GB2551592A

GB2551592A - Improvements in or relating to security

Info

Publication number: GB2551592A
Application number: GB1613856.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Thomas Rowlands Peter
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-04-12
Filing date: 2016-08-10
Publication date: 2017-12-27
Also published as: GB201613856D0

Abstract

A handle assembly 1 for preferably a multipoint lock on a door, has a flat handle 2 adapted to be operatively disconnectable from a spindle S via a selective connection unit, wherein when in a stowed or storage position the handle is disconnected from the spindle and when in an operative condition it is connected to the spindle. The selective connection unit includes a connector piece 5 which is pivotally connected to the handle via pins 7 received in holes 5d and has a recess for receiving a spindle bush 8 and helical coiled compression spring H and is itself received by a pop up bush 6. The pop up bush is also connected to the handle via pins 7 in holes 6a. The pop up bush has two radially inwardly directed lugs 6b that are slideably engageable with slots 8a in the spindle bush when the handle is in the operational position and slid/rotated out of engagement with the slots when in the stowed position.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO SECURITY

This invention relates to improvements in ox relating to security and is more particularly but not exclusively concerned with window or door handle furniture for use with folding or multi-point locking doors/windows.

Such folding or multi-point locking doors are well known and usually have a pivotable handle on each side of the door that extends transversely or horizontally across the door (in a plane parallel to the door) when the door is in a locked or unlocked position. Usually, where the door handle furniture is mounted on a multipoint locking door of a building, the door can be locked from inside the building by pivoting the handle upwardly from a horizontal position through an acute angle from the horizontal until locking is engaged, at which point, the handle can be released to be returned automatically to the transverse/ horizontal position with the door locked.

Such door handles tend to be disadvantageous as they project from and across the interior and exterior surfaces of the door creating an obstacle or obstruction as well as marring the overall appearance or aesthetics of the door assembly or impinging upon the view through the door/window, more particularly but not exclusively, in glass patio door arrangements (with the handles obscuring a clear view by imposing across the glass of the door).

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to at least alleviate one or more of the aforementioned, or other disadvantages, associated more particularly but not exclusively with folding or multi-point locking door/window handle furniture.

According to the present invention there is provided a handle assembly comprising a handle for use with a folding or multi-point locking door/window, said handle, in use on a door/window, being movable (preferably pivotable) from an operating position in which the handle is operatively connected to an operating spindle to a non-use or stowage position on the door/window in which the handle is operatively disengaged or disconnected from the operating spindle.

Further according to the present invention there is provided a door or window having a handle assembly as described in the immediately preceding paragraph.

Further according to the present invention there is provided a building or structure having at least one door or window as described in the immediately preceding paragraph.

Preferably, in one embodiment of the present invention, the handle is operatively disconnected/disengaged from the operating spindle by pushing in the handle for example, whilst the handle is in a non-use, or stowage (or stowaway) position or other position, although any means may be provided to suitably operatively disengage/disconnect the handle from the spindle when required. Preferably, said handle may require pivoting, from said handle position, when operatively disconnected/disengaged from the spindle, in order to maintain said operative disconnection/disengagement. In such a last mentioned arrangement, the handle may need to be returned to said handle position in order to be operatively connected/engaged once again to the spindle, preferably automatically.

In one embodiment, the handle, when disconnected/disengaged from the spindle, may be automatically operatively connected to the operating spindle by pivoting the handle.

In an alternative arrangement, pushing in the handle may enable the operative engagement/connection rather than vice versa.

The handle may be operatively engaged/connected to, or operatively engaged/disconnected from, the operating spindle by means of a selective connection unit/arrangement.

The handle may be connected to a pop-up bush (preferably fixed to the handle possibly via a hinged connector piece), said bush preferably being slideable (usually against spring loading) relative to a spindle bush (usually fixed axially on the spindle) to effect operative engagement/connection and disengagement/disconnection.

The pop-up bush, spindle bush and connection piece where provided may comprise the selective connection unit/arrangement.

In one embodiment, pushing in the handle from the operatively connected/engaged position with the spindle frees locking of the pop-up push with the spindle bush allowing the handle and pop-up bush to pivot relative to the spindle bush and spindle. Said locking may be effected by (axial) lugs on the pop-up bush engaging with (axial) slots on the spindle bush or vice versa.

