GB2616899A

GB2616899A - A handle assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2616899A
Application number: GB2204214.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Laporta Giovanni
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2022-03-24
Filing date: 2022-03-24
Publication date: 2023-09-27
Also published as: GB202204214D0

Abstract

A handle assembly 100 comprising: a first and second backplates 30, 40 for mounting to respective opposing sides of a door or window, one or both backplate having a body portion 32 configured to be received in a recess in the surface of the wing. Preferably the backplate includes a flanged rim 34 with a skirt 33, the rim sitting against the surface of the door/window. A plurality of screws may interconnect the first and second backplates; the backplates may be screw mounted to a lock case. Also claimed is a security plate (50, fig.10) to be received in a recess in the leaf between a lock case and a first backplate; the security plate may match the outline profile and locate in a recess of the back plate. Also claimed is an anti-tamper guard plate (60, fig.9) configured to move, e.g. slide, from a rest position above a cylinder lock to an obscuring position due to gravity or spring bias upon breaking/removal of the outer cylinder lock such that the guard plate blocks access to the cylinder lock cam.

Description

A handle assembly

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to handle assemblies for door or window leaves. In particular it relates to handle assemblies for multipoint locks. The invention also relates to other hardware associated with handle assemblies, including security plates and moveable plates. The invention also relates to methods of installing this hardware.

Background to the Invention

Multipoint lock (MPL) assemblies are commonly used to lock doors, especially UPVC doors. Multiple locking catches are operated by one or more mechanisms provided on the door and operated by a handle and/or a key. The multiple locking catches may include roller cams or mushroom cams, hooks, pins etc. that slide or extend, retract. Referring to Figure1, a typical MPL handle assembly 5 for operating an MPL locking system is shown. A typical lock case 6 of an MPL locking system is shown in Figure 2.

Current MPL handles known as 2 Star security handles that conform to British Standards security testing (PAS24) are bulky and expensive and prone to easy attack. Figure 3 shows a set of typical MPL security handles 5 of the type shown in Figure 1 installed in a door leaf 7. As can be seen from Figure 3, existing MPL handles sit above the surface of the door leaf, the two backplates 8 of the MPL handle assemblies being fixed together by connecting screws 9. Existing MPL handles like that shown in Figure 3 are easy to attack using a standard pair of pliers. The area prone to attack is the area of the handle that sits above the surface of the door leaf (i.e. the backplate 8), which can be easily gripped by pliers and then twisted side to side until the MPL handle connecting screws 9 are stressed and broken, which then allows the handle to be pulled away from the door leaf surface to gain access to the MPL lock, which once tampered with can allow entry to the building.

The way in which existing MPL handles are assembled to the door leaf, providing no support to the connecting screws 9, can weaken security of the door because they allow the easy application of twisting forces to the connecting screws 9 or other fixing means. Apparatus which addresses security issues with existing handle assemblies would therefore be desirable.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a handle assembly for a window or door leaf, the leaf having first and second opposing sides, the handle assembly comprising: a first backplate for mounting to the first side of the leaf and a second backplate for mounting to the second side of the leaf, the first backplate having a body portion, the body portion of the first backplate being configured to be received in a recess in the first side of the leaf.

The first backplate has an outer surface which faces away from the leaf when installed, the outer surface of the first backplate being nearly flush with the first side of the leaf when installed. The recessing of the first backplate into the leaf supports the mounting screws used to secure the first and second backplates to the leaf. It also removes the surface area where pliers can grip the first backplate to stress and twist the mounting screws. The first backplate may be an external backplate (i.e. the first side of the leaf being an external side of the leaf) and the second backplate may be an internal backplate (i.e. the second side of the leaf being an internal side of the leaf).

Preferably the second backplate has a body portion, the body portion of the second backplate being configured to be received in a recess in the second side of the leaf. Both sides of the handle assembly are suitably each configured to be received in a recess on the leaf. Each backplate is shaped and sized to be received in the corresponding recess in the leaf. The first and second backplates are sized and shaped to have a close fit within the corresponding recess in the leaf. The shape and size of the first and second backplates is predetermined to match that of the corresponding recess in the leaf that they are to be received by.

In preferred embodiments the first and second recesses in the leaf conjoin to form a bore having first and second openings. The bore has a first opening in the first side of the leaf for receiving the body portion of the first backplate and a second opening in the second side of the leaf for receiving the body portion of the second backplate.

The handle assembly is preferably configured to operate a multipoint lock (MPL). The handle assembly preferably comprises a first handle grip mounted to the first backplate and a second handle grip mounted to the second backplate, the handle assembly being configured such that the first and second handle grips are moveable to operate a multipoint lock. The multipoint lock is operable from both sides of the door, by means of the first handle grip and the second handle grip.

Suitably the first and second backplates extend to overlie at least the spindle bore, gearbox and cylinder lock of a lock assembly. Preferably the lock assembly has a deadlocking mechanism.

