Handle and lock

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 6354119
  • Patent Number
    6,354,119
  • Date Filed
    Wednesday, November 24, 1999
    24 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, March 12, 2002
    22 years ago
Abstract
A handle and lock which generally includes a base having an index pin, a stop positioned in a circular channel, and an aperture traversing the base. A shaft is rotatably engaged to the base. The shaft includes a nut-shaped platform and an arcuate positioning limiter disposed in the circular working channel. The nut shaped platform preferably includes a threaded bore to receive a fastener used to releasably attach a handle to the shaft. The handle generally includes a head portion having a nut shaped receiving area and an arcuate protruding positioning member for placement within the circular working channel. The nut shaped receiving area preferably covers the platform during rotation of the handle relative to the base. The head portion may also include a lock having a locking barrier connected to a locking cylinder. The locking barrier is also adapted for removable positioning within the circular working channel to prevent rotation between the rotational limiter and the stop thereby restricting rotation of the handle and shaft relative to the base. The shaft further includes a latch member designed to engage a latch receiver integral to a door frame used for latching of a door in a closed position.
Description




BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION




This invention relates to latches and more particularly relates to latch assemblies utilizing handles and handle latching mechanisms for use with ceiling and air conditioning, ventilation and/or refrigeration units or cabinets and the like.




Latch assemblies with handles are known which are lockable by utilization of an internal lock cylinder which prevent the handle from rotating. Typically these latch assemblies may be locked and unlocked and remain in the unlocked position whereby the handle and door attached thereto may be opened with one hand.




In the past, the handles as known for use with ceiling and/or air conditioning or refrigeration cabinets have not provided a desired level of insulating qualities to prevent thermal transfer from occurring within a compartment. In addition, the handles as known did not provide sufficient insulating qualities to prevent condensation or frosting from occurring upon the handle and the associated temperature increases, air pressure and/or heat transfer from escaping from the interior of a compartment. In addition, no handle is known which provides a thermal break or barrier to insulate a handle used on a ceiling/air conditioning or refrigeration cabinet to provide a temperature and/or air seal for a ventilation and/or refrigerated structure.




A handle surface having a reduced temperature frequently occurs due to the use of non-insulating grooves, handle shaft air leakage and set screws for affixation of the handle to a door. The use of grooves and set screws frequently enable air to leak through the grooves which in turn causes an air leakage to occur on the handle which in turn causes a condensation to form upon the door handle. In addition, the use of grooves and set screws for affixation of a handle to a ventilation and/or air conditioning door frequently result in the loss of cool air from the interior of a air conditioned compartment into a heated environment.




There has been minimal development of efficient and convenient latching assemblies which solve these identified problems. Additional locking features to accommodate a padlock may also be desirable for use with a ceiling and/or air conditioning cabinet. Further, prior art latch assemblies, particularly locking latch assemblies normally lack flexibility in being adaptable for varying applications, for example, a left or right handed application with a door for a ventilation and/or refrigerated structure.




BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION




The present invention provides a latching assembly for a ceiling and/or air conditioning or refrigeration cabinet for establishment of an effective insulation thermal barrier to effectively thermally seal or insulate a compartment from the loss of air from within a structure. The thermal handle and latch includes a base having an index pin; a stop fixedly positioned in a circular working channel; an aperture traversing the base; a support stem positioned in the aperture for rotatably attaching the shaft to the base. The shaft includes a threaded end and an affixation end having a nut-shaped platform and arcuate positioning limiter. The positioning limiter is designed for rotational placement within the circular working channel and is further adapted to engage the stop. The nut-shaped platform further includes a centrally positioned threaded bore used to affix the handle to the shaft through the use of a threaded fastener. The handle includes a grasping end and head portion. The head portion includes a nut shaped receiving area and an arcuate protruding positioning member. The protruding positioning member is adapted for positioning and rotation within the circular working channel. The nut shaped receiving area preferably covers the nut shaped platform. The rotation of the handle causes the rotation of the nut shaped receiving area, and the arcuate protruding positioning member, which in turn cooperate to move the positioning limiter within the circular working channel towards or away from the stop during the latching or unlatching of a door to a structure. The central aperture further traverses the head portion of the handle and is adapted to receive the threaded fastener used to affix the shaft to a handle. A lock may also be included with the handle. The lock preferably is formed of a locking cylinder adapted to receive a key. The insertion of a key permits rotation of a locking cylinder to elevate one or more pins to permit the cylinder to be turned approximately 90° relative to the handle. At the distal end of the cylinder is preferably an arm having a worm gear which is rotatably engaged to teeth as integral to a linearly sliding arcuate locking barrier. Rotation of the key 90° clockwise causes the worm gear to rotate and to retract the linearly sliding arcuate locking barrier into a cavity and out of the circular working channel, thereby, permitting rotation of the handle, nut-shaped platform, arcuate positioning limiter, shaft and protruding positioning member for unlatching of the latch member as integral of the shaft from the keeper or latch receiver integral to the interior door frame during opening of a door for a refrigerated cabinet. An escutcheon is preferably affixed to the shaft between the interior of the door and the latch member to establish a thermal barrier preventing undesirable heat or cold transfer, frost and/or cooling loss through the handle, latch, and/or lock into an exterior environment.




