Handle

Abstract

A handle 100 for a door or window, comprising an insert 500 of a first material and two casing sections 200, 300 of a second material secured together to form a casing to encase the insert. Preferably

Description

FIELD

[0001] The present invention is related to a handle and a method of manufacturing a handle. BACKGROUND

[0002] Traditional handles are manufactured from materials including cast zinc and aluminium. However, it is difficult and costly to provide door handles that have an attractive appearance, or which can be coated with a suitable material to provide a long-lasting finish. For example, aluminium cannot be plated. It is possible to electroplate zinc, but this has limitations on the finish available.

[0003] Stainless steel is a favoured material because of its ability to retain a good external appearance and its resistance to corrosion. However, stainless steel cannot easily be cast to provide the complex internal shapes required for a door handle that incorporates a locking mechanism and / or a latching mechanism. When it is cast, the cost is disadvantageously high.

[0004] An example of a stainless steel handle comprises the use of tubular steel elements that are secured together. Relative movement of the parts is prevented using a grub screw. This provides a device with limited security from attack and limited options for complex internal parts that would provide a secure solution.

[0005] It is an objective of the present disclosure to overcome some of the above-mentioned problems. SUMMARY

[0006] According to the present invention, there is provided an apparatus and method as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.

[0007] According to a first example, there is provided a handle for a door or window comprising an insert of a first material and two casing sections secured together to form a casing formed from a second material. The casing is configured to, at least partially, encase the insert, preferably encasing a majority of the insert.

[0008] The above invention provides an improved handle. The handle has an increased resistance to wear and tear. The handle is also simpler to manufacture and assemble. Providing an internal component (i.e., the insert) comprising the fine detail of the handle, and a casing to encase said insert provides a handle that is less prone to breakages.

[0009] The improved handle allows for a mechanism that provides both locking and latching, thus providing a handle with better security. For example, the insert may house a press button, a locking barrel, and other mechanisms.

[0010] The insert allows for existing locking and latching mechanisms to be used with the handle.

[0011] The casing may further comprise a front portion, the front portion may be secured to at least one of the two casing sections.

[0012] Advantageously, the two casing sections and the front portion may hold the insert captive within the handle.

[0013] The insert may be spin riveted with the front portion. This advantageously allows for good alignment of the insert and the front portion and allows for a more accurate securing of the two casings and the front portion.

[0014] The securing may be in the form of a weld. A casing may therefore be welded in sections around the insert to house said insert.

[0015] The insert may be a die cast insert. By providing a die cast insert, the fine detail required to facilitate a locking and catching mechanism may be achieved.

[0016] The insert may comprise a mechanism to connect to said door or window, preferably to receive and or secure a spindle.

[0017] The insert may be a zinc insert, an aluminium insert, or a magnesium insert. The use of these materials allows the insert to comprise the fine detail required for the internal components of the handle. The first material may be zinc, aluminium or magnesium.

[0018] The insert may be held captive within the casing. Advantageously, the insert and the casing may comprise different materials.

[0019] The two casing sections may be pressed casing sections. A pressed casing ensures the handle is resistant to corrosion. The second material may be stainless steel or plated mild steel.

[0020] The weld may be seamless.

[0021] The insert may comprise a connection mechanism. The connection mechanism may be configured to protrude through an opening in the casing to engage a fixing of said door or window. Advantageously, a component of the insert may connect the handle to a door or window, or to a rose section secured to a door or window.

[0022] The casing comprises a second opening configured to allow access, by a user, to the insert. A user may access the insert (and therefore, for example, the locking mechanism) without removing the casing.

[0023] The insert may comprise a through-hole. The through hole may comprise a first section, a second section and a narrow section therebetween,

[0024] Detailing of the insert allows for the accurate use of components of the locking / latching mechanism within the insert.

[0025] The first section may have a first diameter. The narrow section may have a second diameter. The second section may have a third diameter. The second diameter may be smaller than the first diameter. The first diameter may be smaller than the third diameter.

[0026] The through-hole may comprise a first shoulder and a second shoulder. Each of the first shoulder and the second shoulder may be configured to retain a tumbler.

[0027] The differing diameters of the sections of the through hole, and the presence of the shoulders allows for accurate positioning and the use of tumblers within the insert.

[0028] The first shoulder and the second shoulder may have different depths. Advantageously, tumblers of different heights may be retained within the insert, thus allowing the handle to provide locking and latching mechanisms. Therefore, the handle may be secure even when not in a locked configuration.

[0029] According to a second example, there is provided a method comprising the steps of providing an insert of a first material; and securing together two casing sections to form a casing formed of a second material, the casing encasing the insert.

[0030] The above invention provides an improved handle manufacturing method. The method is simpler than existing methods and provides an internal component (i.e., the insert) comprising the fine detail of the handle, and a casing to encase said insert provides a handle that is less prone to breakages. The improved handle allows for a mechanism that provides both locking and latching, thus providing a handle with better security.

[0031] The method may further comprise the step of securing a front portion to the two casing sections to form the casing. Advantageously, the two casing sections and the front portion may hold the insert captive within the handle.

[0032] The method may further comprise the step of connecting the insert and the front portion by spin riveting. This advantageously allows for good alignment of the insert and the front portion and allows for a more accurate securing of the two casings and the front portion.

[0033] The securing step may comprise securing by welding. A casing may therefore be welded around the insert to house said insert.

[0034] The method may further comprise the step of providing the insert by die casting or injection moulding. By providing a die cast insert, the fine detail required to facilitate a locking and catching mechanism may be achieved.

[0035] The insert may be a zinc insert, an aluminium insert, or a magnesium insert. The use of these materials allows the insert to comprise the fine detail required for the internal components of the handle. The first material may be zinc, aluminium or magnesium.

[0036] The two casing sections may be pressed casing sections. A pressed casing ensures the handle is resistant to corrosion. The second material may be stainless steel or plated mild steel.

[0037] The welding may be laser welding. The method may further comprise the step of finishing the welds to produce seamless joints.

[0038] The step of providing the insert may comprise providing the insert with a through-hole, the through-hole comprising a first section, a second section and a narrow section therebetween.

[0039] Detailing on the insert allows for the accurate use of components of the locking / latching mechanism within the insert.

[0040] The first section may have a first diameter. The narrow section may have a second diameter. The second section may have a third diameter. The second diameter may be smaller than the first diameter. The first diameter may be smaller than the third diameter.

[0041] The through-hole may comprise a first shoulder and a second shoulder. Each of the first shoulder and the second shoulder may be configured to retain a tumbler,

[0042] The differing diameters of the sections of the through hole, and the presence of the shoulders allows for accurate positioning and use of tumblers within the insert.

[0043] The first shoulder and the second shoulder may have different depths. Advantageously, tumblers of different heights may be retained within the insert, thus allowing the handle to provide locking and latching mechanisms. Therefore, the handle may be secure even when not in a locked configuration.

[0044] All of the features contained herein may be combined with any of the above aspects, in any combination.

[0045] Although a few preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0046] For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: Figure 1 shows an exploded perspective view of an example of the handle; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the example of the handle; Figure 3 shows a front view of the example of the handle; Figure 4 shows an exploded perspective view of the example of the handle and some features to which the handle may be attached; Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the example of the handle and some features to which the handle may be attached; and Figure 5 shows a flow chart of an example of a method of manufacture of a handle. SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0047] An apparatus and method of the present disclosure are described below.

[0048] In particular, the present disclosure is concerned with a handle for use with a door or window and a method of manufacture of the handle.

[0049] Figure 1 shows an exploded perspective view of a handle 100. The handle 100 is for a window or door, or the like. The handle 100 allows a user to actuate a mechanism to open a door or window.

[0050] The handle 100 may comprise two casing sections 200, 300. The two casing sections 200, 300 may be a left-hand casing section 200 and a right-hand casing section 300. The two casing sections 200, 300 may be symmetrical. Alternatively, the two casing sections 200, 300 may be asymmetrical. The two casing sections 200, 300 may be secured together to form an elongate section of the handle 100, for operation by a user.

[0051] The casing sections 200, 300 may be made from steel, for example, stainless steel, such as 304 stainless steel. Each of the casing sections 200, 300 may be manufactured using a steel pressing technique. The casing sections 200, 300 may be made from plated mild steel. The casing sections 200, 300 may be gravity cast or investment cast, or the like.

