Handle Arrangement and Associated Method

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a handle arrangement and an associated method. Some relate to a handle arrangement for internal doors.

BACKGROUND

A handle is used to open or close a door or a window. A sash is the movable part of a door or window. Handles for doors and windows often have a spindle running through a hole in the door or window sash which is connected to a latch. Rotating the handle rotates the spindle and so operates the latch, allowing the door or window to be opened.

Handles for doors and windows are traditionally screwed onto the spindle using grub screws. This can be a difficult process requiring specialist training and tools, making installing or replacing the handles difficult and time consuming.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided a handle arrangement comprising a handle, a collar and a mount. The handle comprises a grip and a handle shaft. The handle shaft provides a push-fit connector. The collar defines an aperture, shaped to receive a portion of the handle shaft, and provides a first push- fit connector and a second push-fit connector. The first push-fit connector is arranged to connect to the push-fit connector of the handle shaft when the portion of the handle shaft is received by the aperture of the collar. The mount defines an aperture, shaped to receive a portion of the collar, and provides a push-fit connector arranged to connect to the second push-fit connector of the collar when the portion of the collar is received by the aperture of the mount.

The mount may be for mounting the handle arrangement to a door or a window. At least one of the push-fit connector of the handle shaft and the first push-fit connector of the collar may comprise at least one projection, and the other may comprise at least one recess. At least one of the push-fit connector of the mount and the second push- fit connector of the collar may comprise at least one projection, and the other may comprise at least one recess.

The push-fit connector of the handle shaft may be located at or adjacent to the distal end of the handle shaft. The handle shaft may comprise an outer surface and the push- fit connector of the handle shaft may be located on the outer surface. The mount may comprise an inner surface and the push-fit connector of the mount may be located on the inner surface.

The first push-fit connector of the collar may comprise at least one projection, and the second push-fit connector of the collar may comprise at least one projection. The push- fit connector of the handle shaft may comprise at least one recess for receiving the at least one projection of the first push-fit connector of the collar, and the push-fit connector of the mount may comprise at least one recess for receiving the at least one projection of the second push-fit connector of the collar. The collar may further comprise an inner surface and an outer surface. The collar, handle shaft and mount may be configured such that the inner surface abuts the handle shaft when the collar and the handle shaft are connected, and the outer surface abuts the mount when the collar and the mount are connected.

The collar, handle shaft and mount may be configured such that, when the at least one recess of the handle shaft and the at least one projection of the first push-fit connector of the collar are connected and the at least one recess of the mount and the at least one projection of the second push-fit connector of the collar are connected, the mount abuts the outer surface of the collar at a position corresponding with the position of the at least one projection of the first push-fit connector of the collar on the inner surface. The collar, handle shaft and mount may be configured such that, when the at least one recess of the handle shaft and the at least one projection of the first push-fit connector of the collar are connected and the at least one recess of the mount and the at least one projection of the second push-fit connector of the collar are connected the handle shaft abuts the inner surface of the collar at a position corresponding with the position of the at least one projection of the second push-fit connector of the collar on the outer surface. The mount, collar and handle shaft may be configured such that when the portion of the handle shaft is received by the aperture of the collar and when the portion of the collar is received by the aperture of the mount, the portion of the handle shaft is received within the aperture of mount. The aperture of the collar may be shaped to receive the portion of the handle shaft such that the collar substantially encircles the portion of the handle shaft. The aperture of the mount may be shaped to receive the portion of the collar such that the mount substantially encircles the portion of the collar.

The collar may further comprise at least one slot. The at least one slot may be elongate along the length of the collar. The at least one slot might not extend through the entire length of the collar. The collar may further comprise at least one tooth, wherein the at least one tooth provides at least part of the first push-fit connector and at least part of the second push-fit connector. The collar may comprise at least two slots and at least two teeth. The slots may be located between the teeth. The at least one tooth of the collar may be configured to flex inwardly and outwardly relative to the collar.

The handle arrangement may further comprise a handle rose comprising connection means for connecting the rose to the mount. The connection means may comprise an internal thread, and the mount may further comprise a corresponding external thread. The rose may comprise a first portion for covering at least a portion of the mount and a second portion for locating between at least a portion of the handle shaft and at least a portion of the collar. The handle shaft may comprise an elongate recess for receiving a spindle.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided a method of fitting a handle to a door or a window. The method comprises: mounting a mount to a door or a window; inserting a collar into the mount and connecting a push-fit connector of the collar to a push-fit connector of the mount; and inserting a portion of a handle shaft into the collar and connecting a push-fit connector of the collar to a push-fit connector of the handle shaft.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided a handle arrangement comprising a handle, a collar and a mount. The handle may comprise a grip and a handle shaft. The handle shaft may provide a push-fit connector. The collar may define an aperture, shaped to receive a portion of the handle shaft, and provide a first push-fit connector and a second push-fit connector. The first push-fit connector may be arranged to connect to the push-fit connector of the handle shaft when the portion of the handle shaft is received by the aperture of the collar. The mount may be shaped to receive a portion of the collar, and provide a push-fit connector arranged to connect to the second push-fit connector of the collar when the portion of the collar is received by the mount.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided a door handle arrangement comprising a handle, a collar and a door mount. The handle may comprise a grip and a handle shaft. The handle shaft may provide a recess. The collar may define an aperture, shaped to receive a portion of the handle shaft, and provide a first projection and a second projection. The first projection may be arranged to be received by the recess of the handle shaft when the portion of the handle shaft is received by the aperture of the collar. The door mount may define an aperture, shaped to receive a portion of the collar, and provide a recess arranged to receive the second projection of the collar when the portion of the collar is received by the aperture of the door mount. The door mount, collar and handle shaft may be configured such that when the portion of the handle shaft is received by the aperture of the collar and when the portion of the collar is received by the aperture of the door mount, the portion of the handle shaft is received within the aperture of door mount.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided examples as claimed in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Some examples will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGs 1a and 1b illustrate cross-sectional views of first and second example handles;

