TWI859305B - Latching handleset assembly and method for operating the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A latching handleset assembly includes a handle, a trigger, and a latch driver. The handle has a handle portion and a top mounting portion that extends from an escutcheon. The top mounting portion has a top surface and a bottom that is at least partially obscured by the handle portion. The trigger includes an exterior end located along the bottom of the top mounting portion and an interior end extending into the escutcheon. The trigger is pivotable about a pivot point positioned within the escutcheon. The latch driver is movable between a neutral position and a latch actuating position in response to actuation of the trigger.

Description

Latch handle assembly and method of operating the latch handle assembly

The present invention relates to the field of door handle sets and door locks. More specifically, the present invention relates to a handle with a trigger in a lock assembly.

Door handle assemblies and door locks are commonly installed in residential and commercial environments. The handle assembly includes a latch assembly that can be activated by a mechanism. The latch assembly is used to maintain a door in a closed position using a bolt that moves between an extended position and a retracted position. In existing latches, the bolt is actively pulled between the extended position and the retracted position. This pulling of the bolt is usually the result of turning a door knob or a latch of the handle assembly. In existing latches, the latch is a spring latch, which means that the latch is always loaded by a spring and the latch is only retracted when the user operates a ball handle or thumb piece mounted on the face of the handle assembly.

Pushing and pulling of the bolt can also be accomplished by actuating a trigger. Some triggers require thumb actuation and require significant push force. The thumb button is also a separate piece located above the handle of the handle assembly, which is visually unappealing.

In general, the present invention relates to a latch assembly for use on interior and exterior doors. The present invention generally relates to a handle assembly with or without a conventional locking cylinder. The latch handle assembly includes an internal spring actuated mechanism.

In a first aspect, a latch handle assembly is described. The latch handle assembly includes a handle, a trigger, and a latch actuator. The handle has a handle portion and a top mounting portion extending from an escutcheon. The top mounting portion has a top surface and a bottom portion at least partially shielded by the handle portion. The trigger includes an outer end positioned along the bottom portion of the top mounting portion and an inner end extending into the escutcheon. The trigger can pivot about a pivot point positioned in the escutcheon. The latch actuator can move between a neutral position and a latch actuation position in response to actuation of the trigger.

In another embodiment, a method for operating a latch handle assembly is described. The method includes the following: in response to actuation of an outer end of a trigger, the trigger pivots about a pivot point positioned in a fascia, and pivoting the trigger causes an inner end of the trigger positioned in the fascia to actuate a latch actuator, and actuating the latch actuator causes the latch actuator to move between a neutral position and a latch actuated position.

In another aspect, a latch handle assembly for a door is described. The latch handle assembly includes a handle, a trigger, a latch actuator, and a latch assembly. The handle has a vertical handle portion and a top mounting portion extending in a horizontal direction away from a fascia mounted on the door. The top mounting portion has a top surface and a bottom portion at least partially obscured by the handle portion. The trigger includes an outer end positioned along the bottom of the top mounting portion and an inner end extending into the fascia. The trigger can pivot about a pivot point positioned in the fascia. The latch actuator is movable between a neutral position and a latch actuated position in response to actuation of the trigger. The latch assembly includes a bolt movable between an extended position and a retracted position in response to actuation of the trigger.

Throughout the several views, corresponding element symbols indicate corresponding parts. The examples described herein illustrate one embodiment of the present invention, and such examples should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the present invention in any way.

100: Latch handle assembly

102: Decorative cover

104:Handle

106: Trigger

110: Second decorative cover

120: Top installation part

122: Bottom mounting part

124: Top surface

126: Bottom

128: Handle part

130: Lock core

200: Housing assembly

202: Locking latch mechanism

402: External End

404: Internal end

406: Pivot point

502a: Attachment mechanism

502b: Attachment mechanism

702: Concave part

802: Compression bracket

804: Spring

902: Teeth

904: Small gear

906: Latch drive

B: Door

The invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings which are given as non-limiting examples only, in which: FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an external portion of a lock assembly according to the invention.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an internal portion of the lock assembly of FIG. 1 .

