CN113825882B

CN113825882B - Locking assembly with trigger handle

Info

Publication number: CN113825882B
Application number: CN202080035343.5A
Authority: CN
Inventors: W.徐; A.陈; O.罗梅罗
Original assignee: Spectrum Brands Inc
Current assignee: Spectrum Brands Inc
Priority date: 2019-08-23
Filing date: 2020-08-19
Publication date: 2024-02-13
Anticipated expiration: 2040-08-19
Also published as: WO2021041127A1; TW202115304A; MX2021014347A; CA3141719A1; CN113825882A

Abstract

A latch handle assembly (100) includes a handle (104), a trigger (106), and a latch driver (906). The handle has a grip portion (128) and a top mounting portion (120) extending from the escutcheon (102). The top mounting portion has a top surface (124) and a bottom portion (126) at least partially obscured by a handle portion (128). The trigger (106) includes an outer end (402) disposed along a bottom of the top mount (120) and an inner end (404) extending into the lock eye shield. The trigger (106) is pivotable about a pivot point (406) located within the eye lock (102). The latch driver (906) is movable between a neutral position and a latch actuated position in response to actuation of the trigger (106).

Description

Locking assembly with trigger handle

Citation of related application

This application was filed 8.19 a 2020 as a PCT international patent application and claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/891,026 filed 8.23 a 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the field of door handles and door locks. More particularly, the present invention relates to a handle of a lock assembly that includes a trigger.

Background

Door handles and locks are commonly installed in homes and businesses. The handle includes a latch assembly that is actuatable by the mechanism. The latch assembly is used to hold the door in the closed position using a deadbolt that moves between an extended position and a retracted position. In existing latches, the deadbolt is actively pulled between an extended position and a retracted position. This pulling of the deadbolt is typically the result of turning a door knob or latch of the handle. In existing latches, the latch is a spring latch, meaning that the latch is always spring-loaded and will only retract when the user operates a knob or button mounted on the surface of the handle.

The pushing and pulling of the bolt can also be accomplished by actuation of the trigger. Some triggers require thumb actuation and require significant pushing force. The button is also a separate component located above the grip of the handle and is visually unattractive.

Disclosure of Invention

The present disclosure relates generally to a latch assembly for use on an inner door and an outer door. The present disclosure relates generally to a handle with or without a conventional lock cylinder. The latch handle includes an internal spring actuated mechanism.

In a first aspect, a latch handle assembly is described. The latch handle assembly includes a handle, a trigger member and a latch driver. The handle has a grip portion and a top mounting portion extending from the escutcheon. The top mount has a top surface and a bottom portion at least partially obscured by the handle portion. The trigger includes an outer end disposed along a bottom of the top mount and an inner end extending into the escutcheon. The trigger member is pivotable about a pivot point located within the eyecup. The latch driver is movable between a neutral position and a latch actuated position in response to actuation of the trigger.

In another embodiment, a method of operating a latch handle assembly is described. The method comprises the following steps: in response to actuation of the outer end of the trigger member, the trigger member pivots about a pivot point located within the escutcheon, pivoting the trigger member causes the inner end of the trigger member located within the escutcheon to actuate the latch driver and actuating the latch driver causes the latch driver to move between the neutral position and the latch actuated position.

In another aspect, a latch handle assembly for use on a door is described. The latch handle assembly includes a handle, a trigger, a latch driver, and a latch assembly. The handle has a vertical grip portion and a top mounting portion extending in a horizontal direction distally from a escutcheon mounted on the door. The top mount has a top surface and a bottom portion at least partially obscured by the handle portion. The trigger includes an outer end disposed along a bottom of the top mount and an inner end extending into the escutcheon. The trigger member is pivotable about a pivot point located within the eyecup. The latch driver is movable between a neutral position and a latch actuated position in response to actuation of the trigger. The latch assembly includes a deadbolt that moves between an extended position and a retracted position in response to actuation of the trigger.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The examples set forth herein are merely illustrative embodiments of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any way.

Drawings

The present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are given by way of non-limiting example, and in which:

fig. 1 shows a perspective view of the exterior of the locking assembly of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the interior of the locking assembly of fig. 1.

