AU2017208326B2 - Low Profile Rose Door Furniture - Google Patents

Abstract

The latch and handle assembly provides the user with a robust configuration capable of operation through many thousands if not hundreds of thousands of cycles, but in addition allows movement of the opening and closing mechanism of the door handles from the escutcheon into the width of the door which allows the profile of the escutcheons themselves to be minimised, providing an extremely low profile latch and handle assembly. 00 00 mr

Description

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LOW PROFILE ROSE DOOR FURNITURE AND HANDLE/LATCH OPERATING MECHANISM TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to door furniture and particularly to door furniture with components to minimise the profile of the door furniture relative to the thickness of the door.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Doors generally have at least one rotatable handle, usually accompanied with a latch. A typical "handle set" is composed of a first rotatable handle located on one side of the door associated with an elongate spindle, a second rotatable handle located on the opposite side of the door and associated with the elongate spindle and a latchset including a retractable latch bolt biased into an extended condition, the latchset provided within the thickness of the door and associated with the spindle such that operation of the handle on either side of the door, rotates the spindle which in turn withdraws the latch bolt, allowing the door to be opened.

[00031 In most assemblies, the rotatable handle is mounted relative to the door using an escutcheon or rose which houses working components allowing the handle to be worked to operate the door but to be biased into the latched condition. As a result of this configuration, the rose is generally quite bulky, sometimes being up to 12 mm on either side of the door.

[0004] Alternatively, the working components can be housed within the door thickness which allows the rose to be reduced in thickness. However, this causes a different set of issues in that the mechanism is then required to be housed within the door itself.

[0005] Most latch operating mechanisms operate on a biased principle where the handle is biased onto a rest position and the latch bolt is biased into an extended condition. The biasing is normally achieved by a spring or similar. Although many types of springs are used, the most commonly used are torsion springs (sometimes called a clock spring). However, coil springs and other spring types that are used commonly have repetition issues in that the spring needs to function as intended through many, usually many thousands of cycles and quite often a spring that is not suited for the purpose or one that operates abnormally will fail relatively quickly.

[00061 In this light, it would be a significant advance in the art if a latch and handle operating mechanism can be provided that allow a low profile escutcheon or rose to be utilised and/or that has superior durability over its operational life could be provided.

[00071 It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0008] The present invention is directed to a low profile rose door furniture and handle/latch operating mechanism, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0009] With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in a handle and latch operating mechanism including

1) A latch assembly with a latch member moveable between an extended condition and a retracted condition biased into the extended condition

2) A first handle operator and a second handle operator configured for mounting on either side of an active leaf of a door assembly, each handle operator having a spindle engagement assembly;

3) an operation cassette including

a) a first drive hub including afirst spindle portion to engage with the spindle engagement assembly on the first handle operator, a first drive cam portion and a first biasing leg offset from the first drive cam portion

b) a second drive hub including a second spindle portion to engage with the spindle engagement assembly on the second handle operator, a second drive cam portion and a second biasing leg offset from the second drive cam portion, the second drive hub operable independently of the first drive hub

c) a moveable latch carriage associated with the latch member and configured to cause movement of the latch member into the retracted condition upon rotation of either one the first spindle portion or the second spindle portion which in turn causes rotation of the respective first drive hub or second drive hub to drive movement of the latch carriage into the retracted condition; and

4) a return actuator engageable with the operation cassette and including a resilient assembly to engage with the respective first biasing leg or second biasing leg to drive rotation of the first drive hub or second drive hub to bias the respective first handle operator or second handle operator into a rest condition.

[0010] The latch assembly is preferably provided as a separate unit, and typically, is attachable or engageable with the latch carriage during assembly. The latch assembly will preferably include a substantially planar faceplate to be located relative to the edge of the door, typically within a recess shaped to suit the shape of the faceplate.

[0011] The housing will typically extend from a rear side of the faceplate with the latch member extending through an opening in the faceplate. The housing will typically be housed within the door leaf and the latch member will typically extend outwardly from the edge of the door.

[0012] The latch member will typically be provided for movement relative to the housing. In a preferred form, the latch member will typically reciprocate relative to the housing between the extended condition and the retracted condition. The housing is preferably cylindrical although any shape may be used. The housing will typically house a biasing mechanism in order to bias the latch member into the extended condition. In a simple form, the biasing mechanism will preferably include a spring, typically a spring which is compressed as the handle is operated to draw the latch member into the retracted condition.

[00131 A portion of the housing will normally be provided with an abutment surface in order to abut one end of the preferred spring. Typically, a rear side of the housing will be at least partially closed in order to provide the abutment surface for mounting the spring there against but also to allow a connection pin to extend rearwardly from the housing. A portion of the latch member will also preferably have an abutment surface in order to abut an opposite end of the preferred spring.

[0014] The latch member is preferably associated with a connection pin and the connection pin is preferably associated with a latch member at a forward end and extends rearwardly from the housing in order to engage with the latch carriage of the preferred embodiment. Preferably, the pin has a free end at the rear of the connection pin opposite the latch member and the free end is typically provided with an enlarged head portion. A preferred form of the latch carriage is provided with an opening to engage with the connection pin such that the surrounds of the opening can engage with the enlarged head to affect withdrawal of the latch member upon

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rotation of one of the handle operators. The bias provided by the biasing member in the latch assembly will typically draw the latch carriage back into the neutral condition as well as biasing the latch member into the extended condition.

[0015] The substantially planar faceplate of the latch assembly will also typically include a seat provided on a rear side of the faceplate in order to at least partially seat a portion of the return actuator. Normally, the seat is provided below the latch member.

[00161 The assembly of the present invention includes a first handle operator and a second handle operator configured for mounting on either side of an active leaf of a door assembly, each handle operator having a spindle engagement assembly. Any type of handle operator or knob could be used but preferably, the handle operator is a lever handle with a mounting portion extending substantially perpendicular to a gripping portion. Typically, the spindle engagement assembly is a shaped opening to receive a correspondingly shaped spindle and the spindle engagement assembly is normally provided in the mounting portion of the handle operator.

[00171 The mounting portion is normally mounted to or relative to an escutcheon using a circlip in order to hold the mounting portion relative to the escutcheon.

[0018] At least one, and typically a pair of mounting openings will normally be provided in the escutcheon related to each of the first handle operator and the second handle operator. Normally, a first pair of mounting openings is provided in one of the escutcheons in order to engage a thread of the threaded member and a corresponding pair of mounting openings is provided in the other of the escutcheons in order to receive threaded fasteners there through which then extend through the thickness of the door to engage the other escutcheon with the heads of the threaded fasteners typically being seated in recesses in one of the escutcheons. The elongate, preferably threaded fastener will typically hold the handle operators relative to the door and also mount the operation cassette relative to the door.

