Device for connecting a handle to a door or window wing and method for installing a handle using said device

Abstract

 A device (1) for connecting a handle (27) to a door or window wing (4) comprises a support element (2) consisting of a fixed portion (3) and a movable portion (5) rotatably engaged with each other. The support element (2) can be rigidly fixed onto a door or window wing (4) by threaded fixing elements (14) and centering blocks (12). The handle (27) can be inserted into a through aperture (10, 15) of the support element (2) to engage a movable portion (5) of the support element (2) in such a manner as to rotate rigidly with the movable portion. The device (1) also comprises a snap-locking system which fixes the handle (27) to the support element (2) as a result of its insertion into this latter. A finishing element (24) can also be associated with the support element (2).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for connecting a handle to a door or window wing, having the characteristics defined in the introduction to claim 1. The invention also relates to a method for installing a handle on a door or window wing.

[0002] Handles to be installed on doors or windows are generally provided in association with a connection device enabling them to be fixed to the door or window wing.

[0003] A connection device of known type comprises a support element rotatably engaged on an end portion of the handle and provided with centering blocks to be inserted into respective centering seats formed in the door or window wing. Threaded fixing elements engaged through said blocks then fix the support element to the wing.

[0004] The support element incorporates an elastic return device acting on the handle to return this to a rest position following its operation.

[0005] An aesthetic finishing element commonly known in the sector as a "rosette" can also be removably applied to the support element. The aesthetic finishing element is generally directly screwed onto the support element after the connection device, together with the handle, have been fixed to the wing.

[0006] The aforedescribed connection device is very bulky in relation to its packaging, being necessarily combined with the handle.

[0007] Handles provided with such devices are also difficult to install. In this respect, during installation the operator has to rotate the handle and maintain it in a position enabling a screwdriver to gain access to screw the threaded fixing elements down, while the elastic means tend to return the handle to its rest position.

[0008] Moreover, the concept of a handle permanently combined with its connection device limits the dimensions and shape of the handle itself in that, in order to mount the aesthetic finishing element on the device support element, the aesthetic finishing element has to be slid along the body of the handle until it reaches the support element. Consequently the handle cannot have dimensions greater than the central aperture in the finishing element.

[0009] In an attempt to obviate the aforesaid problems, connection devices have been proposed in which the aesthetic finishing element is permanently engaged with the handle and is combined with the elastic return device for returning the handle to its rest position following its operation.

[0010] To fix the handle to the wing there is also available a plate-like support element presenting centering blocks to be fitted into respective seats provided in the wing and engage respective threaded fixing elements.

[0011] The plate-like support element is also provided with elastic locking elements which snap-insert into the finishing element when this is thrust against the support element.

[0012] Although this is the most practical in relation to the mounting of the handle on the wing, even this device has certain drawbacks in terms of its bulk for packaging, transport and storage purposes, as it is permanently combined with the handle.

[0013] This device is also of relatively high production cost, mainly related to the plate-like support element.

[0014] Moreover this device does not provide for any interchangeability of the aesthetic finishing element as this is permanently associated with the handle.

[0015] A further known connection device, produced by the same applicant, comprises overall a main support element combined with an elastic return device for returning the handle into a rest position, and an auxiliary support element to be engaged on the main support element and removably carrying an aesthetic finishing element.

[0016] In greater detail, when the main support element and the auxiliary support element are fitted together they form a support block which is fixed to the wing by threaded elements. The handle is inserted via its end portion through an aperture provided through the main and auxiliary support elements, to operationally engage the elastic return device. The handle end portion which engages the elastic return device is slid along a bar of square cross-section projecting from the wing for the purpose of operating the lock controlled by the handle. The handle is fixed by a threaded grub screw acting on the bar of square cross-section.

[0017] It is difficult to fix the handle to the square operating bar because during its fixing the operator is compelled to maintain the bar in a stable position while at the same time locking the handle by screwing in the locking grub screw.

[0018] Moreover, during the fixing, special care has to be taken to maintain the handle thrust against the support element, to prevent annoying mechanical slackness resulting.

[0019] It should also be noted that the presence of an intermediate element, namely the auxiliary support element, interposed between the support element and the finishing element, considerably increases the construction cost of the connection device.

[0020] The main object of the present invention is to solve the problems of the known art by providing a connection device which is easier to mount, is of lower production cost and of smaller overall size for packaging, in addition to offering wide freedom of choice in the appearance of the handle and finishing element.

[0021] This and further objects, which will be more apparent in the course of the present description, are substantially attained by a device for connecting a handle to a door or window wing having the characteristics defined in the characterising part of claim 1.

[0022] To attain said objects, the invention also proposes a new method for installing a handle on a door or window wing, having the characteristics defined in claim 11.

[0023] Further characteristics and advantages will be more apparent from the detailed description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of a device for connecting a handle, and a method for installing this handle on the wing, in accordance with the present invention. The ensuing description is given with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are provided by way of non-limiting example, and in which:

Figure 1 is a diametrical section through a device of the present invention taken on the line I-I of Figure 2;

Figure 2 is a front view of the device of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is an enlarged representation of a detail of the device of Figure 1.

