Abstract:
A latch apparatus for a door having a first face and a second face includes a housing adapted for mounting on the first face of the door. The bolt member pivotally mounts to the housing and extends and retracts in and out from the housing and is urged toward an extended position by a return spring. A first push type handle mounts to the housing and retracts the bolt when pushed toward the door. A spindle extends through the door from a second latch pivotally mounted to the second face of the door. The spring back engages the spindle and provides for retracting the bolt upon rotation of the spindle.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention is directed to a latch for mounting to an interior face of a door and in particular to a push-type handle with a spring pack module mounted on the interior face of the door. 
     2. Prior Art 
     Storm doors and other similar doors are well-known and typically open outward so that pulling on an outer handle is required while the door can be pushed open from the inside. Therefor, a storm door does not normally need to be pulled from the inside. Typical storm door latches have both inside and outside handles rotationally mounted about an axis with a spindle extending through the door. The spindle typically connects both the inside and outside latch on solid cored doors so that they rotate together. Although this configuration does an adequate job of actuating the door bolt, there are problems with such a design. Often, the operator&#39;s fingers can be pinched between the handle and the strike plate upon opening, as the handle is rotated toward the door jamb. If a push handle or similar mechanism could be utilized to replace the rotational handle, such pinching may be avoided. 
     As the there is often an inner door, the exterior of the storm door is typically more readily seen than the inner face of the storm door, its appearance is of greater concern than the inner face of the door. Since a more pleasing exterior is emphasized, the return mechanism for an exterior handle is preferably positioned on the interior of the door. However, such an arrangement may presents design complications with respect to the interior latch handle and its return mechanism. 
     In addition to mounting design considerations, the packaging of such handle is a consideration for layout and positioning of elements. Former handles typically are packaged by mounting to a backing such as cardboard and then have a shrink wrap applied around the backing and the latch components. Such packaging is easier and more aesthetically pleasing if the latch element is near the backing. Sharp portions extending outward from the backing can more easily pierce the shrink wrap. Moreover, since the packages are often hung off of hooks, it is preferable that the elements be aligned in a narrower linear fashion for more compact presentation at the point of sale. In addition, latches are often part of the original equipment of the door manufacturer. The boxes for doors are typically only slightly thicker than the door. Therefor, the latches should fit in packaging that fits into the door box for shipping. This presents design challenges, as the latch is typically much wider than the thickness of the door box when the latch is installed. 
     To accommodate linearity for packaging, it is easier if the elements of the latch may be aligned to a linear configuration for shipping and packing and then reconfigured to a use position when assembled. In addition, a modular configuration providing for separation of elements prior to installation to a door, yet providing for self-alignment and assembling with simple tools or without tools, installation may be easily accomplished by the purchaser. 
     It can seen that a new and improved storm door latch is needed. Such a latch should provide a push-type interior handle that does not create problems for the operator with regarding to fingers being pinched or otherwise hurt. Such a latch should also provide a for mounting of a return mechanism for the outside handle on the interior of the door. In addition, the latch should provide for improved packaging and shipping configurations accommodating shrink wrap type packaging and packaging no thicker than the thickness of a typical door box. The present invention addresses these problems, as well as others associated with storm door latches. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a latch apparatus for storm doors. The latch apparatus includes a pivotal handle mounted to a first side of the door and a push type latching handle on the opposing face of the door. A latch bolt pivotally mounts to the housing and extends and retracts to be received in the door jamb for retaining the door in a locked position. An inner latch mechanism includes a spring pack assembly mounted within the housing receiving a spindle through the door to return the rotatable handle to its at rest position. 
     The inner latch mechanism includes a housing including an open side receiving a pivotally mounted bolt. A return spring engages the rear face of the bolt to turn it towards its extended position. The push handle includes a lip engaging an underside of the bolt for moving the bolt to a retracted position. 
     The housing includes a bracket receiving a spring pack that includes a cylindrical hub with flange type camming surfaces extending outward from the hub portion. The hub receives a spindle extending to an exterior handle and rotates with the spindle. The camming surfaces extending from the hub engage inner flange portions at the inside of the rear surface of the bolt so that upon rotation of the spindle, the spring pack is rotated and the bolt is retracted. 
     The bolt includes an extended lock portion having an angled surface for engaging a corresponding receiver. The bolt pivots on the housing and has rear spring engagement surface with a inner flanges for engaging the spring pack camming surfaces. A lip of the inner push-type handle engages an underside of the upper portion of the bolt to retract the bolt. 
     The outer handle connects to the spindle, but does not have any return mechanism on its face of the door. A grip rotatably mounts to the escutcheon plate. The outer handle may also include a lock cylinder actuating a dead bolt for additional securement. 
