US3856339A - Releasable knob for a lock - Google Patents

Abstract

A releasable knob for a lock having a body adapted to be installed in a door panel and having a hollow spindle rotatable in the body about an axis to operate a lock bolt, has an inner knob member mounted on the spindle and secured thereto against relative rotation about the axis and against axial movement thereon. An outer knob member substantially encloses the inner knob member and is rotatable relative thereto about the axis but is not axially movable relative thereto. If desired a lock mechanism may be disposed partly in the spindle and partly in the inner knob member. A locking bar, preferably sliding in an axial slot in the spindle, is movable between one position coupling the inner and outer knob members and another position decoupling the inner and outer knob members. Preferably the locking bar is spring urged in one direction and is manually returned or operated from the side of the lock opposite the releasable knob.

Description

United States Patent [1 1 Tornoe et al.

[451 Dec. 24, 1974 RELEASABLE KNOB FOR A LOCK Inventors: John A. Tornoe, Redwood City;

Curtis A. Dyer, Belvedere, both of Calif.

Schlage Lock Company, San Francisco, Calif.

Filed: Apr. 9, 1973 Appl. No.: 349,241

Assignee:

US. Cl. 292/336.3, 292/352 Int. Cl. E05c 1/00 Field of Search 292/l69.14 347, 348, 352,

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 7/1873- Whipple 292/352 2/1967 Reed 292/347 X 2/1973 Tornoe et al. 292/352 X Primary Eiamirier -Richgd E. Moore Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Lothrop & West [57] ABSTRACT A releasable knob for a lock having a body adapted to be installed in a door panel and having a hollow spindle rotatable in the body about an axis to operate a lock bolt, has an inner knob member mounted on the spindle and secured thereto against relative rotation about the axis and against axial movement thereon. An outer knob member substantially encloses the inner knob member and is rotatable relative thereto about the axis but is not axially movable relative thereto. If desired a lock mechanism may be disposed partly in the spindle and partly in the inner knob member. A locking bar, preferably sliding in an axial slot .in'the spindle, is movable. between one position coupling .the inner and outer knob members and am other'position decoupling the inner and outer knob members. Preferably the locking bar is spring urged in one direction and is manually returned or operated from the side of the lock opposite the releasable knob.

11 Claims, 13 Dravving Figures PATENTED DEC 2 4 I974 sum 3 at 5 PATENTEU 05824 I974 sum u or 5 RELEASABLE KNOB FOR A LOCK In the ever increasing demand for improved security in locks,- particularly. for doors, there has of late been added emphasis on the utilization of a knob or other hand actuator, usually on' the more vulnerable side of the door, which is capableof being coupled to and decoupled from the lock bolt actuating mechanism, preferably with a control for the coupling or releasing mechanism available onthe less vulnerable side of the door. While there are locks already available with re-.

leasable knobs, these usually require a special design of lock to accommodate the releasable knob and often involve rather elaborate and expensive mechanism to achieve the desired function. Furthermore, some of the releasable knobs are technically released from the actuating mechanism but can even so be manipulated in such a fashion as to produce lock operation.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a releasable knob which is relatively simple and inexpensive in construction.

Another object of the invention is to provide a releasable knob which readily can be incorporated with locks already manufactured.

Another object of the invention is to provide a releasable knob that is not readily defeated or coupled when it is technically decoupled.

' A further object of the invention is to provide a re leasable knob that to most externalappearances is substantially identical with knobs not having the releasable feature.

A further object of the invention is to provide areleasable knobquickly shiftablebetween coupled and decoupled conditions.

' A further object of the invention is to provide a gen- I 11 is a view comparable to FIG. 5 showing a modified form of key bar in position with associated parts, theview being in cross-section indicated by the lines l1'11 of FIG; 12;

FIG. 12 is a cross-section, the plane of which is indicated by the line 12'-l2 of FIG. 11; and

FIG. 13 isan isometric perspective showing in exploded position some of the components of the form of releasable knobillustrated in FIG 11.

