GB2306549A

GB2306549A - Latching handle assembly for a door or window having closed, semi-open and open positions

Info

Publication number: GB2306549A
Application number: GB9521270A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Glen William Wallis
Original assignee: BRUNEL COMPONENTS Ltd
Current assignee: BRUNEL COMPONENTS Ltd
Priority date: 1995-10-18
Filing date: 1995-10-18
Publication date: 1997-05-07
Anticipated expiration: 2015-10-18
Also published as: DE19642475A1; GB9521270D0; GB2306549B

Abstract

A latching handle assembly for a door or window having a tilt and turn action is pivotable between three positions - closed, semi-open and open. It is protected against applied reverse force when in a partly open condition, yet may be fully opened by disengaging a latching means 23 by manually depressing a push button 17 release. A cam 19 on the push button 17 hears on a lever 21 which further has a latch 23 which in the closed position engages a recess 24 in a rose 25. To move to the open position the push button 17 is depressed to disengage the lever 21 and allow for the rotation of the handle 13. When the push button 17 is released the lever 21 is biased back into engagement with the recess 24.

Description

2306549 1 LATCHING HANDLE ASSEMBLY This invention relates to a latching

handle assembly for a door or window mechanism having two selectable axes of movement.

So-called "tilt and turn" windows have two axes of movement. In the "tilt" condition the window is permitted to pivot about a horizontal axis (usually the top or bottom edge) to permit the window to open for ventilation purposes. In most cases the top of the window pivots inwards about the bottom edge. In the "MC condition the opening of the window is restricted so as to permit ventilation but prevent unauthorised access by e.g. a burglar. In the "turn" condition the window is permitted to pivot about a vertical axis, usually about one side. so as to open fully in the usual manner. Typically, in the turn condition the window will open by at least 900.

The mechanical linkage for changing the axis of movement is not part of this invention, but is well known. Typically the linkage is connected to a 3-position handle which in the first position latches the window shut. Arcuate movement of the handle through 90 permits the window to be opened in the tilt condition, and arcuate movement through a further 900 permits the window to be opened in the turn condition; the window must of course be pulled closed between the tilt and turned conditions so as to permit the mechanism to select the alternative pivot axis.

2 one problem with conventional mechanisms is that they are vulnerable to opening by reverse movement of the mechanical linkage. Thus a burglar may force access to the usual locking bars, and by manipulation place the operating handle in the 'turn' condition, which permits the window to open fully, so giving access from the outside.

It is desirable to f it a locking mechanism to such handles to prevent unauthorised opening of the window in this way. Typically a conventional cylinder lock may be provided to lock the handle in the closed or tilt conditions, and thus prevent a burglar from forcing open the window. The problem with this arrangement is that in the case of a fire an occupant of the building must locate a key to unlock the handle before the window can be opened to permit escape. If the window is left in the normally unlocked condition then it remains vulnerable to opening by burglars.

The object of the present invention is to provide a handle for such a window which is ordinarily in a latched condition, but which can readily be moved to the unlatched condition without the need for a key. A further object is to provide such a handle which can be locked.

According to the invention there is provided a handle assembly for the opening leaf of a door or window and adapted for connection to an operating mechanism of the leaf, the handle assembly comprising a mount and a handle pivotable on the mount between a first position in which in 3 is use the leaf is secured closed, a second position, in which the leaf can be opened to a limited extent for ventilation and a third position in which the leaf can be fully opened, wherein the assembly further includes latching means operable between said handle and mount to normally prevent movement of said handle to the third position, and release means operable by manual pressure to disengage said latching means thereby to permit said handle to be moved to the third position.

Such a handle assembly permits the handle to be normally latched against pivotal movement to the third position and thus protected against reverse force applied to the mechanical linkage. However in an emergency the release means permits the handle to be moved to the third position for the purposes of escape.

In the preferred embodiment the second and third positions of the handle permit the leaf to open about mutually perpendicular axes.

The latching means may be operable to normally engage said handle and mount at the first and second positions. In this arrangement the latching means prevents reverse movement of the handle assembly even to the second condition.

Preferably said latching means comprises a lever pivoted on said handle and engageable with abutment means of said mount, thereby to restrict arcuate movement of said handle. In the preferred embodiment said lever is 4 resiliently biased into latching engagement, and the latching means may constitute a recess to receive the lever at each of said positions.

