AU2014221226B2

AU2014221226B2 - Door handle assembly

Info

Publication number: AU2014221226B2
Application number: AU2014221226A
Authority: AU
Inventors: James Yu
Original assignee: Classic Hardware Suppliers Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Classic Hardware Suppliers Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2013-09-05
Filing date: 2014-09-04
Publication date: 2018-07-12
Anticipated expiration: 2034-09-04
Also published as: NZ630104A; AU2014221226A1; AU2017200599A1; AU2015207957A1

Abstract

The specification discloses a door handle assembly (10) including a door handle (15) with a grip portion (16) and a mounting portion (17), the door handle assembly further including a mounting plate member (42) mountable, in use, to a door surface (12, 13), a link connector member (20, 80) having a first outer end (21) and a second inner end (30) defining a longitudinal axis whereby, in use, the link connector member (20, 80) passes through a central opening (60) in said mounting plate member (42) to be at least partially rotatable about the longitudinal axis with said longitudinal axis extending laterally from the opening (60) in the mounting plate member (42), the assembly (10) further having first retainer means (23, 24, 25, 81) adapted to connect and retain or release the first outer end (21) of the link connector means (20, 80) to or from the mounting portion (17) of the door handle (15), the door handle assembly (10) further including an outer fascia plate member (26) releasably connectible to the mounting plate member (42), the fascia plate member (26) having an outer wall (28) and a peripheral wall (27) surrounding the mounting plate member (42) whereby the door handle (15) and the fascia plate member (26) can be selectably removed and replaced without affecting the remainder of the door handle assembly (10). -7 ( 26 834 43 4+45 -ig2 - 41

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001 ] The invention relates generally to the field of door handle assemblies and arrangements for mounting same to a door.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] A conventional door handle assembly includes a pair of base or mounting plates with each mounting plate, in use, being arranged on either side of the door, the mounting plates being secured together by several threaded fastener members that pass through a purposely formed transverse opening in the door with the threaded fasteners separately engaging with and securing the mounting plates together with each mounting plate engaging against an opposite face of the door. Alternatively the mounting plates might be directly secured by threaded fasteners to the door itself. A door handle generally has a spigot extending through the mounting plate and secured thereto to be rotatable relative to the mounting plates but secured against removal. A square drive shaft either connects the spigots on the handles on either side of the door through a latch mechanism or separate square drive shafts join each handle spigot to opposite sides of the door latch mechanism whereby the handles can operate the latch mechanism independently. It is becoming increasingly desired to provide door handles of the lever design, although knob type handles are also supplied. If it is desired to cover or hide the fasteners holding the mounting plates to each other or to the door, a fascia plate might be provided to cover each mounting plate. If the design permits, the fascia plate might be connected to the mounting plate by a peripheral (a large diameter) screw thread, although screw threads of this size are difficult to assemble and can result in cross threading of the thread arrangement. An alternative is to utilize an elastomeric washer ring to provide a friction engagement around the periphery of the assembly. The fascia plate does, however need to have a central opening of sufficient size to allow the fascia plate

2014221226 28 May 2018 to be fitted by passing it over the door handle (lever or knob type). This necessarily results in a parting line between part of the underlying mounting plate and the fascia plate. Moreover the outward facing and visible part of the mounting plate does need to have the same material finish as that of the outward facing surfaces of the fascia plate. These issues severely restrict the ability of a person to change the appearance of a door handle set once installed without replacing the whole door handle assembly. Replacing the whole door handle assembly is of course a relatively costly exercise when multiple such assemblies commonly exist in a particular building.

[0003] The aim of the present invention is to provide a door handle assembly configured to allow the appearance of the assembly to be altered in a much simpler manner with substantially less cost than replacing the whole assembly as is the case with conventional door handle constructions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0004] Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention provides a door handle assembly including a door handle with a grip portion and a mounting portion, said assembly further including a mounting plate member mountable, in use, to an outwardly facing door surface, a spring retaining housing, a link connector member having first outer end and a second inner end defining a longitudinal axis whereby, in use, the link connector member passes through a central opening in each of said mounting plate member and said spring retaining housing to be at least partially rotatable about said longitudinal axis with said longitudinal axis extending laterally from the opening in said mounting plate member, and first retainer means adapted to connect and retain said first outer end of said link connector member to the mounting portion of said door handle, said door handle assembly further including an outer fascia plate member releasably connectible to said mounting plate member, said fascia plate member having an outer wall and a peripheral wall surrounding said mounting plate member,

2014221226 28 May 2018 wherein, the assembly further includes a torsion spring within the spring retaining housing.

[0005] Preferred features of the invention may be as defined in claims 2 to 20 inclusive annexed hereto, the subject matter of these claims being included in the disclosure of this specification by this reference thereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0006] Fig 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a pair of door handle assemblies secured to opposite sides of a door, parts being omitted for the sake of clarity.