In the customary environment the releasable knob is utilized in connection with a lock 6 mounted on a door panel 7 adapted to swing, in the customary fashion, so

' as to move the panel 7 toward and away from a door jamb 8 in which a strike plate 9 and strike box 11 are installed. The lock 6 includes on the interior orless vul- V nerable side an inner trim or escutcheon 13 surrounding the shank 14 of an inner knob 16 rotatable about a transverse axis l7-extending through the entire lock. Rotation of the inner knob 16 is effective. through standard mechanism, not shown, to retract and permit the projection of a latch bolt 18 projecting from the edge of the panel 7. The latchbolt preferably also operates with a dead latch plunger 19.

Mounted on the opposite, more vulnerable or exterior side of the panel 7 is a similar trim 21 surrounding a lock casing 22 fixedinthe panel 7 and serving as the journal mounting foranouter, hollow spindle 23. The spindle is disposed to rotate about the axis 17 and preferably includes a hollow tubular member having at one end a latch bolt or lock bolt operating mechanism 24 of any suitable, standard sort. The spindle 23 customarily is rolled from a sheet of metal and has an axially extending slot 26: throughout the length thereof. The slot is largely defined by the spaced faces of the rolled material of the spindle. The hollow or tubular'spindle has a predetermined, outside, circular diameter and a predetermined, inside, circular diameter, the latter establishing what may be termed the bore 27 of the spindle-The spindle is preferably so mounted as to extend in a cantilever fashion from a location within the panel 7 and casing 22 to an exterior point remote therefrom.

' Pursuant to'this embodiment of the invention there FIG. 3 is a cross-section, the plane of which is indicated by the line 3--3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross-section, the plane of which is indicated by the line 4-4 of FIG. 1; a FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 1 but showing a modified form of releasable knob containing a pin tumbler lock unit; 3

FIG. 6 is a cross-section, the plane of which is indicated by'the line 6-6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a detail showing in plan a two part key bar;

FIG. 8 is an isometric perspective showing a different form of key bar in position with an inner knob member;

FIG. 9 is an exploded view showing in perspective an outer knob member with the parts thereof axially separated;

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a modified form of lock spindle and part of a two piece key bar assembled therewith;

.is disposed on the projectingportion of the spindle a first or inner knob member 31 (see especially FIG. 8)

having a central bore 32. This is of a size to slid'e easily in an axialdirection on the spindle and to encompass a portion of the projecting part ofthe spindle. The first knob member 31 is contoured to afford a cylindrical portion 33 separated'from a larger diameter cylindrical portion 34 by a radial shoulder 36. The first knob memher has a radial end face 37 joined to the cylindrical portion 34 by'a merging conical portion 38 and also has an extended neck 39 of reduced diameter.

Extending'radially through the neck 39 is an opening 41 to receive a retaining plate 42 of the customary sort mounted for transverse motion across the spindle. In oneposition, the plate 42 occupies not only the opening 41 but likewise .occupies a registering opening 43 in the spindle itself. When the plate 42 is in the position shown 'in FIG. 2, for example, it is effective releasably to secure the first or inner knob member to the spindle not only against relative rotation thereof about the axis 17 but likewise against translation thereof in the direction of the axis 17. In effect, the inner knob member is secured to the spindle for operation therewith.

The first or inner knob member is not particularly adapted for hand grasping. There is consequently mounted on the inner knob member and substantially encompassing the same a second or outer knob member 46. This is a relatively thin shell, usually of metal, and is initially made in the form of an open cup. It is assembled onto a relatively heavy ring 47 with which is united a relatively light cup 48 (see especially FIG. 9). The ring 47 includes an interior band 51 designed to rotate readily on the portion 33 of the inner knob member.

