Innovatively conceived handle for window frames

Abstract

Handle for window frames, preferably windows or French windows, suitable for enabling the alternative inverse travels of the two sliding rods housed in one of the posts of said window frames to enable the closing and the opening of the same, wherein said handle is provided with a control mechanism of said sliding rods that is extremely compact and suitable for being housed in a plate with reduced dimensions fixed on the outside of the post of the respective window frame.

Description

[0001] INNOVATIVELY CONCEIVED HANDLE FOR WINDOW FRAMES

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] The present patent application for industrial invention relates to an innovatively conceived handle for window frames.

[0004] The peculiarities and advantages of the invention will become apparent following a brief description of the relevant prior art and its most relevant drawbacks.

[0005] As it is well known, most leaves of window frames - i.e. windows or French windows - use an opening and closing system based on the use of two rods capable of sliding along one of the posts of the leaf, and suitable for being alternately disposed in an extracted position and in a retracted position due to the action of a suitable mechanism controlled by a rotating handle.

[0006] In the first one of these configurations, i.e. the closing of the respective window frame, the two rods are disposed in a projecting position with respect to the upper and lower end of the respective post of the leaf - the same one on which the aforementioned revolving handle is applied - in order to slide into suitable holes provided on the frame of the window frame.

[0007] In the second one of these configurations, i.e. the opening of the window frame, the two sliding rods are disposed in a retracted position in the post of the leaf, so as to exit from the aforementioned holes in the frame and let the user rotate the window or French window freely.

[0008] Currently, there are two main types of handles designed to enable the aforementioned operation of such window frames, the first one of which is commonly referred to as a “cremone handle” and is summarily shown in Fig. 5 of the attached “Prior Art” drawing.

[0009] In a typical cremone handle, the rotations of the handle piece (100) are transmitted to a toothed wheel (101 ) interposed between two small racks (102) arranged coaxially to the post of the leaf.

[0010] In such a way, the reverse rotations of said toothed wheel (101 ) cause the racks (102) to slide alternately, so as to bring them alternately from a perfectly side-by-side position to a staggered position achieved as a result of an upward sliding of the first rack and of a simultaneous downward sliding of the second rack. On the opposite side of the toothed wheel (101 ), the two racks (102) support respective elements (102a) disposed edgeways, whereto the sliding rods actually responsible for opening and closing the leaf of the window frame are fixed.

[0011] Thus, it is understood that the two sliding rods of the leaf are disposed in the retracted opening position when the handle is operated in the direction of bringing the two racks (102) in their perfectly side-by-side position, whereas they are disposed in the extracted closing position when the handle is operated in the direction of bringing the racks (102) to the staggered position, as shown in Fig. 5.

[0012] Such an opening / closing mechanism of a window frame based on the use of a cremone handle is certainly very efficient and reliable, but it is impaired by the fact that it is rather cumbersome.

[0013] In such a case, in fact, the handle piece (100) of the handle is engaged into a plate (103) - also known as “case” in the jargon of the sector - applied on the post of the respective leaf, which normally has rather generous dimensions - which are often considered to be aesthetically unpleasant - precisely because it must have the capacity to contain the two racks (102) and the corresponding toothed wheel (101 ).

[0014] On the other hand, the second traditional type of window handles, which is expressly dedicated to the window frames made of tubular metal sections, is known as “martellina handle.”

[0015] In such a case, the handle operates a square pin inserted into a slot provided on the post of the leaf to operate a rack-and-pinion mechanism housed in said post with the task of enabling the alternative travels of the two rods of the leaf.

[0016] Due to such a design solution - reference being made to the incorporation of the mechanism into the hollow structure of the respective post of the leaf - the martellina handle can benefit from the fact that it uses a very small case with a linear and pleasing aesthetic profile.

[0017] On the other hand, however, the structure of the window frame is complicated since the mechanism for the alternative movement of the sliding rods of the said window frame is housed in the post of the window frame.