[0007] Fig 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view through a fascia cover plate together with a diagrammatic plan view illustrating the connection of the fascia cover plate to a mounting plate;

[0008] Fig 3 is a cross-sectional view and plan view of a cover plate for the torsional spring of the door handle assembly;

[0009] Fig 4 is a sectional view through parts of door handle assembly with the handle and some other features omitted;

[0010] Fig 5a is a side elevation view of the separate mounting spigot for the handles of the handle assembly together with a securing fastener;

[0011] Fig 5b is a cross-sectional view of the mounting spigot taken along line B-B of Fig 5a;

[0012] Fig 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view similar to Fig 1 showing a possible alternative embodiment;

[0013] Figs 7 and 8 are views similar to Figs 2 and 3 for the alternative embodiment of Fig 6;

2014221226 04 Sep 2014 [0014] Fig 9 is a view similar to Fig 4 for the alternative embodiment of Fig 6;

[0015] Fig 10 shows in plan view, a lock nut usable with the alternative embodiment of Fig 6;

[0016] Fig 11 is a side elevation view of the separate mounting spigot similar to Fig 5a but forming part of the alternative embodiment shown in Figs 6 and 9;

[0017] Fig 12 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting spigot shown in Fig 11 taken along line A-A of Fig 11;

[0018] Fig 13 is an upper plan view of the mounting plate; and [0019] Fig 14 is a lower plan view of the mounting plate shown in Fig 13.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT [0020] Referring to the drawings, Fig 1 shows a pair of door handle assemblies 10,11 annexed to opposed sides 12, 13 of a door 14 with some parts omitted. The door handle assemblies 10, 11 are the same and only the assembly 10 will be described hereafter. The assembly 10 includes a handle 15 with a lever grip portion 16 and a handle spigot 17. The handle spigot 17 has a central bore 18 with a fastener receiving smaller bore 19 at its inner end. A separate mounting spigot or link member 20 has a first end section 21 adapted to slidingly fit within the central bore 18. The separate link member 20 may be formed with a hollow inner zone 22 whereby a fastener 23 can, if desired engage through the end wall of the first end section 21 to hold the link member 20 to the handle spigot

17. The fastener 23 is optional and used only if a semi-permanent structure is desired. More usually, the handle spigot 17 is held to the link member 20 by a transverse fastener 24 (Figs 6a, 6b) passing through a suitable opening 25 in a side wall of the handle spigot 17 and the member 20. This permits the handle 15 to be readily removed from the remainder of the assembly.

2014221226 04 Sep 2014 [0021 ] The assembly 10 further includes an outer cover fascia plate 26 having a peripheral wall 27 and outer continuous closed wall 28 except for a central opening 29 sufficient to allow an increased diameter inner section 30 of the link member 20 to pass therethrough. The inner section 30 has diametrically opposed slots 31,32 in its wall and an outer groove 33 adapted to receive a retaining circlip as explained hereafter. The arrangement is such that, when assembled, the inner free end 34 of the handle spigot 17 is positioned close to the outer face of the closed wall 28 of the fascia plate 26. The fascia plate 26 defines an internal hollow space 35 from which certain parts have been omitted, some of which are shown in other drawing figures.

[0022] The hollow space 35 includes a pair of diametrically opposed spigots 37, 38 each with a threaded bore 39 to threadingly receive threaded members 40, 41 with larger diameter heads (Fig 2), the purpose of which is described hereafter. As shown in Fig 4, the assembly 10 includes a mounting plate 42 that is securable through four equally spaced apertures 43 adapted to allow fasteners (not shown) to connect the mounting plate 42, either to the door 14 or through an opening in the door 14 to connect to the mounting plate 42 of the door handle assembly 11. The apertures 43 are located in an annular region 44 of the mounting plate 42 to define a hollow region or zone 45. The top wall 46 of the mounting plate includes a central opening 60 permitting the inner section 30 of the link member 20 to also pass therethrough. Within the hollow region 45, a spring retaining housing 70 is positioned, again having a wall 47 and an annular perimeter wall 48. The wall 47 also has a central opening 61 to permit the inner section 30 of the link member 20 to pass therethrough. In the assembled position, the perimeter groove 33 in the inner section 30 of the link member 20 is located just below the wall 47 such that the link member 20 is prevented from moving outwardly by interengagement of the circlip (not shown) intended to be positioned in the groove 33 with the wall 47. The zone 49 within the perimeter wall 48 is intended to contain a torsion spring (not shown), one end of which is retained in the recess 62 between abutments 50, 51 located in the zone 49 against the wall 48 with the other end of the spring being retained in one or other of the slots 31,32 in the inner section 30 of the link member 20.

