HK1139996B - Door latch mechanism - Google Patents

Description

Door lock device

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to door handle assemblies, and more particularly, to door latch arrangements for door handle assemblies.

Background

The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

A variety of door handle assemblies are known in the art for selectively locking a door relative to a door frame. Specifically, door frame assemblies having push-pull operation are known. However, it would be desirable for a new door handle assembly having push-pull operation to have a door latch mechanism that provides independent operation of opposing door handles, adjustable translation of door handle movement to latch displacement, and/or a relatively compact configuration.

Disclosure of Invention

The present disclosure provides a door lock apparatus. In some embodiments, the door latch apparatus includes a base having a first channel and a second channel oriented substantially perpendicular to each other and first and second bracket members disposed within the first channel. Each of the first and second frame members is independently movable along the first channel. The door latch mechanism also includes a cam member adapted to be coupled to the latch of the door handle assembly. The cam member is disposed within the second channel and is movable along the second channel. The cam member includes a projection extending away from the second channel, the projection defining a cam surface that is inclined with respect to each of the first and second channels. The door latch mechanism also includes an intermediate member defining an outer surface. The intermediate member is disposed between the first and second bracket parts with the outer surfaces engaging the cam surfaces. Each of the first and second rack components independently moves the intermediate member in a first direction along the first channel toward the cam member to move the cam member in a second direction along the second channel.

The present disclosure also provides a door handle assembly. In some embodiments, the door handle assembly includes first and second housing components secured to opposite sides of the door, first and second handles pivotally coupled to the first and second housing components, respectively, and a latch assembly extending within the door. The latch assembly includes a latch member that is movable between an extended position outside the door and a retracted position inside the door. The door handle assembly also has a door latch mechanism extending between the first and second handles within the door. The door latch apparatus includes a base having a first channel and a second channel oriented generally perpendicular to each other, and first and second bracket members disposed within the first channel. The first rack component is coupled to the first handle and the second rack component is coupled to the second handle. Each of the first and second frame members is independently movable along the first channel. The door latch mechanism also includes a cam member coupled to the latch member, the cam member being disposed within the second channel and movable along the second channel. The cam member includes a projection extending away from the second channel, the projection defining a cam surface that is inclined with respect to each of the first and second channels. The door latch mechanism also includes an intermediate member defining an outer surface, the intermediate member being disposed between the first and second bracket members with the outer surface engaging the cam surface. Each of the first and second rack components independently moves the intermediate member toward the cam member along the first path in a first direction to move the cam member away from the latch assembly along the second path in a second direction. In addition, the cam member moves the latch member from the extended position to the retracted position.

The present disclosure also provides a latch assembly supported by first and second housing components and working with a door lock device and a door handle assembly to provide a door latch component. The latching assembly includes an actuator rod that can be rotated to a latched position, thereby causing the latching pawl to desirably restrict movement of the second frame member. The latch assembly also includes an unlocking pawl operable by the first frame member to rotate the door latch assembly to the unlocked position and thereby permit subsequent movement of the first frame member.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

Drawings

The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a door handle assembly according to the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the door handle assembly taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a door handle assembly according to the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the door latch mechanism, latch assembly and doorframe bracket according to the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a door latch mechanism according to the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the latch assembly taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 4;

7A-7C are partial perspective views of a door handle assembly showing the operation of the door handle assembly during a pull of the handle according to the principles of the present disclosure; and

8A-8C are partial perspective views of a door handle assembly showing the operation of the door handle assembly during a handle push in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features.

In accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, a door handle assembly including a door latch mechanism is provided. In some embodiments, the door latch mechanism is independently operable by the first and second handles of the door handle assembly. The door latch mechanism may include a cam member having a cam surface for facilitating translation of movement of the handle into displacement of the cam member. In some embodiments, the cam member is coupled to a latch member and moves the latch member between extended and retracted positions.

