Patent Publication Number: US-9885200-B2

Title: Handle-actuated sliding door lock actuation assemblies

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/661,081, filed Jun. 18, 2012, entitled “Handle-actuated Sliding Door Lock Actuation Assemblies,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     INTRODUCTION 
     Many locks for sliding doors, for example, patio doors, utilize both a fixed handle for moving the door and a pivotable thumbturn or other actuation device for locking and/or latching the door. Often, a fixed handle and a pivotable thumbturn are used to move and lock the door, respectively. In many such assemblies, the position of the thumbturn and, accordingly, the latch or lock element, may be difficult to ascertain. In such cases, an operator may believe the door to be locked when it is actually not so. Additionally, thumbturns are often small (so as to not detract from door aesthetics) and may be difficult for an operator to manipulate. This may be especially true in the case of a disabled operator who may have difficulty grasping, pinching, or rotating the thumbturn. To address this, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that an ADA-compliant door must be able to be opened and closed with less than five pounds of force applied to the locking element actuator (that is, the thumbturn). Lengthening an arm on the thumbturn may increase the moment applied to the thumbturn, but a longer arm can be unsightly, and may interfere with the handle of the door. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, the technology relates to a lock actuation assembly including: an escutcheon; a handle comprising a first end pivotably connected to the escutcheon at an interface; a link arm pivotably mounted in the escutcheon, the link arm comprising a first end; a projection engaged with the first end of the handle and the first end of the link arm; and a cam located in the escutcheon, wherein the cam is rotatably engaged with a second end of the link arm, the cam comprising a tailpiece adapted for engagement with a locking mechanism. In an embodiment, the interface has an interface axis and the tailpiece has a tailpiece axis, wherein the cam pivots about the tailpiece axis, and wherein the interface axis and the tailpiece axis are parallel. In another embodiment, the handle is pivotable between a first handle position and a second handle position, the link arm is pivotable between a first link arm position and a second link arm position, the cam is pivotable between a first cam position and a second cam position, and when the handle is in the first handle position, the link arm is in the first link arm position, and the cam is in the first cam position. In yet another embodiment, the lock actuation assembly includes a rivet for rotatably engaging the second end of the link arm with the cam. In still another embodiment, an angle between the first handle position and the second handle position is from about 5 degrees to about 20 degrees. In another embodiment the angle is about 11 degrees. 
     In an embodiment of the above aspect, the link arm defines an opening for receiving a mounting element, wherein the mounting element is adapted to mount the lock actuation assembly onto a stile of a door. In another embodiment, the projection is integral with at least one of the handle and the link arm. In yet another embodiment, the lock actuation assembly further includes a stop for limiting a pivoting range of the handle. In still another embodiment, the stop slidably engages a second end of the handle with the escutcheon. 
     In another aspect, the technology relates to a lock actuation assembly including: an escutcheon; a handle comprising a first handle end pivotably connected to the escutcheon at an interface, wherein the first handle end is pivotable about an interface axis; and a cam disposed in the escutcheon and operably connected to the handle, wherein the cam comprises a tailpiece adapted for engagement with a locking mechanism, wherein the tailpiece is pivotable about a tailpiece axis that is substantially parallel to the interface axis. In an embodiment, the lock actuation assembly further includes a link arm comprising a first link arm end and a second link arm end, wherein the first link arm end is fixedly engaged with the handle, and wherein the second link arm end is pivotably engaged with the cam, such that a rotation of the handle rotates the cam. In another embodiment, the handle is pivotable between a rest position and a stop position. In yet another embodiment, the lock actuation assembly further includes a stop for preventing a pivoting of the handle past the stop position. In still another embodiment, the stop extends from the handle and is slidably engaged with a slot defined by the escutcheon. 
     In another embodiment of the above aspect, the stop extends from a second end of the handle. In yet another embodiment, the link arm has a taper from the first link arm end to the second link arm end, and wherein the link arm has a first tapered edge and a second tapered edge. In still another embodiment, when the link arm is in a first position, the first tapered edge is substantially parallel to an escutcheon axis, and wherein when the link arm is in a second position, the second tapered edge is substantially parallel to the escutcheon axis. 