The lock mechanism may include an arcuate locking or interference barrier which may slide linearly with respect to the shaft to prevent or permit rotation of the handle and shaft relative to the base. The locking or interference barrier may be operatively connected to the locking cylinder so that upon rotational movement of the key, the locking or interference barrier is brought into and out of engagement from the working channel in the base.




A principal object of the present invention is the provision of a ventilation and/or refrigeration handle and lock which is formed of relatively simply and inexpensive design, construction, and operation and which is safe and fulfills the intended purpose of providing a thermal barrier for a refrigerated compartment without risk of injury to persons and/or damage to property.




Another principal object of the present invention is the provision of a handle and lock which establishes a thermal barrier to prevent cooling of the handle when used upon a door for a ventilation and/or refrigerated structure.




Still another principal object of the present invention is the provision of a handle and lock which establishes a thermal barrier to enhance insulating properties of a ventilation and/or refrigeration structure by minimizing dissipation of cool air and the influx of heat through a structure into a refrigerated compartment.




Still another principal object of the present invention is the provision of a handle and lock which is energy and cost efficient.




Still another principal object of the present invention is the provision of a handle and lock which is flexible enabling either left handed or right handed operation.




Still another principal object of the present invention is the provision of a handle and lock which is flexible enabling an individual to use a thermal block or barrier with any preferred thickness of door used upon a refrigerated cabinet to enhance the insulating properties of the handle and lock.




Still another principal object of the present invention is the provision of a handle and lock which reduces condensation on the handle when used upon the door for a refrigerated structure.




Still another principal object of the present invention is the provision of a handle and lock which increases the comfort to individuals by minimizing cooling of the handle during use upon a door for a refrigerated structure.




Still another principal object of the present invention is the provision of a handle and lock which does not leak air and which provides a sealed refrigeration compartment.




Still another principal object of the present invention is the provision of a handle and lock which has improved compression properties thru adjustment.




A feature of the present invention is a provision of a handle and lock having a first thermal barrier between a base and the exterior surface of a door for a refrigerated structure.




Another feature of the present invention is a provision of a handle and lock having a thermal barrier between a shaft and the interior surface of a door for a refrigerated structure.




Still another feature of the present invention is a provision of a handle and lock having a thermal barrier which is positionable at a variety of locations relative to a base, shaft, and/or latch to improve insulating properties for a refrigerated structure.




Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of a handle and lock having a base formed of thermal insulating material.




Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of a handle and lock having a base having a housing defining a circular lip and a circular working channel.




Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of a handle and lock having an index pin adapted to engage a door to prevent rotation of the base relative to the door.




Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of a handle and lock having a base having a centrally positioned aperture and a support stem positioned in the aperture where the support stem rotatably connects a shaft to the base.




Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of a handle and lock having a base having an arcuate shaped stop positioned within the circular working channel to restrict the rotation of the shaft relative to the base.




Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of a handle and lock having a shaft having an elongate central support section terminating in a threaded section.




Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of a handle and lock having a shaft having an hexagonal shaped nut cap end having a centrally positioned threaded bore therein.




Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of a handle and lock having a shaft having a rotational limiter integral or affixed to the hexagonal shape nut cap end where the rotational limiter is adapted to engage the stop to restrict rotation of the handle relative to the base.




Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of a handle and lock having a handle having a head portion and a grasping portion.




Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of a handle and lock having a head portion having a centrally positioned aperture therethrough.




Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of a handle and lock having a handle having a head portion which includes an hexagonal shaped receiving area adapted to engage and cover the nut cap of the shaft.




Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of a handle and lock having a handle having a head portion which includes an arcuate shaped protruding positioning member adapted for positioning within the circular working channel and further adapting for engagement to the stop.




Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of a handle and lock formed of thermal insulating material.




Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of a handle and lock having a threaded fastener adapted for positioning through the aperture of the head portion and for engagement to the threaded bore of the shaft to secure the handle to the shaft.




Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of a handle and lock having thermal barrier escutcheon adapted for engagement to the shaft.




Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of a handle and lock having a thermal barrier escutcheon which includes a disk portion and cylindrical portion extending from the disk portion.




Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of a handle and lock having a thermal barrier escutcheon having an affixation face having a plurality of graspers adapted to securely affix the escutcheon to the shaft at any desired location.




Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of a handle and lock having an escutcheon having a disk portion which includes a lip and recessed portion adapted to receive a disk-shaped affixation face which includes a plurality of graspers.




Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of a handle and lock having an escutcheon having a disk-shaped affixation face which includes a centrally positioned opening which is aligned with the cylindrical portion to permit passing of the shaft therethrough.




Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of a handle and lock having a base having a disk-shaped housing which is securely attached to a base plate through a press fit.




Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of a handle and lock having an escutcheon formed of thermal insulating material.




Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of a handle and lock having one or more nuts and a latch member securely engaged to the shaft where rotation of the handle causes the latch member to rotate for latching or unlatching of a keeper or latch receiver affixed to a door frame for opening of a door to provide access to a refrigerated cabinet.




Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of a handle and lock having a handle having a cylindrical bore and a lock disposed in the cylindrical bore.




Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of a handle having a lock having a lock shaft including a worm gear.




Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of a handle and lock having an arcuate locking barrier having a plurality of teeth or grooves engaged to the worm gear for insertion or retraction of the arcuate locking barrier from positioning with the circular working channel thereby permitting rotation of the handle and shaft relative to the base to unlatch the latching member from the latch receiver to open the door of a ventilation and/or refrigeration cabinet.




Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of a handle and lock having a head portion which includes an arcuate cavity adapted to hold the arcuate locking barrier.




Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of a handle and lock having a lock which may be released by a key which elevates pins permitting rotation of the lock cylindrical with the cylindrical bore.




Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of a handle and lock having a arcuate locking barrier positioned opposite the protruding positioning member and exterior to the nut receiving area.




Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of a handle and lock having a base having a cylindrical groove adapted for receiving engagement of a gasket used to form an air tight seal between the base and the exterior surface of a door for a refrigerated cabinet.




Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of a handle and lock having a base having a transition area between a circular lip and an interior ring.




Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of a handle and lock having a roller cam engaged to the head portion of the handle.




Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of a handle and lock having a roller cam having a central aperture and a body which enhance and structural strength of the head portion of the handle.




Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of a handle and lock having a roller cam having a rotatable sleeve to facilitate the ease of use of the handle.




Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of a handle and lock having a traversely extending second bore adapted to receive the roller cam.




Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of a handle and lock having a base having a centrally position aperture and a affixation stem positioned in the aperture where the affixation stem rotatably connects the shaft to the base.











BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)





FIG. 1

is an exploded isometric view of the handle and lock showing the handle, base, shaft, escutcheon, and latching member.





FIG. 2

is an end view of the base taken along the line


2





2


of FIG.


1


.





FIG. 3

is an isometric view of the handle.





FIG. 4

is a side view of the head portion of the handle.





FIG. 5

is an end view of the head portion of the handle having a roller cam.





FIG. 6

is an alternative isometric view of the handle having a roller cam.





FIG. 7

is a partial cutaway view of the head portion showing the locking cylinder and extended locking barrier.





FIG. 8

is an alternative partial cutaway view of the head portion showing the locking cylinder and the retracted locking barrier.





FIG. 9

is a cross-sectional end view of the base taken along the line of


2





2


of FIG.


1


.





FIG. 10

is an alternative end view of the base taken along the line of


2





2


of FIG.


1


.





FIG. 11

is an alternative cross-sectional end view of the base taken along the line of


2





2


of FIG.


1


.





FIG. 12

is an alternative end view of the base taken along the line of


2





2


of FIG.


1


.





FIG. 13

is a rear view of the base.











DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT




While this invention may be embodied in many different forms, there are described in detail herein specific preferred embodiments of the invention. This description is an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiments illustrated.




One form of the handle and lock is illustrated and described herein. In general, the handle and lock is illustrated by the numeral


10


. The handle and lock


10


is preferably designed for use with refrigeration units, ventilation units, ceiling and air conditioning units and/or refrigerated cabinets. The handle and lock


10


may be used to thermally insulate a refrigerated environment from ambient or heated temperature conditions within an adjacent room. The handle and lock


10


preferably prevents perspiration and/or frost from accumulating upon, or the cooling of, the handle


12


which may be undesirable to individuals. The handle and lock


10


is preferably formed of thermal insulating materials which assist to seal and prevent air flow from traversing an insulated refrigerator door. In addition, the handle and lock


10


as formed of the thermal insulating materials preferably reduces the cooling of the handle


12


and base


14


positioned adjacent to the exterior of a refrigerated cabinet. Cost and energy efficiency for a refrigerated unit is thereby enhanced. It should be noted that the handle and lock


10


is preferably adapted for either left or right handed operation or rotation at the discretion of an individual dependent upon the orientation of the base


14


relative to an insulated door.




The base


14


is preferably formed of a disk shaped housing


16


which is formed of thermally insulating material. The rear surface of the disk shaped housing


16


preferably includes a circular recessed portion


18


which is preferably adapted for receiving engagement of the rear face member


20


. The rear face member


20


preferably has an elevated central portion


22


which preferably defines a circular groove


24


which is adapted for receiving engagement of a thermally insulating gasket


26


. The rear face member


20


, elevated central portion


22


and gasket


26


are preferably adapted for positioning adjacent to a thermally insulated door of a ventilation and/or refrigeration cabinet.