The lever may extend on either side of its pivot axis, one end being for engagement with said release means, and the other end being for engagement with said abutment means. Preferably the release means comprises a push button urged outwardly of said handle by a spring.

The release means may be movable to restrict arcuate movement of said handle with respect to said mount.

The abutment means is preferably annular and disposed about the pivot axis of said handle. The abutment means preferably includes a radially extending wall defining a circumferentially extending step. In the preferred embodiment a plurality of such steps are provided.

The handle is preferably movable through 900 between successive operating positions, the abutment means being symmetrical and controlling movement of the handle in a clockwise and anti-clockwise direction. Such an arrangement permits the handle assembly to be mounted on either stile of the leaf with the handle being down in the closed position.

In the preferred embodiment the axis of movement of the push button is parallel to the pivot axis of said handle, but offset therefrom.

In the preferred embodiment said push button is rotatable, and includes a cam to bear on said lever, rotation of the button causing the cam to move said lever to an intermediate condition whereby engagement of the lever with the abutment means is partially obviated. In the case where the abutment means comprises a plurality of steps, rotation of the push button may cause said lever to adopt a position whereby it can pass over one or more steps on arcuate movement of said handle.

The assembly may include locking means to secure the handle against movement with respect to the mount. In the preferred embodiment the locking means comprises a cylinder lock which also constitutes said push button. Such locking means permit the handle to be securely locked at times when the premises are unoccupied.

The cylinder lock is preferably rotatable from a locked condition to a partially released condition whereby depression thereof permits movement of said handle between the first and second positions. In the preferred embodiment the cylinder lock is further rotatable to a fully released condition whereby depression thereof permits movement of said handle between said first, second and third positions.

In the preferred embodiment the axis of movement of said push button is between the pivot axis of said lever and a free end thereof.

Preferably the lever is annular. In the preferred embodiment the lever is substantially circular with a pivot axis offset from a diameter thereof, a radially inward projection being for abutment with said push button, and a radially outward projection being for engagement with said i 6 abutment means. Preferably said internal and external projections lie on a common diameter of said lever, and preferably said diameter is at right angles to the pivot axis of the lever. This arrangement of the circular lever is particularly compact and advantageous in a handle where internal space is at a premium. In the preferred embodiment the push button passes partially through the lever is some conditions of operation.

other features of the invention will be apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment illustrated by way of example only in the accompanying drawings in which:

Figs. 1-5 are transverse sections through a latching handle according to the present invention, and in different operating conditions.

Fig. 6 illustrates schematically in plan the position of the handle corresponding to the conditions of Figs. 15.

Fig. 7 illustrates a mounting plate of the invention n side elevation.

Fig. 8 illustrates the mounting plate of Fig. 7 in plan; Fig. 9 illustrates the rose of the mounting plate, and the different levels thereof.

Fig. 10 illustrates in plan a lever of the invention.

Fig. 11 illustrates a cut away assembly according to the present invention.

7 Fig. 1 illustrates a mounting plate 11 having screw holes 12 permitting attachment of the plate 11 by screws to the frame of a window (not shown). A handle 13 has a spindle 14 pivotable in an aperture 15 of the plate and is secured against removal in any suitable manner. The handle is pivotable through 1800 to operate a tilt and turn mechanism of any conventional kind. The handle of this embodiment can also be rotated through 3600 to permit fixing to left and right handle stiles of a window frame whilst retaining a common closed position (handle down) and an operating range of 1800.

The handle includes a throughbore 16 having a push button 17 urged outwardly by a coil spring 18. The push button incorporates a key operated cylinder lock of any conventional kind and which can be locked to prevent movement of the push button inwards against the spring 18. In the unlocked condition the push button 17 is freely movable against the spring 18.

The inner end of the push button has a cam 19 whose operation is described subsequently. The face of the cam 19 bears on one end of a lever 21 pivoted with respect to the body about a mid-point axis 22. The other end of the lever 21 comprises a latch 23 for engagement in a recess 24 of a circular rose 25 fixed to the plate 11 in any suitable manner.

The rose 25 is annular and has circumferential portions at three different levels, the transitions between 8 the levels comprising abutments for engagement with the lever 21 as will be apparent from the following description.