FIG. 1c illustrates a perspective view of a third example handle;

FIG. 1d illustrates a perspective view of a spindle;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a first example mount;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a first example collar;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a first example handle rose; FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of a first example handle arrangement;

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the first example handle arrangement in the assembled condition;

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a second example mount;

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a second example collar;

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a second example handle rose;

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a second example handle arrangement in the assembled condition;

FIG. 11a illustrates an exploded cross-sectional view of the second example handle arrangement;

FIG. 11b illustrates a cross-sectional view of the second example handle arrangement in the assembled condition;

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of a third example collar;

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of a third example handle rose;

FIG. 14 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a third example handle arrangement;

FIG. 15 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the third example handle arrangement;

FIG. 16 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a fourth example handle arrangement; and FIG. 17 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a fourth example handle arrangement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a handle arrangement and an associated method. Some relate to a push-fit handle arrangement for internal doors where the handle can be installed by push-fitting. Push-fitting obviates the need to use tools and increases the speed and ease of installation of handles to doors and windows.

FIGs 1 to 6 illustrate a first handle arrangement 500 and its components. In some examples the first handle arrangement 500 comprises, a handle 100, a mount 200 and a collar 300. The handle arrangement 500 of FIG. 5 also comprises a handle rose/cover400 and a spindle 150. The handle arrangement 500 is used to a fit a handle 100 to a hole in a door/window sash. The sash, door and window may be comprised of any suitable material including wood, metal, glass and plastic. FIGs 1a, 1b and 1c illustrate cross sectional views of first, second and third example handles 100 according to embodiments of the invention, respectively. FIG. 1d illustrates a perspective view of a spindle 150 for use with the handles 100 illustrated in FIGs 1a, 1b and 1c. In some examples, the handles 100 are door handles 100 or window handles 100.

In each of the examples illustrated in FIGs 1a, 1b and 1c, the handle 100 comprises a grip 110 and a handle shaft 120. The shaft 120 comprises at least one push-fit connector 121.

In the illustrated examples the handle shaft 120 is elongate and may have a circular cross-sectional shape (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1c) such that the shaft 120 is substantially cylindrical. In other examples, the shaft 120 may have a non-circular cross-sectional shape, for example, a rectangular cross-sectional shape.

The spindle 150 illustrated in FIG. 1d is suitable for use with any of the handles illustrated in FIGs 1a to 1c and is an elongate member with a substantially square longitudinal cross-sectional shape. In other examples, the spindle 150 may have a different non-circular longitudinal cross-sectional shape such that it can rotatingly engage with a latch in a door or window.

The shaft 120 of each of the examples of the handle comprises an elongate recess 122. for receiving the spindle 150. The elongate recess 120 is shown in FIGs 1a and 1b, but not in FIG 1c.

The elongate recess 122 illustrated in FIGs 1a and 1b has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape; however, the elongate recess 122 may have a different cross- sectional shape such as a hexagonal shape. In some embodiments the recess 122 might not be elongate, or the handle shaft 120 might not comprise a recess 122 for receiving a spindle 150. In some embodiments, the spindle 150 may be affixed to the handle shaft 120 to form a single component. For example, the spindle 150 may be attached to the handle shaft 120 using grub screws or adhesive, or the spindle 150 and handle shaft 120 may be formed as a one-piece member. The spindle 150 being received by the elongate recess 122 of the handle 100 provides a mechanical connection between handle 100 and spindle 150. This allows rotation of the handle 100 to cause rotation of the spindle 150. This mechanical connection between the handle 100 and spindle 150 is provided without the handle 100 and spindle 150 being fixedly connected, whilst allowing the handle 100 and spindle 150 to be easily disconnected.

The grip 110 is actuated by a user to rotate the handle shaft 120 and thus the spindle 150, causing the spindle 150 to operate the latch which allows a door or window to be opened. The grip 110 may be actuated by the user rotating the grip 110. In FIGs 1a and 1c the grip 110 is a lever. The lever is elongate in a direction perpendicular to the direction of its rotation. In FIG. 1 b the grip 110 is a doorknob and is not elongate. Other forms of grip 110 may be used.

The handle shaft 100 has an axis of rotation which is marked by the dotted lines in each of FIGs 1a, 1b and 1c. The shaft 120 has an elongate extent that defines a length. The length is in an axial dimension which aligns with the axis of rotation.

When the handle arrangement 500 is assembled, the arrangement 500 and its components each have a length in the axial dimension which aligns with the axis of rotation of the handle shaft 120.

In the example of FIGs 1a and 1c, the push-fit connector 121 of the handle shaft 120 comprises a recess 121. This recess 121 is circumferential such that it extends around the entire periphery of the handle shaft 120, perpendicular to the length of the shaft 120. The recess 121 may be considered to be an annular recess.

In the example of FIG. 1 b, the push-fit connector 121 of the handle shaft 120 comprises a projection. This projection is not circumferential and does not extend around the entire periphery of the handle shaft 120.