Preferably the first backplate further comprises a flanged rim around the body portion, said flanged rim being configured to overlie a portion of the leaf around said corresponding recess. Preferably the second backplate further comprises a flanged rim around the body portion, said flanged rim being configured to overlie a portion of the leaf around said corresponding recess.

Preferably the handle assembly further comprises a first handle grip pivotally mounted to the first backplate and a second handle grip pivotally mounted to the second backplate. The first and second handle grips are each preferably configured to be gripped by a user in order to pivot said handle to operate a latch means installed in the leaf. One or both of the first and second handle grips may be a lever handle grip. Alternatively one or both of the first and second handle grips may be a rounded handle grip, such as a door knob. In preferred embodiments the handle grip is non-flush with the first side of the leaf when assembled thereto and the second handle grip is non-flush with the second side of the leaf when assembled thereto. In other words, at least part of the first handle grip protrudes from the first side of the leaf and at least part of the second handle grip protrudes from the second side of the leaf when assembled thereto. The first and second handle grips preferably each have at least a portion that is non-recessed in the leaf. In other words, the first and second handle grips each have at least a portion that is not recessed into the respective first and second sides of the leaf, either temporarily or permanently.

Preferably the handle assembly further comprises means for connecting the backplates together in order to secure the first and second backplates relative to the leaf.

Preferably each backplate further comprises means for receiving two or more mounting screws for affixing the first and second backplates together in order to mount the first and second backplates to the leaf.

The means for receiving two or more screws are configured such that each screw couples the first backplate to the second backplate, when installed. The handle assembly preferably further comprises two or more screws for affixing the first and second backplates together in order to mount the first and second backplates to the leaf. The length of each mounting screw for affixing the first and second backplates together is sized such that when assembled, the first and second backplates are received in the corresponding recess in the leaf and the flanged rim of each backplate is butted against the edge of the corresponding recess. The length of the mounting screw selected will depend on the width of the leaf and be determined such that the first and second backplates are received in the corresponding recess in the leaf and the flanged rim of each backplate is butted against the edge of the corresponding recess when the handle assembly is installed in the leaf. Standard length mounting screws for door handle assemblies are not used as a screw of length L as shown in Figure 3 would be too long for connecting the first and second backplates in such a way that the outer surface of each backplate is nearly flush with the respective outer surface of the leaf. Therefore mounting screws of pre-determined length must be used with the present invention, the mounting screws being shorter than the mounting screw of a standard handle assembly for a given door width.

Preferably the handle assembly further comprises first and second mounting screws for interconnecting the first and second backplates.

The assembly further comprises first and second mounting screws for affixing the first and second backplates together in order to mount the first and second backplates to the leaf, the first and second mounting screws being sized such that when assembled, the first and second backplates are received in the corresponding recess in the leaf and the flanged rim of each backplate is butted against the edge of the corresponding recess.

In other embodiments the handle assembly is configured such that each of the first and second backplates is screw mounted to a lock case positioned between the first and second backplates. The handle assembly may further comprise suitable fixings, such as screws, for securing each of the first and second backplates to the lock case, the screw length being selected depending on the width of the leaf and of the width of the lock case.

Preferably the or each flanged rim has a depth protruding from the leaf when mounted thereto, the depth of the flanged rim being 3 mm or less. In some embodiments the depth of the flanged rim may be around 2 mm.

The first and second backplates preferably each have a spindle recess for receiving a spindle therein for driving a latch between an extended position and a retracted position and cylinder lock bore for allowing access to a cylinder lock therethrough.

SECURITY PLATE

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a security plate for a handle assembly for a window or door leaf, the security plate being configured to be received in a recess in the leaf, between a lock case and a first backplate of the handle assembly.

The security plate protects against intruders accessing the lock assembly. The security plate is preferably sized and shaped to be received in the recess in the leaf that receives the first backplate. The security plate is preferably configured to be received between the first backplate and a lock case (i.e. between lock case and the external backplate of the handle assembly). The security plate is substantially planar and is configured to be installed in the leaf such that it is parallel with the major opposing sides of the leaf.

Preferably the security plate is sized and shaped for a close fit in said recess in the leaf. The snug fit ensures that intruders cannot circumvent the security plate to access the lock mechanism.

Preferably the security plate has first and second bores for receiving first and second mounting screws therethrough, the screws being for affixing first and second backplates of the handle assembly to one another. Said first and second bores in the security plate may be internally threaded. The security plate is therefore secured relative to the leaf using the same mounting screws that are used to secure the first and second backplates of the handle assembly relative to the leaf.

In other embodiments, the security plate may be configured to be secured to the second backplate. For example, the security plate may be secured to the second backplate using first and second screws. The handle assembly may further include first and second screws

S

for fixing the security plate to the second backplate. The length of said screws is preferably predetermined such that the second backplate is mounted on the second side of the leaf, with the body portion recessed therein, and the security plate is mounted between the lock case and the first backplate, the screws extending between the second backplate and the security plate. In such embodiments, the first backplate and the security plate may be configured such that the first backplate is secured to the security plate in use.