Fig. 3 shows a side view of the exterior of the locking assembly of fig. 1 when installed on a door.

Fig. 4 shows a side view of a trigger of the locking assembly of fig. 1.

Fig. 5 shows an exploded view of the locking assembly of fig. 1.

Fig. 6 shows a front view of the exterior of the locking assembly of fig. 1.

Fig. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the locking assembly of fig. 6 taken along line a.

Fig. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the trigger of fig. 6 taken along line a when in a neutral position.

Fig. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the trigger of fig. 6 taken along line a when in the latch actuation position.

Fig. 10 illustrates another interior view of the housing assembly of the present disclosure.

Fig. 11 shows another internal view of the housing assembly.

Detailed Description

The figures and descriptions provided herein may have been simplified to illustrate aspects that are relevant for a clear understanding of the devices, systems, and methods described herein, while eliminating, for purposes of clarity, other aspects that may be found in typical devices, systems, and methods. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other elements and/or operations may be suitable and/or necessary to implement the devices, systems, and methods described herein. Because such elements and operations are well known in the art, and because they do not facilitate a better understanding of the present disclosure, a discussion of such elements and operations may not be provided herein. However, the present disclosure is deemed to inherently include all such elements, variations and modifications to the described aspects known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

References in the specification to "a single embodiment," "one embodiment," "an example embodiment," indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may or may not include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described herein. Additionally, it should be appreciated that items contained in the list in the form of "at least one A, B and C" may represent (a); (B); (C); (A and B); (A and C); (B and C); or (A, B, C). Similarly, an item listed in the form of "at least one of A, B or C" can represent (a); (B); (C); (A and B); (A and C); (B and C); or (A, B, C).

In the drawings, certain structural or methodological features may be shown in a particular arrangement and/or order. It should be understood that such a particular arrangement and/or order is not necessarily required. Rather, in certain embodiments, these features may be arranged in a different manner and/or order than shown in the schematic drawings. Furthermore, the inclusion of a feature in a particular drawing does not imply that such feature is required in all embodiments, but may not be included in some embodiments, or may be combined with other features.

The present disclosure relates generally to a handle with a trigger for actuating a latch assembly to open a door. The handle includes a trigger at least partially obscured by the handle portion. Unlike other trigger actuated handles, the triggers described herein are aesthetically pleasing, easy to use, and safe. When the trigger is actuated, the latch driver moves from the neutral position to the latch actuated position, which allows the user to open the door.

It should be noted that some prior devices have attempted to create a more visually attractive grip by placing the actuation mechanism within the handle. However, these actuation mechanisms have significant drawbacks. For example, the pivot point of the actuation mechanism may be located outside of the eye-lock (e.g., on a portion of the handle) and thus be fragile and less secure. The pivot point of the actuating mechanism is also typically arranged in a direction perpendicular to the door and in a manner such that actuation of the trigger is not required when the door handle is in use. Still further, the arrangement of the trigger on the handle itself can make the coupling with the actuated locking bolt much more complex. In contrast, the trigger actuated handles described herein require only a simple coupling similar to a thumb actuated handle mechanism. This results in a handle with known safety features while improving overall user operation.

Fig. 1 illustrates a latch handle assembly 100 of one embodiment of the present disclosure. The latch handle assembly 100 includes at least one eyelock 102, a handgrip 104, and a trigger 106. In the example shown, the latch handle assembly 100 may also include a second eye lock 110; however, the second eyelock 110 is not required.

The handle 104 includes a top mounting portion 120 having a top surface 124 and a bottom 126. The handle portion 128 extends in a generally vertical direction from the top mount 120. The handle portion 128 partially obscures at least a portion of the bottom 126 of the top mount 120. In one example, the handle 104 further includes a bottom mounting portion 122. The handle 104 may also include a bottom mounting portion 122 connected to the handle portion 128 at an end opposite the top mounting portion 120.