Referring to fig. 1-3, an exemplary door handle assembly 20 is shown according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The door handle assembly 20 may be coupled to a door 22 and operable to selectively lock the door 22 relative to a door frame 24. In some embodiments, door handle assembly 20 includes first and second handles 30, 32 on opposite sides of door 22. A door latch mechanism 34 extends through the door 22 and is operatively coupled to the first and second handles 30, 32. The door latch mechanism 34 is also operatively coupled to a latch assembly 36. Latch assembly 36 is configured to engage a doorframe bracket 38 secured to doorframe 24.

The first and second handles 30, 32 may have similar shapes and configurations. For example, in some embodiments, first handle 30 includes a curved body 40 and a grip portion 41 disposed at a top end of body 40, the grip portion 41 having a first end 42 and a second end 43. Similarly, in some embodiments, the second handle 32 includes a curved body 44 and a grip portion 45 disposed at a top end of the body 44, the grip portion 45 having a first end 46 and a second end 47. Further, in some embodiments, the grip portions 41, 45 may each have a central region 48, 49 that is thicker than its ends. Also, the shape of the gripping portions 41, 45 may correspond to the shape of curved fingers of an operator gripping one of the first and second handles 30, 32. Further, it should be understood that the first and second handles 30, 32 may have a variety of shapes and configurations. In particular, it should be noted that a shape-customized handle for an individual application may be used in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, door handle assembly 20 is configured for a push-pull operation, and door 22 opens in one direction relative to door frame 24, as shown by arrow "a" (fig. 1). In this regard, first handle 30 is configured such that when it is pulled in the direction "A", it operates door latch mechanism 34 to disengage latch assembly 36 from doorframe bracket 38; and the second handle 32 is configured to operate the door latch mechanism 34 to disengage the latch assembly 36 from the doorframe bracket 38 when it is pushed in the "a" direction. This operation is described in further detail below.

Referring particularly to fig. 2-3, door handle assembly 20 includes first and second inner housing components 50, 52 attached to opposite sides of door 22. It should be understood that first and second inner housing components 50, 52 have similar structures arranged in mirror symmetry. Accordingly, only one of first and second inner housing components 50, 52 will be described in detail herein. Unless otherwise noted, it should be understood that the description of one of first and second inner housing components 50, 52 applies equally to the other.

First inner housing component 50 includes a main body 58 attached to door 22 by fasteners 59 (fig. 2). The fastener 59 may take various forms. For example, the fasteners 59 shown in FIG. 2 are screws. The second inner housing component is similarly attached to door 22. In addition, first inner housing component 50 has a pivot base 60 projecting from body 58 for pivotally supporting first handle 30. In particular, pivot base 60 includes a pair of spaced apart side walls 61, each side wall 61 having an aperture 62 extending therethrough. Two side walls 61 are spaced apart such that they complimentarily mate with a protrusion 64 extending from first handle 30. The projection 64 has a hole 66 extending therethrough, the hole 66 complementarily mating with the hole 62 (fig. 3). Pin 68 extends through aperture 62 and aperture 66 to pivotally couple first handle 30 to first inner housing component 50. Similarly, second handle 32 may be pivotally coupled to second inner housing component 52.

In some embodiments, first inner housing member 50 can further include an axially extending guide channel 70 for slidably supporting a first stop block 72; second inner housing component 52 can include an axially extending second guide channel for slidably supporting a second stop block. First stop block 72 can be coupled to first handle 30 and can work in conjunction with first inner housing component 50 to define a range of rotation for first handle 30 as first handle 30 is rotated away from a starting position. Similarly, a second stop can be coupled to the second handle 32 and work in conjunction with the second housing component 52 to define the range of rotation of the second handle 32. It should be understood that the first stop block 72 and the second stop block may have similar structures arranged in mirror symmetry. Accordingly, only the first stop block 72 will be described in detail herein. Unless otherwise noted, it is to be understood that the description of the first stop block 72 applies equally to the second stop block.