[0019] Each escutcheon is typically provided with a cover or rose in order to cover the external side of the escutcheon once the escutcheons are properly mounted relative to the door. Although any shape could be used, each cover or rose is typically circular and will engage with the respective escutcheon by clipping relative to the escutcheon or screwing onto the escutcheon for example.

[0020] In a preferred form, a privacy actuator or button is preferably mounted to or relative to one of the handle operators, and preferably, relative to the escutcheon of one of the handle operators. Importantly, the privacy actuator or button can be removed from one of the escutcheons and provided relative to the other escutcheon to change the side of the door which is to have the privacy actuator. This can be used to change which side of the door functions in the privacy mode and which side of the door functions only in a passage mode. Where provided, the privacy actuator will typically engage with a privacy carriage which is provided in the operation cassette as will be explained further below.

[0021] The assembly of the present invention includes an operation cassette which, when properly assembled, engages both the latch assembly and each of the handle operators. The operation cassette may have any shape, but will preferably be generally circular. The operation cassette will normally have an external housing which contains components and relative to which the latch carriage is movable.

[0022] Generally, the housing of the operation cassette will include an open cylindrical housing portion with a substantially planar cover plate which is attached relative to the cylindrical housing portion to both contain components and to guide movement of movable components. The cover plate will normally attach to the housing portion via one or more threaded fasteners.

[00231 The operation cassette housing preferably contains both the first drive hub and the 2nd drive hub. The drive hubs will typically have similar configurations. Each drive hub preferably has a body portion. The body portion of each drive hub will typically be substantially cylindrical. Preferably, a spindle portion will extend from one circular surface of each of the preferred cylindrical drive hub body portions. One of the drive hubs will preferably include a cylindrical boss extending from the circular surface opposite the spindle portion and the other of the drive hubs will typically include a corresponding boss opening in order to receive the cylindrical boss therein in order to align the to drive hubs and maintain the 2 drive hubs coaxially but still allow independent rotation of the drive hubs depending on which handle operator is used to operate the latch.

[0024] Each spindle portion will typically have a substantially rectangular cross-section and will preferably extend substantially perpendicularly from the body portion. As mentioned above, the mounting portion of each of the handle operators will typically have a correspondingly shaped opening to receive the spindle portion to allow the rotation of the handle operator to be transmitted to the respective drive hub. The spindle portion will typically extend substantially coaxially with the body.

[00251 Each of the drive hubs also include a drive cam portion. Each drive cam portion preferably extends radially from the cylindrical surface of the body. Each drive cam portion preferably has an annular sector shape with a pair of substantially planar ends. Importantly, at least one of the substantially planar ends of the drive cam portion provides an abutment face to abut a portion of the latch carriage in order to move the latch carriage between the extended condition and the retracted condition. Preferably, each of the drive cam portions is located to one side of the respective body, generally the outer side of the body, closest to the spindle portion.

[00261 Each of the drive hubs is also provided with a biasing leg which is offset from the drive cam portion on the respective body. It is preferred that each biasing leg is elongate to extend through the latch carriage (as will be explained further below) but still be located within the operation cassette housing. Preferably, each of the biasing legs will have a shaped outer portion or free end. In particular, each biasing leg will typically converge as the biasing leg extend away from the body and then be provided with an enlarged portion at an outer end of the biasing leg. The provision of the enlarged portion will preferably allow a corresponding portion of the return actuator to maintain engagement with the biasing legs of each of the drive hubs during operation.

[00271 The drive hubs are typically mounted relative to the latch carriage. In a preferred embodiment, the respective bodies of the drive hubs will be mounted at least partially within the latch carriage.

[0028] The latch carriage is preferably generally rectangular in shape. The latch carriage typically has a forward end which is shaped to engage with the enlarged head of the connection pin of the latch assembly. In a preferred form, a forward opening is typically provided at a forward end of the latch carriage between an upper wing and a lower wing in order to receive a portion of the connection pin. A lateral opening is preferably provided adjacent to the forward opening in order to provide clearance for the enlarged head when the connection pin is engaged in the forward opening. Preferably, the forward opening corresponds substantially to the external dimension of the connection pin in order to minimise slippage or movement of the connection pin relative to the latch carriage.

[0029] The latch carriage will typically have openings into both lateral sides and preferably, an opening extending laterally through the latch carriage in order to allow the mounting of the drive hubs within the latch carriage. The lateral opening through the latch carriage is preferably sized and shaped to correspond to the size of the body of the drive hubs. The lateral opening will typically have a planar upper and lower periphery with arcuate end portions.

[0030] An elongate, slot opening is preferably provided in a lower side of the latch carriage in order to allow the biasing legs of the respective drive hubs to extend through the latch carriage below the latch carriage.

[0031] A cutout or notch is preferably provided on both lateral sides of the latch carriage at an upper portion. Preferably, each end of the cutout or notch on each side of the latch carriage is preferably substantially perpendicular to the length of the latch carriage. The ends of the respective cutout or notches will typically provide an abutment surface to abut the abutment surfaces provided on the end of the respective drive cam portions provided on the respective drive hubs. In this configuration, the rotation of a handle to open the door will typically cause rotation of the respective drive hub forcing the abutment surface of the drive cam portion of that drive hub against the abutment surface provided in the notch on the latch carriage in order to move the latch carriage into the retracted condition against the bias of the biasing mechanism provided in the latch assembly.

[0032] A privacy wedge is typically provided extending from an upper surface of the latch carriage, substantially opposite to the slot provided in the bottom surface for the biasing legs. The privacy wedge typically moves within the shaped opening provided in a privacy carriage which is also preferably provided within the operation cassette. Normally, the privacy carriage is fixed in position against reciprocal movement within the operation cassette housing but is moved laterally within the operation cassette housing by operation of the privacy actuator or button. The latch carriage will normally move relative to the privacy carriage and movement of the latch carriage may cause lateral movement of the privacy carriage, particularly when operated from the passage side of the assembly (the side relative to which the privacy actuator or button is mounted). The privacy carriage is preferably moved laterally within the housing by operation of the privacy actuator or button in order to set the privacy condition of the latch and handle assembly.

