Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY
s BACKGROUND OF THE 1ZVVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to the field of latching mechanisms,
and particularly to
the field of remote latching mechanisms.
io
2. Brief Description of Prior Art
Many types of remote latching mechanisms are known and used in the art. A
remote latching
mechanism, as the term is used herein, is a latching mechanism in which the
latching action of the
mechanism occurs at a location remote from the latch actuator part of the
mechanism.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed towards actuator devices for use in latching
mechanisms; for
example, a remote latching mechanism.
2 o BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a handle assembly in accordance with an
embodiment of the
present mvent~on.
Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view thereof.
2s Fig. 3 is a left side elevational view thereof.
Fig. 4 is a rear elevational view thereof.
Fig. 5 is a top plan view thereof.
Fig. 6 is a front elevational view thereof.
Fig. 7 is a right side elevational view thereof.
s o Fig. 8 is a bottom plan view thereof.
Fig. 9 is a top plan view of a housing in accordance with the handle assembly
of Fig. 1.
Fig. 10 is a front elevational view of the housing in Fig. 9.
Fig. 11 is a right side elevational view of the housing in Fig. 9, the left
side being a mirror
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unage.
Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the housing in Fig. 9.
Fig. 13 is a bottom plan view of a handle in accordance with the handle
assembly of Fig. 1.
Fig. 14 is a front elevational view of the handle in Fig. 13.
s Fig. 15 is a left side elevational view of the handle in Fig. 13, the right
side being a mirror
image.
Fig. I6 is a perspective view of the handle in Fig. 13.
Figs. 17-26 are views of a pawl lock of the handle assembly of Fig. 1.
Figs. 27-35 are views of a slide of a handle assembly ofFig. 1.
1 o Figs. 36-42 are views of a cage of a handle assembly of Fig. 1.
Figs. 43-47 are views of a crank of a handle assembly of Fig. 1.
Figs. 48-51 are views of a bracket of a handle assembly of Fig. 1.
Figs. 53-55 are views of another embodiment of a slide of Figs. 27-35.
Figs. 56 and 57 are a top view and a sectional view of the handle assembly of
Fig. 1 with the
i s handle in a closed position.
Figs. 58 and 59 are a top view and a sectional view taken along the line AA of
Fig. 58 of the
handle assembly of Fig. 1 showing the handle in a closed position.
Figs. 60-62 are views of the handle assembly of Fig. 1 illustrating the handle
in a partially open
position approximately 10 degrees from a closed position.
2 o Figs. 63-65 are views of the handle assembly of Fig. 1 showing the handle
in a partially opened
position approximately 60 degrees from a closed position.
Figs. 66-68 are the same as the views of Figs. 63-65 except including a leaf
spring on the
handle.
Fig. 69-71 are views of the handle assembly of Fig. 1 showing the handle in a
fully open
2 s position approximately 90 degrees from a closed position.
Fig. 72-74 are the same as the views of Figs. 68-71 except including a leaf
spring on the
handle.
Figs. 75-81 are views of a handle assembly in accordance with another
embodiment of the
present invention.
s o Figs. 82-84 are views of a housing in accordance with the handle assembly
of fig. 75.
Fig. 85 is a perspective view of a handle in accordance with the handle
assembly of fig. 75.
Fig. 86 is a right side elevational view of another embodiment of a handle in
accordance with
the handle assembly of fig. 1.
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Figs. 87-90 are views of a pawl lock in accordance with the handle assembly of
fig. 75.
Figs. 91-93 are views of a slide in accordance with the handle assembly of
fig. 75.
Fig. 94 is a perspective view of a cage in accordance with the handle assembly
of fig. 75.
Fig. 95 is a perspective view of a crank in accordance with the handle
assembly of fig. 75.
Figs. 96 and 97 are exploded perspective views illustrating assembly of the
components of the
handle assembly of fig. 75.
Fig. 98 is an exploded perspective illustrating another embodiment of assembly
of the
components of the handle assembly of fig. 75.
Figs. 99 and 100 are exploded perspective views illustrating another
embodiment of assembly
of the components of the handle assembly of fig. 75.
Fig. 101 is a sectional view taken along the line 101-101 of fig. 100
illustrating the mechanism
by which the handle is attached to the housing.
Figs. 102 and 103 are views of another embodiment of a slide of figs. 93-95.
