Panic handle

Abstract

Panic handle, comprising: at least one actuation assembly (2) arranged on an element of a type chosen from a door (P) and a door leaf, functionally connected to at least one component chosen from a bolt (3) and a cylinder lock and provided with a first articulated arm (4); at least one secondary assembly (5) arranged on the element, in alignment with and in opposition to the assembly (2), and provided with a second articulated arm (6); at least one bar (7) having its respective ends (7a, 7b) secured to the first arm (4) and to the second arm (6) so that a pressure applied to the bar (7) causes the retraction of the bolt (3); each of the first arm (4) and the second arm (6) comprises at least one recess (4a, 6a) delimited, at least partially, by a perimetric frame (4b, 6b) which defines a contoured seat (4c, 6c); the bar (7) has a cross-section the shape and dimensions of which are complementary to those of the seat (4c, 6c): the bar (7) is insertable, with a predefined mechanical clearance, between the arms (4, 6) with the respective ends (7a, 7b) accommodated within the respective seats (4c, 6c); closure shells (8, 9) are configured to be joined to the arms (4, 6) at the recesses (4a, 6a), so locking the ends (7a, 7b) of the bar (7) in the seats (4c, 6c) and covering the portion of the recesses (4a, 6a) that is substantially opposite from the respective seat (4c, 6c).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a panic handle.

[0002] On specific doors and door leaves for entering / exiting predefined buildings, current regulations require panic exit devices to be installed.

[0003] Panic exit devices make it possible to open the lock of the door (or door leaf) on which they are installed when a pressure is applied in the direction for exiting the building: therefore in the event of a dangerous situation, when it can happen that many people run for the exits, people simply applying pressure on a handle, a bar, or a panel causes the retraction of the bolts (generally spring and sliding bolts) and allows the door leaf to be freely opened, allowing people to exit.

[0004] Conventional panic handles have at least one actuation assembly for the bolts which is joined to the door (or door leaf), and which is articulated to an actuation arm at the end of which a bar is secured, which is arranged on a plane parallel to the plane that contains the door (or door leaf). Generally there is also a second assembly, which preferably, but not necessarily, is not associated with respective bolts, and is also provided with an articulated actuation arm to which a second end of the bar can be fixed. In this manner the bar is supported by respective arms which are substantially proximate to the perimetric sides of the door (or door leaf), so as to be facing and parallel to the front of the door (or door leaf) proper. If a pressure is applied to the bar, the bar will rotate through the arc of rotation delimited by the arms to which it is secured, in so doing pulling the actuation assembly so as to make the bolts retract.

[0005] Clearly, the bar must be correctly fixed to the articulated arms in order to assume the correct arrangement when the panic bar is installed.

[0006] For these reasons, currently the entire handle (and therefore also the bar) is assembled at the factory, so as to ensure the correct mutual positioning of the various components.

[0007] This brings problems of a logistical nature, seeing that the space occupation of the mounted handle is considerable and therefore the space taken up in warehouses and on means of transport is high, and results in costs which may be considerable.

[0008] Furthermore, the dimensions of doors (or door leafs) do not always correspond exactly to the standard dimensions, and therefore the handle may be unsuitable for the installation (so necessitating a bar of different dimensions). In all these cases, with conventional handles it is necessary to provide a handle made to measure (which is fitted with a custom-made bar).

[0009] Also, at the time of installation on the door (or door leaf), the fully-mounted handle is difficult to manage because its dimensions and weight make it necessary to have two operators present, or to use clamps to temporarily lock the handle on the door (or door leaf) in order to trace the points to be drilled for its fixing.

[0010] The use is known of handles wherein the bar can be mounted after installation of the actuation assembly and of the secondary assembly, but the components involved for fixing the bar are visible and compromise the aesthetic appearance of the handle. Furthermore, the operations to affix the bar are generally inconvenient for operators and, if it is necessary to cut the bar to a predefined size, require considerable skill on the part of the operator so as not to leave visible abrasions or surface irregularities proximate to the area where the cut was made.

[0011] Furthermore, this type of panic handle is made up of a high number of components, and this increases costs and complicates its production and its warehousing management.

[0012] The aim of the present invention is to solve the above mentioned drawbacks, by providing a panic handle made up of a minimal number of components, a lower number than that found in conventional panic handles.