     In another aspect, the technology relates to a kit useful in forming a lock actuation assembly, the kit including: an escutcheon adapted to be secured to a stile of a door; a handle comprising a first end, wherein the first end is adapted to be pivotably connected to the escutcheon at an interface; a link arm adapted to be pivotably received in the escutcheon, the link arm comprising a first end; a projection adapted to engage the first end of the handle with the first end of the link arm; and a cam adapted to be pivotably received in the escutcheon, wherein the cam is adapted to be rotatably engaged with a second end of the link arm, the cam comprising a tailpiece adapted for engagement with a locking mechanism. In an embodiment, the kit includes a stop adapted to be fixed to at least one of the handle and the escutcheon. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       There are shown in the drawings, embodiments which are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the technology is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. 
         FIGS. 1A and 1B  are side views of a lock mechanism in a locked position and an unlocked position, respectively. 
         FIGS. 2A and 2B  are perspective views of an embodiment of a lock actuation assembly. 
         FIGS. 3A and 3B  are an exploded side view and an exploded perspective view, respectively, of an embodiment of a lock actuation assembly. 
         FIGS. 4A-4C  are front, side, and rear views, respectively, of an embodiment of a link arm utilized in a lock actuation assembly. 
         FIGS. 5A-5D  are first side, rear, second side, and front views, respectively, of an embodiment of a cam utilized in a lock actuation assembly. 
         FIGS. 6A and 6B  are bottom perspective views of an embodiment of a lock actuation assembly in a locked position and an unlocked position, respectively. 
         FIGS. 6C and 6D  are cross-sectional views of an embodiment of a stop system utilized in a lock actuation assembly. 
         FIGS. 6E and 6F  are front views of an embodiment of a stop system utilized in a lock actuation assembly. 
         FIGS. 7A and 7B  are rear views of an embodiment of a lock actuation assembly in a locked position and an unlocked position, respectively. 
         FIG. 7C  is a sectional view of an embodiment of a lock actuation assembly. 
         FIGS. 8A and 8B  are partial rear views of the lock actuation assembly of  FIGS. 7A and 7B , respectively. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIGS. 1A and 1B  are side views of a lock mechanism  100  in a locked position and an unlocked position, respectively. The lock mechanism  100  may be installed in a stile of a sliding door, for example, a sliding glass door. The lock mechanism may be the 537 series lock, sold by Amesbury Group, Inc.—Door Hardware Division, of Sioux Falls, S. Dak., or similar one- or two-point locks. Other lock mechanisms may also be utilized, such as, for example, the two-point lock mechanism described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,418,845, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The depicted lock mechanism  100  includes a housing  102  and a locking member  104  pivotally connected thereto. An actuator  106  is engaged with the locking member  104  and includes an actuator slot  108  for receipt of a tailpiece from a lock actuation assembly. The lock housing  102  may define one or more openings  110  for allowing passage of an escutcheon mounting element (for example, a screw or a bolt) therethrough. Additionally, a faceplate  112  may be secured to the housing  102  and used to secure the locking mechanism  100  to a door stile.  FIG. 1A  depicts the locking element  104  in an extended or locked position.  FIG. 1B  depicts the locking element  104  in the retracted or unlocked position. The orientation of the actuator slot  108  corresponds to one of these two positions. In the depicted embodiment, the actuator  106  rotates or pivots about 90 degrees between the locked and unlocked positions. 