Figs. 104 and 105 are views of a bracket of the handle assembly of fig. 75.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODllVIENTS
With reference to the drawings in detail, wherein like reference numerals
indicate like elements
throughout the several views, an actuator in accordance with the present
invention is disclosed herein.
The actuator of the present invention can be used in the operation of a
variety of di$'erent types of
2 0 latching mechanisms, and in the drawing figures are illustrated one
embodiment of the actuator of the
present invention adapted for use in a remote latching mechanism. In the
present embodiment, the
actuator is incorporated within a remote latching mechanism ofthe type
disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos.
4,880,261 ('261 Patent) and 5,064,228 ('228 Patent), each to Robert H. Bisbing
and assigned to
Southco, Inc., assignee of the present invention. The complete disclosures of
each of these patents are
2 5 incorporated by reference herein. In the present embodiment, the remote
latch mechanism comprises
an actuator, a connecting means attached to the actuator and at least one
latch assembly attached with
the connecting means. In the present embodiment, the connecting means is in
the form of at least one
continuous bar or rod and with each latch assembly incorporated in the remote
latching mechanism
being mounted to the bar or rod. The structure and operation of the connecting
means and each latch
3 o assembly of the present embodiment is identical to that disclosed in the
'261 and '228 patents, and for
the sake of brevity, these particular features will not be described herein
and reference is made to the
'261 and '228 patents for a complete description of these features. For ease
of reference, a copy of the
'261 patent is attached hereto as Exhibit A.
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The handle assembly 20 of the present embodiment includes, as portions
thereof, a housing 30,
a handle 32 and a slide assembly, which in this embodiment comprises a slide
34, a cage 36 and a crank
38, the details of which will be described in detail below.
The housing 30 is a generally elongated member defined by a flange 40 and a
cavity 42
extending within an upper surface of the flange 40 and terminating by an inner
cavity surface 44. In
addition, the housing 30 in this embodiment includes within the inner cavity
surface 44 an aperture 46
generally rectangular shaped and having one radiused end positioned proximate
a rear end 48 and
~ o terminating by a bottom surface S0. In addition, in this embodiment,
preferably a keeper is positioned
within the aperture 46, wluch in the present embodiment comprises a boss 52
generally rectangular in
configuration attached to a side surface 54 def ned by the aperture 46 and
generally perpendicular the
bottom surface 50. In the present embodiment, a cavity 56 generally square
shaped in this embodiment
is provided within the bottom surface 50. The housing 30 in this embodiment
also includes an aperture
i5 58 extending within the inner cavity surface 44 and positioned proximate a
front end 60. In the present
embodiment, preferably the aperture S8 in this embodiment is generally
rectangular in configuration
and preferably extends through the housing 30. The housing 30 also includes a
cavity 62 positioned
adjacent to the aperture 58 and between the aperture S8 and front end 60. In
this embodiment, the
cavity 62 is generally square shaped in configuration defined by a pair of
generally opposing side walls
2 0 64 with an opening 66 generally circular in configuration in this
embodiment extending through each of
the side walls 64. Further, as will be described herein, means for mounting of
the housing 30 is also
provided and in the present embodiment for this purpose at least one and
preferably four threaded
openings 68 or holes for a conventional self tapping screw are provided within
the lower outer surface
70 of the housing 30.
The handle 32 is generally elongated in configuration and in this embodiment
includes a
perimeter surface corresponding in configuration to the configuration of the
cavity 42 extending within
the upper surface of the flange 40 of the housing 30. For example, in this
embodiment, the handle 32 is
defined by a first portion 72 generally square shaped in configuration
positioned adjacent to a front end
s o 74 and a second portion 76 generally elongated along a longitudinal axis
and having a diameter
transverse the longitudinal axis larger than a diameter of the first portion
72. The second portion 76 at
its end distal the first portion 72 is generally radiused in configuration
adjacent to the rear end 78 of the
handle 32. In addition, in this embodiment, the handle 32 includes a bottom
surface 79 having
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extending therefrom a platform 78 which in this embodiment is generally boxed
shaped in
configuration. In addition, preferably the handle 32 includes a cavity 80
which is generally cylindrical in
configuration extending within an upper surface 82 and terminating within the
platform 78. In
addition, in this embodiment, preferably the platform 78 includes an opening
84 positioned within one
of four side surfaces of the platform 78 positioned substantially
perpendicular to the bottom surfac,, 79.