[0018] Finally, it must be considered that both the cremone handle and the martellina handle are preferably conceived and realized to invariably impose a travel of approximately 17 mm on each of the two rods in charge of closing the window frame, in the transition from the retracted opening position to the extracted closing position, since such a measure is conventionally accepted in the prior art.

[0019] It was precisely the critical observation of the two aforementioned technologies that led to the conception of the new invention in question, the main purpose of which is to provide a handle for leaves of window frames equipped with a mechanism dedicated to the operation of the sliding rods that is entirely innovative and, above all, extremely compact, and suitable for operating on the outside of the structure of the post of the window frame of the leaf.

[0020] Due to such a solution, the twofold advantage is achieved of minimizing the size of the case of the new handle in question (analogous to the case of a martellina handle) and of avoiding modifying the structure of the frame of the post of the leaf (analogous to the case of a cremone handle).

[0021] The further purpose of the present invention is to provide the new handle in question with a great versatility of use to be easily installed on revolving leaves with right-hand and left-hand direction.

[0022] The final purpose of such an invention is to provide a handle capable of easily varying the length of the alternative travels of the two rods of the window frame, thus without necessarily having to comply with the aforementioned constraint of 17 mm that is typical of the handles currently available on the market.

[0023] The aforementioned typical purpose of the invention was achieved in accordance with the features listed in the attached independent claim 1 .

[0024] Advantageous embodiments of the invention appear from the dependent claims.

[0025] For greater explanatory clarity, the description of the invention continues with reference to the attached drawings, having an illustrative and non-limiting value, wherein:

[0026] - Fig. 1 is an axonometric view of the new handle in question in opening position;

[0027] - Fig. 1 A is the exploded view of Fig. 1 ;

[0028] - Fig. 1 B is another exploded view of the handle in question, seen from the inside;

[0029] - Fig. 2 is an axonometric view of the new handle in question in closing position;

[0030] - Fig. 2A is the exploded view of Fig. 2;

[0031] - Fig. 3A is an axonometric view of the handle in Fig. 1 when mounted on the post of the respective window frame; - Fig. 3B is similar to the previous figure, except for it shows the handle in question already mounted on the post;

[0032] - Fig. 4A diagrammatically shows the cooperation mode between the levers of the handle in question and the closing / opening rods of the respective window frame, in the opening position of the handle;

[0033] - Fig. 4B is similar to the previous figure, except for it shows the aforementioned handle in closing position.

[0034] With reference to Figs. 1 to 2A, the handle according to invention (M) usually comprises an operating handle piece (1 ) and a case (2) to be attached to the outside of one of the posts (L) of the leaf of the respective window frame.

[0035] The handle piece (1 ) comprises a holding lever (1 a) and a bulb (1 b) arranged at 90° with respect to said holding lever (1 a); wherein said bulb (1 b) is centrally provided with an axial hole (1 b') of square cross-section.

[0036] The case (2) has a curved profile comprising two substantially semicircular sides (2a) bordering a rounded central surface (2b) on the two sides, in the center of which a cylindrical protuberance (20) crossed centrally by a circular hole (20a) is provided in projecting position.

[0037] The handle piece (1 ) is suitable for imposing reverse rotations on a conical toothed wheel (3) projecting from a square pin (30) connected to said wheel (3) by means of a cylindrical shoulder (31 ).

[0038] During use, the toothed wheel (3) is settled inside the case (2), in such a condition that the shoulder (31 ) is revolvingly engaged into the central hole (20) of said case (2), whereas the square pin (30) projects on the outside of said case (2) so that it can be prismatically coupled with the axial square hole (1 b') of the bulb (1 b) of the handle piece (1 ).

[0039] Said toothed wheel (3) is suitable for operating a pair of counter-rotating levers, operating substantially in a scissor-like manner, wherein said pair comprises a first lever (4) and a second lever (5) reciprocally pivoted with respect to a transverse pin (6) threaded into the appropriate holes (40, 50) provided at said levers (4, 5), in a condition in which the ends (6a, 6b) of said pin (6) protrude during use at the outer sides of said levers (4, 5).

