Patent Description:
As is well known, there exist locks that effect the closure of a leaf, which is movable relative to the frame of the door or window, by means of a bolt that is reversibly movable, relative to the leaf, between an extracted position and a retracted position. In greater detail, the bolt is configured to engage, on command, in a seat provided in the frame so as to lock the leaf and effect the closure of the door or window.

Generally, such locks have a lock body that can be housed in the thickness of the leaf and comprises the bolt. In particular, the bolt is moved between the extracted position and the retracted position thanks to the rotation of a square bar that passes through the lock body.

Such locks further comprise a pair of handles at least partially recessed into the exposed surface of the leaf and at least one of which is connected to the square bar so as to control the movement of the bolt. In particular, each handle comprises a receptacle adapted to be recessed into the surface of the leaf and configured to receive an actuating member, typically a latch, directly connected to the square bar. In greater detail, if the lock is intended for a door or window for which the bolt must be actuated from only one side, for example, from the inside of a room, the latch is suitably shaped in order that it can be gripped and actuated manually by a user. In the handle positioned on the other side, by contrast, typically on the outside of the room, the latch cannot be gripped, but rather has an indentation for a tool, or a coin, so as to allow only a possible emergency opening of the lock and, therefore, of the door or window.

Alternatively, the handle on the outside is idly mounted on the square bar. Such locks and handles pose several drawbacks.

Firstly, accurate, time-consuming work on the leaf is necessary to create the recessed seat for each receptacle.

Secondly, the field of application of such locks and handles is disadvantageously limited by the thickness of the leaf. In fact, each receptacle requires a recessed seat having a minimum depth, so it is essential that the leaf have a sufficient thickness, both for installing the lock and for creating the recessed seat.

Disadvantageously, moreover, the above-described handles are not very ergonomic and, especially in the case of hinged leaves, they require auxiliary gripping members, typically extractable. This circumstance introduces constructive complications and higher costs.

Document <CIT>, in accordance with the preamble of claim <NUM>, describes a lock for doors of bathrooms or toilets with a rotatable handle disposed inside the room and a display device positioned outside the room to display the "closed" status.

In this context, therefore, it would be desirable to have a lock for a door or a window capable of addressing at least some of the abovementioned problems.

In particular, one object of the present invention is to provide a lock that can be mounted on leaves having reduced thicknesses.

A further object of the present invention is to propose a lock that can be rapidly and easily installed.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a lock that is simple to use.

The stated technical task and specified objects are substantially achieved by a lock for a door or a window comprising the technical features disclosed in one or more of the appended claims.

The dependent claims correspond to possible embodiments of the invention.

Additional features and advantages of the present invention will emerge more clearly from the approximate, and thus non-limiting, description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of a lock for a door or a window as illustrated in the appended drawings, in which:.

With reference to the appended figures, a lock for a door or a window according to the invention has been denoted in its entirety by the reference number <NUM>.

The lock <NUM> comprises a lock body <NUM> connectable to a leaf "A" (<FIG> and <FIG>) of a door or a window.

In particular, the lock body <NUM> comprises a locking element <NUM> that is reversibly movable between a retracted position, in which it is at least partly housed inside the lock body <NUM>, and an extracted position, in which it is at least partly projecting from the lock body <NUM> so as to define a condition of closure of the door or the window.

Preferably, the locking element <NUM> comprises a bolt <NUM>.

Advantageously, the lock body <NUM> can comprise a magnetic retaining device <NUM> configured to interact magnetically with a counter-plate (not illustrated) installed on the frame of the door or the window. In this manner, the leaf "A" can be kept firmly in a closed position without the activation of the bolt <NUM>.

With particular reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the lock <NUM> further comprises an actuating means <NUM> for moving the locking element <NUM>.

In accordance with a possible embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the actuating means <NUM> comprises a bar <NUM> with a polygonal cross section which is active on the lock body <NUM> and reversibly rotatable in order to move the locking element <NUM> at least between the retracted position and the extracted position. For example, the bar <NUM> can have a quadrangular cross section, preferably a square one. It should be underscored that the kinematic mechanism of the transmission of motion between the bar <NUM> and the bolt <NUM> is of a known type and not illustrated.

As may be better seen in <FIG>, <FIG>, the lock <NUM> comprises a fixed handle <NUM> that is connectable to the leaf "A" and can be gripped by a user. In particular, the fixed handle <NUM> is solidly joined to the lock body <NUM>. Furthermore, the lock <NUM> comprises a rotating handle <NUM> that is connectable to the leaf "A" and can be gripped by a user.