In alternative embodiments, the security plate may be secured to a lock case received within the leaf. The security plate preferably has at least one bore for receiving a screw to secure it to the lock case.

Preferably the security plate has a spindle bore for receiving a spindle therethrough for driving a latching between an extended position and a retracted position and cylinder lock bore for receiving a cylinder lock therethrough. The security plate preferably extends to overlie at least the spindle bore, gearbox and cylinder lock of a lock assembly.

The security plate may be provided in combination with a handle assembly according to any aspect of the invention disclosed herein.

MOVEABLE PLATE

Cylinder locks are well known and are commonly used to control lock cases. Cylinder locks typically comprise a cylindrical lock mechanism which extends through the thickness of the door, with an internal side which is accessible from an inside of the door, and an external side which is accessible from an outside of the door. On the internal side is an internal lock actuation assembly, for example a key operated pin and tumbler mechanism, and on the external side is an external equivalent. In the middle is a rotatable lock engaging element, usually in the form of a rotatable cam body. When either the internal or external lock actuation assembly is operated, for example by inserting the key and rotating it, the lock actuation assembly in question connects with the lock engaging element so the rotation applied by the user is transferred thereto, which activates the lock case to change its status between locked and unlocked conditions.

A problem with locks of this kind is that they can be broken and the lock engaging element actuated with relative ease. The weakest part of a cylinder lock is typically the part of the casing that receives the lock engaging element. Intruders can snap the cylinder lock at this weak point, which exposes the lock engaging element for manual rotation, or if that is removed the internals of the lock case itself. Cylinder locks with snap lines (i.e. a line cut down into the casing body) have been developed to overcome this problem whereby if force is applied to the external end of the cylinder lock casing, the casing will break at the snap line, which is displaced from the lock engaging element. This leaves the locking mechanism intact and is intended to prevent the intruder from being able to operate the lock. However, cylinder locks with snap lines are still vulnerable to breaking at the part of the casing that receives the lock engaging element. Therefore additional solutions for protecting the lock are desirable.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a moveable plate for a handle assembly for a window or door leaf, the moveable plate being configured such that it has a rest position, in which the moveable plate is located above and is supported by a cylinder lock associated with the handle assembly, and an activated position in which the moveable plate covers the cylinder lock bore of a lock case, the moveable plate being configured to move from its rest position to its activated position if at least part of the cylinder lock is moved such that it is no longer supporting the moveable plate.

For example, the moveable plate will move from its rest position to its activated position if the cylinder lock casing is snapped by an intruder and the external portion of the snapped cylinder lock casing removed so that it is no longer supporting the moveable plate. Once in its activated position, the moveable plate blocks the cylinder lock bore of the lock case. Therefore, even if the cylinder lock has been removed or partially removed by an intruder, the intruder will not be able to gain access to the internal mechanism of the lock case as the moveable plate blocks access.

Preferably the moveable plate is configured to be located, when in its rest position, between the lock case and a first backplate of the handle assembly.

Preferably the moveable plate is configured to move from its rest position to its activated position along an axis perpendicular to the axis of the cylinder lock when installed.

Preferably the moveable plate is substantially planar, having its planar faces arranged parallel with the first and second opposing sides of the leaf.

B

Preferably the moveable plate is biased in its activated position.

Preferably the moveable plate further comprises a stop means to prevent the moveable plate from moving from its activated position to its rest position.

The moveable plate may be provided in combination with a handle assembly and/or security plate according to any aspect of the invention disclosed herein.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a window or door leaf having a first recess sized and shaped to receive the body portion of the first backplate of the handle assembly. The leaf preferably has a second recess sized and shaped to receive the body portion of the second backplate. The first and second recesses may be conjoined to form a bore. In such embodiments the leaf is provided with a bore having an opening in its first side and an opening in its second side, sized and shaped to receive the first and second backplates of the handle assembly respectively.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a window or door leaf assembly having a bore sized and shaped to receive a handle assembly according to any aspect of the invention described herein, the window or door leaf assembly further comprising said handle assembly received in said bore. The leaf suitably has no discrete screw bores in it for receiving mounting screws for affixing the first and second backplates together; instead the mounting screws pass through the large bore that is configured to receive the first and second backplates of the handle assembly.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a window or door leaf having a first recess sized and shaped to receive a security plate as described herein.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of installing a handle assembly according to any aspect as described herein in a window or door leaf, the method including making a first recess in the leaf, the first recess being sized and shaped to receive the body portion of the first backplate of the handle assembly.

The method may include making a second recess in the leaf sized and shaped to receive the body portion of the second backplate. The method may include making a bore in the leaf having a first opening in the first side of the leaf and a second opening in the second side of the leaf, the bore being sized and shaped to receive the body portion of the first backplate in its first opening and to receive the body portion of the second backplate in its second opening. The method may include installing a security plate and/or moveable plate in the said recess or bore in the leaf.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a kit for an assembly according to any preceding aspect of the invention.

