GB2474112A

GB2474112A - Lockable handle assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2474112A
Application number: GB201016138A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Giovanni Maria Laporta
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-09-25
Filing date: 2010-09-27
Publication date: 2011-04-06
Anticipated expiration: 2030-09-27
Also published as: GB2474112B; GB201016138D0; GB0916875D0

Abstract

A lockable handle assembly comprising a lock cylinder 15 movable between a first and second position and a protruding member 19 movable toward an extended position from a retracted position for engagement with an abutment surface of a handle 1 for retaining the lock cylinder. When the lock cylinder is in the second position the extended protruding member 19, such as a retaining pin, engages the abutment surface of the handle preventing movement, e.g. rotation, of the lock cylinder from the second to the first position. A manual release trigger is provided, upon pressing button 32 the retaining pin 19 is retracted and disengaged from handle and locking cylinder is biased toward the first position. Preferably a catch 10 is biased into engagement with the handle preventing rotation of the handle, catch 10 can be disengaged from the handle by a button 12a which can only be pressed when the lock cylinder is in the second position. Preferably the lock cylinder is unlocked with a magnetic key and retained in the unlocked (second) position by retaining pin 19 engaging the handle whilst the handle is still latched closed by catch 10, the handle assembly being automatically locked without a key by trigger 32. Also claimed is a lockable handle assembly comprising magnetic catch and a lockable handle assembly comprising a spacer for mounting the handle.

Description

Lockable Handle Assembly

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to lockable handle assembly for a window or door.

Background to the Invention

Handle assemblies which incorporate a base plate and a handle pivotally mounted on the base plate are well known. Some handle assemblies incorporate a catch in the handle or base plate, which is engageable in a corresponding recess in the base plate or handle respectively, to prevent rotation of the handle about the base plate. If the handle cannot be rotated relative to the base plate, opening of a vent controlled by the assembly cannot be achieved. Hence, when the catch is engaged in the corresponding recess, the handle assembly is locked closed. Various forms of mechanism are used in the prior art to control the catch, and hence locking of the handle assembly. Such handles may be of the cockspur type or the type used for operating espagnolette mechanisms and the like.

For prior art handle assemblies incorporating a catch on the base plate which engages the handle for locking the handle, many existing mechanisms for retracting the catch from the handle use a push button mounted in the handle for driving the catch out of the handle. Hence, this type of handle assembly may be referred to as a "push to unlock" handle assembly. Most push to unlock handle assemblies include a locking device for preventing depression of the button. This is typically a lock cylinder or lock barrel, which can be turned between a locked position in which depression of the button is prevented and an unlocked position in which depression of the button is permitted.

Furthermore, with such locking handles, it is necessary for the user to have a key available both for locking and unlocking the handle by rotating the lock cylinder. The use of the key for both locking and unlocking may result in the handle being left unlocked when locking would be desirable because of the inconvenience of having to find the key.

Generally, lock cylinders used in these prior art handle assemblies have tumblers within a slot of the lock cylinder for receiving a notched key. Such lock cylinders are prone to fail over time, due to wear on the tumblers during insertion and removal of the key. If the tumblers are worn excessively, the notches of the key no longer engage with the tumblers, and the key cannot be used to lock/unlock the lock cylinder.

A lockable handle assembly for a window or door having a magnetic locking mechanism was disclosed in WO 03/1 02334 (Laporta), the handle assembly having a bolt on the handle and keep on the base plate, the bolt being resiliently biased so as to automatically engage with the keep, the bolt being retractable from the keep when the magnetic key is brought into proximity with the locking device. Although this handle assembly has no lock cylinder with tumblers which is prone to failure over time, a disadvantage of this handle assembly is that it is not possible to move the handle away from the closed position without the magnetic key (i.e. when the handle is closed, it is always locked closed).

There is a need for a lock cylinder and/or lockable handle assembly which overcomes one or more of these problems.

Summary of Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a lockable handle assembly for a window or door comprising a handle and a lock cylinder, the handle being moveable between a closed position and an open position, the handle having a casing and an abutment surface, the lock cylinder having a housing and a protruding member, the lock cylinder being moveable relative to the handle between a first position and a second position, the protruding member being moveable relative to the lock cylinder housing between an extended position and a retracted position, at least part of the protruding member protruding from the lock cylinder housing when the protruding member is in the extended position, wherein when the lock cylinder is in the second position the protruding member engages with the abutment surface of the handle preventing movement of the lock cylinder from the second position to the first position, the assembly further comprising a locking actuation button depressable manually by the user, wherein when the lock cylinder is in the second position depression of the locking actuation button moves the protruding member from the extended position to the retracted position, the lock cylinder being biased toward the first position, whereby when the lock cylinder is in the second position movement of the protruding member to the retracted position disengages the protruding member from the abutment surface, causing the lock cylinder to move to the first position.

Advantageously, movement of the protruding member to the retracted position causes the lock cylinder to move to the first position, thereby locking the handle closed. In this way, the lock handle can be locked by the user without use of a key; the user can simply lock the handle by manually depressing the locking actuation button. This is convenient for users, as it means that if the key is not nearby or is lost, the user does not need to look for the key in order to lock the handle closed. Furthermore, where a lock cylinder having a notched key that engages with tumblers is used for unlocking the lock cylinder, the key only needs to be inserted in the key hole to unlock the lock cylinder, not to lock the lock cylinder; this means that the lock cylinder tumblers are subjected to less wear than if the key is inserted each time the lock cylinder is locked and unlocked, thus prolonging the life of the lock cylinder. When the protruding member is in the retracted position, it may or may not protrude/project from the lock cylinder housing.

The abutment surface may be a shoulder or stop.

