MX2007014253A - Spring retainer. - Google Patents

Abstract

A spring retainer includes an annular ring portion and an arm extending outwardly from the ring portion. Two diametrically opposed lugs extend radially inwardly from the ring portion.

Description

RETAIN FOR SPRING The present application is a continuation in part of the co-pending provisional application serial number 60/865900 filed on November 15, 2006. The present invention relates to a door equipment. In particular the invention relates to methods and apparatus for retaining a spring in a handle portion of the latch or lever of a door, and retaining a rod in the clasp of the handle portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is an exploded view of a portion of a lever equipment. Figure 2 illustrates an assembled lever equipment. Figure 3 is a sectional view taken through the figure 2. Figure 4 is an exploded view of a portion of a lever equipment. Figures 5 to 9 illustrate an assembly sequence for a lever equipment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention is illustrated in Figures 1 to 9. Although illustrated with reference to a door lever, it can equally be applied to a door handle. Figure 1 illustrates an exploded view of a lever assembly 10. The components include a lever 11, a deflection spring 12, a sleeve 14, a keyhole shield 16, a rod assembly 18, an inner washer 20, and a retaining spring 28. Stem assembly 18 includes stem 19, spring retainer 22, twist spring 24, and outer washer 26. Lever 10 includes a handle 32 defining a clasp 34 for receiving the stem 19 , a circumferential groove 42 formed at its distal end to receive the retaining spring 28, and a hole 44. The hole 44 is formed along a diameter of the handle 32. The rod 19 includes first and second square portions 46, 38 and an intermediate portion 52 disposed between the first and second square portions 46, 48. The intermediate portion 52 cooperates with the first and second square portions 46, 48 to form a first stopping surface 53 and a second stopping surface. stopping surface 55. The first end portion 46 is dimensioned and configured in such a way as to provide a close fit when the stem 19 is inserted into the clasp 34. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second end portions 46, 48 have square cross sections, and the intermediate portion 52 has an octagonal cross section, although it would also serve a circular cross section for the intermediate portion 52. The spring retainer 22 includes an annular ring portion 54 and an arm 56 extending outward from the ring portion 54. Two diametrically opposed ears 58 extend radially inwardly from the ring portion 54. The ends of the ears 58 are spaced a distance that is slightly greater than the width of the shank 19, and the width of the shanks. ears 58 is slightly smaller than the width of hole 44. Shield 16 includes an outer decorative surface 62 and an inner surface 64, with an opening 66 extending through shield 16 to receive handle 32 and sleeve 14. inner surface 64 includes protrusion 68 is located such that it engages with arm 56 of spring retainer 22 and protrusion 70 is located ica in such a way that it engages a first end 74 of the torsion spring 24. A second end 76 of the torsion spring 24 is configured to engage the hole 44. Figures 4 to 9 illustrate how the spring retainer 22 is installed in the stem 19. The spring retainer 22 is mounted on the stem 19, the stem 19 passing between the ears 58, until the ears 58 are located in the octagonal portion 52 cut. The spring retainer 22 then rotates at 45 °, being located between the first and second stopping surfaces 53, 55. Once rotated, the stopping surfaces 53, 55 restrict movement longitudinal of the spring retainer 22 on the length of the intermediate portion 52. The spring retainer 22 is installed on the stem 19, the assembly of the rod 18 ends by mounting the torsion spring 24 on the rod 19 adjacent to the spring retainer 22, followed by the outer washer 26. The lever assembly 10 can be made by mounting the sleeve 14 on the handle 32 and inserting the handle 32 into the opening 66. The diverting spring 2 is inserted into the clasp 34, and the inner washer 20 is mounted on the handle 32. The stem assembly 18 is then inserted into the handle 32, aligning the ears 58 with the hole 44, so that the arm 56 engages the protrusion 68, and locating the first end 74 of the torsion spring 24 against the protrusion 70, and the second end 76 in the hole 44. The retaining spring 28 is installed in the circumferential groove 42 of the handle 32. Although a number of exemplary aspects and modalities were described, those skilled in the art will recognize that certain modifications, permutations, additions, and secondary combinations can be made. e the same. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims and the claims introduced below, be interpreted in such a manner as to include all these modifications, permutations, additions and secondary combinations that are within their true spirit and scope.

Claims (3)

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. - A latch or lever assembly for door comprising: a keyhole shield having an opening, an interior surface and first and second protuberances extending from the interior surface; a handle or lever having a handle extending through the opening, the handle includes a longitudinal central bore extending inward from a distal end of the handle, a hole extending longitudinally from the distal end, and a slot peripheral adjacent to the distal end; a deflection spring disposed in the bore; a shank disposed in the bore against the spring biasing force, the shank has a width dimension, first and second square portions, and an intermediate cutting portion to the first and second square portions, the cutting portion cooperates with the first and second square portions to form first and second stopping surfaces; a spring retainer having an annular portion that is configured to receive the handle, an arm extending outwardly from the annular portion to engage the first protrusion, and a pair of opposite ears extending inward toward each other from the annular portion, the ears extend through the hole to a position between the first and the second detent surfaces, the ends of the ears are separated by a distance that is slightly larger than the dimension of the stem width; a twisting spring having a first end disposed in the hole and a second end located such that it engages with the second protrusion; and a stop spring disposed in the peripheral groove.

2. - A spring retainer for use with a shank, the retainer comprising: an annular portion; an arm extending outwardly from the annular portion; and a pair of diametrically opposed ears extending radially inward from the annular portion, the ends of the ears are separated by a predetermined distance.

3. - A method for installing a spring retainer in a door handle, comprising the steps of: providing a handle having a longitudinal central bore, and a peripheral slot; locate a bias spring in the hole; providing a shank having a width dimension, first and second square portions, an intermediate portion disposed between the first and second square portions and defining first and second stopping surfaces; providing a spring retainer having an annular portion that is configured to receive the handle, an arm extending outwardly from the annular portion, and a pair of opposing ears extending inwardly from the annular portion; locating the ears between the first and second stopping surfaces; insert the stem inside the hole with the ears extending through the hole; and locate a retaining ring in the peripheral groove.