GB2460489A

GB2460489A - Spindle attached to door or window handle by peening

Info

Publication number: GB2460489A
Application number: GB0810007A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Keith Pacey
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-06-02
Filing date: 2008-06-02
Publication date: 2009-12-09
Anticipated expiration: 2028-06-02
Also published as: GB0810007D0; GB2460489B

Abstract

A traditional style door or window handle 10 is constructed using a method which makes it suitable for attachment to an espagnolette mechanism. The handle 10 comprises a base plate 12 with a bore 30. A drive spindle 13 extends through the bore 30 in the base plate 12. The drive spindle 13 has an outer end 21 which passes through an aperture 14 in the handle grip 11. The end 21 is flattened by peening to hold the drive spindle 13 in place. A circlip 44 is used to secure the spindle to the base plate.

Description

HANDLE AND CONSTRUCTION METHOD

This invention relates to a handle, principally for windows or doors, and a construction method therefor.

Traditionally metal handles and fittings for windows have been produced for many hundreds of years using techniques such as green sand casting. The styles of window and fittings therefor have changed throughout the years, and many styles have been developed, such as curled "monkey tail" handles made from materials such as cast iron. Traditional window fittings are still desired for their aesthetic appearance, particularly on period style windows and on the windows of older properties.

These traditional window handles generally comprise a hingedly or pivotally mounted grip attached to a base plate which is attached to the window frame. Due to the traditional production methods by which the components of each handle are produced -i.e. by green sand casting -and due to the fact that the components are finished and assembled by hand, the finished handle is relatively bulky. The grip is secured to the base plate by being peened beneath the base plate, so the handle is particularly bulky in this region.

Modern casement windows, including double glazed windows and doors, are often manufactured using PVCu or other materials such as timber, aluminium, steel or re-constituted materials, and are generally operated by using either a cockspur or espagnolette handle. The position on the frame of the handles used to operate an espagnolette mechanism on a window is obviously dependent on the positioning of the espagnolette mechanisms on or within the frame.

The majority of modern casement windows operate with an espagnolette mechanism, and have a generally uniform handle style and position. A square drive spindle extends from the handle into the mechanism for operation thereof.

The handle is generally affixed towards an outer edge on the casement frame, positioned close to the window jamb. This standard handle position presents the problem that traditionally produced handles cannot be converted to be attached to modern casement windows with espagnolette mechanisms, because of their wide bases. Further, due to the construction method used, the grips on traditional handles tend to extend a relatively large distance from the base plate. As a result of the positioning on the handle on the frame, the grip will catch on the jamb when the window is opened. It is therefore difficult to construct traditional window fittings using traditional methods with a drive spindle that engages with the espagnolette mechanism because of the restrictions on size.

Current handles are produced by die casting, which is only economical if hundreds of thousands of handles are produced. Further, die casting does not produce the desired aesthetic appearance of traditionally produced handles.

The present invention provides a handle that can in part be produced by traditional methods such as green sand casting to produce a traditional or period-style handle, yet which can be adapted to fit on modern casement windows or doors having espagnolette mechanisms. A method for the production of such a handle is also provided.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of producing a handle for use on a window or door having an espagnolette mechanism, the method comprising the steps of: -providing a base plate having an outer face and an inner face and sliding said base plate onto a drive spindle from a grip end thereof, said grip end extending beyond the outer face when the base plate is slid thereon, the drive spindle having at its other end a drive end to engage with an espagnolette mechanism in the window or door to which it is connected; -locating a grip onto the grip end of the drive spindle; and -broadening the grip end of the drive spindle to secure the grip thereto.

Because of the construction method of the present invention, it is possible to create a handle using components formed using traditional methods, which is of the correct dimensions to be attached to a modern casement window. Specifically a narrow base plate may be made with a relatively low grip.

The term "handle" as used herein is used to describe the entire apparatus including the grip, the base plate and the drive spindle. The term "grip" is used to define the manually graspable section of the handle.

