Patent Application
20150240530
The present disclosure generally relates to a lever handing apparatus for a lever handle connected to a lock and escutcheon assembly, and more specifically to a lever handing apparatus configured to permit selectively pivoting of the lever handle for operation with either a left handed or right handed opening door.
Lever handles for lock and escutcheon assemblies can be repositionable approximately 180 degrees apart depending on whether the handle will be used on a door that opens from the left hand side or a door that opens from the right hand side. Typically lever handles are changed between right hand and left hand orientations by removing and reorienting portions of a handle assembly and/or opening the escutcheon trim assembly to gain access to adjustable internal components. This can be both time consuming and cumbersome for the lock installer. Accordingly there remains a need for further contributions in this area of technology.
One embodiment of the present disclosure includes a lever handing apparatus for changing the handing of a lever handle connected with a lock and escutcheon assembly to selectively operate with either right hand or left hand opening doors. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for the same. Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, and advantages of the present application shall become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith.
The description herein makes reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and wherein:
For purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.
Referring now to
The outer trim assembly 50 can include a lock mechanism 90 that is operable to lock and unlock the door 20. An outer lever 92 can be connected to a lever handing apparatus 100 to permit handing changes for left and right handed opening door. The handing apparatus 100 can be operably connected to the locking mechanism 90, the latch assembly 40 and the inner trim assembly 30. The locking mechanism 90 can include mechanical locking mechanisms as well as electronic mechanisms including electronic controllers as is known to those skilled in the art. A manual override mechanism can include a key 94 to unlock the lock mechanism 10 as is conventional. Material selection for components in the lock assembly 10 can include metals, plastics, composites and combinations thereof to meet design criteria for a particular application.
Referring now to
One or more abutments such as protruding portions or dimples 120 can be formed on the outer rim 112 of the escutcheon housing 110 that protrude radially inward from the outer rim 112 and can be positioned approximately 180 degrees apart from one another. The dimples or protrusions 120 are configured to permit selective change of orientation of the outer lever 92 between left hand and right hand opening doors. A spindle aperture 130 having a substantially circular shape can be formed through the front wall 111 of the outer escutcheon housing 110. The spindle aperture 130 can include a spindle support wall 132 having an inner surface and an outer surface 133, 135 respectively that extends inward from the front wall 111.
A spring cage housing 140 can include a spring cage wall 150 extending radially outward to a spring cage outer rim 152. The spring cage rim 152 can include one or more recessed portions 154 that are complementary with the one or more dimples 120 formed in the outer escutcheon housing 110. The recessed portions 154 of the spring cage rim 152 are complimentary to the dimples 120 of the outer escutcheon housing 110 in that a recessed portion 154 can be nested in a first axial position with a corresponding dimple 120 when each pair are circumferential alignment. In the first axial position, the dimple 120 will prevent the spring cage housing 140 from rotating relative to the outer escutcheon housing 110. When the recessed portion 154 is moved to a second axial position that is not axially aligned (i.e. un-nested) the spring cage housing 140 can be rotated relative to the outer escutcheon housing 110 and thus permit a change of orientation of the outer lever 92 as will be explained in more detail below.
The spring cage housing 140 can also include one or more optional posts 156 that extend from the spring cage wall 150. In some embodiments the optional posts 156 can be eliminated from the assembly. A lever spindle 160 can be rotatably coupled with the spring cage housing 140 such that in one configuration the lever spindle 160 and the spring cage housing 140 rotate together and in another configuration the lever spindle 160 can rotate independently of the spring cage housing 140. A shaft 162 extending from a body portion 164 of the lever spindle 160 can be inserted through an aperture 151 (see
A resilient member such as a handing spring 170 can be positioned about the spindle support wall 132 of the outer escutcheon housing 110 and can engage with the spring cage housing 140 so as to urge separation between the front wall 111 of the outer escutcheon housing 110 and the spring cage housing 140. The handing spring 170 can be defined by any resilient member or configuration as desired, such as leaf springs or others known to those skilled in the art, but in the exemplary embodiment a coil spring is depicted for illustrative purposes. The handing spring 170 is operable to urge the spring cage housing toward the first axial position such that the spring cage housing 140 is circumferentially locked (non-rotatable) with respect to the outer escutcheon housing 110.
