Dual-function handle device

Abstract

The handle device includes a main body having a handle and a panel positioned around the handle, the panel having a switch opening. The handle device includes a locking mechanism, the locking mechanism including a locking member having a locking recess. The locking mechanism includes a switch positioned within a switch housing, the switch being movable relative to the switch housing. The switch includes a switch tail configured to be received in the locking recess. The switch includes a switch head removably attached to the switch tail, the switch head being at least one of a privacy attachment button and a channel attachment button. At least a portion of the privacy attachment button extends from the switch opening and beyond the panel. The channel attachment button engages with the switch housing to prevent relative movement between the channel attachment button and the switch housing.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 050,579, filed on July 10, 2020, which is hereby incorporated by reference. Background Art

[0003] Residential handles are traditionally designed based on their function. The most common functions for residential locks are entry, privacy, and passage. Entry refers to handles installed on doors that require a user to lock or unlock the door from the outside with a key. Privacy is used when a door needs to be locked from the inside, such as bathroom or bedroom doors. Privacy locks traditionally lack a cylinder lock or key. Passage is used when locking is not necessary, such as in bedroom closets.

[0004] A disadvantage of having different handle devices with different functions is that all three types of handle devices must be kept in inventory. Selling each type of handle device requires additional inventory costs and requires more shelf space at the retail location. Furthermore, for applications requiring access or privacy functions, users typically avoid installing a handle device suitable for entry functions due to the relatively high cost of such a handle device. Therefore, if a user desires to change the function of a handle device, the user must typically purchase a separate handle device to achieve the different functions. Therefore, improvements are desirable. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present disclosure generally relates to a handle arrangement for a door, wherein the handle arrangement may be a privacy handle arrangement including a locking feature or a passage handle arrangement.

[0006] In one example of the present disclosure, a handle device is disclosed. The handle device includes a main body having a handle and a panel positioned around the handle, the panel having a switch opening. The handle device includes a locking mechanism, the locking mechanism including a locking member having a locking recess. The locking mechanism includes a switch member, which is positioned in a switch member housing attached to the main body. The switch member is movable relative to the switch member housing. The switch member includes a switch member tail configured to be received in the locking recess. The switch member also includes a switch member head removably attached to the switch member tail. The switch member head is at least one of a privacy attachment button and a channel attachment button. At least a portion of the privacy attachment button extends from the switch member opening and beyond the panel. Push loads and pull loads applied to the privacy attachment button cause the switch member to translate relative to the switch member housing. The channel attachment button engages with the switch member housing to prevent relative movement between the channel attachment button and the switch member housing.

[0007] In another example of the present disclosure, a handle device is disclosed. The handle device includes an outer portion having an outer handle and an inner portion having an inner handle. The inner portion has an inner panel positioned around the inner handle, and the panel has a switch opening. The handle device includes a spindle extending between the outer portion and the inner portion to translate a door latch. The outer portion and the inner portion each include an outer component portion and an inner component portion, and the outer component portion and the inner component portion are respectively configured to operatively connect the spindle to the outer handle and the inner handle. The handle device also includes a locking mechanism, which includes a locking member having a locking recess operatively connected to at least one of the outer portion or the inner portion. The locking mechanism includes a switch member, which is positioned within a switch member housing connected to at least one of the outer portion or the inner portion. The switch member is movable relative to the switch member housing. The switch member includes a switch member tail portion, which is configured to be received in the locking recess. The switch member also includes a switch member head portion, which is removably attached to the switch member tail portion. The switch member head is at least one of a privacy attachment button and a channel attachment button. At least a portion of the privacy attachment button extends from the switch member opening and beyond the panel. Push loads and pull loads applied to the privacy attachment button cause the switch member to translate relative to the switch member housing. The channel attachment button is positioned within the switch member opening and flush with the panel. The channel attachment button engages with the switch member housing to prevent relative movement between the channel attachment button and the switch member housing. The handle device also includes an unlocking member, which is connected to at least one of the external part or the internal part, and the unlocking member is configured to receive a spindle therein. When the internal handle is actuated, the spindle will rotate the unlocking member to cause the switch member tail to translate and disengage from the locking member.

