatively, the barrel may have a separate key-way with an opening at each end.

Conveniently, the catch is pivotally mounted by an integral rib received and retained in a groove in the base of the housing by the barrel.

Advantageously, means is provided for securing the barrel against rotation in the operative position of the catch. Such means may be a detent on one of the handle and barrel that is biassed to engage the other on removal of the key to secure the barrel and is disengaged to release the barrel on insertion of the key.

The invented handle assembly is applicable to a wide range of types of fasteners and/or operating mechanisms for doors and windows as well as different styles or designs of handles and base plates which may be provided with any desired surface finish required.

The invented handle assembly will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: FIGURE 1 is a longitudinal section of a handle assembly according to the present invention showing the catch in an inoperative position; FIGURE 2 is a longitudinal section similar to Figure 1 but showing the catch in an operative position and FIGURE 3 is an exploded isometric view showing the barrel and catch and associated co-operating parts of the handle and base plate.

The handle assembly shown in the accompanying drawings comprises a lever handle 1 mounted on a base plate 2 for pivotal movement about an axis A by an integral pivot pin 3 projecting from the underside of the handle 1 and received within a bore 4 in the base plate 2.

A counterbore 5 in the underside of the base plate 2 receives the free end of the pivot pin 3 which has a washer 6 mounted thereon with the end of the pivot pin 3 being peened over to secure the handle 1 to the base plate 2.

In known manner the base plate 2 is provided with through holes 7 (one only shown) which are countersunk for receiving screws (not shown) or the like for securing and fixing the assembly to the casement.

The handle 1 has a transverse slot 8 and defines with the base plate 2 a further transverse slot 9 when in a fastened position overlying the base plate 2.

In known manner the handle 1 is pivotal between an unfastened position permitting opening and closing movement of the casement relative to the frame and the fastened position in which a projecting lug or nose of a keeper (not shown) mounted on the frame is selectively engageable in one of the slot 8 to hold the casement in a partially open "vent" position and the slot 9 to hold the casement closed. In a modification, the vent slot 8 may be omitted.

The handle 1 is formed with a housing 10 in the form of a pocket 11 opening to the underside of the handle 1 in which a barrel 12 and a catch 13 are received.

The barrel 12 is rotatably mounted in aligned holes 14 in the opposite sides of the housing 10 and has a key-way with openings 15 (one only shown) at both ends accessible through the associated hole 14 externally of the handle 1 for reception of a key (not shown) from either side of the handle 1 for rotating the barrel 12 about an axis B transverse to and offset from the pivot axis A of the handle 1. In this way, the assembly is non-handed.

The catch 13 is pivotally mounted by an integral annular rib 16 located and retained in a groove 17 in the base of the housing 10 by the barrel 12 and has an integral follower 18 engaged in a circumferentially extending cam groove 19 formed in the barrel 12.

The opposed ends of the cam groove 19 provide abutment faces for engagement by the follower 18 to limit rotational movement of the barrel 12 in opposed senses and the bottom of the cam groove 19 provides a cam face 20 engaged by the follower 18.

The cam face 20 is of stepped profile in the direction of rotation of the barrel 12 having a rebated portion 20a at one end of increased depth relative to the portion 20b at the other end and a ramp surface 20c connecting the portions 20a,20b.

The catch 13 is pivotal from an inoperative position shown in Figure 1 in which the follower 18 engages the end portion 20b to an operative position shown in Figure 2 in which the follower 18 is received in the rebated portion 20a on rotation of the barrel 12 in one sense, and is returned to the inoperative position on rotation of the barrel 12 in the opposed sense by engagement of a ramp surface 18a on the follower 18 with the ramp surface 20c to lift the follower 18 out of the rebated portion 20a.

In the inoperative position, the catch 13 is concealed within the housing 10 permitting pivotal movement of the handle 1 relative to the base plate 2 between the fastened and unfastened positions for securing and releasing the casement respectively.

In the operative position, an integral dependent arm 21 of the catch 13 projects from the underside of the handle 1 and is received in a recess 22 in the base plate 2 when the handle 1 is in the fastened position.