The grip end of the drive spindle will preferably be broadened by being peened, though any alternative method of broadening the end may be used. A cap may be attached to the grip end of the drive spindle. The cap and grip end may be provided with co-operating screw threads for ease of attachment.

To provide a traditional or period appearance for the handle, it is preferred that the base plate and grip are manufactured by traditional methods such as casting, and in particular green sand casting and hand forging. These techniques have been used to produce traditional window fittings with styles such as monkey tail handles for many years.

The grip and base plate are preferably manufactured from iron, which is the metal used on traditional fittings using the previously mentioned traditional methods. Of course, alternative metals such as brass could be used where preferred.

The base plate is preferably slid onto the drive spindle by insertion of the drive spindle through a bore in the base plate. The grip will preferably have an opening which is placed over the grip end of the drive spindle. The grip end of the drive spindle will preferably extend beyond the opening on the grip. Once the grip is located on the grip end, the grip end is broadened. The increase in diameter of the grip end prevents removal of the grip.

As only the peened grip end of the drive spindle will be visible during use, the material from which the drive spindle is made need not be chosen based on its aesthetic appearance. To provide the necessary strength, and be relatively cost effective, it is preferred that the drive spindle is manufactured from steel. The steel can easily be coloured to be uniform with the remaining handle components. Alternatively, brass may be used.

Preferably the grip will be lockable with respect to the base plate, which will have the effect of preventing rotation of the drive spindle and hence locking the window or door. This is preferably achieved by providing a bore in the grip, and a corresponding hole in the base plate. A screw, pin or the like is preferably inserted in the bore, which screw or pin can extend into the hole in the base plate to lock the handle. It will also be possible to provide a key-operated lock in the grip.

The drive spindle is preferably prevented by means of an abutment from being slid completely through the base plate. In one embodiment the drive spindle has a larger diameter at the drive end than at the grip end thereof. The abutment may be formed at the part of the drive spindle where said spindle changes width. This abutment may, when the handle is assembled, lie against the inner face of the base plate. Alternatively, the bore in the base plate may have a region of reduced diameter disposed towards the outer face thereof.

The drive spindle may be slid into the bore so that the relatively narrow grip end passes through the relatively narrow region of bore, until the relatively wide region of the drive spindle abuts the bore where it narrows.

Alternatively, the drive spindle may be formed with an annular channel of reduced diameter. To prevent the base plate and drive spindle from disengaging, a circlip or equivalent may be attached to the annular channel. Of course the drive spindle may be provided with an abutment as previously described as well as an annular channel.

The drive spindle will preferably be formed with a region of reduced diameter at the grip end to aid location of the grip thereon.

To facilitate the rotation of the grip to operate the espagnolette mechanism, a sprung washer surrounding the spindle is preferably applied, before the grip is applied, said washer lies in use between the grip and base plate. A steel washer may also be applied surrounding the drive spindle.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is also provided a traditional style handle to attach to an espagnolette mechanism on a window or door, the handle comprising: -a base plate having an outer face, an inner face and an bore therethrough from the inner to outer face, the base plate being adapted for mounting the handle on the window or door, -a drive spindle that extends through the bore in the base plate and which has a grip end toward the outer face of the base plate, and a drive end toward the inner face of the base plate to engage with an espagnolette mechanism; and -a grip that is located onto the grip end of the spindle and attached thereto by broadening of the grip end.

The grip end of the drive spindle will preferably be broadened by peening, though any alternative to broaden the grip end is within the scope of this invention. A cap may be attached to the grip end of the drive spindle. The cap and grip end may be provided with co-operating screw threads for ease of attachment.

Preferably the grip will be lockable with respect to the base plate, which will have the effect of preventing rotation of the drive spindle and hence locking the window or door. Preferably the grip has a bore, and there is a is corresponding hole in the base plate. A screw, pin or the like is preferably provided in the bore, which screw or pin can extend into the hole in the base plate to lock the handle. It will also be possible to provide a key-operated lock in the grip.