       FIGS. 2A and 2B  are perspective views of an embodiment of a lock actuation assembly  200  in a first or locked position. The lock actuation assembly  200  includes an escutcheon  202  and a handle  204  pivotably connected to the escutcheon  202 . The escutcheon  202  defines an escutcheon axis A E , which extends generally the length of the escutcheon  202 . In the depicted embodiment, the escutcheon axis A E  is defined by two openings  206  in the escutcheon  202 . The openings  206  are configured to receive a bolt, screw, or other elongate fastening elements that secure the lock actuation assembly  200  to a door. In other embodiments, the escutcheon axis A E  may be defined by an edge or some other portion of the escutcheon  202 . The handle  204  is pivotably connected to the escutcheon  202  at a first end  208  of the handle  204 . When in the first handle position, as depicted, a second end  252  of the handle  204  may be located proximate the escutcheon  202 , such that when viewed from the front or side, the handle  204  may appear aligned or integral with the escutcheon  202 . A rotation R of the handle  204  moves the lock actuation assembly  200  to a second or an unlocked position. In this second handle position (depicted below), the second end  252  is located distal from or misaligned with the escutcheon  202 . This rotation R also rotates a tailpiece  210 , which extends into a slot of an actuator of a locking mechanism when the lock actuation assembly is mounted on a door. The door and lock mechanism are not shown, as the installation would be apparent to a person of skill in the art. Mechanisms that enable for the rotation of the tailpiece  210  are described in further detail herein. 
       FIGS. 3A and 3B  depict an exploded side view and an exploded perspective view, respectively, of an embodiment of a lock actuation assembly  200 . Common elements described with regard to  FIGS. 2A and 2B  above include the escutcheon  202  with the openings  206  defined therethrough, the handle  204  having an upper end  208 , and the tailpiece  210 . The handle  204  is pivotably connected at the upper end  208  to the escutcheon  202  utilizing a low-friction bushing  212  that fits within an interface  214  defined by the escutcheon  202 . Anti-friction axial and/or thrust bearings may alternatively be used in place of the bushing  212 . The bushing  212  defines an opening  216  that receives a projection  218  from an underside of the handle  204 . In another embodiment, the projection  218  or interface  214  may be manufactured from a low-friction material. At least a portion of the projection  218  is configured to penetrate a similarly-sized and -dimensioned keyway  220  of a link arm  222 , such that rotation of the handle  204  will rotate the link arm  222 . In the depicted embodiment, a square key  224  extends from the projection  218  and into the keyway  220 , although other shapes, such as cross, hexagon, triangle, etc., may be used. A fastener  226 , here in the form of a screw, may be used to further secure the link arm  222  to the handle  204 . 
     The link arm  222  is configured so as to fit within the escutcheon  202  when installed. In addition to the keyway  220 /key  224  connection, the depicted link arm  222  may include a number of detents  228  that may further engage matching recesses on the projection  218 . Once the fastener  226  is fixed, these detents  228  will further help limit play between the handle  204  and the link arm  222 . The link arm  222  further includes a number of tabs  230 , which are described in more detail below. Additionally, one or more bends  232  may be formed on the link arm to ensure clearance between the various components. The bend  232  depicted in  FIGS. 3A and 3B  limits interference between the link arm  222  and a cam  234 , aspects of which are described in more detail below. The tailpiece  210  extends from the cam  234  and is configured to be received within the actuator of a lock mechanism. A rivet, pin, or other pivotable connector  236  passes through an opening  238  on the end of the link arm  222  and a slot  240  on the cam  234 , so as to pivotably connect the cam  234  and link arm  222 . 
     A retention plate  242  may be fastened to the escutcheon  202  with a screw, bolt, or other fastener  244  so as to keep the cam  234  positioned within the escutcheon  202 . The retention plate  242  defines an opening  246  through which the tailpiece  210  extends. The depicted lock actuation assembly  200  also includes a stop  248  in the form of a pin that extends from a lower portion  250  of the escutcheon  202  and is secured to a lower portion  252  of the handle  204 . The operation of the stop  248  is described in more detail below. A number of axes are depicted in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . As described above, the escutcheon  202  includes an escutcheon axis A E . An interface axis A I  defines an axis about which the handle  204  rotates. In the depicted embodiment, the interface axis A I  may be defined by the fastener  226 . A tailpiece axis A T  defined by the tailpiece  210  is substantially parallel to the interface axis A I  and both the tailpiece axis A T  and the interface axis A I  are substantially orthogonal to the escutcheon axis A E . Accordingly, unlike sliding door locks that utilize a thumbturn to pivot a tailpiece about a single axis and thus actuate a lock mechanism, the present technology allows rotation of the tailpiece  210  (about a first axis) by rotation of a handle (about a second axis). Since the handle  204  is significantly longer than thumbturns of prior art mechanisms, the moment achieved allows the lock actuation assembly  200  to be more easily actuated, especially by those users with limited strength or gripping ability. 
     As apparent from the description, several of the elements of the lock actuation assembly  200  are located on an underside of the escutcheon  202  and thus would not be visible once installed. The escutcheon  202  is secured onto a stile of a door with one or more mounting elements  254 , such as screws, bolts, or other securing devices that penetrate the openings  206 . In the depicted embodiment, an upper mounting element  254   a  is located proximate the upper end  208  of the handle  204 . A second securing element  254   b  is located proximate a lower portion  252  of the handle  204 . Of course, the mounting elements  254  may be located on the escutcheon  202  as required or desired for a particular application. The mounting elements  254  may penetrate the locking mechanism, and may be secured to an escutcheon located on an opposite side of the door. Additionally, the upper mounting element  254   a  passes through a mounting element opening  256  defined by the lever arm  222 . The lock actuation assembly  200  is typically located on an interior side of the door. The escutcheon  202  serves an aesthetic function and may be of various designs and/or configurations to complement the handle  204 . 
       FIGS. 4A-4C  are front, side, and rear views, respectively, of another embodiment of a link arm  300  utilized in lock actuation assemblies such as the types described herein. The link arm  300  shares structural similarities with the link arm  222  depicted in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . Additional aspects and functionality are now described with reference to  FIGS. 4A-4C . The link arm  300  includes a plurality of tabs  302  that help maintain forward/backward alignment of the link arm  300  (that is, with respect to an escutcheon). Also, the tabs  302  reinforce the link arm  300  against twisting or bending forces. Although the tabs  302  are shown on either side of the mounting element opening  304 , they may be located anywhere along the link arm  300 , or need not be included at all. In such a case, it may be desirable to utilize a thicker gauge material for the link arm  300 , to resist undesirable bending or twisting forces. A first end  306  of the link arm  300  defines a keyway  308  that is used to engage a discrete projection from the handle. A second end  310  of the link arm  300  defines an opening  312  for receipt of a pivotable connector. The link arm  300 , as well as the link arm  222  of  FIGS. 3A and 3B , define a substantially tapered shape, which allows the link arm to pivot within the escutcheon while maintaining sufficient clearance therein. Edges  314 ,  316  define a decreasing taper from the first end  306  to the second end  310 . 
       FIGS. 5A-5D  are first side, rear, second side, and front views, respectively, of a cam  400  utilized in lock actuation assemblies such as the types described herein. The cam  400  shares structural similarities with the cam  234  depicted in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . Additional aspects and functionality are now described with reference to  FIGS. 5A-5D . The cam  400  includes a base  402  and a tailpiece  404  extending substantially orthogonally therefrom. The tailpiece  404  is configured so as to engage the actuator slot of a locking mechanism actuator, such as the type depicted in  FIGS. 1A and 1B . The base  402  defines a slot  406  configured to receive a pivotable connection such as the rivet or pin described above. The length of the slot  406  allows the rivet to move radially along the base  402  as the connected link arm rotates the cam  400  from a first cam position (depicted in  FIG. 7A ) to a second cam position (depicted in  FIG. 7B ). In an alternative embodiment, the cam may include a projection projecting from the base that may engage with an elongate opening on the link arm. 
       FIGS. 6A and 6B  are bottom perspective views of an embodiment of a lock actuation assembly  500  in a locked position and an unlocked position, respectively. The lock actuation assembly  500  includes an escutcheon  502  and a handle  504  pivotably connected thereto. In order to prevent over-rotation of the handle  504  during operation, the lock actuation assembly  500  includes a stop  506 . Here, the stop projects from a front surface  508  of the escutcheon  502 . A recess  510  is formed in an upper portion  512  of the handle and receives the stop  506 . When the handle  504  is in the first position depicted in  FIG. 6A , the stop  506  may abut a first side of the recess  510 . As the handle  504  is pulled or rotated R, the stop  506  abuts a second side of the recess  510 , and over-rotation of the handle  504  is prevented. In an alternative embodiment, the recess may be formed in the escutcheon and a stop may project into the recess from the handle. The recess  510  and stop  506  are located so as to be hidden from view, thus preventing these elements from detracting from handle design aesthetics. Locating the stop and recess as depicted also helps reduce the likelihood of a user&#39;s fingers being pinched between the handle  504  and stop  506  during use. 