[0013] Within this aim, an object of the invention is to provide a panic handle that can easily be installed on a door (or door leaf).

[0014] Another object of the invention is to provide a panic handle that can be installed on the door (or door leaf) as separate blocks, so facilitating the operations that the installation technician needs to carry out.

[0015] Another object of the invention is to provide a panic handle that can be packaged with a minimum space occupation so that it can be easily stored and transported.

[0016] Another object of the invention is to provide a panic handle that is easily adaptable to the dimensions of the installation door (or door leaf).

[0017] Another object of the invention is to provide a panic handle that offers high standards in terms of aesthetic character, and which therefore conceals any shape irregularities and / or abrasions on the components that will be cut to measure for the correct installation.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide a panic handle that is low cost, relatively easily and practically implemented, and safe in use.

[0019] This aim and these objects and other objects that will become more apparent hereinafter are achieved by a panic handle, of the type comprising: at least one actuation assembly configured to be installed on an element of a type chosen from a door and a door leaf, functionally connected to at least one component chosen from a bolt and a cylinder lock of said element and provided with a first articulated arm, at least one secondary assembly configured to be installed on an element of a type chosen from a door and a door leaf in alignment with said at least one actuation assembly and in opposition thereto and provided with a second articulated arm, at least one bar having its respective ends secured to said first arm and said second arm, a pressure applied to said bar toward the surface of said element causing the rotation of said arms and the activation of said actuation assembly for a movement chosen between the retraction of said at least one bolt and the movement of said cylinder lock, characterized in that each of said first arm and said second arm comprises at least one respective recess delimited, at least partially, by a perimetric frame which defines a contoured seat; said bar has a cross-section the shape and dimensions of which are complementary to those of said seat which is at least partially delimited by said perimetric frame, said bar being insertable, with a predefined mechanical clearance, between said arms with the respective ends accommodated within the respective seats; specific closure shells are configured to be joined to said arms at said recesses, so locking said ends of said bar in said seats and covering the portion of said recesses that is substantially opposite from the respective seat.

[0020] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become better apparent from the detailed description that follows of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of the panic handle, which is illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a preliminary operation of cutting a bar of a handle according to the invention to a desired size. Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a possible embodiment of a panic handle according to the invention, during its installation; Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of the panic handle of Figure 2 during a subsequent installation operation; Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of the panic handle of Figure 3 during a subsequent installation operation; Figure 5 is an enlarged view of a detail of Figure 3; Figure 6 is a schematic side view of the panic handle of Figure 2 when completely mounted and installed.

[0021] With particular reference to the figures, the reference numeral 1 generally designates a panic handle.

[0022] The panic handle 1 comprises at least one actuation assembly 2 configured to be installed on an element A of type selected from a door and a door leaf.

[0023] Such actuation assembly 2 is functionally connected to at least one component selected from a bolt 3 and a cylinder lock of the element A, and is provided with a first articulated arm 4.

[0024] The accompanying figures show, by way of non-limiting example, an embodiment wherein the bolt 3 is constituted by a spring latch directly incorporated in the actuation assembly 1.

[0025] The possibility is not ruled out, however, that the actuation assembly 1 could comprise means adapted for the movement of specific optional further bolts.

[0026] The handle 1 according to the invention further comprises at least one secondary assembly 5 which is configured to be installed on the above mentioned element (for example on a door A) in alignment with the at least one actuation assembly 2 and in opposition to it.

[0027] The secondary assembly 5 can also be conveniently provided with a second articulated arm 6.

[0028] By indicating that the two assemblies 2 and 5 are aligned, what is meant that they are located at the same elevation, with respect to the element (for example a door A) on which they are installed. The opposition of the installation of the two assemblies 2 and 5 is due to the fact that each assembly 2, 5 will be substantially proximate to a terminal edge of the respective element (for example the door P) so that the handle 1 is arranged transversely on such element (the door A), with the result that it inevitably interferes with a person who pushes against the surface of the element (or who is pushed against its surface), thus causing it to be opened.

[0029] The handle 1 according to the invention also comprises at least one bar 7 having its respective ends 7a, 7b secured to the first 4 and to the second arm 5: a pressure applied to the bar 7 toward the surface of the element (for example the door A) causes the rotation of the arms 4, 6 and the activation of the actuation assembly 2 for the retraction of the at least one bolt 3 (or for the movement of a cylinder lock).

[0030] According to the invention, each first arm 4 and each second arm 6 can advantageously comprise at least one respective recess 4a, 6a delimited, at least partially, by a perimetric frame 4b, 6b which defines a contoured seat 4c, 6c.

[0031] The bar 7 can conveniently have a cross-section with a shape and dimensions that are complementary to those of the seats 4a, 6c partially delimited by the perimetric frames 4b, 6b.

[0032] The bar 7 is advantageously insertable, with a predefined mechanical clearance, between the arms 4, 6 with the respective ends 7a and 7b accommodated within the respective seats 4c and 6c.

[0033] The handle 1 according to the invention can further profitably comprise specific closure shells 8, 9 which are configured to be joined to the arms 4, 6 at the recesses 4a, 6a.

[0034] Joining the shells 8, 9 to the arms 4, 6 locks the ends 7a, 7b of the bar 7 in the respective seats 4c, 6c and covers the portion of such recesses 4a, 6a substantially opposite from the respective seat 4c, 6c.

[0035] The shells 8 and 9 comprise a protruding band 8a, 9a with shape and dimensions that are complementary to those of an area of the surface of the bar 7 (this is the area on the face on the opposite side from the face intended to be accommodated within the seats 4c and 6c).

[0036] In the assembled configuration, each band 8a, 9a usefully covers the area of the lateral surface of the bar 7 (proximate to the corresponding ends 7a, 7b), locking the ends 7a and 7b of the bar 7 inside the respective seats 4c and 6c of the recesses 4a, 6a.

[0037] In more detail, the handle 1 according to the invention conveniently comprises retention means for keeping the closure shells 8, 9 within the recesses 4a, 6a of the arms 4, 6.

[0038] In particular, the retention means are of a type chosen from threaded elements 10, rivets, elastic claws, adhesive substances, and combinations thereof.

[0039] With particular reference to an embodiment of undoubted practical and applicative interest, the bar 7 can positively have a length that is not less than a predefined length L that depends on the width of the installation element (for example a door A).

[0040] If bars 7 of greater length than the predefined length L are used, they can be cut (i.e. cut with any tool adapted for the purpose) to a length that corresponds to the predefined length L at the time of installation of the corresponding handle 1, so that it can be interposed between the respective arms 4 and 6.

[0041] The scope of protection of the present invention also extends to a method of installation of a panic handle 1, which consists of a sequence of operating steps.

[0042] In a first step i. it is necessary to join, to the surface of an element chosen from a door A and a door leaf, at least one actuation assembly 2 by mechanically connecting at least one respective actuator to at least one bolt 3 (or to a cylinder lock) adapted to temporarily close the element (for example a door A). The first actuation assembly 2 will be provided with a first articulated arm 4 which is provided with at least one first recess 4a which is delimited, at least partially, by a perimetric frame 4b which defines a first contoured seat 4c.

[0043] A subsequent step ii. entails joining, to the surface of the element (for example a door A), at least one secondary assembly 5 in alignment with the at least one actuation assembly 2 and in opposition thereto (with respect to the surface of the element on which such assemblies 2 and 5 are installed).

[0044] The secondary assembly 5 is provided with a second articulated arm 6 which is provided with at least one second recess 6a which is delimited, at least partially, by a perimetric frame 6b which defines a second contoured seat 6c.

[0045] In a subsequent step iii., the method measures the distance between the first recess 4a and the second recess 6a, which corresponds to the ideal length L of a bar 7 suitable for the actuation system of the handle 1 according to the invention.

[0046] The method then proceeds with a step iv. which consists in cutting a bar 7 having a contoured profile, provided with at least one region of the lateral surface having a shape and dimensions which are complementary to those of the first seat 4c and the second seat 6c, to a length substantially corresponding to the distance between the first recess 4a and the second recess 6a (this length substantially corresponds to a length L defined by the dimensions of the element, for example a door A).

[0047] In a subsequent step v., the method proceeds to interpose the cut bar 7 between the first arm 4 and the second arm 6, with their respective ends 7a, 7b within the first seat 4c and the second seat 6.

[0048] In a final step vi., the method secures the ends 7a, 7b of the bar 7 within the first seat 4c and the second seat 6c, by fixing respective closure shells 8 and 9 to the arms 4 and 6 at the recesses 4a, 6a.