Around the band periphery, although not formed entirely thereth'rough, is a series of axially and radially extending notches 52, eight such notches being customary. The ring also includes a bearing portion 53 designed to rotate readily on the cylindrical portion 34, there being a shoulder 54 between the band 51 and the bearing portion 53 designed for axial abutment with the shoulder 36. The exterior of the ring 47 in the present instance is defined by a surface of revolution concentric with the axis 17. This surface, in the present instance approximately of a spherical nature to match the similarly configured knob 46, can be configured, if desired, to match the cooperating portion of a hand lever, also generally referred to herein as a knob. Comparably, the cup 48, although relatively thin, is provided with a radial end wall 56 designed axially to abut the end surface 37 and has an outer configuration 57 designed approximately to match the configuration of the exterior knob 46.

The members 47 and 48 are interfitted by the interengagement of the rim 58 of the cup with a step 59 of the ring. Preferably, the ring and the cup are lightly press-assembled and then the initially cup-like outer knob member 46 is placed over them and is then spun or otherwise wrought into its final configuration, substantially as shownin FIG. 2. A converging portion 61 of the outer knob shell closely overlies and confines the ring 47 and cup 48 so closely that the outer shell, the ring and the cup form substantially a unitary member for independent rotation about the axis 17.

As a matter of appearance it is customary to provide a trim sleeve 62 with a shank 63 overlying the neck 39 and with a flange 64 underlying the inturned portion 61 of the outer knob member. There is a small aperture 65 through an appropriate portion of the trim sleeve'62 so that under proper circumstances tool access can be had to the retaining plate 42.

In the present instance the shell of the outer knob 46 is closed in its outer portion ,and'does not provide for any key mechanism. For that reason it is preferred to assist in supportingthe partsand in holding them appropriately in position by'assembling a hollow plug'66 I concentric with the axis 17. The plug has an outer face 67 matching the adjacent contour "of the knob 46 and likewise has a step 68 abutting the cup 48 and assisting in centering the parts with respect thereto. A smaller step 69 interfits with and closes the end of the spindle 23.

Although no key mechanism is provided it is considered that since the knob 46 is on the exterior of the door, it should-not readily be removed. For that reason there is provided a plug 70 disposed within the spindle 23 and urged into position by a spring 75 also abutting the plug 66. Theplug 70 has a central boss projecting into the path of the plate 42. The plate 42 then cannot be moved radially inwardly by any tool inserted through the opening 65. If the plug 70 is moved axially away by an interior tool, the securing plate 42 can then be shifted radially inwardly and the knobreleased from the spindle.

In the assembled condition of the parts the second or outer knob 46 together with the shell, related cup 48 and ring 47 is freely rotatable relative to the first or inner knob member 31 about the axis 17. No rotary motion is transmitted to the spindle and to the interior working parts of the lock despite the efforts of a person attempting to use the lock. The outer or second knob member simply rotates or spins with respect to the rest of the mechanism.

In order that the usual turning function can be obtained when proper, a special mechanism is afforded. Advantage is taken of the axial slot 26 customarily provided in the spindle 23. Lying within'that slot, as especially shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, is a locking bar 71. This can be of generally rectangular cross-section but since the adjacent edges of the spindle often are slightly converging, the locking bar itself may have converging walls, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The locking bar extends for almost the full axial length of the spindle 23. In its axially outer portion the locking bar71 is especially enlarged to provide a radially directed, inclined Y jaw 72 (see FIG. 2) of a configuration slidably occupying an axial slot 76 in the inner knob member 31 and readily able to enter into and substantially to occupy an adjacent one of the notches 52 when the jaw 72 is axially opposite the notch.