[0033] The movement of the latch carriage relative to the privacy carriage is preferably guided by the guide assembly. The guide assembly will typically guide reciprocal movement but also allow lateral movement of the privacy carriage. Preferably, the guide assembly includes a guide ball, preferably one which is resiliently mounted relative to the privacy carriage and the latch carriage. A number of guide grooves are preferably provided in an upper surface of the latch carriage. In particular, three guide grooves are provided, namely a central groove and a guide groove on either side of the central groove in order to allow seating of the guide ball within one of the 3 guide grooves and in one of the outer guide grooves in particular when the privacy actuator or button has been used to place one of the handle operators into a privacy condition. This is normally done by locating the privacy actuator or button relative to one of the escutcheons on either side of the door and then depression of the privacy pin will normally place the opposite side of the door into a privacy condition, that is rendering the handle operator on the opposite side of the door in operative but allowing the handle operator on the privacy actuator side of the door to still function as normal. In other words, a user on the side of the door with the privacy actuator or button, when the privacy actuator or button has placed the latch and or assembly into a privacy mode, can still operate the handle operator to open the door as normal but a 3rd party on the opposite side of the door in attempting to operate the handle operator on that side of the door, would find the handle operator "locked".

[0034] The privacy carriage preferably has a pair of lateral extension portions, one extending from either side in order to extend through the housing of the operation cassette in order to locate the privacy carriage relative to the housing allowing lateral movement by restricting other movement. The lateral extension portions may also allow engagement with the privacy actuator or button although a separate opening through the housing may be provided from either side in order to allow location of the privacy actuator or button which preferably includes an elongate arm which is receivable into an opening within the housing and preferably into abutment with a portion of the privacy carriage to move the privacy carriage laterally within the housing. A tab or similar portion is normally provided on the privacy carriage abutment with the end of the privacy actuator or button. The tab is accessible through the openings on each side of the housing in order to allow the privacy actuator or button to be used on either side of the latch and handle assembly.

[00351 The privacy carriage is preferably provided with a shaped opening therein, preferably on an underside, facing the upper portion of the latch carriage. In a preferred form, the shaped opening is typically Y-shaped having a convergent portion which converges to a slot portion. The convergent portion typically operates to abut the privacy wedge located on the upper side of the latch carriage in order to move the privacy carriage laterally through abutment with the respective edges of the convergent portion in order to centre the privacy carriage into a neutral position within the operation cassette housing.

[0036] A privacy block is typically provided adjacent to the shaped opening, preferably adjacent to the widest end of the shaped opening. In operation, when the privacy actuator or button pushes the privacy carriage to one side of the door, it puts the handle operator on the other side of the door into a privacy mode which prevents operation of the handle operator on the other side of the door. Moving the privacy carriage locates the privacy wedge to one side of the convergent portion of the Y-shaped opening and importantly, places the privacy block into a blocking position, blocking rotation of the drive cam portion of the drive hub on the privacy side of the door but allows rotation of the drive hub on the passage side of the door. The privacy carriage typically remains in this position until the handle operator on the passage side of the door is opened. As the passage side drive hub is rotated, in turn moves the privacy carriage laterally within the housing as the privacy wedge moves against the convergent portion of the Y shaped opening which centres the privacy carriage again allowing the privacy wedge to enter the slot portion of the Y-shaped opening within the housing, centering the privacy carriage and allowing operation of the door from both sides.

[00371 A pair of protrusions, typically V-shaped are preferably provided in the Y-shaped opening to help with alignment of the privacy wedge and to give tactile feedback of the position of the privacy wedge when the privacy button is activated.

[0038] Rotation of the handle operators on either side of the door moves the respective drive hub which in turn rotates the biasing leg against the return actuator. The return actuator is preferably a tubular assembly provided with a biasing function which is located between the faceplate of the latch assembly and the operation cassette, in particular engaging with one or both of the biasing legs provided within the operation cassette to bias rotation of the drive hubs. In particular, the biasing function of the return actuator bias is the biasing legs away from the latch assembly in order to rotate the drive hubs. According to the independent operation of each of the handle operators, either of the biasing legs can be moved but the return actuator forces at least one but preferably both of the biasing legs a rearwardly away from the latch assembly which allows the latch assembly to draw the latch carriage forwardly to move a latch member into the extended condition.

[00391 The return actuator is preferably tubular in configuration. In a preferred embodiment, the return actuator typically includes a tubular body housing a resilient member, typically a spring. Providing a spring within a tubular body constrains the spring and controls the direction in which the forces are applied to the spring to be generally reciprocal and linear in nature rather than deforming the spring in another direction. Importantly, a coil spring is preferred as this type of spring is reliable if provided in an appropriate size. Through provision of the preferred coil spring in the location and configuration of the return actuator, a larger coil spring can be used to increase durability and reliability and a lever of sufficient length can be provided for the coil

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spring to act on. An abutment block may be provided at one end of the spring in order to abut a portion of one or both of the biasing legs.

[0040] The preferred tubular body will typically have a separated rear end in order to allow the biasing legs to be received into a preferably slot opening in the tube. This will act to guide movement of the biasing legs. At least one, and typically a pair of lateral slot openings can be provided and a guide pin can be provided in the preferred abutment block in order to guide movement of the abutment block and limit movement other than in a reciprocal and linear direction. A forward end of the return actuator will typically abut the seat provided on the inner surface of the faceplate. In a very simple embodiment in which a spring is provided as the resilient member, a forward end of the spring may be directly seated relative to the seat on the faceplate.

[0041] The characteristics of the return actuator may be adjusted in order to adjust the movement of the handle a latch assembly. In particular, a soft close functionality may be provided with the return actuator in order to provide a portion of rapid movement in the return direction followed by a portion of slower more controlled movement toward the end of the return movement. This can be achieved in many ways, but one simple way can be through the provision of a suitable ram or damper or similar as a part of the return actuator, possibly in association with a spring or separately thereto (preferably co-axial to the spring).

[0042] The latch and handle assembly of the present invention therefore provides enhanced functionality which not only provides the user with a robust configuration capable of operation through many thousands if not hundreds of thousands of cycles, but in addition, the configuration of the preferred embodiment allows movement of the opening and closing mechanism of the door handles from the escutcheon into the width of the door which allows the profile of the escutcheons themselves to be minimised, providing an extremely low profile furniture rose and handle assembly.

[0043] In addition to durability, this design allows for easy adaptation for "feel in the hand" and for different lever weights, simply by using a different spring; not possible in current offerings.