[0049] Placing the shells 8 and 9 covers the portion of the recesses 4a, 6a that is substantially opposite from the respective seat 4c, 6c, and in addition, an edge of each one of the shells 8, 9 abuts against a portion of the bar 7 proximate to the ends 7a, 7b.

[0050] By virtue of this method according to the invention, it is possible to mount the bar 7 when the assemblies 2 and 5 are already installed on the element (for example the door A), so simplifying the activities that need to be carried out by the operator.

[0051] The step vi. of fixing the shells 8, 9 to the arms 4, 6 entails tightening at least one threaded element 10, accommodated in a through hole of a respective arm 4, 6, into a complementary cavity 11 of a corresponding shell 9 (the cavity in the shell 8 is not shown in the accompanying figures but is identical to the cavity 11).

[0052] Depending on whether the threaded element 10 is provided with a metric thread (or equivalent) or with a self-tapping thread, the cavity 11 can have a female inner thread or be smooth (with no mechanical surface machining).

[0053] It should further be noted that the step vi. of securing the ends 7a and 7b of the bar 7 within the first seat 4c and the second seat 6c entails juxtaposing a band 8a, 9a with an area of the surface of the bar 7, proximate to a respective end 7a, 7b of that bar 7.

[0054] Such band 8a, 9a protrudes from the edge of each shell 8, 9 and has a shape and dimensions that are complementary to those of the area of the surface of the bar 7 against which it is intended to abut.

[0055] The method according to the invention further comprises a step of covering the assemblies 2 and 4 by means of respective housings (not shown in the accompanying figures).

[0056] The method according to the invention further comprises a step of connecting an optional actuation unit for the secondary assembly 5 to mechanical transmission means associated with respective bolts for the movement thereof.

[0057] Advantageously the present invention solves the above mentioned problems, by providing a panic handle 1 made up of a minimal number of components, in particular a lower number than that found in conventional panic handles.

[0058] Conveniently the panic handle 1 according to the invention can be easily installed on the element (for example a door P and / or a door leaf).

[0059] Advantageously the panic handle 1 according to the invention can be installed on the element (for example a door P and / or a door leaf) as separate blocks, so facilitating the operations that the installation technician needs to carry out.

[0060] Profitably the panic handle 1 according to the invention can be packaged with a minimum space occupation so that it can be easily stored and transported.

[0061] Positively the panic handle 1 according to the invention can be easily adapted to the dimensions of the element (for example a door P and / or a door leaf) on which it is to be installed.

[0062] Usefully the panic handle 1 according to the invention offers high standards in terms of aesthetic character, so concealing any shape irregularities and / or abrasions on the components that will be cut to measure (such as for example the bar 7) for the correct installation.

[0063] Furthermore the arms 4 and 6 can define an internal concavity, in that their closure is obtained via the mounting of shells 8 and 9 (which complete the internal concavity by making a closed receptacle): this peculiarity of construction makes it possible to have specific operating components inside that receptacle and therefore to envisage advanced embodiments that in turn require further components.

[0064] Validly the panic handle 1 according to the invention is easily and practically implemented and is low cost: such characteristics make the panic handle 1 according to the invention and its method of installation according to the invention innovations that are certain to be safe in use.

[0065] The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, all the details may be substituted by other, technically equivalent elements.

[0066] In the embodiments illustrated, individual characteristics shown in relation to specific examples may in reality be interchanged with other, different characteristics, existing in other embodiments.

[0067] In practice, the materials employed, as well as the dimensions, may be any according to requirements and to the state of the art.

[0068] The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. 102024000025785 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference.

[0069] Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly, such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

1. A panic handle, of the type comprising: - at least one actuation assembly (2) configured to be installed on an element of a type chosen from a door (P) and a door leaf, functionally connected to at least one component chosen from a bolt (3) and a cylinder lock of said element and provided with a first articulated arm (4), - at least one secondary assembly (5) configured to be installed on an element of a type chosen from a door (P) and a door leaf in alignment with said at least one actuation assembly (2) and in opposition thereto and provided with a second articulated arm (6), - at least one bar (7) having its respective ends (7a, 7b) secured to said first arm (4) and said second arm (6), a pressure applied to said bar (7) toward the surface of said element causing the rotation of said arms (4, 6) and the activation of said actuation assembly (2) for a movement chosen between the retraction of said at least one bolt (3) and the movement of said cylinder lock, characterized in that: - each of said first arm (4) and said second arm (6) comprises at least one respective recess (4a, 6a) delimited, at least partially, by a perimetric frame (4b, 6b) which defines a contoured seat (4c, 6c); - said bar (7) has a cross-section the shape and dimensions of which are complementary to those of said seat (4c, 6c) which is at least partially delimited by said perimetric frame (4b, 6b), said bar (7) being insertable, with a predefined mechanical clearance, between said arms (4, 6) with the respective ends (7a, 7b) accommodated within the respective seats (4c, 6c); - specific closure shells (8, 9) are configured to be joined to said arms (4, 6) at said recesses (4a, 6a), so locking said ends (7a, 7b) of said bar (7) in said seats (4c, 6c) and covering the portion of said recesses (4a, 6a) that is substantially opposite from the respective seat (4c, 6c).

2. The panic handle according to claim 1, characterized in that said closure shells (8, 9) comprise a protruding band (8a, 9a) the shape and dimensions of which are complementary to those of a region of the surface of said bar (7), in the assembled configuration said band (8a, 9a) abutting against said region of said lateral surface of said bar (7), so locking said bar (7) within the respective seats (4c, 6c) of said recesses (4a, 6a).

3. The panic handle according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises retention means for locking said closure shells (8, 9) on said recesses (4a, 6a) of said arms (4, 6).

4. The panic handle according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said retention means are of a type chosen from threaded elements (10), rivets, elastic claws, adhesive substances, and combinations thereof.

5. The panic handle according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said bar (7) has a length that is not less than a predefined length (L) that depends on the width of the installation element, it being possible to truncate bars (7) of greater length to a length that corresponds to said predefined length (L) at the time of installation of said handle (1).

6. A method for installing a panic handle, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: i. joining, to the surface of an element chosen from a door (P) and a door leaf, at least one actuation assembly (2) by mechanically connecting at least one respective actuator to at least one component chosen from a bolt (3) and a cylinder lock of said element, said first actuation assembly (2) being provided with a first articulated arm (4) which is provided with at least one first recess (4a) which is delimited, at least partially, by a perimetric frame (4b) defining a first contoured seat (4c); ii. joining, to the surface of said element, at least one secondary assembly (5) in alignment with said at least one actuation assembly (2) and in opposition thereto, said secondary assembly (5) being provided with a second articulated arm (6) which is provided with at least one second recess (6a) which is delimited, at least partially, by a perimetric frame (6b) which defines a second contoured seat (6c); iii. measuring a distance between said first recess (6a) and said second recess (6b); iv. cutting a bar (7) having a contoured profile, provided with at least one region of the lateral surface having a shape and dimensions which are complementary to those of said first seat (4c) and said second seat (6c), to a length substantially corresponding to the distance between said first recess (4a) and said second recess (6a); v. interposing said cut bar (7) between said first arm (4) and said second (6) arm, with their respective ends (7a, 7b) within said first seat (4c) and said second seat (4c); vi. securing the ends (7a, 7b) of said bar (7) within said first seat (4c) and said second seat (6c), by fixing respective closure shells (8, 9) to said arms (4, 6) at said recesses (4a, 6a), consequently covering the portion of said recesses (4a, 6a) that is substantially opposite from the respective seat (4c, 6c), and with an edge of each of said shells (8, 9) abutting against a portion of said bar (7).

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that said step vi. of fixing said shells to said arms entails tightening at least one threaded element (10), accommodated in a through hole of a respective arm (4, 6), into a complementary cavity (11) of a corresponding shell (8, 9).

8. The method according to one or more of claims 6 and 7, characterized in that said step vi. of securing said ends (7a, 7b) of said bar (7) within said first seat (4c) and said second seat (6c) entails juxtaposing a band (8a, 9a), which protrudes from said edge of each shell (8, 9) and has a shape and dimensions which are complementary to those of a region of the surface of said bar (7), with said region of the surface of said bar (7), proximate to a respective end (7a, 7b) of said bar (7).

9. The method according to one or more of claims 6, 7 and 8, characterized in that it comprises a step of covering said assemblies (2, 5) by means of respective housings.

10. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that it comprises a step of connecting an actuation unit for said secondary assembly (5) to mechanical transmission means associated with respective bolts for the movement thereof.

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