Preferably the protruding member is accessible by a user, directly or indirectly, when the lock cylinder is in the second position. Advantageously the protruding member may be accessible directly or indirectly by a user via an aperture in the handle when the lock cylinder is in the second position.

Preferably the protruding member is biased toward the extended position. Preferably the protruding member is resiliently biased toward the extended position by a spring.

The protruding member may be moveable translationally between the extended and retracted positions along an axis that is perpendicular to at least one of an axis of translational movement of the lock cylinder housing and a rotational axis of the lock cylinder housing.

Preferably the lock cylinder has first engagement means, the handle having second engagement means, the first and second engagement means being complementary engagement means whereof one of the complementary engagement means of the lock cylinder and handle is moveable relative to the other between a locked position, in which said moveable engagement means lockingly engages with the other engagement means for preventing movement of the lock cylinder with respect to the handle, and an unlocked position for allowing movement of the lock cylinder with respect to the handle.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a lockable handle assembly for a window or door comprising a handle moveable between a closed position and an open position, the handle having a casing, the lockable handle assembly further comprising a catch engageable in a corresponding recess for preventing movement of the handle away from the closed position, and a lock cylinder which when depressed relative to the handle disengages the catch from the recess, the lock cylinder having a housing and first engagement means, the handle having second engagement means, the first and second engagement means being complementary engagement means whereof one of the complementary engagement means of the lock cylinder and handle is moveable relative to the other between a locked position, in which said moveable engagement means lockingly engages with the other engagement means for preventing movement of the lock cylinder with respect to the handle, and an unlocked position for allowing movement of the lock cylinder with respect to the handle, said moveable engagement means being moveable from the locked position by use of a key to which the moveable engagement means is magnetically attracted, wherein when the moveable engagement means is in the locked position the lock cylinder is prevented from being depressed relative to the handle by engagement with the other engagement means, and wherein when the moveable engagement means is in the unlocked position the lock cylinder is depressable relative to the handle.

The term engage used herein may refer to contact of one surface with another such that one surface abuts with the other, or to interlocking of one part with another.

Preferably the moveable engagement means is moveable from the locked position by use of a magnetic key.

Preferably the moveable engagement means lockingly engages with the other engagement means when the moveable engagement means is in the locked position, for preventing translational and rotational movement of the lock cylinder with respect to the handle. The other engagement means that the moveable engagement means engages with may be at least one abutment surface, such that the moveable engagement means lockingly engages with the other engagement means by abutting with at least one abutment surface. Advantageously, when the moveable engagement means is in the locked position, rotational movement of the lock cylinder with respect to the handle is prevented in addition to translational movementldepression of the lock cylinder with respect to the handle.

Advantageously, the lock cylinder cannot be moved from a first position to a second position until a magnetic force is applied to move the moveable engagement means from the locked to the unlocked position. Once the lock cylinder is in the second position, the lock cylinder can be depressed relative to the handle, whether or not the magnetic key is still in proximity to the moveable engagement means. The lock cylinder has no pin-tumblers, which are prone to wear out over time, therefore it does not suffer from the disadvantages of standard lock cylinders.

The second engagement means may be located internal to the handle or a housing of the handle.

Preferably the moveable engagement means comprises or contains a magnetic or ferromagnetic material, such that it is attracted towards a magnetic key by magnetic attraction when the magnetic key is brought into proximity to the moveable engagement means. If the moveable engagement means is magnetic, in order that the moveable engagement means and the magnetic key are attracted to one another, the moveable engagement means and magnetic key may have opposite magnetic polarities directed towards one another when the magnetic key is brought into proximity with the moveable engagement means.

Preferably the moveable engagement means is biased toward the locked position.

Advantageously the moveable engagement means remains in a locked position when a magnetic force is not present in proximity to the moveable engagement means.

Preferably the moveable engagement means is resiliently biased toward the locked position by a spring.

Preferably the moveable engagement means is moveably coupled to the lock cylinder housing and the moveable engagement means is biased for engagement with the handle. In this way, when the lock cylinder housing is moved, the moveable engagement means moves with it.

Preferably the moveable engagement means is a latch moveably coupled to the lock cylinder housing in use, the latch being moveable translationally relative to the lock cylinder housing between the locked position and unlocked position. Preferably the moveable engagement means is moveable translationally relative to the lock cylinder housing, along an axis perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the lock cylinder. The moveable engagement means may be moveable translationally relative to the lock cylinder housing along an axis perpendicular to at least one of an axis of translational movement of the lock cylinder housing and a rotational axis of the lock cylinder housing.

Preferably the protruding member is received in an aperture within the moveable engagement means in use, at least part of the protruding member protruding from the moveable engagement means when the moveable engagement means is in the unlocked position and the protruding member is in the extended position.

Preferably the lock cylinder is moveable rotationally relative to the handle between a first position and a second position. Advantageously, the lock cylinder cannot be rotated from the first to the second position until the moveable engagement means is moved from the locked to the unlocked position.

Preferably the lock cylinder is biased toward the first position. Advantageously, when the lock cylinder is in the second position, movement of the protruding member from the extended to the retracted position disengages the protruding member from the abutment surface such that the lock cylinder automatically moves to the first position.

Preferably the lock cylinder is resiliently biased towards the first position by a torsion spring.

The lock cylinder is preferably located within the handle casing in use.

Preferably the handle casing has an aperture, the protruding member being accessible by a user via the aperture when the lock cylinder is in the second position such that the protruding member can be moved from the extended position to the retracted position by the user. The aperture allows access to the protruding member, directly or indirectly, by a user for moving the protruding member from the extended position to the retracted position.

Preferably the locking actuation button is contactable with the protruding member when the lock cylinder is in the second position. In this way, depression of the locking actuation button by the user causes the protruding member to move from the extended position to the retracted position. Alternatively the locking actuation button may be integral with the protruding member.