The eyelock 102 conceals the internal mechanisms of the handle assembly when mounted on the door and also provides an aesthetically pleasing surface. As shown, escutcheon 102 has a decorative rectangular shape, but circular, square, and other shapes of escutcheon 102 are within the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, a second eyelock 110 may also be included in the latch handle assembly 100. The bottom mounting portion 122 extends from the second eyelock 110. The escutcheon 102 may be made of metal or plastic, as the case may be.

In some embodiments, the lock cylinder 130 may also be included with the lock cylinder 102. The lock cylinder 130 is configured to receive a key or other unlocking mechanism. A mechanical key (not shown) may be inserted into lock cylinder 130 to mechanically unlock latch handle assembly 100.

In one exemplary embodiment where the latch handle assembly 100 is mounted to the outside of a door (not shown), the lock cylinder 130 communicates with a locking assembly (not shown). Exemplary locking assemblies include a bolt or bolt requiring a key, or other similar type of locking mechanism. In one embodiment where the latch handle assembly 100 is mounted to the inside of a door, the latch handle assembly 100 may not include the lock cylinder 130.

In another alternative example, escutcheon 102 may include an electronic locking assembly (not shown) that may be used to receive an unlock command. The electronic locking assembly may include a keypad. In use, a user enters a predetermined code on the keypad, which is used to unlock the door. In an alternative embodiment, a biosensor is used instead of a keyboard. For example, a resident of a home may store a fingerprint in a biometric control system. The user moves a finger over the sensor, which communicates the sensed fingerprint to the control circuit. The control circuit compares the sensed fingerprint with the stored fingerprint and may allow access to the building if the sensed fingerprint matches the stored fingerprint. In another embodiment, no keyboard is present. A user may use a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag that allows for motor actuation when the correct RFID tag is detected.

Fig. 2 shows the interior of the latch handle assembly 100. The interior of the lock eye shield 102 includes a housing that defines a recessed area for an interior component (e.g., the housing assembly 200). The interior of the escutcheon 102 also includes an attachment mechanism (not shown) for connecting the top mount 120 to the escutcheon 102. The interior of the second eyelock 110 also includes a housing defining a recessed area for internal components, such as an attachment mechanism (not shown) for connecting the bottom mount 122 to the second eyelock 110.

The housing assembly 200 is configured to be coupled to and in communication with a latch assembly (not shown). The latch assembly includes a deadbolt movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The latch assembly is disposed in a bore of a door (not shown) and is manually actuatable by the trigger 106. The trigger 106 enables the tongue to extend and retract.

The locking bolt moves linearly into and out of the barrel between a retracted position and an extended position. One end of the tongue is substantially flush with the strike plate and the aperture in the door when the tongue is retracted. When the tongue is extended, the tongue extends through an edge aperture of the door into an opening of a strike plate (not shown) located in a side wall adjacent the door. Typically, the striker plate is attached to the side wall by fasteners. The term "interior" is used broadly to refer to the area inside the door side or inside the door, while "exterior" is used broadly to refer to the area outside the door. In addition, the retracted position is broadly used to represent an "unlocked" position, while the extended position is broadly used to represent a "latched" position.

In one embodiment, the interior of the lock eye shield 102 also includes a latch mechanism 202, such as an internal latch (not shown). Latch mechanism 202 communicates with lock cylinder 130 to provide a locking means.

Fig. 3 is a side view of the latch handle assembly 100 mounted on a door B. The latch handle assembly 100 includes at least one eyelock 102, a handgrip 104, and a trigger 106. The lock eye cover 102 and the second lock eye cover 110 are attached to the door B and spaced apart from each other.

In the illustrated embodiment, the top mounting portion 120 and the bottom mounting portion 122 extend from the escutcheon 102 and the second escutcheon 110 and are perpendicular to the door B. The handle portion 128 extends from the top mounting portion 120 to the bottom mounting portion 122 in a direction generally parallel to the door B. The handle portion 128 is perpendicularly connected to the top mounting portion 120 and the bottom mounting portion 122. However, in other embodiments, the top mounting portion 120 and the handle portion 128 may have other shapes (e.g., arcuate shapes) or be connected at an angle other than 90 degrees.