In addition, in the present embodiment, a projection 86 generally triangular
in shape is provided
extending from the bottom surface 79 proximate the front end 74. 1n the
present embodiment,
preferably the projection 86 terminates by a generally T-shaped portion 88. In
addition, in this
embodiment, the handle 32 includes a pair of elongated channels 90 provided
within the bottom surface
~ 0 79 extending in a longitudinal direction of the handle 32 and positioned
adjacent opposite sides of the
platform 78.
The handle 32 in this embodiment also includes means for retaining the handle
32 in a closed
position relative to the housing 30 comprising in this embodiment a lock pawl
92. The lock pawl 92 is
i 5 generally square shaped in configuration comprising a semi-circular shaped
cut out 94 generally
extending through the center, a generally square-shaped cut out 96 adjacent to
a first end 98, a
generally cylindrical boss 99 extending from the first end 98 positioned
within cut out 96 and on a
second end 100 distal the first end 98 a romped camming surface 102 and a
locking surface 104. The
assembly and operation of the lock pawl 92 will be described in detail below.
The slide 34 in the present embodiment is generally z-shaped in configuration
comprising two
generally boxed shaped platforms 106 and 108 and a generally rectangular
shaped connecting portion
110 connecting the platforms 106 and 108. The platform 106 includes a
generally square shaped cavity
112 within an outer surface distal the connecting portion 110 and a generally
rectangular shaped cut
2 5 out 114 extending within a surface 116 and into the cavity 112. The
connecting portion 110 includes
opposing surfaces 118 and 120 with the platform 106 being attached to the
surface 118 and the
platform 108 being attached to the surface 120. The platform 108 is attached
proximate a second end
of the connecting portion 110 distal the platform 106, which is attached
proximate a first end of the
connecting portion 110. In addition, the connecting portion 110 includes
channels 122 within
3 0 opposing sides and which extend along its longitudinal axis. The platform
108 defines a rectangular
shaped cavity 124 extending within a side surface 126 and into a cavity 128,
which is generally T-
shaped in configuration extending through the platform 108 transverse the
longitudinal axis of the
connecting portion 110.
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The cage 36 in the present embodiment is a generally box-like structure having
opposing side
walls I30, and with each of the side walls 130 having two generally
cylindrical shaped bosses 132
substantially aligned with each other and positioned proximate two of four
corners defining the side
s walls 130. In addition, in this embodiment, each of the side walls 130
include a single generally
triangular shaped boss 134 positioned proximate a third corner and generally
aligned with one of the
two bosses 132. The cage 36 in this embodiment also includes a connecting wall
136 adjoining the side
walls 130, and with the connecting wall 136 having a generally square shaped
cavity therethrough
positioned proximate one end thereof and substantially aligned with one end of
the side walls 130
i o positioned adjacent to the bosses 134. The cage 36 also includes in this
embodiment a generally
rectangular shaped cut out 138 extending through a fourth side wall 140
opposing the connecting wall
136. In addition, the cage 36 in this embodiment includes a generally
rectangular shaped cavity
extending longitudinally through the cage 36 and extending into the cut out
138 through the fourth side
wall 140. The cage 36 in the present embodiment also includes bosses 158
defined by the cut out 138
i s extending through the fourth side wall 140.
The crank 38 in this embodiment is a generally L-shaped member having a
generally cylindrical
shaped connecting member 142 positioned at one end thereof and including an
opening 144 extending
longitudinally through the member I42 which is generally hexagonal shaped in
this embodiment,
2 o although as should be understood other configurations can also be utilized
for the same purpose
described below. The crank 38 also includes a second end distal the member
142, which is generally T
shaped in configuration defined by a pair of opposing bosses 146 each
generally cylindrical in
configuration- In addition, in this embodiment, the crank 38 also includes a
connecting section 148
attaching the first and second ends thereof and which includes opposing side
walls each having a
2 s generally C-shaped cavity extending therein.