In some embodiments, first stop block 72 may include a connecting post 74, a reverse stop face 76, and a forward stop. Attachment post 74 can be located on an end of first stop block 72 and positioned within a complementary mating aperture formed in actuator arm 82 formed in first handle 30. Backstop face 76 may be located at the same end of first stop 72 as connecting post 74 and, when first handle 30 is in the home position, backstop face 76 is adapted to engage the outer side of first inner housing member 50. The forward stops may be located on opposite ends of attachment post 74 and may include a forward stop face adapted to engage the inside face of first inner housing component 50 when door latch mechanism 34 is in the retracted position, as will be described. The forward stop may be coupled to the first stop block 72 by a screw fastener, as shown in FIG. 2.

In accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, a biasing member 92 (fig. 2) may be coupled to first inner housing component 50. In some embodiments, biasing member 92 is a torsion spring pivotally coupled to pivot base 60 of first inner housing component 50 and having distal ends 94, 96 engaged with first handle 30 and pivot base 60, respectively, for biasing first handle 30 toward the starting position. It should be appreciated that a second biasing member (not shown) may be similarly coupled to second inner housing component 52 and engaged with second handle 32 for biasing second handle 32 toward the starting position shown in FIG. 2.

In some embodiments, each of first and second inner housing components 50, 52 may include a plurality of inwardly extending boss members 100, 102, respectively. Boss members 100, 102 may be complementarily positioned on first and second inner housing members 50, 52 such that first and second inner housing members 50, 52 may be secured to one another.

In some embodiments, door handle assembly 20 further includes first and second outer housing components or covers 110, 112 disposed on first and second inner housing components 50, 52, respectively. First and second outer housing components 110, 112 may have similar structures as first and second inner housing components 50, 52, and, accordingly, only one of first and second outer housing components 110, 112 will be described in detail herein. Unless otherwise noted, it is understood that the description of one of the first and second outer housing components 110, 112 applies equally to the other.

First outer housing component 110 can have an aperture to complementarily fit a boss feature in first inner housing component 50. The fastener may extend through the aperture and engage with the boss member to fasten first outer housing member 110 to first inner housing member 50. Second outer housing component 112 can similarly be secured to second inner housing component 52. In addition, first outer housing component 110 can include a housing portion 120 extending above pivot base 60 and a concave cup portion 122 shaped to complementarily fit the bottom of first handle 30. The second outer housing component 112 can include similar components. As such, first and second outer housing components 110, 112 may serve to protect the components of door handle assembly 20 and may provide a desired appearance of door handle assembly 20.

Additionally, in some embodiments, inner housing components 50, 52 support a lock assembly 130 (fig. 2-3) that is operable to lock door handle assembly 20. The latch assembly 130 may include a connector shaft, first and second lock shafts, an actuator rod, and a latch pawl. The connector shaft may extend between first and second inner housing components 50, 52 and be supported on opposite ends by first and second lock shafts. Each of the first and second lock shafts is slidably received in a key hole at a respective end of the connector shaft. First and second lock shafts extend through and are rotatably supported by bores formed in first and second inner housing components 50, 52, respectively. The actuator rod may be coupled to the first lock shaft distal end and may extend through the outer housing member 110. The locking pawl may be disposed between the connector shaft and inner housing member 52 and operatively connected to the second lock shaft. Specifically, the second lock shaft may extend through a keyed opening in the locking pawl. In this manner, as will be described below, the actuator rod is actuated to engage the locking pawl with the door lock device 34 to lock the door handle assembly 20.

It should be understood that in some embodiments, the second outer housing component is independent of similar locking components, and thus door handle assembly 20 can only be locked or unlocked from a single side of door 22.

Door latch mechanism 34 (fig. 3) of door handle assembly 20 may be supported between first and second inner housing components 50, 52 and operatively coupled to first and second handles 30, 32 and latch assembly 36. In particular, door latch mechanism 34 can operate latch assembly 36 to a retracted position in response to a pull on first handle 30 or a push on second handle 32, as described in further detail herein.