The locking bar 71 with the outstanding jaw 72 can be moved axially from a position with the jaw 72 within the notch 52 into another position with the jaw 72 out of the adjacent notch 52, although remaining in the slot 76. This requires movement of the bar to the left, in FIG. 2. This motion is resisted by a coil spring 73 having one end seated in a cavity 74 in the inner knob portion 33 and having the other end seated in a similar recess in the locking bar. The locking bar is thus normally urged to put the jaw 72 into an available notch In this relationship and since the locking bar,being in the slot 76, cannot turn about the axis 17 with respect to the first or inner knob member, the inner and outer members are thus locked together for rotation in unison or are coupled for rotation about the axis 17. Absent some exterior force and because of the force of the spring 73,.the outer knob member is usually coupled to the inner knob member. If they happen to bemomentarily uncoupled, a slight rotation of the outer knob with respect to the inner knob bringsthe jaw 72 into axial alignment with an adjacent notch 52 and the spring 73 produces an instant engagement and unitary locking of the knob members.

Since one of the objects of a spinning or releasable knob is to augment the security of a lock, it is preferably provided that the locking bar 71 be operable from the opposite side of the lock; in the present case that is from the interior side thereof.

Within the interior knob 16 there is provided an axi ally movable member 77 or button that may or may not be locked in an axially displaced position. This button 77 and adjacent parts are comparable to the mechanism shown in US. Pat. No. l,579,457 issued to Walter R. Schlage Apr. 6, 1926. When the button 77 is depressed it moves a bar 78 axially inwardly. In turn, this translates a transverse plate 79 engaged therewith. The

- the influence of spring 73 so that the locking bar jaw 72 is in an adjacent notch 52 and the knob parts are locked together. When the button 77 is displaced inwardly (to the left in FIG. I)' the 'bar 78 is translated downwardly as is the transverse plate 79. This engages the end of the locking bar71 and moves the bar 71 against the urgency of the spring so that the jaw 72 is removed from the notch 52 and the outer knob is decoupled or released from the inner knob 'for free spinmng.

Under most circumstances the resistance of the lock mechanism to motion is such that insufficient turning force can be transmitted by friction between the uncoupled outer shell 61 and any of the interior parts to retract the latch bolt. However, if the inter-knob fric-' tion happens to be relatively great, for example, under relatively cold conditions, then the friction betweenthe inner knob, and the outer knob might be sufficient to overcome the lock mechanism resistance and produce lock actuation. For that reason it is provided that the plate 79 not only translates the locking bar toward locked condition and itself slides in the slot 26 in the spindle but further enters into a notch 81 in the lock casing 22. In this way the spindle is positively locked by the plate 79 to the lock casing 22. No amount of friction between the technically decoupled inner and outer external knobs can actuate the interior lock mechamsm.

When the button 77 is released, then the plate 79 is withdrawn from the notch 81 in the lock body and rotation of the spindle can ensue in the normal fashion. That is because the jaw 72 simultaneously engages into an adjacent notch 52 or does so upon slight rotation of the outer knob 46. The outer knob 46 is released for free rotation or spinning simultaneously upon locking spinning knob assembly in order to get the added security benefit. The plate 79 responsive to actuation by the button 77 is conveniently used as an actuator, but it is also feasible to arrange motion of the locking bar 71 through a plate 79 or comparable device operated from some other remote point.

It is a feature of the present arrangement that a closed end knob need not be used. The releasable, spinning knob can be employed with the customary, key actuated lock mechanism. As shown particularly in FIGS. 5 and 6, an outer knob member 91 similar to the outer knob member 46 has substantially the same construction as before except that the outer central portion affords a bowl-like depression 92 for key guidanceThe depression is partly defined by an inner rim 93 interfitting with the interior margin of the cup 48 in order to stabilize and centralize the separate parts. The bowl or depression 92 leads to the key end of a key mechanism 94 of any standard sort. A suitable key mechanism 94 includes a generally circular-cylindrical barrel symmetrically disposed with respect to the axis 17 and in one form has a wing 97 or extension integralwith the barrel 96 and projecting radially therefrom. To accommodate the wing, the inner, first knob member31 has a longitudinal slot 100 (FIG. 8). The maximum radial exatent of the wing 97 (FIG. 6) is substantially the same as the diameter of the cylindrical portion 33 so that the wing is readily housed. The locking mechanism 94 has a plug (not shown in detail) with a key-receiving front plate 98 nested within the interior of the bowl 92. The plug also has a driver bar 99 connected in the customary way to through an aperture 65 inorder to release the knob from the spindle 23. In locked position no depression of the plate 101 is possible since the flat driver bar 99- is disposed with its edge close to the plate 101. This is shown in Walter R. Schlage US. Pat. No. 2,062,765 issuedDec. l, 1936. There is thus provided a keyreceiving exterior knob which can be installed or re-- moved by the use of a single tool and a proper key and which can be operated from the interior through the bar 78 to be freespinning or to be locked to the spindle.

