Latching mechanism

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of latching mechanisms, and particularly to the field of remote latching mechanisms.

2. Brief Description of Prior Art

[0002] Many types of remote latching mechanisms are known and used in the art. A remote latching mechanism, as the term is used herein, is a latching mechanism in which the latching action of the mechanism occurs at a location remote from the latch actuator part of the mechanism.

[0003] DE-A-17 08 152 discloses a latching mechanism according to the preamble of claim 1.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention provides a latching mechanism as defined in Claim 1.

[0005] The mechanism may include factors of any one or more of dependent Claims 2 to 17.

[0006] The present invention is directed towards actuator devices for use in latching mechanisms; for example a remote latching mechanism.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] 

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a handle assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view thereof.

Fig. 3 is a left side elevational view thereof.

Fig. 4 is a rear elevational view thereof.

Fig. 5 is a top plan view thereof.

Fig. 6 is a front elevational view thereof.

Fig. 7 is a right side elevational view thereof.

Fig. 8 is a bottom plan view thereof.

Fig. 9 is a top plan view of a housing in accordance with the handle assembly of Fig. 1.

Fig. 10 is a front elevational view of the housing in Fig. 9.

Fig. 11 is a right side elevational view of the housing in Fig. 9, the left side being a mirror. image.

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the housing in Fig. 9.

Fig. 13 is a bottom plan view of a handle in accordance with the handle assembly of Fig. 1.

Fig. 14 is a front elevational view of the handle in Fig. 13.

Fig. 15 is a left side elevational view of the handle in Fig. 13, the right side being a mirror image.

Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the handle in Fig. 13.

Figs. 17-26 are views of a pawl lock of the handle assembly of Fig. 1.

Figs. 27-35 are views of a slide of a handle assembly of Fig. 1.

Figs. 36-42 are views of a cage of a handle assembly of Fig. 1.

Figs. 43-47 are views of a crank of a handle assembly of Fig. 1.

Figs. 48-51 are views of a bracket of a handle assembly of Fig. 1.

Figs. 53-55 are views of another embodiment of a slide of Figs. 27-35.

Figs. 56 and 57 are a top view and a sectional view of the handle assembly of Fig. 1 with the handle in a closed position.

Figs. 58 and 59 are a top view and a sectional view taken along the line AA of Fig. 58 of the handle assembly of Fig. 1 showing the handle in a closed position.

Figs. 60-62 are views of the handle assembly of Fig. 1 illustrating the handle in a partially open position approximately 10 degrees from a closed position.

Figs. 63-65 are views of the handle assembly of Fig. 1 showing the handle in a partially opened position approximately 60 degrees from a closed position.

Figs. 66-68 are the same as the views of Figs. 63-65 except including a leaf spring on the handle.

Fig. 69-71 are views of the handle assembly of Fig. 1 showing the handle in a fully open position approximately 90 degrees from a closed position.

Fig. 72-74 are the same as the views of Figs. 68-71 except including a leaf spring on the handle.

Figs. 75-81 are views of a handle assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

Figs. 82-84 are views of a housing in accordance with the handle assembly of fig. 75.

Fig. 85 is a perspective view of a handle in accordance with the handle assembly of fig. 75.

Fig. 86 is a right side elevational view of another embodiment of a handle in accordance with the handle assembly of fig. 1.

Figs. 87-90 are views of a pawl lock in accordance with the handle assembly of fig. 75.

Figs. 91-93 are views of a slide in accordance with the handle assembly of fig. 75.

Fig. 94 is a perspective view of a cage in accordance with the handle assembly of fig. 75.

Fig. 95 is a perspective view of a crank in accordance with the handle assembly of fig. 75.

Figs. 96 and 97 are exploded perspective views illustrating assembly of the components of the handle assembly of fig. 75.

Fig. 98 is an exploded perspective illustrating another embodiment of assembly of the components of the handle assembly of fig. 75.

Figs. 99 and 100 are exploded perspective views illustrating another embodiment of assembly of the components of the handle assembly of fig. 75.

Fig. 101 is a sectional view taken along the line 101-101 of fig. 100 illustrating the mechanism by which the handle is attached to the housing.

Figs. 102 and 103 are views of another embodiment of a slide of figs. 93-95.

Figs. 104 and 105 are views of a bracket of the handle assembly of fig. 75.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] With reference to the drawings in detail, wherein like reference numerals indicate like elements throughout the several views, an actuator in accordance with the present invention is disclosed herein. The actuator of the present invention can be used in the operation of a variety of different types of latching mechanisms, and in the drawing figures are illustrated one embodiment of the actuator of the present invention adapted for use in a remote latching mechanism. In the present embodiment, the actuator is incorporated within a remote latching mechanism of the type disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,880,261 ('261 Patent) and 5,064,228 ('228 Patent), each to Robert H. Bisbing and assigned to Southco, Inc., assignee of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the remote latch mechanism comprises an actuator, a connecting means attached to the actuator and at least one latch assembly attached with the connecting means. In the present embodiment, the connecting means is in the form of at least one continuous bar or rod and with each latch assembly incorporated in the remote latching mechanism being mounted to the bar or rod. The structure and operation of the connecting means and each latch assembly of the present embodiment is identical to that disclosed in the '261 and '228 patents, and for the sake of brevity, these particular features will not be described herein and reference is made to the '261 and '228 patents for a complete description of these features.

[0009] The handle assembly 20 of the present embodiment includes, as portions thereof, a housing 30, a handle 32 and a slide assembly, which in this embodiment comprises a slide 34, a cage 36 and a crank 38, the details of which will be described in detail below.

[0010] The housing 30 is a generally elongated member defined by a flange 40 and a cavity 42 extending within an upper surface of the flange 40 and terminating by an inner cavity surface 44. In addition, the housing 30 in this embodiment includes within the inner cavity surface 44 an aperture 46 generally rectangular shaped and having one radiused end positioned proximate a rear end 48 and terminating by a bottom surface 50. In addition, in this embodiment, preferably a keeper is positioned within the aperture 46, which in the present embodiment comprises a boss 52 generally rectangular in configuration attached to a side surface 54 defined by the aperture 46 and generally perpendicular the bottom surface 50. In the present embodiment, a cavity 56 generally square shaped in this embodiment is provided within the bottom surface 50. The housing 30 in this embodiment also includes an aperture 58 extending within the inner cavity surface 44 and positioned proximate a front end 60. In the present embodiment, preferably the aperture 58 in this embodiment is generally rectangular in configuration and preferably extends through the housing 30. The housing 30 also includes a cavity 62 positioned adjacent to the aperture 58 and between the aperture 58 and front end 60. In this embodiment, the cavity 62 is generally square shaped in configuration defined by a pair of generally opposing side walls 64 with an opening 66 generally circular in configuration in this embodiment extending through each of the side walls 64. Further, as will be described herein, means for mounting of the housing 30 is also provided and in the present embodiment for this purpose at least one and preferably four threaded openings 68 or holes for a conventional self-tapping screw are provided within the lower outer surface 70 of the housing 30.