       FIGS. 6C and 6D  are cross-sectional views of an alternative embodiment of stop system  550  utilized in a lock actuation assembly. Here, an escutcheon  552  includes one or more walls  554  extending from a front surface  556  thereof. A handle (not shown) is pivotably engaged with the escutcheon  552  as described herein. The handle includes a projection  558  that allows for pivoting movement of the handle relative to the escutcheon  552 . In that regard, the projection  558  is similar to the projection  218  described in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . When in a first position, depicted in  FIG. 6C , one or more stops  560  may abut or nearly abut the walls  554  from the escutcheon  552 . As the handle is rotated R, the stops move in an arcuate motion within a gap  562  between the walls  554 . In the second position, depicted in  FIG. 6D , the stops  560  abut the escutcheon walls  554 , preventing further rotation thereof. Other configurations of stop systems located at the interface between the handle and escutcheon are contemplated. 
       FIGS. 6E and 6F  are partial front views of an alternative embodiment of a stop system utilized in a lock actuation assembly  570 , in a locked position and an unlocked position, respectively. Here, the lock actuation assembly  570  includes an escutcheon  572  and a handle  574  connected thereto. In these figures, a bottom portion of the assembly  570  is depicted. The escutcheon  572  includes a raised portion  576  that aligns with the handle  574 . A pin  578  is fixed to the handle  574  and penetrates an opening in a sidewall  582  of the raised portion  576 . As the handle  574  is rotated to the position depicted in  FIG. 6F , the pin  578  moves until an enlarged portion  580  of the pin  578  contacts the opening in the sidewall  582 . This stops further rotation of the handle  574 . Of course, in other embodiments, the pin may be fixed to the raised portion  576  of the escutcheon  572 , with the enlarged portion extending into the handle  574 . Regardless of the type of stop system utilized, when the handle is in the position depicted in e.g.,  FIG. 7A , the stop may be referred to as being in the rest position. When the handle is in the position depicted in e.g.,  FIG. 7B , the stop may be referred to as being in the stop position. 
       FIGS. 7A and 7B  are rear views of an embodiment of a lock actuation assembly  600  in a locked position and an unlocked position, respectively. The figure does not depict a retention plate of the type depicted in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , but such an element may be utilized if required or desired for a particular application. The lock actuation assembly  600  includes an escutcheon  602  and a handle  604  pivotably connected thereto. The escutcheon  602  defines a plurality of openings  606  for receiving fasteners used to mount the lock actuation assembly  600  to a door. Opening  606   a  is disposed such that an associated fastener passes through a mounting element opening  656  defined by the link arm  622 . As can be seen, the mounting element opening  656  is sized and configured so as to accommodate the fastener for the entire range of motion of the handle  604  and link arm  622 . 
     Walls  652 ,  654  of the escutcheon  602  define a recess  650 . The link arm  622  is located within the recess  650  of the escutcheon  602  and transfers rotational motion from the handle  604  to the cam  634 . The length and tapered shape of the link arm  622  determines, in part, the angle of rotation of the handle  604 . The link arm  622  is secured at a first end  622   a  to the handle  604  with a screw, bolt, or other fastener  626 . The cam  634  is engaged with a second end  622   b  of the link arm  622  via a pin, rivet, or other projection  636  that extends into a slot  640  defined by the cam  634 . The cam  634  is also located within the recess  650 . The cam  634  includes a tailpiece  610  that is inserted into an actuator slot  108  ( FIGS. 1A-1B ) of a lock mechanism and rotates an actuator to lock and unlock the lock mechanism (that is, to extend and retract a pivoting locking member). In  FIG. 7A , the handle,  604 , the link arm  622 , and the cam  634  are located in first positions. Second respective positions are depicted in  FIG. 7B . 