An index pin


28


preferably extends outwardly from the elevated central portion


22


. The index pin


28


is preferably adapted for penetrating engagement into a hole within a refrigerated door or cabinet. The positioning of the index pin


28


within the hole prevents rotation of the base


14


relative to the insulated door during use of the handle and lock


10


. It should be noted that the location of the index pin


28


and hole within the thermally insulated door may dictate whether the handle and lock


10


may be rotated in either a left handed or right handed manner for use by an individual.




The disk shaped housing


16


of the base


14


preferably functions as a transition area between a circular lip


30


and an interior ring


32


which is positioned proximate to the circular recessed portion


18


and rear faced member


20


.




A recessed circular working channel


34


is interior to the circular lip


30


. A centrally positioned aperture


36


preferably traverses the base


14


and the rear face member


20


.




A support stem


38


formed of thermally insulating material is preferably positioned within the centrally positioned aperture


36


through the rear faced member


20


. The support stem


38


preferably has an outwardly extending collar portion


40


. The support stem


38


is preferably adapted for rotatable engagement to a shaft


42


. The support stem


38


is preferably positioned within the centrally positioned aperture


36


and engaged to the rear faced member


20


through a press fit. The support stem


38


is also formed of the thermally insulating material which preferably functions as a thermal barrier to prevent temperature loss through the insulating door.




An arcuate shaped stop


44


is preferably positioned within the recessed circular working channel


34


. The arcuate shaped stop


44


preferably has a first end


46


and a second end


48


. The arcuate shaped stop


44


preferably functions to restrict the rotation of the shaft


42


relative to the base


14


during rotation of the handle


12


for opening of the thermally insulated door of a refrigerated cabinet or structure.




As may be seen in

FIG. 1

, the shaft


42


preferably extends through the centrally positioned aperture


36


of the base


14


. The shaft


42


also preferably passes through the support stem


38


and is rotatably connected to the outwardly extending collar portion


40


.




The shaft


42


preferably includes a threaded section or end


50


, an elongate central support section


52


and a hexagonal shaped nut cap end or platform


54


. A threaded bore


56


is preferably positioned centrally within the hexagonal shaped nut cap end


54


as may be seen in

FIGS. 1 and 2

. A rotational limiter


58


is preferably integral or affixed to the hexagonal shaped nut cap end or platform


54


. The rotational limiter is preferably adapted for positioning in the recessed circular working channel


34


opposite to the stop


44


. The rotational limiter


58


is preferably adapted for rotation within the working channel


34


during manipulation of the handle


12


.




The rotational limiter


58


preferably includes a third end


60


and a fourth end


62


. The rotational limiter


58


is preferably arcuate in shape and is a mirror image of the stop


44


.




The threaded bore


56


is preferably adapted to receive a threaded fastener


64


which may be utilized to affix the handle


12


to the base


14


. It should be noted that the nut cap end or platform


54


may be hexagonal, octagonal, square, triangular, and/or rectangular at the preference of an individual. It should further be noted that the rotational limiter


58


is not restricted to an arcuate shape for positioning within the working channel


34


.




During rotation of the handle


12


, the fourth end


62


of the rotational limiter


58


is preferably adapted for engagement to the first end


46


of the stop


44


to limit rotation of the handle


12


from a first position


140


which is substantially vertical, to a second position


142


which is substantially horizontal with respect to a ground or floor surface (FIGS.


9


-


12


). It should be noted that during rotation of the shaft


42


the base


14


via the use of the index pin


28


is maintained in a stationary position relative to a door surface. It should further be noted that the support stem


38


and outwardly extending collar portion


40


are also maintained in a stationary position relative to a door surface during rotation of the nut cape end or platform


54


, shaft


42


, and/or rotational limiter


58


during the unlatching of a door. The stop


44


is also maintained in a stationary position following the fastening of the base


14


to a refrigerated door surface.




The rotation of the nut cap end or platform


54


causes the fourth end


62


of the rotational limiter


58


to arcuately move within the recessed working channel


34


for contact with the first end


46


of the stop


44


to limit rotation therebetween. The engagement between the fourth end


62


and the first end


46


of the stop


44


preferably defines the second position


142


for the handle


12


permitting release of the latch


66


from a latch receiver


68


which may be integral or affixed to the interior door frame for a refrigerated cabinet and/or structure.




The handle


12


, head portion


70


, and/or grasping portion


72


are preferably formed of thermally insulating material designed to resist heat or cold transfer through the shaft


42


and base


14


to the handle


12


.




As may be seen in

FIGS. 1

,


3


,


4


,


5


, and


6


, the handle


12


preferably includes a head portion or end


70


and a grasping portion or end


72


. A central aperture


74


preferably traverses the head portion


70


in a direction normal to the centrally positioned aperture


36


and is adapted for alignment therewith. The central aperture


74


is preferably adapted for receiving engagement of the threaded fastener


64


used for affixation of the head portion or end


70


to the base


14


. It should be noted that the threaded fastener


64


is preferably adapted for passing through the central aperture


74


and into the threaded bore


56


to affix the head portion


70


to the base


14


.