The handle 104 includes a top mounting portion 120 having a top surface 124 and a bottom 126. The top 124 and bottom 126 are opposite each other. The bottom 126 also includes a recess (not shown). The recess is sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of the trigger 106. The handle portion 128 extends downwardly from the top mount 120 such that the bottom 126 is at least partially obscured by the handle portion 128. The trigger 106 is also at least partially obscured by the handle portion 128. As shown, when the latch handle assembly 100 is mounted on the door B, the trigger 106 is located closer to the door B than the handle portion 128.

Trigger 106 is located below bottom 126 of top mount 120 and extends into escutcheon 102. The trigger 106 includes a pivot point (seen on the underside in connection with fig. 8-9) located within the eye lock 102. As shown, when the trigger 106 is in the neutral position, it is disposed along the bottom 126 of the top mount 120.

The lock eye shield 102 houses a housing assembly 200. The housing assembly 200 may be located outside of the door B, or a portion of the housing assembly 200 may be located within a portion of the door B. The lock eye shield 102 may also house at least a portion of the latch mechanism 202.

Fig. 4 shows another view of the trigger 106 in a neutral position. The neutral position is a position when the trigger 106 is not actuated by the user. Trigger 106 includes an outer end 402 and an inner end that is positioned within eyelock 102. The trigger 106 also includes a pivot point within the eye lock 102.

The handle 104 includes a top mounting portion 120 having a top surface 124 and a bottom 126. The bottom 126 is at least partially obscured by the handle portion 128. The trigger 106 is also at least partially obscured by the handle portion 128. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 104 may not include a bottom mounting portion.

Fig. 5 shows an exploded view of the latch handle assembly 100. The latch handle assembly 100 includes an eye lock 102 and a second eye lock 110. The handle 104 includes a top mounting portion 120 connected to the escutcheon 102 and a bottom mounting portion 122 connected to the second escutcheon 110.

The lock eye cover 102 conceals the housing assembly 200. The lock eye shield 102 may also conceal a latch mechanism (not shown). The lock eye shield 102 also includes an attachment mechanism 502b for connecting to the top mount 120. The second eyelock 110 includes an attachment mechanism 502a for connecting to the bottom mount 122.

The handle 104 is shown to include a top mounting portion 120 and a bottom mounting portion 122, the top mounting portion 120 and the bottom mounting portion 122 being connected by a handle portion 128. The top mount 120 includes a top surface 124 and a bottom 126. In one embodiment, the bottom 126 includes a recess (not shown) that allows at least a portion of the outer end 402 of the trigger 106 to protrude when the trigger 106 is in the actuated position.

Trigger 106 includes an outer end 402 and an inner end 404. The outer end 402 is located at the bottom 126 of the top mount 120 (e.g., extends at least partially downward from the bottom 126). The inner end 404 passes through the eye lock 102 and communicates with the housing assembly 200. The trigger 106 is configured to pivot at a pivot point 406, which pivot point 406 is also located within the eyeshade 102.

As described above, the trigger 106 is pivotable between a neutral position and an actuated position. At least a portion of the outer end 402 is movable from an exposed position to a recessed position (as can be seen in fig. 8-9) when the trigger 106 is pivoted from the neutral position to the actuated position. When in the recessed position, at least a portion of the outer end 402 is located within the recess of the top mount 120. At least another portion of the outer end 402 is exposed below the bottom 126 when in the exposed position, as in the exposed position (corresponding to the neutral position of the trigger 106), the outer end 402 may protrude or be further spaced from the bottom 126.

Fig. 6 shows a front view of the latch handle assembly 100. Line a is a cross-sectional vertical line through the latch handle assembly 100. As shown, the latch handle assembly 100 is symmetrical along line a; however, this is not required. It should be noted that from a front view of the latch handle assembly 100, the trigger 106 is obscured by the handle 104 (e.g., behind the handle portion 128 and below the top mounting portion 120).

Fig. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the latch handle assembly 100 taken along line a of fig. 6. The latch handle assembly 100 includes an eye lock 102 and a second eye lock 110. The handle 104 extends between the escutcheon 102 and the second escutcheon 110. The handle 104 is connected to the escutcheon 102 at a top mounting portion 120 and to the second escutcheon 110 at a bottom mounting portion 122. The handle portion 128 extends between the top mounting portion 120 and the bottom mounting portion 122.