[0011] The handle 32 is generally elongated in configuration and in this embodiment includes a perimeter surface corresponding in configuration to the configuration of the cavity 42 extending within the upper surface of the flange 40 of the housing 30. For example, in this embodiment, the handle 32 is defined by a first portion 72 generally square shaped in configuration positioned adjacent to a front end 74 and a second portion 76 generally elongated along a longitudinal axis and having a diameter transverse the longitudinal axis larger than a diameter of the first portion 72. The second portion 76 at its end distal the first portion 72 is generally radiused in configuration adjacent to the rear end 78 of the handle 32. In addition, in this embodiment, the handle 32 includes a bottom surface 79 having extending therefrom a platform 78 which in this embodiment is generally boxed shaped in configuration. In addition, preferably the handle 32 includes a cavity 80 which is generally cylindrical in configuration extending within an upper surface 82 and terminating within the platform 78. In addition, in this embodiment, preferably the platform 78 includes an opening 84 positioned within one of four side surfaces of the platform 78 positioned substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface 79. In addition, in the present embodiment, a projection 86 generally triangular in shape is provided extending from the bottom surface 79 proximate the front end 74. According to the invention, the projection 86 terminates by a generally T-shaped portion 88. In addition, in this embodiment, the handle 32 includes a pair of elongated channels 90 provided within the bottom surface 79 extending in a longitudinal direction of the handle 32 and positioned adjacent opposite sides of the platform 78.

[0012] The handle 32 in this embodiment also includes means for retaining the handle 32 in a closed position relative to the housing 30 comprising in this embodiment a lock pawl 92. The lock pawl 92 is generally square shaped in configuration comprising a semi-circular shaped cut out 94 generally extending through the center, a generally square-shaped cut out 96 adjacent to a first end 98, a generally cylindrical boss 99 extending from the first end 98 positioned within cut out 96 and on a second end 100 distal the first end 98 a ramped camming surface 102 and a locking surface 104. The assembly and operation of the lock pawl 92 will be described in detail below.

[0013] The slide 34 in the present embodiment is generally z-shaped in configuration comprising two generally boxed shaped platforms 106 and 108 and a generally rectangular shaped connecting portion 110 connecting the platforms 106 and 108. The platform 106 includes a generally square shaped cavity 112 within an outer surface distal the connecting portion 110 and a generally rectangular shaped cut out 114 extending within a surface 116 and into the cavity 112. The connecting portion 110 includes opposing surfaces 118 and 120 with the platform 106 being attached to the surface 118 and the platform 108 being attached to the surface 120. The platform 108 is attached proximate a second end of the connecting portion 110 distal the platform 106, which is attached proximate a first end of the connecting portion 110. In addition, the connecting portion 110 includes channels 122 within opposing sides and which extend along its longitudinal axis. The platform 108 defines a rectangular shaped cavity 124 extending within a side surface 126 and into a cavity 128, which is generally T-shaped in configuration extending through the platform 108 transverse the longitudinal axis of the connecting portion 110.

[0014] The cage 36 in the present embodiment is a generally box-like structure having opposing side walls 130, and with each of the side walls 130 having two generally cylindrical shaped bosses 132 substantially aligned with each other and positioned proximate two of four corners defining the side walls 130. In addition, in this embodiment, each of the side walls 130 include a single generally triangular shaped boss 134 positioned proximate a third corner and generally aligned with one of the two bosses 132. The cage 36 in this embodiment also includes a connecting wall 136 adjoining the side walls 130, and with the connecting wall 136 having a generally square shaped cavity therethrough positioned proximate one end thereof and substantially aligned with one end of the side walls 130 positioned adjacent to the bosses 134. The cage 36 also includes in this embodiment a generally rectangular shaped cut out 138 extending through a fourth side wall 140 opposing the connecting wall 136. In addition, the cage 36 in this embodiment includes a generally rectangular shaped cavity extending longitudinally through the cage 36 and extending into the cut out 138 through the fourth side wall 140. The cage 36 in the present embodiment also includes bosses 158 defined by the cut out 138 extending through the fourth side wall 140.

[0015] The crank 38 in this embodiment is a generally L-shaped member having a generally cylindrical shaped connecting member 142 positioned at one end thereof and including an opening 144 extending longitudinally through the member 142 which is generally hexagonal shaped in this embodiment, although as should be understood other configurations can also be utilized for the same purpose described below. The crank 38 also includes a second end distal the member 142, which is generally T-shaped in configuration defined by a pair of opposing bosses 146 each generally cylindrical in configuration. In addition, in this embodiment, the crank 38 also includes a connecting section 148 attaching the first and second ends thereof and which includes opposing side walls each having a generally C-shaped cavity extending therein.

[0016] The foregoing components of the handle assembly 20 can be comprised of any suitable materials and made from any of a variety of manufacturing processes; for example, the housing 30, handle 32, slide 34, and crank 38 can be made from die cast zinc and the cage 36 and lock pawl 92 can be made from polycarbonate. In addition, each of the foregoing components can each be made as single elements or as separate elements and then secured together; for example, the housing 30 can be cast as one-piece or the bottom surface 50 can be provided as a separate element secured with the housing 30 adjacent to the aperture 46 by any suitable process, such as by peening over one or more portions of the housing 30 around the separate bottom surface 50, and where desired, including a suitable amount of sealant material, such as silicon.

[0017] The assembly of the foregoing components of the handle assembly 20 will now be described in relation to the exploded perspective and sectional views. Lock pawl 92 is attached to the handle 32 by being inserted into the opening 84 provided through the platform 78. In addition, means for actuating the lock pawl 92 is preferably also provided positioned within the cavity 80 extending within the upper surface 82 of the handle 32 and extending into the semi-circular shaped cut out 94 of the lock pawl 92. In this embodiment, any of a variety of different means for actuating the lock pawl 92 can be provided, such as a conventional lock or other type of lock plug, such as a DIN lock plug, and which is actuated by a key or other tool, an electronics key, or a non-keyed type of rotatable actuator or push button, to name a few. In addition, as should be understood, the size and configuration of the cavity 80 extending through the handle 32 and shape of the cut out 94 within the lock pawl 92 can be varied where desired depending on the particular configuration of the means for actuating the lock pawl 92. In the illustrated embodiment, a conventional lock plug 152 is positioned within the circular cavity 80 of the handle 32 and into the semi-circular shaped cut out 94 through lock pawl 92. In addition, in this embodiment, a spring 154, such as a conventional stainless steel compression spring, preferably is included positioned within the cut out 96 and against the boss 94 of the lock pawl 92 and surface of the handle 32 for biasing the lock pawl 92 to an extended position.

[0018] The handle 32 is attached to the housing 30 in this embodiment by a conventional pivot pin 156, such as made from stainless steel, and which extends through the opposing cavities within the side walls of the housing 30 and openings within the handle 32 positioned proximate the front end 74. The pivot pin 156 can also be peened over at its ends for being retained in its mounted position. In addition, the handle 32 is attached to the slide 34 by being positioned within the slide cavity 112 and cut out 114 of the platform 106.