The head portion or end


70


preferably includes a front face


76


. The front face


76


preferably includes a nut or hex shaped receiving area


78


which is preferably adapted to cover the hexagonal shaped nut cap end or platform


54


(FIG.


3


). Proximate to the top of the front face


76


is preferably located an arcuate shaped protruding positioning member


80


which is preferably adapted for penetrating placement within the working channel


34


between the stop


44


and the rotational limiter


58


. The protruding positioning member


80


preferably includes a fifth end


82


and a sixth end


84


.




The arcuate shaped protruding positioning member


80


is preferably adapted for rotational movement within the working channel


34


during rotation of the grasping portion


72


from the first position


140


to the second position


142


(FIGS.


9


-


12


).




The head portion


70


may further include a lock bore


86


which is preferably designed for receiving engagement of a locking cylinder


88


. The lock bore


86


preferably extends normally to the direction of the central aperture


74


and is positioned between the central aperture


74


and the grasping portion


72


of the handle


12


.




The head portion


70


further includes an arcuate lock cavity


90


which is in communication with the lock bore


86


. An arcuate locking barrier


92


is preferably disposed in the lock cavity


90


and is in communication with the lock bore


86


for locking of the handle


12


in a first position


140


relative to the base


14


during periods of non-use.




A traverse bore


94


may be provided to extend through the head portion


70


perpendicular to the central aperture


74


. The traverse bore


94


preferably crosses the central aperture


74


and is adapted to receive a roller cam


96


which may be rotatably affixed to the head portion


70


via the use of a fastener


98


.




An escutcheon


100


is preferably affixed to the threaded section or end


50


of the shaft


42


. The escutcheon


100


is preferably formed of thermal insulating material which prevents the transfer of cooled air through the shaft from the interior of a refrigerated compartment.




The escutcheon


100


is preferably formed of a disk portion


102


having a face. A cylindrical stem portion


106


preferably extends outwardly from the face. The cylindrical stem portion


106


includes a central opening adapted for receiving engagement of the shaft


42


.




A disk shaped affixation face


112


having a plurality of graspers and/or fingers


114


is preferably press fit to the disk portion


102


. Alternatively, the disk shaped affixation face


112


may be snap fit within the disk portion


102


at the preference of an individual.




The disk shaped affixation face


112


preferably has a centrally positioned opening which is aligned with the opening through the cylindrical stem portion


106


for passing engagement of the shaft


42


therethrough.




The escutcheon


100


is preferably affixed to the shaft


42


between the interior of a door and the latch member


66


. The graspers and/or fingers


114


of the disk shaped affixation face


112


are preferably lockingly engaged to the threads of the threaded section


50


of the shaft


42


to prevent separation therebetween. The cylindrical stem portion


106


of the escutcheon


100


is preferably adapted for positioning within the opening which traverses a thermally insulated door for positioning of the face adjacent to the interior door surface. The use of the escutcheon


100


preferably creates a thermal block and/or barrier between the interior of the door and shaft


42


which promotes the insulating properties of the handle and lock


10


to thermally insulate a refrigerated compartment. The use of the escutcheon


100


upon the shaft


42


preferably prevents heat transfer along the shaft


42


reducing condensation or frost upon the handle


12


. Further, the use of the escutcheon


100


as affixed to the shaft


42


preferably minimizes and/or prevents the leaking of air through the opening traversing an insulated thermal door and in conjunction with the base


14


prevents the exit of cooled air from the interior of a refrigerated structure.




Again referring to

FIG. 1

, the latch member


66


may be secured to the threaded section


50


of the shaft


42


via the use of one or more nuts


116


. The latch member


66


may be formed of a bracket


118


which may be L-shaped or any other shape as preferred by an individual. The latch member


66


may include a roller cam


120


which may be rotatably secured to a bracket


118


via the use of a fastener. The latch member


66


, bracket


118


and roller cam


120


are preferably securely engaged to the shaft


42


where rotation of the handle


12


causes the elevation of the latch member


66


upwardly for unlatching of a keeper and/or latch receiver which may be affixed to or is integral with the interior door frame of a thermally insulated door. The rotation of the handle


12


and the disengagement between the latch member


66


and the keeper and/or latch receiver permits opening of a thermally insulated door to provide access into a refrigerated cabinet.




As may be seen in

FIGS. 7 and 8

, a lock


122


is depicted as positioned within the lock bore


86


. The lock


122


is preferably formed of a locking cylinder


88


which may be operated by a key


124


. Rotation of the key


124


preferably elevates locking pins (not shown) permitting rotation of a locking shaft


126


. The locking shaft


126


preferably includes a worm gear


128


which rotates as the key


124


is manipulated. The lock


122


, and locking cylinder


88


are preferably disposed within the lock bore


86


.