The assembly may be provided with two handles, each operatively disconnectable (or disengageable) from the spindle and movable to non-use or stowage positions.

Further according to the present invention there is provided a handle for a door or window, having one or more of the following features:- a) a non-use or stowaway position, b) a handle as in a) being operatively disconnected in said non-use or stowaway position and preferably being disconnected from a spindle in the non-use or stowaway position, c) a selective connection unit/arrangement d) a (spring loaded) pop-up bush and a spindle bush. e) a handle as in d) having cooperative engagement between said bushes (e.g lugs and slots) to provide a selective operative connection/disconnection of the handle to an operating spindle or shaft, f) any feature derivable from this description and drawings.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a handle for a handle assembly having an operating spindle, said handle being selectively operatively disconnectable from said spindle and movable to a non-use or stowaway position.

Said handle is, preferably, operatively connectable to the operating spindle by means of a selective connection unit/arrangement.

Said selective connection unit/arrangement may comprise a pop-up bush, spindle bush, and connector piece, said handle, preferably, being hinged to the connector piece.

Many advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description and drawings.

An embodiment of a handle assembly in accordance with the present invention, for use with a multi-point locking door/window, will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following simplified drawings, in which: FIGURE 1 shows front and side elevations of the handle assembly; FIGURE 2 shows an exploded view of the handle assembly shown in FIGURE 1; FIGURE 3 shows an enlarged perspective view of an assembled selective connection unit of the handle assembly; FIGURE 4 shows an exploded perspective view of the selective connection unit of FIGURE 3; FIGURE 5 shows a perspective view of pop-up bush of the selective connection unit; FIGURE 6 shows a view of the handle mounted on a glass patio door, said handle being in a non-use or stowaway position; FIGURE 7 shows a view of the handle shown in FIGURE 6 being pivoted away from the door, and FIGURES 8 and 9 show the handle in FIGURES 6 and 7 being moved to an operating position at right angles to the stowaway position.

As shown more particularly in FIGURES 1 and 2 a handle assembly 1 for a door D (see FIGURES 6 to 9) has a flat handle 2 positioned, in use, on the inside of an exterior door of a building and a flat handle 3 positioned on the outside of the door.

It is to be appreciated that the general format and operation of the handle assembly 1 is similar to known arrangements having a handle on each side of the door D attached to a respective end of a spindle or shaft S of square cross section. However, the major difference in accordance with this described embodiment of the present invention is that the handle 2 is adapted to be operatively disconnectable/disengageable from the spindle S via a selective connection unit/arrangement C (see FIGURES 3 and 4 in particular) to allow the handle 1 be movable (in this instance pivotable about axis X-X) from the operating position shown in FIGURE 1 to a non-use or stowaway position shown in FIGURE 6 of the drawings.

Similarly, handle 3 can also be independently operatively disconnected/disengaged from the associated end of spindle S via an associated selective connection unit C so that said handle can be located in a non-use or stowaway position (as shown in FIGURE 1) once again, in this embodiment by being pivotable about said axis X-X.

As shown more particularly in FIGURE 4, the selective connection unit C includes a connector piece 5, pop-up bush 6, helical coiled compression spring H, and spindle bush 8.

Each handle 2,3 consists of a generally elongate grip portion 2a, 3a, hingedly connected at an inner end to domed head 5a of connector piece 5 by connector or grip pin 5b passing through cylindrical hole 2b,3b in the handle and through the cylindrical slot 5c in the connector piece, as should be apparent from FIGURE 2 of the drawings. A resilient disc-shaped pin cover 5b' can be utilised to close off the opening of the hole 2b,3b to retain the pin 5b on the handle and connector piece 5. FIGURE 7 shows the handle assembly 1 mounted on a door D having a multi-point locking arrangement, said handle 2 being pivoted from the non-use or stowaway position of FIGURE 6 about grip pin 5b (providing a pivoting axis lying in a plane parallel to the plane of the door D) away from door D. FIGURES 8 and 9 show the handle 2 having been pivoted or turned about axis X-X (see FIGURE 1) towards the operating position shown in FIGURE 1 (i.e. generally at right angles to the non-use or stowaway position).

The handle 2 is permanently fixed to cylindrical pop-up bush 6 via connector piece 5 and two bush pins 7 that seat in respective axially aligned holes 6a and pass through aligned holes 5d in the base 5e of the connector piece 5. Diametrically opposed lugs 5f seat in associated diametrically opposed slots 6c on the pop-up bush 6.