[0040] The presence of said pin (6) can be detected by observing the Figs. 1 B and 2A.

[0041] The first lever (4) comprises:

[0042] - a central section (4a) basically consisting of a plate arranged edgeways; - a rounded tip (4b) with greater height than the central section (4a);

[0043] - a projecting side arm (4c), perpendicular to the plate (4a);

[0044] - a part (41 ) supported edgeways by said arm (4c), in which said part (41 ) is substantially configured as a sector of a circle of a conical toothed wheel.

[0045] The second lever (5) comprises:

[0046] - a central section (5a) basically consisting of a plate arranged edgeways;

[0047] - a rounded tip (5b) of greater height than the aforementioned central section (5a);

[0048] - a part (51 ) similarly configured as a sector of a circle of a conical toothed wheel.

[0049] In such a context, it is envisaged that the two aforementioned parts (41 , 51 ) of the levers (4, 5) should be arranged in such a way that their respective conical toothed profiles (41 a, 51 a) face each other, with a spacing such to allow the engagement of the toothed wheel (3).

[0050] Indeed, it should be considered that, during use, the pivoting pin (6) of the two levers (4, 5) is disposed in a perpendicular position to the longitudinal axis of the square pin (30) of the toothed wheel (3).

[0051] During use, the two levers (4, 5) are suitable for being partially settled inside the case (2), in a condition in which their toothed parts (41 , 51 ) are arranged on the two sides of the toothed wheel (3), whereas the central sections (4a, 5a) of said levers (4, 5), together with their respective tips (4b, 5b), project from the case (2) on the opposite side of the handle piece (1 ).

[0052] In this regard, reference is again made to the observation of Fig.l B, in order to ascertain the provision of two horizontal impressions (2a') with a substantial C-shape at the front edges of the two sides (2a) of the case (2), said horizontal impressions (2a') being suitable for accommodating and supporting the ends (6a, 6b) of the pin (6) protruding on either side of the said cooperating pair of levers (4, 5).

[0053] The present description continues by illustrating the operation of the new handle in question (M), also with reference to Figs. 3A to 4B.

[0054] With reference to the figures, it is envisaged that the handle (M) can be alternately disposed in an opening and a closing position, in a condition in which the transition from one to the other of said positions provides that the handle piece (1 ) of said handle (M) performs reverse rotations by an angle of 90°, which are suitable for being transmitted to the conical toothed wheel (3) and from the toothed wheel (3) to the two levers (4, 5). Figs. 1 and 1 A show the handle (M) in the opening condition of the window frame (IN), in which it is disposed in a horizontal position, orthogonal to the respective post (L) of the window frame (IN).

[0055] In such a condition, the two levers (4, 5) provided in the handle (M) are held in a “close” position, perfectly aligned with each other, outside the case (2).

[0056] Fig. 2 and 2A show the handle (M) in the closing position of the window frame. At this stage, the two levers (4, 5) are arranged in a diverged position outside the case (2).

[0057] Figs. 3A and 3B show the cooperation modes of the levers (4, 5) of the handle according to the invention (M) and the traditional pair of sliding rods (A1 , A2) housed in the post (L) of the window frame (IN) for the purpose of opening and closing the latter vis-a-vis the respective frame.

[0058] In this regard, first of all, it should be considered that the front longitudinal edge of said post (L) has a longitudinal slot (AL) provided at the point where the case (2) of the handle in question (M) is to be screwed in.

[0059] Said slot (AL) is suitable for being penetrated by the levers (4, 5) of the handle (M) as shown in Fig. 3A, in a condition in which the two levers (4, 5) still maintain their side-by-side position due to the fact that the handle piece (1 ) of the handle (M) is maintained in an opening position, that is, in a position orthogonal to the axis of the post (L).

[0060] Fig. 3B shows how the two levers (4, 5) are suitable for being fitted into corresponding seats (S1 , S2) respectively provided at the upper end of the first of said sliding rods (A1 ) and at the lower end of the second of said rods (A2).

