GB2375563A

GB2375563A - Window handle with lockable spindle

Info

Publication number: GB2375563A
Application number: GB0111338A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Terence James Dolman
Original assignee: Trojan Hardware and Design Ltd
Current assignee: Trojan Hardware and Design Ltd
Priority date: 2001-05-10
Filing date: 2001-05-10
Publication date: 2002-11-20
Anticipated expiration: 2021-05-10
Also published as: GB2375563B; GB0111338D0

Abstract

A window handle arrangement 30 comprises: a handle member 36 which is mountable on a window and is able to turn relative thereto; a spindle member 50 connected to turn with the handle member 36 so as to release or lock the window; and a locking member 20 which is restrained, in use, against turning relative to the window 14. The locking member 62 has a locking position at which the locking member 62 engages the spindle member 50 to prevent the spindle member 50 turning, thereby locking the handle 36, and is movable relative to the spindle 50 to a release position at which the spindle member 50 is free to turn. Preferably the locking member is mounted within a base member 32 and is movable axially along the spindle between the locking and release positions. Preferably the locking member is controlled by a release member 76 which is connected to a key-operated lock 42.

Description

Window Handle Arrangement The present invention relates to window handle arrangements.

Many types of window handle arrangement have previously been proposed. In particular, lockable window handle arrangements have been proposed, particularly, but not exclusively, for windows made of metal or plastics extrusions, which may incorporate security mechanisms such as espagnolette bolts and the like. Espagnolette mechanisms and the like may be controlled by a spindle which turns as the window handle is turned to open or close the window. Locking the handle against turning can therefore disable the espagnolette or other mechanism.

The present invention provides a window handle arrangement comprising a handle member mountable on a window to be able to turn relative thereto, a spindle member connected to turn with the handle member to release or lock the window, and a locking member restrained, in use, against turning relative to the window and having a locking position at which the locking member engages the spindle member to prevent the spindle member turning, thereby locking the handle, and the locking member being movable relative to the spindle to a release position at which the spindle member is free to turn as aforesaid.

The arrangement may further comprise a base member mountable on a window, the handle member being rotatably attached to the base member. The locking member may be restrained against turning relative to the base member.

The locking member may be mounted within the base member.

Preferably the locking member is movable axially along the spindle between the locking and release positions. Preferably, part of the length of the spindle is non-circular in section, the locking member engaging the non-circular length when in the locking position, and being clear of the non-circular length when in the release position. The non-circular length of the spindle may have

at least one flat, the locking member having a corresponding flat to engage for locking. A second part of the length of the spindle may be circular in section, the locking member being at the second part when in the release position. The locking member is preferably biased to the locking position, whereby to move to the locking position from the release position when the handle returns to the position at which the handle is lockable.

Preferably the locking member has a non-circular aperture within which the spindle is located. The locking member may be a plate member.

The handle may carry a manually operable lock which controls movement of a moveable release member, the release member being moveable to control the position of the locking member. The lock is preferably is keyoperated.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which :- Fig. 1 is a simple side elevation of a window handle arrangement according to a previous proposal; Fig. 2 is a similar elevation of an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3 is a plan view of the window handle arrangement of Fig. 2; Figs. 4 and 5 are axial sections through the arrangement of Figs. 2 and 3, showing the arrangement in the locked and released position, respectively; Fig. 6 is a view from beneath the arrangement when in the locked position, and Fig. 7 is the view of Fig. 6 after removal of the spring plate.

Fig. 1 shows a window handle arrangement 10 according to a previous proposal. A base plate 12 is provided for mounting the arrangement 10 on a window indicated at 14, and carries a handle 16. The base plate 12 may be attached to the window frame, the frame of the window light or another

convenient location.

The handle 16 is mounted to the base plate 12 to be able to turn relative to the plate 12, about an axis indicated at 18. The handle 16 carries a spindle (not shown) extending along the axis 18, through the base plate 12, into the window 14, so that turning the handle 16 will turn the spindle, which will in turn operate espagnolette mechanisms, or other locking or operating arrangements within the window 14.

For security reasons, it is desirable to be able to lock the handle 16, particularly so that the window cannot be opened. For this purpose, a lock barrel 20 is mounted in the handle 16. The lock barrel 20 is key-operated and controls a lock bolt movable along a line 22 to engage the base plate 12, or to be released from the plate 12. Consequently, the handle 16 can be locked by depressing the barrel 20 to advance the bolt to engage the base plate 12. This locks the handle 16 against turning on the plate 12, thereby locking the window 14. However, the lock 20 can be released by means of its key, thus allowing the lock bolt to be withdrawn from the base plate 12, so that the handle 16 is then free to turn about the axis 18, allowing the window to be released and opened.

Figs. 2 and 3 illustrate a window handle arrangement 30 which embodies the present invention. The arrangement 30 has a base 32 for attachment to a window 34 (Fig. 2) and a handle 36 which can turn about an axis 40 in order to release or lock the window. This is achieved by means of a spindle (to be described) within the arrangement 30, turning about an axis 40 and controlled by a lock visible at 42.