Preferably the locking actuation button is located substantially over the aperture in use.

Advantageously the locking actuation button overlies the aperture in use, such that depression of the locking actuation button depresses the protruding member, causing the protruding member to move from the extended to the retracted position.

Preferably the interior of the handle casing has a curved longitudinal ledge surface, the protruding member being slideable along the curved longitudinal ledge surface as the lock cylinder is moved between the first and second positions. The curved longitudinal ledge surface is preferably an internal surface of the handle casing. Preferably the curved longitudinal ledge surface has a first end and a second end, the protruding member moving from the first end to the second end as the lock cylinder moves from the locked and unlocked positions, the curved longitudinal ledge surface being configured such that the protruding member is automatically moved from the extended position toward the retracted position as the lock cylinder is moved away from the first position. The first end of the curved longitudinal ledge surface may be ramped or cammed, such that the protruding member is automatically moved from the extended position toward the retracted position as the lock cylinder moves away from the locked position.

Preferably the assembly further comprises a base plate, the handle being pivotally mounted to the base plate in use. Preferably the catch is coupled to the base plate and the corresponding recess is located on the handle. Preferably the catch is biased so as to automatically engage with the recess when the handle is moved into the closed position. Preferably the catch is resiliently biased by a spring so as to automatically engage with the recess when the handle is moved into the closed position.

Preferably the moveable engagement means is a latch, the latch being moveably coupled to the lock cylinder housing, the latch engaging with an internal surface of the handle casing when the latch is in the locked position.

Preferably the assembly further comprises a magnetic key, wherein the moveable engagement means moves from the locked to the unlocked positions when the magnetic key is brought into proximity with the moveable engagement means.

Preferably the lock cylinder is housed within the handle casing for rotation about a rotational axis, the lock cylinder being moveable rotationally relative to the handle between a first and a second position, wherein the handle is configured such that the lock cylinder is only rotatable from the first position to the second position when the moveable engagement means is in the unlocked position.

Preferably the lock cylinder further comprises a key hole, the lock cylinder being rotatable relative to the handle by movement of a key about a rotational axis of the lock cylinder, when the key is inserted in the key hole.

Preferably the handle has a first and a second abutment surface, wherein when the lock cylinder is in the first position and the moveable engagement means is in the locked position the moveable engagement means abuts the first abutment surface preventing translational movement of the lock cylinder and the moveable engagement means abuts the second abutment surface preventing rotational movement of the lock cylinder, the lock cylinder being movable from the first position to the second position when the moveable engagement means is in the unlocked position.

Preferably the lock cylinder housing has formed thereon or coupled thereto an indicator to indicate to the user whether the lock cylinder is in the first position. This overcomes a problem with prior art handle assemblies wherein it is not possible to tell by looking at the handle whether it is unlocked or locked and so a physical check usually has to be carried out. Preferably the indicator is a visual indicator device whereby movement of the visual indicator during movement of the lock cylinder alters the extent to which the indicator is visible to the user in order to visually indicate whether the lock cylinder is in the first position. Preferably the visual indicator is housed within the handle casing, the casing having a window or aperture through which at least part of the visual indicator may be viewed when the lock cylinder is in the first position.

Preferably the assembly further comprises a base plate and a spacer plate for spacing the handle away from the window or door, the handle being pivotally mounted to the base plate and the base plate being mounted on the spacer plate in use. The spacer plate increases the distance between the handle and the window or door on which the handle assembly is mounted, such that the handle can be gripped by a user with a large hand, and whose hand is too large to ordinarily fit between the handle and the window/door. The spacer plate is preferably removable, so that it can be optionally included in the assembly if desired. Preferably the spacer plate has at least one lug receivable in a corresponding recess on the base plate.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a lockable handle assembly for a window or door, the lockable handle assembly comprising a handle pivotally mounted on a base plate in use, the base plate being mounted on a spacer plate mounted to a window or door in use, the spacer plate spacing the handle away from the window or door. Preferably the spacer plate has at least one lug receivable in a corresponding recess on the base plate.

Brief Description of the Drawings

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be more particularly described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1A shows a perspective view of a handle assembly according to the present invention, the handle being closed and the lock cylinder being in the first position; Figure 1 B shows a left side view of the handle assembly if figure 1A; Figure 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the handle assembly if figure 1A, showing the handle, lock cylinder and catch exploded from the base plate, with the lock cylinder in the first position; Figure 3A shows an exploded perspective view of the handle assembly if figure 1A, showing the front portion of the push button and the handle separated from the remainder of the handle assembly, with the lock cylinder in the first position; Figure 3B is a vertical cross-section through the exploded handle assembly of figure 3A, with the lock cylinder in the first position; Figure 4 is an exploded view showing the base plate, lock cylinder and rear portion of the push button of the assembly of figure 1A, with the lock cylinder, latch and pin each separated from the remainder of the assembly and with the lock cylinder in the first position; Figure 5 is a cross-section through the line 5 of figure 12, showing the handle assembly with the lock cylinder in the first position; Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the handle assembly if figure 1A but with the lock cylinder in the second position, showing the handle, lock cylinder, catch and screw cover exploded from the base plate; Figure 7 is an exploded view showing the base plate, lock cylinder and rear portion of the push button of the assembly of figure 1A, with the lock cylinder, latch and pin each separated from the remainder of the assembly and with the lock cylinder in the second position; Figure 8A is a cross-section through the line 8A in figure 13, showing the lock cylinder in the second position; Figure 8B is a front view of the handle assembly of figure 1A with the lock cylinder in the second position, with the front portion of the push button removed; Figure 9 is a front perspective view of the handle assembly of figure 1A with the lock cylinder in the first position and with the front portion of the push button removed; Figure 1 OA is a front view of the handle; Figure 1 OB is a front perspective view of the handle; Figure 1 1A is a top plan view of a magnetic key; Figure 11 B is a bottom plan view of the magnetic key of figure 1 1A; Figure 110 is a rear end plan view of the magnetic key of figure hA; Figure 12 is a front plan view of the handle assembly of figure 1A, with the lock cylinder in the first position; Figure 13 is a front plan view of the handle assembly of figure 1A, with the lock cylinder in the second position; Figure 14A is a perspective view of the handle assembly of figure 1A with a spacer plate mounted behind the base plate; Figure 14B is a perspective view of the spacer plate of figure 14A; Figure 15 is a rear view of the handle assembly of figure 14A, without a spacer plate mounted to the base plate.