Importantly, the base of the pop-up bush 6 has two opposed radially inwardly directed lugs 6b that are slideably engageable in diametrically opposed axial peripheral or circumferential slots 8a in spindle bush 8 located in between connecter piece 5 and pop-up bush 6.

The selective connection unit C is shown in an assembled state in FIGURE 3 with part of the pop-up bush cut away at Y (shown as a shaded area) to show the engagement of lugs 6b in slots 8b more clearly.

The handle assembly 1 includes helical coiled compression spring H located in between the base 5e of the connector piece 5 and the spindle bush 8 at each end in suitably shaped receiving recesses r,r' in the base 5e of the connector piece 5 and in the end of the spindle bush 8.

I

When the popup bush 6 is in an outward, engaged or up position (see FIGURE 3), with the lugs 6b slideably engaged in the slots 8a, the pop-up bush and the spindle bush 8 will turn or pivot together as handle 2,3 is turned about axis X-X. When the popup bush 6 is in a down or disengaged, pushed in position (not shown), as handle 2,3 is turned or pivoted about axis X-X, the pop-up bush will rotate freely on the spindle bush 8 as the lugs 6b at the base of the popup bush will be disengaged from the slots 8a and be positioned below or inwardly beyond the slots 8a. In the down position, the pop-up bush 6 can be rotated independently of, and freely on. the spindle bush 8. The spindle bush 8 is permanently connected to a respective end of the operating spindle S via a square section slot 8b into which the spindle locates so that turning the spindle bush 8 via the handle 2.3 will turn the spindle S and operate a door lock (not shown). The spindle bush 8 is permanently connected but allowed to rotate on backplate 9 using a circlip 10. Washers 10a are provided as shown. Limit blocks 12 are provided.

In a ‘normal operation position’ where the handle grip 2 is at right angles to the backplate 9, the pop up bush 6 is in the ‘up’ position. The handle grip 2, handle connector piece 5, pop-up bush 6, spindle bush 8 and spindle S will rotate together, if the handle 2 is pivoted about axis X-X.

To release the pop-up bush 6 from the from the spindle bush 8, the handle 2 is pushed down or inwardly against the action of the spring H acting on the end of spindle bush 8 (said bush 8 being fixed axially relative to the spindle S) causing the pop-up bush 6 to slide down or inwardly relative to, and over, the spindle bush, by the action of the lugs 5f in slots 6c on bush 6.. At the lowest position (approx. 15mm) the lugs 6b at the bottom of the pop-up bush 6 can rotate relative to the spindle bush 8 below or inwardly of the slots 8a on the periphery of the spindle bush. The handle 2 can now be pivoted through 90 degrees until it is aligned with the backplate 9 (stowage position). Once the pop-up bush 6 is rotated, by pivoting handle 2 towards the stowage position, as if opening the door, the lugs 6b at the bottom of the pop-up bush cannot slide up the spindle bush slots 8a and so remain captive below the spindle bush 6. Thus, as the handle 3 is operated, as if opening the door, the handle 2 does not rotate with the handle 3 to open the door since the handle 2, in this position, is operatively disconnected from the spindle S.

To bring the handle 2 back into operational mode, it can be pivoted simply from the stowage position back through 90 degrees to the horizontal position. The pop-up bush 6 then automatically pops up by the action of the spring H with lugs 6b entering slots 8a once again and the handle assembly 1 becomes fully operational.

Seating means (not shown) may be provided (for example in the form of a raised rim on the backplate) to comfortably seat the handle 2,3 centrally in the stowage position. The handle 2,3 may be arranged to ‘click’ in and out of the seating means.

It is to be understood that the scope of the present invention is not to be unduly limited by the particular choice of terminology and that a specific term may be replaced or supplemented by an equivalent or generic term. For example, the term ‘handle’ may be replaced by ‘grip portion’ or ‘handle grip portion’. Further it is to be understood that individual features, method or functions relating to the handle, selective connection unit/arrangement or combinations thereof might be individually patentably inventive. The singular may include the plural and vice versa. Additionally, any range mentioned herein for any parameter or variable shall be taken to include a disclosure of any derivable sub-range within that range or of any particular value of the variable or parameter arranged within, or at an end of, the range or sub-range.