The recess 22 is of generally rectangular shape in plan view bounded on opposed sides in the direction of arcuate movement of the handle 1 by respective abutment shoulders 23 and at the upper edge by a transverse undercut ledge 24.

The arm 21 is received between the abutment shoulders 23 to prevent pivotal movement of the handle 1 from the fastened position to the unfastened position and a projecting lug 25 at the outer end of the arm locates beneath the ledge 24 to prevent upward lifting movement of the handle 1 relative to the base plate 2. In this way the handle 1 is securely held relative to the base plate 2 in the fastened position.

For added security in the operative position of the catch 13, a spring loaded detent (not shown) mounted in the barrel 12 is released on removal of the key to engage a recess (not shown) in the handle 1 to lock the barrel 12 against rotation and is retracted into the barrel 12 to permit rotation of the barrel 12 to release the catch 13 on insertion of the key.

In the inoperative position of the catch 13, rotation of the barrel 12 is restricted on removal of the key by frictional engagement of the detent with the handle 1. Alternatively, the barrel 12 may be locked in the inoperative position on removal of the key by engagement of the detent in a recess in the handle 1.

As will now be understood, in the invented handle assembly, the barrel for actuating the catch is transversely mounted in the handle and the keyway is accessible on the side of the handle. As a result, the provision of the barrel does not detract significantly from the aesthetic appearance of the handle.

Additionally, the barrel is rotatable to pivot positively the catch between the operative and inoperative positions thereby avoiding any spring loading of the catch. In this way, a simple and reliable locking arrangement is obtained.

It will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the embodiment above-described. For example the key-way may have an opening at one end of the barrel only and the barrel may be assembled in the housing to provide access to the key-way for right or left hand fitment of the handle as desired.

The cam groove may be constructed to provide any desired range of rotational movement of the barrel between the operative and inoperative positions.

The cam face may have any desired profile in the direction of rotation of the barrel. For example, the cam face may be stepped to provide a rebated portion at each end of the groove to locate and hold the barrel in both the operative and inoperative positions.

Alternatively, the cam face may be smooth and increase gradually in depth from one end of the groove to the other end.

The housing in the handle may be provided by a separate insert in which the barrel and catch are mounted with the insert being received in the handle to align the key-way opening(s) with an access aperture(s) in the side of the handle.

The detent may be mounted in the handle and held in a retracted position by the key received in the keyway and biassed by a spring or the like to engage the key-way on removal of the key to secure the barrel against rotation in the operative position of the catch. Rotation of the barrel in the inoperative position of the catch may be restricted on removal of the key by frictional engagement of the detent with the barrel or a further detent may be mounted in the handle to engage the key-way on removal of the key in the inoperative position of the catch. Alternatively, any other suitable means may be provided for securing the barrel against rotation in the operative position of the catch and, if desired, in the inoperative position of the catch.

The handle may be constructed to hold the casement in the closed position only.

The base plate and handle may be of any suitable design and shape to which any desired surface finish may be applied as required.

The handle may be of the cockspur type having a projecting nose for engagement with a keeper to secure the casement in the closed position and, if desired, in the vent position.

The handle may be arranged for operative connection to a spindle or like drive transmitting member for actuating a fastening mechanism such as an espagnolette bolt or similar multi-point fastener as well as to operating mechanisms such as tilt/turn gear for both windows and doors.

Other applications of the lockable arrangement to handle assemblies for two members mounted for relative hinged, pivotal or sliding movement between open and closed positions will be apparent to those skilled in the art and it is to be understood that all such applications of the lockable arrangement are within the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims:

1. A handle assembly for doors and windows comprising a base plate, a handle pivotally mounted on the base plate, a barrel mounted in the handle for rotation by a key about an axis transverse to the pivot axis of the handle, the barrel having a cam groove engaged by a follower on a catch such that the catch is pivotal for engagement with the base plate or a part associated therewith to secure the handle relative to the base plate on rotation of the barrel in one sense, the catch being released from such engagement on rotation of the barrel in the opposed sense.

2. A handle assembly according to Claim 1 wherein the catch has an arm that is received in a recess in the base plate to secure the handle against pivotal movement relative to the base plate.

