Lockable handle assembly with floating cam mechanism

A handle assembly with a body and a handle is disclosed. The handle is rotatably mounted to the body and operatively connected to a cam so that rotation of the handle causes corresponding rotation of the cam. The cam is movable between an activated position and a deactivated position, so that when the cam is in the activated position rotation of the handle causes the cam to rotate and engage a retention device, and when the cam is in the deactivated position rotation of the handle causes the cam to rotate without engaging the retention device. A drawer or door with a handle assembly is also disclosed.

PRIOR APPLICATION

In accordance with 37 C.F.R. 1.76, a claim of priority is included in an Application Data Sheet filed concurrently herewith. Accordingly, the present application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application Number 2018903093, entitled “HANDLE ASSEMBLY”, filed Aug. 23, 2018, the contents of which is hereby included in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to a handle assembly for a drawer, cabinet or other similar item.

BACKGROUND

Drawers with devices for releasably locking the drawer in a closed position are known for use in various applications. For example, a lock barrel may be provided whereby when locked the drawer is prevented from opening, or a key is inserted and turned to release the drawer so that it is free to be opened. Other examples may have a latch that prevents the drawer from falling open, but wherein the retention of the latch can be overcome and the drawer opened simply by providing sufficient force to open the drawer.

It may be desirable, however, to allow the drawer to be locked closed but opened without the use of a key. It may also be desirable to provide a system whereby the drawer can be held closed and opened without a key, but also lockable in other circumstances so that a key is required for security purposes. Such a drawer would ideally be ergonomic and easily opened, but simultaneously secure when locked.

Similar issues as described above also apply to other items, such as cabinets or cupboards, for example. The present invention seeks to provide a handle assembly that can be used with a drawer or other item to address the above and/or other problems or drawbacks of the prior art.

SUMMARY

According to one example aspect, there is provided a handle assembly, including a body and a handle, the handle being rotatably mounted to the body and operatively connected to a cam such that rotation of the handle causes corresponding rotation of the cam, the cam being movable between an activated position and a deactivated position, wherein: when the cam is in the activated position, rotation of the handle causes the cam to rotate and engage a retention device; and when the cam is in the deactivated position, rotation of the handle causes the cam to rotate without engaging the retention device.

In one example form, the cam has a rotation axis about which the cam rotates, and the movement of the cam between the activated position and the deactivated position is achieved by translation of the cam along the rotation axis.

In another example form, the mounting of the handle to the body includes an axle, the cam also being mounted on the axle, and the axle being keyed so that it is rotationally fixed relative to the handle and the cam. Preferably, the cam is moved between the activated and deactivated positions by sliding along the axle.

In another particular, but non-limiting, example form, the handle assembly further includes a locking device, wherein when the locking device is in a locked position, the cam is in the deactivated position.

In one example form, the locking device includes an arm, the arm being movable to selectively engage the cam, wherein the arm engages and moves the cam to the activated position when the locking device is moved to an unlocked position, and the arm releases the cam when the locking device is moved to the locked position. In another example form, the handle assembly includes a biasing element that biases the cam towards the deactivated position.

Preferably, the handle has the same range of motion regardless of the position of the cam.

In another particular, but non-limiting, example form, the retention device includes a first protrusion and a follower, the follower being located proximal to the cam so that, when the cam is in the activated position and the handle is rotated, a face of the cam contacts the follower and urges the follower in a manner that causes the first protrusion to be retracted inwardly.

In one example form, the retention device further includes a second protrusion that is operatively connected to the first protrusion so that the second protrusion is also retracted inwardly when the first protrusion is retracted by the cam. In another example form, the first and second protrusions are connected by a rack and pinion device, such that the first and second protrusions retract inwardly along axes that are substantially aligned with one another.

In one example form, the locking device can be replaced with a blank and the cam fixed in the activated position.

According to another example aspect, there is provided a drawer, including a handle assembly substantially as defined herein.

In one form, rotation of the handle requires application of a force to the handle in substantially the same direction as the drawer moves when being opened. In another form, the retention device extends beyond an edge of the drawer when the retention device is not retracted and the retention device is configured so that it interacts with a drawer housing to hold the drawer in a closed position when the retention device is not retracted.

According to another example aspect, there is provided a door, including a handle assembly substantially as defined herein.

In one form, rotation of the handle requires application of a force to the handle in substantially the same direction as the door moves when being opened. In another form, the retention device extends beyond an edge of the door when the retention device is not retracted and the retention device is configured so that it interacts with a cabinet enclosure to hold the door in a closed position when the retention device is not retracted.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following modes, given by way of example only, are described in order to provide a more precise understanding of the subject matter of a preferred embodiment or embodiments.

In the Figures, incorporated to illustrate features of an example embodiment, like reference numerals are used to identify like parts throughout the Figures.