Claims

1. A handle assembly comprising a handle for use with a folding or multi-point locking door/window, said handle, in use on a door/window, being movable from an operating position in which the handle is operatively connected to an operating spindle to a non-use or stowage position on the door/window in which the handle is operatively disengaged or disconnected from the operating spindle.

2. A handle assembly as claimed in Claim 1 in which the handle is pivotable from said operating position to said non-use or stowage position.

3. A handle assembly as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 in which the handle is operatively disconnected/disengaged from the operating spindle by pushing in the handle.

4. A handle assembly as claimed in Claim 3 in which the handle is operatively disconnected/disengaged from the operating spindle by pushing in the handle whilst the handle is in a non-use, or stowage (or stowaway) position.

5. A handle assembly as claimed in Claim 4 in which said handle requires pivoting, from said non-use, or stowage (or stowaway) handle position, when operatively disconnected/disengaged from the spindle, in order to maintain said operative disconnection/disengagement.

6. A handle assembly as claimed in Claim 5 in which the handle has to be returned to said handle position in order to be operatively connected/engaged once again to the spindle.

7. A handle assembly as claimed in Claim 6 in which the handle is automatically operatively connected/engaged once again to the spindle once the handle is returned to said handle position.

8. Claim 7 in which the handle, when disconnected/disengaged from the spindle, is automatically operatively connected to the operating spindle by pivoting the handle.

9. A handle assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims in which the handle can be operatively engaged/connected to, or operatively engaged/disconnected from, the operating spindle by means of a selective connection unit/arrangement.

10. A handle assembly as claimed any one of the preceding claims in which the handle is connected to a pop-up bush.

11. A handle assembly as claimed in Claim 10 in which the pop-up bush is fixed to the handle possibly via a hinged connector piece.

12. A handle assembly as claimed in Claim 10 or Claim 11 in which said bush is slideable relative to a spindle bush to effect operative engagement/connection and disengagement/disconnection.

13. A handle assembly as claimed in Claim 12 in which said bush is slideable against spring loading.

14. A handle assembly as claimed in Claim 12 or Claim 13 in which the spindle bush is fixed axially on the spindle.

15. A handle assembly as claimed in Claim 9 and any one of Claims 10 to 14 when dependent therefrom in which the pop-up bush, spindle bush and connection piece where provided comprise the selective connection unit/arrangement.

16. A handle assembly as claimed in Claim 15 in which pushing in the handle from the operatively connected/engaged position with the spindle frees locking of the pop-up push with the spindle bush allowing the handle and pop-up bush to pivot relative to the spindle bush and spindle.

17. A handle assembly as claimed in Claim 16 in which said locking can be effected by lugs on the pop-up bush engaging with lots on the spindle bush or vice versa.

18. A handle assembly as claimed in Claim 17 in which said lugs are axial and said slots are axial.

19. A handle assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims provided with two handles, each operatively disconnectable (or disengageable) from the spindle and movable to non-use or stowage positions.

20. A handle assembly as claimed in Claim 3 or any claim dependent therefrom in which pushing in the handle enables the operative engagement/connection rather than vice versa.

21. A handle assembly substantially as herein described with reference to the FIGURES of the accompanying drawings.

22. A door or window having a handle assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.

23. A building or structure having at least one door or window as claimed in claim 22.

24. A handle for a handle assembly having an operating spindle, said handle being selectively operatively disconnectable from said spindle and movable to a nonuse or stowaway position.

25. A handle as claimed in Claim 24 operatively connectable to the operating spindle by means of a selective connection unit/arrangement.

26. A handle as claimed in Claim 25 in which said selective connection unit/arrangement comprises a pop-up bush, spindle bush, and connector piece, said handle, preferably, being hinged to the connector piece.

27. A handle as claimed in Claim 24 and substantially as herein described.

28. A handle for a door or window, having one or more of the following features:- a) a non-use or stowaway position, b) a handle as in a) being operatively disconnected in said non-use or stowaway position and preferably being disconnected from a spindle in the non-use or stowaway position, c) a selective connection unit/arrangement d) a (spring loaded) pop-up bush and a spindle bush. e) a handle as in d) having cooperative engagement between said bushes (e.g lugs and slots) to provide a selective operative connection/disconnection of the handle to an operating spindle or shaft, f) any feature derivable from this description and drawings.