[0019] The slide 34 is received within the cage 36 and with preferably the two elongated bosses 158 defined by the fourth side wall 140 being positioned within the opposing channels 122 provided in the opposing sides the slide 34. In this embodiment, the position of the cage 36 relative to the slide 34 is such that the platform 106 of the slide 34 is positioned closer to the generally rectangular shaped cavity extending longitudinally through the cage 36 than is the platform 108.

[0020] The cage 36 is positioned within the generally rectangular shaped cavity extending through the housing 30. Preferably, the connecting wall 136 of the cage 36 is positioned closest to the front end 60 of the housing 30 and preferably the cutout 138 within the connecting wall 136 is positioned closer to the flange 40 of the housing 30 than are the bosses 132. In this embodiment, preferably the housing 30 is provided with four cut out portions 160 positioned so as to receive the four bosses 132 provided on the side walls 130 of the cage 36.

[0021] The crank 38 is attached to the slide 34 by the two bosses 146, which are positioned within the cavity 128 within the platform 108 of the slide 34. As indicated above, the handle assembly 20 of the present embodiment for operation in a remote latching mechanism is attached to a connecting means, such as a bar or rod, extending within the opening 144 within the member 142 of the crank 38.

[0022] In addition, a biasing means such as a leaf spring 171 of stainless steel can also be included on the handle 32 as illustrated in the figures to accommodate movement of the handle 32 toward its open positioned after being unlatched, as will be described in detail below.

[0023] Installation and operation of the handle assembly 20 of the present embodiment will now be described. As discussed earlier, the actuator in accordance with the present invention can be utilized with a variety of different types of latching mechanisms. In the present embodiment, the handle assembly 20 is specifically adapted for use with a remote latching mechanism, such as the type illustrated in the '261 and '228 Patents, although as should be understood the handle assembly 20 can also be utilized with other types of remote latching mechanisms as well, such as any types which include a rotating rod or bar; for example, the type incorporating a fixed latching member rotatable with rotation of the bar or rod. For installation, preferably an aperture is provided through a structure into which the handle assembly 20 is to be mounted, which in this embodiment provides the housing positioned within the aperture and the flange of the housing 30 positioned against one surface of the structure. In the '261 and '228 Patents, the structure into which the remote latching mechanism is mounted is a typical cabinet structure having a door to which the handle assembly is mounted and a stationery frame, otherwise it should be understood that there are other types of applications in which the handle assembly of the present invention and corresponding remote latching mechanism can be used.

[0024] In addition, in the present embodiment, preferably means are included for securing the handle assembly 20 in its mounted position within the respective structure. For this purpose, a bracket 170 is provided comprising a generally elongated member substantially rectangular in configuration defined by two opposing side walls 172 and a connecting wall 174. In this embodiment, the connecting wall is provided with a pair of aligned apertures 176 and 178, which in this embodiment are configured to correspond to the shape of portions 180 and 182 of the housing 130. In this embodiment, the bracket 170 is preferably made of low carbon steel, although any other suitable materials can also be utilized for the same purpose. On installation, the bracket 170 is positioned so that the portions 180 and 182 of the housing 30 are received within the apertures 176 and 178. The distal ends of the two side walls 172 of the bracket 170 are preferably positioned against a surface of the structure opposite that to which the flange of the housing 30 is positioned. As discussed earlier, mounting means are provided which comprises at least one and in this embodiment four threaded apertures or holes for self-tapping screws within the housing 30, corresponding apertures extending through the connecting wall 174 of the bracket 170 and conventional screw members extending through the apertures through the bracket 170 and into the threaded apertures through the housing 30.

[0025] The operation of the handle assembly 20 when secured within a given structure and for actuation of a remote latching mechanism will now be described. Generally, pivotal movement of the handle will correspond with rotation of the connecting means of the remote latching mechanism. In the present embodiment, the handle 32 is pivotal between a closed position recessed within the housing 30 and an open position. The extent of pivotal movement of the handle 32 from the closed position can be of any desired amount, and in the present embodiment the handle 32 is positioned generally 90 degrees from its closed position when in its full opened position. The handle 32 is retained in its closed position due to the engagement between the locking pawl 92 and boss 52 in the housing 30. For example, as the handle 32 is moved toward its closed position, the camming surface 102 of the lock pawl 92 will initially engage the boss 52 of the housing 30, forcing the lock pawl 92 toward its retracted position in opposition to the compression spring 154. When the handle 32 is in its closed position, the lock pawl 92 will move back toward its extended position so that the locking surface 104 will be positioned against the boss 52 of the housing 30. In this embodiment, the upper surface 82 of the handle 32 is preferably positioned substantially flush with the outer surface of the flange 40 when the handle 32 is in its closed position.

[0026] In this embodiment, the handle 32 can be raised from its closed position through rotation of the lock plug 152 by an appropriate key. Rotation of the lock plug 152 will result with movement of the lock pawl 92 toward its retracted position due to rotation of the lock plug within the semi-circular shaped cut out 94 within the lock pawl 92. In the present embodiment, the spring provided on the handle 32 will move the handle 32 toward its opened position so that the handle 32 can easily be grasped by an operator. Movement of the handle 32 toward its opened position by the operator will result with corresponding rotation of the connecting means and operation of the latching member attached with the connecting means, which will be described in detail below. In this embodiment, partial rotation of the handle 32 from its closed position will result with little and preferably no movement of the slide 34/crank 38 combination and accordingly no rotation of the connecting means. Preferably, in this embodiment this operation occurs to a position of the handle 32 approximately 10 degrees from its closed position, which is the position that the handle 32 is moved into by the spring following unlatching of the lock pawl 92.

[0027] In the present embodiment, rotation of the handle 32 by the operator results with sliding movement of the slide 34 within the aperture extending through the housing 30, and which provides corresponding rotation of the crank 38 attached with the slide 34. In this embodiment, the cage 36 is provided so that amount of pivotal movement of the handle 32 toward its opened position is increased. In particular, as the handle 32 is rotated, the cage 36 is allowed to float within the aperture extending through the housing 30. In operation, the cage 36 generally follows the direction of movement of the slide 34. In addition, as the handle 32 is moved toward its fully opened position, the slide 34 and cage 36 operate in a telescoping manner to allow increased movement of the handle 32 toward its opened position. Further, when the handle 32 is in its fully opened position, in this embodiment the T-shaped portion 88 is positioned within the platform 106 adjacent the cut out 114 and distal the connecting portion 110. In addition, as the handle 32 is moved from its fullest open position toward a partially closed position, the T-shaped portion 88 of the handle is moved in a generally diagonal direction toward the connecting portion 110. The T-shaped portion 88 of the handle 32 in this embodiment engages the connecting portion 110 when the handle 32 is at a specified position, which is generally 60 degrees from the closed position in the present embodiment. In this embodiment, there is little and preferably no movement of the slide 34/crank 38 combination when the handle 32 is moved from its fullest open position to its partially closed position, which is similar to the situation as the handle is moved from its closed to its opened position. In this embodiment, the extent of movement of the handle to its fully opened position corresponds to the amount of rotation translated to the connecting bar or rod.

[0028] In addition, means can be provided so that the cage 36 will retain its position within the aperture through the housing 30 and similar means can be provided between the slide 34 and cage 36 so that the position of the slide 34 will be retained within the cage 36. In this embodiment, preferably the bosses 134 of the cage 36 operate to retain the cage 36 within its position within the housing 30 and the raised bosses 190 positioned at the end of the bosses 158 operate to retain the slide 34 by engaging a stop 192 positioned at the end of each of the channels 122. In addition, in the present embodiment, preferably movement of the slide 34 in the opposite direction is limited by wall 194 of slide 34 which contacts wall 196 of cage 36; in particular, the slide 34 is not able to move back without taking cage 36 together with it which resets telescoping mechanism.

[0029] Other configurations of the slide 34 can also be provided which are either longer or shorter in length so as to accommodate thicker or thinner structures to which the handle assembly 20 is mounted. For example, in the figures is illustrated a slide 234 of shorter length than slide 34 so as to accommodate thinner structures as an example.

[0030] In addition, although not shown, the handle assembly 20 can also include a padlock hasp, for example, attached to the housing and extending through an opening through the handle when the handle is in its closed position, so that a pad lock can be secured to the pad lock hasp to retain the handle in its closed position. The pad lock hasp can be of any suitable material, such as stainless steel.

[0031] Another embodiment of a handle assembly in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in figs. 75-81. The handle assembly 320 in the present embodiment is similar in both structure and function to many of the features already described in detail with respect to the handle assembly 20, and for this reason, only the differences in the handle assembly 320 from the handle assembly 20 will be described herein for the sake of brevity. Also, for ease of reference, portions in this embodiment similar to the handle assembly 20 will be described using the same number designations except beginning with 300.

[0032] In figs. 82-84 is illustrated a housing 330 of the handle assembly 320 shown in fig. 75. The housing 330 in this embodiment includes a rib 331 around opening 358 to provide a positive sealing edge for gasketing that is applied to the handle 332 described below. In addition, a second tab 333 in this embodiment is added within recess 350 on the wall opposite the tab 352. The tab 333 is included so that the same housing can be used for various configurations of handle, for example, where the lock pawl would be positioned to engage the tab 333 when the handle is moved to the closed position.

[0033] In fig. 85 is illustrated a handle 332 of the handle assembly 320 shown in fig. 75. The handle 332 includes a gasket 337, for example of an elastomeric material, such as made of rubber, which surrounds the projection 386 and is positioned to engage the rib 331 of the housing 330 when the handle is in its closed position. The handle 332 in this embodiment also includes an aperture 335 in the bottom of the platform 378 for receiving a catch portion of the lock pawl described below.

[0034] A lock pawl 392 of the handle assembly 320 is shown in figs. 87-90. The lock pawl 392 includes a catch 339 extending from its bottom surface, which in this embodiment is generally square in shape and attached at one end to the bottom surface and includes a ramped terminating end. The lock pawl 392 is assembled so that the catch 339 is positioned within the aperture 335 of the handle 332, which operates to positively capture the lock pawl 392 relative to the handle 332. In addition, in this embodiment, the lock pawl 392 also includes at least one and preferably two extensions 341, which are generally rectangular in the embodiment shown. The extensions 341 operate to provide a larger contact area with the driving cam of the lock plug, such as is illustrated in Fig. 59 with the lock plug 152.

[0035] A slide 334 of the handle assembly 320 is shown in figs. 91-93. The slide 334 in this embodiment includes an extension 343, generally triangular in shape, extending from the front surface. In operation, the surface 347 of extension 343 is adapted to come into contact with the bottom wall 345 of the housing aperture 358 (as is shown in fig. 84). This engagement between the extension 343 and the housing 330 inhibits and preferably prevents the slide 334 from tilting when opening force is applied to the handle 332. The tilting is due to the moment created during operation; in particular, the T-shaped portion 388 on the projection 386 of the handle 332(shown in fig. 85) does not contact the slide 334 in the same horizontal plane as the contact between the slide 334 and the crank 338, such as is illustrated in fig. 62 with the projections 88, slide 34 and crank 38. The extension 343 is also used to push the slide 334 into its correct closed position when the handle 332 is fully closed; specifically, this results from contact between one or both of the surfaces 351, 353 of the extension 343(as shown in fig. 93) with one or both of the surfaces 355, 357 of projection 386 of the handle 332(as shown in fig. 85). This relationship overcomes the same tilting action described above but in the closing direction.

[0036] In fig. 86 is shown an alternate embodiment of a handle 432 in which a protrusion 443 is provided extending from the projection 486. The protrusion 443 operates in combination with the slide 34 to force the slide into its correct position, such as in the same manner as the slide 334 relative to the handle 332.

[0037] In fig. 94 is illustrated a cage 336 of the handle assembly 320. The cage 336 in this embodiment includes two bosses 434 sized larger than the bosses 134 of the cage 36, which operate to increase the strength of these portions.

[0038] In fig. 95 is illustrated a crank 338 of the handle assembly 320. In this embodiment, bosses 446 are preferably created by pressing a pin, such as of stainless steel, into an opening through the crank 338. Also, as compared to the crank 38, the C-shaped cavity has been eliminated in the opposing side walls 448 of the crank 338 in the present embodiment. The crank 338 in the present embodiment preferably is made from either stainless steel, for example, stacked laminates or powder metal, or an aluminum extrusion. These changes operate to increase the maximum bending stress allowed in the part for operation.

[0039] The mechanism for attachment of the handle 332 and housing 330 will now be described. One embodiment is shown in figs. 96 and 97. As illustrated, a bushing 510 is provided generally tubular and having bosses at terminating ends and which is inserted into the pair of openings within the pivoting end of the handle 332. A pair of o-rings 512, such as of elastomeric sealing material, for example rubber, is then preferably inserted onto the bosses of bushing 510. A kick-out spring 571, for example similar to the spring 171 in fig. 2, is inserted in this embodiment around the bushing 510 when positioned in the handle 332. A fastening member 514 is inserted through each of the openings extending through the opposing side walls of the housing 330 and bushing 510 in order to secure the components together; for example, the fastening member 514 in the present embodiment comprises a rivet, such as from metal, and includes a head at one end and is peened over at its terminating end when positioned within the foregoing components.

[0040] Another embodiment of the mechanism for attaching the handle 332 and housing 330 is shown in fig. 98. In this embodiment, o-rings 612 are positioned on the rivet 614 at opposite sides of the housing 330. The o-rings 612 are compressed against the outer surfaces of the housing 330 by the head of the rivet on one end and the peening over of the rivet on the opposite end. The kick-out spring 671 preferably is also provided and is positioned around the rivet 614 through the handle 332.