The top mount 120 includes a recess 702, the recess 702 being shaped such that it receives the outer end 402 of the trigger 106 when the trigger 106 is in the actuated position.

The lock eye shield 102 houses a housing assembly 200 and an optional latch mechanism 202. The eye lock 102 also accommodates a pivot point 406 and at least a portion of the inner end 404 of the trigger 106.

Fig. 8-9 illustrate a more detailed cross-sectional view taken along line a when the latch handle assembly 100 is in the neutral and actuated positions. Specifically, fig. 8 illustrates another cross-sectional view taken along line a when the latch handle assembly 100 is in a neutral configuration. In the example shown, the latch handle assembly 100 includes a handle 104, a trigger 106, and a housing assembly 200.

The trigger 106 includes an outer end 402 that is positioned below the bottom 126 of the top mount 120. For example, when mounted on a door, trigger 106 is located below bottom portion 126 and closer to the door than handle portion 128. At least a portion of the outer end 402 is located outside of the recess 702 when the trigger 106 is in the neutral configuration. In some embodiments, in the neutral configuration, the entire outer end is located outside (below) the recess 702. When mounted on a door, the trigger 106 pivots in a generally vertical direction about a pivot point 406.

Housing assembly 200 includes a compression bracket 802 in communication with inner end 404 and a spring 804. When installed on a door, the inner end 404 is positioned above the compression bracket 802 and the compression bracket 802 is positioned above the spring 804. The housing assembly 200 also includes a pinion 904 in communication with the latch driver 906. In the installed configuration, the pinion 904 and latch driver 906 rotate about a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the door.

In the neutral configuration, spring 804 is uncompressed and holds compression bracket 802 in the uncompressed configuration. For example, after installation, in the uncompressed configuration, the latch driver 906 holds the deadbolt in a neutral position. When installed on a door, in the neutral configuration, compression bracket 802 does not provide a downward force on spring 804. The compression bracket 802 maintains an upward force at the inner end 404 of the trigger and the outer end 402 is not located within the recess 702.

Fig. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the latch handle assembly 100 including the handle 104, trigger 106, and housing assembly 200 in the latch actuated position.

In the latch actuated position, the outer end 402 of the trigger 106 moves into the recess 702 of the top mount 120 (e.g., by user action). This causes the trigger 106 to pivot at the pivot point 406 and the inner end 404 engages the compression bracket 802. Typically, this pivotal movement is in a direction substantially parallel to the door to which the latch handle assembly 100 is mounted (in this case, generally upward movement).

The housing assembly 200 includes at least a compression bracket 802, a spring 804, and a latch driver 906. When the compression bracket 802 is actuated, the spring 804 is compressed, which causes the latch driver 906 to move from the neutral position to the latch actuated position. The latch driver 906 rotates the deadbolt, which allows the door to be opened.

When the latch handle assembly 100 is mounted on a door, the movement of the compression bracket 802 is parallel to the door. The vertical movement of the compression bracket 802 causes rotational movement of the circular pinion 904 about a horizontal axis. The latch driver 906 also moves in a circular direction about a horizontal axis.

Fig. 10 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a housing assembly 200. Housing assembly 200 includes compression bracket 802, spring 804, and circular pinion 904. Compression bracket 802 includes a plurality of teeth 902 that can engage with a circular pinion 904. When the compression bracket 802 is actuated by the trigger 106, the compression bracket 802 moves in a linear direction, which causes the circular pinion 904 to rotate along a first axis. The first axis moves perpendicular to the linear direction of the compression bracket 802. The circular pinion 904 is connected to a latch driver 906. As the circular pinion 904 rotates, it causes the latch driver 906 to also rotate. The latch driver 906 rotates the deadbolt, which allows the door to be opened.

When trigger 106 is released, spring 804 provides a force on compression bracket 802, which causes compression bracket 802 to move in an opposite linear direction. This causes the circular pinion 904 to rotate in an opposite direction along the first axis, which in turn causes the latch driver 906 to rotate in an opposite direction along the first axis.

