GB2521521A

GB2521521A - Spindle means for handle apparatus and method of use thereof

Info

Publication number: GB2521521A
Application number: GB1419771.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Alan Bowman; Craig Knott
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-12-12
Filing date: 2014-11-06
Publication date: 2015-06-24
Anticipated expiration: 2034-11-06
Also published as: GB201419771D0; GB2521521B; GB201321960D0

Abstract

A spindle comprising a shaft with a first end 16 and at least a second end 18 with at least first and second stop means 20, 22 preventing axial movement/removal of the spindle. A first stop 20 may be an integrally formed radial flange on an exterior portion or end of the spindle. A second stop 22 may be a clip 22 with resilient tabs 26 engaging teeth 28 on an interior portion of the spindle providing one-way ratchet engagement of the clip onto the spindle. Notches 30 providing visual indication for cutting spindle to desired length. Spindle may be full length for two handles or may be a half length spindle for single handle use (fig.6) where first stop may be flange 104 at the end of the spindle. The spindle may prevent removal of the spindle when an exterior handle is removed/tampered with.

Description

Spindle Means for Handle Apparatus and Method of Use Thereof This invention relates to spindle means for handle apparatus and to a method of use thereof.

Aithough the following description refers a'most exclusiv&y to spindk means for handk apparatus in the form of patio door handle apparatus, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the handle apparatus of the present invention could be used for any handle or closure mechanism for any type of door, window, dosure member and/or the hke.

The weakest point of security in a house is often considered to be the external door, because if an unauthorised person can open the door they can easily access and remove items from the house. Doors on the rear of the house, such as patio doors and French doors, are of particular concern as they are less visible to the casual observer, and thus a burglar can work on opening the door with less risk of being challenged.

To improve security, modern doors are often fitted with five point mortise locks in which a number of levers and/or bolts are moved from a retracted position in the door, to an extended position in which they extend into corresponding points in the door frame.

Ihe movement of the levers and/or bolts between extended and retracted positions is typically actuated by turning the handle of the door. A keyed cylinder is typically provided to prevent such movement unless the cylinder is unlocked.

Therefore if the cylinder is broken by an unauthorised person, it is relatively straightforward to open the door by simply turning the handle to retract the levers and/or bolts.

In an attempt to overcome the abovementioned problems the co-applicants have devised a rotatable or pivotable door handle locking device as set out in International Patent Application W0201 1/131971. The locking device comprises first and second body portions, at least one of which has an aperture for receiving a rotataHe or pivotable door handk therein. At kast one of the body portions includes arm members which are received by corresponding recesses on the other body portion.

The body portions are capabk of re'ative movement between a first position in which they are engaged via the arms and recesses, and a second position in which they are disengaged.

The body portions and/or arms are arranged so as to substantiafly Hock or prevent rotation or pivota' movement of the door handle when fitted and in the first engaged position.

Most handle mechanisms include a spindle located between the handles on the front and rear sides of a door, such that rotation or pivoting of a handle on one side of the door, results in rotation or pivoting of the handle on the other side of the door.

A conventional spindle typically comprises an elongate body portion, generally square in cross section, having substantially uniform dimensions along the length thereof.

Under certain circumstances, it has been found that a criminal could potentially bypass the locking mechanism described in WC)201 1/131971 by removing the exterior door handle and pushing and/or pulling the handle spindle out of the handle mechanism. This then allows the interior door handle and locking mechanism associated therewith to be removed.

It is an aim of the present invention to provide spindle means for handle apparatus that overcomes the abovementioned problem.

It is a further aim of the present invention to provide a method of using spindle means for handle apparatus that overcomes the abovementioned problem.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided spindle means for handle apparatus, said spindle means comprising a spindle body portion having a first end and at least a second end, at east first and second stop means provided a spaced distance apart on or in association with said spindle body portion at and/or between said first and at least second ends to substantially prevent movement or removal of the spindle means in at least one direction, when fitted to handle apparatus in use.