[0052] When together, the two casing sections 200, 300 may be substantially hollow. That is, there may be a cavity formed by the two casing sections 200, 300 when they are connected. The two casing sections 200, 300 may be secured together to form a casing. Here, the term secured may mean connected, attached, fixed, or the like.

[0053] The casing is formed from a single material. For example, the casing may be stainless steel casing.

[0054] The two casing sections 200, 300 may each comprise a top portion 210, 310 and an elongate portion 220, 330. The top portion 210, 310 may be configured to house (i.e., to encase) an insert 500. The insert 500 is described in more detail below. The elongate portion 220, 320 may be configured to provide a lever for a user to hold during the operation of the handle.

[0055] Each of the two casing sections 200, 300 may comprise a first cut out portion 230, 330. The first cut out portions 230, 330 may be located on the top portions 210, 310 of each of the two casing sections 200, 300. The first cut out portions 230, 330 may be configured to align when the two casing sections 200, 300 are joined. When combined, the shape of the first cut out portions 230, 330 may correspond to the shape of a front portion 400. The front portion 400 is described in more detail below. Alternatively, the first cut out portion 230, 330 may be present on a single one of the two casing sections 200, 300.

[0056] Each of the two casing sections 200, 300 may comprise a second cut out portion 240, 340. The second cut out portions 240, 340 may be located on the top portions 210, 310 of each of the two casing sections 200, 300. The second cut out portions 240, 340 may be configured to align when the two casing sections 200, 300 are joined. When combined, the shape of the second cut out portions 240, 340 may correspond to a button of the insert 500. That is, a user may operate the button of the insert 500 through the two casing sections 200, 300. Alternatively, the second cut out portion 240, 340 may be present on a single one of the two casing sections 200, 300.

[0057] The handle 100 further comprises a front portion 400. The front portion 400 may be a steel front portion 400, for example, stainless steel. The front portion 400 may be manufactured using a steel pressing technique.

[0058] The front portion 400 may be configured to be press fit or welded, which may be a laser weld, between the two casing sections 200, 300 to form a cavity. The front portion 400 may comprise a first aperture 410. The first aperture 410 may be configured to receive a connection mechanism 520 of the insert 500.

[0059] The front portion 400 may comprise a second aperture 420. The second aperture 420 may be configured to receive a locking barrel 610 (as shown in Figure 4).

[0060] The front portion may comprise a third aperture 430. The third aperture 420 may be configured to align with an opening 512 of the insert 500. The third aperture 420 and the opening 512 may be spin riveted to ensure the front portion 400 and the insert 500 are aligned and to help secure the two components.

[0061] The handle 100 comprises the insert 500. The insert 500 may be made by die casting. That is, the insert 500 may be manufactured using a mould cavity. The insert 500 may be a zinc, aluminium or magnesium insert 500. That is, the insert 500 may be metallic. In some examples, the insert 500 may be a plastic insert. The insert 500 may be made by injection moulding or 3-D printing.

[0062] The insert 500 can be seen in more detail in Figure 5. The insert 500 may comprise a body 510. The insert 500 may comprise the connection mechanism 520. The connection mechanism 520 may be configured to connect the handle 100 to a door or a window. The connection mechanism 520 may facilitate the actuation of the door or window through operation, by a user, of the two casing sections 200, 300. The connection mechanism 520 may be configured to project through the first aperture 410 of the front portion 400. The insert 500 may comprise the opening 512. More generally, the connection mechanism 520 may through a first opening in the casing to engage a fixing of said door or window. The casing may comprise a second opening to allow a user access to the insert 500 and / or connection mechanism 520.

[0063] The insert 500 may comprise a through-hole 540. The through-hole 540 may be configured to receive the locking barrel 610.

[0064] The through-hole 540 may be an annular through-hole 540. The through-hole 540 may comprise an external end 550 (i.e., an end a user may insert a key through) and an internal end 552 (i.e., an end that faces the door or window). The through-hole 540 may comprise a narrow section 542. The through-hole 540 may comprise a first shoulder 544 at one side of the narrow section 542 (for example, towards the external end 550 of the through-hole 540). The through-hole 540 may comprise a second shoulder 546 at one other side of the narrow section 542 (for example, towards the internal end 552 of the through-hole 540). The second shoulder 546 may be bigger (for example, deeper) than the first shoulder 544.

[0065] In other words, the through-hole 540 may comprise at least three sections of differing diameters. For example, the through-hole 540 may comprise a first section 560 between the external end 550 and the narrow section 542 with a first diameter. The narrow section 542 of the through-hole 540 may have a second diameter. The through-hole 540 may comprise a second section 562 between narrow section 542 and the internal end 552 with a third diameter. The second diameter may be smaller than the first diameter. The first diameter may be smaller than the third diameter. In other words, the second diameter may be the smallest, and the third diameter may be the largest.

[0066] The first and second shoulders 544, 546 may be configured to retain a plurality of tumblers 660, 662. For example, first and second shoulders 544, 546 may be configured to retain a first tumbler 660 (e.g., a locking tumbler) and a second tumbler 662 (e.g., a retaining tumbler). That is, in use, the tumblers 660, 662 may be positioned on either side of the narrow section 542 of the through-hole 540. For example, in use, the first tumbler 660 may be located in the first section 560 of the through hole 540 and the second tumbler 662 may be located in the second section 562.

[0067] In use, the locking tumbler 660 may be located at the first shoulder 544. The retaining tumbler 662 may be located at the second shoulder 546. In use, the tumblers 660, 662 may facilitate the locking and latching of the handle 100. The tumblers 662, 664 require fine details in the insert 500 to allow for latching and locking of the handle 100. The tumblers retained within the insert, in use, may have different characteristics. For example, the tumblers may be different sizes (i.e., the locking tumbler 660 may be smaller than the retaining tumbler 662).

[0068] The insert 500 may be configured to house a press button 620 to allow a user to turn the handle 100 (as shown in Figure 4). The press button 620 may be mechanically connected to the locking barrel 610. The locking barrel 610 may be an actuator 610.

[0069] When assembled, the locking barrel 610 abuts a latch 670. The latch 670 may be positioned at least partially inside the insert 500. The latch 670 restricts the movement of the handle 100. When the locking barrel 620 is unlocked, a user may press the press button 620. This pressing causes the locking barrel 620 to move through the through-hole 540 to push the latch 670 until it is no longer located within the insert 500. Once the latch 670 is no longer positioned within the insert, the handle 100 may be actuated to allow the door or window to be opened.

[0070] The assembled handle 100 can be seen in Figures 2 and 3. The method 1000 is further represented in Figure 6.

[0071] The method 1000 is a method of manufacture of the handle 100 fora door or window, or the like. The method 1000 may comprise a step of pressing and welding two casing sections 200, 300. The method comprises a step 1020 of providing the insert 500. The insert 500 may be provided by die casting. The method 1000 comprises the step 1040 of securing together the two casing sections 200, 300 to form a casing, the casing encasing the insert 500. That is, the insert 500 fills the space within the casing. In particular, the insert 500 may fill the space between the top portions 210, 310 of the casing sections 200, 300. The securing step may comprise securing by welding, for example, laser welding.

[0072] The method 1000 may comprise a step 1060 of positioning and securing the front portion 400 to the two casing sections 200, 300 to form the casing. The securing may comprise welding. The method 1000 may comprise a step of finishing the welds to produce seamless joints. That is, the welding may produce seamless joints between the two casing sections 200, 300 and the front portion 400. Subsequent finishing of the weld may be completed to improve the appearance and remove any excess from the welding procedure. The finishing may be a polishing action.

[0073] In one example, the method 1000 may include the steps of pressing and welding the two casing sections 200, 300, providing the insert 500, positioning the insert into a cavity provided by combining the two casing sections 200, 300, positioning the front portion 400 to encase insert 500, welding, in situ, the front portion 400 to the two casing sections 200, 300, and spin riveting the insert 500 to the front portion 400 to ensure full alignment and positioning of the insert 500.

[0074] The method 1000 may comprise a further step of aligning the front portion 400 with the insert 500. The front portion 400 and the insert 500 may be connected by spin riveting. That is, the third aperture 430 of the front portion 400 may be aligned with the opening 512 of the insert 500. The aperture 430 and the opening 512 may then be spin riveted to secure the insert 500 and the front portion 400 with respect to each other. The method 1000 may comprise a further step of producing the two casing sections 200, 300 by press moulding. Figure 4 shows an exploded view of the handle 100 with various components for connections of the handle 100 to a door or window. As explained above, the handle 100, more specifically the insert 500, may receive the locking barrel 610. The locking barrel 610 may protrude through the second aperture 420 of the front portion 400.

[0075] The handle 100 may attach to further components 650. For example, the connection mechanism 520 may connect to a fixture 652, said fixture 652 is configured to be attached to a door or a window. The connection mechanism 520 may comprise a shoulder 522. The shoulder 522 may be annular. The shoulder 522 may be received by a portion of the fixture 652.

[0076] The connection mechanism 520 may further be configured to receive a spindle 654. The spindle 654 may be configured to project through the connection mechanism 520, through the fixture 652 and into the door or window. That is, the spindle 654 may be configured to translate or transfer the rotational force of the handle 100 to the door or window.

[0077] The fixture 652 may comprise slidably removable covers 656 to cover fixing holes 658 present on the fixing 652. The covers 656 may be plastic covers.

[0078] The new type of handle and method of manufacture of said handle described herein has significant advantages over prior art espagnolettes in that it provides the advantages of a castable internal handle part with the external material of stainless steel that is resistant to corrosion.

[0079] Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

[0080] All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and / or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive.

[0081] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[0082] The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. A handle for a door or window comprising:an insert of a first material;two casing sections secured together to form a casing formed of a second material, wherein the casing is configured to encase the insert.

2. The handle according to claim 1, further comprising a front portion, the front portion is secured to the two casing sections to form the casing.

3. The handle according to claim 2, wherein the insert is spin riveted with the front portion.

4. The handle according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the securing is in the form of aweld.

5. The handle according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the insert is a die cast insert or an injection moulded insert.

6. The handle according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the insert comprises a mechanism to connect to said door or window.

7. The handle according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the insert is held captive within the casing.

8. The handle according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the two casing sections are pressed casing sections.

9. The handle according to claim 4, wherein the weld is seamless.

10. The handle according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the insert comprises a connection mechanism, the connection mechanism being configured to protrude through an opening in the casing to engage a fixing of said door or window.

11. The handle according to any preceding claim, wherein the casing comprises a second opening configured to allow access, by a user, to the insert.

12. The handle according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the insert comprises a through-hole, the through-hole comprising a first section, a second section and a narrow section therebetween,13. The handle according to claim 12, wherein the first section has a first diameter, the narrow section has a second diameter, and the second section has a third diameter, wherein the second diameter is smaller than the first diameter, and the first diameter is smaller than the third diameter.

14. The handle according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the through-hole comprises a first shoulder and a second shoulder, each of the first shoulder and the second shoulder configured to retain a tumbler.15, The handle according to claim 14, wherein the first shoulder and the second shoulder have different depths.

16. A method of manufacture of a handle for a door or window, the method comprising the steps of:providing an insert of a first material; andsecuring together two casing sections to form a casing formed of a second material, the casing encasing the insert.

17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising the step of securing a front portion to the two casing sections to form the casing.

18. The method according to any of claims 16 or 17, further comprising the step of connecting the insert and the front portion by spin riveting.

19. The method according to any of claims 16 to 18, wherein the securing step comprises securing by welding.

20. The method according to any of claims 16 to 19, further comprising the step of providing the insert by die casting or injection moulding.

21. The method according to any of claims 16 to 20, wherein the two casing sections are pressed casing sections.

22. The method according to claim 19, wherein the welding is laser welding.

23. The method according to claim 19, further comprising the step of finishing the welds to produce seamless joints.

24. The method according to any of claims 16 to 23, wherein the step of providing the insert comprises providing the insert with a through-hole, the through-hole comprising a first section, a second section and a narrow section therebetween.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein the first section has a first diameter, the narrow section has a second diameter, and the second section has a third diameter, wherein the second diameter is smaller than the first diameter, and the first diameter is smaller than the third diameter.

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