[0008] In another example of the present disclosure, a method for selecting a privacy or passage handle device is disclosed. The method includes providing a handle device, the handle device including a locking mechanism, the locking mechanism including a locking member, and the locking member having a locking recess. The locking mechanism includes a switch member, the switch member is positioned in a switch member housing, and the switch member is movable relative to the switch member housing. The switch member includes a switch member tail, and the switch member tail is configured to be received in the locking recess. The switch member includes a switch member head, the switch member head is removably attached to the switch member tail, and the switch member head is at least one of a privacy attachment button and a passage attachment button. Push loads and pull loads applied to the privacy attachment button cause the switch member to translate relative to the switch member housing. The passage attachment button engages with the switch member housing to prevent relative movement between the passage attachment button and the switch member housing. The method includes attaching at least one of the privacy attachment button and the passage attachment button to the switch member tail. The method further includes activating a privacy mode when attaching a privacy attachment button to the tail portion of the switch, wherein when in the privacy mode, the handle assembly has a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration, wherein the locked configuration is when the tail portion of the switch is positioned within the locking recess. The method further includes activating a passage mode when attaching a passage attachment button to the tail portion of the switch, wherein when in the privacy mode, the handle assembly has only an unlocked configuration.

[0009] Various other aspects will be described in the following description. Aspects may relate to individual features or to combinations of features. It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and do not limit the broad inventive concepts on which the embodiments disclosed herein are based. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The following drawings illustrate specific embodiments of the present disclosure and therefore do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. These drawings are not to scale and are intended to be used in conjunction with the explanations in the following detailed description. Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like elements.

[0011] Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a handle device having dual functions with a privacy mode according to one example of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0012] Figure 2 Pictured Figure 1 A side view of a portion of a handle assembly having a switch member with a privacy attachment button mounted therein.

[0013] Figure 3 Pictured Figure 1 An enlarged view of the handle assembly with the privacy attachment button installed.

[0014] Figure 4 Pictured Figure 1 A perspective view of a handle device with a privacy attachment button installed and the switch member in a first position.

[0015] Figure 5 Pictured Figure 1 A perspective view of a handle device with a privacy attachment button installed and the switch member in the second position.

[0016] Figure 6 Pictured Figure 1 A side view of a handle assembly with the privacy attachment button separated from the tail of the switch member.

[0017] Figure 7 Pictured Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of a switch member in which the privacy attachment button is separated from the tail of the switch member.

[0018] Figure 8 Pictured Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a portion of a handle device, wherein the privacy attachment button is separated from the tail of the switch piece.

[0019] Figure 9 Pictured Figure 1 Side view of a handle assembly with a switch piece having a channel-attached button installed therein.

[0020] Figure 10 Pictured Figure 1 An enlarged view of the handle assembly with the channel attachment button installed.

[0021] Figure 11 Pictured Figure 1 A perspective view of a handle device with a channel attachment button installed and a switch in a first position.

[0022] Figure 12 Pictured Figure 1 Side view of the handle assembly with the channel attachment button separated from the tail of the switch piece.

[0023] Figure 13 Pictured Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of a switch member with the channel attachment button separated from the tail of the switch member.

[0024] Figure 14 Pictured Figure 1 Schematic perspective view of a portion of a handle device, wherein the channel attachment button is separated from the tail of the switch piece.

[0025] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views.The exemplifications set out herein illustrate embodiments of the invention, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any way. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts and components throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the appended claims. In addition, any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to limit some of the many possible embodiments of the appended claims, but merely to illustrate them.

[0027] Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment of a handle device 100 to be installed on a door is illustrated. In the illustrated example, the handle device 100 has both a privacy function and a passage function. The privacy function allows the door to be locked by the user. The passage function does not allow the door to be locked. Examples of handle devices with a privacy function are described in U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2017 / 0122002 and 2017 / 0218659, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0028] Figure 1 A handle device 100 with a privacy function is shown. In some examples, the handle device 100 includes an inner portion 101 and an outer portion 103. In some examples, the inner portion 101 is mounted to the inside of the door, and the outer portion 103 is mounted to the outside of the door. The term "outside" is used broadly to refer to the area outside the door, and "inside" is used broadly to refer to the area inside the door. In the case of an interior door, the outer portion 103 can be mounted on the inside of the building, but outside the room, and the inner portion 101 can be mounted on the inside of the room.