In other examples, the push-fit connector 121 may comprise a recess that is not circumferential and does not extend around the entire periphery of the handle shaft 120, or a projection that is circumferential and does or does not extend around the entire periphery of the handle shaft 120. A projection may be considered a ridge or ring. In further examples, the push-fit connector 121 may comprise more than one projection or more than one recess. The push-fit connector 121 may comprise at least one projection and at least one recess.

In the illustrated examples the projection or recess has straight perpendicular sides and a flat top, and thus has a rectangular cross-sectional shape. In other examples the projection or recess may have another shape such as a semi-circular or trapezoidal cross-sectional shape. The projection or recess may each project or recess in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

In the illustrated examples, the handle shaft 120 comprises an outer surface and the push-fit connector 121 of the handle shaft 120 is located on the outer surface.

In the illustrated examples, the push-fit connector 121 of the handle shaft 120 is located at or adjacent to the distal end of the handle shaft 120. For the elements described herein, the distal end is the end which, in use, would be furthest from the user and closest to the centre of the door or window, and the proximal end is the end which, in use, would be furthest from the centre of the door or window. For the handle shaft 120, the distal end is the end of the shaft 120 furthest from the grip 110.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a first example mount 200 according to embodiments of the invention. The mount 200 is for mounting the handle arrangement 500 to a door or a window. The mount 200 defines an aperture 210 and provides a push-fit connector 222.

The illustrated mount 200 comprises an aperture 210, a neck portion 220, attachment means 230 for attaching the mount 200 to the door or window, connection means 240 for connecting the mount 200 to a handle rose 400, a flange 250 and an outer wall 251 . All of these elements need not be present. For example, the mount 200 might not comprise connection means 240 for connecting to a handle rose 400, as the rose 400 might not connect to the mount 200 or the arrangement 500 might not comprise a rose 400.

The illustrated aperture 210 is circular, however the aperture 210 may be a different shape, such as rectangular. The aperture 210 is defined by the neck portion 220, specifically by the inner surface 221 of the neck portion 220, which is the inner surface 221 of the mount 200. The aperture 210 is a though hole extending through the entire length of the mount 200 and is located centrally in the mount 200. The aperture 210 is shaped to receive a portion of the collar 300.

The neck portion 220 is substantially cylindrical. The illustrated neck portion 220 comprises a lip 224 positioned at the distal end of the mount 200. The lip 224 makes the aperture 210 narrower at the distal end.

The illustrated push-fit connector 222 is located on the inner surface 221 of the neck portion 220 and comprises a recess. This recess is circumferential such that it extends around the inner surface 221 of the neck portion 220, perpendicular to the length of mount 200. The recess may be considered to be an annular recess.

In other examples, the push-fit connector 222 may comprise a recess 222 that is not circumferential and does not extend around the inner surface 221 of the neck portion 220. In further examples, the push-fit connector 222 may comprise a projection, which might or might not be circumferential such that it extends around the inner surface 221 of the neck portion 220. The projection may be considered a ridge or ring. In further examples, the push-fit connector 222 may comprise more than one projection or more than one recess. The push-fit connector 222 may comprise at least one projection and at least one recess.

In the illustrated examples, the projection or recess has straight angled sides and a flat top, and thus has a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape. In other examples the projection or recess may have another shape, such as a semi-circular or rectangular cross- sectional shape. The projection or recess may each project or recess in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

In the example of FIG 2, the attachment means 230, for attaching the mount 200 to the door or window, comprises two screw holes which are each for receiving a screw to attach the mount 200 to the door or window. The attachment means 230 may also comprise a plurality of teeth which are positioned on the distal side of the mount 200 (visible in FIG. 5). When the mount 200 is pushed into a hole in a door or window, the teeth bite into the door or window on the sides of the hole. In other examples, the attachment means 230 may take a different form; for example, there may be a different number of screw holes or teeth or the attachment means 230 may only comprise teeth. In some examples, the attachment means 230 may comprise other attachment means such as adhesive.

In the example of FIG. 2, the connection means 240, for connecting the mount 200 to a handle rose 400, comprises an external thread. In this embodiment the external thread surrounds the mount 200. In some embodiments a different form of connection means 240 may be used such as a clip or slot.

The illustrated flange 250 extends perpendicularly to the aperture 210 from the neck portion 220 and is substantially circular in shape, however in other embodiments the flange 250 may be a different shape such as rectangular. The screw holes of the attachment means 230 are located in the flange 250. The illustrated outer wall 251 surrounds the flange 250 and extends perpendicularly from the edge of the flange 250. The thread of the connection means 240 is located on the outer surface of the outer wall 251 . The illustrated outer wall 251 has grooves on its inner surface to provide space for screws to use the screw holes. In some examples no outer wall 251 is present.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a first example collar 300 according to embodiments of the invention. The collar 300 defines an aperture 310 and provides a first push-fit connector 321 and a second push-fit connector 322.

The illustrated collar 300 comprises an aperture 310, a neck portion 320 and a flange 330. The neck portion 320 comprises a plurality of slots 324 which define teeth 326. All of these elements need not be present. For example, in some embodiments the slots 324 and teeth 326 are not present.

The illustrated aperture 310 is circular, however the aperture 310 may be a different shape, such as rectangular. The aperture 310 is defined by the neck portion 320, specifically by the inner surface of the neck portion 320, which is the inner surface of the collar 300. The aperture 310 is a though hole extending through the entire length of the collar 300 and is located centrally in the collar 300. The aperture 310 is shaped to receive a portion of the handle shaft 120. The neck portion 320 of the collar 300 is substantially cylindrical. The neck portion 320 comprises an inner surface and an outer surface.