     These features of novelty and various other advantages which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof. However, for a better understanding of the invention, its advantages, and the objects obtained by its use, reference should be made to the drawings which form a fer part hereof, and to the accompanying descriptive matter, in which there is illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference letters and numerals indicate corresponding structure throughout the several views: 
     FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a latch apparatus according to the principles of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 shows a horizontal sectional view of the latch apparatus shown in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 shows a vertical sectional view of the latch apparatus shown in FIG. 1 
     FIG. 4 shows a sectional perspective view of the inner latch mechanism and spindle for the latch apparatus shown in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of the inner latch mechanism for the latch apparatus shown in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of the spring pack for the latch apparatus shown in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 7 shows a perspective view with portions removed of the inner latch mechanism for the latch apparatus shown in FIG. 1 with the latch bolt extended; 
     FIG. 8 shows a perspective view with portions removed of the inner latch mechanism for the latch apparatus shown in FIG. 1 with the latch bolt extended and showing engagement of the spring pack with the latch bolt; 
     FIG. 9 shows a perspective view with portions removed of the inner latch mechanism for the latch apparatus shown in FIG. 1 with the spring pack rotated and the latch bolt retracted; 
     FIG. 10 shows a side view with portions removed of the inner latch mechanism for the latch apparatus shown in FIG. 1 with the latch bolt extended; 
     FIG. 11 shows a side view with portions removed of the inner latch mechanism for the latch apparatus shown in FIG. 1 with the push handle actuated and the latch bolt retracted; and 
     FIG. 12 shows a side view with portions removed of the inner latch mechanism for the latch apparatus shown if FIG. 1 with the spring pack removed and the push handle in a shipping position. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to FIG. 1, there is shown a latch, generally designated  20 . The latch  20  has an inner latch mechanism  22  and an outer latch handle  24  for mounting on the inner and outer faces of the door, respectively. The inner latch mechanism  22  and outer latch handle  24  are connected by a spindle  26  that extends through the door. The inner latch mechanism  22  and outer latch handle  24  actuate a bolt  36  of the inner latch mechanism  22  and extends into a receiver in the doorjamb, which often has a strike plate for engaging the bolt  36 . The extended bolt  36  in engagement with a receiver in the doorjamb maintains the door in a closed position. 
     The outer door handle  24  includes a grip portion  42  that receives the spindle  26 . The grip portion  42  rotatably mounts to an escutcheon plate  44  that is mounted to the outer surface of the door and may include a key cylinder lock  46  providing for additional retention of the door. The escutcheon  44  of the present invention mounts essentially flat against the outer face of the door and give a very low profile. The present invention provides for both actuation and return positioning of the grip  42  on the interior of the door. This configuration provides for a sleeker more appealing surface on the outside face of the door. 
     Turning now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the latch portion  22  receives the spindle  26  through a substantially rectangular orifice. The outer handle  24  includes a similar rectangular opening that receives the spindle  26 . The outer handle  24  connects the spindle  26  by tightening a set screw  48 , as shown in FIG.  2 . In this manner, as the outer rotatable handle grip  42  turns relative to the escutcheon plate  44 , and spindle  26  rotates with the outer handle  24  and actuates the bolt  36  at the inner latch mechanism  22 . As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a spring pack  50  is positioned within a housing  30  of the inner latch mechanism  22  completely on the inner face of the door. 
     Turning now to FIG. 5, the inner latch mechanism  22  includes a handle  32  pivotally mounted to the inner latch housing  30 . The handle  32  includes a push portion  70  extending from a lip  72  and camming surface  74  for actuating the bolt  36 , as explained hereinafter. In addition, the handle  32  is an orifice  76  extending therethrough for mounting on a rivet  34  secured to the housing  30 . The housing  30  has a base mounting portion  96  and orifices therethrough for receiving mounting hardware. The housing  30  has an open side  92  from which the bolt  36  extends and retracts. A bracket  94  receives the spring pack  50 , and receives and aligns the spring pack  50 . The bracket  94  defines a circular opening providing for rotation of the spring pack  50  within the housing  30 . A slot  90  opposite the open side  92  receives the handle  32 . 
     The bolt  36  is substantially hollow and includes an extended lock portion  80  which engages a retainer of the door jamb for maintaining the door in a closed position. An orifice  84  extending through the bolt receives one of the rivets  34  for pivotally mounting to the housing  30 . A leaf type spring  38  inserts intermediate the housing  30  and the bolt  36  to bias the bolt  36  toward an extended position. A bearing plate  40  is at the base of the housing  30  against the door and retains the spring pack  50  and other components. The bearing plate  40  includes orifices for receiving the mounting hardware in spindle  26 . 
     The bolt&#39;s lock portion  80  projects from the housing  30 , as shown in FIGS. 4,  7  and  8 ,  10  and  12 , at its extended position. The bolt  36  has a profile that includes an arcing portion extending to an angled edge of the lock portion  80 . Spring engagement surfaces  82  on the inner edge of bolt  36  is shown in FIGS. 5,  9 ,  11  and  12 . The bolt  36  is open intermediate the two spring engaging surfaces  82  to receive the spring pack  50 , as explained hereinafter. A flange  86 , shown most clearly in FIGS.  8 , 9  and  12 , engages the camming portion of the spring pack so that upon rotation of the spindle from an at rest position, the bolt  36  is retracted. 
     Referring now to FIG. 6, the spring pack  50  includes a hub  54  with the cylindrical upper portion having flange type camming portions  60  extending laterally from one edge of the hub. The bottom of the hub  54  extends toward a bracket with a spring stop  64 . A torsion spring  52  slides onto the hub  54  and engages the stop  64 . Alignment members  62  project axially from the hub  54  into alignment orifices  66  in a cap  58 . The cap  58  also includes a rectangular or square central orifice  60  that receives the spindle  26 . A set screw  56  threads into the hub  54  and attaches the spring pack  50  to the spindle  26 , as shown most clearly in FIGS. 2 and 4. 
     The bolt  36  of the present invention can be actuated by either rotation of the outer handle  24  or pushing the inner handle  32  toward the face of the door. In either mode of operation, the return spring  38  engages the inner surface  82  of the bolt  36  to urge it back to its extended position. The return spring  38  also acts as the return for the inner handle  32 , as the retraction of the bolt  36  pushes the handle  32  back to its at rest position, shown in FIG.  10 . The spring pack  50  includes a torsion spring  52  which returns the outer handle grip  42  back to its at rest position. 
     Referring to FIGS. 7 through 11, the operation of each of the modes of actuation will be explained. In FIGS. 7 and 8, the bolt  80  is extended beyond the housing  30 . A camming portion  60  of the hub  54  abuts the inner flange  86  of the bolt  36 . The hub  54  is connected to the spindle  26 , so that when the outer handle  24  is rotated, the camming portion  60  of the hub  54  pushes against an associated flange  86  of the bolt  36 . This motion retracts the bolt  36 , as shown in FIG.  9 . In this position, bolt  36  is retracted in the housing  30  from its at rest position. When the end of handle  24  is released, the return spring  38  presses against the inner surface  82  as shown in FIG. 9, pressure from the spring  38  returns the bolt  36  to the position shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. This movement of the bolt  36  also pushes the hub  54  back to its at rest position and the torsion spring helps to realign the outer handle  24  to the non-actuated position. 
     Shown in FIGS. 7 and 10 in the at rest position, the push portion  70  extends substantially parallel to the bearing plate  40  and the inner face of the door. Camming surface  74  abuts the top of the hub  54 . The lip  72  engages the engagement surface  88  of the bolt  36 . The grip portion  70  extends away from the edge of the door so that the operator&#39;s fingers and knuckles are not pinched or scraped. 
     To retract the bolt  36 , the grip portion  70  is pushed toward the face door, as shown in FIG.  11 . Rotation occurs about the axis extending through mounting hole  76 . This pivots the lip  72  outward from the hub  54 , thereby pushing the door engaging surface  88  of the bolt  36 . This motion rotates the bolt  36  about the rivet  34  extending through orifice  84  and causes the bolt  36  to retract to the position shown in FIG.  11 . When the push portion  70  is released, the inner spring  38  pushes against the rear surface  82  of the bolt  36  to urge it back to the position shown in FIG.  10 . The underside surface  88  of the bolt  36  pushes the lip  72  downward until the cam portion  74  engages the top of the hub  54 . This engagement helps to position the handle  32  with the grip portion  70  extending parallel to the door, as shown in FIG.  10 . 
     It will be appreciated that the present invention provides for the return mechanism and actuation of the bolt  36  from both the inner latch mechanism  22  and outer handle  24  on the inner face of the door. Only the spindle  26  extends through the door for a simple mounting and reliable actuation. 
     As the spring pack  50  has its own modular assembly, it can be easily inserted by an unskilled person without use of special tools. Therefore, the latch  20  may be better configured prior to installation during shipping and for display at the point of sale. Referring now to FIG. 12, when the spring pack  50  is removed from the housing  30 , the grip portion  70  of the handle  32  may be moved to a third position whereat it extends substantially perpendicular to its at rest position shown in FIG.  10 . In the position shown in FIG. 12, the grip portion  70  is substantially in alignment with the housing  30  so that the latch  20  may be placed against a flat mounting surface and provide for easier inexpensive packaging, such as shrink wrap. Assembly is easily accomplished as the handle  32  may be pushed to the position shown at FIG.  10  and the spring pack  50  inserted into the bottom of the housing  30 . Prior to assembly, the other components such as the spindle  26 , outer handle  24  and escutcheon plate  44  may also be placed flat against a backing for more compact packaging. 
     It is to be understood, however, that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of the invention, the disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size and arrangement of parts within the principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.