Referring toFIGS.1and2, a handle assembly10according to an embodiment of the invention is shown. The handle assembly10includes a body12that supports all components of the handle assembly10. One such component is a handle13that is rotatably mounted to the body12.

Referring toFIG.3, the handle assembly10is shown in a disassembled form for ease of viewing the components of the handle assembly10. Here it can be seen that the handle13is mounted using a hinge pin14at one end, and a support pin15with support sleeve21at the other end.

A recess16formed in the body12allows the handle13to be positioned substantially within the body12but to permit access below and behind the handle13for simple operation by a user's hand. A handle return spring17is fitted to the support sleeve21, and abuts the body12and handle13to bias the handle13to a position substantially within the recess16.

In use, the handle13can be rotated about a longitudinal axis of the hinge pin14and support pin15so that the handle13is partially removed from the recess16. When released, the handle return spring17then moves the handle13back into position within the recess16.

A cam18is fitted to the hinge pin14and is able to slide along the hinge pin14, with the hinge pin14being fixed to the handle13. The cam18and a mounting hole19in the handle13are each keyed to prevent rotation relative to one another. That is, each of the cam18and hole19have flat surfaces that correspond with flat surfaces20on the hinge pin14or hinge pin with key11(FIG.4). These flat surfaces operatively connect the cam18to the handle13so that, even though the cam18can slide along the hinge pin14, the cam18cannot rotate independently of the handle13.

In the preferred embodiment shown, the hinge pin14is fixed to the handle13, with the cam18free to slide along the hinge pin14. It will be appreciated, however, that alternative embodiments may have the cam18fixed to the hinge pin14, with the hinge pin14free to slide within the hole19of the handle13.

Referring now toFIGS.7and8, the cam18can be moved between an activated position and a deactivated position by sliding along the hinge pin14.FIG.7shows the cam18in the deactivated position whileFIG.8shows the cam18in the activated position.

Referring toFIG.7, a locking device22with a tab or arm23is shown in a locked position. In this position, the arm23extends outwardly towards the side of the body12, separated from the cam18. The cam18is biased by a spring25in a direction away from the handle13along the hinge pin14. This position of the cam18away from the handle13is the deactivated position, as the arm23has moved away, releasing the cam18.

Referring now toFIG.8, the locking device22is shown in an unlocked position. In this position, the arm23is rotated so that it contacts the cam18, forcing the cam18to slide along the hinge pin14towards the handle13, against the force of the spring25. This position of the cam18close to the handle13is the activated position.

Referring back again toFIG.3, rotation of the handle13causes rotation of the hinge pin14and the cam18. When the cam18is in the activated position, this rotation of the cam18actuates a retention device28, whereas when the cam18is in the deactivated position, the cam18still rotates but does not contact, and therefore does not actuate, the retention device28.

The retention device28has a first component30with a first protrusion31that extends towards the outside of the body12. The first component30also has a follower32that is located proximal to the cam18. The follower32is in the form of a slanted surface, and can be seen more clearly inFIG.5.

When the cam18is in the activated position and the handle13is rotated, a face of the cam18contacts the follower32. As the cam18continues to rotate, it urges the follower32in a manner that causes the first protrusion31to be retracted inwardly towards the body12. That is, the first component30moves inwardly as the cam18slides along the follower32.

When the cam18is in the deactivated position, however, it is free to rotate with the handle13and does not contact the follower32at any point during that rotation.

The retention device28also has a second component35with a second protrusion36. The second component35is connected to the first component30by a rack and pinion device. The device includes a first rack38on the first component30and a second rack39on the second component35. The two racks38,39are connected by a pinion40rotatably fixed in position between the two racks38,39.

The rack and pinion device thereby causes the second component35to also be retracted inwardly towards the body12, albeit in the opposite direction to the first component30, when the first component30is retracted by the cam18.

The first component30and/or second component35are biased towards their outer positions, so that they return to this position when the handle is released. This bias force is provided by the spring42.

Because the cam18does not contact the follower32when it is in a deactivated position, there is nothing preventing the handle13from having at least the same degree of rotation when the locking device22is in the locked position. This rotation of the handle13just occurs without the retention device28being retracted. That is, the handle13has the same range of motion regardless of the position of the locking device22.

The handle assembly10is designed so that it can be fitted to a drawer. The first protrusion31and second protrusion36are each connected to a rod or wire45and held in place by a clamp46. At an outer edge of the drawer, a bracket47is fixed to the drawer and supports a latch48that is connected to the outer end of the wire45by a clamp49. A spring50biases the latch48towards the outside of the drawer.

The latch48has a slanted surface52that extends beyond the outer side of the bracket47. This end of the latch48is designed to interact with part of the drawer housing to hold the drawer in the closed position. The slanted surface52contacts the housing as the drawer is closed, forcing the latch48inwardly. Once the latch48passes a particular point, it can extend outwardly again behind the housing, holding the drawer closed. Only when the handle assembly10is operated (when unlocked) to pull the latch48inwardly can the drawer be opened.