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.

Referring to figure 1A, a handle assembly comprises a handle 1 mounted to a base plate 2. The handle 1 includes a body portion la and an elongate grip portion lb. Referring to figure 6, the base plate is fixed to a vent such as a door or window (not shown) by means of screws (not shown), receivable in a first and second sunken bores or mounting apertures 3, 4 in the base plate 2. The first mounting aperture 3 is covered in use by a screw cover 5 that mounts over the mounting aperture 4 and is affixed to the base plate 2 by a snap fit or other suitable fixing method.

The handle 1 is pivotally mounted to the base plate 2 via a nose 6 which is received in the base plate 2 (figure 2). The handle 1 is moveable between a closed position (as shown in figure hA) wherein the handle 1 overlies the base plate 2 and an open position, wherein the longitudinal axis of the grip portion lb of the handle 1 is at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the base plate 2 (not shown in the figures).

Referring to figure 2, the base plate has a spindle bore 7 in which is received a spindle 8. The spindle 8 is a drive shaft with square cross-section, used for driving an espagnolette system. One end of the spindle 8 is received in a corresponding bore in the nose 6 of the handle 1, such that the spindle 8 is rotated by movement of the handle 1 relative to the base plate 2. Alternatively, if the handle is a cockspur type handle, it will not have a spindle 8 for driving an espagnolette mechanism.

Referring to figure 1 B, the base plate 2 includes a stop 9 which abuts the body portion la of the handle 1 when the handle is in its closed position. The stop 9 helps to define the closed position by preventing over-closure of the handle 1.

Referring to figure 2, a catch 10 is located in a recess 11 on the base plate 2, such that the front surface of the catch 10 (the surface that faces away from the base plate 2 when assembled) protrudes away from the front surface of the base plate 2 in use.

The catch 10 is resiliently biased toward the handle 1 by means of a compressed spring (not shown in the figures) housed within recess 11 on the base plate 11. When the handle 1 is in the closed position, the catch 10 projects from the base plate 2 and engages in a cavity 51 (figure 1OA) in the body portion la of the handle 1. The catch therefore prevents rotation of the handle 1 about its nose 6 relative to the base plate 2.

The handle is thereby locked in the closed position.

Referring to figure 3A, the handle assembly includes a push button, having a front portion 12a and a rear portion 12b. The body portion la of the handle 1 has an aperture 13 wherein the front portion 12a of the push button 12 is received. The front portion 12a of the push button 12 is exposed through the aperture 13 on the body portion la of the handle, allowing the push button 12 to be depressed by the user. The front portion 1 2a of the push button is biased away from the base plate 2 by means of a spring 14. The rear portion 12b of the push button has a bore 50 for receiving a screw 17, the screw 17 being received in a corresponding threaded recess (not shown) in the rear of the front portion 1 2a of the push button, the screw 1 7 coupling the front 1 2a and rear 1 2b portions of the push button together.

Between the front portion 12a and the rear portion 12b of the push button is a lock cylinder or lock barrel 15. Referring to figure 4, the lock cylinder has a housing having a cylindrical portion 15a, from a side of which extends a side portion 15b having a curvilinear surface facing away from the cylindrical portion 15a (i.e. the top surface of the side portion 15b in figure 3A). A latch 16 of square cross-sectional shape extends from a recess 1 7 in the curvilinear surface of the side portion 1 5b, the recess 17 having a square shaped cross-sectional shape. The latch is biased away from the lock cylinder 15 by a compression spring 20 received in the square-shaped recess 17, below the latch 16, such that the top surface of the latch 16 protrudes away from the curvilinear surface of the side portion 15b of the lock cylinder (as shown in figure 3B) unless a force depresses/retracts the latch 16 towards the lock cylinder 15.

The latch 16 is substantially cube shaped. The latch 16 is made of a ferrous material or a magnetic material, or may contain a ferrous/magnetic material within a non-ferrous/non-magnetic material, such that the latch 16 would be attracted towards a magnet brought into proximity with the latch 16. The latch 16 has a central cylindrical bore 1 8 running from its top surface to its bottom surface in figure 4, the bore 1 8 having open top and bottom ends. Referring to figure 2, a pin 19 is received in the cylindrical bore 18 of the latch 16. The pin 19 is biased away from the lock cylinder by a compression spring 21 (visible in figure 4). The pin 19 is made of a non-ferrous and non-magnetic material, preferably a non-ferrous metal, such that the pin 19 is not attracted towards a magnet brought into proximity of the pin.

Referring to figures 4 and 3A, the front circular surface of the cylindrical portion iSa of the lock cylinder has an aperture or key hole 22 leading to a keyway for receiving a magnetic key. When the handle assembly is assembled, the front circular surface of the cylindrical portion 1 5a of the lock cylinder is exposed through a circular aperture 23 on the front portion 1 2a of the push button, allowing the key hole 22 to be accessed by the user.

