AU648451B2

AU648451B2 - A handle

Info

Publication number: AU648451B2
Application number: AU30175/92A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Mervyn George Harcourt
Original assignee: Whitco Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Assa Abloy Australia Pty Ltd
Priority date: 1992-01-09
Filing date: 1992-12-16
Publication date: 1994-04-21
Anticipated expiration: 2012-12-16
Also published as: AU3017592A

Description

648451

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT Name of Applicant(s): Actual Inventor(s): Address for Service: Invention Title: WHITCO PTY LTD CULLEN CO., Patent Trade Mark Attorneys, 240 Queen Street, Brisbane, Qld. 4000, Australia.

A HANDLE Details of Associated Provisional Applications: filed on 9 January, 1992 Nos. PL0316 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us: THIS INVENTION relates to a handle for a wing and particularly relates to a handle for a sliding wing such as a sliding door or sliding window.

Sliding doors or windows are guided in a track which usually comprises part of the window or door surround frame or a guide. To enable the window or door to be slid between open and closed positions, the window or door is provided with a handle which can be gripped by a person. The handle is sometimes formed integrally with the door or window and usually comprises a flange extending at right angles which can be gripped. Alternatively, a separate handle can be fitted to S the door or window which can be gripped. For larger windows S and heavier doors, a good firm grip is necessary to enable the window or door to be conveniently moved.

It is also known to provide sliding windows or doors, and especially sliding glass doors or security doors, with a lock. For slidin doors, the lock is usually morticed

S

into an edge of the door and includes a lock tongue having a hook-like configuration which can be rotated between a locking Z0". and unlocking position. The surround frame includes a keeper around which the hooked lock tongue can pass to lock the door to the _.round frame.

The lock tongue is manipulated by a lock operator usually in the form of a small lever which can be operated by a person's thumb or finger. The lever comprises a lever arm mounted externally to the door and having a spigot portion which is of rectangular cross-section and which passes through a rectangular opening in the lock. The rectangular opening is associated with the lock tongue so that by pivoting the lever (usually by a person's thumb or finger) the lock tongue is caused to rotate to the open position. A person could then grip the door or window handle or a handle flange and slide the door or window to the open position. In almost all cases, the lock tongue was biased to naturally adopt the closed position and included a ramped portion such that when the door or window was closed the lock tongue automatically engaged the keeper. The function of the lever is therefore only to unlock the door or window to allow it to be opened.

A' disadvantage with this arrangement was that opening of the door or window was a two-handed affair requiring manipulation of the lever followed by gripping of the handle. Another disadvantage with this system was the number of parts required in the handle assembly to incorporate the lever thereon. This was because the lever was usually mounted to the handle and passed through an aperture on the handle into the rectangular opening of the lock. To prevent the lever from being pulled off the handle, it was necessary to secure it in place by a circlip. This in turn required a groove to be formed on the lever to accommodate the circlip and required an assembly step. Furthermore, this lever arrangement was finicky and quite often, a person's thumb or finger would slide off the lever when attempting to unlock the door causing injury to the person.

The applicant has now developed an improved handle arrangement whereby the lever (or lock actuator) can be readily mounted without the requirement of separate fasteners 4 such as circlips. Furthermore, the improved handle arrangement provides a better positioning of the lever and facilitates a one-handed operation in unlocking and sliding a door or window in the open position.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a handle which may substantially overcome the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the public with a useful choice.

In one form, the invention resides in a handle for a qO.. sliding wing, the wing being fitted with a lock having a lock tongue moveable between a locking position and a free position and engagement means associated with the lock tongue, the engagement means being adapted to engage with an external lock actuator which can cause the lock tongue to move from its locking position to its free position, the handle comprising o a mounting portion to mount the handle to the wing and/or lock and to overlie the engagement means, a handle portion, having a side wall extending from tha mounting portion, and a lock actuator positioned between the mounting portion and the wing and/or lock, and having a first portion engageable with the engagement means, and a second portion extending through an opening in the handle portion, whereby depression of said second portion into the opening causes the lock actuator to move the lock tongue from its locking position to its free position.

A handle is particularly suited for sliding doors and especially sliding glass doors or sliding security doors.

The lock may be morticed into an edge of the window or door. The lock tongue may be of the reciprocating type but suitably it is of the rotating type where the lock tongue can be rotated into locking engagement with a suitably configured keeper on the door jamb or window surround frame. In this arrangement, the lock tongue preferably includes a hooked portion. The lock may include a key-operated cylinder barrel which extends from the lock body and through a suitable aperture in the door or window. The engagement means of the lock may comprise an aperture extending through the lock, the aperture being of rectangular cross-section. The window or S door may be formed with an aperture to allow access to the engagement means.

The mounting portion of the handle may comprise a mounting plate. The mounting plate may include a top wall and spacing means to space the top wall above the window or door and/or lock. The spacing means suitably comprises a side wall. The side wall may extend about the periphery of the top wall. The spacing means may be sized to space top wall from 2U" the wing sufficiently to allow the first portion of the lock actuator to pass between the top wall and the door or window.