[0044] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0045] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0046] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

[0047] Figure 1 is an isometric exploded view of a handle and latch operating mechanism according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 2 is an isometric view of a latch assembly as illustrated in Figure 1.

[0049] Figure 3 is an isometric view of the latch assembly illustrated in Figure 2 from a reverse angle.

[0050] Figure 4 is in end elevation view of the latch assembly illustrated in Figure 2.

[0051] Figure 5 is a side elevation view of the latch assembly illustrated in Figure 2.

[0052] Figure 6 is a detailed view of the portion of the latch assembly illustrated in Figure 5 and identified by reference letter "F".

[0053] Figure 7 is a side elevation view of a latch carriage assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 8 is an end elevation view of the latch carriage assembly illustrated in Figure 7.

[0055] Figure 9 is a side elevation view of the latch carriage assembly illustrated in Figure 7 from the opposite side.

[0056] Figure 10 is a detailed view of the portion illustrated in Figure 9 and identified by reference letter "G".

[00571 Figure 11 is an isometric view of a return actuator according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

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[00581 Figure 12 is an isometric view of the portion illustrated in Figure 11 and identified by reference letter "E".

[0059] Figure 13 is a side elevation view of an operation cassette according to a preferred embodiment with one wall of the housing removed.

[0060] Figure 14 is a side elevation view of the operation cassette illustrated in Figure 13 with the latch carriage in a neutral position.

[0061] Figure 15 is a sectional plan view of the operation cassette illustrated in Figure 14 along line A-A.

[0062] Figure 16 is a side elevation view of the operation cassette illustrated in Figure 13 with the latch carriage in a locked position.

[0063] Figure 17 is a sectional plan view of the operation cassette illustrated in Figure 16 along line B-B.

[0064] Figure 18 is a side elevation view of the operation cassette illustrated in Figure 13 with the latch carriage in a just starting to unlock position.

[0065] Figure 19 is a sectional plan view of the operation cassette illustrated in Figure 18 along line C-C.

[0066] Figure 20 is a side elevation view of the operation cassette illustrated in Figure 13 with the latch carriage in a withdrawn position.

[00671 Figure 21 is a sectional plan view of the operation cassette illustrated in Figure 20 along line D-D.

[0068] Figure 22 is an isometric view of the operation cassette illustrated in Figure 13 with a barrel of the return actuator engaged therewith according to a preferred embodiment.

[0069] Figure 23 is an isometric view of the configuration illustrated in Figure 22 but with the barrel of the return actuator exploded.

[00701 Figure 24 is an isometric view of the configuration illustrated in Figure 23, inverted.

[00711 Figure 25 is an exploded view from a first angle of the removable latch carriage assembly and privacy pin assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] Figure 26 is an exploded view from a different angle of the configuration illustrated in Figure 25.

[0073] Figure 27 is an isometric view of the latch carriage assembly with the privacy pin assembly exploded therefrom.

[0074] Figure 28 is an isometric view of the configuration illustrated in Figure 26, inverted.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[00751 According to a particularly preferred embodiment the present invention, a handle and latch operating mechanism is provided.

[0076] The handle and latch operating mechanism 10 illustrated in the preferred embodiment includes a latch assembly 11 with a latch member 12 moveable between an extended condition and a retracted condition, biased into the extended condition and a first door handle 13 and a second door handle 14 configured for mounting on either side of an active leaf of a door assembly, each handle operator 13, 14 having a spindle engagement opening 15.

[00771 The handle and latch operating mechanism 10 also includes an operation cassette 16, illustrated in more detail in Figures 13 to 24. The operation cassette 16 includes a first drive hub 17 including a first spindle portion 18 to engage with the spindle engagement opening 15 on the first door handle 13, a first drive cam portion 19 and a first biasing leg 20 offset from the first drive cam portion 19, a second drive hub 21 including a second spindle portion 22 to engage with the spindle engagement opening15 on the second door handle 14, a second drive cam portion 23 and a second biasing leg 24 offset from the second drive cam portion 23, the second drive hub 21 operable independently of the first drive hub 17 and a moveable latch carriage 25 associated with the latch member 12 and configured to cause movement of the latch member 12 into the retracted condition upon rotation of either one the first spindle portion 18 or the second spindle portion 22 which in turn causes rotation of the respective first drive hub 17 or second drive hub 21 to drive movement of the latch carriage 25 into the retracted condition.

[0078] The handle and latch operating mechanism 10 also includes a return actuator 26 engageable with the operation cassette 16 and including a resilient spring 27 to engage with the respective first biasing leg 20 or second biasing leg 24 to drive rotation of the first drive hub 17 or second drive hub 21 to bias the respective first handle 13or second handle 14 into a rest condition such as that illustrated in Figure 1.

[00791 The latch assembly 11, best illustrated in Figures 2 to 6 is preferably provided as a separate assembly, and typically, is attachable or engageable with the latch carriage 25 during assembly. The latch assembly 11 as illustrated includes a substantially planar faceplate 28 to be located relative to the edge of the door, typically within a recess shaped to suit the shape of the faceplate 28. A pair of fasteners 29 are used to attached the faceplate 28 relative to the edge of the door.

[0080] A preferably cylindrical housing 30 will typically extend from a rear side of the faceplate 28 with the latch member 12 extending through an opening in the faceplate 28. The housing 30 will normally be housed within the door and the latch member 12 will typically extend outwardly from the edge of the door in the extended condition.

[00811 In the illustrated preferred form, the latch member 12 reciprocates relative to the housing 30 between the extended condition and the retracted condition. The housing 30 houses a biasing spring (not shown) to bias the latch member 12 into the extended condition. In a simple form, the biasing mechanism is a spring which is compressed as one of the handles 13, 14 is operated to draw the latch member 12 into the retracted condition.

[0082] Typically, a rear side of the housing 30 is at least partially closed by a pair of wings 31 to provide an abutment surface for mounting the spring thereagainst but also to allow a connection pin 32 to extend rearwardly from the housing 30. A portion of the latch member 12 will also preferably have an abutment surface to abut an opposite end of the spring.

[00831 The latch member 12 is preferably associated with a connection pin 32 at a forward end and the connection pin 32 extends rearwardly from the housing 30 to engage with the latch carriage 25 of the preferred embodiment. Preferably, the connection pin 32 has a free end at the rear, opposite the latch member 12 and the free end is typically provided with an enlarged head portion 33. The preferred form of the latch carriage 25 is provided with a forward opening 34 to engage with the connection pin 32 such that the surrounds of the opening 34 can engage with the enlarged head 33 to affect withdrawal of the latch member 12 upon rotation of one of the handle operators 13, 14. The bias provided by the biasing spring in the latch assembly 11 will typically draw the latch carriage 25 back into the neutral condition as well as biasing the latch member 12 into the extended condition.