The illustrated first and second push-fit connector 321 , 322 each comprise a projection. In other embodiments one or both of the first and second push-fit connector 321 , 322 may comprise at least one recess, either in addition to or instead of a projection. For the first push-fit connector 321 , the projection/recess forms part of the first push-fit connector 321. The inner surface of the neck portion 320 and any teeth 326 may also form part of the first push-fit connector 321. For the second push-fit connector 322 the projection/recess forms part of the second push-fit connector 322. The outer surface of the neck portion 320 and any teeth 326 may also form part of the second push-fit connector 322. The first push-fit connector 321 is arranged to connect to the push-fit connector 121 of the handle shaft 120 when a portion of the handle shaft 120 is received by the aperture 310 of the collar 300. The second push-fit connector 322 is arranged to connect to the push-fit connector 222 of the mount 200 when a portion of the collar 300 is received by the aperture 210 of the mount 200.

In the illustrated collar 300, the projection of the first push-fit connector 321 is located on the inner surface of the neck portion 320 and the projection of the second push-fit connector 322 is located on the outer surface of the neck portion 320.

The illustrated projection of the first push-fit connector 321 is positioned at the distal end of the collar 300 and the illustrated projection of the second push-fit connector 322 is positioned towards, but not at, the distal end of the collar 300, such that the projection of the first push-fit connector 321 is positioned more distally than the projection of the second push-fit connector 322. In other examples, the projections of the first and second push-fit connectors 321 , 322 may be located at different positions. For example, the projection of the second push-fit connector 322 may be positioned more distally than the projection of the first push-fit connector 321 , or the projection of the first push-fit connector 321 may be positioned at a corresponding position on the inner surface to the position of the projection of the second push-fit connector 322 on the outer surface, such that they are opposite to each other. The above applies equal to any recesses. In the illustrated example, for each of the first and second push-fit connectors 321 , 322 the projection is substantially circumferential such that it extends around the inner or outer surface of the neck portion 320, perpendicular to the length of collar 300. Each projection is interrupted by six slots 324 such that it may be considered to instead be six different projections which together extend around the inner or outer surface of the neck portion 320. The projections may be considered ridges or rings.

In the other examples the first and second push-fit connectors 321 , 322 may comprise projections and/or recesses of any suitable number, shape, position and configuration as described previously regarding the push-fit connectors 121 , 222 of the handle shaft 120 and mount 200.

In some examples, at least one of the push-fit connector 121 of the handle shaft 120 and the first push-fit connector 321 of the collar 300 comprise at least one projection, and the other, of the push-fit connector 121 of the handle shaft 120 and the first push- fit connector 321 of the collar 300, comprises at least one recess. In some examples, at least one of the push-fit connector 222 of the mount 200 and the second push-fit connector 322 of the collar 300 comprise at least one projection, and the other, of the push-fit connector 322 of the mount 200 and the second push-fit connector 322 of the collar 300, comprises at least one recess.

In some examples, the first push-fit connector 321 of the collar 300 comprises at least one projection, and the second push-fit connector 322 of the collar 300 comprises at least one projection, the push-fit connector 121 of the handle shaft 120 comprises at least one recess for receiving the at least one projection of the first push-fit connector 321 of the collar 300, and the push-fit connector 222 of the mount 200 comprises at least one recess for receiving the at least one projection of the second push-fit connector 322 of the collar 300. In other examples, the push-fit connector 121 of the handle shaft 120 comprises at least one projection, the push-fit connector 222 of the mount 200 comprises at least one projection, the first push-fit connector 321 of the collar 300 comprises at least one recess for receiving the at least one projection of the push-fit connector 121 of the handle shaft 120, and the second push-fit connector 322 of the collar 300 comprises at least one recess for receiving the at least one projection of the push-fit connector 222 of the mount 200. The collar 300 may comprise at least one slot 324. In the illustrated example, the neck portion 320 comprises six slots 324; however, any number of slots 324 may be present including no slots 324. The illustrated slots 324 are each elongate along the length of the collar 300, do not extend through the entire length of the collar 300, are open on the proximal end of the collar 300, and are equally spaced around the periphery of the neck portion 320. In other examples the slot(s) 324 may be of a different number and form, for example some or all of the slots 324 may extend through the entire length of the collar 300.

The collar 300 may comprise at least one tooth 326, where the at least one tooth 326 provides at least part of the first push-fit connector 321 and at least part of the second push-fit connector 322. The illustrated neck portion 320 comprises six teeth 326, however any number of teeth 326 may be present including no teeth 326.

The teeth 326 form at least part of the neck portion 320 and extend in the length direction. The illustrated teeth 326 extend towards the proximal end of the collar 300. The teeth 326 are configured to flex inwardly and outwardly relative to the collar 300 to aid in creating a push-fit connection between the collar 300 and the handle shaft 120, and to aid in creating a push-fit connection between the collar 300 and mount 200.

In some examples, the collar 300 comprises at least two slots 324 and at least two teeth 326, and the slots 324 are located between the teeth 326. As such, the slots 324 define the teeth 326, and the slots 324 and teeth 326 are alternating.