The mounting portion may include an opening to allow a key cylinder barrel extending from the lock to pass through the mounting portion. This aperture is suitably configured in a manner similar to the outer periphery of the key cylinder barrel to provide a neat and attractive finish and to prevent tampering with the barrel. It is preferred that the mounting portion comprises an elongate rectangular body which is substantially planer.

The handle ,,rtIon suitably comprises a side wall which can extend from adjacent an edge of the mounting portion. The side wall suitably extends substantially at right angles from the mounting portion. The side wall and the mounting portion may be integrally formed. The side wall may be spaced from the mounting portion to a distance sufficient to allow it to be comfortably gripped or pushed by a person's hand. Preferably, the side wall includes the opening in the handle portion through which the second portion of the lock actuator can extend.

The handle portion may include a cover wall to cover at least a portion of the lock actuator. The cover wall suitably extends from the side wall and may extend rearwardly therefrom. The cover member may be substantially rectangular when viewed in plan and may be substantially planer and may extend substantially parallel to the mounting portion. Tn cover member may be integrally formed with the side wall.

The first portion of the lock actuator may comprise a first arm member. Similarly, the second portion may comprise a second arm member. The first and second arm members may be joined together adjacent ends thereof and may define an angle therebetween. Suitably, the arm members define a substantially V-shaped configuration.

The first arm member may have a free end. The free end may be provided with a projection which can engage with the engagement means of the lock. The projection suitably comprises a conrod having a substantially rectangular crosssectional configuration.

The second arm member may have a free end. This free end suitably passes through the opening in the handle portion. The free end may include grip enhancing means thereon. The grip enhancing means may comprise ribs or grooves.

The lock actuator may be supported by the mounting portion and/or handle portion. Suitably, the mounting portion is provided with a recess to accommodate a projection on the lock actuator, this projection acting as a pivot.

Alternatively, a mounting portion may be provided with a projection and the lock actuator may be provided with the corresponding recess. The degree of pivotal movement of the lock actuator relative to the remaining portion of the handle may be limited by means of a stop member. The stop member may comprise a projection extending from an internal surface of the cover member and against which the second portion abuts upon depression of the second portion through the opening.

The invention will be better described by reference to a preferred embodiment thereof as shown in the accompanying eOoe drawings in which Figure 1 in an exploded view of a handle according to an embodiment ,x the invention fastened to a sliding wing; Figure 2 is a rear plan view of the handle of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a part perspective view of the handle showing in particular the arrangement of the lock actuator with the remaining portion of the handle.

Referring to the drawings and especially Figure 1 there is shown a pair of handles 10, 11 which can be mounted to a sliding wing in the form of a sliding door 12. Sliding door 12 includes a lock 13 which is morticed into an edge of the door. Lock 13 is of a known type and includes a lock tongue 14 having a hooked portion (not shown) and which can rotate between a locking and an unlocking position. Lock 13 further comprises a key cylinder barrel 15 which extends through an aperture 16 in sliding door 12. Lock tongue 14 is associated with an engagement means 17 in the form an opening of rectangular cross-section. This is accessible through a further aperture 18 in door 12.

Handle 10 comprises a mounting portion 19 being of a substantially rectangular configuration when viewed in plan and being substantially planer. Mounting portion 19 comprises a top wall 20 and spacing means in the form of a peripheral side wall 21. Peripheral side wall 21 spaces top wall *4 above a side wall 21A of door 12 sufficiently to allow the first portion of the lock actuator to pass therebetween as shall be described in greater detail below. Top wall 20 is provided with an aperture 22 configured to fit snugly around key cylinder barrel 15 when handle 10 is mounted to door 12.

Top wall 20 is also provided with an aperture 23 to accommodate a fastener (not shown) to allow handle 10 be fastened to door 12 and/or lock 13. A decorative cap 24 may be provided over aperture 23 once the fastener has passed therethrough.

Handle 10 further includes a handle portion comprising a side wall 26 and a cover wall 27. Side wall 26 extends at right angles outwardly from mounting portion 19 and from adjacent a longitudinal edge thereof. Side wall 26 includes an opening 28 through which the second portion of 29 of the lock actuator can pass. Side wall 26 is of sufficient size to allow it to be conveniently gripped or pushed against by a person's hand. Cover wall 27 extends at right angles from side wall 26 and is substantially parallel to top wall 20. Cover wall 27 is substantially rectangular when viewed in plan and functions to provide a decorative and pleasing finish to the handle and also to cover some of the parts of the lock actuator. In the embodiment, the mounting portion and handle portion are integrally from a single piece of plastic.