The foregoing components of the handle assembly 20 can be comprised of any
suitable
materials and made from any of a variety of manufacturing processes; for
example, the housing 30,
handle 32, slide 34, and crank 38 can be made from die cast zinc and the cage
36 and lock pawl 92 can
s o be made from polycarbonate. In addition, each of the foregoing components
can each be made as
single elements or as separate elements and then secured together; for
example, the housing 30 can be
cast as one-piece or the bottom surface 50 can be provided as a separate
element secured with the
housing 30 adjacent to the aperture 46 by any suitable process, such as by
peening over one or more
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portions of the housing 30 around the separate bottom surface 50, and where
desired, including a
suitable amount of sealant material, such as silicon.
The assembly of the foregoing components of the handle assembly 20 will now be
described in
s relation to the exploded perspective and sectional views. Lock pawl 92 is
attached to the handle 32 by
being inserted into the opening 84 provided through the platform 78. In
addition, means for actuating
the lock pawl 92 is preferably also provided positioned within the cavity 80
extending within the upper
surface 82 of the handle 32 and extending into the semi-circular shaped cut
out 94 of the lock pawl 92.
In this embodiment, any of a variety of different means for actuating the lock
pawl 92 can be provided,
1 o such as a conventional lock or other type of lock plug, such as a DIN lock
plug, and which is actuated
by a key or other tool, an electronics key, or a non-keyed type of rotatable
actuator or push button, to
name a few. In addition, as should be understood, the size and configuration
of the cavity 80 extending
through the handle 32 and shape of the cut out 94 within the lock pawl 92 can
be varied where desired
depending on the particular configuration of the means for actuating the lock
pawl 92. In the
i s illustrated embodiment, a conventional lock plug 152 is positioned within
the circular cavity 80 of the
handle 32 and into the semi-circular shaped cut out 94 through lock pawl 92.
In addition, in this
embodiment, a spring 154, such as a conventional stainless steel compression
spring, preferably is
included positioned within the cut out 96 and against the boss 94 of the lock
pawl 92 and surface of the
handle 32 for biasing the lock pawl 92 to an extended position.
The handle 32 is attached to the housing 30 in this embodiment by a
conventional pivot pin
156, such as made from stainless steel, and which extends through the opposing
cavities within the side
walls of the housing 30 and openings within the handle 32 positioned proximate
the front end 74. The
pivot pin 156 can also be peened over at its ends for being retained in its
mounted position. In
2 s addition, the handle 32 is attached to the slide 34 by being positioned
within the slide cavity 112 and
cut out 114 of the platform 106.
The slide 34 is received within the cage 36 and with preferably the two
elongated bosses 158
defined by the fourth side wall 140 being positioned within the opposing
channels 122 provided in the
3 0 opposing sides the slide 34. In this embodiment, the position of the cage
36 relative to the slide 34 is
such that the platform 106 of the slide 34 is positioned closer to the
generally rectangular shaped cavity
extending longitudinally through the cage 36 than is the platform 108.
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The cage 36 is positioned within the generally rectangular shaped cavity
extending through the
housing 30. Preferably, the connecting wall 136 ofthe cage 36 is positioned
closest to the front end 60
of the housing 30 and preferably the cutout 138 within the connecting wall 136
is positioned closer to
the flange 40 of the housing 30 than are the bosses 132. In this embodiment,
preferably the housing 30
s is provided with four cut out portions 160 positioned so as to receive the
four bosses 132 provided on
the side walls 130 of the cage 36.
The crank 38 is attached to the slide 34 by the two bosses 146, which are
positioned within the
cavity 128 within the platform 108 of the slide 34. As indicated above, the
handle assembly 20 of the
1 o present embodiment for operation in a remote latching mechanism is
attached to a connecting means,
such as a bar or rod, extending within the opening 144 within the member 142
ofthe crank 38.
In addition, a biasing means such as a leaf spring 171 of stainless steel can
also be included on
the handle 32 as illustrated in the figures to accommodate movement of the
handle 32 toward its open
i s positioned after being unlatched, as will be described in detail below.