The latch 16 may be moved translationally relative to the lock cylinder by means of a magnetic key. Referring to figures 11 A and 11 B, the magnetic key 24 has an elongate blade 24a for insertion in the key hole 22 and a plastic handle portion 24b for holding by the user. The blade 24a of the key has a portion of rectangular cross-sectional shape, comprising a magnetic material. On a side of the blade 24a of the key is a raised elongate region 25 with a plurality of notches 25a along one edge (visible in figure 11 B). The raised elongate region 25 is made of plastic, and is integral with the plastic handle portion 24b. Referring to figure 110, the blade 24a of the key has a substantially T-shaped cross-sectional shape. Referring to figure 4, the key hole 22 is T-shaped to match the cross-sectional T-shape of the blade 24a. Unlike a standard non-magnetic key, which has notches for engaging with tumblers in the keyway of the lock cylinder, the raised elongate region 25 on the side of the blade is merely present to ensure that the key is inserted in the correct alignment relative to the latch 16, with the magnetic portion of the blade 24a facing towards the latch 16. Furthermore, the raised elongate region 25 gives the impression of additional security. Alternatively, the keyway of the lock cylinder may include tumblers to engage with a plurality of notches on the magnetic key 24, such that only a magnetic key having a pattern of notches that corresponds to the actuator pattern of the tumblers in the keyway can be inserted in the key hole 22.

Figures 3A and 3B show the top surface of the magnetic latch 16 in a first, locked position, wherein the latch projects from the curvilinear surface of the side portion 15b of the lock cylinder. When the magnetic key is inserted in the key hole 22, the magnetic latch 16 is drawn towards the key in the direction of arrow A in figure 3B, moving the magnetic latch 16 from the first position, to a second, unlocked position, wherein the top of the magnetic latch 16 is substantially flush with the curvilinear surface of the side portion 1 5b of the lock cylinder.

Referring to figure 4, the rear portion 12b of the push button has a curved surface 27, rolled to match the curvature of the cylindrical portion 15b of the lock cylinder. The lock cylinder is supported on the curved surface 27 of the rear portion 12b of the push button, such that the lock cylinder is supported for rotation relative to the push button and the handle. The lock cylinder is rotatable between a first position, as shown in figure 3A, in which the longitudinal axis of pin 19 is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the base plate 2 (i.e. the latch 16 is in a 12 O'clock position) and a second position, as shown in figure 6, in which the longitudinal axis of pin 19 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the base plate 2 (i.e. the latch 16 is in a 3 O'clock position, the lock cylinder having been rotated clockwise by 9O from the locked position). The lock cylinder can be rotated between the first (locked) and second (unlocked) positions by rotation of the key 24 relative to the handle once the blade 24a of the key has been inserted in the keyway. Once the lock cylinder has been rotated to the second position, the magnetic latch 16 and pin 19 no longer abut any surfaces substantially parallel with the front of the handle, therefore the front and rear portions 1 2a, 1 2b of the push button and the lock cylinder 15 therebetween can be depressed by the user. When the lock cylinder is in the second position, it can be depressed by the user, whether or not the magnetic key is inserted to attract the magnetic latch 16 towards its second (retracted) position.

Referring to figures 5 and lOB, when the lock cylinder is in the first position (wherein the magnetic latch 16 is in the 12 O'clock position), an abutment surface or shoulder 26 within the body portion la of the handle abuts the rear of magnetic latch 16, preventing the push button 12 and lock cylinder 15 from being depressed relative to the handle.

The abutment surface or shoulder 26 is substantially parallel with the front of the lock cylinder. When the magnetic latch 16 is in the unlocked position (i.e. when it has been retracted from the locked position to the unlocked position by inserting the magnetic key in the key hole to attract the magnetic latch towards the key), the magnetic latch 16 no longer abuts abutment surface 26; therefore, the front and rear portions 12a, 12b of the push button and the lock cylinder 15 therebetween can be depressed by the user whilst the key is inserted. If the key is removed, the magnetic latch 16 reverts to its locked position, and the front and rear portions of the push button 12a, 12b and the lock cylinder 15 are prevented from being depressed relative to the handle by abutment of the magnetic latch 16 with abutment surface 26.

Referring to figure lOB (showing the internal surfaces of the body portion la of the handle), when the lock cylinder is in the first position and the magnetic latch 1 6 is in its locked position, an abutment surface or shoulder 27 within the body portion of 1 a of the handle abuts the side of the magnetic latch 16, preventing the lock cylinder from being rotated from the first position to the second position. When the magnetic latch 1 6 is in its locked position, it abuts a surface of shoulder 26 that is parallel with the front surface of the lock cylinder. The abutment surface of shoulder 27 is substantially perpendicular to the front of the lock cylinder. When the magnetic latch 16 has been retracted from the locked position to the unlocked position, the magnetic latch 16 no longer abuts shoulders 26 and 27 and the lock cylinder can be rotated from the first position to the second position.

Referring to figure lOB, the internal surface of the handle includes a curved ledge surface 47, along which the distal end of magnetic latch 16 slides as the lock cylinder is being moved from the first position to the second position. Curved ledge surface 47 is substantially perpendicular to the front face of the lock cylinder.

Referring to figure lOB, the internal surface of the handle includes a curved ledge surface 28 substantially perpendicular to the front face of the lock, along which the distal end of the pin 19 slides as the lock cylinder is being moved from the first position to the second position. Adjacent ledge surface 28 is a planar surface 29, substantially parallel with the front face of the lock cylinder, which abuts the side of pin 19, preventing the lock cylinder from being depressed as the lock cylinder moves from the locked to the unlocked position. The curved ledge surface 28 has a top end and a bottom end, the top end being ramped or cammed towards the lock cylinder such that the pin is automatically retracted slightly as the lock cylinder is moved away from the first position. The curvature of the curved ledge surface 28 is such that the pin 19 gradually retracts toward its retracted position as the lock cylinder is being moved from the first position to the second position. The bottom end of the curved ledge surface 28 is adjacent an aperture 30 in the handle. Referring to figure 8B, when the lock cylinder reaches the second position, the distal end of the pin 19 enters the aperture 30 and is no longer abutting the curved ledge surface 28, the pin 19 automatically moving from a retracted to the extended position. When the lock cylinder is in the second position, the pin abuts the top edge 31 of the aperture 30, preventing the lock cylinder from rotating from the second position to the first position. The distal surface of the latch 16 abuts the internal curved surface of the handle, and does not protrude through aperture 30.