Referring specifically to fig. 4-5, the door latch mechanism 34 is described in detail, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Door latch mechanism 34 includes a cam member 148 coupled to latch assembly 36, first and second rack components 150, 152 coupled to first and second handles 30, 32, respectively, and an intermediate member or roller 154 operatively disposed between cam member 148 and first and second rack components 150, 152. Door latch mechanism 34 further includes a base 156, first and second bracket members 150, 152, and a roller 154 secured between first and second inner housing members 50, 52 and support cam member 148.

Cam member 148 includes a top section 170, a middle section 172, and a bottom section 174 extending generally parallel to each other from a base section 176. As such, a top gap 178 (fig. 4) may be defined between top section 170 and middle section 172, and a bottom gap 180 (fig. 4) may be defined between middle section 172 and bottom section 174. In addition, each of the top, middle and bottom sections 170, 172 and 174 may include an aperture 182 (fig. 4) disposed opposite the base section 176. A top spacer (spacer)184 (fig. 7A, 8A) may be disposed in the top gap 178 adjacent the bore 182. A bottom spacer (not shown) may be disposed in the bottom gap 180 adjacent the aperture 182. A fastener 188 (FIGS. 7A, 8A), such as a pin, may extend through aperture 182 and into the spacer to secure cam member 148 and the spacer together.

In some embodiments, cam member 148 may further include a protrusion 190 extending from one side of middle section 172. The projection 190 has a generally triangular shape and defines an arcuate cam surface 192. As described in further detail herein, cam surface 192 engages roller 154 and translates movement of first and second handles 30, 32 into operation of latch assembly 36. In particular, in some embodiments, cam surface 192 can have a generally concave shape that includes a concave end portion 193 (fig. 4) configured to receive roller 154.

Additionally, in some embodiments, cam member 148 can include a post 194 (FIGS. 4, 7A, 8A) extending outwardly from base section 176. Post 194 may couple cam member 148 to latch assembly 36, as described in further detail herein.

Referring next to fig. 4-5, in some embodiments, first and second rack components 150, 152 of door latch mechanism 34 may have similar tuning fork-type configurations. For example, first rack component 150 may include a base section 220 and a pair of elongated prongs 222 extending away from base section 220 generally parallel to each other. First rack component 150 may also include a cylindrical end section 224 extending from base section 220 opposite prongs 222. Similarly, second frame member 152 may include a base section 226 and a pair of elongated prongs 228 extending away from base section 226 generally parallel to one another. Second frame member 152 may also include a cylindrical end section 230 extending from base section 226 opposite tuning fork arm 228.

Prongs 222, 228 are spaced apart to define gaps 232, 234 (fig. 4) therebetween. In some embodiments, the gap 232 of the first rack component 150 is larger than the gap 234 of the second rack component 152. In this manner, first frame member 150 may extend over second frame member 152 such that prongs 222 sandwich prongs 228 with a gap therebetween. In addition, gap 234 may be large enough to allow prongs 228 of second rack component 152 to sandwich middle section 172 of cam member 148 with a gap therebetween. Additionally, in some embodiments, each prong 222 includes a slot 236 (fig. 4) therein and each prong 228 includes a slot 238 (fig. 4) therein. Roller 154 is also disposed between prongs 222, 228 and extends into slots 236, 238 as described in greater detail below.

In some embodiments, the first and second stent members 150, 152 further comprise pins 240, 242 supported within the cylindrical end sections 224, 230, respectively. Pins 240, 242 may engage coupling members 250, 252 (fig. 5) of first and second handles 30, 32, respectively. For example, pin 240 of first carrier member 150 may be disposed within U-shaped slot 254 (fig. 5) of coupling member 250. With this arrangement, movement of first handle 30 is translated to first rack component 150. However, pin 240 can slide along slot 254 such that rotation of first handle 30 causes only first rack component 150 to move along its length. In this manner, rotation of first handle 30 does not move first rack component 150 out of position. Further operation of door handle assembly 20 is described in greater detail herein. The pin 242 of the second bracket member 152 may be disposed within a U-shaped slot 256 (fig. 5) of the coupling member 252 and have a similar interaction with the second handle 32.