[0024] With reference to the said figures, the reference numeral 1 indicates overall a device for connecting a handle to a door or window wing in accordance with the present invention.

[0025] The device 1 comprises at least one support element 2 presenting a fixed portion 3 to be engaged with a door or window wing 4 and a movable portion 5 rotatably engaged with the fixed portion 3.

[0026] More specifically, the fixed portion 3 is substantially of disc shape and comprises a central region 8 and a peripheral region 9 circumscribing the central region 8. In the central region 8 there are concentrically provided a first through aperture 10 and a circular housing seat 11 for rotatable engagement by the movable portion 5.

[0027] Substantially cylindrical centering blocks 12 project from the peripheral region 9 preferably in diametrically opposite positions.

[0028] Each centering block 12 presents a through longitudinal hole 13 engagable by a respective threaded element 14 for fixing the support element 2 against the wing 4.

[0029] The movable portion 5, substantially of disc shape is rotatably inserted in the housing seat 11 and presents centrally a second through aperture 15, perimetrally bounded by an inner circumferential wall 16.

[0030] As can be seen from Figure 1, the inner circumferential wall 16 extends through the first through aperture 10 of the fixed portion 3 and presents a terminal edge 17 bent outwards to define first locking means 6 operating between the fixed portion 3 and the movable portion 5 to maintain these latter axially joined together. The bent terminal edge 17 in fact constrains the movable portion 5 to the fixed portion 3 such as to allow only relative rotations between the fixed portion 3 and the movable portion 5 about the axis of the through apertures 10, 15.

[0031] The movable portion also presents an outer perimetral wall 18 extending concentrically to the circumferentially inner wall 16. The outer circumferential wall 18 extends through only a circular arc of the entire outer circumferential extension of the movable portion 5, to consequently define a first active edge 18 and a second active edge 20 interacting with elastic return means 7 to counteract, at least in one direction, the rotations of the movable portion 5. In greater detail, the elastic return means 7 preferably consist of a torsional spring 21 extending about the first through aperture 10 of the fixed portion 3. The torsional spring 21 is maintained constantly preloaded by a pair of shoulders 22 provided in the fixed portion 3 and projecting into the circular housing seat 11 towards the movable portion 5.

[0032] Again with reference to the sectional view of Figure 1, engagement elements 23 extend from the peripheral region 9 of the fixed portion 3 in the opposite direction to the direction in which the centering blocks 12 extend in order to provide direct engagement, ie without the presence of any intermediate element, between the support element 2 and a finishing element 24 represented by dashed lines. The engagement elements 23 are circumferentially distributed at an outer circumferential seat of the peripheral region 9 and act by interference against a wall of the finishing element 24 in order to maintain this latter rigidly engaged with the support. The device 1 also comprises coupling means 25 operationally associated (or rigid) with the movable portion 5 of the support 2 and engagable with a terminal portion 26 of a gripping handle 27 (shown by dashed lines in Figure 1) to maintain this latter rotationally rigid with the movable portion 5. More precisely, the coupling means 25 are defined by a pair of lugs 28a projecting from the inner circumferential wall 16 of the movable portion 5 towards the centre of the through apertures 10, 15, to slidingly engage in respective seats provided in the terminal portion 26 of the handle 27 when this latter is associated with the support element 2.

[0033] The device 1 also comprises second locking means 28 associated with the movable portion 5 of the support element 2 and arranged to engage the terminal portion 26 of the handle 27 and maintain this latter axially fixed to the support element.

[0034] In the illustrated embodiment, the second locking means 28 comprise at least one substantially disc-shaped insert 29 fixed to the movable portion 5 of the support element 2. The insert 29 presents at least one coupling portion 30 arranged to snap-engage a respective coupling seat 31 consisting for example of a circular groove provided in the terminal portion 26 of the handle 27.

[0035] As shown in the accompanying figures, the insert 29 presents four coupling portions 30 extending radially from the insert towards the centre of the through apertures 10, 15. Each coupling portion 30 presents an active edge having at least one part 32 of substantially rounded profile and at least one part 33 of substantially rectilinear profile following the rounded part 32 (Figure 3). The rounded part 32 of each coupling portion 30 facilitates its insertion whereas the rectilinear part 33 interacts with the counteracting edge 34 of the coupling seat 31 to maintain the insert 29 and handle 27 joined together.

[0036] Advantageously, the insert 29 presents internally a cylindrical collar 35 in which a circumferential notch 36 is provided preferably having a V-shaped profile which defines in the collar one or more elastically yieldable portions 36a carrying at their ends the coupling portions 30. The portions 36a extend in a direction substantially parallel to the geometrical axis of the through apertures 10, 15, to thus be elastically yieldable in a radial direction to facilitate radial contraction of the coupling portions 30 during insertion of the terminal portion 26 of the handle 27.