It will be readily apparent from comparison of Figs. 1 and 2, in particular, that the arrangement of Fig. 2 is much slimmer in its construction.

This arises from the embodiment of the present invention into the internal construction, which will now be described in more detail, particularly with reference to Figs. 4 to 7.

Turning to Fig. 4, the arrangement 30 is shown in the locked condition.

The base plate 32 has bores 46 for attaching the base 32 to the window 34 by means of screws (not shown). The base 32 is therefore fixed in position relative to the window, when in use. The handle 36 is mounted on the base 32 at 48 to be able to turn, relative to the plate 32, about the axis 40. The details of the turnable mounting arrangement at 48 are conventional in themselves and therefore need not be described more fully. It is preferred that the handle 36 and base 32 carry abutment faces to limit the range of angles through which the handle may turn, preferably limiting to 900.

A spindle 50 is located within the arrangement 30. The spindle 50 extends from a cavity 52 within the handle 36, across the mounting 40 and through the base 32, leaving an exposed end of the spindle 50 to engage with windows mechanisms such as espagnolette bolts and the like. The cavity 52 is part lined by a bearing cup 54 held in position by a fixing screw 56. The length 50a of the spindle 50 within the cup 54 is square in section (perpendicular to the axis 40) as is the cup 54 and cavity 52. Consequently, the spindle 50 is constrained in its alignment with the handle 36, so that turning the handle 36 will turn the spindle 50, whereas the handle 36 will not be able to turn if the spindle 50 is unable to turn.

The exposed end 5 Ob of the spindle 50 is also square in section for engaging and turning window operating mechanisms. A short length 50c of the spindle 50, between the square section lengths 50a, 5 Ob is circular in section, having a diameter no greater than the side length of the square sections 50a, 5 Ob. The circular spindle section 50c is located within a cavity 58 within the base 32. A spring member 60 extends across the mouth of the cavity 58.

A locking plate 62 is located within the cavity 58. The plate 62 is generally rectangular in shape (Fig. 6), but has concavities 63 in its short sides, and a central aperture 64 with four concave corner regions 65. The aperture 64 has two straight sides 66 parallel to each other and to the long sides of the plate

62, and spaced apart sufficiently to receive the square spindle section 50a between the sides 66, with a close fit, as illustrated in Fig. 7.

A compression spring 68 acts between the member 60 and the locking plate 62 to urge the plate 62 to the position illustrated in Fig. 4. In this position, the plate 62 is bearing against the roof 70 of the cavity 58 and is at an axial position, relative to the spindle 50, to place the square spindle section 50a in the aperture 64. Consequently, the locking plate 62 is prevented from rotation about the axis 40 by its location within the cavity 58, the spindle 50 is prevented from rotation relative to the plate 62 by virtue of engagement between the square spindle section 50a and the sides 66, the handle 36 is prevented from rotation by engagement with the spindle 50, and the handle 36 is therefore locked, preventing the handle being used to open a window which is in the closed condition.

The locking action of the locking plate 62 can be overridden by operation of the lock 42, as can now be described.

The lock 42 includes a lock barrel 72 designed as a button lock movable from an advanced position (Fig. 4) to a depressed position (Fig. 5) in which the barrel 72 has been pressed into a cavity 74 within the handle 36, after the barrel 72 is released by means of an appropriate key or other release arrangement.

This movement of the barrel 72 is parallel with the axis 40. The lock barrel 72 and its internal features may be conventional in themselves. Consequently, the barrel 72 is shown only in outline.

The barrel also carries a finger 76 which runs, parallel with the axis 40, down through the handle 36, across the mounting 48 and through the base 32 to bear on the plate 62. In the region of the spindle portion 50a, the finger 76 extends alongside the spindle 50 in a rebate formed in the cup 54, thereby completing the lining of the cavity 52. The lower extremity of the finger 76 may carry a small barb 76a, to retain the finger 76 against being removed.

In the condition shown in Fig. 4, the plate 62 is locking the handle arrangement, as has been described. Furthermore, the lock barrel 72 prevents the lock 42 from being depressed, thus locking the finger 76 against movement.

If the window is now to be opened, an appropriate key is used to release the lock barrel 72, allowing it to be depressed to the position illustrated in Fig. 5.

This causes the finger 76 to move parallel with the axis 40, pushing the plate 62 to move axially against the bias of the spring 68. Eventually, the plate 62 bears against the member 60 to prevent further movement. At this position, the plate 62 has moved off the square spindle section 50a, so that the circular spindle section 50c is now in the aperture 64. Consequently, there is clearance between the spindle 50 and the sides 66. The spindle 50 is no longer prevented from turning in the aperture 64. The handle and spindle can therefore both turn about the axis 40 relative to the base 32, allowing the spindle section 50b to release window locking arrangements and allow the window to be opened.