[0029] The handle device 100 includes a panel 102 , an inner handle 104 , an outer handle 105 and a switch opening 106 .

[0030] The panel 102 is generally decorative in nature, and in some examples, the panel surrounds an interior handle 104. In some examples, the panel 102 can have a plurality of mounting holes 107 to receive fasteners.

[0031] The interior handle 104 can be a variety of different types, such as, but not limited to, a knob or a lever. In some examples, the interior handle 104 is biased by a spring.

[0032] The switch aperture 106 is at least partially defined by the panel 102. In the depicted example, the switch head 108 is shown as being at least partially positioned within the switch aperture 106 and extending from the switch aperture 106 beyond the panel 102.

[0033] Figure 2A side view of the handle arrangement 100 is shown with the panel 102 cut away to show the interior components 110 of the interior portion 101. As shown, the interior handle 104 extends perpendicularly from the panel 102, and the spindle 112 extends from the panel 102 in a direction opposite to the interior handle 104.

[0034] A spindle 112 is capable of rotating with the interior handle 104 and extends between the interior portion 101 and the exterior portion 103. The spindle 112 extends through a latch assembly 114, which is typically at least partially mounted in a hole formed in the door. When the handle assembly 100 is in the locked configuration, the spindle 112 is prevented from rotating, which in turn prevents the exterior handle 105 located at the exterior portion 103 from rotating. In some examples, when the handle assembly 100 is in the locked configuration, the interior handle 104 can rotate. When the handle assembly 100 is in the unlocked configuration, the spindle 112 is free to rotate, thereby allowing the interior handle 104 and the exterior handle 105 to rotate. In some examples, the interior handle 104 and the exterior handle 105 are biased to a default position by a spring.

[0035] The internal assembly 110 includes a body 116, a switch 118, a switch housing 120 attached to the body 116, a locking member 122, and an unlocking member 124. The locking mechanism 111 is formed by the switch 118, the locking member 122, and optionally the unlocking member 124.

[0036] The switch 118 includes a switch head 108 and a switch tail 128, the switch head being shown as a privacy attachment button 126. The switch 118 is positioned within the switch opening 106 and the switch housing 120, the switch opening being at least partially defined by the panel 102. In some examples, the switch housing 120 is attached to the interior portion 101. In some examples, the switch housing 120 is attached to the exterior portion 103, and the switch head 108 is attached directly or indirectly through a hole through the door. When the handle assembly 100 is in privacy mode, the switch 118 is capable of moving relative to the switch 120 between a first position and a second position as shown. The first position corresponds to an unlocked configuration of the handle assembly 100 and the second position corresponds to a locked configuration of the handle assembly 100. For example, a user can access the switch head 108 from the outside of the panel 102 to move the switch 118 between the first position and the second position.

[0037] The switch head 108 is separate from the switch tail 128. Depending on which mode the user wants the handle assembly 100 to be in, i.e., privacy mode or access mode, the user attaches the appropriate switch head 108 to the switch tail 128. This is described in more detail herein. In some examples, the switch 118 is accessible from the exterior portion 103.

[0038] When the switch 118 is in the second position, the locking member 122 engages the switch 118, specifically the switch tail 128. The locking member 122 prevents the outer handle 105 from rotating. In some examples, the locking member 122 is attached to the spindle 112. The switch 118 prevents the spindle 112 from rotating when in the second position. The locking member 122 can be positioned in the inner portion 101 and / or the outer portion 103. In the depicted example, the locking member 122 is positioned within the inner portion, adjacent to the unlocking member 124.

