Locking assembly with trigger handle

A latching handleset assembly includes a handle, a trigger, and a latch driver. The handle has a handle portion and a top mounting portion that extends from an escutcheon. The top mounting portion has a top surface and a bottom that is at least partially obscured by the handle portion. The trigger includes an exterior end located along the bottom of the top mounting portion and an interior end extending into the escutcheon. The trigger is pivotable about a pivot point positioned within the escutcheon. The latch driver is movable between a neutral position and a latch actuating position in response to actuation of the trigger.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to the field of door handlesets and door locks. More particularly, this invention relates to a trigger-containing handle of a lock assembly.

BACKGROUND

Door handlesets and locks are commonly installed in residential and commercial settings. The handlesets include a latch assembly that is actuatable by a mechanism. Latch assemblies are used for maintaining a door in a closed position using a bolt that moves between extended and retracted positions. In existing latches, the bolt is actively pulled between the extended and retracted positions. This pulling of the bolt is often the result of turning a door knob or a latch of the handleset. In the existing latches, the latches are spring-latches, which means that the latch is spring loaded all the time, and the latch is only retracted when the user operates the knob or the thumbpiece mounted on the face of the handleset.

The pushing and pulling of the bolt may also be accomplished by the actuation of a trigger. Some triggers require actuation with the thumb and require significant push force. The thumbpieces are also a separate piece located above the handle of the handlesets, which is visually unappealing.

SUMMARY

In general terms, this disclosure is directed towards a latching assembly for use on internal and external doors. This disclosure relates generally to a handleset with or without a traditional locking cylinder. The latching handleset assembly includes an internal spring-actuated mechanism.

In a first aspect, a latching handleset assembly is described. The latching handleset assembly includes a handle, a trigger, and a latch driver. The handle has a handle portion and a top mounting portion that extends from an escutcheon. The top mounting portion has a top surface and a bottom that is at least partially obscured by the handle portion. The trigger includes an exterior end located along the bottom of the top mounting portion and an interior end that extends into the escutcheon. The trigger is pivotable about a pivot point positioned within the escutcheon. The latch driver is movable between a neutral position and a latch actuating position in response to actuation of the trigger.

In another embodiment, a method for operating a latching handleset assembly is described. The method includes the following: in response to actuation of an exterior end of a trigger, the trigger pivots about the pivot point positioned within an escutcheon, and pivoting the trigger causes an interior end of the trigger located within the escutcheon to actuate a latch driver, and actuating the latch driver causes the latch driver to move between a neutral position and a latch actuating position.

In yet another aspect, a latching handleset assembly for use on a door is described. The latching handleset assembly includes a handle, a trigger, a latch driver, and a latch assembly. The handle has a vertical handle portion and a top mounting portion that extends in a horizontal direction away from an escutcheon mounted on the door. The top mounting portion has a top surface and a bottom that is at least partially obscured by the handle portion. The trigger includes an exterior end located along the bottom of the top mounting portion and an interior end extending into the escutcheon. The trigger is pivotable about a pivot point positioned within the escutcheon. The latch driver is movable between a neutral position and a latch actuating position in response to actuation of the trigger. The latch assembly includes a bolt movable between an extended position and a retracted position in response to actuation of the trigger.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate an embodiment of the invention, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure relates generally to a handleset with a trigger to actuate a latch assembly to open a door. The handle includes a trigger that is at least partially obscured by a handle portion. Unlike other trigger-actuated handlesets, the trigger as described herein is aesthetically pleasing, easy to use, and secure. Upon actuation of the trigger, a latch driver moves from a neutral position to a latch actuating position, which allows a user to open the door.

It is noted that certain existing devices attempt to create more visually appealing handlesets by positioning the actuating mechanism within the handle. However, these actuating mechanisms have significant disadvantages. For example, the pivot point of the actuating mechanism may be located outside the escutcheon (e.g., on a portion of the handle) and is therefore breakable and less secure. The pivot points of the actuating mechanisms are also generally located in a direction normal to the door and are in the way if the door handle is to be used without requiring actuation of the trigger. Still further, positioning of a trigger on the handle itself requires a significantly more complex linkage to the bolt that is actuated. By way of contrast, the trigger-actuated handleset described herein requires only a simple linkage that is similar to thumb-actuated handleset mechanisms. That results in a handleset which has known security features while improving overall user operation.

FIG.1illustrates a latching handleset assembly100according to one embodiment of this disclosure. The latching handleset assembly100includes at least an escutcheon102, a handle104, and a trigger106. In the example shown, the latching handleset assembly100may also include a second escutcheon110; however, the second escutcheon110is not required.