Preferably an abutment is provided to prevent the drive spindle from being slid completely through the base plate. In one embodiment the drive spindle has a larger diameter at the drive end than at the grip end thereof. The abutment may be formed where the spindle changes width. Such an abutment may, when the handle is assembled, lie against the inner face of the base plate. Alternatively, the bore in the base plate may have a region of reduced diameter disposed towards the outer face thereof forming a cooperating abutment. The drive spindle is located in the bore with a relatively narrow grip end passing through a relatively narrow region of bore, and a relatively wide region of the drive spindle abutting cooperating abutment in the bore.

Alternatively, or in combination with the above-mentioned embodiments of abutment, the drive spindle may have an annular channel disposed towards the drive end thereof. A circlip or equivalent device may be attached to the annular channel or another region of the spindle to abut the inner face of the base plate so to prevent the base plate and drive spindle from disengaging in the direction of the inner face.

The drive spindle preferably has a region of reduced diameter at the grip end to aid location of the grip thereon.

To facilitate the rotation of the grip a sprung washer may be provided on the drive spindle between the grip and outer face of the base plate. A steel washer may also be provided on the drive spindle.

So that the invention may be better understood, two embodiments thereof will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional side view of an assembled handle according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a front view of the handle of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a side view of a first embodiment of drive spindle; Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of base plate; Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional side view of a grip; Figure 6 shows a side view of a drive spindle for a second embodiment of the invention; Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of a base plate for the second embodiment; and, Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional side view of the second embodiment of an assembled handle including the drive spindle of Figure 6 and base plate of Figure 7.

Reference is initially made to Figures 1 to 5. The present handle, generally indicated 10, is adapted to operatively engage an espagnolette mechanism on a window or door (not shown). In combination with such an espagnolette mechanism the rotation of the handle causes operation of the locking members.

The handle, generally indicated 10, comprises a grip 11, a base plate 12, and a drive spindle 13. The grip 11 is made from a metal such as iron using a traditional technique such as green sand casting, as this provides the desired appearance. The grip 11 in this example has a traditional monkey tail shape, though any desired style of grip can be made. At a top end of the grip 11 is an aperture 14 in which the drive spindle 13 locates to connect the grip 11 to the base plate 12.

Base plate 12 is generally rectangular and is adapted to be mounted onto a window or door frame. The base plate 12 has an inner face 40, which lies against the window or door frame when the handle 10 is affixed thereto. It also has an opposite outer face 41 toward the grip 11. Base plate 12 is constructed using traditional techniques such as green sand casting from a suitable material such as iron. Base plate 12 further comprises screw holes 18 by which the base plate can be affixed to the window or door frame.

Centrally positioned in the base plate 12 is a cylindrical opening in the form of a through-bore 30 through which the drive spindle 13 is inserted.

Cylindrical through-bore 30 has a narrow portion 31 toward the outer face 41 and a broader portion 32 toward rear face 40 thereof. A shoulder 47 is defined at the junction of these two portions.

As shown in Figure 2, a formation 46 is provided in the top face 41 of the base plate 12. This formation 46 abuts the grip 11 when it is in a position whereat the espagnolette mechanism is fully closed or fully open. The formation 46 prevents the grip 11 from being rotated beyond those points and damaging the mechanism.

The first embodiment of drive spindle 13, as best shown in Figure 1 and Figure 3, comprises an engagement section 20, cylindrical grip end 21, an annular channel 22 and a cylindrical body section 23. The engagement section has a generally square cross section and is adapted to engage with the espagnolette mechanism of a window or door (not shown). The cylindrical grip end 21 extends through the grip as shown in Figure 1, when the handle 10 is assembled. As shown in Figure 1, the cylindrical grip end 21 has a peened end 24, which prevents the grip 11 from being removed from the drive spindle 13 and the drive spindle 13 being slid from the base plate 12 in the direction of the inner face 40. The cylindrical body section 23 abuts the shoulder 47 of the base plate. A circlip 44 (shown in broken lines in Figure 3) is engaged with the annular channel 22 and this locates against the inner face 40 of the base plate 12 to also limit the movement of the drive spindle 13 in an outward direction.