[0039] Unlocking member 124 is configured to rotate with interior handle 104. In some examples, handle assembly 100 does not include unlocking member 124. In some examples, unlocking member 124 engages with toggle member 118, specifically toggle member tail 128, such that when unlocking member 124 is rotated by rotation of interior handle 104, unlocking member 124 moves toggle member 118 from the second position to the first position. Unlocking member 124 can be positioned in interior portion 101 and / or exterior portion 103. In the depicted example, unlocking member 124 is positioned within the interior portion, adjacent to locking member 122.

[0040] Figure 3 An enlarged view of the switch 118 within the switch housing 120 is shown. As shown, when in the privacy mode, the switch 118 has a range of travel between a first position and a second position. As shown, the switch 118 is in the second position. In some examples, the switch housing 120 defines a stop surface 130 that engages with the switch head flange 132 when the switch 118 is in the second position. This engagement prevents the switch 118 from moving further beyond the second position. In some examples, the switch tail 128 is configured to engage with the stop surface of the switch housing 120 to prevent the switch 118 from moving further beyond the first position and / or the second position.

[0041] Figure 4 The switch 118 is shown in a first position, and Figure 5 The switch 118 is shown in the second position. As shown, the privacy attachment button extends further from the switch opening 106 when in the first position than when the privacy attachment button is in the second position. In some examples, when the switch 118 is in the second position, the privacy attachment button 126 extends from the switch opening 106 to allow a user to pull the privacy attachment button 126 away from the panel 102 to move the switch 118 back to the first position.

[0042] Figures 6 to 8The switch head 108, specifically the privacy attachment button 126, is shown separated from the switch tail 128. The switch head 108 and the switch tail 128 can be attached to each other by fasteners 134. The fasteners 134 can be, but are not limited to, reusable fasteners such as screws or bolts, adhesives, etc. In some examples, the fasteners 134 are removable.

[0043] like Figure 6 As shown in FIG, the privacy attachment button 126 has a length L1. The length L1 of the privacy attachment button can be a variety of different lengths. In some examples, when the privacy attachment button 126 is attached to the switch tail 128, when the privacy attachment button is in the first position or the second position, the length L1 allows the privacy attachment button 126 to extend from the switch opening 106.

[0044] Figure 7 The toggle member 118 is shown disassembled. A fastener 134 is inserted through the fastener opening 136. The toggle member tail 128 includes an inclined portion 137, a locking flange 138, and the fastener opening 136. The inclined portion 137 is configured to engage the unlocking member 124 to move the toggle member 118 from the second position to the first position.

[0045] like Figure 8 As shown in FIG, the locking flange 138 of the switch tail 128 is configured to be selectively positioned in the locking recess 139 of the locking member 122 when the switch 118 is in the second position. To assemble the switch 118, the switch tail 128 is positioned within the switch housing 120. The fastener 134 is then passed through the fastener opening 136 and attached to the switch head 108 with the switch head 108 positioned within the switch opening 106. This assembly can be performed during installation of the handle assembly 100.

[0046] Figure 9 A side view of a handle arrangement 100 having a passage function rather than a privacy function is illustrated. The switch head 108 is a passage attachment button 140 attached to the switch tail 128 .

[0047] Figure 10 An enlarged view of the switch 118 within the switch housing 120 is shown, with the channel attachment button 140 attached to the switch tail 128. As shown, when in channel mode, the switch 118 cannot move from the first position. In some examples, the switch 118 is prevented from moving axially relative to the switch housing 120. Because the switch 118 cannot move to the second position, this lack of movement prevents the handle assembly 100 from being locked.

[0048] In some examples, when the access attachment button 140 is attached to the switch tail 128, the stop surface 130 of the switch housing 120 engages the switch head flange 142 of the access attachment button 140. This engagement prevents the switch 118 from moving further beyond the first position. In some examples, the switch tail 128 is configured to contact the stop surface of the switch housing 120 to prevent the switch 118 from moving from the first position. In such an exemplary embodiment, the distance from the switch head flange 142 to the insertion end of the access attachment button 140 is less than the distance from the switch head flange 132 to the insertion end of the privacy attachment button 126, thereby preventing the access attachment button from extending fully into the switch opening 106 to allow the switch 118 to move.