The illustrated flange 330 extends perpendicularly to the aperture 310 from the neck portion 320 and is substantially circular in shape. In other embodiments the flange 330 may be a different shape such as rectangular.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a first example handle rose 400 according to embodiments of the invention. The handle rose 400 acts as a cover and comprises connection means 440 for connecting the rose to the mount 200. The illustrated rose 400 comprises an aperture 410, a flange 420, an outer wall 430 and the connection means 440. The illustrated aperture 410 is circular, however the aperture 410 may be a different shape, such as rectangular. The aperture 410 is a though hole extending through the entire length of the handle rose 400 and is located centrally in the rose 300. The aperture 410 is shaped to receive a portion of the handle shaft 120.

The illustrated flange 420 extends perpendicularly to the aperture 410 from aperture 410 and is substantially circular in shape; however, in other embodiments the flange 420 may be a different shape such as rectangular. The flange 420 is for covering at least a portion of the mount 200. The flange 420 is also for covering at least portions of the handle shaft 120 and collar 300.

In the illustrated example, the outer wall 430 surrounds the flange 420 and extends perpendicularly from the edge of the flange 420. The connection means 440, for connecting the handle rose 400 to the mount 200, comprises an internal thread. The internal thread of the rose 400 corresponds to the external thread of the mount 200. The internal thread is located on the inner surface of the outer wall 430. In some embodiments a different form of connection means 440 may be used such as a clip, pin or slot.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of a first example handle arrangement 500 according to embodiments of the invention. The illustrated handle arrangement 500 comprises the handle 100 of FIG. 1c, the mount 200 of FIG. 2, the collar 300 of FIG. 3, the handle rose 400 of FIG. 4, and the spindle 150 of FIG. 1c.

The handle arrangement 500 may be comprised of any suitable material, for example, a plastic, such as high-density polypropylene, a metal, such as stainless steel, a glass or a wood. Different elements of the handle arrangement 500 may be comprised of different materials.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the first example handle arrangement 500 in the assembled condition according to embodiments of the invention. In the illustration of FIG. 6 parts of some elements have been removed so that connections between elements can be seen better. The handle arrangement 500 of FIG. 6 comprises all of the elements of the handle arrangement 500 of FIG. 5 in an assembled condition. Additionally, in FIG. 6 the handle arrangement 500 also comprises a second handle 100’, a second mount 200’, a second collar 300’ and a second handle rose/cover 400’. These elements each have corresponding features to those described previously.

As can be seen in FIG. 6, the mount 200, collar 300 and handle shaft 120 are configured such that when a portion of the handle shaft 120 is received by the aperture 310 of the collar 300 and when a portion of the collar 300 is received by the aperture 210 of the mount 200, the portion of the handle shaft 120 is received within the aperture 210 of mount 200.

In the illustrated embodiment, the aperture 310 of the collar 300 is shaped to receive the portion of the handle shaft 120 such that the collar 300 substantially encircles the portion of the handle shaft 120. The aperture 210 of the mount 200 is shaped to receive the portion of the collar 300 such that the mount 200 substantially encircles the portion of the collar 300. The collar 300, handle shaft 120 and mount 200 are configured such that the inner surface of the collar 300 abuts the handle shaft 120 when the collar 300 and the handle shaft 120 are connected, and the outer surface of the collar 300 abuts the mount 200 when the collar 300 and the mount 200 are connected. When the handle arrangement 500 is assembled the lip 224 of the mount 200 may cover a portion of the handle shaft 120 and collar 300.

In the example of FIG. 6 the collar 300, handle shaft 120 and mount 200 are configured such that, when the at least one recess of the handle shaft 120 and the at least one projection of the first push-fit connector 321 of the collar 300 are connected and the at least one recess of the mount 200 and when the at least one projection of the second push-fit connector 322 of the collar 300 are connected, the mount 200 abuts the outer surface of the collar 300 at a position corresponding with the position of the at least one projection of the first push-fit connector 321 of the collar 300 on the inner surface. When the at least one recess of the handle shaft 120 and the at least one projection of the first push-fit connector 321 of the collar 300 are connected and the at least one recess of the mount 200 and when the at least one projection of the second push-fit connector 322 of the collar 300 are connected the handle shaft 120 abuts the inner surface of the collar 300 at a position corresponding with the position of the at least one projection of the second push-fit connector 322 of the collar 300 on the outer surface.

When the handle arrangement 500 is assembled, the collar 300 is positioned between the mount 200 and the handle shaft 120 and is connected to both the mount 200 and the handle shaft 120. The leads to a stronger connection than if the mount 200 and the handle shaft 120 were connected directly without the collar being present.

A handle 100 may be fit to a door or window using the following method. A mount 200 is mounted to a door or window. A collar 300 is inserted into the mount 200 and a push- fit connector 322 of the collar 300 is connected to a push-fit connector 222 of the mount 200. A portion of a handle shaft 120 is inserted into the collar 300 and a push-fit connector 321 of the collar 300 is connected to a push-fit connector 121 of the handle shaft 120.

The first handle fitting assembly 500 may be installed using the following method.

The spindle 150 is inserted into a hole in a door or window. The mount 200 is mounted to the door or window such that the aperture 210 of the mount 200 aligns with the hole in the door or window. The collar 300 is inserted into the mount 200, such that it is received by the aperture 210 of the mount 200, and the second push-fit connector 322 of the collar 300 is connected to the push-fit connector 222 of the mount 200.

