Abstract:
An actuator handle mechanism used in conjunction with a multi-point latching system is adapted to allow a panel or door, such as a panel or a door on a cabinet to be opened and closed. The handle mechanism comprises at a handle, at least two end caps, at least two links, and a crossbar. The mechanism allows a user to open the system by rotating a handle around a vertical axis, as opposed to the horizontal axis.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/252,205, filed Nov. 21, 2000. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to latching devices and more particularly to a handle mechanism for securing a first member, such as a door, panel, or a similar closure member in a closed position relative to a second member, such as a corresponding door, panel, or similar closure member. 
     2. Brief Description of the Prior Art 
     Although many other handles and multi-point latching systems are currently available, there are few systems, which combine the elements of both a handle used in conjunction with a multi-point latch by allowing a user to open the system by rotating a handle around a vertical axis, as opposed to the customary horizontal axis indicated in the prior art, especially in a simple and easy to assemble mechanism that is visually satisfying. 
     There are many paddle type actuators in the prior art. These actuators usually cause a single pawl to be retracted and do not allow for multi-point operation. Some paddle type actuators are outfitted with pivot plates, which allow the actuator to open two or three latching points. These systems work only in a “pull” mode; that is, they can pull the remote latches open, but rely on spring force to close the system. 
     There is a need for a simple, actuator handle to be used in conjunction with a multi-point latching system, which is constructed with few individual parts, is easy to assemble, and provides for user-friendly installation and operation and is aesthetically pleasing. Moreover, a need also exists to provide a handle mechanism, which allows a cabinet designer the flexibility to match an actuator motion to the design and end user of the cabinet. Furthermore, a new handle mechanism is needed, which allows push and pull output from the mechanism. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides an actuator handle mechanism for use in conjunction with a multi-point latching system for installation in an opening in a door or panel for releasably retaining the panel relative to a frame. For example, the multi-point latching system disclosed in prior art applications may be used. The mechanism allows a user to open the system by rotating a handle around a vertical axis, as opposed to the horizontal axis. 
     In the preferred embodiment, the mechanism includes a generally wedge-shaped handle, two generally wedge-shaped end caps, two generally triangular shaped links, and a crossbar. A lock mechanism may be added to one of the end caps. The end caps connect with the handle, and the handle connects with the links, which connect to the crossbar. The cross bar then connects to a toggle pivot, which allows for opening and closing of the mechanism. The crossbar is constrained to linear motion by slots in the end caps, so it matches the linear motion of the toggle pivot. The links join the crossbar to the handle and allow the crossbar to translate while the handle pivots. A slot in the link accommodates a lock pawl which when engaged prevents the handle from opening. The links and crossbar are designed to cover up, and therefore restrict user access to, any pinch points. This handle mechanism used in conjunction with an actuator mechanism of a multi-point latching system allows for push and pull output from the mechanism. Thus, this feature allows use of the handle with a multi-point latching system, and provides compression at the latching points. 
     The handle is operated in the following manner: the operator actuates the handle by pulling it forward, which is a clockwise rotational motion. This action engages the links, one located on each side of the handle, and thereby causes the link to pull the crossbar forward towards the handle, thus opening the panel or door. When the handle is pushed rearward, the links are also pushed rearward, thereby causing the crossbar to move rearward. The toggle pivot connected to the crossbar extends, which causes a pair of toggle links to collapse thus allowing the handle to fully close. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide an actuator handle mechanism to work in conjunction with a multi-point latching system, which is useful for securing a door panel such as a cabinet door or panel. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide an actuator handle mechanism, which will allow a user to open the system by rotating a handle around a vertical axis, as opposed to the horizontal axis. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to provide an actuator handle mechanism, which is constructed with few individual parts, is easy to assemble, and provides for user-friendly installation and operation and is aesthetically pleasing. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an actuator handle mechanism, which allows a cabinet designer the flexibility to match an actuator motion to the design and end user of the cabinet. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an actuator handle mechanism, which allows push and pull output from the mechanism. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an actuator handle mechanism, which comprises a minimum number of parts. 
     These and other objects of the present invention will become more readily apparent when taken into consideration with the following description and the attached drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the actuator handle mechanism according to the present invention shown in the closed position. 
     FIG. 2 is a front view of the actuator handle mechanism of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the actuator handle mechanism of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 4 is an elevated side view of the actuator handle mechanism of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the actuator handle mechanism according to the present invention shown in the open position. 
     FIG. 6 is a front view of the actuator handle mechanism of FIG.  5 . 
     FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the actuator handle mechanism of FIG.  5 . 
     FIG. 8 is a side elevated view of the actuator handle mechanism of FIG.  5 . 
     FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the handle according to the present invention. 
     FIG. 10 is a side view of the handle of FIG.  9 . 
     FIG. 11 is a front view of the handle of FIG.  9 . 
     FIG. 12 is a top view of the handle of FIG.  9 . 
     FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the first end cap according to the present invention. 
     FIG. 14 is a side view of the first end cap of FIG.  13 . 
     FIG. 15 is a front view of the first end cap of FIG.  13 . 
     FIG. 16 is a top view of the first end cap of FIG.  13 . 
     FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the second end cap according to the present invention. 
     FIG. 18 is a front view of the second end cap of FIG.  17 . 
     FIG. 19 is a top view of the second end cap of FIG.  17 . 
     FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the link according to the present invention. 
     FIG. 21 is a top view of the link of FIG.  20 . 
     FIG. 22 is a side view of the link of FIG.  20 . 
     FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the crossbar according to the present invention. 
     FIG. 24 is a front view of the crossbar of FIG.  23 . 
     FIG. 25 is a top view of the crossbar of FIG.  23 . 
     FIG. 26 is a side view of the crossbar of FIG.  23 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring now to the drawings in detail, wherein like reference numerals indicate like elements throughout the several views, there is shown in FIGS. 1-4 various views of an actuator handle mechanism  1  in a closed position. The handle mechanism  1  comprises a handle  2 , a first end cap  3 , a second end cap  4 , a first link  5 , a second link  25 , a crossbar  6 , and a toggle mechanism  7 . 
     FIGS. 5-8 illustrate the handle mechanism  1  in the closed position. The rack  80  is generally elongated and is dimensioned and configured to receive the handle mechanism  1 . Toggle mechanism  7  comprises a rack  80 , a plurality of toggle links  8 ,  9 , a cross link  10 , and a plurality of rod connectors  11 ,  12 . The toggle mechanism  7  further comprises means for attaching said toggle mechanism  7  to a panel (not shown), wherein said attachment means is embodied in a plurality of holes  26 ,  27 . Other apertures  28 ,  29 ,  30 ,  31  are further included on said rack  80 . The rack  80 , which is generally C-shaped, further comprises an upper portion  19 , a lower portion  20 , and a joining cross portion  21 , with a plurality of rear openings  24  in said cross portion  21 . 
     Said plurality of toggle links  8 ,  9  are connected to said plurality of rod connectors  11 ,  12  by a plurality of toggle link connections  17 ,  18  respectively. Toggle link  8  is connected to toggle link  9  by a toggle pivot  16 . Toggle links  8 ,  9  each comprise a pivot eyelet  22 ,  23  respectively. A cross link  10  is connected to said toggle link  9  through the pivot eyelet  23 . A cross link knob  15  extends from one end of said cross link  10 , and extends through a cross link attachment hole  14  of toggle mechanism  7 . 
     FIGS. 9-12 further illustrate the handle  2 , wherein said handle  2  is generally triangular I shape and comprises a front surface  32 , a rear surface  33 , a recessed left surface  34 , and a recessed right surface  35 . A pair of end cap pegs  36 ,  37  extend from said left surface  34  and right surface  35  respectively. Likewise a pair of link pegs  38 ,  39  extend from said left surface  34  and right surface  35  respectively. The handle  2  further comprises a pair of inner side walls  40 ,  41  extending to a pair of curved joining walls  42 ,  43  respectively, which then terminate at said rear surface  33 . The front surface  32  terminate with rounded edges  44 ,  45  on opposite sides. 
     FIGS. 13-16 detail first end cap  3 , which connects onto said handle  2 . Wherein said first end cap  3  is generally triangular in shape and comprises an outer side surface  46 , an outer front surface  47 , and an outer top surface  48 . Peg receiving means embodied by a peg bore  49  is included in said first end cap  3 , which receives end cap peg  36  of handle  2 . 
     FIGS. 17-19 further show second end cap  4 , which also connects onto said handle  2 . Said second end cap  4 , which is generally triangular in shape, comprises an inner side surface  71 , an outer front surface  52 , an outer top surface  53 , and an outer side surface  54 . Peg receiving means embodied as a peg bore  50  is included in said second end cap  4 , which receives end cap peg  31  of handle  2 . Means for locking said handle  2  is housed in a locking means recess  13 , which extends to an aperture  51 . 
     Next, FIGS. 20-22 illustrate first link  5  and second link  25 , which are adapted to connect said handle  2  with said crossbar  6 . First and second link  5  and  25  comprise a first surface  60 , a second surface  61 , an extended portion  59 , and a notch  58 . Said extended portion  59  comprises handle peg hole  57 , which receives link peg  38  (for first link  5 ) and link peg  39  (for second link  25 ). A crossbar peg hole  56  is also included on first and second link  5  and  25 . Finally, a slot  55  is included to receive a locking member (not shown) from means for locking said handle  2  (not shown). 
     FIGS. 23-26 further show the crossbar  6 , which connects to said first and second links  5  and  25 , and when pushed forward by pushing the handle  2 , causes translational movement of toggle pivot  16 . The crossbar  6 , which is generally L-shaped, comprises a front portion  62 , a curved connecting portion  63 , and a top portion  64 . Wherein said top portion  64  further comprises a first portion  65  and a second portion  66 . A toggle pivot connecting means  67  shown as a hole is included in first portion  65  of said top portion  64  of said crossbar  6 . Toggle pivot connecting means  67  connects said toggle links  8 ,  9  together via toggle pivot  16 . A cutout portion  70  is further included on said crossbar  6 . Finally, a pair of link pegs  68 ,  69  extend from said crossbar  6 . Said link pegs  68 ,  69  connect into crossbar peg hole  56  of first link  5  and second link  25 , and are guided to move in a linear fashion by extending through links  5 ,  25  and into slots (not shown) in end caps  3 ,  4 . 
     Other modifications to the above description can be made consistent with the spirit and scope of the invention disclosed as disclosed in the Summary of the Invention, the Brief Description of the Drawing Figures, and the Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments. While the above description constitutes the preferred embodiment of the present invention, it will be appreciated that the invention is subject to modification, variation and change, without departing from the proper scope or fair meaning of the present invention. In this regard, while the various features of the present invention have been shown and described in relation to a panel or door, such as for example that of a cabinet, it will be understood that many of these features are suitable in connection with latching of other members.