Thus, the present invention provides spindle means for a handle mechanism, such as for example a door or window handle mechanism, which, when fitted as part of the handle mechanism, substantially prevents movement or removal of the spindle means in at least one direction from the handle mechanism.

Removal of the spindle prevents unauthorised removal of a locking mechanism associated with the handle mechanism in use.

Preferably the spindle body portion is substantially elongate in form and preferably is substantially elongate and linear in form.

Preferably the at least one direction in which movement or removal of the spindle means is substantially prevented in use is in the direction of an exterior side of a door or window and/or an interior side of a door or window in which the spindle means is fitted in use. Thus, for example, a person trying to gain unauthorised entry from an exterior side of a door or window cannot remove the spindle means of a handle mechanism in order to gain entry.

Preferably the elongate body portion of the spindle means has a longitudinal axis and the at least one direction in which movement or removal of the spindle means is substantially prevented in use is a direction substantially parallel to the ongitudina axis of the dongate body portion.

Preferably at least the first and second stop means substantially prevents movement or remova' of the spindie means from handle apparatus when fitted in a first direction and at east a second direction. For exaniple, the first and second stop means prevents unauthorised removal of the spindle in both a direction towards the interior of the door or window and in a direction towards the exterior of the door or window.

Preferably the first and at least second directions are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the spindle body portion.

Preferably the first and at least second directions are substantially opposite to each other.

Where the spindle means is used on a closure member having handle mechanisms/apparatus provided on two sides of the closure member, the elongate spindle body portion is preferably of sufficient length so as to allow a first end of said spindle body portion to engage with handle means provided on or associated with a first side of a closure member and/or a second end of said spindle body portion to engage with handle means provided on or associated with a second side of the closure member in use.

In one embodiment the first stop means includes at least one protrusion or protrusion means provided on or associatable with said spindle body portion. The at least one protrusion means protrudes outwardly of said spindle body portion. The degree of protrusion from the spindle body portion is typically sufficient so as to prevent the spindle from being pushed through a spindle aperture in a closure member or handle mechanism.

Tn one embodiment the first stop means or at least one protrusion means is integrally formed with said spindle body portion. Tlowever, the first stop means coffid be attached or detachably attached to the spindle body portion using any or any combination of attachment means, such as for example friction fit, adhesive, welding, one or more clips, screws, inter-engaging members and/or the like.

The protrusion means can include anything that increases one or more outer dimensions of a cross section of the spindle body portion so as to substantially prevent passage of the spindle body portion through a spindle aperture in use. For example, the protrusion means can include any or any combination of one or more flanges, protrusions, thickenings, teeth, ribs and/or the like.

The first stop means or at least one protrusion means is preferably provided on at least one side of said spindle body portion, preferably on at least two sides of said spindle body portion, further preferably is provided on at least three sides of said spindle body portion, and yet further preferably is provided on at least four sides and/or preferably provided on all sides of said spindle body portion. In the latter arrangement the first stop means or the at least one protrusion means is provided around substantially an entire peripheral edge of a section of the spindle body portion (i.e. a section taken substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the spindle body portion).

In one embodiment the first stop means is provided at an end of the spindle body portion. This arrangement is typically where there is no requirement for a handle mechanism to be provided at said end of said spindle body portion. In a further embodiment the first stop means is provided a spaced distance apart from said first and second ends. This arrangement is typically where a handle mechanism is to be provided at said end nearest to the first stop means.

In one embodin-ient the second stop means is arranged for movable engagement or is moved into engagement or detachable engagement on the spindle body portion once the spindle means is fitted into a handk mechanism or closure member in use.

Preferably the second stop means engages with one or more sides of the spindle body portion, preferably engages with two or more sides of the spindle body portion, further preferably engages with three or more sides of the spindle body portion and yet further preferably engages \vith four and/or all sides of the spindle body portion. In the latter arrangement the second stop means is provided around substantially an entire peripheral edge of a section of the spindle body portion (i.e. a section taken substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the spindle body portion).