The arcuate locking barrier


92


is preferably disposed within the lock cavity


90


adjacent to the locking shaft


126


and worm gear


128


. The arcuate locking barrier


92


preferably includes a plurality of teeth


130


which are coupled to the worm gear


128


. The rotation of the key


124


thereby provides for the linear positioning of the arcuate locking barrier


92


into and out of the lock cavity


90


and into or out of the circular working channel


34


when the head portion


70


is affixed to the base


14


.




The arcuate locking barrier


92


is preferably positioned within the working channel


34


opposite to the protruding positioning member


80


between the stop


44


and the rotational limiter


58


. The arcuate locking barrier


92


as positioned within the working channel


34


prevents rotation of the protruding positioning member


80


and rotational limiter


58


within the working channel


34


thereby fixedly positioning the handle


12


relative to the base


14


. The manipulation of the key


124


and locking cylinder


88


preferably retract the arcuate locking barrier as depicted by arrow


132


of

FIG. 8

into the lock cavity


90


permitting rotation of the protruding positioning member


80


and rotational limiter


58


within the working channel


34


to permit elevation of the handle


12


to unlatch the latch member


66


from the keeper/receiver for opening of a thermally insulated door.




Rotation of the key


124


causes the worm gear


128


to rotate and to retract the linear sliding arcuate locking barrier


92


from the working channel


34


into the lock cavity


90


which in turn permits rotation of the handle


12


, nut shaped platform


54


, arcuate protruding positioning member


80


, rotational limiter


58


, and shaft


42


for unlatching of a thermally insulated door.




The locking barrier


92


may be securely positioned within the lock cavity


90


by any preferred means including but not limited to the use of fasteners and/or snaps. The lock cavity


90


is preferably positioned above the lock bore


86


proximate to the front face


76


of the head portion


70


. The locking barrier


92


may include a first rotational restrictor to prevent outward separation of the teeth


130


from the worm gear


128


and the separation of the locking barrier


92


from the lock cavity


90


. In addition, the locking barrier


92


may include a second rotational restrictor to limit the retraction of the locking barrier


92


within the lock cavity


90


where the forward surface of the locking barrier


92


is flushly aligned with the front face


76


as depicted in FIG.


8


. As depicted in

FIG. 9

, the locking barrier


92


preferably extends forwardly approximately the same distance as the protruding positioning member


80


for insertion into the working channel


34


.




As may be seen in

FIGS. 1 and 6

, a roller cam


96


may be engaged to head portion


70


or to the latch member


66


at the preference of an individual. In general, the roller cam


96


is mounted upon either the head portion


70


or latch


66


via the use of a fastener


98


. The roller cam


96


may also include a sleeve member


134


which may freely rotate relative to the fastener


98


at the preference of an individual. The roller cam


96


as secured to the head portion


70


preferably facilitates the manipulation of the handle


12


between the first latch position


140


and the second unlatched position


142


during the opening of a thermally insulated door. The roller cam


96


as affixed to the latch


66


preferably facilitates the engagement and disengagement of the latch


66


to the latch receiver


68


during the latching and/or release of the thermally insulated door from the interior door frame of a refrigerated compartment.




It should be noted that the roller cam


96


may be attached to either the head portion


70


and/or the latch member


66


by any means as preferred by an individual. It should further be noted that the fastener


98


used to secure the roller cam


96


to the head portion


70


preferably does not extend through the centrally positioned aperture


36


for interference with the fastener


64


used to attach the handle


12


to the base


14


. Alternatively, the fastener


98


may include an opening which will permit the passing of the fastener


64


through the handle


12


, centrally positioned aperture


36


, and base


14


when the roller cam fastener


98


is secured to the head portion


70


.




In an alternative embodiment, the exterior surface of a thermally insulated door may include a padlock bracket having an aperture which is adapted for positioning adjacent to a padlock tab which may be affixed, or may be integral to, the head portion


70


of the handle


12


. The alignment between the aperture of the padlock tab and the padlock bracket may permit the use of a secondary padlock for affixation of the handle


12


in the first lock position to securely seal the thermally insulated door for a refrigerated compartment.




As depicted in

FIG. 1

, a plug cap


136


may be used for placement over the exterior end of the fastener


64


and insertion within the distal end of the centrally positioned aperture


74


,


36


to provide a flush rearward surface for the head portion


70


. The use of the plug cap


136


may also reduce the risk of tampering and/or the undesirable separation of the head portion


70


from the base


14


. The plug cap


36


may include one or more penetrating affixation tabs which may be utilized to permanently attach the plug cap


136


within the centrally positioned aperture


74


,


36


following assembly of the handle and lock


10


.