Additionally, in some embodiments, first rack component 150 can include a pair of locking tabs 260 disposed on opposite sides of base section 220, and the second rack component can include a pair of locking tabs 262 disposed on opposite end sides of base section 226 (FIG. 4). Locking tabs 260, 262 may work with latch assembly 130 to lock or unlock door handle assembly 20. In some embodiments, door handle assembly 20 may be locked by rotating the actuator rod toward the locked position. Rotating the actuator rod rotates the locking pawl in the direction of the locking tab 262. In the locked position, the locking pawl may be positioned adjacent locking tab 262, whereby the locking pawl may prevent translational movement of second bracket member 152 when second handle 32 is rotated away from the starting position. Conversely, door handle assembly 20 may be unlocked by: rotating the actuator rod toward the unlocked position positions the locking pawl away from the locking tab 262, whereby the second bracket member 152 can translate in response to rotation of the second handle 32.

In some embodiments, latch assembly 130 can further include an unlocking pawl for automatically unlocking door handle assembly 20 when first handle 30 is rotated away from the home position. Referring to fig. 2-3, an unlocking pawl may be disposed between the connector shaft and inner housing member 50 and operatively connected to the first lock shaft. Specifically, the first lock shaft extends through a key opening in the unlocking pawl. In this manner, the actuator lever is operated to rotate the unlocking pawl between the locked and unlocked positions in the same manner as the locking pawl described above. In the locked position, the unlocking pawl can be positioned adjacent locking tab 260 such that translational movement of first rack component 150 in response to rotating first handle 30 away from the home position can engage locking tab 260 with a cam surface (FIG. 3) of the unlocking pawl. Further rotation of first handle 30 can cause lock tab 260 to apply a force to the cam surface, thereby rotating latch assembly 130 toward the unlocked position. In this manner, an unlocking pawl can work with first rack component 150 to allow door handle assembly 20 to be unlocked by rotating first handle 30.

It should be appreciated that due to the symmetrical arrangement of first and second inner housing components 50, 52 and locking tabs 260, 262, first and second inner housing components 50, 52 and latch assembly 130 may be mounted in a relative arrangement in the positions shown in FIGS. 1-3 to lock door handle assembly 20. Accordingly, latch assembly 130 can be used to prevent translational movement of first rack component 150 when first handle 30 is rotated away from the home position and to allow translational movement of second rack component 152 when second handle 32 is rotated away from the home position to unlock door handle assembly 20.

Referring specifically to fig. 4, in some embodiments, the roller 154 of the door latch mechanism 34 may have a layered cylindrical shape. For example, roller 154 can include a rod portion 280 and a disk portion 282 extending from rod portion 280. The stem portion 280 may have a smaller diameter than the disk portion 282. In some embodiments, the stem 280 extends into the slots 236, 238 of the first and second rack components 150, 152. Moreover, in some embodiments, disk portion 282 defines an outer surface 284 that engages cam surface 192 of cam member 148. In particular, in some embodiments, roller 154 is configured with a disc portion 282 sandwiched between prongs 222 of second frame member 152, and prongs 228 are sandwiched between prongs 222 of first frame member 150, whereby rod portion 280 extends into slots 236, 238 and outer surface 284 engages cam surface 192. As described in further detail herein, roller 154 may act as an intermediate member between cam member 148 and first and second rack components 150, 152 to translate movement of the rack components in a first direction into displacement of the cam member in a second direction that is generally perpendicular to the first direction.

Referring to fig. 4-5, the base 156 of the door latch mechanism 34 may include first and second channels 300, 302 formed therein. In some embodiments, the first and second channels 300, 302 are oriented substantially perpendicular to each other. First channel 300 may support and guide first and second rack components 150, 152 and second channel 302 may support and guide cam member 148. Additionally, in some embodiments, second channel 302 may include a groove 304 (FIG. 5) therein that complimentarily mates with a tab 306 (FIG. 4), which tab 306 extends from bottom section 174 of cam member 148. Groove 304 and tab 306 may engage to help guide and align cam member 148 within second channel 302.

Referring to FIG. 6, latch assembly 36 of door handle assembly 20 may include a latch member 320 disposed within a housing 322. Further, a biasing member 324 may be disposed between the latch member 320 and the housing 322. In some embodiments, latch member 320 includes a body section 330 and a coupling section 332 extending therefrom. Coupling segment 332 may have a slot 334 formed therein, which slot 334 receives post 194 of cam member 148 (fig. 7A, 8A). As such, cam member 148 may be coupled with latch member 320, and thus door latch mechanism 34 may be coupled with latch assembly 36. Further, in some embodiments, body section 330 of latch member 320 includes an angled outer surface 336 and a protrusion 338 formed therein. The biasing member 324 may be coupled between the protrusion 338 and the protrusion 340 of the housing 322. As shown in fig. 6, the biasing member may be in the form of a coil spring.

Referring to fig. 7-8, the operation of door handle assembly 20 is illustrated according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 7A-7C illustrate that door latch mechanism 34 is operable to retract latch member 320 in response to the pulling of first handle 30. Further, fig. 8A-8C illustrate that door latch mechanism 34 is also operable to retract latch member 320 in response to the pushing of second handle 32.

In FIG. 7A, first handle 30 is in a home position. In addition, latch member 320 is in the extended position and roller 154 is positioned at the end of cam member 148 opposite latch member 320. When first handle 30 is pulled (FIG. 7B), the bottom of first handle 30 moves closer to the housing components and first rack component 150 moves inward. The end of slot 236 engages rod portion 280 of roller 154 and then urges roller 154 in a first direction along first channel 300 of base 156 toward cam member 148. When outer surface 284 of roller 154 engages cam surface 192 of cam member 148 and cam member 148 is disposed in second channel 302, cam member 148 is moved along second channel 302 in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction while roller 154 is moved relative to cam surface 192. In particular, roller 154 rolls on outer surface 284 along cam surface 192. Cam member 148 is moved along second channel 302 away from latch member 320 such that pulling on first handle 30 retracts latch member 320. When roller 154 is moved into engagement with concave end portion 193 of cam surface 192 (fig. 7C), latch member 320 is in the fully retracted position.

When first frame member 150 pushes roller 154, roller 154 moves within slot 238 of second frame member 152. In addition, because first and second rack components are independently supported within first channel 300, second rack component 152 and second handle 32 are not affected by the pulling of first handle 30.

Additionally, it should be understood that pushing first handle 30 does not operate door latch mechanism 34 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Specifically, if first handle 30 is pushed, first rack component 150 moves away from cam member 148 and roller 154 moves only along slot 236. As such, door handle assembly 20 can be configured such that first handle 30 functions in only one direction, e.g., consistent with the direction of movement of door 22 shown in FIG. 1.

In fig. 8A, the second handle 32 is in a starting position, as shown in fig. 2. In addition, latch member 320 is in the extended position and roller 154 is positioned adjacent the end of cam member 148 opposite latch member 320. When the second handle 32 is pushed (fig. 8B), the bottom of the second handle 32 moves away from the housing member, and the second bracket member 152 moves outward. The end of slot 238 engages rod 280 of roller 154 and pulls roller 154 in the same first direction along first channel 300 of base 156 toward cam member 148. When outer surface 284 of roller 154 engages cam surface 192 of cam member 148 and cam member 148 is disposed in second channel 302, as roller 154 moves relative to cam surface 192, cam member 148 moves along second channel 302 in the same second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction. In particular, roller 154 rolls on outer surface 284 along cam surface 192. Cam member 148 moves along second channel 302 away from latch member 320 such that pulling on second handle 32 retracts latch member 320. When roller 154 is moved into engagement with concave end portion 193 of cam surface 192 (fig. 8C), latch member 320 is in the fully retracted position.

As second frame member 152 pulls roller 154, roller 154 moves within slot 236 of first frame member 150. Furthermore, because first and second rack components are independently supported within first channel 300, first rack component 150 and first handle 30 are not affected by the pushing of second handle 32.

Additionally, it should be understood that pulling the second handle 32 does not operate the door latch mechanism 34 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Specifically, if second handle 32 is pulled, second rack component 152 moves away from cam member 148 and roller 154 moves only along slot 236. As such, door handle assembly 20 may be configured such that second handle 32 functions in only one direction, e.g., consistent with the direction of movement of door 22 shown in FIG. 1.

As described herein, the interaction of cam member 148 and roller 154 may translate movement of first and second handles 30, 32 into displacement of latch member 320. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, cam surface 192 may be shaped to limit or otherwise set this relationship between the amount of movement of first and second handles 30, 32 and the retraction of latch member 320. For example, cam surface 192 may be shaped such that second handle 32 requires only a small amount of push to retract latch member 320. By way of non-limiting example, cam surface 192 and first and second handles 30, 32 may be configured such that a movement of only 1/2 inches of either of first and second handles 30, 32 causes latch member 320 to retract. In this manner, door handle assembly 20 allows clearance between grip portion 45 of second handle 32 and door 22 during operation and prevents pinching of an operator's hand between second handle 32 and door 22. It should be appreciated that cam surface 192 may be shaped in a variety of ways to suit various applications of door handle assembly 20.

The operation of the latch assembly 36 is well known in the art and will not be described in detail herein. Further, as is known in the art, the doorframe bracket 38 of the door handle assembly 20 is configured to engage the latch member 320 of the latch assembly 36. Additionally, in some embodiments, latch assembly 130 is operable to lock door 22 relative to doorframe 24 when latch assembly 36 is engaged with doorframe bracket 38. Additionally, latch assembly 130 can be configured to automatically disengage when first handle 30 is pulled.

Referring specifically to fig. 2, in some embodiments, many of the components of door latch mechanism 34 are disposed within aperture 350 of door 22. As such, door handle assembly 20 may be configured to accommodate the operation of a variety of doors having different sizes. By way of non-limiting example, door handle assembly 20 may be used with doors ranging in thickness from 1&3/8 inches to 2 inches.

The present disclosure may be modified in various ways. Door handle assemblies and door latch devices according to the principles of the present disclosure may have a variety of components and structures not limited to those detailed herein. The components described herein may have a variety of shapes and configurations, and may be made from a variety of materials. Accordingly, it should be understood that the present disclosure is exemplary in nature.

Claims (19)

1. A door lock apparatus, comprising:

a base having a first channel and a second channel oriented substantially perpendicular to each other;

first and second carriage members disposed within said first channel, each of said first and second carriage members independently movable along said first channel;

a cam member adapted to be coupled to a latch for a door handle assembly, said cam member disposed within said second channel and movable along said second channel, said cam member including a projection extending away from said second channel, said projection defining a cam surface that is angled with respect to each of said first and second channels; and

an intermediate member defining an outer surface, said intermediate member being disposed between said first and second rack components with said outer surface engaging said cam surface, each of said first and second rack components independently moving said intermediate member in a first direction along said first channel toward said cam member to move said cam member in a second direction along said second channel.

2. The door latch mechanism of claim 1, wherein the first frame member includes a pair of first prongs extending along the first channel, the first prongs being spaced apart and disposed about the cam member, and

the second rack component includes a pair of second prongs extending along the first channel, the second prongs being spaced apart and disposed about the cam member, the second prongs being disposed between the first prongs and the cam member.