In some instances it is preferred to make the unitary locking bar 71 as shown in most of the figures, in two pieces, as shown in FIG. 7.'In this instance the locking bar 71 as a whole is identical with the previous showing and description but is inclusive of two portions 71a and 71b interfitted by a tongue and groove joint 71c. The reason for this separate construction is that the joint 17c lies close to the margin of the'inner knob neck 39. The part 71b can be'detached from the part 71a so as not to project beyond the knob. This protects the parts from injury during disassembly of the knob and during shop or repair handling. The part 71b simply resides within'the slot 26 in the spindle, as shown in FIG. 10.

To make sure that the part 71b doe snot at anytime escape when the knob is disassembled, the part 71b carries a tab 7 1e axially movable in a corresponding notch 71f cut in the wall of the spindle 23 alongside the customary slot 26. With thisassemblage of the parts,

7 moved and cannot readily fall out or be lost although is shown in FIGS. 11, 12 and Band usually is desired for very heavy duty installations. Many of the parts are just as previously described. There is the same spindle 23 rotatable about the axis 17 and having the longitudi nal slot 26 therein. The same trim 21 is afforded on the door panel'7 and the actuating bar 78 is also as before. The spindle contains a locking mechanism 94 connected to a driver bar 99. The present knob 1 1 l is preferably a solid turning having the desired exterior contour 112 and a similar key bowl 92 on the exterior side thereof. The knob terminates in an inner margin 113 defining an opening and cooperating with a flange 114 of a shank trim 116. An aperture 117 (shown rotated out of position) is provided in the trim 116 for the reception of a tool designed to displace a knob locking plate 118, as previously described.

The interior of the knob 11 l is provided with a hollow chamber 121 having a forward flange 122 surrounding the plug rim 98 of the lock unit 94 and has an extra deep bore 123 as well as a counter bore 124.

To mount the knob appropriately on the spindle there is provided a plurality of segments 126 (FIG. 13). Each segment has an arcuate exterior contour 127 and extension 142 is decoupled from the walls of one of the knob notches 143 and disconnects the knob 111 from the spindle 23. The jaw extension 142 easily disengages while flexing the spring 148. The knob 11] is then free has a chordal extent something less than the diameter of the opening defined by the margin 113 of the knob. Each segment 126 is axially extended by a shank 128 having lateral notches 129 and 121 in the sides thereof. This affords a T-shaped end 132 on the segment 126. A number of such segments are introduced through the opening defined by the flange 113 and are seated within the counter bore 124 in bearing or rotary relationship therewith.

Each of the segments 126 also rests on the outside of the spindle 23 and is particularly retained in place by having the T-shaped portion 132 interfitted with a comparable T-shaped opening 133 formed in a band 1134 designed to slip over the spindle. The band 134 also carries an opening 136 registering with the opening 117 and designed to receive the locking plate 118 when such plate is in its radially outermost position. The band 134 is thus held against rotation and against axial translation with respect to the spindle and in turn holds each of the segments 126 against rotation or axial translation with respect to the spindle. Outward movement of the segments is restrained by the knob 111 and also by the trim 114 while inward movement of the segmentsv is restrained by the spindle itself.

to spin although it is restrained against any axial, relative motion by the segments 126 in the counter bore 124. When it is desired to recouple the knob to the spindle, the actuating bar 78 is relaxed toward the right in FIG. 11 and the leaf spring 48 triesto reengage the jaw extension 142 with the walls of a knob slot 143. Bither there is immediate engagement thereof or, upon slight rotation of the knob, the spring leaf 148 snaps the jaw extension 142 into the notch and the knob is firmly coupled to the spindle 23 for solid rotation.