Referring to

FIGS. 9-12

, the interaction between the handle


12


and the base


14


is shown. Referring to

FIG. 9

, the left handed operation of the handle and lock


10


is shown. The base


14


is depicted where the index pin


28


is positioned at a compass location of approximately 270° where the handle


12


is positioned downwardly. The first position


140


of the handle


12


is shown. In this configuration, the stop


44


is depicted proximate to the index pin


28


where the first end


46


is positioned downwardly relative to the second end


48


. Opposite to the stop


44


is preferably located the rotational limiter


58


. The fourth end


62


of the rotational limiter


58


is preferably positioned downwardly with respect to the third end


60


. Between the second end


48


and the third end


60


is preferably located the protruding positioning member


80


where the fifth end


82


is adjacent to the second end


48


and the sixth end


84


is adjacent to the third end


60


. The locking barrier


92


has been retracted from a position between the first end


46


and the fourth end


62


within the working channel


34


.




Directional arrow


144


of

FIG. 9

represents the rotational elevation of the handle


12


upwardly towards the left from a vertical orientation of the first position


140


to a perpendicular horizontal second position


142


for release of the latch


66


from the latch receiver


68


for the opening of a thermally insulated door from the door frame for a refrigerated compartment. It should be noted that the rotation of the handle


12


as indicated by directional arrow


144


may only occur upon the retraction of the locking barrier


92


from the working channel


34


as earlier described. In the second position


142


as indicated in

FIG. 10

, the protruding positioning member


80


as integral to the handle


12


and the rotational limiter


58


as integral to the nut cap end


54


of the shaft


42


have been rotated within the working channel


34


towards the stop


44


. In the second position


142


the fourth end


62


of the rotation limiter


58


is adjacent to the first end


46


of the stop


44


. The sixth end


84


of the positioning member


80


is adjacent to the third end


60


of the rotational limiter and a space has been provided between the second end


48


of the stop


44


and the fifth end


82


of the positioning member


80


.




As may be seen in

FIGS. 11 and 12

, the right handed operation of the handle and lock


10


is depicted. In

FIG. 11

, the index pin


28


is preferably positioned at a compass location of approximately 90° where the handle


12


is downward for right handed operation.

FIG. 11

represents the handle


12


positioned in the first position


140


relative to the base


14


. In this configuration the stop


44


is proximate to the index pin


28


here the first end


46


is positioned above the second end


48


. Opposite to the stop


44


is preferably located the rotation limiter


58


where the fourth end


62


of the rotation limiter


58


is above the third end


60


. The protruding positioning member


80


is disposed between the first end


46


and the fourth end


62


. It should be noted that the fifth end


82


of the positioning member


80


is proximate to the fourth end


62


of the rotation limiter and the sixth end


84


of the positioning member


82


is proximate to the first end


46


of the stop


44


. Upon the retraction of the locking barrier


92


within the lock cavity


90


, rotation of the handle


12


relative to the base


14


may occur as indicated by directional arrow


146


.




The rotation of the handle


12


upwardly from vertical to the right from the first position


140


to the perpendicular horizontal second position


142


preferably in turn releases the latch


66


from the latch receiver


68


permitting the thermally insulated door to be opened relative to a door frame of a refrigerated compartment. Upon acquisition of the second position


142


the relative locations of the stop


44


, rotation limiter


58


and protruding positioning member


80


are depicted in FIG.


12


. In this configuration the third end


60


of the rotation limiter


58


is adjacent to the second end


48


of the stop


44


. In addition, the fifth end


82


of the positioning member


80


is adjacent to the fourth end


62


of the rotation limiter


58


. Further, an opening has been established within the working channel


34


between the sixth end


84


of the positioning member


80


and the first end


46


of the stop


44


.




It should therefore be noted that the handle and lock


10


as illustrated and described herein may be easily adaptable for either right handed or left handed use dependent upon the positioning of the index pin


28


relative to the exterior surface of a thermally insulated door for a ventilation and/or refrigeration compartment. An individual may easily position the index pin at either the 90° or 270° direction relative to the exterior of a thermally insulated door to enable right handed or left handed operation of the handle


12


at the discretion of an individual.




The above Examples and disclosure are intended to be illustrative and not exhaustive. These examples and description will suggest many variations and alternatives to one of ordinary skill in this art. All these alternatives and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the attached claims. Those familiar with the art may recognize other equivalents to the specific embodiments described herein which equivalents are also intended to be encompassed by the claims attached hereto.



Claims
  • 1. A latch assembly adapted for attachment to a door in a door frame, the latch assembly comprising:a) a base having a recessed working channel, an aperture, and a stop positioned in the working channel; b) a shaft extending through the aperture, said shaft having a nut cap end and a rotational limiter, said rotational limiter being positioned in said working channel; and c) a handle fixed to the shaft whereby the handle and shaft are at least partially rotatable with respect to the base between a first position and a second position, the handle having a head portion connecting to the shaft, a grasping portion extending from the head portion, the head portion configured for engagement with the base portion the head portion including a nut receiving area and a protruding positioning member, the nut receiving area adapted for positioning over the nut cap end, the protruding positioning member adapted for positioning in said working channel.
  • 2. The latch assembly of claim 1, said stop comprising a first end and a second end wherein the stop is fixedly positioned within said working channel.
  • 3. The latch assembly of claim 2, said base further comprising a support stem positioned in said aperture, said support stem adapted for engagement to said shaft.
  • 4. The latch assembly of claim 3, wherein said stop is arcuate in shape.
  • 5. The latch assembly of claim 4, said base further comprising an index pin extending from said base.
  • 6. The latch assembly of claim 5, said base comprising a mounting face having a gasket adapted for sealing engagement to a door.
  • 7. The latch assembly of claim 6, wherein said shaft is rotatably engaged to said support stem.
  • 8. The latch assembly of claim 7, wherein said rotational limiter is integral to said nut cap end.
  • 9. The latch assembly of claim 8, said rotational limiter comprising a third end and a fourth end, said fourth end being adapted to engage said first end of said stop during rotation of said handle from said first position to said second position.
  • 10. The latch assembly of claim 1, wherein said stop and said rotational limiter are disposed at substantially opposite locations within said working channel.
  • 11. The latch assembly of claim 10, wherein said protruding positioning member is arcuate in shape.
  • 12. The latch assembly according to claim 11, said protruding positioning member comprising a fifth end and a sixth end.
  • 13. The latch assembly according to claim 12, wherein said protruding positioning member is disposed in said working channel between said stop and said rotational limiter, said fifth end adapted to engage said second end and said sixth end adapted to engage said third end when said handle is at said first position.
  • 14. The latch assembly according to claim 13, wherein said fifth end engages said second end and said fourth end engages said first end when said handle is at said second position.
  • 15. The latch assembly according to claim 14, said handle further comprising a lock bore through said head portion proximate to said aperture.
  • 16. The latch assembly according to claim 15, said handle further comprising a base engagement face and a cavity extending through said base engagement face.
  • 17. The latch assembly according to claim 16, wherein said protruding positioning member is adapted for positioning in said working channel between said second end and said third end.
  • 18. The latch assembly according to claim 17, further comprising a fastener passing through said aperture for engagement to said shaft for attachment of said handle to said shaft and rotational engagement of said handle and said shaft to said base.
  • 19. The latch assembly according to claim 18, further comprising an escutcheon engaged to said shaft.
  • 20. The latch assembly according to claim 19, said escutcheon comprising; a plurality of graspers adapted to engage said shaft.
  • 21. The latch assembly according to claim 20, further comprising a lock disposed in said lock bore.
  • 22. The latch assembly according to claim 21, said lock comprising a locking cylinder having a shaft having an actuator; and a locking barrier having an acceptor said acceptor adapted for engagement to said actuator, said locking barrier positioned in said lock cavity wherein said locking barrier is movable out of said lock cavity and into said working channel when said handle is in said first position.
  • 23. The latch assembly according to claim 22, the handle comprising a loop adapted for receiving a padlock.
  • 24. The latch assembly of claim 23, wherein the base further comprises an index pin, the index pin projecting into the surface of a door to prevent rotation of the base relative to the door.
US Referenced Citations (37)
Number Name Date Kind
1812334 Gloekler Jun 1931 A
2160611 Alexander May 1939 A
2707121 Behnke Apr 1955 A
2851871 Newell Sep 1958 A
2949328 Kaiser Aug 1960 A
3159994 Schulz Dec 1964 A
4583775 Bisbing Apr 1986 A
4732418 Crown et al. Mar 1988 A
4763935 Bisbing Aug 1988 A
5172944 Munich et al. Dec 1992 A
5184853 Whatley Feb 1993 A
D343347 Lau et al. Jan 1994 S
5292189 Lau et al. Mar 1994 A
5299597 Fort et al. Apr 1994 A
5390517 Ymada Feb 1995 A
D360345 Swan et al. Jul 1995 S
5469725 Yamada Nov 1995 A
5481889 Richard et al. Jan 1996 A
5509703 Lau et al. Apr 1996 A
D371300 Mordick Jul 1996 S
5582042 Mordick Dec 1996 A
5630632 Swan May 1997 A
5634357 Nutter et al. Jun 1997 A
5642909 Swan et al. Jul 1997 A
5664448 Swan et al. Sep 1997 A
5666695 Jergers et al. Sep 1997 A
D385768 Nutter et al. Nov 1997 S
5683005 Mordick Nov 1997 A
5704100 Swan Jan 1998 A
D391143 Jancsek Feb 1998 S
5722121 Lau et al. Mar 1998 A
D396397 Swan Jul 1998 S
D400076 Jancsek et al. Oct 1998 S
5862690 Jancek Jan 1999 A
5879035 Jancsek et al. Mar 1999 A
D411433 Swan et al. Jun 1999 S
6068308 Molzer May 2000 A