Once the handle 36 has moved from the alignment shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the plate 62 is prevented from moving back to the position of Fig. 4, as follows. The cup 54 carries four small pegs 77 (Fig. 7). With the handle 36 in the position of Fig. 4, the pegs 77 reach into the aperture 64 in the plate 62, being a close fit in the four corner regions 65. This provides further engagement to prevent the handle 36 turning relative to the base 32. However, when the plate 62 is depressed to the position of Fig. 5, the aperture 64 moves off the pegs 77.

If the released handle 36 is then turned, the pegs 77 will move away from the corner regions 65, to overlie the region 78 between the sides 66 and the parallel sides of the plate 62. Consequently, axial movement of the plate 62 relative to the spindle 50, to return the plate to the position of Fig. 4, is prevented by abutment of the plate 62 against the pegs 77. This has the effect of retaining the spindle section 50c between the sides 66, so that the handle 36 remains free to turn.

Fig. 6 shows the form of the spring member 60. This has side limbs 80

which are flexible and connected by flexible spring members 82. The limbs 80 lie alongside faces of the square spindle section 506. Thus, as the spindle turns, the limbs 80 are forced to flex apart, against the action of the springs 82.

Thus, the member 60 will initially resist movement of the spindle 50. However, once the spindle has turned through more than 45 degrees, the action of the limbs 80 in squeezing the spindle 50 will tend to cause the spindle to complete a turn of 90 degrees, and will thereafter grip the spindle 50 to resist further movement. This provides the handle movement with a positive feel to the user.

When the window is to be closed again, the handle 36 is turned back toward the position illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5, causing the spindle section 5 Ob to re-engage window closing mechanisms. As the handle 36 reaches the starting alignment of Fig. 4, the pegs 77 become aligned again with the corner regions 65, and the sides of the square spindle section 50a again align with the sides 66. The plate 62 is thus free to move from the circular spindle section 50c onto the square spindle section 50a, urged by the spring 68, thus moving back to the condition of Fig. 4, in which the handle 36 is locked. This movement pushes the finger 76 and thus pushes the lock barrel 72 back to the locked position of Fig. 4, so that the handle 36 is then again locked against turning, and the window is locked closed.

The arrangements described above have several advantages. First, security is increased in relation to the arrangement of Fig. 1. It may be possible to apply sufficient force to the handle of Fig. 1 to break or spring open the lock at 22, leaving the handle engaged with the spindle and thus allowing the window thereafter to be opened. In the apparatus as described in relation to Figs. 2 to 7, the spindle is locked within the base so that even if the handle is wrenched, even to the extreme of being wrenched off to expose the spindle, the spindle remains locked by the plate 62. Secondly, the arrangement allows the aesthetics of the arrangement to be improved, allowing a much slimmer handle to be designed, as is readily apparent from comparison of Figs. 1 and 2. These advantages both arise from the use of a locking member acting directly on the

spindle, rather than using a separate lock spaced from the pivot axis of the handle.

It will be apparent to the skilled reader that many variations and modifications can be made to the apparatus described above, without departing from the scope of the present invention. In particular, many different shapes, sizes and relative shapes and sizes of the various components could be used, according to the intended use and required aesthetics. Many different materials could be used for the manufacture of the various components, such as plastics, metal or other materials.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A window handle arrangement comprising a handle member mountable on a window to be able to turn relative thereto, a spindle member connected to turn with the handle member to release or lock the window, and a locking member restrained, in use, against turning relative to the window and having a locking position at which the locking member engages the spindle member to prevent the spindle member turning, thereby locking the handle, and the locking member being movable relative to the spindle to a release position at which the spindle member is free to turn as aforesaid.
2. A window handle arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the arrangement further comprises a base member mountable on a window, the handle member being rotatably attached to the base member.
3. A window handle arrangement according to claim 2, wherein the locking member is restrained against turning relative to the base member.
4. A window handle arrangement according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the locking member is mounted within the base member.
5. A window handle arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the locking member is movable axially along the spindle between the locking and release positions.
6. A window handle arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, wherein part of the length of the spindle is non-circular in section, the locking member engaging the non-circular length when in the locking position, and being clear of the non-circular length when in the release position.
7. A window handle arrangement according to claim 6, wherein the noncircular length of the spindle has at least one flat, the locking member having a corresponding flat to engage for locking.

<Desc/Clms Page number 10>
8. A window handle arrangement according to claims 6 or 7, wherein a second part of the length of the spindle is circular in section, the locking member being at the second part when in the release position.
9. A window handle arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the locking member is biased to the locking position, whereby to move to the locking position from the release position when the handle returns to the position at which the handle is lockable.
10. A window handle arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the locking member has a non-circular aperture within which the spindle is located.
11. A window handle arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the locking member may be a plate member.
12. A window handle arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the handle carries a manually operable lock which controls movement of a moveable release member, the release member being moveable to control the position of the locking member.
13. A window handle arrangement according to claim 12, wherein the lock is key-operated.
14. A window handle arrangement substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to Figs. 2 to 7.
15. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter disclosed herein, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding claims.