Fig. 1 illustrates the handle in the fully locked condition. Movement of the push button 17 inwards is prevented by the lock in any suitable manner engagement of an abutment of the lock corresponding abutment of the handle 13.

for example by barrel with a The 1 ever 21 engages the rose 25 at a f irst level 1 (Fig. 9) which constitutes a recess by virtue of the raised levels 2 on either side thereof. The lever is urged in a clockwise direction about its pivot axis (as viewed in Fig. 1) by a hairpin spring, or any other suitable means. By virtue of engagement of the lever 21 and recess 24 the handle is secured against arcuate movement, and consequently the window opening mechanism is maintained in the locked condition.

Fig. 2 illustrates the handle in the unlocked but latched condition. In this condition the key barrel is turned through 900 by the key, but the disposition of the lever 21 is unchanged and consequently the handle 13 is prevented from arcuate movement with respect to the plate 11. However the push button 17 is free to move inwards to the condition illustrated in Fig. 3 in which the cam 19 pivots the lever 21 to disengage the recess 24. Thus with the button 17 depressed the handle is permitted to pivot over levels 1 and 2 of the rose, and thus to move freely through 900 between the closed and tilt conditions.

9 Moreover, if the push button is released, the combined effect of coil spring 18 and the return spring of the lever 21 ensures that the latch 23 engages the rose at the recess formed between levels 2 and 3 thereof.

This arrangement ensures that the handle 13 is latched against movement unless the push button 17 is depressed, and the user can safely leave the window in an unlocked condition without fear that the handle can be moved to the 'turn' condition by reverse movement of the window operating mechanism.

Fig. 4 illustrates the disposition of the components when the lock barrel is turned through a further 900 by the key. The cam 19 is rotated with the lock barrel to maintain the lever 21 in the horizontal condition as illustrated; consequently movement of the handle is restricted only by level 3 but the handle is nevertheless prevented from being moved by reverse operation to the 'turn' condition.

In Fig. 5 the push button is depressed, and the cam 19 pivots the lever 21 over level 3 of the rose, thus permitting the handle to move to the 'turn' condition in which the window can be opened fully. Movement of the handle from the 'turn' to 'tilt' condition automatically relatches the handle as illustrated in Fig. 4.

A further advantage of this embodiment is that the window may be locked in the 'tilt' condition by 901 reverse rotation of the lock barrel from the condition of Fig. 3. The latch 23 is engaged at level 1 of the rose (between levels 2 and 3) and cannot be released since the push button is fixed relative to the handle. Thus the window can be left locked but open in the 'tilt' condition, e.g. for ventilation, whilst the residence is unoccupied.

Fig. 6 illustrates the attitude of the handle as it is moved from the closed to the 'turn' condition; the numerals correspond to Figs. 1-5.

Figs. 7 and 8 illustrates a combined mounting plate 11 and rose 25. Fig. 9 illustrates the levels of the rose in plan, and in particular shows a symmetrical rose which permits mounting of the handle assembly on opposite stiles of a window; in normal use full movement of the handle is over only 1800 of the rose.

The particular angular extent of the levels is determined according to the operating mechanism and nature of the lever 21. Furthermore the faces of the roses are relieved in a conventional manner to permit free movement of the components without jamming.

Fig. 10 illustrates the lever 21 which comprises e.g. a metal stamping having opposite arms 31 which define the pivot axis 22. The lever has a substantially circular aperture which lies in use on the axis of movement of the push button 17; this has the advantage that the extended portion of the cam face can pass freely through the aperture when the push button is in the position of Fig. 3. An internal projection 32 engages the cam 19 and an external projection comprises the latch 23 which is shaped to give 11 maximum engagement in the necessarily angled recesses defined by the rose 25.

As is clear from a comparison of Figs.2 and 4, the rotation of the lock barrel brings a different part of the cam to bear on the projection 32, and this arrangement permits the shape of the cam to be readily varied to suit different operational requirements. In the present embodiment a single depression of the push button serves to actuate the lever through two distinct operating ranges, dependent on the position of the lock barrel. This arrangement avoids potential confusion of the user which might result from depression of the push button causing movement of the lever over its full range.

Furthermore the protrusion of the push button from the lock is minimised by using the cam to separate the two operating ranges of the lever 21. In the preferred embodiment push button protrusion can be limited to a minimum of 3 mm whilst giving 6 mm effective movement at the projection 32.