The handle shaft 120 is coupled to the spindle 150 such that the elongate recess 122 of the handle shaft 120 receives the spindle 150. A portion of a handle shaft 120 is inserted into the collar 300, such that it is received by the aperture 310 of the collar 300, and the first push-fit connector 321 of the collar 300 is connected to the push-fit connector 121 of the handle shaft 120. The connection means 440 of the handle rose 400 is connected to the connection means 240 of the mount 200. This may involve screwing the handle rose 400 onto the mount 200.

This process may be repeated on the other side of the door or window for the second handle 100’, second mount 200’, second collar 300’ and second handle rose 400’. FIGs 7 to 11 illustrate a second example handle arrangement 1000 and its components. The second example handle arrangement 1000 is similar to the first example handle arrangement 500 with some differences. It is to be appreciated that different elements from the two example handle arrangements 500, 1000 can be combined.

The second example handle arrangement 1000 comprises a handle 100, a mount 700 and a collar 800. The handle arrangement 1000 may also comprise a handle rose/cover 900 and a spindle 150. The handle 100 and spindle 150 are the same as described for the first handle arrangement 500.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a second example mount 700 according to embodiments of the invention. The second example mount 700 is similar to the first example mount 200 with some differences.

The illustrated neck portion 720 extends beyond the flange 250 in both the distal and proximal directions. The neck portion 720 comprises a first portion 725, a second portion 726 and, optionally, the lip 224. Each of the first and second portions 725, 726 encircle the aperture 210. The first portion 725 is located proximally to the second portion 726. The second portion 726 is narrower than the first portion 725 and so defines the aperture 210 as being smaller within the second portion 725. The push-fit connector 222 is provided at least in part by the first portion 725. The at least one recess of the push-fit connector 222 is located on the first portion 725.

The illustrated attachment means 230, for attaching the mount 700 to the door or window, comprises four screw holes and a plurality of teeth which are positioned on the distal side of the mount 700.

The mount 700 does not comprises an external thread. Instead, the connection means 240 for connecting the mount 700 to a handle rose 400, 900 comprises at least one recess located on the outside of the outer wall 251 on the distal side of the mount 700 (visible in FIG. 10). FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a second example collar 800 according to embodiments of the invention. The second collar 800 is similar to the first collar 300 with some differences.

The collar 700 does not comprises a flange 330.

The neck portion 820 comprises a first portion 825, and a second portion 826. Each of the first and second portions 825, 826 encircle the aperture 310. The first portion 825 is located proximally to the second portion 826. The second portion 826 is narrower than the first portion 825 and so defines the aperture 310 as being smaller within the second portion 825.

The first push-fit connector 321 is provided at least in part by the second portion 826, and the second push-fit connector 322 is provided at least in part by the first portion

825. The at least one projection of the first push-fit connector 321 is located on the second portion 826. The at least one projection of the second push-fit connector 322 is provided on the first portion 825.

The collar 800 may comprise at least one first slot 324 and at least one second slot 824. In the illustrated example, the neck portion 820 comprises six first slots 324 and six second slots 824. The first slots 324 are open on the proximal end of the collar 800 and the second slots 824 are open on the distal end of the collar 800. The first slots 324 are located in the first portion 825 of the collar 800 and the second slots 824 are located in the second portion 826 of the collar 800. The first slots 324 are the slots 324 of FIG. 3. The second slots 824 may have any of the features described concerning the slots 324 of FIG. 3.

The collar 800 may comprise at least one first tooth 326 and at least one second tooth

826. The at least first one tooth 326 provides at least part of the first push-fit connector 321 , and the at least one second tooth 826 provides at least part of the second push- fit connector 322. The illustrated neck portion 820 comprises six first teeth 326 and six second teeth 826.

The first and second teeth 326, 826 form at least part of the neck portion 820 and extend in the length direction. The illustrated first teeth 326 extend towards the proximal end of the collar 800. The illustrated second teeth 826 extend towards the distal end of the collar 800. The first teeth 326 are located in the first portion 825 of the collar 800 and the second teeth 826 are located in the second portion 825 of the collar 800.

The first slots 324 are located between the first teeth 326 and the second slots 824 are located between the second teeth 824. As such, the first slots 324 define the first teeth 326, with the first slots 324 and first teeth 326 alternating; and the second slots 824 define the second teeth 824, with the second slots 824 and second teeth 824 alternating. The first teeth 326 are the teeth 326 of FIG. 3. The second teeth 826 may have any of the features described concerning the teeth 826 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a second example handle rose/cover 900 according to embodiments of the invention. The second handle rose 900 is similar to the first handle rose 400 with some differences.

There is no thread located on the outer wall 430. Instead, the connection means 440 for connecting the handle rose 900 to a mount 200, 700 comprises the outer wall 430 and two protrusions 441 .

The second handle rose 900 further comprises a neck portion 950. The aperture 410 is defined by the neck portion 950, specifically by the inner surface of the neck portion 950. The illustrated neck portion 950 is substantially cylindrical and is perpendicular to the flange 420. The neck portion 950 may be considered an inner wall. The neck portion 950 forms a first portion of the rose 900 and the flange 420 forms a second portion of the rose 900. The flange 420 is for covering at least a portion of the mount 200, 700 and the neck portion 950 is for locating between at least a portion of the handle shaft 120 and at least a portion of the collar 300, 900.

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a second example handle arrangement 1000 in the assembled condition according to embodiments of the invention. In the illustration of FIG. 10, parts of some elements have been removed so that connections between elements can be seen better. FIG. 11a illustrates an exploded cross-sectional view of the second example handle arrangement 1000 according to embodiments of the invention; and FIG. 11b illustrates a cross-sectional view of the second example handle arrangement 1000 in the assembled condition according to embodiments of the invention.