While there has been disclosed herein an outer knob with a key mechanism and releasable for spinning by a control actuated from a location within an inner knob, the mechanism is also applicable to an arrangement having two knobs each with a key mechanism and effective to couple or uncouple one or both knobs for spinning either separately or simultaneouslyi What is claimed is:

l. A releasable knob' for a lock having a body and having a spindle with an axially extending slot rotatable relative to said body about an axis comprising a first knob member, means for mounting said first knob member for rotation about said axis, means for connecting said first knob member and said" spindle for conjoint rotation about said axis, a second knob member, means for mounting said second knob member around said first knob member for rotation relative thereto about said axis, means forming an axially extending first groove in one 'of said knob members,

The assembly is preferably made by introducing the several segments, usually four, individually to the unassembled knob through the opening defined by the margin 113, then moving them axially into position in the plane of the counter bore 124. The band is then positioned on the axis and the segments are moved radially outwardly so that the T-shaped portions 132 fit from inside into the openings 133 as the segments 126 enter the bore 124. The spindle is then axially inserted through the band and assists in confining the segments. If the spindle is already mounted, the same relative motions are used. The segments act as bearings or shoes and serve as an inner knob for rotation of the outer knob 1 1 1. i

Somewhat as before the knob 111- is coupled and decoupled from the spindle 23 by a locking bar 141 having a stem slidable axially within the slot 26 and also having a jaw extension 142. This is axially movable into any adjacent one of a series of notches 143 in the solid portion of the knob 111, as shown in FIG. 11. The lock ing bar is translatable, as before, in one of a number of notches 146 in a block 147 corresponding to the inner knob member 31. The jaw extension moves into a dotted line position, illustrated in FIG. 11, wherein the jaw extension 142 is decoupled from the knob receiving notch 143. The locking bar is impelled in one direction by a leaf spring 148 which is secured by a fastener 149 (FIG. 12) to the bar and butts against a wall of the counter bore 123.

means forming an axially extending second groove in the other of said knob members adapted in one relatively rotated position of said knob members to be in axial alignment with said first groove, a locking bar, means for mounting said locking'bar in said spindle slot for movement in an axial direction between one position disengnaged from one of said grooves and a second I tubular wall with said axially extending slot therein, and

an axis, aknob member, means for mounting said knob member on said spindle for rotation relative thereto about said axis, first means effective in one position for locking said knob member to said spindle for rotation in unison therewith about said axis and effective in a second position to free said knob member for rotation thereof about said axis independently of said spindle,

and second means effective in one position for locking I tially simultaneously operating both of said first and second locking means.

7. A device as in claim including means for simultaneously placing said first locking means in said second position and placing said second locking means in said first position.

8. A device as in claim 7 in which said placing means is a member movable axially within said spindle.

9. A releasable knob adapted for use with a circular spindle rotatable about a central axis and having an axially extending slot in the periphery thereof and having a socket in the periphery thereof, a first knob member having a recess therein and having a circular bore fitting on said spindle for relative axial sliding and rotational movement about said axis, means fitting said recess and said socket for preventing said relative axial and rotational movement of said first knob member and said spindle, a second knob member substantially surrounding said first knob member and rotatable relative thereto about said axis, means for limiting relative axial movement of said first and second knob members, and means disposed in said slot for limiting relative'rotational movement of said first and second knob members. v 10. A releasable knob adapted for use with a hollow spindle rotatable about a central axis and having an axially extending slot and an axially extending channel therein, a circular lock body disposed in said hollow spindle, an axial wing on said lock body extending for a predetermined radial distance therefrom and disposed in said channel, a first knob member mounted for substantially said radial distance to receive said 4 wing, a second knob member mounted on "said first knob member solely for rotation relative thereto about said axis and overlying said channel, and means at least partly in said slot for locking said second knob member against said rotation on said first knob member.