3. A handle assembly according to Claim 2 wherein the recess is bounded by respective abutment shoulders on opposed sides in the direction of arcuate movement of the handle and the arm is received between the abutment shoulders

4. A handle assembly according to Claim 2 or Claim 3 wherein the base plate and catch have co-operating formations arranged to restrict upward lifting movement of the handle relative to the base plate when the arm is received in the recess.

5. A handle assembly according to Claim 4 wherein the co-operating formations comprise an undercut ledge on the base plate and a projection on the arm that is received beneath the ledge.

6. A handle assembly according to Claim 4 wherein the co-operating formations comprise a projection on the base plate that is received in a recess in the arm.

7. A handle assembly according to any one of the preceding Claims wherein the opposed ends of the cam groove provide abutment faces engaged by the follower to limit rotational movement of the barrel and define operative and inoperative positions of the catch.

8. A handle assembly according to Claim 7 wherein the bottom of the cam groove is shaped to provide a cam face engaged by the follower for controlling pivotal movement of the catch on rotation of the barrel.

9. A handle assembly according to Claim 8 wherein the cam face is of stepped profile in the direction of rotation of the barrel to provide a rebated portion at one end of the groove that is of increased depth relative to the portion at the other end of the groove for reception of the follower to locate and hold the catch in the operative position.

10. A handle assembly according to Claim 9 wherein at least one of the follower and cam face has a ramp surface for releasing the follower from the rebated portion on rotation of the barrel to return the catch to the inoperative position.

11. A handle assembly according to Claim 8 wherein the cam face is smooth and of increasing depth from one end of the groove to the other end.

12. A handle assembly according to any one of the preceding Claims wherein the handle is formed with a housing provided by a pocket opening to the underside of the handle in which the barrel and catch are received.

13. A handle assembly according to Claim 12 wherein the housing is formed integrally with the handle.

14. A handle assembly according to Claim 12 wherein the housing is provided by a separate insert mounted in the handle.

15. A handle assembly according to any one of Claims 12 to 14 wherein the barrel is rotatably mounted in aligned holes on opposite sides of the housing and has a key-way accessible externally of the handle for reception of the key.

16. A handle assembly according to Claim 15 wherein the key-way has an opening at one end of the barrel for insertion of the key from one side of the handle.

17. A handle assembly according to Claim 16 wherein the barrel has a separate key-way with an opening at the other end for insertion of the key from the other side of the handle.

18. A handle assembly according to Claim 15 wherein the key-way has openings at both ends of the barrel for insertion of the key from either side of the handle.

19. A handle assembly according to any one of Claims 11 to 18 wherein the catch is pivotally mounted by an integral rib received and retained in a groove in the base of the housing by the barrel.

20. Ahandle assembly according to any one of the preceding Claims wherein means is provided for securing the barrel against rotation in the operative position of the catch.

21. A handle assembly according to Claim 20 wherein the securing means comprises a detent on one of the handle and barrel that is biassed to engage the other on removal of the key to secure the barrel and is disengaged to release the barrel on insertion of the key.

22. A handle assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

23. A fastener for doors or windows comprising a handle assembly according to any one of the preceding Claims and a keeper for engagement by the handle.

24. A fastener according to Claim 23 wherein the handle is engageable with the keeper to secure the door or window closed.

25. A fastener according to Claim 24 wherein the handle is engage able with the keeper to secure the door or window in a vent position.

26. A fastener according to Claim 24 or Claim 25 wherein the catch is operable to secure the handle relative to the base plate when engaged with the keeper.

27. A multi-point fastener for doors and windows such as an espagnolette bolt comprising a handle assembly according to any one of Claims 1 to 22 and a fastening mechanism arranged for actuation by the handle.

28. An operating mechanism for doors and windows comprising a handle assembly according to any one of Claims 1 to 22 and tilt/turn gear arranged for actuation by the handle.

29. A lockable arrangement for a handle arranged for pivotal movement about a first axis comprises a barrel mounted in the handle for rotation by a key about a second axis normal to the first axis and a catch mounted in the handle for pivotal movement, the catch having a follower engageable in a cam groove in the barrel such that the catch is pivotal between an operative position preventing pivotal movement of the handle and an inoperative position permitting pivotal movement of the handle on rotation of the barrel in opposed senses.