Preferably the second stop means comprises or includes resilient biasing means. Preferably the resilient biasing means biases the second stop means to an engaged position on the spindle body portion when fitted.

In one example, the resilient biasing means is in the form of a sprung clip or one or more sprung flanges or tabs. However, the second stop means or resilient biasing means can be in any form to allow engagement with or on the spindle body portion and, once engaged, to substantially prevent unauthorised removal of the spindle body portion from a handle mechanism in use.

in one embodiment the second stop means, when engaged on the spindle body portion, can on'y be moved in one direction.

As such, in one examp'e, once the second stop means has been located on the spindle body portion, removal of the second stop means from said spindle body portion is substantiafly prevented.

In one embodiment one way engagement means are provided on or associated with the second stop means and/or the spindle body portion to allow movement of the second stop means in one direction on the spincfle body portion but to substantiafly prevent movement of the second stop means in a second or opposite direction to the one direction.

The one way engagement means can include one or more teeth, a ratchet mechanism and/or the like. The angled walls of the teeth are arranged such that they only allow movement of the second stop means past the same in one direction.

The one way engagement means can be included on one or more sides of the spindle body portion, two or more sides, three or more sides, four or all sides of the spindle body portion as required.

Preferably the first and/or second stop means has an aperture defined in the same which aliows the spindle body portion to be inserted through the same in use.

Preferably the resilient biasing means protrude inwardly of the aperture on the second stop means. As the spindle body portion is inserted through the aperture, the resilient biasing means are biased into engagement with one or more of the outer walls of the spindle body portion.

Preferably the spindle means has a substantially square cross section. llowever, the spindle means can have any suitable cross section as required.

Preferab'y the spindle means is capabk of rotational or pivota' movement within the handle mechanism when fitted to aflow movement of handle means in a normal manner in use. The axis of rotation or pivot of the handle mechanism or handle means is typically substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the spindle body portion. ljowever, in accordance with the present invention, movement of the spindle in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, such as a sliding motion, is substantially prevented.

In one embodiment visual indication means are provided on the spindle means to indicate where the spindle body portion can be cut to fit pre-determined or known sized handle mechanisms/apparatus.

Ihe visual indication means can include any or any combination of one or more recesses, grooves, notches, ribs, cuts, lines, images and/or the like.

Ihe spindle means is typically formed from metal but could be formed from any or any combination of metal, wood, plastic, rubber and/or the like.

In one embodiment there is provided a full spindle in that the spindle body portion is of such length so that the ends can engage with a handle mechanism on either side of a door, window or closure member. In a further embodiment there is provided a half spindle in that the spindle body portion is of such length or arrangement that only one ct-id of the spindle body portion is desio-ned to en"ae with a handle mechanism on I h ho one side of a door, window or closure member. In the embodiment with a half spindle, the first stop means is typicafly provided at an end of the spindle body portion.

Tn one embodiment handle engagement means are provided on or are associated with the spindle means. The handle engagement means prevent the handle mechanism from being vibrated off the spindle when fitted in use. For example, this helps to prevent an unauthorised person from using a hammer to repeatedly hit one end of the spindle to remove the handle from the spindle in use.

Ihe handle engagement means can include any or any combination of one or more resiliently biasing arm members, protruding members, stop means, flanges, teeth, ribs and/or the like.

The handle apparatus/mechanisms can also include one or more handles, knobs and/or the like.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of using spindle means, said spindle means comprising a spindle body portion having a first end and at least a second end, first stop means provided on or in association with said spindle body portion at and/or between said first and at least second ends to substantially prevent movement or removal of the spindle means in at least one direction when fitted to handle apparatus in use, and said method includes the step of fitting at least second stop means to said spindle body portion at or between said first and at least second ends.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided handle apparatus, said handle apparatus including spindle means, and handle means.

According to yet further independent aspects of the present invention there is provided hand'e means for use with spindk means; and a method of using handle means.

The handle apparatus and/or spindle means is typicaUy for use with any closure member, such as a door, window, patio door, furniture door and/or the like.

Tt is to be noted that the handk apparatus and/or spindle means of the present invention could be used in conjunction with any type of locking arrangement as required.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the following figures, wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a spindle according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view' from a first end of a spindle according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is a perspective view from a second end of the spindle in figure 2; Figure 4 shows the spindle in figure 3 with a stop means attached to the same; Figure 5 is a perspective view from one end of a spindle according to a further embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 is a view of the spindle in figure 5 from an opposite end; and Figure 7 is a side view of the spindle in figure 5.

Figures 1-7 show different embodiments of spindle arrangements for use \vith a handle mechanism of a closure member, such as a door. Figure 1 shows an embodiment for use with a spindle defined herein as a "fufl spindle" in that it is used with a closure member having a handle mechanism on both a front and rear side of the same. Figures 2-7 show embodiments for use with a spindle defined herein as a "half spindle" in that it is used with a dosure member having a handle mechanism on one side only.

It will be appreciated that the features described in relation to either a full spindle or half spindle can be used on either spindle type and the application is intended to cover use of any feature on any type of spindle.

Referring firstly to figure 1, there is illustrated a full spindle 2 comprising an elongate body portion which is substantially square in cross section. The spindle body portion 2 has a front wall 4, rear wall 6, side walls 8, 10, and end walls 12, 14. The spindle body portion 2 is of such length so as to allow a first end 16 to engage with a handle mechanism on one side of a door in use, and a second end 18 to engage with a handle mechanism on an opposite side of a door in usc.

In accordance with the present invention, spindle 2 has first stop means in the form of an outwardly protruding flange 21) located towards first end 16 but a spaced distance apart therefrom. The flange 20 protrudes outwardly from all walls 4, 6, 8, 10 of the spindle.

Spindle 2 has second stop means in the form of a sprung clip 22.

Clip 22 has an aperture 24 defined therein which is of slightly larger dimensions than the cross sectional dimensions of the spindle, thereby aliowing the spindle to be inserted through the aperture 24 in use. Resilient biasing means in the form of sprung tabs 26 are provided on two opposite sides of aperture 24 and protrude inwardly of aperture 24 on one side 25 of the clip. The free ends of tabs 26 are biased in a direction inwardly of aperture 24, such that when the clip is located on a spindle in use, the tabs 26 are biased to an engaged position on the spindle. One way engagement means in the form of a plurality of teeth 28 are provided on side wafls 8, 10. The angks of the walis defining teeth 28 are shaped such that they allow movement of the sprung clip 22 in a direction from second end 18 towards first end 16, but they substantially prevent movement of the sprung clip in an opposite direction from first end 16 towards second end 18.

In order to fit the spindle on a door as part of a handle mechanism, a fitter first locates the spindle 2 through a spindle aperture by locating spindle end 18 through the exterior side of the spindle aperture (i.e. on the exterior side of the door) until first stop means 20 prevents further movement of the spindle through the spindle aperture. The length of the spindle between first stop means 20 and end 16 is such so as to allow a handle mechanism for the door exterior to be fitted to the same. The second end 18 of the spindle 2 protrudes outwardly from the spindle aperture on the interior side of the door. hInd 18 of spindle 2 is then inserted through aperture 24 of clip 22, such that clip side 25 faces towards end 18. The clip 22 is moved along the spindle until the free ends of tabs 26 engage with the teeth 28. Clip 22 can continue to be moved until a secure fit of the rear side 27 of clip 22 against the interior surface of the in door is achieved. The length of the spindle between second stop means 22 and second end 18 is such so as to allow an interior door handle to be fitted to the same in use.

The extent of protrusion of the first stop means 20 and second stop means 22 from the wafls 4, 6, 8, 10 of the spindk body portion is such so as to prevent the spindle from being pulled or pushed through a spindk aperture in the door/handk mechanism when fitted.

it will be appreciated that with the spindle of the present invention fitted in a handle mechanism of a door, the first and second stop means prevent remova' of the spindk in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the spindle. In particular, the second stop means 22 prevents a person on an exterior side of the door trying to pull the spindle 2 through the spindle aperture towards the exterior door side. In addition, first stop means 20 prevents a person on an exterior side of the door from trying to push the spindle 2 through the spindle aperture towards the interior door side.

Notches 30 can be provided at spaced apart intervals on the spindle body portion if required to provide visual cutting indications as to where the spindle can be cut in order to fit different sized door and handle mechanisms.

Referring to figures 2-7, there is illustrated further embodiments of the present invention with reference to a "half spindle" 102.

The same reference numerals have been used in these figures to describe the same features as described with reference to figure 1.

The difference between the half spindle embodiment shown in figures 2-4 is that the first stop means is in the form of an outwardly protruding end portion 104 provided at end 16, rather than the outwardly protruding member 20 provided a spaced distance from end 16 The underside protruding surface 105 of end portion 104 is provided to abut up against the exterior surface of the door adjacent the spindle aperture in use so as to prevent the spindle 102 from being pushed through the spindk aperture to the interior side of the door. Thus, end portion 104 provides a similar function to protruding member 20 but is designed to be used on doors where there is no exterior handk mechanism provided.

in the embodiment shown in figures 5-7, the second end 18 of the spindle 102 is provided with handle enagement means in the form of two outwardly biased arm members 106, 108. Arm members 106, 108 protrude outwardly of the spindle body portion 2 so as to engage with an interior surface of a handle in which it is located in use. The arm members 106, 108 are biased outwardly to the engaged position. These prevent the handle mechanism from being vibrated off from the spindle in use.

Although the arm members 106, 108 are shown to protrude outwardly from side walls 8, 10, it will be appreciated that they could be provided on any suitable wall of the spindle and could take any suitable form so as to prevent the handle from being vibrated off the spindle in use.