In the context of the present invention, the term "mounting" means connecting or joining, either directly or by means of an intermediate or auxiliary element.

It is to be understood that the mere use of the term "first" does not require that there be any "second," and the mere use of the term "second" does not require that there be any "third,' etc.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a set of prior art MPL handle assemblies; Figure 2 shows a prior art lock case of an MPL locking system; Figure 3 shows a prior art MPL handle assembly installed on a door leaf; Figure 4 shows an exploded view of a handle assembly according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 5 shows an exploded view of the handle assembly of Figure 4; Figure 6 shows the handle assembly of Figure 4 mounted to a door leaf; Figure 7 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the handle assembly of Figure 4 mounted to a door leaf; Figure 8 shows a further partial cross-sectional view of the handle assembly of Figure 4 mounted to a door leaf; Figure 9 shows an exploded view of further security hardware that may be incorporated into a handle assembly, including a security plate and moveable plate; Figure 10 shows an exploded view of a handle assembly with security plate for mounting in a leaf; Figure 11 shows a view of a handle assembly with security plate partially assembled for use; Figure 12 shows a handle assembly with a security plate and moveable plate, partially assembled for use with the moveable plate in its rest position; Figure 13A shows the assembly of Figure 12, the sacrificial portion of the cylinder lock having been snapped and removed; Figure 13B shows the cylinder lock of the Figure 13A assembly with its sacrificial portion having been snapped off; Figure 14 shows the assembly of Figure 13A, the moveable plate being in its activated position; Figure 15 shows an exploded view the assembly of Figure 14 from the internal side of the handle assembly.

Description of the Preferred Embodiments

The present embodiments represent currently the best ways known to the applicant of putting the invention into practice. But they are not the only ways in which this can be achieved. They are illustrated, and they will now be described, by way of example only.

Common features between the assemblies of the different figures are referenced by common reference numerals.

Referring to Figure 4, an exploded view of a handle assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown. The handle assembly 100 is designed for use with spindle means 12 which drives a latch means 11 of a lock case 6 mounted in the leaf 7. The latch means 11 is engageable with a retainer or keep (not shown) on an adjacent door jamb to latch the door in its closed position. The latch means 11 can be withdrawn to permit opening of the door by turning of the spindle means 12, which is driven by at least a first handle grip 14 coupled to the spindle means 12 such that rotation of the first handle grip 14 rotates at least part of the spindle means 12. Typically the latch means 11 is spring biased into its latched position in which it is engaged with the retainer or catch in the door jamb. The spindle means 12 is coupled to the latch means 11 by a conventional latch mechanism contained within the lock case 6, which includes a gearbox and which operates to retract or withdraw the latch means 11 upon rotation of the spindle means 12, disengaging the latch means 11 from the cooperating retainer or catch, thereby permitting the door to be opened.

The first handle grip 14 is for mounting to a first side 7a of a leaf. The handle assembly includes a second handle grip 15, for mounting to a second, opposing side 7b of the leaf, as shown in the assembly 100 of Figure 4. The second side of the leaf is an 'internal' side 7b and the first side is an 'external' side 7a. The leaf may be in the external perimeter of a building, in which case the external side 7a of the leaf faces outside. Alternatively, the leaf may be an internal door, for example with its internal side facing the inside of a bathroom or bedroom. The handle assembly 100 is designed to reduce the ability of intruders to access the room or building from the external side when the assembly is locked.

A cylinder lock 18 is installed in the leaf for operating a dead bolt 13, which is moveable to engage in a keep (not shown) in the door jamb in order to lock the door leaf. In this embodiment, the cylinder lock 18 is a standard Euro profile cylinder, but it will be understood that the assembly can be configured to accommodate other types of cylinder lock. The cylinder lock 18 has a cam 24 (visible in Figure 9) that can be actuated, in this embodiment, by inserting a key in either side of the cylinder lock 18 and rotating it in order to extend and retract the dead bolt 13, to change the lock case 6 between locked and unlocked conditions. The cylinder lock may alternatively be operated by a thumbturn on the internal side, instead of a key. The handle assembly is preferably configured to cooperate with a multipoint lock (MPL). As well as the dead bolt 13, the lock case 6 may be operable to drive other locking catches such as roller cams or mushroom cams, hooks, pins etc. that slide or extend, retract (not shown in the figures). The lock need not be an MPL however and may simply have a dead bolt. Referring to Figure 7, the lock case 6 is received in a recess within the leaf 7 in the usual way as with existing assemblies. The lock case 6 can be a standard lock case 6, containing a standard lock mechanism with gearbox for driving the deadbolt 13 and any other locking catches of an MPL mechanism if the lock case 6 is part of an MPL mechanism. The lock case 6 has a spindle bore 12a for receiving spindle means 12 therethrough and a cylinder lock bore 19 (visible in Figure 13A) for receiving cylinder lock 18 therein.