The handle104includes a top mounting portion120having a top surface124and a bottom126. A handle portion128extends from the top mounting portion120in a generally perpendicular direction. The handle portion128partially obscures at least part of the bottom126of the top mounting portion120. In an example, the handle104also includes a bottom mounting portion122. The handle104may also include a bottom mounting portion122that is connected to the handle portion128, at an end opposing the top mounting portion120.

The escutcheon102covers the internal mechanisms of the handleset assembly when installed on a door, and also provides an aesthetically pleasing surface. As shown, the escutcheon102has a decorative rectangular shape, but round, square, and other shapes for the escutcheon102are within the scope of the disclosure. Further, a second escutcheon110may also be included in the latching handleset assembly100. The bottom mounting portion122extends from the second escutcheon110. The escutcheon102may be formed from metal or plastic depending on the circumstances.

In some embodiments, the escutcheon102may also include a locking cylinder130. The locking cylinder130is configured to accept a key or other unlocking mechanism. A mechanical key (not shown) may be inserted into the locking cylinder130to mechanically unlock the latching handleset assembly100.

In an example embodiment where the latching handleset assembly100is mounted to an outside of a door (not shown), the locking cylinder130is in communication with a locking assembly (not shown). Example locking assemblies include a deadbolt or a bolt requiring a key, or other similar types of locking mechanisms. In an embodiment where the latching handleset assembly100is mounted to an inside of the door, the latching handleset assembly100may not include a locking cylinder130.

In another alternative example, the escutcheon102may include an electronic locking assembly (not shown) useful for receiving an unlock command. The electronic locking assembly may include a keypad. In use, a user enters a predetermined passcode at the keypad, which functions to unlock the door. In an alternative embodiment, a biometric sensor is used instead of a keypad. For example, a resident of a home may have a fingerprint stored within the biometric control system. The user moves a finger across the sensor, and the sensor transmits the sensed fingerprint to a control circuit. The control circuit compares the sensed fingerprint to a stored fingerprint, and may allow access into the building if the sensed fingerprint matches the stored fingerprint. In yet another embodiment, a keypad is not present. A user may use an RFID tag that allows a motor to actuate when the correct RFID tag is detected.

FIG.2illustrates the interior of the latching handleset assembly100. The interior of the escutcheon102includes a housing that defines a recessed area for internal components, such as a housing assembly200. The interior of the escutcheon102also includes attachment mechanisms (not shown) for connecting the top mounting portion120to the escutcheon102. The interior of the second escutcheon110also includes a housing that defines a recessed area for internal components, such as attachment mechanisms (not shown) for connecting the bottom mounting portion122to the second escutcheon110.

The housing assembly200is configured to connect to and communicate with a latch assembly (not shown). The latch assembly includes a latch bolt movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The latch assembly is disposed in a bore hole in the door (not shown) and may be actuated manually by the trigger106. The trigger106is capable of extending and retracting the latch bolt.

The latch bolt moves linearly in and out of a barrel between a retracted position and an extended position. When the latch bolt is retracted, an end of the latch bolt is generally flush with a strike plate and a bore in the door. When the latch bolt is extended, the latch bolt protrudes through an edge bore in the door into an opening of a strike plate (not shown), which is positioned in a jamb adjacent the door. As is typical, the strike plate is attached to the jamb using fasteners. The term “interior” is broadly used to denote an area inside or within a door and “exterior” is broadly used to mean an area outside a door. Additionally, a retracted position is broadly used to denote an “unlatched” position and an extended position is broadly used to denote a “latched” position.

In an embodiment, the interior of the escutcheon102also includes a deadbolt mechanism202, such as an internal deadbolt (not shown). The deadbolt mechanism202is in communication with the locking cylinder130to provide a locking means.

FIG.3is a side view of the latching handleset assembly100mounted on a door B. The latching handleset assembly100includes at least an escutcheon102, a handle104, and a trigger106.=The escutcheon102and the second escutcheon110are attached to the door B, spaced apart from each other.

In the embodiment shown, the top mounting portion120and the bottom mounting portion122extend from escutcheon102and second escutcheon110and perpendicular from the door B. The handle portion128extends from the top mounting portion120to the bottom mounting portion122in a direction generally parallel to the door B. The handle portion128is connected perpendicularly to the top mounting portion120and the bottom mounting portion122. However, in other embodiments the top mounting portion120and the handle portion128may have other shapes such as an arc or connecting at an angle other than 90 degrees.