A PCB assembly 180 that includes electronic circuits and components for electronic locks can be positioned within the PCB holding region 118 of the outer escutcheon housing 110. An RF (Radio Frequency) window cover 190 can be used to cover the PCB holding region 118 on one side of the outer escutcheon housing 110. The RF window is operable to permit RF signals to be transmitted from a transmitter such as a proximity card and the like through the RF window cover to a receiver (not illustrated) connected with the PCB assembly 180. The RF window cover 190 can include a connector tab 192 with a through hole 194 configured to engage with the threaded receiver 114 of the outer escutcheon housing 110. A threaded fastener (not shown) can be used to selectively couple the RF window cover 190 to the outer escutcheon housing 110 as is conventional.
A back plate 200 can be connected to the outer escutcheon housing 110 through one or more threaded fasteners, clips, or other mechanical connections that although not shown are well known to those skilled in the art. The back plate 200 is configured to enclose the spring cage housing 140, lever spindle 160, the handing spring 170 as well as other components within the outer escutcheon housing 110. The back plate 200 can include an opening with an inner boundary 202 in some embodiments to permit access to components enclosed by the outer escutcheon housing 110. In other embodiments the back plate 200 may be substantially or completely solid or have a different opening to that shown in
The outer lever 92 can include a lever arm 210 that extends from a spindle receiving portion 212. The lever arm 210 can be generally oriented to extend in one direction for a left hand opening door and in the opposite direction approximately 180 degrees apart for a right hand opening door. In the illustrated configuration the lever arm 210 is pointed towards the left when viewing the apparatus from a forward looking aft position. The spindle receiving portion 212 can be configured to couple with the lever connecting portion 166 of the lever spindle 160. In one form, the spindle receiving portion 212 can be inserted around the lever spindle shaft 162 after the lever spindle 160 is positioned through the spindle aperture 130 of the outer escutcheon housing 110. Other forms of coupling the spindle receiving portion 212 of the outer lever 92 with the lever connecting portion 166 of the lever spindle 160 are contemplated by the present disclosure.
The spindle support wall 132 of the spindle aperture 130 in the outer escutcheon housing 110 is configured to support both axial movement and rotational movement of the shaft 162 of the lever spindle 160 such that the spring cage housing 140 can move in axial and rotational directions to implement a change in lever handing orientation as well as opening a latch 80. In some forms, the inner surface 133 can include a bearing surface to support the lever spindle 160 and spring cage housing 140. In other embodiments the outer surface 135 of the spindle support wall 132 can include a bearing surface to support the spring cage housing 140.
Referring now to
The lever handing of the lever 92 (shown in
Referring now
As with other embodiments, one or more posts 156 can be connected to the spring cage housing 140 and project toward the back plate 200 such that each post is radially inward and substantially circumferentially aligned with a corresponding tab 500. The substantially U-shaped clip 520 can include a pair of opposing legs 522 and 524 extending from a base portion 526. The U-shaped clip 520 can be formed from a resilient material such as plastic, metal or composite to name just a few non-limiting examples. Other features such a specific shapes, curves and angular portions can be formed on the U-shaped clip to selectively facilitate a locked connection between the posts 156 of the spring cage housing 140 and the tabs 500 of the back plate 200 as one skilled in the art would readily understand. When the U-shaped clip 520 is positioned such that the base 526 is installed around a corresponding post 156 and the opposing legs 522, 524 extend across a corresponding tab 500 as shown in
The lever handing apparatus 100d can change handing orientation of the lever arm 210 when the U-shaped clips 520 are removed from and installed condition. The U-shaped clips 520 can be removed by defecting the legs 522, 524 apart from one another and sliding the base 526 away from the post 156. In some configurations a specialized tool may be used to remove the U-shaped clips 520, however in other embodiments the U-shaped clips 520 may be removed without the aid of any tool. When the substantially U-shaped clips 520 are removed, the spring cage housing 140 can be rotated 180 degrees to change the lever handing orientation. The U-shaped clips 520 can then be reinstalled to prevent further rotation of the spring cage housing 140 relative to the outer escutcheon housing 110 when the lever handle 92 is rotated.