The first handle grip 14 is carried on a first backplate 30 and the second handle grip 15 is carried on a second backplate 40. Each handle grip 14, 15 is pivotally mounted to its corresponding backplate 30,40 via a nose portion, received by an opening 14a, 15a in the respective backplate. Each handle grip 14, 15 can pivot relative to its corresponding backplate 30, 40, in order to drive the latch means 11. Preferably the second handle grip 15 is mounted for pivoting movement relative to the leaf about substantially the same axis as the first handle grip 14. In the present embodiment, both handle grips 14, 15 pivot to drive spindle means 12 mounted between the first and second handle grips. Spindle means 12 may be a single spindle or a split spindle, as is known in existing handle assemblies.

The first backplate 30 has a body portion 32 configured to be received in a large recess 20a in the first side 7a of the leaf. The second backplate 40 has a body portion 42 configured to be received in a large recess 20b in the second side 7b of the leaf. In the present embodiment the leaf has first and second recesses 20a, 20b that are conjoined to from a bore 20 in the leaf, the first and second recesses effectively being first and second openings 20a, 20b in the leaf. However, it will be understood that the leaf could have discrete recesses in its first and second sides 7a, 7b for receiving the first and second backplates respectively. Each backplate 30, 40 further has a flanged rim or lip 34, 44 around its body portion 32, 42, which extends away from the body portion 32, 42. The size and shape of the bore 20 matches the cross-sectional size and shape of the body portion 32, 42 of each backplate in the plane of the leaf, such that the body portion 32, 42 of each backplate can be received in the bore 20 via a close fit. In the present embodiment the body portion 32, 42 of each backplate is oval shaped and the bore 20 is of the same size and same oval shape, but it will be understood that the body portions 32, 42 can be of other sizes and shapes (the bore matching their size and shape). Each backplate 30, 40 is large enough to overlie the main parts of the lock case 6, including the spindle bore 12a, the gearbox and the cylinder lock 18. Each backplate 30, 40 has a cylinder lock bore 38, 48, sized and shaped to receive the cylinder lock 18 therethrough.

Referring to Figures. when installed, the flanged rim 34,44 of each backplate butts against the edge of the respective opening in the bore 20. In other words, the underside of each flanged rim 34, 44 sits tightly against the edge of the corresponding opening in the bore 20. The handle assembly 100 comprises first and second mounting screws 22, each of a length selected compared to the width of the leaf W such that the first and second body portions 32, 42 are received in the respective bore openings in the leaf and the flanged rim of each backplate is butted against the respective edge of the bore openings when the handle assembly 100 is assembled and installed in the leaf. Referring to Figure 4, the second backplate 40 has first and second eyes 46, each configured to receive a corresponding mounting screw 22 therethrough. Referring to Figure 8, the first backplate 30 has first and second bosses 36 which each have an internally threaded cylindrical passage (not visible in the figures) for receiving the threaded tip of a mounting screw 22.

When assembled, the mounting screws 22 extend through the eyes 46, through the bore 20 in the leaf 7, with their tips each extending into the corresponding boss 36 in the first backplate 30. In this manner, the mounting screws 22 can be tightened to pull the backplates 30, 40 together, clamping them onto the leaf 7. The mounting screws 22 must be of a length such that the flanged rims 34, 44 of the first and second backplates 30, 40 are clamped tightly onto the leaf 7 when installed, for example so as to avoid draughts passing through the large bore 20 in the leaf.

In other embodiments, instead of the first and second backplates 30, 40 being secured to each other using the mounting screws 22, the first and second backplates 30, 40 may each be secured to the lock case 6 using suitable fixing means. In such an embodiment, the fixing means are configured such that the first and second backplates 30, 40 may be clamped tightly onto the leaf 7 when installed in the same way as the embodiment shown in the figures. For example, if a first set of screws are used to secure the first backplate 30 to the lock case 6 and a second set of screws are used to secure the second backplate to the lock case 6, the length of each screw will be predetermined, depending on the width of the door and the lock case, such that each screw is a suitable length to span between the backplate and the corresponding face of the lock case 6. In such an arrangement, the first and second backplates may each have eyes for receiving the screws therethrough and the outer casing of the lock case may have bosses for receiving the threaded tip of each screw and the first backplate (which is mounted on the external side of the leaf) may have a coverplate secured over it to protect the screws on the external side of the leaf, which would otherwise be accessible underneath.

Referring to Figure 8, the flanged rims 34, 44 of each of the first and second backplates 30, 40 preferably have a small depth F of, for example, 3 mm or less in the plane perpendicular to the plane of the leaf when mounted to the leaf. This means that the flanged rims 34, 44 will only protrude by small depth F from the side of the leaf when the body portions 32, 42 are received in bore openings 20a, 20b, with the flanged rims 34, 44 butted against the respective edge of the bore openings 20a, 20b. The protrusion of the first backplate 30 from the external side 7a of the leaf by only small depth F is not sufficient for an intruder to gain purchase on the backplate 30, for example using pliers. Therefore, by means of the present assembly, it is very difficult for an intruder to break off the first backplate 30 to gain access to the lock case 6.