2014221226 04 Sep 2014 [0023] As shown in Figs 2, 13 and 14, the mounting plate 42 further includes diametrically opposed key hole slots 52, 53 in the annular perimeter zone 44.

One end of the slots 52, 53 have an enlarged opening 54 sufficient to allow the heads of the threaded members 40, 41 to pass therethrough. When assembling the structure the heads of the members 40, 41 are positioned over and passed through the openings 54. Thereafter, the fascia cover plate 26 is rotated such that the legs of the members 40, 41 pass along the narrower sections 55 of the slots 52, 53 such that the underneath of the heads engage on the surfaces adjacent the narrow sections 55. Conveniently the surfaces adjacent the narrower sections might include an inclined (or ramped) section leading to a flat section when the fascia plate is in its final assembled position. Further adjustment is possible by varying the position of the heads of the members 40, 41 by screwing the members 40, 41 in or out.

[0024] Conveniently the annular perimeter zone 44 of the mounting plate 42 also includes four smaller bores 56 intended to mount spring elements (not shown) that will project, in use, upwardly to engage the inner surface 65 of the cover fascia plate 26 to provide a friction force sufficient to prevent unwanted rotation of the fascia plate 26 and possible detachment of same from the mounting plate 42 in use of the assembly. The spring elements might be elastomeric packing, leaf or compression springs. The arrangement described allows the whole of the fascia plate 26 to be changed if and when desired. The arrangement also allows the door handle 15 to be changed if and when desired. These changes can be made without needing to change the remainder of the door assembly. It will of course be appreciated that the perimeter of the fascia plate 26 can be varied considerably to include circular, oval, square, rectangular and a variety of other and more complicated shapes. It will of course be appreciated when the shape allows it, that other known forms of connection between the fascia plate 26 and the mounting plate 42 could be used.

[0025] As shown in Fig 4, the inner surface 65 of the fascia plate 26 may be positioned closely adjacent or contacting the outer surface of the mounting plate

2014221226 04 Sep 2014

42. A washer member 71 of the same thickness as the fascia plate outer wall 28 is positioned with a bore 72 providing a sliding fit on the inner section 30 of the link member 20. The perimeter 73 of the washer 71 provides a close fit in an opening 74 in the fascia plate 26. Conveniently, the outer surface of the washer member 71 and the outer surface of the fascia plate 26 have the same surface finish. Conveniently, the link member 20 includes an integral collar ring 75 providing a ledge 76 for the link member 20 to rest against the washer member 71. The upper or outer edge of the collar ring 75 having formations 77 adapted to engage with corresponding complementary formations on the handle spigot 17 to act as a drive connection between the handle 15 and the link member 20. Conveniently the handle spigot has a peripheral skirt 78 that is positioned closely adjacent the washer member 71 to hide the drive formations 76.

[0026] The handle assemblies may be connected via a square drive shaft 79 having its ends fitting within a complementary shaped square bore 85 in the mounting spigot or link member 20 as is known in the art. Alternatively separate square drive shafts might connect the square bores 85 with a latch tongue operating mechanism of any desired type mounted within the door as is also known in the art.

[0027] Referring now to the alternative embodiment shown in Figs 6 to 12, like features in the embodiment of Figs 1 to 5 have been given the same reference numerals. In this alternative embodiment, the screw 23 fastening the mounting spigot 80 to the handle spigot 17 has been omitted. In this embodiment, a separate screw member is screwed through a threaded bore in a side wall of the handle spigot 17 to have its inner end engage within a groove 81 circumferentially formed in the outer wall 82 of the mounting spigot 80. Further, instead of the inner end region 30 of the mounting spigot 80 being secured by a circlip, a lock nut 83 is utilized. The lock nut 83 is threaded onto a screw threaded zone of the inner end region 30 of the mounting spigot 80 with a lock pin 84 passing through an opening in the lock nut and having its inner end retained within one of the slots 31 or 32.

2014221226 04 Sep 2014 [0028] It will of course be appreciated that the circlip of the embodiment of Figs 1 to 5 could also be employed with the embodiment of Figs 6 to 12. Of course the lock nut and pin arrangement of Figs 6 to 12 could also be used with the embodiment of Figs 1 to 5.

[0029] Persons skilled in the art will recognize that modifications, variations and changes can be made without departing from the concepts disclosed in the accompanying claims.