[0037] With reference to the accompanying figures, the insert 29 and the movable portion 5 of the support element 2 have been shown as separate elements. It should however be noted that in another embodiment, not shown, the coupling portions 30 are formed in one piece with the movable portion 5, in the absence of any insert 29.

[0038] When the device 1 is to be applied to the wing 4, the support element 2 is firstly centered by inserting the centering blocks 12 of the fixed portion 3 into the centering seats provided in the wing 4. The threaded fixing elements 14 are then inserted through the through holes 13 of the centering block 12 and screwed into the wing, to fix the support element 2 against this latter. The finishing element 24 is then rigidly applied by pressing it onto the support element 2, after which the terminal portion of the handle 27 is inserted into the through apertures 10, 15 and pushed towards the wing. In this situation, the coupling portions 30 of the insert 29 snap into the coupling seat 31 to lock the handle 27 against the support element 2.

[0039] In this situation, the terminal portion 26 of the handle 27 is advantageously able to interact, via a shoulder 27a thereof, with the second locking means 28 to axially retain the finishing element 24 engaged on the support element 2.

[0040] The present invention attains the stated objects.

[0041] Firstly, the device is practical and easy to mount in that the operator has merely to fix the support element by screwing it to the door or window wing and lock the handle onto the support element by a simple thrust action. Once the handle has been fixed on the support element it is simple for the operator to screw the threaded grub screw to fix the bar of square cross-section usually provided for operating the lock controlled by the handle.

[0042] It should also be considered that providing a connection device separate from the handle allows considerable reduction in overall dimensions, especially in relation to the packaging of these elements.

[0043] Moreover, the device conceived in this manner has the advantage of enabling different finishing elements to be mounted at choice, hence allowing easy interchangeability. Most importantly, as the finishing element and handle are mounted on the support element without mutual interference, the handle can be produced in any desired shape and size.

[0044] It should also be noted that the device of the present invention is of lower production cost than known devices. In this respect, the device does not use auxiliary support elements for associating the handle with the wing or for associating a finishing element with the handle. Instead, the handle can be fixed to the wing and the finishing element to the handle by means of a single support element.

Claims

1. A device for connection a handle to a door or window wing comprising:

- at least one support element (2) presenting a fixed portion (3) engagable with a door or window wing (4) and a movable portion (5) rotatably engaged with said fixed portion;

- first locking means (6) operating between said fixed portion (3) and said movable portion (5) of the support element to maintain these latter joined together axially;

- elastic return means (7) operationally engaged with the support element (2) between said fixed portion and said movable portion to oppose at least in one direction the rotations of said movable portion;

- coupling means (25) associated with the movable portion (5) of the support element to engage it with the terminal portion of a handle (27) in a manner rotationally rigid therewith; characterised by further comprising second locking means (28) carried by the movable portion (5) of the support element and engagable with said terminal portion of the handle (27) to maintain this latter axially fixed relative to the support element (2).

2. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support element (2) is arranged to engage a finishing element (24) in the absence of any intermediate element.

3. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said support element (2) presents at least one engagement portion (23) arranged to interact against at least one wall of a finishing element (24) to maintain this latter joined to the support element.

4. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second locking means (28) comprise at least one coupling portion (30) arranged to snap-engage a respective coupling seat (31) provided in the terminal portion of the handle (27).

5. A device as claimed in claim 4, wherein said coupling portion (30) projects radially towards the interior of a through aperture (10, 15) arranged in the support element (20) to coaxially engage the terminal portion of the handle (27).

6. A device as claimed in claim 5, wherein, when viewed in diametrical section, said coupling portion (30) presents an active edge having at least one part of substantially rounded profile (32) and at least one part, consecutive to said rounded part, of substantially rectilinear profile (33), said rectilinear part of the active edge interacting with a counteracting edge (34) of said coupling seat (31).

7. A device as claimed in claim 4, wherein said coupling portion (30) is circumscribed by a notch (36) of substantially V-shaped profile, defining at least one portion elastically yieldable in a substantially radial direction.

8. A device as claimed in claim 4, wherein said coupling portion (30) and said movable portion (5) of the support element (2) are formed in one piece.

9. A device as claimed in claim 4, wherein said coupling portion (30) is provided on an insert (29) fixed to the movable portion (5) of the support element (2).

10. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second locking means (28) are arranged to interact with a shoulder provided on the handle (27) to axially retain a finishing element engaged on said support element.

11. A method for installing a handle on a door or window wing comprising the following steps:

- fixing on a door or window wing a support element combined with elastic return means for opposing at least in one direction the rotations of a handle to be engaged with said support element;

- rigidly engaging said handle with said support element by the action of axially inserting a terminal portion of the handle into the support element.

12. A method as claimed in claim 11, wherein simultaneously with said action of insertion, the handle becomes axially locked to the support element by the action of at least one coupling portion snap-engaging into a coupling seat provided in the terminal portion of the handle.

13. A method as claimed in claim 11, wherein before implementing the step of engaging the handle, a step is implemented in which at least one finishing element is mounted on said support element.

Drawing