Referring to figures 4 and lOB, the handle assembly includes rubber trigger 32. The trigger 32 is pivotally mounted to the handle by means of a pin or screw that passes though a mounting bore 33a on a mounting leg 33b of the trigger 32 (figure 4) and through a mounting bore 34 on the handle (figure lOB). When assembled, the mounting leg 33b extends through a small aperture 33c in the handle, the trigger having an outer surface 36 which is external to the handle when assembled. The trigger 32 has a protrusion 35 that faces towards the lock cylinder when assembled.

When the lock cylinder is in the second position, the distal end of the pin 19 abuts the protrusion 35. When assembled, the trigger 32 overlies the aperture 30 such that the outer surface 36 is exposed and accessible by users. Depression of the outer surface 36 of the trigger 32 by the user causes the protrusion 35 to push against the distal end of the pin 19, moving the pin from the extended position to the retracted position, such that the pin 19 no longer abuts the top edge 31 of the aperture 30. When the lock cylinder is in the second position, the sides of the latch 16 do not abut any surface of the handle which is perpendicular to front surface of the front portion 1 2a of the push button; therefore, once the pin 19 has been moved to its retracted position, the lock cylinder is no longer prevented from being moved to the first position. The lock cylinder is biased in the first position by torsion spring 37 (figure 4), therefore once the pin 19 has been disengaged from abutment with the top edge 31 of aperture 30, the cylinder automatically moves from the second position to the first position.

During operation, when the handle assembly is locked, the handle can be moved away from the closed position by first inserting the blade 24a of the key into the key hole 22.

The magnetic latch 16 (but not the pin 19) is attracted towards the magnetic blade 24a, moving the latch 16 from the locked position to the unlocked position. Once in the unlocked position, the latch 16 no longer abuts shoulder 27, and the lock cylinder can be rotated from the first position (with the latch at the 1 2 O'clock position) to the second position (with the latch at the 3 O'clock position) by rotating the key 24 clockwise. As the lock cylinder moves from the first position to the second position, the pin 19 is forced towards its retracted position by the curved ledge surface 28 with cammed top end. Once the lock cylinder reaches the second position, the distal end of the pin 19 reaches aperture 30, and the pin projects through aperture 30, abutting the protrusion 35 of trigger 32. The lock cylinder is prevented from moving from the second position to the first position by abutment of the pin 19 with the top edge 31 of aperture 30.

When the lock cylinder is in the second position the latch 16 and pin 19 do not abut any surfaces of the handle that are substantially parallel to the front face of the lock cylinder (whereas when the lock cylinder is in the first position and the latch 16 is in the locked position, latch 16 abuts shoulder 26), therefore front and rear portions 12a, 12b of the push button and the lock cylinder 15 which is housed therebetween, can be depressed by the user relative to the handle when the lock cylinder is in the second position.

When the lock cylinder is in the second position, the front and rear portions 12a, 12b of the push button and the lock cylinder 15 can be depressed, whether or not the magnetic key is inserted in the key hole. When the push button and lock cylinder 15 are depressed, the rear portion 12b of the push button pushes against catch 10, disengaging the catch 10 from the corresponding cavity 51 in the rear of the handle 1, such that the handle 1 is no longer prevented from pivoting about the base plate 2.

The handle 1 can therefore be moved away from its closed position when the lock cylinder is in the second position and the push button 12 has been depressed by the user. Once the lock cylinder has been moved to the second position by rotating the key, the key can be removed, and the lock cylinder will remain in the second position (by means of the abutment of the pin 19 with the top edge 31 of aperture 30) and the lock cylinder 15 can be depressed by the user, even with the key removed.

Alternatively, when the handle assembly is locked, in order to unlock the handle assembly such that the handle can be moved away from the closed position, the key can be inserted in the key hole and the user can depress the front portion 12a of the push button, without rotating the lock cylinder. Depression of the front portion 12a of the push button thereby depresses the rear portion 1 2b of the push button and the lock cylinder 15, disengaging the catch 10 from the corresponding cavity 51 and allowing the handle to be pivoted relative the base plate 2. By inserting the magnetic blade 24a of the key in the key hole 22, the magnetic latch 16 is attracted towards the magnetic blade 24a, moving the latch 16 from the locked position to the unlocked position. Once in the unlocked position, the latch 16 no longer abuts shoulder 26, therefore the front and rear portions 12a, 12b of the push button and the lock cylinder 15 therebetween can be depressed relative to the handle, without rotating the lock cylinder to the second position. When the lock cylinder is in the first position, the front and rear portions 12a, 12b of the push button and the lock cylinder 15 can only be depressed when the magnetic blade 24a is inserted in the key hole 22, attracting the magnetic latch 16 towards it and maintaining the magnetic latch 16 in the unlocked position.

As the handle 1 is moved from an open position to the closed position, the resiliently biased catch 10 will automatically engage in the cavity at the rear of the handle.

When the handle is in the closed position and the lock cylinder is in the second position, in order to lock the handle in that closed position, the user depresses trigger 32; this causes the pin 19 to move from the extended to the retracted position, such that the pin 19 no longer abuts the top edge 31 of the aperture 30. Torsion spring 37 causes the lock cylinder to automatically move from the second position to the first position, whereby depression of the push button 12a, 12b and lock cylinder 15 is thus prevented.