[0049] Specifically, Figure 11 The switch 118 is shown in a first position. In the depicted example, the channel attachment button 140 is substantially flush with the panel 102. In some examples, the channel attachment button 140 extends from the switch opening 106 but does not allow the user to move the switch 118.

[0050] Figures 12 to 14 The switch head 108, specifically the tunnel attachment button 140, is shown separated from the switch tail 128. As with the privacy attachment button 126 described above, the tunnel attachment button 140 and the switch tail 128 can be attached to each other via fasteners 134.

[0051] like Figure 12 As shown in , the access attachment button 140 has a length L2. The length L2 of the access attachment button can be a variety of different lengths. In some examples, the length L2 allows the access attachment button 140 to be positioned substantially flush with the panel 102 and not extend from the switch opening 106 when attached to the switch tail 128. In some examples, the length L2 of the access attachment button 140 is less than the length L1 of the privacy attachment button 126. This difference in length can be based on the following: as noted above, the difference in length from the switch head flange 142 to the insertion end of the access attachment button 140 compared to the distance from the switch head flange 132 to the insertion end of the privacy attachment button 126.

[0052] In some examples, the handle assembly 100 can be provided with both a privacy attachment button 126 and a passage attachment button 140. During installation, the user can choose to attach either the privacy attachment button 126 or the passage attachment button 140 to the switch tail 128 to enable the door to have a privacy mode or a passage mode. Such an example allows for the distribution of a single handle assembly 100 that can have either a privacy mode or a passage mode, rather than providing multiple inventory units with one handle assembly having a privacy function and one handle assembly having a passage mode.

[0053] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to specific methods, materials and embodiments, one skilled in the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of the present disclosure from the foregoing description, and can make various changes and modifications to adapt it to various uses and features without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as described in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A handle device comprising: a body and a panel, the body having a handle, the panel being positioned around the handle, the panel having a switch opening; as well as A locking mechanism, comprising: a locking member having a locking notch; and A switching member, the switching member being positioned in a switching member housing attached to the main body, the switching member being movable relative to the switching member housing, the switching member comprising: a switch tail configured to be received in the locking recess; and a switch head removably attached to the switch tail, the switch head being at least one of: a privacy attachment button, wherein at least a portion of the privacy attachment button extends from the switch opening and beyond the panel, wherein push and pull loads applied to the privacy attachment button cause the switch to translate relative to the switch housing; or a channel attachment button, wherein the channel attachment button engages the switch housing to prevent relative movement between the channel attachment button and the switch housing, Wherein, the privacy attachment button is longer than the channel attachment button.

2. The handle arrangement of claim 1 , further comprising an outer portion having an outer handle, wherein A portion of the switch member tail is accessible through an opening in the outer portion.

3. The handle device according to claim 1, wherein: The channel attachment button is positioned flush with the panel.

4. The handle device according to claim 1, wherein: The channel attachment button engages within a flange of the switch housing to prevent relative movement between the switch and the switch housing.

5. The handle device according to claim 1, wherein: The privacy attachment button has a length between the switch head flange and the insertion end that is greater than a length between the switch head flange and the insertion end of the channel attachment button.

6. The handle device according to claim 1, further comprising an unlocking member connected to the main body, wherein When the handle is actuated, the unlocking member will rotate and move the tail of the switching member out of engagement with the locking member.

7. The handle device according to claim 6, wherein: The switch member tail portion includes an inclined portion for engaging with the unlocking member, wherein when the unlocking member engages with the switch member tail portion, the unlocking member causes the switch member to move relative to the switch member housing.

8. The handle device according to claim 1, wherein: The switch member tail includes an inclined portion and a locking flange, wherein the inclined portion extends beyond the locking flange, and wherein the locking flange is selectively received within the locking recess of the locking member to prevent the locking member from rotating.

9. The handle device according to claim 8, further comprising an unlocking member connected to the main body, wherein When the handle is actuated, the unlocking member rotates and causes the switch member tail to translate and disengage from the locking member, and wherein the inclined portion of the switch member tail engages the unlocking member in response to rotation of the unlocking member to move the switch member relative to the switch member housing.