The body portions 32, 42 of the first and second backplates comprise skirt walls 33, 43, which may be broken or unbroken. The skirt walls 33, 43 preferably extend substantially perpendicularly away from the corresponding flanged rim. Referring to Figure 7, the skirt wall 33 of the first backplate is received in the first opening 20a and the skirt wall 43 of the second backplate is received in the second opening 20b of the bore 20. Referring to Figure 4, the skirt walls 33, 43 of the first and second backplates surround space for accommodating parts of the handle assembly 100, such as spring cassette 17, mounted to the second backplate 40, spring cassette 17 being configured to bias the second handle grip 15 to its centre position after it has been depressed.

The length of the skirt walls 33, 43 in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the leaf once installed therein will preferably be around 14 mm. However the length of the skirt walls could be anything from around 10 mm to 25 mm. The length of the skirt walls is selected to provide suitable support to the handle assembly once installed in the bore 20, whilst leaving space to accommodate the lock case 6 between the first and second backplates 30, 40. Front doors can typically vary in width from around 40 mm to 70 mm, with UPVC front doors commonly being 44 mm or 70 mm. A skirt wall length of around 14 mm leaves enough room to accommodate a standard lock case 6 between the first and second backplates 30, 40 in a standard 44 mm width door.

The flanged rims 34, 44 are preferably planar, each extending away from the corresponding body portion of the backplate in a plane parallel with that of the leaf when installed. The length that the flanged rims 34, 44 protrude from the corresponding skirt walls 33, 43 in the plane of the leaf once installed is preferably around 3 mm (but other flange lengths may be provided).

The assembly 100 is configured such that the first and second mounting screws 22 are installed near the top and bottom of the handle assembly respectively, in order to connect the top and bottom of the backplates 30, 40. However, it will be understood that additional mounting screws may be provided, or mounting screws may be provided in different positions.

In order to install the handle assembly 100, a bore 20 of size and shape to match the cross-sectional profile of the body portions 32, 42 of the first and second backplate 30, 40 is made in the leaf 7. The lock case 6 is installed in a recess in the leaf in the usual way as for existing assemblies and the first and second body portions 32, 42 are placed in the respective first and second openings of the bore 20, such that the flanged rims 34, 44 overlie the corresponding edges of the bore 20. Instead of a bore 20, first and second recesses can be made in the leaf 7, to receive the first and second body portions 32, 42 respectively.

The routing detail of the bore 20 in the leaf provides support and strength to the handle assembly when installed. Since the recessed backplates 30, 40 are better supported than prior art handles, this means that backplates 30,40 can be made from materials other than metal, whereas the backplates of prior art handles that sit on the outer surface of the leaf must be made from expensive metal materials in order to provide strength against attacks wherein the first backplate is grasped with tools such as pliers to attempt to break it away from the leaf.

Referring to Figure 9, the assembly 100 may include a security plate 50 as an additional security feature, as will now be described. The security plate 50 is a planar plate, preferably made of metal or other rigid material. Referring to Figure 10, security plate 50 is configured to be received in the opening 20a in the first side 7a of the leaf, the security plate 50 being between the lock case 6 and the first backplate 30. When installed, the security plate 50 acts as a block to protect the lock mechanism.

The security plate 50 is sized and shaped to be received in opening 20a. The security plate 50 is matched in size and shape to the cross-sectional shape of the bore 20, or is smaller than the cross-section of the bore 20, so as to be receivable therein. In preferred embodiments, the security plate 50 is sized and shaped to match that of the cross-section of the bore 20, such that the security plate 50 has a tight fit therein and the security plate 50 overlies a maximal portion of the lock case 6 when installed. The security plate 50 has a small depth of a few mm or so. However, the rigid, planar security plate 50 is nevertheless able to protect the lock case 6 when installed, so as to provide a further level of security against attempted tampering with the lock case 6.

Referring to Figure 9, the security plate 50 has first and second bores 52 for receiving therethrough the mounting screws 22 for securing the first and second backplates 30, 40 together. Bores 52 are preferably internally threaded, so that the security plate may be secured rigidly relative to the first and second backplates by means of the screws passing through threaded bores 52. The security plate 50 also has a spindle bore 53 for receiving spindle means 12 therethrough. The security plate 50 further includes a cylinder lock bore 54 for receiving the cylinder lock 18 therethrough. The cylinder lock bore 54 is sized and shaped to fit closely around the profile of the cylinder lock 18, which in this embodiment is a Euro profile cylinder.

In order to install the security plate 50, it is placed in bore 20 in the leaf 7, between the lock case 6 and the first backplate 30. The connecting screws 22 are used to secure the first and second backplates 30, 40 together, the passing of connecting screws 22 through the respective bores 52 in the security plate 50 thereby securing the security plate 50 tightly against the lock case 6. In other embodiments the security plate 50 can be secured directly to the lock case 6 via suitable fixings.