The front surface 38 of the side portion iSa of the lock cylinder is coloured red (the red surface is shown shaded in the figures, see figure 4 for example). The front portion 12a of the push button includes a transparent viewing window 39 (figure 1A). When the lock cylinder is in the first position, the red front surface 38 is located behind the viewing window 39, and is visible to the user through the viewing window. When the lock cylinder is in the second position, the red front surface 38 is not behind the viewing window, and only the internal surface at the rear of the handle is visible to the user through the viewing window. The front surface 38 could be another colour, other than red, however the front surface 38 should be a different colour from the internal surface at the rear of the handle. Preferably the viewing window 39 is made of transparent PerspexRTM.

Referring to figure 14A, the handle assembly may optionally include a spacer plate 40, which is assembled between the base plate 2 and the window or door (not shown).

The spacer plate 40 has first and second mounting apertures 41,42 that correspond to the first and second mounting apertures 3,4 in the base plate, so that a first screw can be received through both the first mounting aperture 3 of the base plate and the first mounting aperture 41 of the spacer plate 40, and similarly a second screw can be received through both the second mounting aperture 4 of the base plate and the second mounting aperture 42 of the spacer plate 40, to mount the base plate and mounting plate to the window/door. The front face of the spacer plate 40 (the face that is directed away from the window/door in use) has first and second lugs 43, 44, receivable in corresponding first and second recesses 45,46 in the rear face of the base plate 2 (visible in figure 15), to locate the base plate 2 on the spacer plate 40.

When assembled, the spacer plate 40 distances the grip portion 1 b of the handle away from window/door, allowing more space for the user's hand to grip around the handle.

The spacer plate 40 can be used, if desired, to space the handle away from the window/door, if for example the user has large hands.

The handle shown in the figures is a right hand handle, wherein the handle is pivoted anti-clockwise away from the closed position. It will be understood that a left hand handle can be provided, in which the handle is pivoted clockwise away from the closed position.

For the hand handle shown in the figures, the lock cylinder rotates clockwise from the first position to the second position and the locking actuation button is located on the right hand side of the handle; however, it will be understood that the assembly could be adapted wherein the lock cylinder is rotated anti-clockwise from the locked position to the unlocked position and the locking actuation button is located on the left hand side of the handle, for a right hand handle or a left hand handle.