     A stop  648  is fixed to the handle  604  and limits rotation of the handle  604  during opening and closing operations of the associated door. In  FIG. 7A , the stop  648  is located at a first end  658   a  of a slot  658 . Thus, a force F applied to the handle  604  (for example, during a closing of the associated door) is transferred to the escutcheon  602  at both ends of the handle  604 , thus preventing over-rotation thereof. That is, a first component of the force F is transferred at a first end  608  of the handle  604  via the projection that connects the handle  604  to the escutcheon  602 . A second component of the force F is transferred at a second end  652  of the handle  604  via the stop  648  and the slot  658 . Distribution of this force F to both ends of the handle  604  thus prevents over-rotation. In  FIG. 7B , the stop  648  is located at a second end  658   b  of the slot  658 . Thus, a force F′ applied to the handle  604  (for example, during an opening of the associated door) is transferred to the escutcheon  602  at both ends of the handle  604 , thus preventing over-rotation thereof. That is, a first component of the force F′ is transferred at a first end  608  of the handle  604  via the projection that connects the handle  604  to the escutcheon  602 . A second component of the force F′ is transferred at the second end  652  of the handle  604  via the stop  648  and the slot  658 . Distribution of this force F′ to both ends of the handle  604  thus prevents over-rotation. In the depicted embodiment, the slot  658  is slightly arcuate, though any slot configuration may be utilized. 
     The lock actuation assemblies depicted herein automatically unlock and lock an associated lock mechanism (such as the type depicted in  FIGS. 1A and 1B ) when the handle is used to pull or push (by sliding) the door open or closed. The lock actuation assembly eliminates the need for a separate locking action (typically rotation of a discrete thumbturn) when the door is unlocked before the door can be opened. The assembly also eliminates the separate locking action required to lock the door lock when the door is closed. The actuation assembly may be used on the interior or exterior of the door stile, but is usually located on the interior. The assembly captures the intuitive motion or action of pulling or pushing (open or closed) a sliding door handle. Referring to the assembly of  FIG. 7B , applying a force F′ (e.g., by pulling) the handle  604  causes the handle  604  to rotate slightly. This also rotates the link arm  622  to a position such that a first tapered edge  660  of the link arm  622  is substantially parallel with the wall  654  of the escutcheon  602 . This pivoting of the link arm  622 , in turn, rotates R′ the cam  634  clockwise, which rotates the tailpiece  610  to unlock the lock mechanism. Referring to the assembly of  FIG. 7A , applying a force F (e.g., by pushing) the handle  604  causes the handle  604  to again rotate slightly. This also rotates the link arm  622  to a position such that a second tapered edge  662  of the link arm  622  is substantially parallel with the opposite wall  652  of the escutcheon  602 . This pivoting of the link arm  622 , in turn, rotates R the cam  634  counterclockwise, which rotates the tailpiece  610  to lock the lock mechanism. 
       FIG. 7C  is a sectional view of a lock actuation assembly  600 ′, substantially similar to the lock actuation assembly  600  of  FIG. 7A . The section line is depicted in  FIG. 7A  for reference. In this embodiment, the lock actuation assembly  600 ′ includes an escutcheon  602  and a handle  604  having a first end  608  and a second end  652 . The handle  604  is connected at the first end  608  to the escutcheon  602  with a bushing  612 . A retention plate  642  is utilized in this embodiment to secure a link arm  622 , a pin  636 , and a cam  634  within a recess  650 . A stop  648  extends between the handle  604  and the escutcheon  602 . The stop  648  may be fixed to either of the handle  604  or the escutcheon  602  with mechanical, press-fit, and/or adhesive elements. In an embodiment where the stop  648  is secured to the handle  604 , the stop  648  is fixed to the handle  604  above line  670 . When fixed to the handle  604 , the stop  648  slides within a slot  658 , such as described above with regard to  FIGS. 7A and 7B . In an alternative embodiment, the stop  648  may be secured to the escutcheon  602  below the line  670 . In that case, the stop  648  would slide within a handle slot  672 , contacting either end thereof to prevent over-rotation. 