The rotating handle <NUM> is solidly coupled to the actuating means <NUM> and rotatable relative to the lock body <NUM> in order to move the locking element <NUM> between the extracted position and the retracted position. Advantageously, moreover, the actuating means <NUM> and at least the rotating handle <NUM> can be telescopically coupled to enable the lock to be adapted to the thickness of the leaf.

For example, the fixed handle <NUM> and the rotating handle <NUM> can be disposed, respectively, on the surface of the leaf outside a room and on the surface of the leaf inside a room.

Preferably, the actuating means <NUM> is disposed at least partly inside the rotating handle <NUM>. In other words, the rotating handle <NUM> can be configured to house the actuating means <NUM> at least partly, thereby imparting a particular aesthetic appeal to the lock <NUM>.

With particular reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the lock <NUM> further comprises a first support element <NUM> and a second support element <NUM>, each having a longitudinal dimension of extension such that they take on a configuration, during use, projecting from a leaf "A".

Advantageously, the fixed handle <NUM> and the rotating handle <NUM> can be fitted over the first support element <NUM> and the second support element <NUM>, respectively.

In this manner, the fixed handle <NUM> and the rotating handle <NUM> can be disposed, during use, on the outside of the leaf "A", thereby increasing the convenience of the door or window, since the user can readily grip the handles without needing to rely on complex extraction procedures. Advantageously, this solution is highly ergonomic, as it simplifies the procedure of locking the leaf, allowing the leaf to be closed and subsequently locked with a single continuous sequence of movements of the same hand.

In a further advantageous manner, this solution makes it possible to simplify and speed up the installation of the lock by minimising the milling operations on the leaf "A" compared to the prior art.

For this reason, moreover, the present lock <NUM> can be advantageously mounted on leaves having a reduced thickness, even only slightly larger than that of the lock body <NUM>. Therefore, the lock according to the invention can have particular and effective application on glass leaves and, in general, on leaves having a thickness equal to or less than <NUM> millimetres. With reference to the variant embodiments shown in <FIG>, and <FIG>, the first support element <NUM> and the second support element <NUM> can be completely housed inside the fixed handle <NUM> and the rotating handle <NUM>, thus being, during use, substantially out of view so as to increase the aesthetic appeal of the lock <NUM>.

Advantageously, the fixed handle <NUM> and/or the rotating handle <NUM> can be in the form of a knob, thus ensuring optimal ergonomics and a high aesthetic appeal of the lock <NUM>.

According to further possible embodiments, the handle can have a different form, for example to satisfy the user's needs, without altering the inventive concept of the present invention.

With particular reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the lock <NUM> comprises a circlip <NUM> active on the rotating handle <NUM> in order to keep it fitted over the second support element <NUM>.

Furthermore, the lock <NUM> comprises a connecting grub screw <NUM> active on the fixed handle <NUM> in order to keep it fitted over the first support element <NUM>. Preferably, the first support element <NUM> and the second support element <NUM> are connectable to the leaf "A" and/or lock body <NUM> so that the latter is at least partly interposed between them, and thus between the fixed handle <NUM> and the rotating handle <NUM>.

As illustrated in the appended figures, the lock <NUM> can comprise fixing elements <NUM>, for example screws, suitable for connecting the first support element <NUM> and the second support element <NUM> to the leaf "A", thereby ensuring particular stability and robustness of the lock <NUM>.

For example, the fixing elements <NUM> are connected to the first support element <NUM> and second support element <NUM> in such a way that, during use, the fixed handle <NUM> and the rotating handle <NUM> are opposite relative to the leaf "A" of the door or window and, preferably, have respective axes of extension that coincide. According to a further preferred configuration, the axes of extension of the handles <NUM>, <NUM> coincide with the axis of extension of the bar <NUM>.

Preferably, the first support element <NUM> and the second support element <NUM> can have, respectively, a pair of housings <NUM> adapted to receive, by insertion, the fixing elements <NUM>.

With particular reference to <FIG>, the fixing elements <NUM> can comprise four screws, each of which inserted into a corresponding housing <NUM> and screwed, when in use, directly onto the leaf "A".

In accordance with further possible embodiments and as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the fixing elements <NUM> can, when in use, pass through the leaf "A" and the lock body <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the fixing elements <NUM> can be inserted into the housings <NUM> of the first support element <NUM> so as to be connected to respective housings <NUM> of the second support element <NUM>, in such a way as to maintain the first support element <NUM> and the second support element <NUM> constrained to the leaf "A".

With particular reference to <FIG>, the fixing elements <NUM> can be inserted into the housings <NUM> of the first support element <NUM> and screwed into a respective female screw inserted in the housings <NUM> of the second support element <NUM>.