As the drive spindle 13 is mostly hidden from view in use, it may be made from a sturdy material such as steel, and machined or moulded to the correct shape.

The handle 10 includes a locking mechanism. Next to aperture 14 on grip 11 is screw hole 15, which extends through the grip. A screw 16 is screwed into screw hole 15 and can selectively lock the grip with respect to the base plate 12 by entering screw hole 31 in the base plate 12.

The handle of the present invention is constructed by holding the drive spindle 13 in a suitable device such as a vice, and placing the base plate 12 over it, so that the square body section 23 of the drive spindle abuts the throat shoulder 47 of the base plate 12. A sprung washer 33 and then steel washer 34 are then placed over the cylindrical grip end 21. The grip 11 is then placed over the drive spindle 13, with the cylindrical grip end 21 passing through the aperture 14. The end of the cylindrical grip end 21 is then peened to flatten the end and hold the drive spindle 13 in place.

A circlip 44 is then placed around annular channel 22 to secure the drive spindle 13 to the base plate 12. The handle 10 can then be attached to a door or window frame, with the drive spindle entering the espagnolette mechanism thereof.

Figures 6 to 8 show a handle having an alternative embodiment of drive spindle and base plate. The handle, generally indicated 50, is essentially identical to handle 10 as previously described.

Base plate 52 is also substantially the same as base plate 12 as described and like parts have been given like reference numerals. Base plate 52 differs in respect of the through bore for locating the drive spindle. In this embodiment the through-bore 58 through which drive spindle 53 is inserted is uniform in width and does not form the shoulder as shown in the previous embodiment.

The second embodiment of drive spindle 53, as best shown in Figure 6 and Figure 8, comprises an engagement section 60, and cylindrical grip end 61. The engagement section 60 has a generally square cross section and is adapted to engage with the espagnolette mechanism of a window or door (not shown). The cylindrical grip end 61 extends through the grip 11 as shown in Figure 8, when the handle 50 is assembled. A circlip 44 (shown in broken lines in Figure 6) is engaged with the cylindrical grip end 61 and this abuts the inner face 40 of the base plate 52 to limit the movement of the drive spindle 53 in an outward direction.