The handle arrangement 1000 comprises the handle 100 of FIG. 1c, the mount 700 of FIG. 7, the collar 800 of FIG. 8, the handle rose 900 of FIG. 9, and the spindle 150 of FIG. 1c. The handle arrangement 1000 also optionally comprises a second handle 100’, a second mount 700’, a second collar 700’ and a second handle rose/cover 900’. These elements each have corresponding features to those described previously.

As can be seen in FIG. 10, the components of the second example handle arrangement 1000 connect together in a similar manner to those of the first example handle arrangement 500 with some differences.

The neck portion 950 of the handle rose 900 is for locating between a portion of the handle shaft 120 and the first portion of the collar 800.

Before the rose 900 has been connected, the collar 800, handle shaft 120 and mount 700 have free space between them perpendicularly to the axial direction. This makes it easier for the collar 800, handle shaft 120 and mount 700 to each flex inwardly and outwardly and thus makes it easier for these elements to be connected and disconnected.

Once the rose 900 has been connected, and the neck portion 950 of the rose 900 has been located between the handle shaft 120 and the collar 800, the collar 800, handle shaft 120 and mount 700 have significantly less free space between them perpendicularly to the axial direction. This makes it more difficult for the collar 800, handle shaft 120 and mount 700 to each flex inwardly and outwardly and thus makes it more difficult for these elements to be connected and disconnected. The rose 900 therefore acts as lock to lock the handle arrangement 1000 together.

This provides the advantage that the handle arrangement 1000 may be easy to install in a door or window by push-fitting, but once the rose 900 is in place the handle arrangement 1000 and its elements are difficult to remove by pulling on the handle 100. This reduces the chance that all or part of the handle arrangement 1000 is removed accidentally by a user, whilst allowing the arrangement to be easily installed.

The free space may also allow for an additional mechanism to be provided using the space, for example, a handle spring retainer which may be used when replacing a handle. This makes replacing the handle easier.

In the example of FIG. 10 the collar 800, handle shaft 120 and mount 700 are configured such that, when the at least one recess of the handle shaft 120 and the at least one projection of the first push-fit connector 321 of the collar 800 are connected and the at least one recess of the mount 700 and when the at least one projection of the second push-fit connector 322 of the collar 800 are connected the handle rose 900 abuts the inner surface of the collar 800 at a position corresponding with the position of the at least one projection of the second push-fit connector 322 of the collar 800 on the outer surface.

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of a third example mount 1200 according to embodiments of the invention. FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of a third example handle rose 1300 according to embodiments of the invention.

The third example mount 1200 is similar to the second example mount 700 with some differences. The third example handle rose 1300 is similar to the second example handle rose 900 with some differences.

The connection means 240 of the mount 1200, for connecting the mount 1200 to a handle rose 1300, comprises a ridge connector 1240 located on the outer surface of the outer wall 251 of the mount 1200. The ridge connector 1240 may be a ring.

The connection means 440 of the handle rose 1300, for connecting the handle rose 1300 to a mount 1200 does not comprise protrusions 441. Instead, the connection means comprises the outer wall 430. The inner side of the outer wall 430 is smooth.

To connect the mount 1200 and the handle rose 1300, they are push-fit together such that the inner face of the outer wall 430 of the rose 1300 abuts the ridge connector 1240 of the mount 1200 and an interference fit is formed between them. FIG. 14 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a third example handle arrangement 1400 according to embodiments of the invention. FIG. 14 also illustrates a door/window sash 1410. The illustrated mount 1450 extends through a hole 1411 in the sash 1410. The illustrated hole 1411 is a through hole.

The third example handle arrangement 1400 is similar to the first example handle arrangement 500 with some differences.

The third example handle arrangement 1400 does not comprise a spindle 150 as there is no latch mechanism present.

The grip 1442 of the handle 1440 does not rotate and so does not rotate the handle shaft 120. As the handle arrangement 1400 does not comprise a spindle 150, the handle shaft 120 does not comprise an elongate recess.

The third example handle arrangement 1400 comprises a third example mount 1450 which is similar to the first example mount 200 with some differences. The attachment means 230, for attaching the mount 1450 to the sash 1410, comprises a first example fastener 1420 for attaching the mount 1450 to a back plate 1430. The back plate 1430 is positioned on the opposite side of the door/window sash 1410 and may be a push plate which is used by a user for pushing the door or window.

The illustrated fastener comprises a first portion 1422, which is an internally threaded nut, and a second portion 1424 which is externally threaded. The first portion 1422 is connected to the mount 1450 and the second portion 1424 is connected to the back plate 1430. In some examples, the first portion 1422 of the fastener 1420 is integrally formed with the mount 1450 and the second portion 1424 is integrally formed with the back plate 1430. The first and second portions 1422, 1424 of the fastener 1420 may have different forms.

To attach the mount 1450 to the sash 1410, the mount 1450 and first portion 1422 of the fastener 1420 are positioned on one side of the hole 1411 and the back plate 1430 and second portion 1424 are positioned on the other side of the hole 1411. The first and second portions 1422, 1424 are then connected by screwing the portions 1422, 1424 together. This causes the mount 1450 and back plate 1430 to both abut the sash

1410 and thus the mount 1450 and back plate 1430 are attached to the sash 1410.