[0061] Despite being very diagrammatic, Fig. 4A shows the same operating condition as Fig. 3B, when the two levers (4, 5) are maintained in their side-by- side arrangement that corresponds to the opening condition of the handle (M).

[0062] On the other hand, Fig. 4B, shows the diverged position assumed by the levers (4, 5) when the handle piece (1 ) of the handle (M) has been brought to a position parallel to that of the post (L) of the window frame (IN) following to a 90° top-down rotation.

[0063] Such a divarication of the levers (4, 5) results in the sliding in opposite directions - the first upward, the second downward - of the two sliding rods (A1 , A2) of the window frame (IN), resulting in the latter being locked to the respective frame. It is important to point out that, on such an occasion, the rounded tips (4b, 5b) of the two levers (4, 5) favor the reverse travels of the two rods (A1 , A2), operating in the seats (S1 , S2) of said rods in the same manner as cams.

[0064] Needless to say, a new rotation - inverse to the previous one - of the handle piece (1 ) of the handle (M) will impose a sliding movement of the two rods (A1 , A2) in a sliding direction opposite to the previous one, resulting in the removal of the stopping position of said rods (A1 , A2) vis-a-vis the frame of the window frame (IN).

[0065] At this point, attention is again drawn to Fig. 2 in order to better appreciate the main advantage provided by the present invention in terms of reducing the height of the case (2) fitted to the new handle in question (M).

[0066] Indeed, such a graphical contribution makes it possible to ascertain how the height of the case (2) can be limited only to the space required to allow the levers (4, 5) to be diverged.

[0067] It should be considered that, unlike the aforementioned cremone and martellina handles, the new handle (M) allows to easily vary the length of the travel of the sliding rods (A1 , A2) mounted on the post (L) of the respective window frame (IN).

[0068] As a matter of fact, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the ratio of the conical toothed wheel (23) to the two toothed parts (41 , 51 ) of the levers (4, 5) is set to allow the spread of the two levers (4, 5) to impose reverse travels, namely an upward travel and a downward travel, for a standard length of 17 mm on the two rods (A1 , A2) of the window (IN)

[0069] However, a simple variation of the ratio of the toothed wheel (23) to the toothed sectors of a circle (41 , 51 ) makes it possible to obtain the variation of the degrees of the inclination imposed on the levers (4, 5) during divarication, resulting in the variation of the length of the aforementioned reverse travels of the rods (A1 , A2) of the window frame (IN).

[0070] At this specific regard, it should be noted that the variation in the ratio between the toothed wheel (23) and the toothed sectors of a circle (41 , 51 ) can be achieved by changing the radius of the toothed wheel (3) and of the toothed sectors of a circle (41 , 51 ).

[0071] On the other hand, with regard to the aforementioned ability of the new handle (M) to be mounted equally advantageously on frames with right-handed opening and on frames with left-handed opening, it should be pointed out that such ambivalence can be easily achieved simply by reversing the positions occupied in the case (2) by the first lever (4) and the second lever (5) with respect to what is shown in the attached figures.

[0072] In order to complete the description of the new handle in question (M) it must be noted that the front edge of the cylindrical protuberance (20) of the case (2) is provided with four hemispherical impressions (21 ) arranged at 90° intervals and suitable for being exactly interfaced with corresponding cylindrical holes (1 1 ) provided on the front of the bulb (1 b) of the handle (M).

[0073] The impressions (21 ) provided in the case (2) are suitable for selectively accommodating, two at a time, a pair of balls (22) spaced apart by 180°, whereas the cylindrical holes (1 1 ) provided in the bulb (1 b) are suitable for accommodating two helical springs (23) suitable for permanently pushing the balls (22) in the direction of the hemispherical impressions (21 ).

[0074] The function of such balls (22), as they settle in a pair of the impressions (21 ) - and thus between the case (2) and the handle piece (1 ) - is to determine and stabilize the positioning of the handle piece (1 ) in the opening and closing attitude, respectively.