When locked, rotation of the handle13is decoupled from the retention device28and therefore the devices extending to the sides of the drawer, including the wire45and latch48. Therefore, rotation of the handle13is still possible, however it does not release the drawer. When the handle assembly10is unlocked, it is still held closed and cannot fall open, for example, but can be opened through actuation of the handle13.

While the embodiment described includes a wire45to extend outwardly from the handle assembly10, it will be appreciated that alternative components could be used, such as other forms of tether, or solid connections such as a bar or rod. Further, it will be appreciated that depending on the specific components, some of the springs in either the handle assembly10and/or near the sides of the drawer could be deleted, while still allowing the device to function as required.

In the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, the arm23does not actively lock the drawer in a closed position, but rather it decouples the handle13from the retention device28. In an alternative embodiment, however, this may be possible. That is, the arm23may be connected to a device that interacts with the drawer housing, so that when in the locked position the drawer is held closed. This would simply be a backup device and is not essential to the invention.

Due to the configuration of the handle assembly10when installed in a front face of the drawer, rotation of the handle13requires application of a force to the handle13in substantially the same direction as the drawer moves when being opened. This allows releasing of the drawer and opening of the drawer to be achieved with a single motion.

The handle assembly10may also be fitted to a range of other items, such as cupboards or cabinets, for example. It will be appreciated, however, that an alternative embodiment of handle assembly may be used on doors, as only a single protrusion may be required, with the second protrusion and the rack and pinion device being removed. In yet another embodiment, the handle assembly10may be mounted to the door at an angle with retention devices at the top and bottom of the door.

The locking device22in the preferred embodiment is a simple locking barrel that is operated by a key, as is well known in the art. In alternative embodiments however, it is anticipated that many alternative solutions are possible. For example, a micro switch, Bluetooth connectivity or other wireless communication means may be incorporated into the lock operation.

Similarly, other features such as an LED or other similar display to indicate an open lock position could be incorporated, with or without a low battery alarm. Remote connectivity could not only indicate the position of the locking device, but could also allow remote lock operation. The locking device could also communicate with other sensors to provide an alarm or remote notification for unauthorised entry.

In one embodiment, there may be an option provided of replacing the locking device22and arm23with a blank55, which is also shown inFIGS.3and4. The blank55simply fills the space previously used by the locking device22, but does not have any other function. Meanwhile, when the blank55is used, the cam18is also replaced by a fixed cam56. The fixed cam56is much wider, so is not free to slide along the hinge pin18, thereby staying permanently in the activated position.

The handle assembly10is aimed at being a simple, ergonomic and effective design, whereby the rack and pinion actuation can be locked with a key or by other means without restricting the movement of the handle. This is advantageous as it ensures there is no strain placed on the locking mechanism when the rack and pinion actuation is locked.

In a more general sense, a handle assembly in accordance with this invention includes a pull handle that is actuated by the user, causing the rotation of the sliding cam that sits on the handle hinge pin. The sliding cam is able to move horizontally along the handle hinge pin to and from a position where it is able to actuate the rack and pinion mechanism.

The design of the handle assembly is such that when the sliding cam is held in place by the lock arm in the unlocked position, the rotation of the handle ensures the sliding cam actuates the rack and pinion mechanism. When the handle assembly is in the locked position, the lock arm moves away from the sliding cam and no longer holds it in place. As a result, the sliding cam is moved along the handle hinge pin due to the force of a compressive spring. When the sliding cam has moved along the handle hinge pin to the locked position, the position of the sliding cam ensures that it no longer actuates the rack and pinion mechanism as the handle is pulled.

For retaining the handle hinge pin inside the handle and ensuring they rotate together, the handle hinge pin is of a shape and has an interference fit inside the handle. The sliding cam has a tolerance fit matching the shape of the handle hinge pin, allowing it to move horizontally along the shaft when the lock arm moves the sliding cam to the unlocked position or when the lock arm is moved away and the compression spring returns the sliding cam to the locked position. However, the shape of the handle hinge pin ensures that the sliding cam rotates with the handle.

The handle assembly10is preferably made primarily from thermoplastics. Certain components, however, preferably use other materials where necessary. In particular, the hinge pin14is made from steel, as this component is difficult to mould accurately from plastic and the tension applied during handle rotation in the unlocked position may result in it twisting if made from plastic. Similarly, the arm23of the locking device22is preferably also made from steel.

Various other embodiments may use other materials or combinations of materials, which are also considered to fall within the scope of the invention. For example, aluminium or steel may be used for various other components, or other materials may be used for certain components, such as but not limited to other metals and/or composite materials.

In the foregoing description of preferred embodiments, specific terminology has been resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as “front” and “rear”, “inner” and “outer”, “above” and “below” and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

Whilst the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it will be understood that many modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. All such variations and modifications should be considered to fall within the scope of the invention as broadly described and as claimed below.

LIST OF PARTS