[0084] The substantially planar faceplate 28 of the latch assembly 11 illustrated in Figure 3 also includes a seat 35 provided on a rear side of the faceplate 28 to at least partially seat a portion of the return actuator 26. Normally, the seat 35 is provided below the latch member 12.

[0085] Any type of handle operator or knob could be used but preferably, the handle operator is a lever handle as illustrated with a mounting portion 36 extending substantially perpendicular to a gripping portion 37. Typically, the spindle engagement opening 15 to receive a correspondingly shaped spindle portion 18, 22 normally provided in the mounting portion 36 of the handle operator 13, 14.

[0086] The mounting portion 36 is normally mounted to or relative to an escutcheon 38 using a circlip 39 to hold the mounting portion 36 relative to the escutcheon 38.

[00871 Typically, a pair of mounting openings 40 will normally be provided in the escutcheon 38 related to each of the first handle operator 13 and the second handle operator 14. Normally, a first pair of mounting openings is provided in one of the escutcheons to engage a thread of the threaded mounting screws 41 and a corresponding pair of mounting openings is provided in the other of the escutcheons in order to receive the threaded mounting screws 41 there through which then extend through the thickness of the door to engage the other escutcheon with the heads of the threaded mounting screws 41 typically being seated in recesses in one of the escutcheons. The elongate threaded mounting screws 41 will hold the handle operators 13, 14 relative to the door and mount the operation cassette 16 relative to the door.

[00881 Each escutcheon 38 is typically provided with a cover or rose 42 to cover the external side of the escutcheon 38 once the escutcheons are properly mounted relative to the door. Although any shape could be used, each cover or rose is typically circular and will engage with the respective escutcheon by clipping relative to the escutcheon or screwing onto the escutcheon for example.

[00891 In a preferred form, a privacy button 43 is preferably mounted to or relative to one of the handle operators 13 (in Figure 1), and preferably, relative to the escutcheon 38 of one of the handle operators. Importantly, the privacy button 43 can be removed from one of the escutcheons and provided relative to the other escutcheon to change the side of the door which is to have the privacy button 43. This can be used to change which side of the door functions in the privacy mode and which side of the door functions only in a passage mode. Where provided, the privacy button 43 will typically engage with a privacy carriage 44 which is provided in the operation cassette 16 as will be explained further below.

[0090] The operation cassette 16, when properly assembled, engages both the latch assembly lland each of the handle operators 13, 14. The operation cassette 16 may have any shape, but will preferably be generally circular as illustrated. The operation cassette 16 will normally have an external housing which contains components and relative to which the latch carriage 25 is movable.

[0091] Generally, the housing of the operation cassette 16 includes an open cylindrical housing portion with a substantially planar cover plate (illustrated in Figure 1 but removed elsewhere) which is attached relative to the cylindrical housing portion to both contain components and to guide movement of movable components. The cover plate will normally attach to the housing portion via one or more threaded fasteners.

[0092] The operation cassette preferably contains both the first drive hub 17 and the second drive hub 21. The drive hubs 17, 21 preferably have similar configurations and features but operate on different sides of the door. Each drive hub 17, 21 preferably has a substantially cylindrical body portion 45, 46. Preferably, a spindle portion 18, 22 extends from one circular surface of each of the cylindrical drive hub bodies 45, 46. One of the drive hubs 17 includes a cylindrical boss 47 extending from the circular surface opposite the spindle portion 18 and the other of the drive hubs 21 includes a corresponding boss opening 48 in order to receive the cylindrical boss 47 therein in order to align the to drive hubs 17, 21 and maintain the two drive hubs 17, 21 coaxially but still allow independent rotation of the drive hubs 17, 21 depending on which handle operator 13, 14 is used to operate the latch assembly 11.

[00931 Each spindle portion 18, 22 as illustrated has a substantially rectangular cross-section and extends substantially perpendicularly from the body portion 45, 46 of the respective drive hubs 17, 21. As mentioned above, the mounting portion 36 of each of the handle operators 13, 14 have a correspondingly shaped opening 15 to receive the spindle portion to allow the rotation of the handle operator 13, 14 to be transmitted to the respective drive hub 17, 21. The spindle portion 18, 22 extend substantially coaxially with the respective body45, 46.

[0094] Each of the drive hubs 17, 21 also includes a drive cam portion 19, 23. Each drive cam portion 19, 23 extends radially from the cylindrical surface of the body 45, 46. Each drive cam portion 19, 23 preferably has an annular sector shape with a pair of substantially planar ends. Importantly, at least one of the substantially planar ends of the drive cam portion 19, 23 provides an abutment face to abut a portion of the latch carriage 25 to move the latch carriage 25 between the extended condition and the retracted condition. Preferably, each of the drive cam portions 19,

I

/ 23 is located to one side of the respective body 45, 46, generally the outer side of the body, closest to the spindle portion 18, 22.

[0095] Each of the drive hubs 17, 21 is also provided with a biasing leg 20, 24 which is offset from the drive cam portion 19, 23 on the respective body 45, 46. It is preferred that each biasing leg 20,24 is elongate to extend through the latch carriage 25 (as will be explained further below) but still be located within the operation cassette 16. Preferably, each of the biasing legs , 24 will have a shaped outer portion or free end. Each biasing leg 20, 24 will typically converge as the biasing leg 20, 24 extends away from the body 45, 46 and then be provided with an enlarged portion at an outer end of the biasing leg 20, 24. The provision of the enlarged portion allows a corresponding portion of the return actuator 26 to maintain engagement with the biasing legs 20, 24 of each of the drive hubs 17, 21 during operation.

[0096] The drive hubs 17, 21 are typically mounted relative to the latch carriage 25. In a preferred embodiment, the respective bodies 45, 46 of the drive hubs 17, 21 will be mounted at least partially within the latch carriage 25.

[00971 The latch carriage 25 is preferably generally rectangular having a forward end which is shaped to engage with the enlarged head 33 of the connection pin 32 of the latch assembly 11. In a preferred form, the forward opening 34 is typically provided at a forward end of the latch carriage 25 between an upper wing 51 and a lower wing 52 to receive a portion of the connection pin 32. Preferably, the forward opening 34 corresponds substantially to the external dimension of the connection pin 32 to minimise slippage or movement of the connection pin 32 relative to the latch carriage 25.