It will be understood that keyless locking feature provided by the moveable pin 19 and rubber trigger 32 could be incorporated in a lock cylinder which does not include a magnetic latch 16, but has some other moveable, non-magnetic means for preventing the lock cylinder from being depressed and/or rotated relative handle.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A lockable handle assembly for a window or door comprising a handle and a lock cylinder, the handle being moveable between a closed position and an open position, the handle having a casing and an abutment surface, the lock cylinder having a housing and a protruding member, the lock cylinder being moveable relative to the handle between a first position and a second position, the protruding member being moveable relative to the lock cylinder housing between an extended position and a retracted position, at least part of the protruding member protruding from the lock cylinder housing when the protruding member is in the extended position, wherein when the lock cylinder is in the second position the protruding member engages with the abutment surface of the handle preventing movement of the lock cylinder from the second position to the first position, the assembly further comprising a locking actuation button depressable manually by the user, wherein when the lock cylinder is in the second position depression of the locking actuation button moves the protruding member from the extended position to the retracted position, the lock cylinder being biased toward the first position, whereby when the lock cylinder is in the second position movement of the protruding member to the retracted position disengages the protruding member from the abutment surface, causing the lock cylinder to move to the first position.
2. A lockable handle assembly according to claim 1, wherein the protruding member is accessible by a user, directly or indirectly, when the lock cylinder is in the second position.
3. A lockable handle assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the protruding member is biased toward the extended position.
4. A lockable handle assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the protruding member is resiliently biased toward the extended position by a spring.
5. A lockable handle assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the lock cylinder has first engagement means, the handle having second engagement means, the first and second engagement means being complementary engagement means whereof one of the complementary engagement means of the lock cylinder and handle is moveable relative to the other between a locked position, in which said moveable engagement means lockingly engages with the other engagement means for preventing movement of the lock cylinder with respect to the handle, and an unlocked position for allowing movement of the lock cylinder with respect to the handle.
6. A lockable handle assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the assembly further comprises a catch engageable in a corresponding recess for preventing movement of the handle away from the closed position, the lock cylinder being depressable relative to the handle, wherein depression of the lock cylinder relative to the handle disengages the catch from the recess
7. A lockable handle assembly for a window or door comprising a handle moveable between a closed position and an open position, the handle having a casing, the lockable handle assembly further comprising a catch engageable in a corresponding recess for preventing movement of the handle away from the closed position, and a lock cylinder which when depressed relative to the handle disengages the catch from the recess, the lock cylinder having a housing and first engagement means, the handle having second engagement means, the first and second engagement means being complementary engagement means whereof one of the complementary engagement means of the lock cylinder and handle is moveable relative to the other between a locked position, in which said moveable engagement means lockingly engages with the other engagement means for preventing movement of the lock cylinder with respect to the handle, and an unlocked position for allowing movement of the lock cylinder with respect to the handle, said moveable engagement means being moveable from the locked position by use of a key to which the moveable engagement means is magnetically attracted, wherein when the moveable engagement means is in the locked position the lock cylinder is prevented from being depressed relative to the handle by engagement with the other engagement means, and wherein when the moveable engagement means is in the unlocked position the lock cylinder is depressable relative to the handle.
8. A lockable handle assembly according to any of claims 5 to 7, wherein the moveable engagement means is moveable from the locked position by use of a magnetic key.
9. A lockable handle assembly according to any of claims 5 to 8, wherein the moveable engagement means lockingly engages with the other engagement means when the moveable engagement means is in the locked position, for preventing translational and rotational movement of the lock cylinder with respect to the handle.
10. A lockable handle assembly according to any of claims 5 to 9, wherein the moveable engagement means is biased toward the locked position.
11. A lockable handle assembly according to any of claims 5 to 10, wherein the moveable engagement means is resiliently biased toward the locked position by a spring.
12. A lockable handle assembly according to any of claims 5 to 11, wherein the moveable engagement means is moveably coupled to the lock cylinder housing and the moveable engagement means is biased for engagement with the handle.
13. A lockable handle assembly according to any of claims 5 to 12, wherein the moveable engagement means is a latch moveably coupled to the lock cylinder housing in use, the latch being moveable translationally relative to the lock cylinder housing between the locked position and unlocked position.
14. A lockable handle assembly according to any of claims 5 to 13, wherein the moveable engagement means is moveable translationally relative to the lock cylinder housing, along an axis perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the lock cylinder.
15. A lockable handle assembly according to any of claims 5 to 14, wherein the protruding member is received in an aperture within the moveable engagement means in use, at least part of the protruding member protruding from the moveable engagement means when the moveable engagement means is in the unlocked position and the protruding member is in the extended position.
16. A lockable handle assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the lock cylinder is moveable rotationally relative to the handle between a first and a second position.
17. A lockable handle assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the lock cylinder is biased toward the first position.
18. A lockable handle assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the lock cylinder is resiliently biased towards the first position by a torsion spring.
19. A lockable handle assembly according to any of claims 1 to 6 or 8 to 18, wherein the handle casing has an aperture, the protruding member being accessible by a user via the aperture when the lock cylinder is in the second position such that the protruding member can be moved from the extended position to the retracted position by the user.
20. A lockable handle assembly according to of claims 1 to 6 or 8 to 19, wherein, the locking actuation button is contactable with the protruding member when the lock cylinder is in the second position.
21. A lockable handle assembly according to of claims 1 to 6 or 8 to 19, wherein, the locking actuation button is integral with the protruding member.
22. A lockable handle assembly according to claim to 20, wherein the locking actuation button is located substantially over the aperture in use.
23. A lockable handle assembly according to any of claims 1 to 7 or 9 to 22, wherein the interior of the handle casing has a curved longitudinal ledge surface, the protruding member being slideable along the curved longitudinal ledge surface as the lock cylinder is moved between the first and second positions.
24. A lockable handle assembly according to any of preceding claim, wherein the assembly further comprises a base plate, the handle being pivotally mounted to the base plate in use.
25. A lockable handle assembly according to claim 24 when dependent on claim 6 or 7, wherein the catch is coupled to the base plate and the corresponding recess is located on the handle.
26. A lockable handle assembly according to claims 6 or 7 or claims 8 to 25 when dependent on claim 6 or 7, wherein the catch is biased so as to automatically engage with the recess when the handle is moved into the closed position.
27. A lockable handle assembly according to claim 26, wherein the catch is resiliently biased by a spring so as to automatically engage with the recess when the handle is moved into the closed position.
28. A lockable handle assembly according to any of claims claims 5 to 27, wherein the moveable engagement means is a latch, the latch being moveably coupled to the lock cylinder housing, the latch engaging with an internal surface of the handle casing when the latch is in the locked position.
29. A lockable handle assembly according to any of claims 5 to 28, wherein the assembly further comprises a magnetic key, and wherein the moveable engagement means moves from the locked to the unlocked positions when the magnetic key is brought into proximity with the moveable engagement means.
30. A lockable handle assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the lock cylinder is housed within the handle casing for rotation about a rotational axis, the lock cylinder being moveable rotationally relative to the handle between a first position and a second position, wherein the handle is configured such that the lock cylinder is only rotatable from the first position to the second position when the moveable engagement means is in the unlocked position.
31. A lockable handle assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the lock cylinder further comprises a key hole, the lock cylinder being rotatable relative to the handle by movement of a key about a rotational axis of the lock cylinder, when the key is inserted in the key hole.
32. A lockable handle assembly according to any of claims 5 to 31, wherein the handle has a first and a second abutment surface, wherein when the lock cylinder is in the first position and the moveable engagement means is in the locked position the moveable engagement means abuts the first abutment surface preventing translational movement of the lock cylinder and the moveable engagement means abuts the second abutment surface preventing rotational movement of the lock cylinder, the lock cylinder being movable from the first position to the second position when the moveable engagement means is in the unlocked position.
33. A lockable handle assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the lock cylinder housing has formed thereon or coupled thereto an indicator to indicate to the user whether the lock cylinder is in the first position.
34. A lockable handle assembly according to claim 33, wherein the indicator is a visual indicator device whereby movement of the visual indicator during movement of the lock cylinder alters the extent to which the indicator is visible to the user in order to visually indicate whether the lock cylinder is in the first position.
35. A lockable handle assembly according to claim 33 or 34, wherein the visual indicator is housed within the handle casing, the casing having a window or aperture through which at least part of the visual indicator may be viewed when the lock cylinder is in the first position.
36. A lockable handle assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the assembly further comprises a base plate and a spacer plate for spacing the handle away from the window or door, the handle being pivotally mounted to the base plate and the base plate being mounted on the spacer plate in use.
37. A lockable handle assembly according to claim 36, wherein the spacer plate has at least one lug receivable in a corresponding recess on the base plate.
38. A lockable handle assembly for a window or door, the lockable handle assembly comprising a handle pivotally mounted on a base plate in use, the base plate being mounted on a spacer plate mounted to a window or door in use, the spacer plate spacing the handle away from the window or door.
39. A lockable handle assembly according to claim 38, wherein the spacer plate has at least one lug receivable in a corresponding recess on the base plate.
40. A lockable handle assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any suitable combination of the accompanying drawings.