The handle104includes the top mounting portion120which has a top surface124and a bottom126. The top surface124and the bottom126oppose each other. The bottom126also includes a recess (not shown). The recess is sized and shaped to accept at least a portion of the trigger106. A handle portion128extends down from the top mounting portion120, such that the bottom126is at least partially obscured by the handle portion128. The trigger106is also at least partially obscured by the handle portion128. As shown, the trigger106is located closer to the door B than the handle portion128, when the latching handleset assembly100is installed on the door B.

The trigger106is located inferior to the bottom126of the top mounting portion120and extends into the escutcheon102. The trigger106includes a pivot point (seen below in connection withFIGS.8-9) that is located within the escutcheon102. As shown, when the trigger106is in the neutral position, it is located along the bottom126of the top mounting portion120.

The escutcheon102houses the housing assembly200. The housing assembly200may be located external to the door B, or part of the housing assembly200may be located within a portion of the door B. The escutcheon102may also house at least part of the deadbolt mechanism202.

FIG.4illustrates another view of the trigger106in a neutral position. The neutral position is when the trigger106is not actuated by a user. The trigger106includes an exterior end402and an interior end located within the escutcheon102. The trigger106also includes a pivot point located within the escutcheon102.

The handle104includes the top mounting portion120which has a top surface124and a bottom126. The bottom126is at least partially obscured by the handle portion128. The trigger106is also at least partially obscured by the handle portion128. In the embodiment shown, the handle104may not include a bottom mounting portion.

FIG.5illustrates an exploded view of the latching handleset assembly100. The latching handleset assembly100includes escutcheon102and second escutcheon110. A handle104includes a top mounting portion120connected to escutcheon102and a bottom mounting portion122connected to second escutcheon110.

The escutcheon102conceals the housing assembly200. The escutcheon102may also conceal a deadbolt mechanism (not shown). The escutcheon102also includes an attachment mechanism502bto connect to the top mounting portion120. The second escutcheon110includes an attachment mechanism502ato connect to the bottom mounting portion122.

The handle104as shown includes the top mounting portion120and the bottom mounting portion122, which are connected by a handle portion128. The top mounting portion120includes a top surface124and a bottom126. In an embodiment, the bottom126includes a recess (not shown) that allows at least a portion of an exterior end402of the trigger106to extend when the trigger106is in an actuated position.

The trigger106includes an exterior end402and an interior end404. The exterior end402is located at the bottom126of the top mounting portion120(e.g., extending at least partially downward from the bottom126). The interior end404extends through escutcheon102and is in communication with the housing assembly200. The trigger106is configured to pivot at pivot point406, which is also located within the escutcheon102.

As noted above, the trigger106is pivotable between a neutral position and an actuated position. When the trigger106is pivoted from the neutral position to the actuated position, at least a portion of the exterior end402is movable from an exposed position to a recessed position (seen inFIGS.8-9). When in the recessed position, at least a portion of the exterior end402is located within a recess of the top mounting portion120. When in the exposed position, at least some additional portion of the exterior end402is exposed below the bottom126, since the exterior end402will protrude or be spaced further from the bottom126in the exposed position (corresponding to the neutral position of the trigger106).

FIG.6illustrates a front view of the latching handleset assembly100. Line A is a cross-sectional vertical line through the latching handleset assembly100. As shown, the latching handleset assembly100is symmetrical along line A; however, this is not required. Notably, from the front view of the latching handleset assembly100, the trigger106is obscured from view by the handle104(e.g., behind handle portion128, and below the top mounting portion120).

FIG.7illustrates a cross-sectional view of latching handleset assembly100along line A ofFIG.6. The latching handleset assembly100includes the escutcheon102and the second escutcheon110. The handle104extends between the escutcheon102and the second escutcheon110. The handle104is connected to the escutcheon102at the top mounting portion120and connected to the second escutcheon110at the bottom mounting portion122. A handle portion128extends between the top mounting portion120and the bottom mounting portion122.

The top mounting portion120includes a recess702, which is shaped to accept an exterior end402of the trigger106when the trigger106is in an actuated position.

The escutcheon102houses the housing assembly200and the optional deadbolt mechanism202. The escutcheon102also houses the pivot point406and at least a portion of the interior end404of the trigger106.

FIGS.8-9illustrate further detailed cross sectional views, along line A, of the latching handleset assembly100, in neutral and actuated positions. Specifically,FIG.8illustrates another cross sectional view, along line A, of the latching handleset assembly100in a neutral configuration. In the example shown, latching handleset assembly100includes a handle104, a trigger106, and the housing assembly200.