10. The handle assembly of claim 1, further comprising a spindle rotatable within the handle, wherein: The locking member rotates together with the main shaft.

11. The handle device according to claim 1, wherein: The switch head is connected to the switch tail by a reusable fastener.

12. The handle device according to claim 11, wherein: The reusable fastener is a screw.

13. The handle device according to claim 1, wherein: When the switch head is a privacy attachment button, the handle arrangement has a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration, and wherein a portion of the switch tail is positioned within the locking recess when in the locked configuration.

14. A handle device comprising: an exterior portion having an exterior handle; an interior portion having an interior handle, the interior portion having an interior panel positioned about the interior handle, the interior panel having a switch opening; a spindle extending between the outer portion and the inner portion to translate the door latch; wherein the outer portion and the inner portion each comprise: an outer assembly portion and an inner assembly portion configured to operatively connect the spindle to the outer handle and the inner handle, respectively; and Locking mechanism, including: a locking member having a locking notch operatively connected to at least one of the outer portion or the inner portion; and A switching member positioned in a switching member housing connected to at least one of the outer portion or the inner portion; the switching member being capable of being moved relative to the The switching member housing moves, and the switching member includes: a switch tail configured to be received in the locking recess; and a switch head removably attached to the switch tail, the switch head being at least one of: a privacy attachment button, wherein at least a portion of the privacy attachment button extends from the switch opening and beyond the interior panel, wherein push and pull loads applied to the privacy attachment button cause the switch to translate relative to the switch housing; or a channel attachment button, wherein the channel attachment button is positioned within the switch opening and flush with the interior panel, and wherein, the channel attachment button engaging the switch housing to prevent relative movement between the channel attachment button and the switch housing; and an unlocking member connected to at least one of the outer portion or the inner portion and configured to receive the spindle therein, wherein when the inner handle is actuated, the spindle will rotate the unlocking member to translate the switching member tail out of engagement with the locking member, Wherein, the privacy attachment button is longer than the channel attachment button.

15. The handle device according to claim 14, wherein: The channel attachment button engages within a flange of the switch housing to prevent relative movement between the switch and the switch housing.

16. The handle device according to claim 14, wherein: The switch member tail includes an inclined portion and a locking flange, wherein the inclined portion extends beyond the locking flange, and wherein the locking flange is selectively received in the locking recess of the locking member to prevent the locking member from rotating, wherein when the inside handle is actuated, the unlocking member will rotate and cause the switch member tail to translate and disengage from the locking member, and wherein the inclined portion of the switch member tail engages with the unlocking member in response to rotation of the unlocking member to move the switch member relative to the switch member housing.

17. The handle device according to claim 14, wherein: The switch head is connected to the switch tail by a reusable fastener.

18. The handle device according to claim 14, wherein: When the switch head is a privacy attachment button, the handle arrangement has a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration, and wherein a portion of the switch tail is positioned within the locking recess when in the locked configuration.

19. A method of selecting a privacy or access mode for a handle device, the method comprising: A handle device is provided, the handle device comprising: A locking mechanism, comprising: a locking member having a locking notch; and A switching member, the switching member is positioned in a switching member housing, the switching member is movable relative to the switching member housing, and the switching member includes: a switch tail configured to be received in the locking recess; and a switch head removably attached to the switch tail, the switch head being at least one of: a privacy attachment button, wherein push and pull loads applied to the privacy attachment button cause the switch to translate relative to the switch housing; or a channel attachment button, wherein the channel attachment button engages the switch housing to prevent relative movement between the channel attachment button and the switch housing; attaching at least one of the privacy attachment button and the channel attachment button to the switch tail; a privacy mode is activated when the privacy attachment button is attached to the switch tail, wherein when in the privacy mode, the handle arrangement has a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration, wherein in the locked configuration the switch tail is positioned within the locking recess; and When the access attachment button is attached to the tail of the switch, access mode is activated, wherein when in the privacy mode, the handle device only has an unlocked configuration, Wherein, the privacy attachment button is longer than the channel attachment button.

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