Claims

CLAIMS1) Handle (M) for window frames comprising:- an opening and closing handle piece (1 ) comprising a holding lever (1 a) and a bulb (1 b) disposed at 90° relative to said holding lever (1 a); wherein said bulb (1 b) is centrally provided with an axial hole of square section (1 b');- a case (2) comprising two sides (2a) defining a central surface (2b) on either side that is centrally provided with a circular hole (20a);- a toothed wheel (3) housed inside said case (2) and comprising a square pin (30) suitable for being revolvingly inserted into said circular hole (20a) of the case (2) and exactly engaged in said axial hole of the bulb (1 b) of said handle piece (1 );- means operated by the reverse rotations of said toothed wheel (3) housed inside said case (2) and suitable for being coupled with the sliding rods (A1 , A2) housed in the post (L) of a window frame (IN) to impose alternative reverse longitudinal travels on said rods (A1 , A2), respectively, for the purpose of locking and unlocking said frame (IN) relative to the respective frame; handle (M) characterized by the fact that:- said toothed wheel (3) is a conical toothed wheel;- said means actuated by the reverse rotations of said toothed wheel (3) for the purpose of operating said sliding rods (A1 , A2) of the frame (IN) comprise a first lever (4) and a second lever (5) pivoted in scissors-like configuration relative to a transverse pin (6) disposed orthogonally with respect to the axis of said square pin (30) of the toothed wheel (3); wherein said first lever (4) is posteriorly provided with a projecting side arm (4c) that supports a part (41 ) arranged edgeways, which consists of a sector of a circle of a conical toothed wheel, and wherein said second lever (4) is posteriorly provided with a similar part (51 ) consisting of a sector of a circle of a conical toothed wheel; wherein the two parts (41 , 51 ) of said levers (4, 5) are arranged so as to exactly face the respective toothed profiles (41 a, 51 a) with a center-to-center distance such that said toothed profiles (41 a, 51 a) mesh with said conical toothed wheel (3) on opposite sides.2) The handle according to claim 1 , wherein:- said case (2) has a curved profile comprising two substantially semicircular sides (2a) bordering a rounded central surface (2b) on the sides; wherein a cylindrical protuberance (20) protrudes from the center of said rounded central surface (2b),said cylindrical protuberance (20) being centrally crossed by said through hole (20a) with circular profile;- said square pin (30) is connected to the toothed wheel (3) by a cylindrical shoulder (31 ) suitable for being slidingly inserted into said hole (20a) of the case (2) during use.3) The handle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein:- said pivoting pin (6) of the levers (4, 5) protrudes at its own ends (6a, 6b) on the two sides of said cooperating levers (4, 5) during use;- said case (2) is interiorly provided on the front edges of its sides (2a) with two substantially C-shaped notches (2a') suitable for accommodating and supporting said ends (6a, 6b) of the pivoting pin (6) of the two levers (4, 5).4) The handle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said levers (4, 5) are anteriorly provided relative to said respective toothed parts (41 , 51 ) with respective central sections (4a, 5a), substantially consisting of as many plates arranged edgeways, and respective enlarged rounded tips (4b, 5b) suitable for being forcedly inserted during use into corresponding seats (S1 , S2) respectively provided in said sliding rods (A1 , A2) of said frame (IN).5) The handle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said first lever (4) and second lever (5) are suitable for discretely assuming inverted positions on the two sides of the toothed wheel (3), so as to make said handle (M) usable alternately on right-opening frames and on left-opening frames.6) The handle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said cylindrical protuberance (20) of the case (2) is provided at its front edge with four hemispherical impressions (21 ) arranged at 90° intervals and wherein the bulb (1 b) of the handle piece (1 ) is frontally provided with respective cylindrical holes (11 ) suitable for being interfaced with said impressions (21 ) of the protuberance (20); wherein said hemispherical impressions (21 ) are suitable for selectively accommodating a pair of balls (22) that are spaced apart by 180°, depending on the reverse rotations of the handle piece (1 ), and wherein said cylindrical holes (11 ) are suitable for accommodating respective helical springs (23) suitable for permanently pushing said balls (22) in the direction of said hemispherical impressions (21 ).

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