Installation and operation of the handle assembly 20 of the present embodiment
will now be
described. As discussed earlier, the actuator in accordance with the present
invention can be utilized
with a variety of different types of latching mechanisms. In the present
embodiment, the handle
z o assembly 20 is specifically adapted for use with a remote latching
mechanism, such as the type
illustrated in the '261 and '228 Patents, although as should be understood the
handle assembly 20 can
also be utilized with other types of remote latching mechanisms as well, such
as any types which
include a rotating rod or bar; for example, the type incorporating a fixed
latching member rotatable
with rotation of the bar or rod. For installation, preferably an aperture is
provided through a structure
2 s into which the handle assembly 20 is to be mounted, which in this
embodiment provides the housing
positioned within the aperture and the flange of the housing 30 positioned
against one surface of the
structure. In the '261 and '228 Patents, the structure into which the remote
latching mechanism is
mounted is a typical cabinet structure having a door to which the handle
assembly is mounted and a
stationery frame, otherwise it should be understood that there are other types
of applications in which
3 o the handle assembly of the present invention and corresponding remote
latching mechanism can be
used.
In addition, in the present embodiment, preferably means are included for
securing the handle
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assembly 20 in its mounted position within the respective structure. For this
purpose, a bracket 1?0 is
provided comprising a generally elongated member substantially rectangular in
configuration defined by
two opposing side walls 172 and a connecting wall 174. In this embodiment, the
connecting wall is
provided with a pair of aligned apertures 176 and 178, which in this
embodiment are configured to
correspond to the shape of portions 180 and 182 of the housing 130. In this
embodiment, the bracket
170 is preferably made of low carbon steel, although any other suitable
materials can also be utilized for
the same purpose. On installation, the bracket 170 is positioned so that the
portions 180 and 182 of
the housing 30 are received within the apertures 176 and 178. The distal ends
of the two side walls
172 of the bracket 170 are preferably positioned against a surface of the
structure opposite that to
to which the flange of the housing 30 is positioned. As discussed earlier,
mounting means are provided
which comprises at least one and in this embodiment four threaded apertures or
holes for self tapping
screws within the housing 30, corresponding apertures extending through the
connecting wall 174 of
the bracket 170 and conventional screw members extending through the apertures
through the bracket
170 and into the threaded apertures through the housing 30.
The operation of the handle assembly 20 when secured within a given structure
and for
actuation of a remote latching mechanism will now be described. Generally,
pivotal movement of the
handle will correspond with rotation of the connecting means of the remote
latching mechanism. In the
present embodiment, the handle 32 is pivotal between a closed position
recessed within the housing 30
2 o and an open position. The extent of pivotal movement of the handle 32 from
the closed position can be
of any desired amount, and in the present embodiment the handle 32 is
positioned generally 90 degrees
from its closed position when in its full opened position. The handle 32 is
retained in its closed position
due to the engagement between the locking pawl 92 and boss 52 in the housing
30. For example, as
the handle 32 is moved toward its closed position, the ramming surface 102 of
the lock pawl 92 will
initially engage the boss 52 of the housing 30, forcing the lock pawl 92
toward its retracted position in
opposition to the compression spring 154. When the handle 32 is in its closed
position, the lock pawl
92 will move back toward its extended position so that the locking surface 104
will be positioned
against the boss 52 of the housing 30. In this embodiment, the upper surface
82 of the handle 32 is
preferably positioned substantially flush with the outer surface of the flange
40 when the handle 32 is in
3 o its closed position.
In this embodiment, the handle 32 can be raised from its closed position
through rotation of the
lock plug 152 by an appropriate key. Rotation of the lock plug 152 will result
with movement of the
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lock pawl 92 toward its retracted position due to rotation of the lock plug
within the semi-circular
shaped cut out 94 within the lock pawl 92. In the present embodiment, the
spring provided on the
handle 32 will move the handle 32 toward its opened position so that the
handle 32 can easily be
grasped by an operator. Movement of the handle 32 toward its opened position
by the operator wih
s result with corresponding rotation of the connecting means and operation of
the latching member
attached with the connecting means, which will be described in detail below.
In this embodiment,
partial rotation of the handle 32 from its closed position will result with
little and preferably no
movement of the slide 34/crank 38 combination and accordingly no rotation of
the connecting means.
Preferably, in this embodiment this operation occurs to a position of the
handle 32 approximately 10
degrees from its closed position, which is the position that the handle 32 is
moved into by the spring
following unlatching of the lock pawl 92.
In the present embodiment, rotation of the handle 32 by the operator results
with sliding
movement of the slide 34 within the aperture extending through the housing 30,
and which provides
is corresponding rotation ofthe crank 38 attached with the slide 34. In this
embodiment, the cage 36 is
provided so that amount of pivotal movement of the handle 32 toward its opened
position is increased.
In particular, as the handle 32 is rotated, the cage 36 is allowed to float
within the aperture extending
through the housing 30. In operation, the cage 36 generally follows the
direction of movement of the
slide 34. In addition, as the handle 32 is moved toward its fully opened
position, the slide 34 and cage
20 36 operate in a telescoping manner to allow increased movement of the
handle 32 toward its opened
position. Further, when the handle 32 is in its fully opened position, in this
embodiment the T-shaped
portion 88 is positioned within the platform 106 adjacent the cut out 114 and
distal the connecting
portion 110. In addition, as the handle 32 is moved from its fullest open
position toward a partially
closed position, the T-shaped portion 88 of the handle is moved in a generally
diagonal direction
2 s toward the connecting portion 110. The T-shaped portion 88 of the handle
32 in this embodiment
engages the connecting portion I 10 when the handle 32 is at a specified
position, which is generally 60
degrees from the closed position in the present embodiment. In this
embodiment, there is little and
preferably no movement of the slide 34/crank 38 combination when the handle 32
is moved from its
fullest open position to its partially closed position, which is simiiar to
the situation as the handle is
s o moved from its closed to its opened position. In this embodiment, the
extent of movement of the
handle to its fully opened position corresponds to the amount of rotation
translated to the connecting
bar or rod.
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In addition, means can be provided so that the cage 36 will retain its
position within the
aperture through the housing 30 and similar means can be provided between the
slide 34 and cage 36
so that the position of the slide 34 will be retained within the cage 36. In
this embodiment, preferably
the bosses 134 of the cage 36 operate to retain the cage 36 within its
position within the housing 30
and the raised bosses 190 positioned at the end of the bosses 158 operate to
retain the slide 34 by
engaging a stop 192 positioned at the end of each of the channels 122. In
addition, in the present
embodiment, preferably movement of the slide 34 in the opposite direction is
limited by wall 194 of
slide 34 which contacts wall 196 of cage 36; in particular, the slide 34 is
not able to move back without
taking cage 36 together with it which resets telescoping mechanism.
to
Other configurations of the slide 34 can also be provided which are either
longer or shorter in
length so as to accommodate thicker or thinner stnuctures to which the handle
assembly 20 is mounted.
For example, in the figures is illustrated a slide 234 of shorter length than
slide 34 so as to
accommodate thinner structures as an example.
In addition, although not shown, the handle assembly 20 can also include a
padlock hasp, for
example, attached to the housing and extending through an opening through the
handle when the
handle is in its closed position, so that a pad lock can be secured to the pad
lock hasp to retain the
handle in its closed position. The pad lock hasp can be of any suitable
material, such as stainless steel.
Another embodiment of a handle assembly in accordance with the present
invention is
illustrated in figs. 75-81. The handle assembly 320 in the present embodiment
is similar in both
structure and function to many of the features already described in detail
with respect to the handle
assembly 20, and for this reason, only the differences in the handle assembly
320 from the handle
2 5 assembly 20 will be described herein for the sake of brevity. Also, for
ease of reference, portions in this
embodiment similar to the handle assembly 20 will be described using the same
number designations
except beginning with 300.
In figs. 82-84 is illustrated a housing 330 of the handle assembly 320 shown
in fig. 75. The
3o housing 330 in this embodiment includes a rib 331 around opening 358 to
provide a positive sealing
edge for gasketing that is applied to the handle 332 described below. In
addition, a second tab 333 in
this embodiment is added within recess 350 on the wall opposite the tab 352.
The tab 333 is included
so that the same housing can be used for various configurations of handle, for
example, where the lock
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pawl would be positioned to engage the tab 333 when the handle is moved to the
closed position.
In fig. 85 is illustrated a handle 332 of the handle assembly 320 shown in
fig. 75. The handle
332 includes a gasket 337, for example of an elastomeric material, such as
made of rubber, which
surrounds the projection 386 and is positioned to engage the rib 331 of the
housing 330 when the
handle is in its closed position. The handle 332 in this embodiment also
includes an aperture 335 in the
bottom of the platform 378 for receiving a catch portion of the lock pawl
described below.
A lock pawl 392 of the handle assembly 320 is shown in figs. 87-90. The lock
pawl 392
to includes a catch 339 extending from its bottom surface, which in this
embodiment is generally square in
shape and attached at one end to the bottom surface and includes a ramped
terminating end. The lock
pawl 392 is assembled so that the catch 339 is positioned within the aperture
335 of the handle 332,
which operates to positively capture the lock pawl 392 relative to the handle
332. In addition, in this
embodiment, the lock pawl 392 also includes at least one and preferably two
extensions 341, which are
generally rectangular in the embodiment shown. The extensions 341 operate to
provide a larger contact
area with the driving cam of the lock plug, such as is illustrated in Fig. 59
with the lock plug 152.
A slide 334 of the handle assembly 320 is shown in figs. 91-93. The slide 334
in this
embodiment includes an extension 343, generally triangular in shape, extending
from the front surface.
2 o In operation, the surface 347 of extension 343 is adapted to come into
contact with the bottom wall
345 of the housing aperture 358 (as is shown in fig. 84). This engagement
between the extension 343
and the housing 330 inhibits and preferably prevents the slide 334 from
tilting when opening force is
applied to the handle 332. The tilting is due to the moment created during
operation; in particular, the
T-shaped portion 388 on the projection 386 of the handle 332(shown in fig. 85)
does not contact the
2s slide 334 in the same horizontal plane as the contact between the slide 334
and the crank 338, such as
is illustrated in fig. 62 with the projections 88, slide 34 and crank 38. The
extension 343 is also used to
push the slide 334 into its correct closed position when the handle 332 is
fully closed; specifically, this
results from contact between one or both of the surfaces 351, 353 of the
extension 343(as shown in fig.
93) with one or both of the surfaces 355, 357 of projection 386 ofthe handle
332(as shown in fig. 85).
s o This relationship overcomes the same tilting action described above but in
the closing direction.
In fig. 86 is shown an alternate embodiment of a handle 432 in which a
protrusion 443 is
provided extending from the projection 486. The protrusion 443 operates in
combination with the slide
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34 to force the slide into its correct position, such as in the same manner as
the slide 334 relative to the
handle 332.
In fig. 94 is illustrated a cage 336 ofthe handle assembly 320. The cage 336
in this embodiment
s includes two bosses 434 sized larger than the bosses 134 of the cage 36,
which operate to increase the
strength of these portions.
In fig. 95 is illustrated a crank 338 of the handle assembly 320. In this
embodiment, bosses 446
are preferably created by pressing a pin, such as of stainless steel, into an
opening through the crank
io 338. Also, as compared to the crank 38, the C-shaped cavity has been
eliminated in the opposing side
walls 448 of the crank 338 in the present embodiment. The crank 338 in the
present embodiment
preferably is made from either stainless steel, for example, stacked laminates
or powder metal, or an
aluminum extension. These changes operate to increase the maximum bending
stress allowed in the
part for operation.
is
The mechanism for attachment of the handle 332 and housing 330 will now be
described. One
embodiment is shown in figs. 96 and 97. As illustrated, a bushing 510 is
provided generally tubular and
having bosses at terminating ends and which is inserted into the pair of
openings within the pivoting
end of the handle 332. A pair of o-rings 512, such as of elastomeric sealing
material, for example
2 o rubber, is then preferably inserted onto the bosses of bushing 510. A kick-
out spring 571, for example
similar to the spring 171 in fig. 2, is inserted in this embodiment around the
bushing 510 when
positioned in the handle 332. A fastening member 514 is inserted through each
of the openings
extending through the opposing side walls of the housing 330 and bushing S 10
in order to secure the
components together; for example, the fastening member 514 in the present
embodiment comprises a
2 s rivet, such as from metal, and includes a head at one end and is peered
over at its terminating end when
positioned within the foregoing components.
Another embodiment of the mechanism for attaching the handle 332 and housing
330 is shown
in fig. 98. In this embodiment, o-rings 612 are positioned on the rivet 614 at
opposite sides of the
3 o housing 330. The o-rings 612 are compressed against the outer surfaces of
the housing 330 by the head
of the rivet on one end and the peering over of the rivet on the opposite end.
The kick-out spring 671
preferably is also provided and is positioned around the rivet 614 through the
handle 332.
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Still another embodiment of the mechanism for attaching the handle 332 to the
housing 330 is
shown in figs. 99-101. In this embodiment, The mechanism is comprised of a two-
part pin assembly
including inner and outer pins 714 and 715,respectively, and biasing means
such as a coil spring 716
between the inner and outer pins 714, 715. As shown in the sectional view of
fig. 101, each of the pins
s 714 and 715 include a cavity at one end and a boss at opposite ends. In this
embodiment, the size of the
cavity in the outer pin 715 is of a larger diameter than the cavity in the
inner pin 714, which allows the
inner pin 714 to be inserted into the cavity in the outer pin 715, and the
spring 716 is positioned within
both of the cavities between the two pin portions. The o-rings 712 are finally
positioned on the bosses
of the pins 714 and 715. In operation, the compression of the inner and outer
pins 714 and 715 against
io the force of spring 716 allows the attachment of the handle 332 and housing
330. The force of the
spring 716 forces the inner and outer pins 714, 715 apart to secure the
components together. A kick-
out spring 771 can also be provided which is mounted on the pin-assembly.
In figs. 102 and 103 is illustrated another embodiment of a slide shorter in
length to
~s accommodate thinner structures, such as the slide 234. The slide 434 in the
present embodiment as
compared to the slide 234 includes a nose extension 435 generally triangular
in shape and a bottom
shelf extension 437 generally L-shaped, which is the area where contact is
made by the crank when
assembled.
2 o In figs. 104 and 105 is shown a mounting bracket 370 of the handle
assembly 320. The
mounting bracket 370 as compared to the mounting bracket 170 preferably is of
a die cast zinc design
which allows additional ribbing to increase bending strength.
In view of that set forth above, it should be understood that there are
several advantages of the
2 s actuator of the present invention alone and as incorporated within a
latching mechanism; for example a
remote latching mechanism. One advantage in the embodiments disclosed is that
the actuator
comprising a handle assembly is adapted to be positioned in a vertical
orientation when mounted in a
panel, which requires less space for mounting in contrast to other types of
actuators which are mounted
in a horizontal orientation within a panel.
Another particular advantage of the present invention is that the handle
assembly in the
disclosed embodiments is set flush with the bezel of the supporting housing to
reduce pry points, which
has the elect to limit its susceptibility to vandalism.
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Another advantage of the actuator of the present invention is that it is of
sufficient mechanical
strength to provide high levels of torque to the connecting means of the
remote latching mechanism,
which may be required in strenuous applications.
In addition, another advantage of the actuator of the present invention is
that it can
accommodate a wide variety of panel thicknesses.
Still another advantage in the actuator of the present invention is that a
number of different
1 o devices can be utilized in order to hold the handle in its closed
position; for example, a key-operated
lock plug, electronics key, or tool operated slam latch can be incorporated to
secure the handle in its
closed position. In addition, other non-locking mechanisms can be incorporated
to hold the handle in
its closed position, such as a rotating or sliding pawl operated by rotatable
or push button actuating
members as an example. Furthermore, additional security devices can also be
included, such as a
1 s conventional pad lock device.
Still other advantages of the actuator of the present invention is that it can
be shielded against
various forms of matter, such as high pressured jets of water and wind driven
rain, as well as EMC to
telecommunications specifications. For example, gasketing material can be
included on the bottom side
z o of the flange or within a groove in the bottom side of the flange. Also,
gasketing material can be
included between the handle and the housing, for example, to seal the
rectangular opening 58 by a
gasket seal of proper thickness, applied either on the underside of the handle
or on the housing
surrounding the perimeter of the opening.
2s Another advantage of the actuator of the present invention is that it can
easily accommodate
left hand or right hand doors or other panels.
Another particular advantage of the present invention is that the handle
assembly can be
utilized with remote latching mechanisms in which multiple latching points are
desired, for example
s o three latching members, which is due primarily to the feature that a
single connecting bar or rod can be
utilized.
Another advantage of the actuator of the present invention is that there is
limited protrusion
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outside the application (flange thickness) and limited protrusion inside the
application due to
telescoping of cage and slide.
It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that changes may be made by
the above-
s described embodiments of the invention without departing from the broad
inventive concepts thereof.
It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the
particular embodiments disclosed,
but it is intended to cover all modifications which are within the scope and
spirit of the invention as
defined by the appended clams.
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