FIG. 15 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the third example handle arrangement 1400 according to embodiments of the invention. In this example, the door/window sash 1410 comprises a first hole 1411 and a second hole 141 T. The handle arrangement 1400 comprises a second handle shaft’ 120, a second handle rose 400’ a second collar 300’, a second mount 1450’ and a second fastener 1420’. These second elements being for coupling with the second hole 141 T.

The handle 1440 comprises a grip 1442 and two handle shafts 120, 120’. One handle shaft 120, 120’ for each sash hole 1411 , 1411’. The illustrated handle grip 1442 is extendable and comprises a first portion 1443 comprising an internally threaded recess and a second portion 1444 comprising an externally threaded portion. The first and second portions 1443, 1444 are moved together or apart, by screwing the first portion 1443 relative to the second portion 1444, in order change the elongate extent of the grip 1442 such that the two handle shafts 120, 120’ each align with a respective sash hole 1411 , 141 T. In other examples, the grip 1442 may by extendable by other means, for example, the grip 1442 may comprise a telescopic portion.

FIG. 16 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a fourth example handle arrangement 1600 according to embodiments of the invention. The fourth example handle arrangement 1600 is similar to the third example handle arrangement 1400 with some differences.

The fourth example handle arrangement 1600 does not comprise a back plate 1430. Instead, the handle arrangement 1600 comprises a first set of components 1601 located on one side of the door or window sash 1410 and a further set of components 1601” located on the other side of sash 1410.

The mounts 1450, 1450’ of the first set 1601 are attached to the mounts 1450”, 1450’” of the second set 1601” using second example fasteners 1620, 1620”. The second example fasteners 1620, 1620’ are similar to the first example fasteners 1420, 1420’ with some differences. The first portions 1622, 1622’ of the fasteners 1620 are each connected to a mount 1450, 1450’ of the first set 1601 and the second portions 1624, 1624’ are each connected to a mount 1450”, 1450’” of the second set 1601”. In some examples, the first portions 1622, 1622’, 1622”, 1622”’ and second potions 1624, 1624’, 1624”, 1624’” are each integrally formed with their respective mount 1450, 1450’, 1450”, 1450’”.

FIG. 17 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a fourth example handle arrangement 1700 according to embodiments of the invention. The fifth example handle arrangement 1700 is similar to the third example handle arrangement 1400 with some differences. It is to be appreciated that different elements from the different example handle arrangements 500, 1000, 1400, 1600, 1700 can be combined.

The holes 1411 , 144T of the door or window sash 1410 each comprise a recess 712, 712’ shaped to receive the mount 1750, 1750’ such that, when the mount 1750, 1750’ is received, the mount 1750, 1750’ is substantially level with or recessed from the face 1412 of the sash 1410.

The connection means 240 of the mount 1750, 1750’, for connecting the mount 1750, 1750’ to a handle rose 1740, 1740’, comprises an internal thread. The connection means 440 of the handle rose 1740, 1740’, for connecting the handle rose 1740, 1740’ to a mount 1750, 1750’ comprises a corresponding external thread. As such the handle rose 1740, 1740’ is received by the mount 1750, 1750’. The arrangement 1700 is configured such that when the handle rose 1740, 1740’ is received, it is substantially level with or recessed from the face 1412 of the sash 1410. The collar 300 is also substantially level with or recessed from the face 1412 of the sash 1410.

Where a structural feature has been described, it may be replaced by means for performing one or more of the functions of the structural feature whether that function or those functions are explicitly or implicitly described.

The term ‘comprise’ is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y. If it is intended to use ‘comprise’ with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context by referring to “comprising only one..” or by using “consisting”. In this description, reference has been made to various examples. The description of features or functions in relation to an example indicates that those features or functions are present in that example. The use of the term ‘example’ or ‘for example’ or ‘can’ or ‘may’ in the text denotes, whether explicitly stated or not, that such features or functions are present in at least the described example, whether described as an example or not, and that they can be, but are not necessarily, present in some of or all other examples. Thus ‘example’, ‘for example’, ‘can’ or ‘may’ refers to a particular instance in a class of examples. A property of the instance can be a property of only that instance or a property of the class or a property of a sub-class of the class that includes some but not all of the instances in the class. It is therefore implicitly disclosed that a feature described with reference to one example but not with reference to another example, can where possible be used in that other example as part of a working combination but does not necessarily have to be used in that other example.

Although examples have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the claims. For example, the handle grip 110 may be configured such that users may actuate the grip 110 using their arms or feet.

Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described above.

Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.

Although features have been described with reference to certain examples, those features may also be present in other examples whether described or not.

The term ‘a’ or ‘the’ is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising a/the Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y unless the context clearly indicates the contrary. If it is intended to use ‘a’ or ‘the’ with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context. In some circumstances the use of ‘at least one’ or ‘one or more’ may be used to emphasize an inclusive meaning but the absence of these terms should not be taken to infer any exclusive meaning.

The presence of a feature (or combination of features) in a claim is a reference to that feature or (combination of features) itself and also to features that achieve substantially the same technical effect (equivalent features). The equivalent features include, for example, features that are variants and achieve substantially the same result in substantially the same way. The equivalent features include, for example, features that perform substantially the same function, in substantially the same way to achieve substantially the same result.

In this description, reference has been made to various examples using adjectives or adjectival phrases to describe characteristics of the examples. Such a description of a characteristic in relation to an example indicates that the characteristic is present in some examples exactly as described and is present in other examples substantially as described.

Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features believed to be of importance it should be understood that the applicant may seek protection via the claims in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not emphasis has been placed thereon. l/we claim: