GB2581258A - A hardware assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A hardware assembly for a door or window, comprising a housing 26 a rotatable handle 10 supported by the housing and movable between a retracted inoperative configuration in which the handle engages the housing, preferably flush, and an outwardly operative configuration; a first end of the handle being mounted to a spindle 15, wherein the handle moves from the inoperative configuration to the operative configuration along the spindle axis. The handle may pivot about a second axis 14 perpendicular to the spindle axis. The spindle may be biased outwards via a spring 18 and formed from a rotatable stem 17 and a spindle adaptor 16. The spindle adaptor may have a flange 42 for cooperating with a latch 30 on a locking member 22 to retain the spindle and handle in the retracted position. The locking member may be biased into the latching position and moved downwards via the pushing of a trigger 24 which moves pin 25 along slots 19 23.

Description

A HARDWARE ASSEMBLY

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to the field of door and window hardware. Specifically, the invention relates to a hardware assembly configured for slimline installation and operation in areas of limited space.

BACKGROUND

Security measures for doors and windows are becoming more stringent across the globe. New standards are calling for additional locks to be installed on doors and windows, including on the edges of sliding doors and windows. For example, PAS24 for the UK market.

Due to the edge configuration of some doors and windows and their general proximity to walls or other fixture structures, there are fight space limitations on the accessibility, installation space, and operating space available for additional locks and handles. All of these considerations must be weighed against the ease of use, ergonomics of the handle, and the aesthetics thereof.

The present invention was conceived with these shortcomings in mind.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, a limited number of the exemplary methods and materials are described herein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In broad terms, the invention provides a hardware for portals such as windows and doors. The hardware, although designed for high security protection on external doors and windows can also be applied to internal doors, windows, screens, partitions and the like where security is of import. -2 -

In a first aspect the invention provides a hardware assembly for a door, comprising: a housing mounted to the door; a handle supported by the housing, the handle arranged to rotatably operate the assembly, the handle being movable between an inoperative configuration in which the handle engages the housing to prevent the handle from being rotated, and an operative configuration in which the handle is located outwardly so that the handle can rotate to operate the assembly; a first end of the handle being mounted to a spindle, the spindle having a spindle axis, wherein the handle moves from the inoperative configuration to the operative configuration along the spindle axis.

In a further embodiment, there is provided a hardware assembly for a door, comprising: a housing mounted to the door; a handle supported by the housing, a first end of the handle arranged to cooperate with a spindle to rotatably operate the assembly, the handle being movable between an inoperative configuration in which the handle engages the housing to prevent the handle from rotating, and an operative configuration in which the handle is located outwardly of the housing so that the handle can rotate to operate the assembly; and a retaining device having a locking member that locks the handle in the inoperative configuration, wherein the locking member is configured such that a force applied to a second end of the handle in the inoperative configuration causes the locking member to unlock the handle thereby driving the handle from the inoperative configuration into the operative configuration. The spindle may define a spindle axis about which the handle rotates.

In one embodiment, there is provided a hardware assembly for a door, comprising: a housing mounted to the door; a handle supported by the housing, the handle arranged to rotatably operate the assembly, the handle being movable between an inoperative configuration in which the handle engages the housing to prevent the handle from being rotated, and an operative configuration in which the handle is located outwardly of the housing so that the handle can rotate to operate the assembly; a first end of the handle being mounted to a spindle, the spindle being translatable between a rearward position and a forward position, wherein the translation of the spindle moves the handle between the inoperative configuration and the operative configuration; and a retaining device having a locking member that engages the spindle to lock the spindle in the rearward position, wherein the locking member and the handle are configured such that a force applied to a second end of the handle in the inoperative configuration causes the locking member to unlock the spindle from the rearward position thereby -3 -driving the handle in to the operative configuration. The spindle may define a spindle axis about which the handle rotates.

The hardware assembly as described herein provide advantages in that the housing is slim and sleek and can be fitted into doors and windows having a very narrow cross-section.

Additionally, the housing can be installed along an edge of a sliding door or window assembly, due to its dimensions. The handle of the hardware assembly is stored in an inoperative configuration within the housing. The handle may be stored entirely within the housing, such that the hardware assembly is flush to the edge of the door or window in which it is installed.

The handle is mounted on a spindle that translates between a forward position and a rearward position. The spindle may be resiliently biased, allowing the handle to be propelled out of the housing into an operative configuration, ready for use. The movement of the spindle out of the housing provides an ergonomic advantage, in that an operator is presented with more hand space to grip and operate the handle. This is advantageous where sliding doors are heavy and require the operator to apply force to operate the hardware assembly, particularly found in exterior and security doors and windows.

Once the door or window has been opened, the handle may be simply, and quickly returned to the housing, reducing any protrusions from the side of the door or window. This is advantageous as locks and door handles can present a snagging hazard for people in proximity to the protruding hardware.

In some embodiments, the handle may be pivotable about a secondary axis, the secondary axis oriented perpendicularly to the spindle axis.

The hardware assembly may further comprise a retainer that locks the handle in the inoperative configuration. The retainer may comprise a locking member. The locking member may be configured such that, in use, a force applied to the handle causes the locking member to unlock the handle thereby driving the handle from the inoperative -4 -configuration to the operative configuration. The force may be applied to a second end of the handle.

The handle in the inoperative configuration may be fully housed within the housing.

In some embodiments, a biasing member is cooperatively mounted between the handle and the spindle adaptor to bias the handle into alignment with the housing. The biasing member may be a spring. The spring may be mounted to the spindle adaptor or the head of the handle. In some embodiments, the spring is received within a bore in at least one of the spindle adaptor and the head of the handle. The biasing member aligns the handle when not in the housing to facilitate the operative motion of pushing the handle back into the housing. This eliminates or at least reduced the handle being forced into the housing misaligned which could damage the mechanism or deface the hardware assembly.

An outermost surface of the handle in the inoperative configuration may lie flush (coplanar) with an outer surface of the housing.

The handle in the inoperative configuration may extend from the housing. The second end of the handle may extend from the housing a distance greater than a distance the first end of the handle extends from the housing.

The handle in the operative configuration may rotate about a first axis to operate the assembly. The first axis may be coaxially aligned with the spindle.

The spindle may comprise a rotatable stem and a spindle adaptor, the spindle adaptor having a flange for cooperative engagement with the locking member.

The locking member may comprise a latch that protrudes from the locking member to engage with the flange of the spindle adaptor and lock the spindle in the rearward position.

The spindle may be resiliently biased against the latch of the locking member, such that as the spindle is unlocked from the rearwards position, the spindle and handle mounted thereto are propelled forward, out of the housing. -5 -

The handle may further comprise a head, the head being pivotally mounted to the spindle adaptor to allow pivotal movement about the secondary axis. The secondary axis may be perpendicular to the first axis.

The head of the handle may be shaped to provide a cam surface that is pivotable about the secondary axis on contact with the spindle adaptor, thereby urging the handle into an inclined orientation relative to the housing.

In some embodiments the hardware assembly may further comprise a trigger located within the housing and positioned immediately adjacent the second end of the handle, wherein the force applied to the second end of the handle is transferred to the trigger activating movement of the locking member to release the spindle from the rearward position.

The trigger may be movably restrained by the locking member, such that the force applied to the trigger in a first direction urges the locking member to traverse the housing in a second direction. The first direction may be parallel to the spindle axis. The first direction may be perpendicular to the second direction, thus driving the locking member and latch away from the spindle.

The trigger may be slidably restrained by the locking member. The trigger may be slidably restrained in an inclined slot of the locking member.

The locking member may be resiliently biased to return towards the spindle when the force is released from the trigger.

In some embodiments the hardware assembly may further comprise a catching member disposed within the housing. The catching member may be configured to translate towards and away from the spindle. The catching member may include a nose that extends outwardly, to engage with the spindle adaptor. The nose may extend towards the spindle, within the housing. The nose may engage with a peripheral flange of the spindle adaptor. The nose may be resiliently biased towards the spindle and/or spindle. -6 -

The flange of the spindle adaptor may comprise at least one recess. The a least one recess may be configured to receive the nose of the catching member and thereby prevent free rotation of the handle.

The at least one recess may be profiled to define a smooth transition from the peripheral flange allowing the recess to be rotated over the nose of the catching member when a rotational force is applied to the handle.

The at least one recess may comprise a plurality of recesses equidistantly spaced around the peripheral flange to receive the nose and thereby prevent free rotation of the handle at predetermined positions. In some embodiments the plurality of recesses is spaced at 180 degrees increments about the flange to engage with the nose of the catching member when the handle is in alignment with a longitudinal axis of the housing.

In some embodiments the locking member and the catching member are combined into a single combined locking/catching member.

The spindle adaptor may further comprise a shaped aperture for receiving a proximal end of the rotatable spindle stem and transmitting rotation from the spindle adaptor to the rotatable stem.

The proximal end of the spindle stem may comprise an engagement member to be cooperatively received within the shaped aperture. The engagement member may be a protruding boss.

The shaped aperture may provide a first lobe and a second lobe, the first lobe being shaped to conform to the protruding boss on the spindle, such that when the boss is received by the first lobe, relative rotation between the spindle adaptor and the rotatable stem is prevented.

The shaped aperture may provide a first lobe and a second lobe, the second lobe being oversized in relation to the protruding boss, such that when the boss is received by the second lobe, a discrete amount of relative rotation between the spindle adaptor and the rotatable stem is allowed. -7 -

The second lobe may be quadrant-shaped and allow free rotation through 90 degrees of the spindle adaptor without any resulting rotation of the spindle stem.

In a further aspect, the invention provides a door having a hardware assembly as described herein.

In a further aspect, the invention provides a window having a hardware assembly as described herein.

Various benefits and advantages will be disclosed for each of the recited features, to provide supporting arguments for prosecution.

Various features, aspects, and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following description of embodiments of the invention, along with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1A is a perspective view of a hardware assembly according to one embodiment of the invention, in an inoperative configuration, illustrating a handle nested within a housing to present a flush or planar outward facing surface; Figure 1B is a perspective view of the hardware assembly of Figure 1 in an operative configuration, illustrating the handle extended from the housing ready for rotation by an operator; Figure 2 is an exploded view of the hardware assembly, illustrating the main components separated and aligned to one another; Figure 3A is a front view of a member operatively engaged with a spindle adaptor, illustrating a trigger within the locking member; Figure 3B is a side view of the locking member and spindle adaptor of Figure 3A, illustrating the direction of operation of the locking member in response to depression of the trigger; Figure 3C is a cross-sectional view through longitudinal axis A-A of Figure 3A, illustrating the packaging apertures within the locking member; -8 -Figure 4A is a front perspective view of a spindle adaptor for engaging a pivotable handle; Figure 4B is a rear perspective view of the spindle adaptor of Figure 4A, illustrating features of the spindle adaptor for co-operative engagement with a spindle stem; Figure 5A is a side view of the hardware assembly in the operative configuration, the housing shown transparent to show the packaged location of the components therein; Figure 5B is cross-sectional view though a centre line of the hardware assembly, illustrating the operative relationship between the spindle adaptor and a head of the handle; Figure 6A is a cross-sectional view through the hardware assembly illustrating the interaction between a head of the spindle and the handle within the housing; Figure 6B is a cross-sectional view through the hardware assembly illustrating an alternative configuration of head of the spindle and the interaction between the handle within the housing; Figure 7A is a perspective view of the hardware assembly in the inoperable or stowed configuration, with the housing transparent to better illustrate the nested internal packaging of the locking member and the catching member; Figure 7B is the perspective view of Figure 7A with the handle being urged out of the housing by a spring mounted about the spindle; Figure 70 is the perspective view of Figure 7A with the handle pivoted and fully extended from the housing in the operable configuration; Figure 7D is the perspective view of Figure 7A with the handle rotated through 180 degrees, in alignment with the housing; Figure 8A is an isolated view of the handle engaged with the spindle adaptor and the spindle stem, dotted lines defining a sectional plane B; Figure 8B is perspective view of a spindle stem illustrating a boss for engaging the spindle stem with a spindle adaptor; Figure 9A is a front view of the first end of the spindle adaptor, illustrating a shaped aperture in which the boss of the spindle stem is received; Figure 9B is a perspective cross-section through sectional plane B of Figure 8A, illustrating the spindle adaptor and spindle stem in engagement, in a first mode; Figure 90 is a perspective cross-section through sectional pane B of Figure 8A, illustrating the spindle adaptor and spindle stem in engagement, in a second mode; -9 -Figure 10 is an exploded view of a second embodiment of a hardware assembly, illustrating the main components separated and aligned to one another; and Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view through the hardware assembly of Figure 10, illustrating the interaction between a head of the spindle and the handle within the housing having a handle biasing spring embedded in the handle.

Embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which various embodiments, although not the only possible embodiments, of the invention are shown. The invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Whist the hardware assembly described herein is directed to use in a door, the hardware assembly can also be used on windows, gates, partitions, security screens, security blinds, shutters, and doors and windows requiring a twin point lock, ie. locks that are extended out from the door or window at the top and/or bottom of the door or window, for example a bi-fold door.

The term "spindle" is understood herein to define a connector in the form of a rod, a shaft or a bar that connects a handle to a lock or gearbox mechanism. The spindle can be configured to have various cross-sectional shapes, for example round, square, oval, triangular or rectangular. In the hardware assembly as described herein the spindle provides a connection between the handle and a gearbox, that acts to extend and retract twin point bolts or hook bolts on the door into or from receiving ports in a door frame or architrave.

The term "handle" is understood herein to define the part of the hardware assembly gripped and rotated by an operator, to actuate the assembly.

For ease of reference the terms "pivot" "pivoted' and "pivotally' are confined to the description of the handle motion relative to the housing, particularly the pivoting motion between the handle and the spindle.

-10 -For ease of reference the terms "rotate" "rotated' and "rotatably are confined to the description of the handle motion when operating the hardware assembly by rotating the spindle coaxially, within the housing.

The terms "lost motion" and "free rotation" are used in reference to a configuration where the handle rotation is not in synch with the spindle rotation, and the handle can be rotated without corresponding spindle rotation.

With reference to Figure 1A, there is illustrated a hardware assembly 1 for a door, comprising: a housing 5 mounted to the door 100; a handle 10 supported by the housing 5, the handle 10 arranged to rotatably operate the assembly 1, the handle 10 being movable between an inoperative configuration in which the handle 10 engages the housing 5 to prevent the handle 10 from being rotated, and an operative configuration in which the handle 10 is located outwardly of the housing 5 so that the handle 10 can rotate to operate the assembly 1; a first end 11 of the handle 10 being mounted to a spindle 15, the spindle 15 being translatable between a rearward position and a forward position, wherein the translation of the spindle 15 moves the handle 10 between the inoperative configuration and the operative configuration; and a retaining device 20 having a locking member 22 that engages the spindle 15 to lock the spindle 15 in the rearward position, wherein the locking member 22 and the handle 10 are configured such that a force applied to a second end 12 of the handle 10 in the inoperative configuration causes the locking member 22 to unlock the spindle 15 from the rearward position thereby driving the handle 10 in to the operative configuration.

The housing 5 comprises a planar escutcheon 6 having a plurality of apertures 7 for mounting the housing 5 to the door 100. The apertures 7 are shaped to receive a bolt 4 or screw that extend through the escutcheon 6, and into the surrounding door frame (not illustrated).

The pop out handle 10 comprises two modes: (i) a stowed or inoperative configuration illustrated in Figure 1A; and (ii) an extended or operative configuration, illustrated in Figure 13.

In Figure 1B, the spindle 15 has moved from within the housing, to protrude forwardly, thereby pushing the handle 10 mounted thereon forward and away from the housing 5.

The handle 10 also pivots away from the housing 5 to assume an inclined orientation relative to the housing 5: a first or upper end 11 of the handle 10 extending from the housing 5 less that a lower or second end 12 of the handle 10. This inclined, operative orientation of the handle 10 assists the operator ergonomically in obtaining a good grip and keeping purchase through operational rotation of the handle 10.

Aside from the spindle 15 and the escutcheon 6, the primary components of the hardware assembly 1 all package with the housing 5. A backing plate 3 is provided to contain components within the housing 5. The backing plate provides an aperture 3a through which the spindle 15 extends to conned to a gearbox (not illustrated).

A first, outer surface 8 of the handle 10 is smooth and planar, to facilitate a neat, flush appearance to the hardware assembly 1, when the handle 10 is in the inoperative configuration.

A second inner surface 9 of the handle is contoured to provide an undulating surface that corresponds approximately to the fingers of the operator when gripping the handle 10. It is further contemplated that surface coatings can be applied to increase friction to the second surface 9 or to provide cushioning for a more comfortable operator experience.

Figure 1B defines an axis system, that will be referenced throughout this description, in which: * Axis 1 (Al) is coaxially aligned with the spindle 15. This is the axis about which the spindle rotates.

* Axis 2 (A2) is perpendicular to axis 1. This is the axis about which the handle pivots relative to the spindle 15.

* Axis 3 (A3) defines a first movement direction for actuating or triggering the hardware assembly 1.

* Axis 4 (A4) is perpendicular to axes 1, 2 and 3 and extends longitudinally through the housing 5. Axis 4 defines a second direction of movement, the direction in which the retaining device 20 operates in response to an applied force in the first movement direction.

Initiation of the hardware assembly -12 -Moving to Figure 2, all the primary components of the hardware assembly 1 are illustrated.

To initiate the hardware assembly from a stowed or inoperative configuration, the operator presses a bottom end of the handle (along axis 3), triggering the handle to pop-out of the housing (along axis 1) and to pivot into an operative configuration (about axis 2).

The pivoting action of the handle 10, alone or in combination with operator force applied along axis 3, places a load upon a trigger 24. This load is converted from a horizontal direction to a vertical direction to urge the locking member 22 to release the spindle 15. As the locking member 22 is moved, a compressed spring 18 propels the spindle and attached handle 10 forwards and out of the housing 5, ready for use.

Shown in Figure 2, the handle 10 provides a recessed portion at the second end of the handle 10. The recessed portion may be a physical feature but more broadly demarcates the area of the handle 10 in close proximity to the trigger 24. The outer surface 8 of the handle 10 can be designed to show no markings at all, however, this portion 2 of the handle will still be the trigger point for the hardware assembly 1.

The trigger 24 is configured to provide a hard body 24a that is movably located within the locking member 22. The trigger 24 is held within the locking member 22 by a trigger pin 25 that extends through the trigger body 24a and is received on either side of the trigger body 24a within respective slots 23 in the locking member 22. The slots 23 extend diagonally across opposing side walls 27 of the locking member 22. The slots 23 illustrated in Figure 2 extend diagonally at about 45 degrees, such that movement of the trigger 25 in the first direction (into the housing 5) will urge movement of the locking member 22 in the second direction (away from the spindle 15).

It is contemplated that different angles of the slots 23 can be used for different styles of handle 10 and housing 5. It is further contemplated that the trigger 25 could be formed as an integral part of the handle 10, protruding from the second handle surface 9 and contacting a cam surface (at about 45 degrees) within or upon the locking member 22 to encourage a similar reactionary movement thereof.

-13 -The trigger pin 25 is oversized and extends from the side walls 27 of the locking member 22 when the trigger 24 is assembled. Ends of the pin 25 are received in respective slots or guideways 19 within the housing 5. The guideways 19 are formed in a pair of side walls 26 of the housing and extend along axis 3 or at least parallel to axis 3. As the recess 2 or second end 12 of the handle 10 is depressed into the housing 5, the force is transmitted to the trigger 24, which travels in the housing 5 following the parallel path of the guideways 19. Having no other means of motion, the locking member 22 is pulled away from the spindle 15 in the second direction, as the trigger pin 25 is forced along the diagonal slots 23 in the side walls 27 of the locking member 22.

As the locking member travels downwards, away from the spindle 15 in the second direction, a latch 30 protruding from the uppermost portion of the locking member 22 is drawn away from the spindle 15, allowing the spindle 15 to move either backwards or forwards along the first axis (coaxially aligned with the spindle 15). The resilient member, illustrated as spring 18 is engaged with the spindle 15 to force the spindle 15 to move forwards, out of the housing 5, when the latch 30 releases the spindle 15.

The spindle 15 can be made as a single component but in this embodiment comprises a spindle adaptor 16 and a spindle stem 17. Both the adaptor 16 and the stem 17 are configured to rotate synchronously. However, as described later herein, arrangements are described that allow the spindle 15 to be arranged such that the adaptor 16 and stem 17 do not rotate synchronously, to provide a lost-motion or free-rotation mode of the hardware assembly 1.

The locking member 22 is an elongate member having three apertures 31A, 31B, 310 extending therethrough. The features of the locking member are described further in relation to Figures 3A-3C.

Aperture 31A receives an assembly bolt or screw (see Figures 4A and 4B) that holds the housing to the locking member 22. Also positioned on the assembly bolt 34 between the locking member 22 and the housing 5 is a catching member 37 with a protruding nose 40 (illustrated in Figure 2).

The catching member 37 and nose 40 are configured to interact with the spindle -14 -adaptor 16 and more particularly, with a peripheral skirt or flange 42 of the adaptor 16. The spindle flange 42 provides at least one recess 44 for receiving the nose 40 of the adaptor thereby inhibiting free rotation of the handle 10 about the housing 5. The catching member 37 will be described in more detail in relation to Figures7A-7D.

The locking member 22 is engaged with a resilient member, illustrated as a return spring or spring 28.

Aperture 31B is centrally located in the locking member 22 and significantly larger in length than aperture 31A. Aperture 31B is configured to receive the return spring 28 that returns the latch 30 of locking member 22 to its resting or default position in contact with the spindle 15. An upper portion of the spring 28 abuts the locking member in aperture 31B against a common wall 36 between aperture 31A and aperture 313.

A lower portion of the spring 28 abuts a web 38 within the housing 5 (illustrated in Figures 5A-5B). The web 38 provides a solid reaction surface against which the spring 28 returns the locking member 22 to the default position, after the spindle 15 is released or unlocked.

Aperture 310 is of a similar length, width and depth to that of aperture 310. Aperture 31C encircles the trigger 24 and provides a guideway for the vertical motion of the trigger 24 in the second direction, when actuating translation of the locking member 22 within the housing 5.

Turning to Figure 3B, a side view of the locking member 22 is illustrated. In this view the approximate 45 degrees angle of the slot 23 is clearly shown. In side view, a seat 33 is illustrated that extends across apertures 31A and 31B (at least partially). This seat 33 is a cut-out in the side walls 27 that provides packaging space for the catching member 37(see Figures 5A and 5B) The spindle adaptor 16 is illustrated in detail in Figures 4A and 4B. The spindle adaptor 16 provides a flange 42 partially or fully encircling the spindle adaptor 16. A first end of the adaptor 16a supports the flange 42, which can be integrally formed therewith. The first end 16a of the spindle adaptor 16 is configured to receive the -15 -spindle stem 17. A second opposing end of the spindle 16a is configured to receive and mount the head 13 of the handle 10 and provides a cam surface 35.

The flange 42 is configured to have an arcuate profile 48 at the first end 16a of the spindle adaptor 16, and a flat annular profile 49 oriented towards the second end 16b of the spindle adaptor 16 (see Figures 4A, 43 and 3C).

The latch 30 of the locking member 22 is also configured to provide a flat face 30a oriented towards the first end 16a of the spindle adaptor 16, and an arcuate profile 30b oriented towards the second end 16b of the spindle adaptor 16.

When the flange 42 is being locked or restrained by the latch 30 of the locking member 22, the flat face 30a of the latch abuts the flat annular profile 49 of the flange 42, providing a secure, locked arrangement.

When the locking member 22 moves in the second direction, the latch 30 is drawn away from the flange 42 and the flat face 30a and the flat annular profile 49 of the flange 42 translate away from one another to release the spindle adaptor 16 and the spindle 15, so that the spindle moves from the rearward position into the forward position. This in turn releases or unlocks the handle 10 from the inoperative configuration and propels the handle towards the operative configuration, by virtue of the spindle spring 18.

When the operator returns the operative handle 10 to the inoperative configuration, the operator pushes the handle 10 in the first direction in proximity to the handle head 13, urging the spindle 15 back into the housing 5 against the force of the spindle spring 18. As the arcuate profile 48 of the flange 42 is brought into contact with the arcuate profiled 30b of the latch 30, the two arcuate surfaces 48, 30b slide over one another, pushing the locking member 22 away from the spindle. As the contact between the arcuate surfaces 48, 30b ceases the return spring 28 forces the locking member and latch 30 back into the default positions, locking the spindle 15 back in the rearward position and compressing the spindle spring 18 ready for subsequent use.

Orientation of the hardware assembly When the handle 10 is brought into the operative configuration, the handle 10 is -16 -pivoted about axis 2 to adopt an inclined orientation relative to the housing 5. The second or lower end 12 of the handle 10 extending farther from the housing 5 than the first or upper end 11 of the handle 10. This is achieved by profiling a head 13 of the handle to pivot the handle 10 about the spindle 15.

The pivot motion allows the operator to gain a comfortable grip of the handle 10 without the need for excessive extension of the spindle 15 from the housing 5, along axis 1. By configuring the handle 10 to pop-out from the housing 5, the need for cutouts in the profile of the handle 10 is avoided which can compromise the strength of the handle 10. This arrangement also reduces the need for cut-outs in the housing 5, which can interrupt the continuous form of the housing 5 and detract aesthetically from the hardware assembly 1.

The head 13 can be manufactured as a separate component and connected to the handle 10. Alternatively, the head 13 can be integrally formed with the handle 10. The desired strength and material properties required for the handle 10 will dictate whether an integrated head and handle will work for any particular arrangement.

The head 13, illustrated in Figure 2 and Figures 6A and 6B, provides a bore 2a therethrough. The spindle adaptor 16, to which the handle 10 is pivotally mounted provides a pair of supporting arms 21 with co-operating bores 21a. The head 13 is located between the pair of supporting arms 21 and a handle head pin 14 is inserted through the co-operating bores 21a, 2a, 21a to pivotally attach the handle 10 to the second end 16b of the spindle adaptor 16.

At the second end 16b of the spindle adaptor 16, the cam surface 35 is located for operative engagement with the head 13 of the handle 10, illustrated in Figure 6A. The head 13 is shaped to provide a non-planar engagement surface 13a for contacting with the second end of the spindle adaptor 16b.

As the spindle 15 moves from the rearward position to the forward position, the second end 16b of the spindle adaptor 16, and particularly the cam surface 35, contacts the non-planar engagement surface 13a, pivoting the handle 10 about axis 2, and bringing the handle 10 into the operative configuration.

-17 -Figure 6B shows an alternative profile for the non-planar engagement surface 13a.

It is further contemplated that the cam surface 35 and the non-planar engagement surface 13a can be reversed between the spindle adaptor and the head 13. Alternatively, a pair of cooperating surfaces can be arranged on each of the spindle adaptor 16 and head 13, such that a pivoting motion is imparted to the handle 10 on contact between the adaptor 16 and the head 13 Figures 7A-7D illustrate the operation of the hardware assembly 1. Figure 7A illustrating the handle 10 in the inoperative configuration. Figure 7B is an interim configuration, as the handle 10 and spindle 15 are being propelled from the housing 5. Figure 7C illustrates the pivoted handle 10 inclined to the housing 5 by cooperative engagement with the spindle adaptor 16. Figure 7D illustrates the handle 10 rotated 180 degrees, in alignment with the housing 5 and with axis 4.

While the handle 10 is being rotated about the first axis, or spindle axis, the flange 42 of the spindle adaptor 16 rotates smoothly over the nose 40 of the catching member 37. As the handle 10 reaches 180 degrees of rotation, the nose 40 interacts with, and is trapped by the notch 44, to hold the handle 10 upright. This reduces the opportunity for the handle 10 to rotate uncontrolled and thereby reduces the opportunity for fingers to become trapped between the handle 10 and the housing 5.

The catching member 37 is located on the seat 33 of the locking member 22. The catching member is arranged to translate in the second direction, parallel and independently of the locking member 22. Illustrated in Figure 2, the catching member includes a central aperture therethrough for receiving the bolt 34. The bolt 34 allows the translational movement of the catching member 37 to be constrained to only move in the second direction within the housing 5.

As with the locking member 22, the catching member 37 is biased towards the spindle 15. A second return spring 45 is located within an elongate slot 46 of the catching member 37. The second return spring 45 abuts the web 38 of the housing member. The web 38 providing a solid reaction surface against which the return spring 45 returns the catching member 37 to its default position. The default position of the catching member 37 is biased towards the spindle 15 and particularly towards the -18 -spindle adaptor 16, where the nose 40 of the catching member 37 presses against the flange 42 thereof.

As the spindle 15 and spindle adaptor 16 rotate relative to the catching member 37 (during operation of the hardware assembly 1) the nose 40 is forced by virtue of spring 45 into contact with the flange 42 (illustrated in Figure 4A). As the at least one recess 44 of the flange 42 is brought into alignment with the nose 40 of the catching member 37, the spring 45 urges the nose 40 into the recess 44, catching and holding the spindle adaptor 16 and thus the handle 10 engaged thereto. In one embodiment, the recess 44 can be located on the flange 42 to align with the handle 10 being parallel with the housing 5, extending upwardly from the spindle 15. In this orientation, the spindle being left free to rotate, could swing/rotate downwardly potentially trapping the operator's fingers or hand between the handle 10 and the housing 5. Thus, the catching member 37 in this embodiment provides a safety feature for the hardware assembly 1.

In some embodiments a plurality of recesses 44 can be provided at predetermined locations around the flange 42, facilitating the catching member 37 to be operative to catch and hold the handle 10 at a plurality of different orientations.

The profile 44a of the recess or recesses 44 are rounded or chamfered to provide a sufficient depth for the nose 40 to be received within the recess 44, but also to allow an operator to rotate the handle 10, and by extension the flange 42, over the nose 40 with only gentle pressure to overcome the catching member 37. The profile 44a and force required to effectively operate the catching member 37 will be tailored to the weight of the handle 10 and the force applied by the spring 45 for each hardware assembly 1.

Operation of the hardware assembly To operate the hardware assembly 1, the handle 10 is rotated about axis 1 which will in turn rotates the spindle 15 with or without lost motion (further explained in Mode 2). The operating parameters of the hardware assembly 1 are determined by the design of gearbox or lock that is operably engaged with the hardware assembly 1. These parameters may include for example, the degree of motion to lock; how far the handle must turn to activate the lock, and the direction of motion; clockwise or anticlockwise.

-19 -The handle 10 is constrained from rotational motion relative to the spindle 15. As such, when the locking member 22 holds the spindle 15 in place, the handle is also constrained. As the handle 10 is rotated, the spindle 15 is rotated by the same amount. The gearbox is configured to require a rotation of 180degrees to operate, as such the handle 10 will only ever rotate about a first side of the housing 5. However, depending on the door or window that the hardware assembly 1 is to operate, the handle can be configured to operably rotate within any available 180 degrees zone and moreover, to operate in a clockwise or anticlockwise direction.

The spindle stem 17 is illustrated in Figure 8A, having a first end 17a and a second opposing end 17b. A body of the spindle 52 comprises a constant section, illustrated in Figure 8A as a square cross-section. It is contemplated that this cross-section could be circular, or hexagonal, or the like, depending on the desired interaction between the first end 17a and the gearbox (not illustrated).

The second end 17b of the spindle stem 17 provides a spindle head 53. The spindle head 53 is configured to interact and engage with the first end 16a of the spindle adaptor 16. The head 53 supports a boss 54 that extends outwardly from the head 53. The boss 54 traverses the head 53 extending from the centre of the head 53 towards an outer edge. The boss 54 has a rectangular profile having chamfered edges for ease of engagement with the first end 16a of the spindle adaptor 16.

It is contemplated that various forms of boss would provide a suitable keying feature to engage the spindle adaptor. Figure 8B illustrates the handle 10 engaged with the spindle adaptor 16 and the spindle stem 17. The boss 54 provides a keying mechanism to engage with a shaped aperture 56 of the spindle adaptor 16 (illustrated in Figure 9A).

The shaped aperture 56 of the spindle provides a first lobe 29 and a second lobe 39. The first lobe 29 roughly conforms to the shape of the boss 54, such that when the boss 54 is inserted into the first lobe 29 of the shaped aperture, the boss 54 is received snuggly by the first lobe 29. As the spindle adaptor 16 rotates, the spindle stem 17 will follow the rotational motion of the adaptor 16 synchronously (see Figure 9B which is a cross-sectional view through plane B of Figure 8B). This arrangement is operating mode 1.

-20 -The second lobe 39 is larger than the first lobe 29 and is quadrant shaped. When the boss 54 is inserted into the second lobe 39 of the shaped aperture, the boss 54 is free to rotate within the second lobe 39 by less than 360 degrees (see Figure 9C which is a cross-sectional view through plane B of Figure 8B). This arrangement is operating mode 2.

The second lobe 39 illustrated in Figures 9A-C is approximately a 90-degree quadrant, thereby allowing the spindle adaptor 16 to rotate through 90 degrees of free movement without any resulting rotation of the spindle stem 17. As the boss 54 is rotated through 90 degrees, the boss 54 is brought into contact with a side wall 41 of the second lobe 39 at which time any additional rotation of the spindle adaptor 16 will result in synchronous rotation of the rotates, the spindle stem 17. The amount of free rotation between the spindle adaptor 16 and the spindle stem 17 can be less than 90 degrees or can be extended to far in excess of 90 degrees.

This free rotation is also referred to as lost motion. The lost motion allows the handle to be rotated with no load, into a more comfortable position or more ergonomic position for the operator, before load is required to be applied to the hardware assembly 1.

In a further embodiment of the invention, there is provided a combined locking and catching member 150, as illustrated in Figure 9. While the combined member 150 is configured to provide the same functionality as described in relation to the locking member 22 and the catching member 37 of the first embodiment, there are advantages to reducing the parts count of the hardware assembly 101. These advantages are directed to weight savings, reductions in tooling for fewer parts and also ease of manufacture and assembly of the hardware 101.

Additionally, integrating the locking member 22 and the catching member 37 into a combined member 150 reduces complexity and ensures that when the trigger 124 is pushed, all contacting components within the hardware assembly 101 are pulled away from contact with the spindle adaptor 116. In the first embodiment of the hardware assembly 1, only the locking member 22 is removed from contact with the spindle adaptor 16, and the catching member 37 remains in contact with the spindle adaptor 16. This combined member 150 allows the spindle adaptor 116 and the handle 110 to -21 -move more freely when released and ensures full extension of the handle 110.

Figure 10 illustrates the primary components of the hardware assembly 101. Hardware assembly 101 further differs to the hardware assembly 1 of the first embodiments in the addition of a handle biasing spring 160 (this will be described in further detail in relation to Figure 11). To initiate the hardware assembly from a stowed or inoperative configuration, the operator presses a bottom end of the handle 110, triggering the handle to pop-out of the housing 105 and to pivot into an operative configuration.

The pivoting action of the handle 101, alone or in combination with operator force, places a load upon a trigger 124. This load is converted from a horizontal direction to a vertical direction to urge the combined member 150 to release the spindle 115. As the combined member 150 is moved, a compressed spring 118 propels the spindle and attached handle 110 forwards and out of the housing 105, ready for use.

The trigger 124 is held within the combined member 150 by a trigger pin 125 that extends through the trigger 124 and is received on either side of the trigger 124 within respective slots 123 in the combined member 150. The slots 123 extend diagonally across opposing side walls 127 of the combined member 150. The slots 123 illustrated in Figure 10 extend diagonally at about 45 degrees, such that movement of the trigger 125 into the housing 105 will urge movement of the combined member 150 in the away from the spindle 115. All other features of this embodiment of the hardware assembly 101 can be configured as described above in relation to the first embodiments of the hardware assembly 1.

The combined member 150 has a nose 140 configured to interact with the spindle adaptor 116 and more particularly, with a peripheral skirt or flange 142 of the adaptor 116. The spindle flange 142 provides at least one recess 144 for receiving the nose 140 thereby inhibiting free rotation of the handle 110 about the housing 105. The combined member 150 is engaged with a resilient member, illustrated as a return spring or spring 128, as described fully in relation to hardware assembly 1.

The head 113 of the handle 110 is illustrated in Figure 11 in cross-section, wherein the head 113 provides a bore 161 for receiving a handle biasing spring 160. -22 -

The head 113 presents a profiled surface 113a toward the spindle adaptor 116 for operative engagement with the head 113 of the handle 110, illustrated in Figure 11. The biasing spring 160 is disposed within the bore 161 of the head 113 and extends outwardly therefrom to abut the spindle adaptor 116. As the handle 110 is moved and rotated relative to the spindle adaptor 116, the spring 160 will push against the spindle adaptor to reorient the handle 110 thereto.

The addition of the spring 160 to bias the handle 110 ensures that after the handle 110 is operated it will return to a position parallel to the front face 108 of the housing 105, which is the stowed orientation of the handle 110. This means that as the handle 110 is pushed back into the inoperable position, that it is already aligned in the stowed orientation ready to be received within the housing 105.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, without departing from the scope of the following claims. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative of the scope of protection, and not restrictively.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, a limited number of the exemplary methods and materials are described herein.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

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LEGEND

I

Trigger 7rigg r body bar slot :catChtng::MeM Shaped aperture A, B, C apertures through locking mbr :4 ing block skirt Seat Sliding block pin Assembly bolt Head Cam SOindle bead bore Common wall Door No. Hardwaie assembly 23 Recess or depression 24 Bore 244 Backing plate 25 Bolt 26 Housing 27 Escutcheon 28: Actuating recess 29 First handle,SUrfatel:, 30 Second handle surface 30a Hatitfle 30b Handle first end 31 Handle second end 32 Handle head 33 Non-planar engagement surface 34: Handle head pin 35 Spindle 38 Spindle adaptor 37 Rotating spindle stem 38.

Spindle spring 39 Guiclevvay Retaining device 41 Support alms Locking member 44 Web Handle spring No. 2=1 :6: 13a 19: No. Arcuate face Catching member Second lobe Protruding nose Lobe wall Spindle adal:rtor flange Recess in flange Profile of recess Second return spring Arcuate flange profile Flat annular profile Combined locking member and catching member Spindle body Spindle head Boss Trigger pin Housing side wafls Locking member side walls Locking mbr spring First lobe Latch Flat face -24 -