The handle 50 is constructed by holding the drive spindle 53 in a suitable device such as a vice, and placing the base plate 52 over it, so that circlip 64 abuts the inner face 55 of the base plate 52. A sprung washer 33 and steel is washer 34 are then placed over the cylindrical grip end 61. The grip 11 is then placed over the drive spindle 53, with the cylindrical grip end 61 passing through the aperture 14. The end of the cylindrical grip end 61 is then peened to flatten the end and hold the drive spindle 53 in place. The handle 10 can then be attached to a door or window frame, with the drive spindle entering the espagnolette mechanism thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method of producing a handle for use on a window or door having an espagnolette mechanism comprising the steps of: -providing a base plate having an outer face and an inner face and sliding said base plate onto a drive spindle from a grip end thereof, said grip end extending beyond the outer face when the base plate is slid thereon, the drive spindle having at its other end a drive end to engage with an espagnolette mechanism in the window or door to which it is connected; -locating a grip onto the grip end of the drive spindle; and -broadening the grip end of the drive spindle to secure the grip thereto.
2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the grip end is broadened by being peened.
3. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the grip end is broadened by attaching a cap.
4. A method as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the base plate and grip are manufactured by casting.
5. A method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the base plate and grip are manufactured by green sand casting.
6. A method as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the grip and base plate are manufactured from iron or brass.
7. A method as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the drive spindle is manufactured from steel or brass.
8. A method as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein a bore is provided in the base plate through which the drive spindle locates.
9. A method as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein a locking hole is provided in the grip and a screw or pin is provided with to lock the grip against base plate.
10. A method as claimed in claim 9, wherein a corresponding hole is provided in the base plate into which the screw or pin locates to lock the grip with respect to the base plate.
11. A method as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the drive spindle is formed with a region of reduced diameter at the grip end to aid location of the grip thereon.
12. A method as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein an abutment is provided on the drive spindle to prevent said drive spindle from being slid completely through the base plate.
13. A method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the drive spindle is provided with a region of larger diameter at the drive end.
14. A method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the region of larger diameter on the drive spindle abuts against the inner face of the base plate.
15. A method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the bore in the base plate is provided with a region of reduced diameter disposed towards the outer face.
16. A method as claimed in claim 15, wherein the region of larger diameter on the drive spindle abuts against the edge of the region of reduced diameter in the bore.
17. A method as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein an annular channel is provided on the drive spindle.
18. A method as claimed in claim 17, wherein a circlip is applied to the annular channel, the circlip abutting the inner face of the base plate. -14-
19. A method as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein a sprung washer is located on the spindle before the grip is attached, so that it lies between the grip and the base plate.
20. A traditional style handle to attach to an espagnolette mechanism on a window or door, the handle comprising: -a base plate having an outer face, an inner face and an bore therethrough from the inner to outer face, the base plate being adapted for mounting the handle on the window or door, -a drive spindle that extends through the bore in the base plate and which has a grip end toward the outer face of the base plate, and a drive end toward the inner face of the base plate to engage with an espagnolette mechanism; and -a grip that is located onto the grip end of the drive spindle and attached thereto by broadening of the grip end.
21. A handle as claimed in claim 20, wherein the grip end of the drive spindle is broadened by peening.
22. A handle as claimed in claim 20, wherein the grip end of the drive spindle is broadened by attaching a cap.
23. A handle as claimed in of claims 20 to 22, wherein the base plate and grip are formed by casting.
24. A handle as claimed in claim 23, wherein the base plate and grip are formed by green sand casting.
25. A handle as claimed in any of claims 20 to 24, wherein the grip and base plate are formed from iron or brass.
26. A handle as claimed in any of claims 20 to 25, wherein the drive spindle is formed from steel or brass.
27. A handle as claimed in any of claims 20 to 26, wherein the grip is lockable with respect to the base plate.
28. A handle as claimed in claim 27, wherein a locking bore is provided in the grip and a there is further provided a screw or pin to locate in the locking bore and lock the grip with respect to the base plate.
29. A handle as claimed in claim 28, wherein a corresponding hole is provided in the base plate into which the screw or pin locates to lock the grip against the base plate.
30. A handle as claimed in any of claims 20 to 29, wherein the drive spindle has a region of reduced diameter at the grip end to aid location of the grip thereon.
31. A handle as claimed in any of claims 20 to 30, wherein the drive spindle has an abutment to prevent said drive spindle from being slid completely through the base plate.
32. A handle as claimed in claim 31, wherein the drive spindle has a region of larger diameter at the drive end.
33. A handle as claimed in claim 32, wherein the outer end of the region of larger diameter on the drive spindle abuts against the inner face of the base plate.
34. A handle as claimed in claim 31, wherein the bore in the base plate has a region of smaller diameter disposed towards the outer face thereof.
35. A handle as claimed in claim 34, wherein the outer end of the region of larger diameter on the drive spindle abuts against the inner end of the region of reduced diameter in the base plate bore.
36. A handle as claimed any of the claims 20 to 35, wherein an annular channel is provided on the drive spindle.
37. A handle as claimed in claim 36, wherein a circlip is connected to the annular channel, the circlip abutting the inner face of the base plate.
38. A handle as claimed in any of the claims 20 to 37, wherein a sprung washer is located on the drive spindle between the grip and the base plate.
39. A handle as claimed in claim 20 and as substantially herein described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.