Preferably the majority of the components are die cast in aluminium alloy.

In the embodiment described, the handle is permitted to move freely from the tilt to closed conditions when the lock barrel is in the position illustrated in Fig. 4 notwithstanding that the handle is latched against movement to the 'turn' condition. Suitable materials could however be specified which would render the different faces of the 12 cam 19 unnecessary. In such an arrangement depression of the push button would pivot the lever 21 through its entire operating range, and the levels of the rose would be set accordingly. The inevitable consequence is that the range of movement of the latch 23 would be reduced if the travel of the push button is not increased, and thus the degree of engagement with the abutments of the rose 25 would be reduced; this in turn would almost certainly require materials of higher specification which would be more expensive. However an advantage of this alternative arrangement is that positive latching of the handle in either the 'closed' or 'tilt' conditions could be obtained with the lock in the position of Fig. 4. However the handle assembly is prevented from reverse operation whether the push button has two operational conditions or not.

Fig. 11 illustrates schematically the handle assembly partially cut-away to reveal the inner components thereof. The rose 25 has eight steps symmetrically arranged about the vertical axis (as viewed); the respective step heights are indicated by the numerals 1, 2 and 3. The lever 21 includes the sector shaped latch 23 which is engageable in recesses defined at the lowest step height 1.

The underside of the push button 17 is represented by the annular cam track 20 whereby rotation of the push button or cylinder lock results in arcuate movement of the lever 21 about its pivot axis 22. Thus depression of the push button cause the lever to lift to above level 2 or above level 3 of 13 the rose 25, depending on the relative arcuate position of the cam track 20 in relation to the internal projection 32.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A handle assembly for the opening leaf of a door or window and adapted for connection to an operating mechanism of the leaf, the handle assembly comprising a mount and a handle pivotable on the mount between a first position in which in use the leaf is secured closed, a second position, in which the leaf can be opened to a limited extent for ventilation and a third position in which the leaf can be fully opened, wherein the assembly further includes latching means operable between said handle and mount to normally prevent movement of said handle to the third position, and release means operable by manual pressure to disengage said latching means thereby to permit said handle to be moved to the third position.

2. An assembly according to claim 1 wherein the latching means is operable to normally engage said handle and mount at the first and second positions.

3. An assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein said latching means comprises a lever pivoted on said handle and engageable with abutment means of said mount.

4. An assembly according to claim 3 wherein the lever extends on either side of its pivot axis, one end of the lever being for engagement with said release means, and the other end of the lever being for engagement with said abutment means.

1

5 5. An assembly according to claim 3 or claim 4 wherein said lever is annular.

6. An assembly according to claim 5 wherein the lever is substantially circular with a pivot axis offset from a diameter thereof, a radially inward projection being for abutment with said release means, and a radially outward projection being for engagement with said abutment means.

7. An assembly according to claim 6 wherein said internal and external projections lie on a common diameter of said lever.

8. An assembly according to any of claims 3-7 wherein said abutment means is annular and disposed about the pivot axis of said handle.

9. An assembly according to claim 8 wherein the abutment means is symmetrical about a central axis thereof.

10. An assembly according to any of claims 3-9 wherein the abutment means includes a radially extending wall defining a circumferentially extending step.

11. An assembly according to claim 10 wherein a plurality of steps are provided.

12. An assembly according to any preceding claim wherein release means is movable to restrict arcuate movement of said handle with respect to said mount.

13. An assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the release means comprises a push button urged outwardly of said handle by a spring.

14. An assembly according to claim 13 wherein the 16 axis of movement of the push button is parallel to the pivot axis of said handle.

15. An assembly according to claim 13 or claim 14 wherein said push button is rotatable, and includes a cam to bear on said latching means, rotation of the button causing the cam to move said latching means to an intermediate condition whereby engagement of the latching means is at least partially obviated.

16. An assembly according to any of claims 13-15 wherein the axis of movement of said push button is between the pivot axis of said lever and a free end thereof.

17. An assembly according to any preceding claim and further including locking means to secure the handle against movement with respect to the mount.

18. An assembly according to claim 17 wherein the locking means comprises a cylinder lock.

19. An assembly according to any of claims 13-16 wherein said push button comprises a cylinder lock.

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