[0098] The latch carriage 25 as illustrated (particularly in Figures 25 to 28 includes an opening extending laterally through the latch carriage 25 to allow the mounting of the drive hubs 17. 21 within the latch carriage 25. The lateral opening 53 through the latch carriage 25 is preferably sized and shaped to correspond to the size of the body 45, 46 of the drive hubs 17, 21. The lateral opening 53 as illustrated has a planar upper and lower periphery with arcuate end portions.

[0099] An elongate, slot opening 54 is provided in a lower side of the latch carriage 25 to allow the biasing legs 20, 24 of the respective drive hubs 17, 21 to extend through the latch carriage 25 below the latch carriage 25.

[00100] A cutout or notch 55 is provided on both lateral sides of the latch carriage 25 at an upper portion. Preferably, each end of the cutout or notch 55 on each side of the latch carriage 25 is preferably substantially perpendicular to the length of the latch carriage 25. The ends of the respective cutout or notches 55 will typically provide an abutment surface to abut the abutment surfaces provided on the end of the respective drive cam portions 19, 23 provided on the respective drive hubs 17, 21. In this configuration, the rotation of a handle 13, 14 to open the door will typically cause rotation of the respective drive hub 17, 21 forcing the abutment surface of the drive cam portion 19, 23 of that drive hub against the abutment surface provided in the notch 55 on the latch carriage 25 in order to move the latch carriage 25 into the retracted condition against the bias of the biasing spring provided in the latch assembly 11.

[00101] A privacy wedge 56 is provided extending from an upper surface of the latch carriage , substantially opposite to the slot 54 provided in the bottom surface for the biasing legs 20, 24 The privacy wedge 56 typically moves within a Y-shaped opening 57 provided in a privacy carriage 44 which is also preferably provided within the operation cassette 16. Normally, the privacy carriage 44 is fixed in position against reciprocal movement within the operation cassette 16 housing but is moved laterally within the operation cassette 16 by operation of the privacy button 43. The latch carriage 25 will normally move relative to the privacy carriage 44 and movement of the latch carriage 25 may cause lateral movement of the privacy carriage 44, particularly when operated from the passage side of the assembly (the side relative to which the privacy button 43 is mounted). The privacy carriage 44 is preferably moved laterally within the housing by operation of the privacy button 43 to set the privacy condition of the latch and handle assembly 10.

[00102] The movement of the latch carriage 25 relative to the privacy carriage 44 is preferably guided by a guide assembly. The guide assembly will typically guide reciprocal movement but also allow lateral movement of the privacy carriage 44. Preferably, the guide assembly includes a guide ball 58, preferably one which is resiliently mounted using a spring 59 relative to the privacy carriage 44 and the latch carriage 25. A number of guide grooves are preferably provided in an upper surface of the latch carriage 25. In the illustrated embodiment, hree guide grooves are provided, namely a central groove 60 (for neutral and return positions) and a guide groove 61 on either side of the central groove 60 to allow seating of the guide ball 58 within one of the three guide grooves and in one of the outer guide grooves 61 when the privacy button 43 has been used to place one of the handle operators 13, 14 into a privacy condition. This is normally done by locating the privacy button 43 relative to one of the escutcheons 38 on either side of the door and then depression of the privacy button 43 will normally place the opposite side of the door into a privacy condition, that is rendering the handle operator on the opposite

I[9/

side of the door in operative but allowing the handle operator on the privacy button 43 side of the door to still function as normal. In other words, a user on the side of the door with the privacy button 43, when the privacy button 43 has placed the latch and handle assembly 10 into a privacy mode, can still operate the handle operator to open the door as normal but a third party on the opposite side of the door in attempting to operate the handle operator on that side of the door, would find the handle operator "locked".

[00103] The privacy carriage 44 preferably has a pair of lateral extension portions 62, one extending from either side to extend through the housing of the operation cassette 16 to locate the privacy carriage 44 relative to the housing allowing lateral movement by restricting other movement. The lateral extension portions 62 may also allow engagement with the privacy button 43 which preferably includes an elongate arm which is receivable into an opening 63in the lateral extension portions 62 to move the privacy carriage 44 laterally within the housing. An opening 73 is provided on both lateral sides of the operation cassette housing and the privacy button 43 is inserted into one of the openings 63 in the lateral extension portions 62 (depending upon which side of the door is to be made private) and the opening 73 on the same side of the housing receives a handing screw (not illustrated) when using the privacy button 43. The handing screw (not illustrated) is secured on the same side as the privacy button 43, to stop the privacy button 43 operating both ways.

[00104] A tab 64 or similar portion is normally provided on the privacy carriage 44 for abutment with the end of the handing screw. The tab 64 is accessible through the openings 73 on each side of the housing in order to allow the privacy button 43 to be used on either side of the latch and handle assembly 10 but to limit the operation of the privacy button to operation from one side only when assembled by preventing movement of the privacy carriage 44 to the side of the operation cassette in which the privacy button 43 is installed.

[0100] The privacy carriage 44 is preferably provided with a Y-shaped opening 57 therein, preferably on an underside, facing the upper portion of the latch carriage 25 having a convergent portion 65 which converges to a slot portion 66. The convergent portion 65 typically operates to abut the privacy wedge 56 located on the upper side of the latch carriage 25 in order to move the privacy carriage 44 laterally through abutment with the respective edges of the convergent portion 65 in order to centre the privacy carriage 44 into a neutral position within the operation cassette 16.

[0101] A privacy block 67 is typically provided adjacent to the Y-shaped opening 57, preferably adjacent to the widest end of the Y-shaped opening 57. In operation, when the privacy button 43 pushes the privacy carriage 44 to one side of the door, it puts the handle operator on the other side of the door into a privacy mode which prevents operation of the handle operator on the other side of the door. Moving the privacy carriage 44 locates the privacy wedge 56 to one side of the convergent portion 65 of the Y-shaped opening 57 and importantly, places the privacy block 67 into a blocking position, blocking rotation of the drive cam portion 19, 23 of the drive hub 17, 21 on the privacy side of the door but allows rotation of the drive hub 17, 21 on the passage side of the door. The privacy carriage 44 typically remains in this position until the handle operator on the passage side of the door is opened. As the passage side drive hub is rotated, in turn moves the privacy carriage 44 laterally within the housing as the privacy wedge 56 moves against the convergent portion 65 of the Y-shaped opening 57 which centres the privacy carriage 44 again allowing the privacy wedge 56 to enter the slot portion 66 of the Y shaped opening 57 within the housing, centring the privacy carriage 44 and allowing operation of the door from both sides. This sequence of events is illustrated in Figure 15 which shows the privacy wedge 56 located in a neutral position (the privacy carriage 44 is located centrally), Figure 17 which shows the privacy wedge 56 located in a privacy position (by movement of the privacy carriage 44 to one side of the door, toward the bottom of the page which changes the door operator at the lower side into privacy mode), Figure 19 which shows the privacy carriage 44 being moved back toward the central position by movement of the privacy wedge 56 against the periphery of the convergent portion 65 of the Y-shaped opening 57 due to withdrawal of the latch carriage 25, and Figure 21 which shows an unlocked mode in which the privacy wedge 56 is located in slot portion 66 of the Y-shaped opening 57 with the privacy carriage 44 in the central position again prior to release of the handle operator and return to the neutral position illustrated in Figure 15.