The security plate 50 is not only installable between the recessed first and second backplates 30, 40 of the handle assembly 100 of the invention, but may be installable between standard non-recessed first and second handle backplates, as long as a recess is provided in the leaf to receive the security plate.

In other embodiments the security plate 50 may be secured to the second backplate 40 using suitable screws. In such embodiments, the first backplate 30 may then be secured to the security plate 50 using suitable screws, instead of securing the first and second backplates 30, 40 to each other. In other embodiments the security plate 50 may be configured to be secured to the lock case 6.

Referring to Figure 9, the assembly 100 may include a moveable plate 60 as an additional security feature, as will now be described. The moveable plate 60 is a planar plate-like device. Referring to Figure 12, moveable plate 60 is configured to be received in the bore 20 in the leaf, between the lock case 6 and the first backplate 30. If the assembly 100 includes a security plate 50, this is placed over the moveable plate 60, such that the security plate 50 is between the moveable plate 60 and the first backplate 30. In the present embodiment the assembly 100 has a fixing plate 62 between the lock case 6 and the moveable plate 60, which the moveable plate can move relative to. The fixing plate 62 has a cylinder lock bore 62a to receive the cylinder lock 18 therethrough in use. The fixing plate 62 may be secured to the lock case 6 using suitable fixings, such as screws.

The moveable plate 60 has a rest position, as shown in Figure 12, wherein the moveable plate 60 is located above and is supported by the cylinder lock 18. In the present embodiment the moveable plate 60 is housed in a slot between fixing plate 62 and the security plate 50 when in its rest position. The moveable plate 60 may be loose within the slot, or may be secured to the fixing plate 62 in a suitable way which allows the moveable plate to move relative to the fixing plate 62. The moveable plate 60 is moveable from its rest position to an activated position, as shown in Figure 14, wherein it has dropped down to cover the cylinder lock bore 19 in the lock case 6. The moveable plate 60 will move from its rest position to its activated position if at least part of the cylinder lock 18 is moved such that it is no longer supporting the moveable plate 60. For example, the cylinder lock 18 could be removed from the assembly 100 if an intruder manages to break the first backplate 30 away from the leaf 7. Alternatively, a sacrificial portion 18a of the cylinder lock 18 may be removed by an intruder, for example if the cylinder lock 18 is snapped by the intruder. If these situations, the cylinder lock 18 will no longer be supporting the moveable plate 60 and the moveable plate will move from its rest position to its activated position, thereby covering the cylinder lock bore 19 in the lock case 6. This prevents access to the lock case 6, should an intruder remove the whole or part of the cylinder lock 18. The moveable plate 60 therefore acts like a shutter, therefore can also be referred to as a shutter plate.

Regarding use of a cylinder lock 18 having a sacrificial portion which can be snapped off with the aim of preventing the whole of the cylinder lock from being removed, Figure 13B shows the cylinder lock 18 with its sacrificial portion 18a snapped off. Figure 15 shows the sacrificial snap line 18b of the cylinder lock 18.

The moveable plate 60 moves between its rest and its activated position along a plane parallel with first side of the leaf 7. In some embodiments the moveable plate 60 will move from its rest position to its activated position under gravity. In other embodiments the moveable plate 60 may be spring biased in its activated position. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the moveable plate 60 has biasing means to bias it in its activated position, which in this embodiment comprises first and second compression springs 63, each received over a corresponding pin 64, the first and second pins 64 being position on either side of the moveable plate 60. The compression springs 63 each push against a corresponding surface when the moveable plate 60 is in its rest position, such as a shoulder surface on the inner side of the security plate 50, so as to bias the moveable plate 60 into its activated position.

In preferred embodiments it will be seen that the moveable plate 60 is biased in its activated position (for example under gravity or spring biasing means), but that the cylinder lock 18 blocks the moveable plate 60 from moving from its rest position to its activated position. The moveable plate 60 moves to the activated position if the cylinder lock 18 or part of the cylinder lock 18 is moved so that it is no longer blocking the moveable plate 60.

The moveable plate 60 further includes stop means to prevent the moveable plate 60 from moving from its activated position to its rest position once it has been activated. Referring to Figure 9, in the embodiment shown in the figures the stop means comprises a pin 65 which is spring mounted relative to moveable plate 60. The moveable plate 60 has a first side 60a which is configured to face towards the first backplate 30 when installed and a second side 60b which is configured to face towards the second backplate 40 when installed. The pin 65 is spring mounted to the second side 60b of the moveable plate 60, such that the head of the pin is biased away from the second side 60b of the moveable plate 60. When the moveable plate 60 is in its rest position, the pin 65 is compressed between the moveable plate 60 and the fixing plate 62. When the moveable plate 60 moves to its activated position, the pin 65 aligns with the cylinder lock bore 62a of the fixing plate 62, the pin 65 extending away from the moveable plate 60 under the biasing action of its spring mount, as shown in Figure 15. When in the activated position, if an intruder tries to lift the moveable plate 60 into its rest position, the pin 65 will butt up against the edge of the cylinder lock bore 62a in the fixing plate 62, thereby preventing the moveable plate 60 from being moved to its rest position.