Fig. 11 shows another view of the housing assembly 200. The housing assembly 200 includes a latch driver 906, which latch driver 906 is connected to a circular pinion 904. As described above, the circular pinion 904 rotates the latch driver 906 along the first axis, which moves the deadbolt between the extended and retracted positions.

In use, the latch handle assembly 100 is mounted to a door. The user actuates the trigger 106, which allows the user to open the door. When the user does not apply a force to the trigger, the locking bolt moves back to the neutral position, which holds the door in the closed position.

Examples

Illustrative examples of the latch handles disclosed herein are provided below. One embodiment of the latch handle may include any one or more of the examples described below, as well as any combination of these examples.

In example 1, a latch handle assembly is illustrated. The latch handle assembly includes a handle, a trigger member and a latch driver. The handle has a grip portion and a top mounting portion extending from the escutcheon. The top mount has a top surface and a bottom portion at least partially obscured by the handle portion. The trigger includes an outer end disposed along a bottom of the top mount and an inner end extending into the escutcheon. The trigger member is pivotable about a pivot point located within the eyecup. The latch driver is movable between a neutral position and a latch actuated position in response to actuation of the trigger.

In example 2, a modification was made to the latch handle assembly of any of the examples disclosed herein, the modification consisting in: the trigger member is pivotable between a neutral position and an actuated position such that at least a portion of the outer end is movable from an exposed position to a recessed position within the top mount when the trigger member is pivoted from the neutral position to the actuated position.

In example 3, the latch handle assembly of any of the examples disclosed herein is modified to include a bracket biased by a spring to a neutral position, the bracket movable from the neutral position to an actuated position in response to actuation of the trigger, the bracket including a rack. The latch driver includes a gear end operably engaged with the rack to move the latch driver between the neutral position and the latch actuated position.

In example 4, the latch handle assembly of any example disclosed herein is modified to include a locking tongue that moves between an extended position and a retracted position in response to actuation of a trigger.

In example 5, a modification was made to the latch handle assembly of any of the examples disclosed herein, the modification consisting in: the holder is at least partially located within the eye-lock.

In example 6, a modification to the latch handle of any of the examples disclosed herein was made in that: the direction of movement of the bracket between the neutral position and the actuated position is perpendicular to the direction of movement of the locking bolt between the extended position and the retracted position.

In example 7, a modification to the latch handle assembly of any of the examples disclosed herein was made in that: movement of the carriage from the neutral position to the actuated position compresses the spring.

In example 8, a modification was made to the latch handle assembly of any of the examples disclosed herein that consisted in: the handle further includes a bottom mounting portion extending from the handle portion to the second eyelock.

In example 9, the latch handle assembly of any of the examples disclosed herein was modified to include a lock cylinder passing through the lock cylinder cover.

In example 10, a modification to the latch handle assembly of any of the examples disclosed herein was made in that: the spring biases the bracket toward the neutral position such that when the trigger is released, the bracket returns to the neutral position and the trigger moves from the actuated position to the neutral position.

In example 11, a method of operating a latch handle assembly is illustrated. The latch handle assembly includes a top mounting portion, a handle portion, and a trigger at least partially obscured by the handle portion. The method includes actuating an outer end of the trigger, which causes the trigger to pivot about a pivot point located within the eyelock. Pivoting the trigger member causes an inner end of the trigger member within the eye-lock to actuate the latch driver. Actuating the latch driver causes the latch driver to move between a neutral position and a latch actuated position.

In example 12, the method of any of the examples disclosed herein was modified in that: at least a portion of the outer end of the trigger member is movable from the exposed position to a recessed position within the top mount upon pivoting the trigger member from the neutral position to the actuated position.

In example 13, the method of any example disclosed herein was modified in that: the spring biased bracket moves from a neutral position to an actuated position in response to actuation of the trigger member, and the latch driver including a gear end operatively engaged with the rack moves the latch driver between the neutral position and the latch actuated position.

In example 14, a modification was made to the method of any of the examples disclosed herein, the modification consisting in: the locking bolt is movable between an extended position and a retracted position in response to actuation of the trigger.

In example 15, the method of any of the examples disclosed herein was modified in that: the direction of movement of the bracket between the neutral position and the actuated position is perpendicular to the direction of movement of the locking bolt between the extended position and the retracted position.

In example 16, the method of any of the examples disclosed herein was modified in that: the spring is compressed as the bracket moves from the neutral position to the actuated position.

In example 17, a latch handle assembly is illustrated. The latch handle assembly includes a handle, a trigger, a latch driver, and a latch assembly. The handle has a vertical grip portion and a top mounting portion extending in a horizontal direction from a escutcheon mounted on the door. The top mount has a top surface and a bottom portion at least partially obscured by the handle portion. The trigger includes an outer end disposed along a bottom of the top mount and an inner end extending into the escutcheon. The trigger member is pivotable about a pivot point located within the eyecup. The latch driver is movable between a neutral position and a latch actuated position in response to actuation of the trigger. The latch assembly includes a deadbolt that moves between an extended position and a retracted position in response to actuation of the trigger.

In example 18, a modification to the latch handle assembly of any of the examples disclosed herein was made in that: the trigger member is pivotable between a neutral position and an actuated position such that at least a portion of the outer end is movable from an exposed position to a recessed position within the top mount when the trigger member is pivoted from the neutral position to the actuated position.

In example 19, the latch handle assembly of any example disclosed herein was modified to include a housing assembly. The housing assembly includes a bracket that is spring biased to a neutral position. The bracket is movable from a neutral position to an actuated position in response to actuation of the trigger. The bracket includes a rack. The latch driver includes a gear end operably engaged with the rack to move the latch driver between the neutral position and the latch actuated position.

In example 19, a modification to the latch handle assembly of any of the examples disclosed herein was made in that: the direction of movement of the bracket between the neutral position and the actuated position is perpendicular to the direction of movement of the locking bolt between the extended position and the retracted position.

Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, those skilled in the art will be able to easily ascertain the essential characteristics of the present disclosure, and to make various changes and modifications to adapt it to various uses and characteristics without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A latch handle assembly comprising:

a handle having a handle portion and a top mounting portion extending from the escutcheon, the top mounting portion having a top surface and a bottom having a recess at least partially obscured by the handle portion, wherein the handle further includes a bottom mounting portion extending from the handle portion to a second escutcheon, the escutcheon and the second escutcheon being spaced apart from one another;

a trigger member including an outer end disposed along a bottom of the top mount portion proximate the recess and an inner end extending into the escutcheon, the outer end being at least partially exposed with respect to the top mount portion, the trigger member being pivotable about a pivot point located within the escutcheon, wherein the outer end is positioned opposite the inner end with respect to the pivot point; and

a housing assembly disposed within the eye-lock shield and including a bracket spring biased to a neutral position, the inner end of the trigger engaged with the bracket such that the inner end is above the bracket, and in the neutral position the bracket maintains an upward force on the inner end of the trigger and the outer end is not located within the recess; and

a latch driver movable between a neutral position and a latch actuated position in response to actuation of the trigger.

2. The latch handle assembly of claim 1, wherein the trigger is pivotable between a neutral position and an actuated position such that at least a portion of the outer end is movable from an exposed position to a recessed position within the top mount when the trigger is pivoted from the neutral position to the actuated position.

3. The latch handle assembly of claim 1, wherein the bracket is movable from a neutral position to an actuated position in response to actuation of the trigger, the bracket including a rack; and

wherein the latch driver includes a gear end operably engaged with the rack to move the latch driver between the neutral position and the latch actuated position.

4. The latch handle assembly of claim 3, further comprising a latch assembly including a deadbolt movable between an extended position and a retracted position in response to actuation of the trigger.

5. The latch handle assembly of claim 3 wherein the bracket is located at least partially within the eye-lock cup.

6. The latch handle assembly of claim 4, wherein a direction of movement of the bracket between the neutral position and the actuated position is perpendicular to a direction of movement of the locking bolt between the extended position and the retracted position.