[0102] Also shown in these Figures is a pair of protrusions 75, typically V-shaped. These protrusions 75 help with alignment of the privacy wedge 57 and gives tactile feedback of the position of the privacy wedge 57 when the privacy button is activated.

[0103] Rotation of one of the handle operators 13, 14 on either side of the door moves the respective drive hub 17, 21 which in turn rotates the biasing leg 20, 24 against the return actuator 26. The return actuator 26 as illustrated is a tubular assembly provided with a biasing function which is located between the faceplate 28 of the latch assembly 11 and the operation cassette 16, in particular engaging with one or both of the biasing legs 20, 24 provided within the operation cassette to bias rotation of the drive hubs. In particular, the biasing function of the return actuator 26 biases the biasing legs 20, 24 away from the latch assembly 11 in order to rotate the drive

- I

hubs. According to the independent operation of each of the handle operators, either of the biasing legs 20, 24 can be moved but the return actuator 26 forces at least one but preferably both of the biasing legs 20, 24 rearwardly away from the latch assembly 11 which allows the latch assembly 11 to draw the latch carriage 25 forwardly to move a latch member 12 into the extended condition.

[0104] In a preferred embodiment, the return actuator 26 typically includes a tubular body 68 housing a resilient spring 27. Providing the spring 27 within a tubular body 68 constrains the spring 27 and controls the direction in which the forces are applied to the spring 27 to be generally reciprocal and linear in nature rather than deforming the spring 27 in another direction. An abutment block 69 may be provided at one end of the spring 27 in order to abut a portion of one or both of the biasing legs 20, 24.

[0105] The preferred tubular body 68 will typically have a separated rear end in order to allow the biasing legs 20, 24 to be received into a preferably slot opening in the tube 68. This will act to guide movement of the biasing legs 20, 24. At least one, and typically a pair of lateral slot openings 71 can be provided and a guide pin 70 can be provided in the preferred abutment block 69 in order to guide movement of the abutment block 69 and limit movement other than in a reciprocal and linear direction. A forward end of the spring 27 will typically abut the seat 35 provided on the inner surface of the faceplate 28.

[0106] The return actuator is preferably inserted into an opening 72 in the operation cassette below the latch carriage to engage the biasing legs 20, 24 as illustrated in Figure 22. The return actuator 26 is configured to be sandwiched between the faceplate 28 and the operation cassette 16.

[01071 In the present specification and claims (if any), the word 'comprising' and its derivatives including 'comprises' and 'comprise' include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0108] Reference throughout this specification to 'one embodiment' or 'an embodiment' means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases 'in one embodiment' or 'in an embodiment' in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0109] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims (33)

1. A handle and latch operating mechanism including a latch assembly with a latch member moveable between an extended condition and a retracted condition biased into the extended condition, a first handle operator and a second handle operator configured for mounting on either side of an active leaf of a door assembly, each handle operator having a spindle engagement assembly, an operation cassette including a first drive hub including a first spindle portion to engage with the spindle engagement assembly on the first handle operator, a first drive cam portion and a first biasing leg offset from the first drive cam portion, a second drive hub including a second spindle portion to engage with the spindle engagement assembly on the second handle operator, a second drive cam portion and a second biasing leg offset from the second drive cam portion, the second drive hub operable independently of the first drive hub, a moveable latch carriage associated with the latch member and configured to cause movement of the latch member into the retracted condition upon rotation of either one the first spindle portion or the second spindle portion which in turn causes rotation of the respective first drive hub or second drive hub to drive movement of the latch carriage into the retracted condition and a return actuator engageable with the operation cassette and including a resilient assembly to engage with the respective first biasing leg or second biasing leg to drive rotation of the first drive hub or second drive hub to bias the respective first handle operator or second handle operator into a rest condition.

2. A handle and latch operating mechanism as claimed in claim 1 wherein the latch assembly is provided as a separate unit, engageable with the latch carriage during assembly of the operating mechanism on a door.

3. A handle and latch operating mechanism as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 including a substantially planar faceplate to be located relative to the edge of the door and a housing extending from a rear side of the faceplate with the latch member extending through an opening in the faceplate.

4. A handle and latch operating mechanism as claimed in claim 3 wherein the housing houses a biasing spring in order to bias the latch member into the extended condition with a portion of the housing provided with an abutment surface in order to abut one end of the biasing spring.

5. A handle and latch operating mechanism as claimed in claim 4 wherein a rear side of the housing is at least partially closed in order to provide the abutment surface for mounting the biasing spring thereagainst and the latch member is associated with an abutment surface in order to abut an opposite end of the biasing spring.

6. A handle and latch operating mechanism as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5 further including a connection pin associated at a forward end with the latch member and which extends rearwardly from the housing in order to engage with the latch carriage, the connection pin having an enlarged head portion to engage with the latch carriage.

7. A handle and latch operating mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 6 wherein the substantially planar faceplate also includes a seat provided on a rear side of the faceplate in order to at least partially seat a portion of the return actuator.

8. A handle and latch operating mechanism as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the spindle engagement assembly is a shaped opening to receive a correspondingly shaped spindle portion.

9. A handle and latch operating mechanism as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the first handle operator and a second handle operator are mounted relative to the door using at least one threaded fastener which also mounts the operation cassette relative to the door.

10. A handle and latch operating mechanism as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein a privacy actuator or button is removably mounted to or relative to one of the handle operators to allow a user to change which side of the door functions in a privacy mode and which side of the door functions only in a passage mode.

11. A handle and latch operating mechanism as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the operation cassette, when properly assembled, engages both the latch assembly and each of the handle operators.