2014221226 28 May 2018

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A door handle assembly including a door handle with a grip portion and a mounting portion, said assembly further including a mounting plate member mountable, in use, to an outwardly facing door surface, a spring retaining housing, a link connector member having first outer end and a second inner end defining a longitudinal axis whereby, in use, the link connector member passes through a central opening in each of said mounting plate member and said spring retaining housing to be at least partially rotatable about said longitudinal axis with said longitudinal axis extending laterally from the opening in said mounting plate member, and first retainer means adapted to connect and retain said first outer end of said link connector member to the mounting portion of said door handle, said door handle assembly further including an outer fascia plate member releasably connectible to said mounting plate member, said fascia plate member having an outer wall and a peripheral wall surrounding said mounting plate member, wherein, the assembly further includes a torsion spring within the spring retaining housing.
2. The door handle assembly according to claim 1, wherein said link connector member includes a collar ring portion overlying and resting on a washer member, said washer member having an outer peripheral edge zone closely fitting within an inner opening in the outer wall of said fascia plate member, preferably wherein a central opening is formed in the washer member whereby, when installed, the central openings in said washer member and said mounting plate member overly one another and are substantially the same size.
3. The door handle assembly according to claim 1, wherein said link connector member includes a collar ring portion overlying and resting on a first central portion of said mounting plate member, said first central portion having an outer peripheral edge zone closely fitting within an inner opening in the outer wall of said fascia plate member.

2014221226 28 May 2018
4. The door handle assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein drive formations interengage between said mounting portion of the door handle and said link connector member whereby said link connector member rotates in response to said handle rotating.
5. The door handle assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further including second retainer means adapted to retain at least a part of said second end of the link connector member inwardly of said mounting plate member.
6. The door handle assembly according to claim 5, wherein said second retainer means is a circlip fitting within a groove located adjacent to an inner end of the second inner end of the link connector member or said second retainer means is a lock nut engageable with said second end of the link connector member.
7. The door handle assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the mounting portion of said door handle includes a spigot portion with a spigot bore extending inwardly from a free end of said spigot portion, said first outer end of said link connector member being configured to slidingly fit within said spigot bore whereby the free end of said spigot portion is positioned closely adjacent an outer wall of said washer member or said first central portion of said mounting plate member, preferably wherein said first retainer means includes at least one threaded fastener passing through said spigot portion into said first outer end of said link connector member.
8. The door handle assembly according to claim 7, wherein said first retainer means includes at least one threaded fastener into a circumferential groove in an outer surface of said spigot portion.
9. The door handle assembly according to claim 7, wherein said link connector member is hollow and open at an inner free end of said second inner end of the link connector member, a further fastener means passing through and

2014221226 28 May 2018 connecting the outer distal end zone of the outer end of the link connector member to said mounting portion of the door handle.
10. The door handle assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the outer first end of the connector link member has a substantially uniform crosssection that is circular or non-circular in cross-section.
11. The door handle assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the inner second end of said link connecting member has a uniform circular cross-sectional shape, preferably wherein the inner second end of said link connecting member has a longitudinal slot or slots extending from a free end of the second end of the link connecting member.
12. A door handle assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the mounting plate member includes a pair of key hole slots, each of said key hole slots having an enlarged end section connected to a narrower arcuate slot section, said fascia plate member having a pair of headed members connected to an inner surface of the outer wall extending laterally from said inner surface, whereby the heads of the headed members can be placed through the enlarged end section of the key hole slot with the fascia plate member being relatively rotated to locate shanks of the headed members in the narrower arcuate slot sections to releasably retain the fascia plate member to the mounting plate member.
13. The door handle assembly according to claim 12, wherein the heads of the headed members are adjustable towards or away from the inner surface of the outer wall of the fascia plate member.
14. The door handle assembly according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein engagement surfaces are provided on either side of the narrower arcuate slot sections adapted in use to engage with a head of said headed members, each said engagement surface including at least one inclined or ramped section.

2014221226 28 May 2018
15. The door handle assembly according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein one or more spring means are actively provided operable between the inner surface of the outer wall of the fascia plate member and the mounting plate, preferably wherein the spring means includes elastomeric packing, coil springs and/or leaf springs.
16. The door handle assembly according to claim 6, wherein the second retainer means is the circlip and the groove is positioned beneath a wall of the spring retaining housing such that the link connector member is prevented from moving outwardly by the circlip.
17. The door handle assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the spring retaining housing is positioned within a hollow region of the mounting plate member.
18. The door handle assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the torsion spring includes a first end and a second end, and wherein the first end is retained by the mounting plate member and the second end is retained by the link connector member.
19. The door handle assembly according to claim 18, wherein the first end is retained in a recess between abutments of the mounting plate member and against a perimeter wall of the spring retaining housing.
20. The door handle assembly according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the second end is retained in a slot in an inner section of the link connector member.

CLASSIC HARDWARE SUPPLIERS PTY LTD

WATERMARK PATENT AND TRADE MARKS ATTORNEYS

P37875AU00

2014221226 04 Sep 2014

2014221226 04 Sep 2014

2014221226 04 Sep 2014

2014221226 04 Sep 2014

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