3. The door latch mechanism of claim 2, wherein each of said first prongs includes a first slot extending along said first channel,

each of said second prongs including a second slot extending along said first channel, an

The intermediate member is disposed between the first and second prongs and extends into the first and second slots, the intermediate member moving along one of the first and second slots relative to the other of the first and second bracket members when one of the first and second bracket members moves the intermediate member.

4. The door latch mechanism of claim 3, wherein said intermediate member has a stem portion extending into said first and second slots and a disc portion defining said outer surface, said disc portion being disposed between said first and second prongs adjacent said cam member.

5. The door latch mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the cam surface has an arc shape.

6. The door latch mechanism according to claim 5, wherein the cam surface has a concave shape.

7. The door latch mechanism of claim 1, wherein the projection is formed in a middle section of the cam member, the cam member further comprising a top section and a bottom section, the top section being spaced apart from the middle section, the bottom section being spaced apart from the middle section, the middle section being opposite the top section.

8. A door handle assembly, comprising:

first and second housing components secured on opposite sides of the door;

first and second handles pivotally coupled to the first and second housing components, respectively;

a latch assembly extending within said door, said latch assembly including a latch member movably supported therein, said latch member having an extended position outside of said door and a retracted position inside of said door; and

a door latch mechanism extending between the first and second handles within the door, the door latch mechanism comprising:

a base having a first channel and a second channel oriented substantially perpendicular to each other;

first and second rack components disposed within the first channel, the first rack component coupled to the first handle, the second rack component coupled to the second handle, each of the first and second rack components independently movable along the first channel;

a cam member coupled to said latch member, said cam member disposed within said second channel and movable along said second channel, said cam member including a projection extending away from said second channel, said projection defining a cam surface that is angled with respect to each of said first and second channels; and

an intermediate member defining an outer surface, said intermediate member disposed between said first and second rack components with said outer surface engaging said cam surface, each of said first and second rack components independently moving said intermediate member in a first direction along said first channel toward said cam member to move said cam member in a second direction along said second channel away from said latch assembly, said cam member moving said latch member from said extended position to said retracted position.

9. The door handle assembly of claim 8, wherein said first rack component includes a pair of first prongs extending along said first channel, said first prongs being spaced apart and disposed about said cam member, and

the second rack component includes a pair of second prongs extending along the first channel, the second prongs being spaced apart and disposed about the cam member, the second prongs being disposed between the first prongs and the cam member.

10. The door handle assembly of claim 9, wherein each of said first prongs includes a first slot extending along said first channel,

each of said second prongs including a second slot extending along said first channel, an

The intermediate member is disposed between the first and second prongs and extends into the first and second slots, and moves along one of the first and second slots relative to the other of the first and second bracket members when one of the first and second bracket members moves the intermediate member.

11. The door handle assembly of claim 10, wherein said intermediate member has a stem portion that extends into said first and second slots and a disc portion that defines said outer surface, said disc portion being disposed between said first and second prongs adjacent said cam member.

12. The door handle assembly of claim 8, wherein pulling the first handle operates the first rack component.

13. The door handle assembly of claim 12, wherein pushing the second handle operates the second bracket member.

14. The door handle assembly of claim 8, wherein said cam surface has an arcuate shape.

15. The door handle assembly of claim 12, wherein said cam surface has a concave shape.

16. The door handle assembly of claim 8, wherein said projection is formed in a middle section of said cam member, said cam member further comprising a top section spaced from said middle section and a bottom section opposite said middle section.

17. The door handle assembly of claim 8, wherein each of said first and second bracket parts has a cylindrical end portion, each of said first and second handles having a coupling member including an open slot, said cylindrical end portions being slidably disposed within said open slots such that rotation of said first and second handles moves said first and second bracket parts along said first channel.

18. The door handle assembly of claim 8, wherein each of said first and second handles has a grip portion adapted to be gripped by a user of the door handle assembly, each of said grip portions having a central region wider than ends thereof.

19. The door handle assembly of claim 8, further comprising first and second outer covers disposed on the first and second housing components, respectively.