FIG3 shows a side view of an exterior portion of the lock assembly of FIG1 mounted on a door.

Figure 4 shows a side view of a trigger of the lock assembly of Figure 1.

Figure 5 shows an exploded view of the lock assembly of Figure 1.

FIG6 shows a front view of an external portion of the lock assembly of FIG1 .

FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the lock assembly of FIG. 6 along line A.

FIG8 shows a cross-sectional view of the trigger of FIG6 along line A in a neutral position.

FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the trigger of FIG. 6 along line A in a latched actuated position.

FIG. 10 shows an internal view of a housing assembly according to the present invention.

Figure 11 shows another internal view of the housing assembly.

The figures and descriptions provided herein have been simplified to illustrate aspects relevant to a clear understanding of the devices, systems, and methods described herein, while other aspects that may be found in typical devices, systems, and methods have been eliminated for clarity. One of ordinary skill may recognize that other elements and/or operations may be desired and/or required to implement the devices, systems, and methods described herein. Because such elements and operations are well known in the art and because they do not promote a better understanding of the present invention, a discussion of such elements and operations may not be provided herein. However, the present invention is considered to inherently include all such elements, variations, and modifications of the described aspects that would be known to one of ordinary skill.

References in this specification to "an embodiment," "an embodiment," "an illustrative embodiment," etc. indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but each embodiment may or may not necessarily include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, these phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in conjunction with an embodiment, it is considered to be within the knowledge of those skilled in the art to implement this feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described. In addition, it should be understood that items included in a list in the form of "at least one of A, B, and C" may mean (A); (B); (C); (A and B); (A and C); (B and C); or (A, B, and C). Similarly, an item listed as "at least one of A, B, or C" may mean (A); (B); (C); (A and B); (A and C); (B and C); or (A, B, and C).

In the drawings, some structural or method features may be shown in a particular configuration and/or order. However, it should be understood that such a particular configuration and/or order may not be required. Rather, in some embodiments, such features may be arranged in a manner and/or order different from that shown in the illustrative drawings. In addition, the inclusion of a structural or method feature in a particular drawing is not meant to imply that such feature is required in all embodiments, and in some embodiments, such feature may not be included or may be combined with other features.

The present invention generally relates to a handle assembly having a trigger to actuate a latch assembly to open a door. The handle includes a trigger at least partially obscured by a handle portion. Unlike other trigger-actuated handle assemblies, the trigger described herein is aesthetically pleasing, easy to use, and safe. Upon actuation of the trigger, a latch actuator moves from a neutral position to a latch actuated position, which allows a user to open the door.

It should be noted that some prior devices attempt to create a more visually appealing handle assembly by locating the actuation mechanism within the handle. However, such actuation mechanisms have significant disadvantages. For example, the pivot point of the actuation mechanism may be located outside the cladding (e.g., on a portion of the handle) and is therefore susceptible to breakage and less secure. The pivot point of the actuation mechanism is also generally located in a direction normal to the door and is problematic when the door handle is used without the need to actuate the trigger. Furthermore, locating a trigger on the handle itself requires a significantly more complex linkage assembly with the bolt being actuated. By contrast, the trigger-actuated handle assembly described herein requires only a simple linkage assembly similar to a thumb-actuated handle assembly mechanism. This results in a handle assembly having known safety features while improving overall user operation.

FIG. 1 shows a latch handle assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The latch handle assembly 100 includes at least one decorative cover 102, a handle 104, and a trigger 106. In the example shown, the latch handle assembly 100 may also include a second decorative cover 110; however, the second decorative cover 110 is not required.

The handle 104 includes a top mounting portion 120 having a top surface 124 and a bottom 126. A handle portion 128 extends from the top mounting portion 120 in a generally vertical direction. The handle portion 128 partially shields at least a portion of the bottom 126 of the top mounting portion 120. In one example, the handle 104 also includes a bottom mounting portion 122. The handle 104 may also include a bottom mounting portion 122 connected to the handle portion 128 at an end opposite the top mounting portion 120.

The fascia 102 covers the internal mechanism of the handle assembly when mounted on a door and also provides an aesthetically pleasing surface. As shown, the fascia 102 has a decorative rectangular shape, but round, square and other shapes of the fascia 102 are within the scope of the present invention. In addition, a second fascia 110 may also be included in the latch handle assembly 100. The bottom mounting portion 122 extends from the second fascia 110. Depending on the scenario, the fascia 102 may be formed of metal or plastic.

In some embodiments, the fascia 102 may also include a lock cylinder 130. The lock cylinder 130 is configured to receive a key or other unlocking mechanism. A mechanical key (not shown) may be inserted into the lock cylinder 130 to mechanically unlock the lock handle assembly 100.

In an example embodiment where the latch handle assembly 100 is mounted to an exterior side of a door (not shown), the lock cylinder 130 is in communication with a lock assembly (not shown). The exemplary lock assembly includes a deadbolt or a bolt or other similar type of lock mechanism that requires a key. In an embodiment where the latch handle assembly 100 is mounted to an interior side of a door, the latch handle assembly 100 may not include a lock cylinder 130.

In another alternative example, the fascia 102 may include an electronic lock assembly (not shown) useful for receiving an unlock command. The electronic lock assembly may include a keypad. In use, a user enters a predetermined passcode at the keypad, which is used to unlock the door. In an alternative embodiment, a biometric sensor is used instead of a keypad. For example, a home resident may store a fingerprint in a biometric control system. The user moves a finger over the sensor, and the sensor transmits the sensed fingerprint to a control circuit. The control circuit compares the sensed fingerprint to a stored fingerprint, and may allow entry to the building when the sensed fingerprint matches the stored fingerprint. In yet another embodiment, there is no keypad. A user can use an RFID tag that allows a motor to activate when the correct RFID tag is detected.

FIG. 2 illustrates the interior of the latch handle assembly 100. The interior of the fascia 102 includes a housing defining a recessed area for an interior component, such as a housing assembly 200. The interior of the fascia 102 also includes an attachment mechanism (not shown) for connecting the top mounting portion 120 to the fascia 102. The interior of the second fascia 110 also includes a housing defining a recessed area for an interior component, such as an attachment mechanism (not shown) for connecting the bottom mounting portion 122 to the second fascia 110.

The housing assembly 200 is configured to be connected to and communicate with a latch assembly (not shown). The latch assembly includes a latch bolt movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The latch assembly is disposed in a hole in a door (not shown) and can be manually actuated by a trigger 106. The trigger 106 is capable of extending and retracting the latch bolt.

The deadbolt moves linearly in and out of a cylinder between a retracted position and an extended position. When the deadbolt is retracted, an end of the deadbolt is generally flush with a strike plate and a hole in the door. When the deadbolt is extended, the deadbolt protrudes through an edge hole in the door into an opening of a strike plate (not shown) positioned in a jamb of an adjacent door. Typically, the strike plate is attached to the jamb using fasteners. The term "interior" is used broadly to refer to an area on the inside of a door or inside the door, and "exterior" is used broadly to mean an area on the outside of a door. Additionally, a retracted position is widely used to represent an "unlatch" position and an extended position is widely used to represent a "latch" position.

In one embodiment, the interior of the decorative cover 102 also includes a locking latch mechanism 202, such as an internal locking latch (not shown). The locking latch mechanism 202 is connected to the lock core 130 to provide a locking member.

FIG3 is a side view of a latch handle assembly 100 mounted on a door B. The latch handle assembly 100 includes at least one decorative cover 102, a handle 104, and a trigger 106. The decorative cover 102 and the second decorative cover 110 are attached to the door B at a distance from each other.

In the illustrated embodiment, the top mounting portion 120 and the bottom mounting portion 122 extend from the fascia 102 and the second fascia 110 and perpendicular to the door B. The handle portion 128 extends from the top mounting portion 120 to the bottom mounting portion 122 in a direction generally parallel to the door B. The handle portion 128 is perpendicularly connected to the top mounting portion 120 and the bottom mounting portion 122. However, in other embodiments, the top mounting portion 120 and the handle portion 128 may have other shapes (such as an arc) or be connected at an angle other than 90 degrees.

The handle 104 includes a top mounting portion 120 having a top surface 124 and a bottom 126. The top surface 124 and the bottom 126 are opposite to each other. The bottom 126 also includes a recess (not shown). The recess is sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of the trigger 106. A handle portion 128 extends downward from the top mounting portion 120 so that the bottom 126 is at least partially shielded by the handle portion 128. The trigger 106 is also at least partially shielded by the handle portion 128. As shown, when the latch handle assembly 100 is mounted on the door B, the trigger 106 is positioned closer to the door B than the handle portion 128.

The trigger 106 is positioned below the bottom 126 of the top mounting portion 120 and extends into the fascia 102. The trigger 106 includes a pivot point positioned within the fascia 102 (see below in conjunction with FIGS. 8-9 ). As shown, when the trigger 106 is in a neutral position, it is positioned along the bottom 126 of the top mounting portion 120.

The decorative cover 102 accommodates the housing assembly 200. The housing assembly 200 may be positioned outside the door B, or a portion of the housing assembly 200 may be positioned within a portion of the door B. The decorative cover 102 may also accommodate at least a portion of the locking latch mechanism 202.

FIG. 4 shows another view of the trigger 106 in a neutral position. The neutral position is when the trigger 106 is not actuated by a user. The trigger 106 includes an outer end 402 and an inner end positioned within the fascia 102. The trigger 106 also includes a pivot point positioned within the fascia 102.

The handle 104 includes a top mounting portion 120 having a top surface 124 and a bottom portion 126. The bottom portion 126 is at least partially shielded by the handle portion 128. The trigger 106 is also at least partially shielded by the handle portion 128. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 104 may not include a bottom mounting portion.

FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of the latch handle assembly 100. The latch handle assembly 100 includes a decorative cover 102 and a second decorative cover 110. A handle 104 includes a top mounting portion 120 connected to the decorative cover 102 and a bottom mounting portion 122 connected to the second decorative cover 110.

The fascia 102 conceals the housing assembly 200. The fascia 102 may also conceal a locking latch mechanism (not shown). The fascia 102 also includes an attachment mechanism 502b for connecting to the top mounting portion 120. The second fascia 110 includes an attachment mechanism 502a for connecting to the bottom mounting portion 122.

As shown, the handle 104 includes a top mounting portion 120 and a bottom mounting portion 122 connected by a handle portion 128. The top mounting portion 120 includes a top surface 124 and a bottom 126. In one embodiment, the bottom 126 includes a recess (not shown) that allows at least a portion of an outer end 402 of the trigger 106 to extend when the trigger 106 is in an actuated position.

The trigger 106 includes an outer end 402 and an inner end 404. The outer end 402 is positioned at the bottom 126 of the top mounting portion 120 (e.g., extends at least partially downward from the bottom 126). The inner end 404 extends through the fascia 102 and communicates with the housing assembly 200. The trigger 106 is configured to pivot at a pivot point 406 also positioned within the fascia 102.

As mentioned above, the trigger 106 can pivot between a neutral position and an actuated position. When the trigger 106 pivots from the neutral position to the actuated position, at least a portion of the outer end 402 can move from an exposed position to a recessed position (seen in FIGS. 8-9 ). When in the recessed position, at least a portion of the outer end 402 is positioned within a recess in the top mounting portion 120. When in the exposed position, at least some additional portion of the outer end 402 is exposed below the base 126 because the outer end 402 will protrude or be further spaced from the base 126 in the exposed position (corresponding to the neutral position of the trigger 106).

FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of the latch handle assembly 100. Line A is a vertical line through a cross-section of the latch handle assembly 100. As shown, the latch handle assembly 100 is symmetrical along line A; however, this is not required. It is worth noting that from the front view of the latch handle assembly 100, the trigger 106 is obscured from view by the handle 104 (e.g., behind the handle portion 128 and below the top mounting portion 120).

FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the latch handle assembly 100 along line A of FIG. 6 . The latch handle assembly 100 includes a fascia 102 and a second fascia 110 . The handle 104 extends between the fascia 102 and the second fascia 110 . The handle 104 is connected to the fascia 102 at a top mounting portion 120 and to the second fascia 110 at a bottom mounting portion 122 . A handle portion 128 extends between the top mounting portion 120 and the bottom mounting portion 122 .

The top mounting portion 120 includes a recess 702 shaped to receive an outer end 402 of the trigger 106 when the trigger 106 is in an actuated position.

The fascia 102 houses the housing assembly 200 and the optional locking latch mechanism 202. The fascia 102 also houses the pivot point 406 and at least a portion of the inner end 404 of the trigger 106.

FIGS. 8-9 show further detailed cross-sectional views of the latch handle assembly 100 along line A in the neutral and actuated positions. Specifically, FIG. 8 shows another cross-sectional view of the latch handle assembly 100 along line A in a neutral configuration. In the example shown, the latch handle assembly 100 includes a handle 104, a trigger 106, and a housing assembly 200.

The trigger 106 includes an outer end 402 positioned below the bottom 126 of the top mounting portion 120. For example, when mounted on a door, the trigger 106 is positioned below the bottom 126 and closer to the door than the handle portion 128. When the trigger 106 is in a neutral configuration, at least a portion of the outer end 402 is positioned outside the recess 702. In some embodiments, in the neutral configuration, the entire outer end is positioned outside (below) the recess 702. The trigger 106 pivots about the pivot point 406 in a generally vertical direction when mounted on a door.

The housing assembly 200 includes a compression bracket 802 in communication with the inner end 404 and a spring 804. When mounted on a door, the inner end 404 is positioned above the compression bracket 802, and the compression bracket 802 is positioned above the spring 804. The housing assembly 200 also includes a pinion 904 in communication with a latch driver 906. In an installed configuration, the pinion 904 and latch driver 906 rotate about a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the door.

In a neutral configuration, the spring 804 is uncompressed and holds the compression bracket 802 in an uncompressed configuration. For example, when installed, in the uncompressed configuration, the latch actuator 906 holds a latch bolt in a neutral position. When installed on a door, in the neutral configuration, the compression bracket 802 does not provide a downward force against the spring 804. The compression bracket 802 maintains an upward force against the inner end 404 of the trigger, and the outer end 402 is not positioned within the recess 702.

FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the latch handle assembly 100 including a handle 104, a trigger 106 and a housing assembly 200 in a latch actuated position.

In the latch actuated position, the outer end 402 of the trigger 106 moves into the recess 702 of the top mounting portion 120 (e.g., by user action). This causes the trigger 106 to pivot at the pivot point 406 and the inner end 404 to engage the compression bracket 802. Generally speaking, the pivoting motion is in a direction substantially parallel to a door on which the latch handle assembly 100 is mounted (in this case, a generally upward motion).

The housing assembly 200 includes at least a compression bracket 802, a spring 804, and a latch actuator 906. When the compression bracket 802 is actuated, the spring 804 is compressed, which causes the latch actuator 906 to move from a neutral position to a latch actuated position. The latch actuator 906 rotates a latch bolt, which allows the door to be opened.

When the latch handle assembly 100 is mounted on a door, the compression bracket 802 moves parallel to the door. The vertical movement of the compression bracket 802 causes the circular pinion 904 to rotate around a horizontal axis. The latch driver 906 also moves in a circular direction around the horizontal axis.

FIG. 10 shows an example embodiment of the housing assembly 200. The housing assembly 200 includes a compression bracket 802, a spring 804, and a circular pinion 904. The compression bracket 802 includes a plurality of teeth 902 that can engage with the circular pinion 904. When the compression bracket 802 is actuated by the trigger 106, the compression bracket 802 moves in a linear direction, which causes the circular pinion 904 to rotate along a first axis. The first axis moves in a linear direction normal to the compression bracket 802. The circular pinion 904 is connected to the latch driver 906. When the circular pinion 904 rotates, it causes the latch driver 906 to also rotate. The latch driver 906 rotates a latch bolt, which allows the door to be opened.

When the trigger 106 is released, the spring 804 provides a force on the compression bracket 802, which causes the compression bracket 802 to move in an opposite linear direction. This causes the circular pinion 904 to rotate in an opposite direction along the first axis, which also causes the latch driver 906 to rotate in the opposite direction along the first axis.

FIG. 11 shows an alternative view of the housing assembly 200. The housing assembly 200 includes a latch actuator 906 connected to a circular pinion 904. The circular pinion 904 causes the latch actuator 906 to rotate along a first axis, which moves a latch bolt between an extended position and a retracted position, as discussed above.

In use, the latch handle assembly 100 is mounted on a door. A user actuates a trigger 106, which allows the user to open the door. When the user does not apply force to the trigger, the latch bolt moves back to a neutral position, which maintains the door in a closed position.

Examples

Illustrative examples of the latch handle assembly disclosed herein are provided below. An embodiment of the latch handle assembly may include any one or more and any combination of the examples described below.

In Example 1, a latch handle assembly is described. The latch handle assembly includes a handle, a trigger, and a latch actuator. The handle has a handle portion and a top mounting portion extending from a fascia. The top mounting portion has a top surface and a bottom portion at least partially shielded by the handle portion. The trigger includes an outer end positioned along the bottom portion of the top mounting portion and an inner end extending into the fascia. The trigger can pivot about a pivot point positioned in the fascia. The latch actuator can move between a neutral position and a latch actuation position in response to actuation of the trigger.

In Example 2, the latch handle assembly of any of the examples disclosed herein is modified in that the trigger is pivotable between a neutral position and an actuated position, such that when the trigger is pivoted from the neutral position to the actuated position, at least a portion of the outer end is movable from an exposed position to a recessed position within the top mounting portion.

In Example 3, the latch handle assembly of any of the examples disclosed herein is modified to include a bracket biased by a spring to a neutral position, the bracket being movable from the neutral position to an actuated position in response to actuation of the trigger, the bracket including a toothed bar. The latch actuator includes a gear end operably engaged with the toothed bar to move the latch actuator between the neutral position and the latch actuated position.

In Example 4, the latch handle assembly of any of the examples disclosed herein is modified to include a latch bolt movable between an extended position and a retracted position in response to actuation of the trigger.

In Example 5, the latch handle assembly of any of the examples disclosed herein is modified in that the bracket is at least partially retained in the trim cover.

In Example 6, the latch handle assembly of any of the examples disclosed herein is modified in that a movement direction of the bracket between the neutral position and the actuated position is perpendicular to a movement direction of the bolt between the extended position and the retracted position.

In Example 7, the latch handle assembly of any of the examples disclosed herein is modified in that movement of the bracket from the neutral position to the actuated position compresses the spring.

In Example 8, the latch handle assembly of any of the examples disclosed herein is modified in that the handle further includes a bottom mounting portion extending from the handle portion to a second fascia.

In Example 9, the latch handle assembly of any of the examples disclosed herein is modified to include a lock cylinder extending through the trim cover.

In Example 10, the latch handle assembly of any of the examples disclosed herein is modified in that the spring biases the bracket toward the neutral position so that after releasing the trigger, the bracket returns to the neutral position and the trigger moves from the actuated position to the neutral position.

In Example 11, a method for operating a latch handle assembly is described. The latch handle assembly includes a top mounting portion, a handle portion, and a trigger at least partially shielded by the handle portion. The method includes actuating an outer end of the trigger, which causes the trigger to pivot about a pivot point positioned in a fascia. Pivoting the trigger causes an inner end of the trigger positioned in the fascia to actuate a latch actuator. Actuating the latch actuator causes the latch actuator to move between a neutral position and a latch actuated position.

In Example 12, the method of any of the examples disclosed herein is modified in that when the trigger pivots from a neutral position to an actuated position, at least a portion of the outer end of the trigger can move from an exposed position to a recessed position within the top mounting portion.

In Example 13, the method of any of the examples disclosed herein is modified in that, in response to actuation of the trigger, a bracket biased by a spring moves from a neutral position to an actuated position, and the latch actuator including a gear end operably engaged with a gear causes the latch actuator to move between the neutral position and the latch actuated position.

In Example 14, a method of any of the examples disclosed herein is modified such that, in response to actuation of the trigger, a latch bolt is movable between an extended position and a retracted position.

In Example 15, the method of any of the examples disclosed herein is modified in that a direction of movement of the bracket between the neutral position and the actuated position is perpendicular to a direction of movement of the latch bolt between the extended position and the retracted position.

In Example 16, the method of any of the examples disclosed herein is modified in that the spring is compressed when the bracket moves from the neutral position to the actuated position.

In Example 17, a latch handle assembly is described. The latch handle assembly includes a handle, a trigger, a latch actuator, and a latch assembly. The handle has a vertical handle portion and a top mounting portion extending in a horizontal direction from a fascia mounted on a door. The top mounting portion has a top surface and a bottom portion at least partially obscured by the handle portion. The trigger includes an outer end positioned along the bottom of the top mounting portion and an inner end extending into the fascia. The trigger can pivot about a pivot point positioned in the fascia. The latch actuator can move between a neutral position and a latch actuation position in response to actuation of the trigger. The latch assembly includes a latch bolt movable between an extended position and a retracted position in response to actuation of the trigger.

In Example 18, the latch handle assembly of any of the examples disclosed herein is modified in that the trigger is pivotable between a neutral position and an actuated position such that when the trigger is pivoted from the neutral position to the actuated position, at least a portion of the outer end is movable from an exposed position to a recessed position within the top mounting portion.

In Example 19, the latch handle assembly of any of the examples disclosed herein is modified to include a housing assembly. The housing assembly includes a bracket biased by a spring to a neutral position. The bracket is movable from the neutral position to an actuated position in response to actuation of the trigger. The bracket includes a toothed bar. The latch actuator includes a gear end operably engaged with the toothed bar to move the latch actuator between the neutral position and the latch actuated position.

In Example 20, the latch handle assembly of any of the examples disclosed herein is modified in that a movement direction of the bracket between the neutral position and the actuated position is perpendicular to a movement direction of the latch bolt between the extended position and the retracted position.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific components, materials and embodiments from the foregoing description, those skilled in the art can easily determine that the basic characteristics of the present invention and various changes and modifications can be made to adapt to various uses and characteristics without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as described in the scope of the invention application below.

100: Latch handle assembly

102: Decorative cover

104:Handle

106: Trigger

110: Second decorative cover

120: Top installation part

122: Bottom mounting part

124: Top surface

126: Bottom

128:Handle part

130: Lock core

Claims (20)

A latch handle assembly includes: a handle having a handle portion and a top mounting portion extending from a decorative cover, the top mounting portion having a top surface and a bottom portion at least partially shielded by the handle portion and having a recess; a trigger including an outer end positioned along the bottom portion of the top mounting portion adjacent to the recess, the outer end at least partially exposed relative to the top mounting portion, and extending to an inner end in the fascia, the trigger pivotable about a pivot point positioned in the fascia, wherein the outer end is positioned opposite the inner end relative to the pivot point; a housing assembly including a bracket biased to a neutral position by a spring, the inner end of the trigger engaging the bracket; and a latch actuator movable between a neutral position and a latch actuated position in response to actuation of the trigger. A latch handle assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the trigger is pivotable between a neutral position and an actuated position, so that when the trigger is pivoted from the neutral position to the actuated position, at least a portion of the outer end is movable from an exposed position to a recessed position within the top mounting portion. A latch handle assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bracket is movable from the neutral position to an actuation position in response to actuation of the trigger, the bracket comprising a toothed bar; and wherein the latch actuator comprises a gear end operably engaged with the toothed bar to move the latch actuator between the neutral position and the latch actuation position. The latch handle assembly of claim 3 further comprises a latch assembly, the latch assembly comprising a latch bolt movable between an extended position and a retracted position in response to actuation of the trigger. A latch handle assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein the bracket is at least partially retained in the decorative cover. A latch handle assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein a movement direction of the bracket between the neutral position and the actuated position is perpendicular to a movement direction of the bolt between the extended position and the retracted position. A latch handle assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein movement of the bracket from the neutral position to the actuated position compresses the spring. A latch handle assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the handle further comprises a bottom mounting portion extending from the handle portion to a second decorative cover. The latch handle assembly of claim 1 further comprises a lock core extending through the decorative cover. A latch handle assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein the spring biases the bracket toward the neutral position, so that after releasing the trigger, the bracket returns to the neutral position and the trigger moves from an actuated position to the neutral position. A method for operating a latch handle assembly, the latch handle assembly comprising a top mounting portion, a handle portion, and a trigger at least partially shielded by the handle portion, the method comprising: actuating an outer end of the trigger to cause the trigger to pivot about a pivot point positioned in a decorative cover, the outer end being at least partially exposed relative to the top mounting portion; The trigger is pivoted to cause an inner end of the trigger positioned in the hood to engage with a bracket in a housing assembly that is biased to a neutral position by a spring to actuate a latch actuator, the outer end being positioned on the opposite side of the inner end relative to the pivot point; and actuating the latch actuator causes the latch actuator to move between a neutral position and a latch actuation position. The method of claim 11, wherein when the trigger pivots from a neutral position to an actuated position, at least a portion of the outer end of the trigger can move from an exposed position to a recessed position within the top mounting portion. The method of claim 11, wherein in response to actuation of the trigger, the bracket biased by the spring moves from the neutral position to an actuated position, and the latch actuator including a gear end operably engaged with a gear causes the latch actuator to move between the neutral position and the latch actuated position. A method as claimed in claim 13, wherein a latch bolt is movable between an extended position and a retracted position in response to actuation of the trigger. A method as claimed in claim 14, wherein a movement direction of the bracket between the neutral position and the actuated position is perpendicular to a movement direction of the latch bolt between the extended position and the retracted position. A method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the spring is compressed when the bracket moves from the neutral position to the actuated position. A latch handle assembly includes: a handle having a vertical handle portion and a top mounting portion extending in a horizontal direction from a decorative cover mounted on a door, the top mounting portion having a top surface and a bottom portion at least partially shielded by the handle portion and having a recess; a trigger having an outer end positioned adjacent to the recess along the bottom portion of the top mounting portion, the outer end at least partially exposed relative to the top mounting portion, and extending to an inner end in the decorative cover, the trigger being capable of being released from the door. pivoting about a pivot point positioned in the fascia, wherein the outer end is positioned opposite the inner end relative to the pivot point; a housing assembly including a bracket biased to a neutral position by a spring, the inner end of the trigger engaging the bracket; a latch actuator movable between a neutral position and a latch actuated position in response to actuation of the trigger; and a latch assembly including a latch bolt movable between an extended position and a retracted position in response to actuation of the trigger. A latch handle assembly as claimed in claim 17, wherein the trigger is pivotable between a neutral position and an actuated position, so that when the trigger is pivoted from the neutral position to the actuated position, at least a portion of the outer end is movable from an exposed position to a recessed position within the top mounting portion. A latch handle assembly as claimed in claim 17, wherein the bracket is movable from the neutral position to an actuation position in response to actuation of the trigger, the bracket comprising a toothed bar; and wherein the latch actuator comprises a gear end operably engaged with the toothed bar to move the latch actuator between the neutral position and the latch actuation position. A latch handle assembly as claimed in claim 19, wherein a movement direction of the bracket between the neutral position and the actuated position is perpendicular to a movement direction of the latch bolt between the extended position and the retracted position.