Furthermore, as the fixed handle <NUM> and the rotating handle <NUM> can be fitted, during use, over the support elements <NUM>, <NUM>, they hide the fixing elements <NUM> from view, thus imparting aesthetic quality to the lock <NUM>.

With particular reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, the lock <NUM> can comprise an auxiliary control device <NUM> at least partly housed in the fixed handle <NUM>. The auxiliary control device <NUM> can be activated in order to move the locking element <NUM> at least from the extracted position to the retracted position.

In this manner, the auxiliary control device <NUM> can define, for example, an emergency opening system for the door or window.

The auxiliary control device <NUM> can further be activated in order to reversibly move the locking element <NUM> from the retracted position to the extracted position.

In greater detail (<FIG>), the auxiliary control device <NUM> comprises a control member <NUM> solidly joined to the bar <NUM> and having a seat <NUM>, preferably an indentation, adapted to receive a tool for external actuation by a user. For example, the tool for external actuation can consist in a coin and/or the tip of a screwdriver.

Preferably, the control member <NUM> is fitted over the bar <NUM> and coupled thereto by virtue of their mating shape, in such a way as to optimise the overall dimensions of the lock <NUM>. In particular, the control member <NUM> has a first portion <NUM>, fitted over the bar <NUM>, and a second portion <NUM> exposed to view (when the lock is in use) and bearing the seat <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> are reciprocally constrained by virtue of their mating shape, thus minimising the connection elements and simplifying the manufacturing process.

For example, the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> can be reciprocally press fitted.

Furthermore, the first portion <NUM> is connected to the bar <NUM> by means of a circlip <NUM> which ensures an adequate positioning thereof relative to the first support element <NUM> of the fixed handle <NUM>.

In accordance with a further possible embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the lock <NUM> comprises a cylinder <NUM> having a shank <NUM> over which the rotating handle <NUM> is fitted. Preferably, the rotating handle <NUM> and the shank <NUM> are reciprocally coupled in rotation by means of a coupling grub screw <NUM>.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the shank <NUM> essentially defines the actuating means <NUM>.

With particular reference to <FIG>, the fixed handle <NUM> has an access opening <NUM> for accessing the cylinder <NUM> to allow the insertion of a key "C" by a user. In this manner, the cylinder <NUM> can also perform the function of an auxiliary control device for emergency opening.

Preferably, a plug <NUM> is further present; it is insertable into the access opening <NUM> and provided with a through slot adapted to allow the insertion of the key "C".

In particular, the plug <NUM> can be connected to the fixed handle <NUM> by means of a circlip <NUM> which ensures the correct positioning thereof relative to the access opening <NUM>.

In accordance with a further aspect, the present invention relates to a door or window comprising a supporting frame, a leaf "A" which is reversibly movable relative to the frame between at least an open position and a closed position, and a lock in accordance with what was previously described.

It may be observed, therefore, that the present invention achieves the proposed objects by providing a lock for a door or a window that can also be installed on leaves having reduced thicknesses.

Furthermore, the lock according to the invention is capable of enhancing the ergonomics and convenience for the user thanks to the presence of a fixed handle and a rotating handle which can be fitted, during use, over a first and a second support element so as to take on a configuration of projecting from the leaf.

Claim 1:
A lock (<NUM>) for a door or a window comprising:
- a lock body (<NUM>) connectable to a leaf of a door or a window and comprising a locking element (<NUM>) that is reversibly movable between a retracted position, in which it is at least partly housed inside the lock body (<NUM>), and an extracted position, in which it is at least partly projecting from the lock body (<NUM>) so as to define a condition of closure of the door or the window;
- an actuating means (<NUM>) for moving the locking element (<NUM>);
- a fixed handle (<NUM>) that is connectable to the leaf (A) and can be gripped by a user, said fixed handle (<NUM>) being fixed relative to the lock body (<NUM>);
- a rotating handle (<NUM>) that is connectable to the leaf (A) and can be gripped by a user, said rotating handle (<NUM>) being coupled to the actuating means (<NUM>) and rotatable relative to the lock body (<NUM>) in order to move the locking element (<NUM>) between the extracted position and the retracted position; being characterized in that the lock comprises
- a first and a second support element (<NUM>, <NUM>) each having a longitudinal dimension of extension such that they take on a configuration, during use, projecting from a leaf (A); and wherein the fixed handle (<NUM>) and the rotating handle (<NUM>) can be fitted over the first support element (<NUM>) and the second support element (<NUM>), respectively.