       FIGS. 8A and 8B  are partial rear views of the lock actuation assembly  600  of  FIGS. 7A and 7B , respectively. The handle  604  rotates between a first handle position (depicted in  FIG. 8A ) and a second handle position (depicted in  FIG. 8B ) to move a pivoting locking member between an extended position and a retracted position. Since the handle  604  and link arm  622  are secured with a fastener  626 , the link arm  622  rotates with the handle  604 . An angle α between a first link arm position (depicted in  FIG. 8A ) and a second link arm position (depicted in  FIG. 8B ) may be as required or desired for a particular application. In the depicted embodiment, the angle is about 11 degrees. In alternative embodiments, the angle may be between about 7 degrees and about 15 degrees, or between about 5 degrees and about 20 degrees. Other angles of rotation are contemplated and the handle  604  may have various aesthetic designs (e.g., to match an escutcheon or to achieve compliance with certain standards, such as the American with Disabilities Act). 
     The materials utilized in the manufacture of the lock actuator assembly may be those typically utilized for lock and handle manufacture, e.g., zinc, steel, brass, stainless steel, etc. Material selection for most of the components may be based on the proposed use of the lock assembly, level of security desired, etc. Appropriate materials may be selected for a lock assembly used on sliding doors, or on doors that have particular security requirements, as well as on lock assemblies subject to certain environmental conditions (e.g., moisture, corrosive atmospheres, etc.). For particularly light-weight door panels or low-security panels, molded plastic, such as PVC, polyethylene, etc., may be utilized for the various components. Nylon, acetal, Teflon®, or combinations thereof may be utilized for various components (e.g., the bushing) to reduce friction, although other low-friction materials are contemplated. The handle and escutcheon may also be finished by known powder coating processes. 
     The terms first, second, retracted, extended, latched, unlatched, locked, unlocked, upper, lower, etc., as used herein, are relative terms used for convenience of the reader and to differentiate various elements of the lock actuation assembly from each other. In general, unless otherwise noted, the terms are not meant to define or otherwise restrict location of any particular element or the relationship between any particular elements. For example, although the embodiments depicted herein are described such that the handle/escutcheon interface is disposed at the top of the assembly, the assemblies may also be installed upside down. The lock actuator assemblies described herein may be utilized in new doors or may be retrofitted into existing installations. As can be seen from the figures, the pivoting handles described herein differ significantly from conventional non-pivoting handles located on sliding doors. In other embodiments, the link arm and cam need not be utilized and the interface axis A I  and the tailpiece axis A T  would be substantially collinear. In such an embodiment, the handle may be configured with a tailpiece at the first end to engage with the actuator slot. Such embodiments may be desirable in certain applications, but the depicted embodiments utilizing the link arm and cam helps maintain size and location similar to those of conventional, non-pivoting sliding door handles. Additionally, embodiments utilizing the link arm and cam offer mechanical advantages that may not be present in an embodiment where the handle connects directly to the locking mechanism. 
     The lock actuator assemblies depicted herein may be sold in a kit including the components necessary to construct a complete door lock using a locking mechanism and a lock actuator assembly. In certain embodiments, the kit may include a handle, an escutcheon, a link arm, and a cam, and any required connectors or fasteners. Additionally, the elements of the lock actuation assembly may be sold as a kit separate from a locking mechanism to enable easy retrofitting of the lock actuation assembly onto an existing door with an existing lock mechanism. Additionally, certain components depicted as unitary herein may be made of discrete parts that are assembled in the field. For example, a cam including an opening for receiving a discrete tailpiece may be utilized. Multiple tailpieces of different lengths may be included in the kit such that a tailpiece of the correct length may be field-selected for a door having a particular thickness (e.g., deep or shallow). 
     While there have been described herein what are to be considered exemplary and preferred embodiments of the present technology, other modifications of the technology will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the teachings herein. The particular methods of manufacture and geometries disclosed herein are exemplary in nature and are not to be considered limiting. It is therefore desired to be secured in the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the spirit and scope of the technology. Accordingly, what is desired to be secured by Letters Patent is the technology as defined and differentiated in the following claims, and all equivalents.