7. A latch handle assembly as defined in claim 3, wherein movement of the bracket from a neutral position to an actuated position compresses the spring.

8. The latch handle assembly of claim 1, further comprising a lock cylinder passing through the lock eye shield.

9. A latch handle assembly as defined in claim 3, wherein the spring biases the bracket toward the neutral position such that when the trigger is released, the bracket returns to the neutral position and the trigger moves from the actuated position to the neutral position.

10. A method of operating a latch handle assembly having a handle with a handle portion and a top mounting portion extending from a escutcheon, the top mounting portion having a top surface and a bottom having a recess at least partially obscured by the handle portion, the handle further including a bottom mounting portion extending from the handle portion to a second escutcheon, the escutcheon and the second escutcheon being spaced apart from one another, the handle having a trigger at least partially obscured by the handle portion, the method comprising:

biasing the trigger member in an intermediate position such that an outer end of the trigger member is positioned along a bottom of the top mount portion adjacent the recess, the outer end being at least partially exposed with respect to the top mount portion, and

the inner end extends into the escutcheon; and

actuating the outer end of the trigger member to cause the trigger member to pivot about a pivot point located within the escutcheon, the outer end being positioned opposite the inner end relative to the pivot point;

wherein:

pivoting the trigger member causes the inner end of the trigger member within the eye-lock to engage a bracket within a housing assembly biased to a neutral position by a spring to actuate the latch driver, the housing assembly being disposed within the eye-lock, the inner end of the trigger member engaging the bracket such that the inner end is above the bracket, and in the neutral configuration the bracket maintains an upward force on the inner end of the trigger member and the outer end is not within the recess; and is also provided with

Actuating the latch driver causes the latch driver to move between a neutral position and a latch actuated position.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein at least a portion of the outer end of the trigger member is movable from the exposed position to a recessed position within the top mount upon pivoting the trigger member from the neutral position to the actuated position.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the spring biased bracket moves from the neutral position to the actuated position in response to actuation of the trigger, and the latch driver including a gear end operatively engaged with the rack moves the latch driver between the neutral position and the latch actuated position.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the locking bolt is movable between the extended position and the retracted position in response to actuation of the trigger.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein a direction in which the bracket moves between the neutral position and the actuated position is perpendicular to a direction in which the locking bolt moves between the extended position and the retracted position.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein the spring is compressed as the carriage moves from the neutral position to the actuated position.

16. A latch handle assembly comprising:

a handle having a vertical handle portion and a top mounting portion extending in a horizontal direction from a escutcheon mounted on the door, the top mounting portion having a top surface and a bottom portion, the bottom portion having a recess at least partially obscured by the handle portion, wherein the handle further includes a bottom mounting portion extending from the handle portion to a second escutcheon, the escutcheon and the second escutcheon being spaced apart from one another;

a trigger having an outer end disposed along the bottom of the top mount proximate the recess and an inner end extending into the escutcheon, the outer end being at least partially exposed with respect to the top mount, the trigger being pivotable about a pivot point located within the escutcheon, wherein the outer end is positioned opposite the inner end with respect to the pivot point;

a housing assembly disposed within the eye-lock shield and including a bracket spring biased to a neutral position, the inner end of the trigger engaged with the bracket such that the inner end is above the bracket, and in the neutral position the bracket maintains an upward force on the inner end of the trigger and the outer end is not located within the recess;

a latch driver movable between a neutral position and a latch actuated position in response to actuation of the trigger; and

a latch assembly including a deadbolt that moves between an extended position and a retracted position in response to actuation of a trigger.

17. The latch handle assembly of claim 16, wherein the trigger is pivotable between a neutral position and an actuated position such that at least a portion of the outer end is movable from an exposed position to a recessed position within the top mount when the trigger is pivoted from the neutral position to the actuated position.

18. The latch handle assembly of claim 16, wherein the bracket is movable from a neutral position to an actuated position in response to actuation of the trigger, the bracket including a rack; and

19. The latch handle assembly of claim 18, wherein the direction of movement of the bracket between the neutral and actuated positions is perpendicular to the direction of movement of the locking bolt between the extended and retracted positions.