Claims

Claims: 1. Spindle means for handle apparatus, said spindle means comprising a spindle body portion having a first end and at kast a second end, at kast first and second stop means provided a spaced distance apart on or in association with said spindle body portion at and/or between said first and at kast second ends to substantiafly prevent movement or removal of the spindk means in at kast one direction when fitted to handle apparatus in use.
2. Spindle means according to claim 1 wherein the at least one direction in which movement or remova' of the spindle means is substantially prevented is in the direction of an exterior side of a door or window and/or an interior side of a door or window in which the spindle means is fitted in use.
3. Spindle means according to claim I wherein the spindle body portion is substantially elongate in form.
4. Spindle means according to claim 4 wherein the elongate body portion of the spindle means has a longitudinal axis and the at least one direction in which movement or removal of the spindle means is substantially prevented in use is a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongate body portion.
5. Spindle means according to claim I wherein the at least first and second stop means substantially prevents movement or removal of the spindle means from the handle apparatus in a first direction and at least a second direction.
6. Spindle means according to c'aim 5 wherein the first and at least second directions are substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the spindle body portion and/or are substantially opposite to each other.
7. Spindk means according to daim I wherein the spindle body portion is of sufficient length so as to allow the first end to engage with handle means provided on or associated with a first side of a dosure member and/or to allow the second end to engagement with handle means provided on or associated with a second side of a closure member.
8. Spindle means according to claim 1 wherein the first stop means includes at least one protrusion means provided on or associatable with said spindle body portion which protrudes outwardly of the spindle body portion.
9. Spindle means according to claim 8 wherein the at least one protrusion means is a form that increases one or more outer dimensions of a cross section of the spindle body portion so as to substantially prevent passage of the spindle body portion through a spindle aperture in use.
10. Spindle means according to claim 8 wherein the at least one protrusion means includes any or any combination of one or more flanges, protrusions, thickenings, teeth, or ribs.
11. Spindle means according to claim I wherein the first stop means is integrally formcd with the spindle body portion.
12. Spindle means according to claim 1 wherein the first stop means is attached or detachably attached to the spindle body portion using any or any combination of attachment nieans, friction fit, adhesive, welding, one or more clips, screws, or inter-engaging members.
13. Spindk means according to daim I wherein the first stop means is provided on at least one side of the spindk body portion, on at least two sides of the spindle body portion, on at east three sides of the spindle body portion, on at least four or more sides of the spindle body portion, or around substantially the entire peripheral outer edge of a section of the spindle body portion.
14. Spindle means according to daim I wherein the second stop means is arranged for movable engagement on the spindle body portion once the spindle means is fitted into a handle mechanism or closure member in use.
15. Spindle means according to claim 1 wherein the second stop means engages with at least one side of the spindle body portion, on at least two sides of the spindle body portion, on at least three sides of the spindle body portion, on at least four or more sides of the spindle body portion, or around substantially the entire peripheral outer edge of a section of the spindle body portion.
16. Spindle means according to claim I wherein the second stop means comprises one or more resilient biasing means.
17. Spindle means according to claim 16 wherein the resilient biasing means biases the second stop means to an engaged position on the spindle body portion when fitted.
18. Spindle means according to claim 16 wherein the resilient biasing means is in the form of a sprung clip or oe or more sprung flanges or tabs.
19. Spindk means according to daim I wherein the second stop means, when engaged on the spindle body portion, can only be moved in one direction.
20. Spindle means according to claim 19 wherein once the second stop means has been located on the spindle body portion, removal of the second stop means from the spindle body portion is substantially prevented.
21. Spindle means according to claim 1 wherein one way engagement means are provided on or associated with the spindle body portion and/or the second stop means to allow movement of the second stop means in one direction on the spindle body portion but to substantially prevent movement of the second stop means in a second or opposite direction to the one direction.
22. Spindle means according to claim 22 wherein the one way engagement means includes one or more teeth or a ratchet mechanism.
23. Spindle means according to claim I wherein the first and/or second stop means has an aperture defined in the same to allow the spindle body portion to be inserted through the same in use.
24. Spindle means according to claim 23 and 16 wherein the resilient biasing means protrude inwardly of the aperture on the second stop means.
25. Spindle means according to claim I wherein visual indication means are provided on spindle means to indicate where the spindle body portion can be cut to fit pre-determined or known sized handle apparatus.
26. Spindk means according to daim 25 wherein the visua' indication means includes any or any combination of one or more recesses, grooves, notches, ribs, cuts, Unes or images.
27. Spindle means according to claim 1 wherein handle engagement means are provided on or associated with the spindle means.
28. Spindle means according to claim 27 wherein the handle engagement means includes any or any combination of one or more resiliently biased arm members, protruding members, stop means, flanges, teeth, or ribs.
29. Spindle means according to claim 1 wherein the spindle body portion is a full spindle in that the same is of such length so that the ends engage a handle mechanism on both sides of a door, window or closure member in use.
30. Spindle means according to claim 1 wherein the spindle body portion is a half spindle in that the spindle body portion is of such length or arrangement that only one end of the spindle body portion engages with a handle mechanism on one side of a door, window or closure member in use.
31. Handle apparatus including spindle means according to claim 1 and one or more handles and/or knobs.
32. A method of using spindle means, said spindle means comprising a spindle body portion having a first end and at least a second end, first stop means provided on or in association with said spindle body portion at and/or between said first and at kast second ends to substantiafly prevent movement or remova' of the spindk means in at least one direction when fitted to handle apparatus in use, and said method indudes the step of fitting at east second stop means to said spindk body portion at or between said first and at least second ends.