Figure 2 shows in greater detail the lock actuator 30. Lock actuator 30 comprises a first portion 31 in the form of a first arm member and a second portion 29 in the form of a second arm member. Arm members 31 and 29 are integrally formed and are joined to give the lock actuator a substantially V-shaped configuration when viewed in plan. Arm member 31 is provided with a projection 32 (see also Figure 1) which extends at right angles from a lower face of the armmember 31. Projection 32 is in the form of a conrod having a rectangular cross-section and which fits snugly within engagement means 17 of lock 13. Second arm 29 extends through aperture 28 in side wall 26. The free end of second arm 29 is provided with grip enhancing profiles in the form of a series of ribs 34. It can be seen that upon depression of second arm 29 by a person's thumb, conrod 32 is caused to rotate about its longitudinal axis which in turn causes lock tongue 14 to rotate. First arm 31 passes between top wall 20 and a corresponding side wall 21A of door 12 with conrod 32 passing through engagement means 17. Second arm 29 lies below cover wall 27 as shown.

The lock actuator 30 is guided for pivotal movement by a projection (not shown) in the form of a round button which is positioned on first arm 31 and opposite to conrod 32.

This projection locates within a correspondingly shaped recess (see Figure 3) formed on the inside surface of top wall This arrangement lightly guides lock actuator 30 for pivotal S: movement. The degree of pivotal movement of lock actuator is determined by a stop member 36 which is attached to an extends from a lower surface of cover wall 27. Second arm 29 is caused abut against stop member 36 upon depression of the arm member by a person's thumb. This arrangement prevents full insertion of second arm member into the handle portion which is undesirable.

It can be seen that the handle according to the invention allows for a simple one-handed operation to unlock and slide a door or window to its open position. The handle has a comfortable feel and does not require two-handed operation. Furthermore, the lock actuator can be press fitted to the remaining portion of the handle and does not require any securement in the form of circlips or other attachment means. Finally, by having the lock actuator positioned in the handle portion its operation is greatly facilitated as would be the case if the lock actuator merely extended through an opening in top wall 20 as is the case with known systems.

It should be appreciated that various other changes and modifications may be made to the Bmbodiments described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.

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Claims

1. A handle for a sliding wing, the wing being fitted with a lock having a lock tongue moveable between a locking position and a free position and engagement means associated with the lock tongue, the engagement means being adapted to engage with an external lock actuator which can cause the lock tongue to move from its locking position to its Lree position, the handle comprising a mounting portion to mount the handle to the wing and/or lock and to overlie the engagement means, a handle portion, having a side wall extending from the mounting portion, and a lock actuator positioned between the mounting portion and the wing and/or lock, and having a first portion engageable with the engagement means, and a second portion extending through an opening in the handle portion, whee. aby depression of said second portion into the opening causes the o lock actuator to move the lock tongue from its locking position to its free position.

2. The handle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wing is a sliding door, a sliding glass door, a sliding security door or a sliding window.

3. The handle as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the mounting portion comprises a mounting plate.

4. The handle as claimed in claim 3, wherein the mounting plate includes spacing means to space the mounting plate from the wing sufficiently to allow the first portion of 13 the lock actuator to pass between the mounting plate and the wing.

The handle as claimed in claim 4, wherein the spacing means comprises a peripheral side wall extending about the mounting plate.

6. The handle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mounting portion includes an opening to allow a key cylinder barrel extending from the lock to pass through the mounting portion.

7. The handle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the side wall of the handle portion extends "substantially at right angles from adjacent an edge of the 6 mounting portion.

8. The handle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the side wall extends from the mounting 6* portion for a distance sufficient to allow it to be gripped or pushed by a person's hand.

9. The handle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the side wall includes the opening through 2C". which the second portion of the lock actuator can extend.

The handle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, including a cover wall to cover at least a portion of the loci actuator.

11. The handle as claimed in claim 10, wherein the cover wall extends rearwardly from the side wall and is attached thereto. 14

12. The handle as claimed in claim 10 or claim 11 wherein the mounting portion, side wall and cover portion are integrally formed.

13. The handle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the first portion' of the lock actuator comprises a first arm member.

14. The handle as claimed in claim 13, wherein the first arm member includes a projection which can extend into an aperture in the lock, the aperture comprising the engagement means.

15. The handle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second portion comprises a second arm 'o member.

16. The handle as claimed in claim 15, wherein the first arm member and second arm member are joined adjacent respective ends thereof to define a substantially V shaped configuration.

17. The handle as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the second arm member has a free end which passes 2Cr:"* through the opening in the handle portion, and which can be depressed into the opening.

18. The handle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lock actuator is supported by the mounting portion and/or the handle portion.

19. The handle as claimed in claim 18, wherein the lock actuator is pivotally supported by a mounting portion.

The handle as claimed in any one o2 the preceding claims, wherein the degree of movement of the lock actuator is limited by a stop member.

21. A handle substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. DATED this Fifteenth day of December, 1992. WHITCO PTY LTD by their Patent Attorneys CULLEN CO o• 9 ABSTRACT A handle for a sliding door or window which contains a lock. The handle can be conveniently gripped by a person's hand and includes a lock actuator pivotally connected to the handle and which connects with the lock. The lock actuator has a portion which extends through the handle and which can be depressed by a person's thumb at the same time as gripping the handle. The handle is compact in design, allows an easy single handed operation to unlock and slide a door or window to an open position, and does away with the necessity for a separate lock lever which needs to be separately mounted to the lock.