In operation, the lever 92 can be handed (changed between left hand and right hand configurations) in a simplified manner with the lever handing apparatus 100 of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the lever handle 92 can be pulled outward from a first axial position to a second axial position by a user and then the handle can be rotated or pivoted approximately 180 degrees to change the handle orientation. When the lever handle 92 is pulled outward relative to the door 20, a mechanical abutment between the spring cage housing 140 and the outer escutcheon housing 110 is moved out of circumferential engagement so as to permit rotation of the spring cage housing 140 relative to the escutcheon housing 110. After the spring cage housing 140 has been rotated to a desired position, the handle can be released and the spring member 170 will urge the spring cage housing 140 back to the original first axial position. In the first position, the abutment between the spring cage housing 140 and the escutcheon housing 110 is once again axially positioned to prevent further relative rotation therebetween. Because the lever handle 92 is coupled to the spring cage housing 140, the handle will be repositioned to a left hand or right hand orientation when the spring cage housing 140 has been rotated 180 degrees.
In another embodiment, a removable clip such as a substantially U-shaped clip can circumferentially lock the spring cage housing 140 to the escutcheon housing 110. When the U-shaped clip is removed, the spring cage housing 140 can be rotated 180 degrees to permit a handing change of the lever 92. After the lever 92 has been repositioned, the U-shaped clip can be reinstalled to prevent further relative rotation between the spring cage housing 140 and the escutcheon housing 110. While a U-shaped clip has been illustrated in the disclosed embodiments, it should be understood that other types of fasteners or pins for relative circumferential constraint between the spring cage housing 140 and the escutcheon housing 110 could be used as one skilled in the art would readily understand.
In yet another embodiment, one or more threaded fasteners 156 can extend through the back plate 200 and threadingly engage with the spring cage housing 140 to prevent circumferential movement or rotation relative to the escutcheon housing 110. When the one or more fasteners are removed, the spring cage housing 140 can be rotated 180 degrees to change the lever handing and the threaded fastener(s) 156 can then be reinserted to prevent further relative rotation of the spring cage housing 140.
In one aspect the present disclosure includes a lever handing apparatus comprising: a spring cage housing having a first wall with a through aperture formed therein and an outer rim extending from the first wall; a lever spindle having a body portion with a shaft extending therefrom being positionable through the aperture of the spring cage wall; an escutcheon housing with a front wall extending to a perimeter wall formed around the front wall; an aperture formed through the front wall of the escutcheon housing for receiving a portion of the lever spindle shaft therethrough; a resilient member positioned between the spring cage housing and the escutcheon housing; and wherein the spring cage housing selectively rotatable and movable in an axial direction between a first position and a second position relative to the escutcheon housing.
Refining aspects include a back plate connectable to the escutcheon housing configured to enclose the spring cage housing, the lever spindle and the resilient member therebetween; a lever handle connectable to the lever spindle; wherein the lever spindle is rotatable relative to the spring cage housing; wherein the escutcheon housing includes at least one abutment protruding radially inward from the perimeter wall; wherein the outer rim of the spring cage housing includes at least one recessed portion protruding radially inward and complementary to the at least one abutment of the perimeter wall of the escutcheon housing; wherein the resilient member is operable to urge the spring cage housing into the first position to axially align the at least one recessed portion of the outer rim with the at least one abutment of the perimeter wall; wherein the spring cage housing is prevented from rotating relative to the escutcheon housing in the first position; wherein the at least one recessed portion of the spring cage housing and the at least one abutment of the escutcheon housing are not axially aligned such that the spring cage housing is rotatable relative to the escutcheon housing when the spring cage housing is in the second position; wherein a lever handing is changeable between a left hand and right hand orientation by rotating the spring cage housing approximately 180 degrees when the spring cage housing is in the second position; wherein a force transmitted through the lever spindle urges movement of the spring cage housing toward the second position; wherein at least one pin extending from the spring cage housing toward the back plate; wherein the at least one pin slidingly engages the back plate when the spring cage housing is in the first position and is disengaged from the back plate in the second position; and wherein the engaged pin in the first position prevents rotation of the spring cage housing relative to the escutcheon housing.
Another aspect of the present disclosure includes a lever handing apparatus comprising: a spring cage housing having a first wall with a through aperture formed therein and an outer rim extending from the first wall; a lever spindle having a body portion with a shaft extending therefrom being positionable through the aperture of the spring cage wall; an escutcheon housing with a front wall extending to a perimeter wall formed around the front wall; an aperture formed through the front wall of the escutcheon housing for receiving a portion of the lever spindle shaft therethrough; a back plate having one or more through apertures being connectable to the escutcheon housing; and wherein the spring cage housing is selectively locked to the back plate and is rotatable relative to the escutcheon housing when unlocked.
Another refining aspect includes at least one post projecting from the spring cage housing toward the back plate; at least one tab projecting radially inward from an inner perimeter wall of the back plate; at least one substantially U-shaped clip configured to lock the at least one post and the at least one tab together to prevent rotation of the spring cage housing relative to the escutcheon housing; wherein the spring cage housing is rotatable relative to the escutcheon housing to permit change of lever handing orientation when unlocked; and a resilient member engaged with the spring cage housing.
Another aspect of the present disclosure includes a lever handing apparatus comprising: a spring cage housing having a first wall with a through aperture formed therein and an outer rim extending from the first wall; a lever spindle having a body portion with a shaft extending therefrom being positionable through the aperture of the spring cage wall; an escutcheon housing with a front wall extending to a perimeter wall formed around the front wall; an aperture formed through the front wall of the escutcheon housing for receiving a portion of the lever spindle shaft therethrough; a back plate connectable to the escutcheon housing; and at least one threaded fastener extendable through the back plate to threadingly engage with the spring cage housing and rotatably lock the spring cage housing relative to the escutcheon housing.
Another refining aspect includes an apparatus wherein the spring cage housing is rotatable to change the lever handing between a left hand orientation and a right hand orientation when the at least one threaded fastener is removed.
Another aspect of the present disclosure includes a method comprising: gripping a lever handle; pulling the lever handle in first axial direction along an axis of rotation; moving a spring cage housing in the first axial direction from a first position to a second position with respect to an escutcheon housing in response to the pulling; rotating the lever handle approximately 180 degrees to change a lever handing orientation; urging the spring cage to move in a second axial direction from the second position to the first position; and locking the spring cage housing with respect to the escutcheon housing with an abutment to prevent relative rotation between the spring cage housing and the escutcheon housing.
Another refining aspect includes a method wherein the locking includes at least one recessed portion projecting radially inward from an outer rim of the spring cage housing and at least one protrusion projecting radially inward from the perimeter wall of the escutcheon housing; and wherein the locking includes at least one pin projecting from the spring cage assembly to selectively engage with a back plate coupled with the escutcheon housing.
It should be understood that the component and assembly configurations of the present disclosure can be varied according to specific design requirements and need not conform to the general shape, size, connecting means or general configuration shown in the illustrative drawings to fall within the scope and teachings of this patent application.
While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiment(s), but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims, which scope is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures as permitted under the law. Furthermore it should be understood that while the use of the word preferable, preferably, or preferred in the description above indicates that feature so described may be more desirable, it nonetheless may not be necessary and any embodiment lacking the same may be contemplated as within the scope of the invention, that scope being defined by the claims that follow. In reading the claims it is intended that when words such as “a,” “an,” “at least one” and “at least a portion” are used, there is no intention to limit the claim to only one item unless specifically stated to the contrary in the claim. Further, when the language “at least a portion” and/or “a portion” is used the item may include a portion and/or the entire item unless specifically stated to the contrary.