12. A handle and latch operating mechanism as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the operation cassette includes a housing which contains both the first drive hub and the second drive hub.

13. A handle and latch operating mechanism as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the first drive hub has a cylindrical first body portion from which thefirst spindle portion, first drive cam portion and first biasing leg each extend, and the second drive hub has a cylindrical second body portion from which the second spindle portion, second drive cam portion and second biasing leg each extend.

14. A handle and latch operating mechanism as claimed in claim 13 wherein the first body portion includes a cylindrical boss extending from a circular surface opposite the spindle portion and the and second body portion includes a corresponding boss opening in order to receive the cylindrical boss therein in order to align the drive hubs and maintain the drive hubs coaxially but still allow independent rotation of the drive hubs depending on which handle operator is used to operate the latch.

15. A handle and latch operating mechanism as claimed in claim 14 wherein each spindle portion extends substantially coaxially with the respective first body portion or second body portion and has a substantially rectangular cross-section and extends substantially perpendicularly from a circular surface of the respective first body portion or second body portion.

16. A handle and latch operating mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 15 wherein each first drive cam portion and the second drive cam portion extends radially from a cylindrical surface of the respective first body portion or second body portion.

17. A handle and latch operating mechanism as claimed in claim 16 wherein each of the first drive cam portion and the second drive cam portion has an annular sector shape with a pair of substantially planar ends.

18. A handle and latch operating mechanism as claimed in claim 16 or claim 17 wherein each of the first drive cam portion and the second drive cam portion is located to an outer side of the respective first body portion or second body portion, closest to the spindle portion.

19. A handle and latch operating mechanism as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the first drive hub and the second drive hub are mounted at least partially within the latch carriage such that each of the first biasing leg and the second first biasing leg extends through an elongate slot provided in the latch carriage but still be located within the operation cassette housing.

20. A handle and latch operating mechanism as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the latch carriage has an opening extending laterally through the latch carriage in order to allow the mounting of the first drive hub and the second drive hub within the latch carriage.

21. A handle and latch operating mechanism as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims wherein a cutout or notch is provided on both lateral sides of the latch carriage at an upper portion to provide an abutment surface to abut the respective first drive cam portion and second drive cam portion provided on the respective first drive hub and second drive hub.

22. A handle and latch operating mechanism as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein a privacy wedge is provided extending from an upper surface of the latch carriage and a privacy carriage is provided in the operation cassette such that the latch carriage moves relative to the privacy carriage and movement of the latch carriage can cause lateral movement of the privacy carriage, when the privacy carriage is moved laterally within the housing by operation of a privacy actuator or button in order to set the privacy condition of the latch and handle assembly.

23. A handle and latch operating mechanism as claimed in claim 22 wherein a guide assembly guides reciprocal movement of the latch carriage relative to the privacy carriage but also allows lateral movement of the privacy carriage.

24. A handle and latch operating mechanism as claimed in claim 23 wherein the guide assembly includes a guide ball, resiliently mounted relative to the privacy carriage and the latch carriage and a number of guide grooves provided in an upper surface of the latch carriage in order to allow seating of the guide ball within one of the guide grooves and movement of the guide ball between the guide grooves during movement of the latch carriage relative to the privacy carriage when the privacy carriage is in one of two privacy positions.

25. A handle and latch operating mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 24 wherein the privacy carriage has a pair of lateral extension portions, one extending from either side in order to locate the privacy carriage within the operation cassette allowing lateral movement only and an abutment tab for abutment with a privacy actuator or button to move the privacy carriage into one of two laterally located, privacy positions.

26. A handle and latch operating mechanism as claimed in claim 25 wherein the abutment tab is accessible through an opening on each side of the operation cassette in order to allow a privacy actuator or button to be used on either side of the latch and handle assembly.

27. A handle and latch operating mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 24 wherein the privacy carriage has a Y-shaped opening therein, facing an upper portion of the latch z I carriage, the Y-shaped having a convergent portion which converges to a slot portion, the convergent portion configured to abut the privacy wedge located on the upper side of the latch carriage in order to move the privacy carriage laterally through abutment with respective edges of the convergent portion in order to centre the privacy carriage into a neutral position within the operation cassette housing.

28. A handle and latch operating mechanism as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein rotation of one of the first handle operator or second handle operator causes rotation of the respective first drive hub or second drive hub which in turn causes rotation of the first drive cam portion or the second drive cam portion to abut a portion of the latch carriage to move the latch carriage towards the retracted condition and causes rotation of the first biasing leg or second biasing leg against the return actuator provided with a biasing function to bias rotation of the drive hubs which allows the latch assembly to draw the latch carriage forwardly to move a latch member into the extended condition.

29. A handle and latch operating mechanism as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the return actuator includes a tubular body housing a resilient member.

30. A handle and latch operating mechanism as claimed in claim 29 wherein an abutment block is provided at one end of the resilient member in order to abut a portion of one or both of the first biasing leg or second biasing leg.

31. A handle and latch operating mechanism as claimed in claim 29 or claim 30 wherein the tubular body has a separated rear end in order to allow the first biasing leg and second biasing leg to be received into a slot opening in the tube to sandwich the return actuator between the operation cassette and the latch assembly.

32. A handle and latch operating mechanism as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the return actuator may be provided with a soft close functionality in order to provide a portion of rapid movement in a return direction followed by a portion of slower, more controlled movement toward the end of a return movement.

33. A handle and latch operating mechanism as claimed in claim 32 wherein the soft close functionality is achieved through the provision of a ram or similar as a part of the return actuator.

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15 16 63 36 40 40 73

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Figure 1

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Figure 2 Figure 3 2/8

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Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6

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Figure 7 Figure 8 Figure 9 25

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Figure 10

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Figure 11 22 25 69

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Figure 13 70

Figure 12

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Figure 15 Figure 17

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Figure 14 Figure 16

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Figure 19 Figure 21

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Figure 18 Figure 20

44 44 16 22 25

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72 20 24 16 68 71 69 70 Figure 22 Figure 23 7/8

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44 Figure 24

62 62 62 17 64 62 18 17 64 18 45 44 45 44 47 59 47 59 55 56 58 20 61 58 25 21 19 55 61 25 46 21

20 22 22 19 34 49 34 53 23 55 50 24 23 24 Figure 25 Figure 26 21 49 8/8

62 22 24 62 46 64 54 44 48 25 50 59 18 61 58 23 20 60 17 61

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57 44 19

67 Figure 27 Figure 28