11. A releasable knob comprising an inner knob portion having a central bore therein and rotatable about a central axis, an outer knob portion substantially surrounding said inner knob portion and rotatable relative to said inner knob portion about said axis, and means engaging both of said knob portions for holding both of said knob portions against relative rotation about said axis, said means being disposed within said outer knob portion and radially outside of said central bore.

Claims (11)

1. A releasable knob for a lock having a body and having a spindle with an axially extending slot rotatable relative to said body about an axis comprising a first knob member, means for mounting said first knob member for rotation about said axis, means for connecting said first knob member and said spindle for conjoint rotation about said axis, a second knob member, means for mounting said second knob member around said first knob member for rotation relative thereto about said axis, means forming an axially extending first groove in one of said knob members, means forming an axially extending second groove in the other of said knob members adapted in one relatively rotated position of said knob members to be in axial alignment with said first groove, a locking bar, means for mounting said locking bar in said spindle slot for movement in an axial direction between one position disengnaged from one of said grooves and a second position in engagement with both of said grooves.

2. A device as in claim 1 including means for urging said locking bar toward one of said positions, and means movable alongside said axis within said first knob member for overcoming said urging means and moving said locking bar toward the other of said positions.

3. A device as in claim 1 in which said spindle has a tubular wall with said axially extending slot therein, and said locking bar is axially movable in said slot.

4. A device as in claim 3 in which said slot has a predetermined radial dimension and at least a portion of said locking bar has approximately the same radial dimension.

5. A releasable knob for a lock having a body and having a spindle rotatable relative to said body about an axis, a knob member, means for mounting said knob member on said spindle for rotation relative thereto about said axis, first means effective in one position for locking said knob member to said spindle for rotation in unison therewith about said axis and effective in a second position to free said knob member for rotation thereof about said axis independently of said spindle, and second means effective in one position for locking said spindle to said body against rotation of said spindle about said axis and effective in a second position to free said spindle from said body for independent rotation thereof about said axis.

6. A device as in claim 5 including means for substantially simultaneously operating both of said first and second locking means.

7. A device as in claim 5 including means for simultaneously placing said first locking means in said second position and placing said second locking means in said first position.

8. A device as in claim 7 in which said placing means is a member movable axially within said spindle.

9. A releasable knob adapted for use with a circular spindle rotatable about a central axis and having an axially extending slot in the periphery thereof and having a socket in the periphery thereof, a first knob member having a recess therein and having a circular bore fitting on said spindle for relative axial sliding and rotational movement about said axis, means fitting said recess and said socket for preventing said relative axial and rotational movement of said first knob member and said spindle, a second knob member substantially surrounding said first knob member and rotatable relative thereto about said axis, means for limiting relative axial movement of said first and second knob members, and means disposed in said slot for limiting relative rotational movement of said first and second knob members.

10. A releasable knob adapted for use with a hollow spindle rotatable about a central axis and having an axially extending slot and an axially extending channel therein, a circular lock body disposed in said hollow spindle, an axial wing on said lock body extending for a predetermined radial distance therefrom and disposed in said channel, a first knob member mounted around said spindle and having an axial slot extending for substantially said radial distance to receive said wing, a second knob member mounted on said first knob member solely for rotation relative thereto about said axis and overlying said channel, and means at least partly in said slot for locking said second knob member against said rotation on said first knob member.

11. A releasable knob comprising an inner knob portion having a central bore therein and rotatable about a central axis, an outer knob portion substantially surrounding said inner knob portion and rotatable relative to said inner knob portion about said axis, and means engaging both of said knob portions for holding both of said knob portions against relative rotation about said axis, said means being disposed within said outer knob portion and radially outside of said central bore.

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