Folding handle

Details Folding handle Folding handle

2000-04-27

2002-09-17

Luong, Vinh T. (Department: 3682)

Machine element or mechanism

Control lever and linkage systems

Elements

C074S545000, C074S527000, C074S528000, C251S099000, C251S098000, C016S429000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06450063

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Discussion of the Background
This invention relates to a handle and more particularly a handle which is useful in connection with the operation of a window operator.
While the present invention is particularly directed toward a handle which is intended for use with a window operator, the handle can have other applications where a handle is fitted to a rotatable shaft so as to facilitate operation of some mechanism, eg a fishing reel or any other rotatable mechanism.
2. Description of the Related Art
With a window operator, it is typical for the window operator to comprise a housing which incorporates a link adapted for connection to a window sash movably mounted within a window frame. Within the housing is a mechanism for operating the link. The mechanism is actuated via a shaft (the free end of which is usually splined) which projects from the housing. A handle is attachable to the splined shaft so as to facilitate rotation of the shaft.
Typically with known operators, the handle projects out from the housing and therefore can be intrusive when it is not required for actual operation of the operator. It is therefore known to provide a handle which can be moved from an in-use position to a stored position where it does not unnecessarily project from the housing. When stored in the “non-use” position, the handle is therefore not as intrusive as when in the “use” position.
Known handles of this type have suffered from drawbacks. For example, it is usual that the handle be pivotally (see U.S. Pat. No. specifications 5,560,082 of Vetter and U.S. Pat. No. 5,168,770 of Ellis) coupled to a mounting block by a pivot pin. This pin extends through the handle and the block and therefore is readily visible externally of the handle. As there is a greater move toward improving the aesthetic appearance of window hardware, especially that which is readily visible, the visual impact of the ends of the pivot pin can detract from the overall appearance of the handle and its associated operator.
Also, known handles have suffered from the drawback of comprising a number of elements which need to be assembled sometimes in very fiddly assembly operations.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a foldable handle which does not suffer from some or all of the aforementioned disadvantages or at least provides the public with a useful choice.
Broadly, according to the present invention, there is provided a handle including a mounting block adapted for attachment to a rotatable shaft element, a handle body having a cavity within which the block is engaged, the mounting block including pivot members slidingly engaged in recesses in the cavity to engage with bearing journals to facilitate pivotal movement of the handle relative to the mounting block.


REFERENCES:
patent: 2065750 (1936-12-01), Safford
patent: 2452742 (1948-11-01), Franzene
patent: 4615236 (1986-10-01), Boots
patent: 5072913 (1991-12-01), Carroll et al.
patent: 5168770 (1992-12-01), Ellis
patent: 5201241 (1993-04-01), Pollack
patent: 5299597 (1994-04-01), Fort et al.
patent: 5400473 (1995-03-01), Delman
patent: 5560082 (1996-10-01), Vetter
patent: 5829199 (1998-11-01), Harvey et al.
patent: 5887850 (1999-03-01), Ruffalo
patent: 6164156 (2000-12-01), Purcell
patent: 6325355 (2001-12-01), Johnson
patent: 2023983 (1980-01-01), None
patent: 10-280797 (1998-10-01), None

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