[0041] Still another embodiment of the mechanism for attaching the handle 332 to the housing 330 is shown in figs. 99-101. In this embodiment, The mechanism is comprised of a two-part pin assembly including inner and outer pins 714 and 715,respectively, and biasing means such as a coil spring 716 between the inner and outer pins 714, 715. As shown in the sectional view of fig. 101, each of the pins 714 and 715 include a cavity at one end and a boss at opposite ends. In this embodiment, the size of the cavity in the outer pin 715 is of a larger diameter than the cavity in the inner pin 714, which allows the inner pin 714 to be inserted into the cavity in the outer pin 715, and the spring 716 is positioned within both of the cavities between the two pin portions. The o-rings 712 are finally positioned on the bosses of the pins 714 and 715. In operation, the compression of the inner and outer pins 714 and 715 against the force of spring 716 allows the attachment of the handle 332 and housing 330. The force of the spring 716 forces the inner and outer pins 714, 715 apart to secure the components together. A kick-out spring 771 can also be provided which is mounted on the pin-assembly.

[0042] In figs. 102 and 103 is illustrated another embodiment of a slide shorter in length to accommodate thinner structures, such as the slide 234. The slide 434 in the present embodiment as compared to the slide 234 includes a nose extension 435 generally triangular in shape and a bottom shelf extension 437 generally L-shaped, which is the area where contact is made by the crank when assembled.

[0043] In figs. 104 and 105 is shown a mounting bracket 370 of the handle assembly 320. The mounting bracket 370 as compared to the mounting bracket 170 preferably is of a die cast zinc design which allows additional ribbing to increase bending strength.

[0044] In view of that set forth above, it should be understood that there are several advantages of the actuator of the present invention alone and as incorporated within a latching mechanism; for example a remote latching mechanism. One advantage in the embodiments disclosed is that the actuator comprising a handle assembly is adapted to be positioned in a vertical orientation when mounted in a panel, which requires less space for mounting in contrast to other types of actuators which are mounted in a horizontal orientation within a panel.

[0045] Another particular advantage of the present invention is that the handle assembly in the disclosed embodiments is set flush with the bezel of the supporting housing to reduce pry points, which has the effect to limit its susceptibility to vandalism.

[0046] Another advantage of the actuator of the present invention is that it is of sufficient mechanical strength to provide high levels of torque to the connecting means of the remote latching mechanism, which may be required in strenuous applications.

[0047] In addition, another advantage of the actuator of the present invention is that it can accommodate a wide variety of panel thicknesses.

[0048] Still another advantage in the actuator of the present invention is that a number of different devices can be utilized in order to hold the handle in its closed position; for example, a key-operated lock plug, electronics key, or tool operated slam latch can be incorporated to secure the handle in its closed position. In addition, other non-locking mechanisms can be incorporated to hold the handle in its closed position, such as a rotating or sliding pawl operated by rotatable or push button actuating members as an example. Furthermore, additional security devices can also be included, such as a conventional pad lock device.

[0049] Still other advantages of the actuator of the present invention is that it can be shielded against various forms of matter, such as high pressured jets of water and wind driven rain, as well as EMC to telecommunications specifications. For example, gasketing material can be included on the bottom side of the flange or within a groove in the bottom side of the flange. Also, gasketing material can be included between the handle and the housing, for example, to seal the rectangular opening 58 by a gasket seal of proper thickness, applied either on the underside of the handle or on the housing surrounding the perimeter of the opening.

[0050] Another advantage of the actuator of the present invention is that it can easily accommodate left hand or right hand doors or other panels.

[0051] Another particular advantage of the present invention is that the handle assembly can be utilized with remote latching mechanisms in which multiple latching points are desired, for example three latching members, which is due primarily to the feature that a single connecting bar or rod can be utilized.

[0052] Another advantage of the actuator of the present invention is that there is limited protrusion outside the application (flange thickness) and limited protrusion inside the application due to telescoping of cage and slide.

[0053] It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that changes may be made by the above-described embodiments of the invention. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover all modifications which are within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended clams

Claims

1. A latching mechanism comprising:

longitudinal connecting means rotatably movable about a longitudinal axis thereof;

at least one latch assembly operably connected to said longitudinal connecting means for movement between latched and unlatched conditions in response to rotational movement of said longitudinal connecting means; and

a handle assembly (20, 320) for rotating said connecting means, said handle assembly (20, 320) comprising a pivotally movable handle (32, 332, 432):

said handle (32, 332, 432) being pivotally movable substantially along said longitudinal axis of said connecting means between open and closed positions for rotatably moving said connecting means,

wherein said handle assembly (20, 320) further comprises:

a slide assembly acting between said handle (32, 332, 432) and said longitudinal connecting means for rotatably moving said longitudinal connecting means upon pivotal movements of said handle (32, 332, 432) between said open and closed positions,

wherein said slide assembly comprises a slide (34, 234, 334, 434) and a crank (38, 338), said slide engaging said handle (32, 332, 432) for substantially axial movement between inward and outward positions upon said pivotal movements of said handle (32, 332, 432) between said closed and open positions, respectively, said crank (38, 338) engaging said slide (34, 234, 334, 434) proximate a first end of said crank (38,338), and said crank (38, 338) engaging said longitudinal connecting means proximate a second end of said crank (38, 338) for rotatably moving said longitudinal connecting means upon said substantially axial movements of said slide (34, 234, 334, 434), characterized in that;

said crank (38, 338) proximate said first end thereof includes a pair of substantially opposing bosses (146) and said slide proximate a first end of said slide includes a generally T-shaped cavity (128) for receiving said bosses (146) of said crank (38, 338) for providing said engagement of said crank (38, 338) and said slide (34, 234, 334, 434), and

said handle (32, 332, 432) comprises a bottom surface (79) and a projection (86, 396, 486) extending from said bottom surface, said projection (86, 386, 486) having a T-shaped portion (88, 388) proximate a terminating end, said slide (34, 234, 334, 434) having a cavity (112) therein proximate a second end receiving said T-shaped portion (88, 388) of said projection (86, 386, 486) of said handle (32, 332, 432) for engagement of said handle (32, 332, 432) and said slide (34, 234, 334, 434).

2. The latching mechanism of claim 1, wherein said slide assembly further comprises a cage (36, 336) engaging said slide (34, 234, 334, 434), said slide (34, 234,334,434) and said cage (36, 336) operate in a telescoping manner to allow increased movement of said handle (32, 332, 432).

3. The latching mechanism of any one of claims 1-2, wherein said handle assembly (20, 320) further comprises a housing (30, 330) to which said handle (32, 332, 432) is pivotally connected.

4. The latching mechanism of claim 3, further comprising means for retaining said handle (32, 332, 432) in said closed position thereof relative to said housing (30, 330).

5. The latching mechanism of claim 4 further comprising:

means for actuating said means for retaining said handle in said closed position; and

means for biasing said handle (32, 332, 432) from said closed position toward said open position.

6. The latching mechanism of any one of claims 1-5, wherein said second end of said crank (38, 338) is fixed to said longitudinal connecting means.

7. The latching mechanism of any one of claims 1-6, wherein said second end of said crank (38, 338) includes a non-circular opening (144) therein and a portion of said longitudinal connecting means extends through, and in cross-section corresponds in configuration to, said non-circular opening (144).

8. The latching mechanism of claim 2, wherein said cage (36, 336) comprises an opening therethrough and said slide (34, 234, 334, 434) is received in said opening through said slide (34, 234, 334, 434).

9. The latching mechanism of any one of claims 2 and 8, wherein said cage (36, 336) includes a pair of opposing bosses (158) on inner surfaces thereof and said slide (34, 234, 334, 434) includes a pair of substantially opposing channels (122) extending in a longitudinal direction and receiving said bosses of said cage (36, 336).

10. The latching mechanism of any one of claims 2, 8, and 9, wherein said handle assembly (20, 320) further comprises a housing (30, 330) to which said handle (32, 332, 432) is pivotally connected and wherein said housing (30, 330) includes an aperture (58, 358) therethrough receiving said slide (34, 234, 334, 434) and said cage (36, 336), wherein said latching mechanism further comprises means for limiting substantially axial movements of said cage (36, 336) within said housing aperture (58, 358).

11. The latching mechanism of claim 5, wherein said means for retaining said handle (32, 332, 432) in said closed position thereof comprises a lock pawl (92) mounted on said handle (32, 332, 432), said lock pawl (92) being spring biased toward an extended position and a boss (52) on said housing (30, 330), wherein said lock pawl engages said boss (52) for retaining said handle (32, 332, 432) in said closed position.

12. The latching mechanism of claim 11, wherein said means for actuating said means for retaining said handle in said closed position comprises a rotatable lock plug (152) and rotation of said lock plug (152) moves said lock pawl (92) to a retracted position out of contact with said boss (52) and said handle (32, 332, 432) is moved toward said open position by said means for biasing said handle from said closed position toward said open position.

13. The latching mechanism of any one of claims 5, 11, and 12, wherein said means for biasing said handle from said closed position toward said open position is a leaf spring (171, 571).

14. The latching mechanism of any one of claims 3-5 and 10-13, wherein said handle (32, 332,432) is pivotally connected to said housing (30, 330) by a pivot pin (156, 614).

15. The latching mechanism of claim 14, wherein said pivot pin comprises an assembly including first and second portions (714, 715) and a spring (716) between said first and second portions (714, 715).

16. The latching mechanism ofany one of claims 1-15, further comprising a mounting bracket (170).

17. The latching mechanism of any one of claims 5, 11, 12, and 13, characterized in that:

said handle (32, 332, 432) is raised from its closed position toward its opened position by said means for biasing said handle (32, 332, 432) from said closed position toward said open position, when said means for actuating said means for retaining said handle in said closed position is actuated, so that the handle (32, 332, 432) can easily be grasped by an operatur, and

partial rotation of said handle (32, 332, 432) from its closed position will take place with little or no movement of said slide (34) and said crank (38).

Ansprüche

1. Verriegelungsmechanismus, umfassend:

ein longitudinales Verbindungsmittel, das um seine longitudinale Achse drehbar bewegbar ist;

mindestens eine Verriegelungsanordnung, die mit dem longitudinalen Verbindungsmittel zur Bewegung zwischen verriegelten und unverriegelten Zuständen als Reaktion auf eine Drehbewegung des longitudinalen Verbindungsmittels funktionsmäßig verbunden ist; und

eine Griffanordnung (20, 320) zum Drehen des Verbindungsmittels, wobei die Griffanordnung (20, 320) einen schwenkbar bewegbaren Griff (32, 332, 432) umfasst;

wobei der Griff (32, 332, 432) entlang der longitudinalen Achse des Verbindungsmittels zwischen offenen und geschlossenen Positionen zum drehbaren Bewegen des Verbindungsmittels schwenkbar bewegbar ist,

wobei die Griffanordnung (20, 320) ferner umfasst:

eine Gleitstückanordnung, die zwischen dem Griff (32, 332, 432) und dem longitudinalen Verbindungsmittel zum drehbaren Bewegen des longitudinalen Verbindungsmittels bei Schwenkbewegungen des Griffs (32, 332, 432) zwischen den offenen und geschlossenen Positionen wirkt,

wobei die Gleitstückanordnung ein Gleitstück (34, 234, 334, 434) und eine Kurbel (38, 338) umfasst, wobei das Gleitstück den Griff (32, 332, 432) zur im Wesentlichen axialen Bewegung zwischen innenliegenden und außenliegenden Positionen bei den Schwenkbewegungen des Griffs (32, 332, 432) zwischen den geschlossenen bzw. offenen Positionen in Eingriff nimmt, wobei die Kurbel (38, 338) das Gleitstück (34, 234, 334, 434) nahe einem ersten Ende der Kurbel (38, 338) in Eingriff nimmt, und die Kurbel (38, 338) das longitudinale Verbindungsmittel nahe einem zweiten Ende der Kurbel (38, 338) zum drehbaren Bewegen des longitudinalen Verbindungsmittels bei den im Wesentlichen axialen Bewegungen des Gleitstück (34, 234, 334, 434) in Eingriff nimmt, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass:

die Kurbel (38, 338) nahe ihrem ersten Ende ein Paar von im Wesentlichen gegenüberliegenden Ansätzen (146) umfasst und das Gleitstück nahe einem ersten Ende des Gleitstücks einen im Allgemeinen T-förmigen Hohlraum (128) zum Aufnehmen der Ansätze (146) der Kurbel (38, 338) umfasst, um die Ineingriffnahme der Kurbel (38, 338) und des Gleitstücks (34, 234, 334, 434) bereitzustellen, und

der Griff (32, 332, 432) eine untere Oberfläche (79) und einen Vorsprung (86, 386, 486) umfasst, der sich von der unteren Oberfläche erstreckt, wobei der Vorsprung (86, 386, 486) einen T-förmigen Abschnitt (88, 388) nahe einem endenden Ende aufweist, wobei das Gleitstück (34, 234, 334, 434) einen Hohlraum (112) darin nahe einem zweiten Ende aufweist, der den T-förmigen Abschnitt (88, 388) des Vorsprungs (86, 386, 486) des Griffs (32, 332, 432) zur Ineingriffnahme des Griffs (32, 332, 432) und des Gleitstücks (34, 234, 334, 434) aufnimmt.

2. Verriegelungsmechanismus gemäß Anspruch 1, bei dem die Gleitstückanordnung ferner einen Käfig (36, 336) umfasst, der das Gleitstück (34, 234, 334, 434) in Eingriff nimmt, wobei das Gleitstück (34, 234, 334, 434) und der Käfig (36, 336) teleskopartig arbeiten, um eine erhöhte Bewegung des Griffs (32, 332, 432) zu ermöglichen.

3. Verriegelungsmechanismus gemäß einem der Ansprüche 1 und 2, bei dem die Griffanordnung (20, 320) ferner ein Gehäuse (30, 330) umfasst, mit dem der Griff (32, 332, 432) schwenkbar verbunden ist.

4. Verriegelungsmechanismus gemäß Anspruch 3, ferner umfassend ein Mittel zum Zurückhalten des Griffs (32, 332, 432) in seiner geschlossenen Position relativ zu dem Gehäuse (30, 330).

5. Verriegelungsmechanismus gemäß Anspruch 4, ferner umfassend ein Mittel zum Betätigen des Mittels zum Zurückhalten des Griffs in der geschlossenen Position; und ein Mittel zum Vorspannen des Griffs (32, 332, 432) von der geschlossenen Position zu der offenen Position hin.

6. Verriegelungsmechanismus gemäß einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, bei dem das zweite Ende der Kurbel (38, 338) an dem longitudinalen Verbindungsmittel befestigt ist.

7. Verriegelungsmechanismus gemäß einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 6, bei dem das zweite Ende der Kurbel (38, 338) eine nicht kreisförmige Öffnung (144) darin umfasst und sich ein Abschnitt des longitudinalen Verbindungsmittels dadurch erstreckt und im Querschnitt in Konfiguration der nicht kreisförmigen Öffnung (144) entspricht.

8. Verriegelungsmechanismus gemäß Anspruch 2, bei dem der Käfig (36, 336) eine Öffnung dahindurch umfasst und das Gleitstück (34, 234, 334, 434) in der Öffnung durch das Gleitstück (34, 234, 334, 434) aufgenommen wird.

9. Verriegelungsmechanismus gemäß einem der Ansprüche 2 und 8, bei dem der Käfig (36, 336) ein Paar von gegenüberliegenden Ansätzen (158) auf seinen inneren Oberflächen umfasst und das Gleitstück (34, 234, 334, 434) ein Paar von im Wesentlichen gegenüberliegenden Kanälen (122) umfasst, die sich in einer longitudinalen Richtung erstrecken und die die Ansätze des Käfigs (36, 336) aufnehmen.

10. Verriegelungsmechanismus gemäß einem der Ansprüche 2, 8 und 9, bei dem die Griffanordnung (20, 320) des Weiteren ein Gehäuse (30, 330) umfasst, mit dem der Griff (32, 332, 432) schwenkbar verbunden ist, und wobei das Gehäuse (30, 330) eine Apertur (58, 358) dahindurch umfasst, die das Gleitstück (34, 234, 334, 434) und den Käfig (36, 336) aufnimmt, wobei der Verriegelungsmechanismus ferner ein Mittel zum Begrenzen im Wesentlichen axialer Bewegungen des Käfigs (36, 336) innerhalb der Gehäuseapertur (58, 358) umfasst.

11. Verriegelungsmechanismus gemäß Anspruch 5, bei dem das Mittel zum Zurückhalten des Griffs (32, 332, 432) in seiner geschlossenen Position eine an dem Griff (32, 332, 432) angebrachte Sperrklinke (92) umfasst, wobei die Sperrklinke (92) zu einer ausgefahrenen Position und einem Ansatz (52) auf dem Gehäuse (30, 330) hin Feder-vorgespannt ist, wobei die Sperrklinke den Ansatz (52) zum Zurückhalten des Griffs (32, 332, 432) in der geschlossenen Position in Eingriff nimmt.

12. Verriegelungsmechanismus gemäß Anspruch 11, bei dem das Mittel zum Betätigen des Mittels zum Zurückhalten des Griffs in der geschlossenen Position einen drehbaren Verriegelungsstecker (152) umfasst und eine Drehung des Verriegelungssteckers (152) die Sperrklinke (92) in eine eingefahrene Position bewegt, die außer Kontakt mit dem Ansatz (52) ist, und der Griff (32, 332, 432) zu der offenen Position hin durch das Mittel zum Vorspannen des Griffs von der geschlossenen Position zu der offenen Position hin bewegt wird.

13. Verriegelungsmechanismus gemäß einem der Ansprüche 5, 11 und 12, bei dem das Mittel zum Vorspannen des Griffs von der geschlossenen Position zu der offenen Position hin eine Blattfeder (171, 571) ist.

14. Verriegelungsmechanismus gemäß einem der Ansprüche 3 bis 5 und 10 bis 13, bei dem der Griff (32, 332, 432) mit dem Gehäuse (30, 330) durch einen Schwenkzapfen (156, 614) schwenkbar verbunden ist.

15. Verriegelungsmechanismus gemäß Anspruch 14, bei dem der Schwenkzapfen eine Anordnung umfasst, die erste und zweite Abschnitte (714, 715) und eine Feder (716) zwischen den ersten und zweiten Abschnitten (714, 715) umfasst.

16. Verriegelungsmechanismus gemäß einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 15, der ferner eine Anbringungsvorrichtung (170) umfasst.

17. Verriegelungsmechanismus gemäß einem der Ansprüche 5, 11, 12 und 13, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass:

der Griff (32, 332, 432) von seiner geschlossenen Position zu seiner geöffneten Position hin durch das Mittel zum Vorspannen des Griffs (32, 332, 432) von der geschlossenen Position zu der offenen Position hin angehoben wird, wenn das Mittel zum Betätigen des Mittels zum Zurückhalten des Griffs in der geschlossenen Position betätigt wird, so dass der Griff (32, 332, 432) ohne weiteres von einem Bediener gegriffen werden kann, und

wobei eine Teildrehung des Griffs (32, 332, 432) von seiner geschlossenen Position mit geringer oder gar keiner Bewegung des Gleitstücks (34) und der Kurbel (38) stattfinden wird.

Revendications

1. Mécanisme de verrouillage comprenant :

des moyens de raccordement longitudinaux mobiles en rotation autour de leur axe longitudinal ;

au moins un ensemble de verrouillage raccordé de manière opérationnelle auxdits moyens de raccordement longitudinaux pour le mouvement entre des conditions verrouillée et déverrouillée en réponse au mouvement de rotation desdits moyens de raccordement longitudinaux ; et

un ensemble de poignée (20, 320) pour faire tourner lesdits moyens de raccordement, ledit ensemble de poignée (20, 320) comprenant une poignée mobile de manière pivotante (32, 332, 432) ;

ladite poignée (32, 332, 432) étant mobile de manière pivotante sensiblement le long dudit axe longitudinal desdits moyens de raccordement entre des positions ouverte et fermée pour déplacer de manière rotative lesdits moyens de raccordement,

dans lequel ledit ensemble de poignée (20, 320) comprend en outre :

un ensemble formant glissière agissant entre ladite poignée (32, 332, 432) et lesdits moyens de raccordement longitudinaux pour déplacer en rotation lesdits moyens de raccordement longitudinaux suite à des mouvements pivotants de ladite poignée (32, 332, 432) entre lesdites positions ouverte et fermée,

dans lequel ledit ensemble formant glissière comprend une glissière (34, 234, 334, 434) et une manivelle (38, 338), ladite glissière mettant en prise ladite poignée (32, 332, 432) pour le mouvement sensiblement axial entre des positions vers l'intérieur et vers l'extérieur suite auxdits mouvements pivotants de la poignée (32, 332, 432) entre lesdites positions fermée et ouverte, respectivement, ladite manivelle (38, 338) mettant en prise ladite glissière (34, 234, 334, 434) à proximité d'une première extrémité de ladite manivelle (38, 338), et ladite manivelle (38, 338) mettant en prise lesdits moyens de raccordement longitudinaux à proximité d'une seconde extrémité de ladite manivelle (38, 338) pour déplacer de manière rotative lesdits moyens de raccordement longitudinaux suite auxdits mouvements sensiblement axiaux de ladite glissière (34, 234, 334, 434), caractérisé en ce que :

ladite manivelle (38, 338) à proximité de sa dite première extrémité comprend une paire de bossages sensiblement opposés (146) et ladite glissière à proximité d'une première extrémité de ladite glissière comprend une cavité généralement en forme de T (128) pour recevoir lesdits bossages (146) de ladite manivelle (38, 338) pour fournir ladite mise en prise de ladite manivelle (38, 338) et de ladite glissière (34, 234, 334, 434), et

ladite poignée (32, 332, 432) comprend une surface inférieure (79) et une saillie (86, 386, 486) s'étendant à partir de ladite surface inférieure, ladite saillie (86, 386, 486) ayant une partie en forme de T (88, 388) à proximité d'une extrémité terminale, ladite glissière (34, 234, 334, 434) ayant une cavité (112) à l'intérieur de cette dernière à proximité d'une seconde extrémité recevant ladite partie en forme de T (88, 388) de ladite saillie (86, 386, 486) de ladite poignée (32, 332, 432) pour la mise en prise de ladite poignée (32, 332, 432) et de ladite glissière (34, 234, 334, 434).

2. Mécanisme de verrouillage selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ledit ensemble formant glissière comprend en outre une cage (36, 336) mettant en prise ladite glissière (34, 234, 334, 434), ladite glissière (34, 234, 334, 434) et ladite cage (36, 336) fonctionnent d'une manière télescopique pour permettre le mouvement accru de ladite poignée (32, 332, 432).

3. Mécanisme de verrouillage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 2, dans lequel ledit ensemble de poignée (20, 320) comprend en outre un boîtier (30, 330) auquel ladite poignée (32, 332, 432) est raccordée de manière pivotante.

4. Mécanisme de verrouillage selon la revendication 3, comprenant en outre des moyens pour retenir ladite poignée (32, 332, 432) dans sa position fermée par rapport audit boîtier (30, 330).

5. Mécanisme de verrouillage selon la revendication 4, comprenant en outre :

des moyens pour actionner lesdits moyens pour retenir ladite poignée dans ladite position fermée ; et

des moyens pour solliciter ladite poignée (32, 332, 432) de ladite position fermée vers ladite position ouverte.

6. Mécanisme de verrouillage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, dans lequel ladite seconde extrémité de ladite manivelle (38, 338) est fixée auxdits moyens de raccordement longitudinaux.

7. Mécanisme de verrouillage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 6, dans lequel ladite seconde extrémité de ladite manivelle (38, 338) comprend une ouverture non circulaire (144) à l'intérieur de cette dernière et une partie desdits moyens de raccordement longitudinaux s'étend à travers cette dernière, et correspond en coupe à la configuration de ladite ouverture non circulaire (144).

8. Mécanisme de verrouillage selon la revendication 2, dans lequel ladite cage (36, 336) comprend une ouverture à travers cette dernière et ladite glissière (34, 234, 334, 434) est reçue dans ladite ouverture à travers ladite glissière (34, 234, 334, 434).

9. Mécanisme de verrouillage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 2 et 8, dans lequel ladite cage (36, 336) comprend une paire de bossages opposés (158) sur ses surfaces internes et ladite glissière (34, 234, 334, 434) comprend une paire de canaux (122) sensiblement opposés s'étendant dans une direction longitudinale et recevant lesdits bossages de ladite cage (36, 336).

10. Mécanisme de verrouillage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 2, 8 et 9, dans lequel ledit ensemble de poignée (20, 320) comprend en outre un boîtier (30, 330) auquel ladite poignée (32, 332, 432) est raccordée de manière pivotante, et dans lequel ledit boîtier (30, 330) comprend une ouverture (58, 358) à travers ce dernier recevant ladite glissière (34, 234, 334, 434) et ladite cage (36, 336), dans lequel ledit mécanisme de verrouillage comprend en outre des moyens pour limiter sensiblement des mouvements axiaux de ladite cage (36, 336) à l'intérieur de ladite ouverture de boîtier (58, 358).

11. Mécanisme de verrouillage selon la revendication 5, dans lequel lesdits moyens pour retenir ladite poignée (32, 332, 432) dans sa dite position fermée comprennent un cliquet de verrouillage (92) monté sur ladite poignée (32, 332, 432), ledit cliquet de verrouillage (92) étant sollicité par ressort vers une position étendue et un bossage (52) sur ledit boîtier (30, 330), dans lequel ledit cliquet de verrouillage met en prise ledit bossage (52) pour retenir ladite poignée (32, 332, 432) dans ladite position fermée.

12. Mécanisme de verrouillage selon la revendication 11, dans lequel lesdits moyens pour actionner lesdits moyens pour retenir ladite poignée dans ladite position fermée comprennent un bouchon de verrouillage rotatif (152) et la rotation dudit bouchon de verrouillage (152) déplace ledit cliquet de verrouillage (92) dans une position rétractée hors de contact avec ledit bossage (52) et ladite poignée (32, 332, 432) est déplacée vers ladite position ouverte par lesdits moyens pour solliciter ladite poignée de ladite position fermée vers ladite position ouverte.

13. Mécanisme de verrouillage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 5, 11 et 12, dans lequel lesdits moyens pour solliciter ladite poignée de ladite position fermée vers ladite position ouverte est un ressort à lames (171, 571).

14. Mécanisme de verrouillage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 3 à 5 et 10 à 13, dans lequel ladite poignée (32, 332, 432) est raccordée de manière pivotante audit boîtier (30, 330) par une broche de pivot (156, 614).

15. Mécanisme de verrouillage selon la revendication 14, dans lequel ladite broche de pivot comprend un ensemble comprenant des première et seconde parties (714, 715) et un ressort (716) entre lesdites première et seconde parties (714, 175).

16. Mécanisme de verrouillage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 15, comprenant en outre une console de montage (170).

17. Mécanisme de verrouillage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 5, 11, 12 et 13, caractérisé en ce que :

ladite poignée (32, 332, 432) est levée de sa position fermée vers sa position ouverte grâce auxdits moyens pour solliciter ladite poignée (32, 332, 432) de ladite position fermée vers ladite position ouverte, lorsque lesdits moyens pour actionner lesdits moyens pour retenir ladite poignée dans ladite position fermée sont actionnés, de sorte que la poignée (32, 332, 432) peut facilement être saisie par un opérateur, et

la rotation partielle de ladite poignée (32, 332, 432) à partir de sa position fermée, a lieu avec peu ou pas de mouvement de ladite glissière (34) et de ladite manivelle (38).

Drawing