The trigger106includes the exterior end402located below the bottom126of the top mounting portion120. For example, when installed on a door, the trigger106is located inferior to the bottom126, and closer to the door than the handle portion128. When the trigger106is in a neutral configuration, at least a portion of the exterior end402is positioned outside of the recess702. In some embodiments, in the neutral configuration, the entirety of the exterior end is positioned outside of (below) the recess702. The trigger106pivots about the pivot point406in a generally vertical direction when installed on a door.

The housing assembly200includes a compression bracket802that is in communication with the interior end404and a spring804. When installed on a door, the interior end404is located above the compression bracket802, which is located above the spring804. The housing assembly200also includes a pinion904that is in communication with a latch driver906. In an installed configuration, the pinion904and the latch driver906rotate around a longitudinal axis, which is perpendicular to the door.

In a neutral configuration, the spring804is not compressed, and maintains the compression bracket802in an uncompressed configuration. For example, when installed, in the uncompressed configuration, the latch driver906maintains a latch bolt in the neutral position. When installed on a door, in the neutral configuration, the compression bracket802is not providing a downward force on the spring804. The compression bracket802maintains an upward force on the interior end404of the trigger, and the exterior end402is not located within the recess702.

FIG.9illustrates a cross-sectional view of the latching handleset assembly100including a handle104, a trigger106, and the housing assembly200in a latch actuating position.

In the latch actuating position, the exterior end402of the trigger106is moved into the recess702of the top mounting portion120(e.g., by user action). This causes the trigger106to pivot at pivot point406, and the interior end404is engaged with compression bracket802. Generally, the pivoting motion is in a direction substantially parallel to a door on which the latching handleset assembly100is mounted (in this case, a generally upwards motion).

The housing assembly200includes at least the compression bracket802, the spring804, and the latch driver906. When compression bracket802is actuated, the spring804is compressed, which causes the latch driver906to move from the neutral position to a latch actuating position. The latch driver906rotates a latch bolt, which allows the door to be opened.

When the latching handleset assembly100is installed on a door, the movement of the compression bracket802is parallel to the door. The vertical movement of the compression bracket802causes rotational movement of the circular pinion904about a horizontal axis. The latch driver906also moves in a circular direction around the horizontal axis.

FIG.10illustrates an example embodiment of the housing assembly200. The housing assembly200includes a compression bracket802, a spring804, and a circular pinion904. The compression bracket802includes a plurality of teeth902that are engageable with the circular pinion904. When the compression bracket802is actuated by the trigger106, the compression bracket802moves in a linear direction, which causes the circular pinion904to rotate along a first axis. The first axis is normal to the linear directional movement of the compression bracket802. The circular pinion904is connected to the latch driver906. When the circular pinion904rotates, it causes the latch driver906to also rotate. The latch driver906rotates a latch bolt, which allows the door to be opened.

When the trigger106is released the spring804provides a force on the compression bracket802, which causes the compression bracket802to move in an opposing linear direction. This causes the circular pinion904to rotate along the first axis in an opposing direction, which also causes the latch driver906to rotate along the first axis in the opposing direction.

FIG.11illustrates an alternative view of the housing assembly200. The housing assembly200includes the latch driver906, which is connected to the circular pinion904. The circular pinion904causes the latch driver906to rotate along the first axis, which moves a latch bolt between extended and retracted positions, as discussed above.

In use, the latching handleset assembly100is mounted on a door. A user actuates a trigger106, which allows the user to open the door. When the user is not applying force to the trigger, the latch bolt moves back to a neutral position, which maintains the door in a closed position.

EXAMPLES

Illustrative examples of the latching handleset disclosed herein are provided below. An embodiment of the latching handleset may include any one or more, and any combination of, the examples described below.

In Example 1, a latching handleset assembly is described. The latching handleset assembly includes a handle, a trigger, and a latch driver. The handle has a handle portion and a top mounting portion that extends from an escutcheon. The top mounting portion has a top surface and a bottom that is at least partially obscured by the handle portion. The trigger includes an exterior end located along the bottom of the top mounting portion and an interior end that extends into the escutcheon. The trigger is pivotable about a pivot point positioned within the escutcheon. The latch driver is movable between a neutral position and a latch actuating position in response to actuation of the trigger.

In Example 2, the latching handleset assembly of any of the examples disclosed herein, is modified in that the trigger is pivotable between a neutral position and an actuated position, such that when the trigger is pivoted from the neutral position to the actuated position, at least a portion of the exterior end is movable from an exposed position to a recessed position within the top mounting portion.