The moveable plate 60 is not only installable between the recessed first and second backplates 30, 40 of the handle assembly 100 of the invention, but may be installable between standard non-recessed first and second handle backplates, as long as a recess is provided in the leaf to receive the moveable plate.

Claims

Claims 1. A handle assembly for a window or door leaf, the leaf having first and second opposing sides, the handle assembly comprising: a first backplate for mounting to the first side of the leaf and a second backplate for mounting to the second side of the leaf, the first backplate having a body portion, the body portion of the first backplate being configured to be received in a recess in the first side of the leaf.
2. A handle assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second backplate has a body portion, the body portion of the second backplate being configured to be received in a recess in the second side of the leaf.
3. A handle assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first backplate further comprises a flanged rim around the body portion, said flanged rim being configured to overlie a portion of the leaf around said corresponding recess.
4. A handle assembly according to claim 4, wherein the second backplate further comprises a flanged rim around the body portion, said flanged rim being configured to overlie a portion of the leaf around said corresponding recess.
5. A handle assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the handle assembly further comprises a first handle grip pivotally mounted to the first backplate and a second handle grip pivotally mounted to the second backplate.
6. A handle assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the handle assembly further comprises means for connecting the backplates together in order to secure the first and second backplates to the leaf.
7. A handle assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein each backplate further comprises means for receiving two or more mounting screws for affixing the first and second backplates together in order to mount the first and second backplates to the leaf.
8. A handle assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the handle assembly further comprises first and second mounting screws for interconnecting the first and second backplates.
9. A handle assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the handle assembly is configured such that each of the first and second backplates are screw mounted to a lock case positioned between the first and second backplates when assembled.
10. A handle assembly according to claim 3 or any of claims 4 to 9 when dependent on claim 3, wherein the or each flanged rim has a depth protruding from the leaf when mounted thereto, the depth of the flanged rim being around 3 mm or less.
11. A security plate for a handle assembly for a window or door leaf, the security plate being configured to be received in a recess in the leaf, between a lock case and a first backplate of the handle assembly.
12. A security plate according to claim 11, wherein the security plate is sized and shaped for a close fit in said recess in the leaf.
13. A security plate according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the security plate has first and second bores for receiving first and second mounting screws therethrough, the screws being for affixing first and second backplates to one another.
14. A security plate according to any of claims 11 to 13, wherein the security plate is configured to be secured to the second backplate (i.e. the internal backplate).
15. A security plate according to any of claims 11 to 14, wherein the security plate is configured to be secured to a lock case received within the leaf.
16. A security plate according to any of claims 11 to 15, wherein the security plate has a spindle bore for receiving a spindle therethrough for driving a latching between an extended position and a retracted position and cylinder lock bore for receiving a cylinder lock therethrough.
17. A handle assembly according to any of claims 1 to 10, the handle assembly further comprising a security plate according to any of claims 11 to 16, the security plate being configured to be received in a recess in the leaf for receiving the first backplate, between a lock case and the first backplate.
18. A moveable plate for a handle assembly for a window or door leaf, the moveable plate being configured such that it has a rest position, in which the moveable plate is located above and is supported by a cylinder lock associated with the handle assembly, and an activated position in which the moveable plate covers the cylinder lock bore of a lock case, the moveable plate being configured to move from its rest position to its activated position if at least part of the cylinder lock is moved such that it is no longer supporting the moveable plate.
19. A moveable plate according to claim 18, wherein the moveable plate is configured to be located, when in its rest position, between the lock case and a first backplate of the handle assembly.
20. A moveable plate according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the moveable plate is configured to move from its rest position to its activated position along an axis perpendicular to the axis of the cylinder lock when installed.
21. A moveable plate according to any of claims 18 to 20, wherein the moveable plate is substantially planar, having its planar faces arranged parallel with the planar first and second opposing sides of the leaf.
22. A moveable plate according to any of claims 18 to 21, wherein the moveable plate is biased in its activated position.
23. A moveable plate according to any of claims 18 to 22, wherein the moveable plate further comprises a stop means to prevent the moveable plate from moving from its activated position to its rest position.
24. A handle assembly according to any of claims 1 to 10, the handle assembly further comprising a moveable plate according to any of claims 18 to 23.
25. A window or door leaf having a first recess sized and shaped to receive the body portion of the first backplate of the handle assembly according to any of claims 1 to 10, 17 or 24 and/or a security plate according to any of claims 11 to 16.
26. A method of installing a handle assembly according to any of claims 1 to 10, 17 or 24 in a window or door leaf, the method including making a first recess in the leaf sized and shaped to receive the body portion of the first backplate of the handle assembly according to any of claims according to any of claims 1 to 10, 17 or 24.