In Example 3, the latching handleset assembly of any of the examples disclosed herein, is modified to include a bracket biased into a neutral position by a spring, the bracket movable from the neutral position to an actuated position in response to actuation of the trigger, the bracket including a rack. The latch driver includes a geared end operatively engaged with the rack to move the latch driver between the neutral position and the latch actuating position.

In Example 4, the latching handleset assembly of any of the examples disclosed herein, is modified to include a bolt movable between an extended position and a retracted position in response to actuation of the trigger.

In Example 5, the latching handleset assembly of any of the examples disclosed herein, is modified in that the bracket resides at least in part within the escutcheon.

In Example 6, the latching handleset of any of the examples disclosed herein, is modified in that a direction of movement of the bracket between the neutral position and the actuated position is perpendicular to a direction of movement of the bolt between the extended position and the retracted position.

In Example 7, the latching handleset assembly of any of the examples disclosed herein, is modified in that movement of the bracket from the neutral position to the actuated position compresses the spring.

In Example 8, the latching handleset assembly of any of the examples disclosed herein, is modified in that the handle further includes a bottom mounting portion extending from the handle portion to a secondary escutcheon.

In Example 9, the latching handleset assembly of any of the examples disclosed herein, is modified to include a locking cylinder extending through the escutcheon.

In Example 10, the latching handleset assembly of any of the examples disclosed herein, is modified in that the spring biases the bracket toward the neutral position such that, upon release of the trigger, the bracket returns to the neutral position and the trigger moves from the actuated position to the neutral position.

In Example 11, a method for operating a latching handleset assembly is described. The latching handleset assembly includes a top mounting portion, a handle portion, and a trigger at least partially obscured by the handle portion. The method including actuating an exterior end of the trigger, which causes the trigger to pivot about a pivot point positioned within an escutcheon. Pivoting the trigger causes an interior end of the trigger located within the escutcheon to actuate a latch driver. Actuating the latch driver causes the latch driver to move between a neutral position and a latch actuating position.

In Example 12, the method of any of the examples disclosed herein, is modified in that when the trigger is pivoted from a neutral position to an actuated position, at least a portion of the exterior end of the trigger is movable from an exposed position to a recessed position within the top mounting portion.

In Example 13, the method of any of the examples disclosed herein, is modified in that in response to actuation of the trigger, a bracket biased by a spring moves from a neutral position to an actuated position, and the latch driver, including a geared end operatively engaged with a rack, causes the latch driver to move between the neutral position and the latch actuating position.

In Example 14, the method of any of the examples disclosed herein, is modified in that in response to actuation of the trigger, a latch bolt is movable between an extended position and a retracted position.

In Example 15, the method of any of the examples disclosed herein, is modified in that a direction of movement of the bracket between the neutral position and the actuated position is perpendicular to a direction of movement of the latch bolt between the extended position and the retracted position.

In Example 16, the method of any of the examples disclosed herein, is modified in that when the bracket moves from the neutral position to the actuated position, the spring is compressed.

In Example 17, a latching handleset assembly is described. The latching handleset assembly includes a handle, a trigger, a latch driver, and a latch assembly. The handle has a vertical handle portion and a top mounting portion that extends in a horizontal direction from an escutcheon mounted on a door. The top mounting portion has a top surface and a bottom that is at least partially obscured by the handle portion. The trigger includes an exterior end located along the bottom of the top mounting portion and an interior end that extends into the escutcheon. The trigger is pivotable about a pivot point positioned within the escutcheon. The latch driver is movable between a neutral position and a latch actuating position in response to actuation of the trigger. The latch assembly includes a latch bolt movable between an extended position and a retracted position in response to actuation of the trigger.

In Example 18, the latching handleset assembly of any of the examples disclosed herein, is modified in that the trigger is pivotable between a neutral position and an actuated position, such that when the trigger is pivoted from the neutral position to the actuated position, at least a portion of the exterior end is movable from an exposed position to a recessed position within the top mounting portion.

In Example 19, the latching handleset assembly of any of the examples disclosed herein, is modified to include a housing assembly. The housing assembly includes a bracket biased into a neutral position by a spring. The bracket is movable from the neutral position to an actuated position in response to actuation of the trigger. The bracket includes a rack. The latch driver includes a geared end operatively engaged with the rack to move the latch driver between the neutral position and the latch actuating position.

In Example 19, the latching handleset assembly of any of the examples disclosed herein, is modified in that a direction of movement of the bracket between the neutral position and the actuated position is perpendicular to a direction of movement of the latch bolt between the extended position and the retracted position.

Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, from the foregoing description, one skilled in the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of the present disclosure and various changes and modifications may be made to adapt the various uses and characteristics without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the following claims.